Selina's Stuff

Beyond the Comps...

2010-07-07T19:22:00.004+10:00

What's been happening?

Wellll I was looking forward to having heaps more free time after comp, but I seem to still never have enough hours in the day.

I've just replaced one lot of busy-ness with another... I seem to be at work heaps more just doing 'stuff' - but my goal is now to really put some extra time in to all things work related. So many ideas, never enough time!

I've had staff away on leave and infected with the evil flu so I've been pulling heaps of shifts to cover and I didn't realise how much I missed it! :)

After a rebellious stage where I wanted nothing to do with the gym, I'm back into the swing of it, not as regimented, just having FUN with it! I've been using my own studio to train (my goodness, who would have thought! LoL It's usually too busy for me to train when I want to, plus I need my headspace) AND making my trainers train me. I returned the favour to one of them today and pushed her through a run :)

I'm going to join in on a Beach Boxing session we run, and get my ass back to RPM. I'm looking forward to mixing it up and doing it coz I love it, not becuase I HAVE too... which is what tends to happen at the back-end of comp prep. :)

Food - well I love it and it loves me. Enough said.

Shannon came up for a day trip as I mentioned in a prior post, and we had a really nice time - coffee, casual lunch at the beach, wine, and coffee! No limitations, no special requirements. How relaxing. :))

Next on the agenda, as I always need a carrot dangling in front of me - MELBOURNE THIS WEEKEND!! WOOOOP! We're heading off for a girlie weekend of shopping and chilling and of course watching the All Females Comp! We both had a moment of absolutely craziness where we contemplated competing at it... as this one has special memories for us as we competed together last year... that thought soon disappeared once our sugar-induced haze wore off ;) No thank you was I extending my prep for another 6 weeks. 2 comps was enough for me this year :)

I don't regret that decision at all, it will be really nice to see it from the other side. I soooo can't wait to get away, I LOVE Melbourne!!

Also can't wait to catch up with everyone attending, and to cheer on those gals competing!!! So so so if anyone reads this - tell me if you're going!

YAY - 2 more sleeps!

(And thanks to whoever commented on my last post -sometimes it says 4 comments have been posted, other times 5 comments -but when I got in to read them, there's only 2! Is blogger sick?!?)

Chapter 5 - The Final Chapter!

2010-07-06T07:06:00.002+10:00

So I was up to the Asia Pacs, which just in case you forgot - SHANNON WON! When she was announced overall winner, I cried. It was just soooo exciting. After our pizza expedition we went to bed about 2am...

The next day was pancakes with banana and real maple syrup, caramel sauce and ice-cream - so normal for breakfast! - with a non-black coffee. It was divine!

Then lunch with Leann and Yann and family members, and Kristin and Leisl at Hardrock Cafe. It was lovely to have the opportunity to have a decent chat to everyone.

I think Shannon and I then had an ice-cream, and a donut.... you know, those things you want at the time, but it's really not that good! ;)

We enjoyed an easy evening in the motel with a few picky things - we'd eaten enough already that day to plan a 'real' dinner. We had a really good chat about this and that and came up with some crazy ideas in our sugar-induced haze!! hee hee

Monday - final day of out little get-away, Shannon was asked by the promoters to do the photo shoot thang. She looked GREAT, of course. We weren't really prepared, but a quickie visit to LJ wasn't a problem at all! ;)

Obi Obadike the MC from the show was also there doing shoots with some of the gals, so we got to have a chat to him. And some pics.

Me and my future husband - like my subltle hand placement!? Yes they feel as good as they look ;)

Pose-down!!!

Shannon and Loretta, her Overall trophy :)

We drove back to Brisbane, where Shan dropped me back at Lyndsay's where I stayed for an extra two nights before flying home! As soon as I was able to relax and have a 'real' holiday, it was over :(

Comp Season 2010 - DONE!

Thanks girls for all the support through-out. It was great to meet so many girls for the first time, and to catch up with others - I won't list in case I forget someone. ;) And big thanks for all the pics too! xxx

Chapter 4 - ANB Asia Pacific Championships!

2010-06-27T16:25:00.006+10:00

Shannon collected me and my 5987 pieces of luggage from Lynsday's and off we went down the coast. We had to stop into somewhere for our Dream Tan - with all the instructions given to us, do you think we could find it? Bubble-brain moment #1. After a few phone calls, a few times up and down the same street we got there. Once there, it was a matter of urgency to use the loo.

Onto our motel in Surfers. Picture a big line-up of cars in the drop-off area. We have no idea where to park, so Shannon stops the car so I can run into reception and ask where the motel parking is. Weird stares once inside, (hello people, it's perfectly NORMAL to have a black body and a white head!) and I got the info. Ran out to the car, opened the door and waffled off the information as I jumped in.... only to look over and see a very unamused, shocked middle-aged male staring back at me. OOPS, ummm... wrong car!! Apologised and look one car behind to see Shannon cracking up laughing saying "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?". Bubble-brain moment #2. In my defence, both cars were silver!

Checked in, ate and weren't quite happy with the room. Asked to see a different one. Had major issues working out the lifts, two towers had 2 separate lifts but they were all marked the same. We kepts getting in the wrong ones... we just looked at each other and I said "do you feel like just crying right now"? We were that OVER everything! Checked out room 2, decided to swap to it. Went back to original room just to check, couldn't be bothered moving all the luggage, decided to stay in room 1. Went down lift to give key back, receptionist asked if room 2 was better, said no we're staying in room 1, only to say right then and there 'OK, we'll go to room 2'. Then couldn't decide... asked to think about it. Decisions were just toooo hard. (For the record we stayed in room 1 as the effort required to move was just tooooooo much).

Off to register. Caught up with Ferny and Jadey at registration and seeing them was a bit of pick-me-up for both of us! I realised I'd forgotten my routine music at the motel, in fact, I remember taking it OUT of my handbag to go to rego. Bubble brain moment #3. We had to drive back to motel to pick it us... once we drove back there I thought, I've got my back-up copy in my suitcase, I'll just grab that. My suitcase was.... IN THE CAR.... which was AT REGISTRATION WITH US!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bubble brain moment #4. Poor Shannon, I thought she'd kill me. (but I owed her that from the indecisiveness of choosing the rooms!! hee hee).

We did our grocery shop, ate our rations and then totally teased ourselves by shopping for our treats the next day...

Totally didn't go overboard! Did our final tanning up, forgot the windows were open in our 31st floor room and pranced around naked posing. Would have been a sight to see had anyone had binoculars... Finally we started getting excited...

Next day, up early, breakfast and outta there for hair and make-up at Aria on Broadbeach!

To the venue - I'm on first today so we get me tanned up and ready to go. Here's me pumping up backstage.

And practising... c'mon abba-dabbas, you can do it!

I entered into Figure Short division. ANB only had Novice and Figure Short and Figure Tall. I was advised to enter into the Open division as there were roughly 20 Novices (didn't end up being that many) plus the fact I'd already done a few shows. I knew the standard of girls I'd be up against, but after my first comp, I was simply there to get up and CELEBRATE all my hard work and just HAVE FUN with it!! I went out with that attitude, and I was told it showed!

I was alot happier with how I looked at the second comp - I had comments like "what did you do this week!? You look heaps better!" (thanks Yann) and "wow, you've come in tighter this week" (thanks Lindy!). My tan helped too, we nailed it. I had heaps of time to pump up as well. I was a bit pale and rushed for the first comp. I knew I'd done the best I could, so I was a very happy chappy.

Some stage pics (thanks Kristen, Leanne, Hanni!):

I had a great time up on stage - really worked on that 'bendy back' ;). From pre-judging I already knew I wasn't in the Top 5 but I really didn't care. I was heaps happy with how I looked, loved my make-up, loved my hair, I felt beautiful! ;)

I was glad to be done early as I could help Shannon (the star) prep and and watch her shine in Figure Tall. And she was a STAND-OUT!!! I was sooo soo sooooo happy for her, as I knew all she'd been through just to get up on stage.

We had a short intermission break - COFFEE - and a bit of routine practise back at our motel. Then time for the night show!

Routine time! I wasn't nervous. The girl before me went onstage and my music started... I thought "oh crap, that's my music... then she started her routine" It hit me - OMG, we had the SAME music. It totally threw me off. Breathe. Breathe. My turn - same tune, different dance. What are the chances of that - of all the songs out there for two people in the same show to have the same song, and even worse - the person DIRECTLY before me. It isn't even a latest release. Hook 'n' Sling - The Best Thing (see, I bet half of you haven' t heard of it!!) At least she had good taste ;) I got through mine with only one minor error which no one would have picked up.

How perfect is the timing of this pic Leanne took during my routine - in line with the picture on the backdrop!! I always knew I was angelic! ;)

The Winners were announced and that was it for me! Comp seasion 2010, done! Finished perfectly with the most divine banana bread muffin with cream cheese icing. THANKS KRISTEN!! Girl to my left in black and white was the winner, lady in tiger stripes on my other side was 5th and Markeeta in purple came in 2nd. (Markeeta and I are from the same town and have planned for aaages to meet for coffe - never happens! - so it was awesome to 'meet' her for the first time on stage. She's always been one of my 'heroes' ;) )

Backstage hanging with Shannon before she was due on. Hours later in fact!

Shannon won her division - she was sen-freaking-sational. We then hung around for her to go in Overalls - which she won as well!!! I'll save all that for another post. ;) It was a late night - a huge day for the competitors - especially those who made it to the end. Me, I was done by 8.30pm and had a belly full of junk! ;) Poor Shannon was back on stage at 11.30pm, and we didn't get back to our motel and out for our craved-for pizza till 12.30pm. By then nothing was open, but we found some pizza! Not the gourmet stuff, but pizza all the same.

Very late night with both of us buzzing... but what an experience for me. That was my first ANB show and what a show it was!!!

Chapter 3 - The Week Between

2010-06-22T11:11:00.004+10:00

Also known as - the week from hell!!

I struggled so so soooo bad the week between comps. Although it WAS only a week, it felt like a lifetime - it was the toughest week of all my prep. Ever :) Sounds a bit dramatic doesn't it! I described it like I was a naughty kid who'd been given their Christmas gifts, then had them taken away the next day. I guess it was because I'd only set my goal for the 22nd May, although I was keen for the ANB comp, I was so focused on the first one, I couldn't look past date.

So to have my 'glory', then celebrate it at din-dins with friends, only to have to forget the excitement and buzz of the first comp and re-focus and go straight back into prep diet the next day, was a bit hard on the old head. I pulled the pin on the ANB comp about three times that week...

I had the bestest hosts in Lyndsay and her hubby and their gorgeous kids. They were so understanding (reminder to always stay with past competitors in final week prep!!) and patient and knew exactly what how I was feeling. We trained three days at Goodlife gym in the Valley. I love experiencing different gyms - it was MASSIVE (to me!). Shannon joined us on the Tuesday and we did our work-out together - seeing her put some spark back in my step. It was that day I was ready to pull the pin... seeing that she looked as crap as me, felt as crap as me and was speaking to Ferny on the phone who was feeling exactly the same sealed the deal for me. I was DEFINITELY NOT pulling the pin now! I wasn't the only one going through it - SUCK IT UP PRINCESS!! I was just the only one fighting it. No more being a brat - then and there I changed my attitooood.

Some Training Pics courtesy of Lyndsay

Thursday of that week, we decided to make a start on my routine. Yes, ooops, Little Miss Control Freak hadn't even started it. Lynds edited my music way back, it was time for us to put some moves to it. After many attempts, nearly a few tears (not a tantrum, just extreme frustration and tiredness!!) I GOT IT!!! Not a bad effort whipping one up two days before the event. Thank goodness for Lyndsay and Steven!

Friday was the day the tanning started all over again. Shannon joined us at lunchtime then we were on the road to the Goldie.

A huge hazard: two girls driving to the GC tired and hungry... ;)

Chapter 2 - INBA Brisbane Titles - 22nd May 2010

2010-06-19T08:44:00.018+10:00

I typed a quick post previously, but here's some pics and a bit more on my first comp this year.

I flew out on the Friday and I was sooo tired and soooo OVER IT and pretty muchly burst into tears at Brisbane airport when I was wasn't allowed to pick up my hire car. License expired early May. Ooops. I do remember that now... I was certain I renewed by mail but as I had no proof, of course I was denied access to a car. Turns out I never did renew - blaming final month comp brain for that one. So I was an unlicenced driver for the month... oooopsy.

Finally got it sorted and perfect timing that Lyndsay called me amidst my upseted-ness (new word) so that got me focused and excited again. That and running my hands down my flat and rock-hard day-before-comp-belly to feel my abs. Funny how that makes everything better. LOL! ;) Haha - hey if you only get them for a few days a year, gotta make the most of them!! Did my groceries and registered and we were rocking. Lyndsay and Shannon came to my motel and helped me tan and we practised posing...

Me in my orange body-suit and Shannon at one week out...

Next day was hair appointment and all the fiddly stuff before arriving at Chandler. I had a little entourage so really wanted to do them proud!

Getting ready back stage - how beautiful is the costume Jo designed!!

First 'appearance' on the day was the new Figure International Category. This one is judged on Symmetry round only. Being a new division, no one really knew what to expect, but the promoter told me the more muscular Open division girls probably won't compete as the look will be a bit softer and therefore if I came in really hard (I didn't) not to tense toooo much, try to keep relaxed. I was keen to give it a go; having done all the hard work, why not celebrate it twice over!

As it was such a big line up we were split into Tall and Short. No surprises that I was in short. 6 girls were called from my line-up for comparisons with three going through to the "final".

Pic below is me in the middle with two of the gals from my line-up who made it to the final six. I promise I'm doing the "tits-and-ass" thing, but I just don't have a bendy back!! I want (and NEED!) a bendy back to look better - like those two!!!!!!!!!! I had no call-outs, no further comparsions. No probs.

All the girls looked really good. The winner of Figure International was the girl who also won Figure Open. Second place went to the girl who came second in Figure Open, and third place went to the girl who won Figure Intermediate (the girl in purple above).

After that division, I got to watch 30mins of the show before heading backstage to start all over again!

Me and my entourage (I love saying that, makes me feel cool! haha)

Practising and pumping up backstage.

Blue Jelly Snake... MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm

Time for what I was really there for - Figure Intermediate! Seven goooood chickies in the line-up. I'm third from the right in the pic below. Where's that bendy back?!?! ;) We did our symmetry rounds were then shuffled around. Myself and the girl in the middle beside me were put to the left hand side of the stage and not looked at again. (I'm not saying that in a spoilt-sport way, just saying how it was :) ) Everyone was called-out and compared except for us two. I'm used to being the call-out queen so that was a bit hard to take! ;) (Edit: upon re-reading that line I don't want that taken the wrong way. By call-out queen I mean that in my past 2 comps I was worked to the bone with comparisons. The DVD sees me panting and huffing and puffing - it's hard work! :) ). I'm not at all sour, I believe the girls who won deserved to; I was just disappointed in having worked SO damn hard and I did all they wanted me too (leaner and more balanced) only to not even be glanced at twice from the moment I walked on stage- it's like I just never caught their eye. It's hard to keep smiling and posing when you see the head judge point to you, tell you to be moved to the side and shake his head saying "nah". I'm going to ask for feedback as to what was the reason that I wasn't even a consideration from the first minute. I can only grow and get better from that feedback!

Winner was girl in purple on right, second was Kylie in blue and third was girl second from right in dark brown. The standard was pretty damn good!

Back View

Onstage pose-down pic from Professional Photographer.

This is where the fun began - running rank with the backstage goodies!!!

After the show a group of us went to Groove Train for tea. Soooo good, but I felt a lil bit off. Poor body didn't know what was going into it! I was on such a high - regardless of placings etc, shows are such a buzz and you're pumped all night. Needless to say - I didn't sleep!!

Had a YUMMO breakfast the next day then I was dropped to Lyndsay's house to stay for the week before the next comp - ANB Asia Pacifics!

The worst author ever

2010-06-15T19:07:00.002+10:00

I was coming on here to write Chapter 2, but blogger is too busy tonite to let me load photos :( Night time is the only chance I let myself 'play' (as we all know too well how much time can be wasted during the day on things like... facebook and blogs!), but it won't play nice with me tonite.

Thanks guys for all the compliments on my professional pics. It's muchly appreciated, especially now on the down-side of comp when I'm feeling like a beached whale. And looking like it. Yup, I haven't yet got the post-comp side of things under control. I can't stop eating!! It's not an easy road, I thought I was better prepared than last year, but still struggling, and I know I'm not the only one. It's only been 2 weeks since comp, so not beating myself up too much in finding the balance again. It just sux that it takes foreverrrrrrrrrrr to get into tip-top shape, only to lose it so quick!

Anyway.... enough on that..............

I'm looking forward to tomorrow - Shannon is flying up for the day just for us both to HANG!!!!!!!! We usually have to train/eat/rush around etc when we're in the same city, so it will be nice just to..... do nothing! I'm taking her to my fave coffee shop (hope it's up to her expectations... she's very choosy with her coffee!!!) and we'll have a nice lunch somewhere, hopefully with a glass of vino. No dieting for us this time!

Hope everyone's training hard and eating well - for yourself and do some extra for me ;)

And some 'fun' ones...

2010-06-10T07:53:00.004+10:00

I was playing around and the photographer just kept on snapping! These kind of pics make the best ones!

This next pic got me all excited at how I was looking two weeks out from comp!! :)

Don't ask me what I was trying to do here!!! Smack that booty!!

And we played around with lighting to achieve different looks...

It was heaps of fun being a supermodel for three hours! What a job!

I only half half of the pics so far, so no doubt there'll be more for me to post up once I get the rest (should be this week)... if you can stand it! hee hee

Pics...

2010-06-10T07:33:00.003+10:00

Here's a few of me being a little poser :) Thanks to the girls at my local Lorna Jane - I was able to borrow all of the clothing for the shoot. I had to hold myself back from purchasing it ALL once I was done though!

Chapter 1

2010-06-09T19:12:00.003+10:00

Comp Prep Wrap-Up and Photo Shoot

This will be a few installments so I may as well start at the beginning!!

So I prepped myself this time, basing it on what I learnt from last year. As I've mentioned heaps of times previously, Lyndsay and Shannon were my life-lines and I'm sure they don't realise how much their support got me through my 'dark' times.

There weren't too many of those though! I had this comp goal since stepping off stage last July - to come back in 2010 leaner and better! I was so focused, I was on auto-pilot. I had only a few psycho moments, but when you're in them, it's hard to see the bright light. It was always external stressors which triggered them, so as long as I kept it controlled and BREATHED, I seemed to be OK.

I love love LOVED my early morning walks and walk/jogs. I live 20mins jog from the beach so would run or power walk there, spend 20 mins on the beach as the sun rose and then travelled the 20mins back! I loved this cardio and I always mixed it up so it stayed enjoyable. There's not one day I missed my morning cardio once I'd set myself to do it. Wake-up texts either from or to Shan to keep us accountable helped heaps!

I had my skins done weekly and a weekly PT Session with the owner of the gym I train at up here. He just hurts me. In the final 2 weeks, I just didn't have the mental strength to keep it up... I burst into tears in a session with him as I was just so tired, and OVER it. I found that when the finish line was closing in, it got tougher and tougher mentally to stay in the game... when it should have been the opposite - excited and pumped that it was finally here!

My weekly skin measurements was the big thing that kept me motivated. Each week (bar one where some went up?!?) they all dropped, some minor, some major. I'll list them out in a separate post at some point.

Last year the feedback I received was: come in approximately 2kgs leaner and build up the upper body as my legs are overpowering. My progress pics in comparison to last year showed that I did both of those. I'll post comparisons up one day too (if you're really keen to see, keep bugging me - I'm a slack blogger!).

A few days prior to comp, I weighed in 2kgs lighter than last year's lowest weight. WOOP! Goal achieved! I know scales aren't the 'everything' but that's MY way of knowing I'm headed in the right direction. Progress pics show my lil bubby shoulders did grow a bit! So I was stoked that I'd bettered myself from last year and that was all that mattered :) The show now was my opportunity to strut my stuff and celebrate all I'd achieved.

Two weeks prior to comp, I did a studio photo shoot with a photographer I used for a shoot in 2006. Had heaps of fun, as you do!

Sooooo pics to come.... :)

I'm Home!

2010-06-02T21:58:00.001+10:00

After almost two weeks in Brisbane/Gold Coast, I get my own bed tonite :)

So much fun had - lots to say, lots to show.

I'll be back!!!!!!!!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz :)

2010 INBA Brisbane Titles

2010-05-28T10:04:00.006+10:00

Just a really quick post - been soooo flat busy this week! I'm away from home, staying in Brisbane for the week with Lyndsay and her family. :)

We've been heaps busy all week just doing stuff - gymming, coffee, walking, routine-ing, groceries, cooking etc - I haven't had a chance to blog!

I've got 5 mins now before Shannon picks me up and we head down to the Gold Coast to do it allll over again!

I had a great weekend last weekend, met lots of bloggers, and spent time with the special people in my life at dinner after the comp :)

I didn't place, however I bettered my condition from last year - came in leaner (as Steph commented on too - thanks chick!!) and I've improved on my upper body size - which were my goals :)

Quick few random pics:

Gotta fly - Gold Coast and more tanning is calling me! ;)

Tomorrow!

2010-05-21T10:36:00.002+10:00

For soooo long my goal date has been 22nd May. And tomorrow it arrives!

I'm all packed and ready to fly to Brisvegas! Gotta register when I get there, then it's time to chilllll baby, chillll!

Lyndsay and Shannon are coming to visit me tonite and assist with tanning - so can't wait to see them, I won't be able to sleep tonite I'll be so excited and nervous!!

Soooooooooooooo until the flip-side, that's it from me!

So can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!!!

It's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!

2010-05-20T20:41:00.002+10:00

Last sleepy in my bed tonite!!

I had the bestest sleep-in this morning, ten hours of blissful sleep. I so needed it, I was trashed!

Busy all day doing 'stuff' - washing, food prep for next few days to take away with me, packing, painting toes, shaving, make-up trial etc. It's sooooo glamourous looking like a five year old who got into mummy's make-up case!!

I had my skin folds done for the last time, and in the past 9 days they've come down again, by 'heaps' in some places. As much as 'heaps' can be when you're already lean :)

Soooo bed for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be seeing some of you real soon! xxx

THREE!

2010-05-19T19:47:00.002+10:00

Three sleeps left, two in my own bed before I fly out :)

I got my costume today and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT!!!! It is just gorgeous. I left the decorating up to Jo and surprise me she did! Can't wait to show it off on Saturday.

Time for me to hit the sack, I'm exhauuuuuuuuuuuuusted today.

See you when there's TWO sleeps left!

FIVE!

2010-05-17T20:29:00.002+10:00

Time is a-flying!

Early-ish wake up to head down to the beach to organise a new boxing session we've got happening down there. Once the trainer got the session started, I took off on my powerwalk. It started to rain, but what can you do!

Considering I'm sorta-kinda off work this week, I only popped into do a few odd jobs. THREE hours later I left! ARGH! Then gym, food, dentist, drop LJ gear back at the shopping centre, few groceries, to my sis' house for payroll training, to massage, eat, home to pose and eat to here right now! Day off ended up being busy!

The dentist said my teeth are great, however I got in trouble for brushing them toooo much. I have been told by anyone that witnesses me cleaning that I must have OCD when it comes that... yes only soft toothbrushes now for me, as I've worn away the enamel and my gums may recede... or something... still - ewww! Poor toosy-pegs!

Better be GONE! Bed beckons. Dream land, here I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And then there were Six!

2010-05-16T10:52:00.003+10:00

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Time is FLYING

Each day is one closer to the stage... EEK! I should be getting my 'kini hopefully Tuesday, (Jo emailed to say she posted it Friday) so I can't wait for that to practice in it! I chose my colour but told her to "surprise me" with the decorating, so that will be exciting!

Loving the weekend so far; had a quiet night at home by myself on Friday, and got started on something - sorting through some crapola - then wish I'd never started it, coz I had to finish it! Had a late night by hitting the sack at 10pm and had a SLEEP-IN yesterday morning. Felt lazy though (of course) when I did get out, but had my hair blow-dried Friday so couldn't get it all messed up ;) coz I did a studio photo shoot yesterday morning! Had heaps of fun, I was there for three hours and it FLEW by!! It's always fun playing supermodel for a few hours.

Early night last night then up early for the most glorious beach walk. I was at a different beach to the one I go to daily near my house. My grandparents have a beach house, OK, maybe that's sensationalising it - an overgrown chook shed - it's over 80 years old and has survived every cyclone that's threatened. Anyway, it's on the beachfront and as kids we were there all the time with our cousins. Loved collecting shells, swimming in the enclosure and chasing moonlighters. Over the years it was interesting to see the beach change shape, and one thing I noticed was that the shells disappeared. There were just never any!

So this morning I drove out to walk on this beach and was really excited to see heaps of shells again. And funky ones. Do I sound like a dork? It's the small things :) So I came home with a bag full to put, well, somewhere. I felt 10 years old again, and it was a goooood feeling. I can't wait to take my lil niece to do fun, simple stuff like that.

My cousin is a freelance journalist, and has written the most beautiful blog post "My Easter in and Over-Grown Chook House", which had us all feeling a little sentimental. She's a very gifted writer :) (And I just added that part in if anyone has spare time and wishes to read a feel-good piece of writing.)

Anywho, I got carried away there. It was just a realllllly nice way to start the day, and a distraction from the one-way track thinking of comp comp comp comp comp comp.......

Waffle over - Time for some food for my tum-tums!!!

The Countdown reaches Single Digits...

2010-05-13T07:49:00.002+10:00

It's gone soooooooo fast, although at times it felt like a lifetime away!! The best thing has been my countdown calendar on my pantry - each day has how many sleeps left. My pics from last year's comp accompany the "May" page... that's my motivation, to beat my own condition from last year. That's all I can ask of myself!

So with 9 days to go, I'm pretty muchly ready to roll! I've gone onto auto-pilot, cardio happens first thing early automatically, gym never gets missed, I'm going through the motions.

I'm having next week mostly off work to concentrate on being 'ready-ready'. Packing and checking - I'm so forgetful when I'm trying to do too much (or is that now because I'm getting old?), - posing practice, eating at the right time, and possibly having a little bit of rest! I'm planning to do those little odd jobs around the house that never get done to keep myself occupied and feeling useful as well ;)

I'm getting sooo excited, can't wait to have some time off down there after it - there's a lot to look forward too!

I couldn't have come this far without everyone's support - especially Lyndsay and Shannon who I speak to what feels about five times each week!!! - I'd be lost without them. Love you girls.xxx

Until next time, as Lyndsay says: "Keep swimming Dori, keep swimming"!

The Cold Has Come!!!

2010-05-07T09:02:00.002+10:00

ICK! The last few mornings, rising early to get my cardio on, have been CHILLY!!!!!!! It's certainly made me move my buttocks anyway :)

Loving my sessions in the morning, if I DON'T get out at 5am (which is like... maybe once a week) it's only coz I need to recover. Then I feel guilty for being a sloth and staying in bed! ;) I'm at the stage of comp prep where my legs are sore 24/7 from constantly using them. My good old Skins and 2XU compression tights do help though.

I'm on auto-pilot now... yes sometimes it all just sux, yes I'm tired, yes I'm sore, yes I'm hungry... but so is every other competitor!

15 more sleeps! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKK!

Time to FINISH STRONG!!!

16 Days to Go....

2010-05-06T16:07:00.001+10:00

Finish Strong

When the challenges become more difficult,that's your opportunity to become more determined. When the end of the race is near, the winner is the person who picks up the pace. Its easy and common to start out strong.

Real achievement comes to those who can also finish strong. The doubts and challenges along the way can either drain your enthusiasm and commitment,or they can prompt you to grow stronger.

When you choose to grow stronger, not only do you reach the goal,you also become more confident and effective in the process. When you've gone this far, it pays to make the most of what you've already been through.

Get maximum value from your efforts by finishing strong. When the endeavor is nearing completion is when you canadd the most discernible and enduring value. Finish strong and make it something you can always look back upon with satisfaction.

Your efforts so far have created a powerful momenturm,so continue to make the most of it. Finish strong and you'll be fully prepared for whatever is next!

- Ralph Marston

And with 22 Days to Go...

2010-04-30T08:17:00.004+10:00

THE PAPER TOWEL THEORY

(Concept taken from tiffanyblitz.com and hussmanfitness.com)

Let’s assume you go out and buy two rolls of paper towels, each with only 90 paper towels on it. You put one aside, and keep it for future reference (your “before” picture). The other one represents you (I’ll call your paper towel you “Ed”). The cardboard core represents the lean Ed. The towels represent the fat that is covering the lean Ed. For sake of argument, let’s say that Ed wants to lose 9 kilograms of fat, so (90/9) each sheet represents 100g of fat lost. Let’s also assume that Ed loses his fat equally during each day over a few months.

Each day during the first week, you tear a sheet off of Ed, representing the fat he has lost for the day. Next, you put Ed next to the full roll (“Big Al”) for comparison. No noticeable difference!!! Even at the end of the week! This can’t be working for me!

But, being a good Ed, you continue to follow your exercise plan. At the end of weeks two and three, you continue to compare Ed to Big Al, and still notice very little difference. Those stinkin’ trainers MUST be liars!

But Ed is determined! He works hard! Hitting it hard…eating his 6 daily meals. Three more weeks go by, the sheets peeling off day after day, before Ed gets up the courage to stand next to Big Al again. Holy Man! Ed is skinny! OK, not skinny, but less huge!!!

Within a few months, Ed is down to his lean dream, or somewhere near it. Ed is happy. We are happy. Big Al – well he’s not so happy.

The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area – just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.

While the outside sheet may only cover 1 layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you 4 times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same – your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!

(Edit - Just incase it's not clear, I didn't write this, credited to the sources I listed above.)

I'm Still Alive!!

2010-04-26T16:31:00.003+10:00

I'm just a lazy bum, and don't really have much interesting stuff to say!!

SOOooo today the countdown calendar on my pantry door tells me I'm 26 days out from comp. I remember when it was 50 days away....

26 sounds so scary!! Three weeks and five days sounds heaps longer. Kinda. This is where the headgames come to play, and that's been happening heaps, but I know that's all fairly normal. ;)

I'm really really looking forward to it though! I know I'll love my new 'kini which I should be getting soon :)

So I'm wondering who else is competing in the INBA Brissie Titles on 22nd May? Or who's going to watch?! I've been a bit hit and miss on the ol' blogging scene lately, but I'd still love to catch up with everyone again (whoever is going) and meet anyone I haven't. :)

I'm still considering doing the ANB comp the week after as well - I plan on staying down Brisbane/Gold Coast for a week or two after for some R 'n' R, so I'll def be there. One day I'm doing it, the next I'm not. I'll leave the final decision for a bit longer yet ;).

26 days to go, 26 days to go, hey ho the dairy-o, 26 days to go! EEEEEEEEEEEK!

Look what Eggs The Easter Bunny Left me!!

2010-04-04T10:56:00.002+10:00

Whoo Hoo - yes they're back in the supermarkets, with waaaaay better packaging! :)))

About to head to my parent's for a BBQ - I will be strong today, a small treat and that's it. I started the day with a beautiful beach walk, I can't undo it!

Chocolate will go straight to... where I don't want it to go.

Have a great day everyone - I'm off to have a chocolate protein shake, I can trick my stomache!! ;)

Guess what I did this afternoon?

2010-04-02T18:45:00.000+10:00

Snap Decision

2010-04-02T12:40:00.002+10:00

I tend to be really good at those. In some ways I procrastinate for weeks and put things off, but in others, if I make up my mind I DO IT! My mum has always said I'm stubborn with things like that - and it's usually 'big' decisions! Doing the Europe thing at 21 - decided 4 weeks before I was there; then deciding whilst in Venice to move overseas for a year to live/work; then while there deciding to ditch my 'career' from Legal firm to a PT............. gotta keep everyone guessing! Including myself! HA!

On a smaller scale, in December I woke up and decided it was time for a new car; within 4 days I'd paid a deposit. Earlier this week I decided my bedroom needed a change - why not paint it? Four days off - have to keep myself occupied somehow.

So I got the paint and I'm waiting for coat number one to dry! My landlords were fine with it (I would have done it regardless hahaaaa);)

I need to keep myself busy or I go insane. Living by myself has me like a caged animal at times, when I get visitors I pounce on them and can't shut up like a yappy little puppy!!! Plus, I need to keep my mind occupied so I don't fall into the old habits of trolling in the pantry and fridge.

So today being Good Friday it's all about fish! MMmmmm LOVE IT! Tuna and reef fish - yummo! I went into my work this morning to train as my usual gym is closed (as is everywhere in this ghost town!). Mini spring clean, painting, I'll head to Good Friday mass later on, after that more paint and cardio! That'll keep me occupied ;)

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend! Enjoy it with your special ones and EVERYTHING IN MODERATION ;)

Is it really worth it??!: ;)

Cadbury's Dairy Milk Easter Egg,

Calories in 100g of Dairy Milk Easter Egg

Calories: 525 cals
Carbohydrate: 56.8g
Protein: 7.5g
Fat: 30.0g
Fibre: 0.7g

(Taken from here)

2010-03-31T19:43:00.002+10:00

The Don’t Quit Poem

When things go wrong,as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudgingseems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

Back At It

2010-03-30T20:44:00.002+10:00

After my lil whinge about my sore arm from being prodded with a needle, I didn't get back into the gym at all last week.

Friday and the weekend was all about cardio, cardio, cardio! An RPM class, an 8km run, a walk and some time with the bike - I slept very well :)

I took some progress pics and was blown away by the changes. Mind you the comparisons were from beginning of January... but still, I didn't feel like too much had changed, so it was a very welcome surprise!

My arm is sporting a nice blue/green bruise which has somehow extended down my arm to places nowhere near where the needle went in... I had someone ask me if a blunt needle was used - it felt like it! A runner friend who takes blood said she must have went thru the vein and 'bled me'. Lovely. Anyway... over it now! Does make a nice bruise though ;)

Trained leggies yesterday (and it hurt to hold the heavy deadlift bar... oh my poor vein) ;) but my peaches and hammies are sore-as today, so it all worked.

Today was skin-fold day and holy dooly, they were all down again from only a week ago. I know it will really start to slow up now, but every ml counts! My trainer thinks my upper body is pretty muchly in comp shape. Subtle hint to my ass - MOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Then he proceeded to smash me with a session. Love it :)

Enjoy hump day! Short week - YEEEHA!

Best Job Ever!

2010-03-30T20:22:00.003+10:00

My sister and her hubby went to the Gold Coast Friday afternoon for her best friend's wedding. They decided not to take bubby so nana moved into their house for the weekend. My sister is like me - a total control freak, so there was a daily detailed agenda (she used to write up job descriptions, so you can imagine!), and more than enough expressed milk to feed four babies!

I was chief of baby-sitting and Little Miss was in very good hands. She told me so. I think she must be starting to recognise me as I always get the biggest, hugest smiles! That, or she's laughing at me ;)

So we had lots of fun all weekend till mummy and daddy came home on Sunday afternoon. It was the bestest fun job ever!! I'm so totally in love with her! :)

OUCH

2010-03-26T06:34:00.003+10:00

I visited my doc yesterday and she ordered some blood tests.

I went to the pathology straight away instead of putting if off for days like I usually do.

For the first time ever, IT BLOODY HURT!!! Although the nurse did say I had an awesome vein to suck it from. ;)

Only after I was done I saw the sign saying "no heavy lifting including handbags and groceries". Damn damn damn... just to check I asked if that included doing weights at the gym (ya know, just in case...) and the response was a blunt, "er, no".

:(

Today my arm is so so sore, I can't even straighten it or clench my fist and it's turning a nice shade of purple. I don't think I'll be lifting heavy stuff today either :(

Enjoy your Fridays :)

What a week!

2010-03-25T09:13:00.005+10:00

So after Cyclone Ului swept through (and lucky it didn't bring its A-Game!) I was pretty bored at home with no power.

I read a few mags, no one was answering my calls or text messages so I was getting cranky (later realised alot of services were down!), I was a bit like a caged animal so at 1pm I decided to just get out and goooooo.

So I ran for an hour. Through town, past restaurants - and the ones that were open were packed as there was no power in most of the town still. Red Rooster was rocking, McDonald's drive-thru caused traffic jams onto the major roads. How convenient that those places get their power back.

After a cold shower I visited my sis and bro-in-law who also had no power; so had a very hot, irritable little bubby girl.

I got my power back on at 6pm Sunday night, and I was a lucky one. I had someone stay with me as they had none... and then again Tuesday nights, and to this day, they're still not connected!

The pics above are at a park close-by where I take training sessions. Those trees are HUGE and OLD... and you can't tell but there is a walking/running track under the mess on the second pic. The park was flattened compared to what it normally is!

Anyway - what an experience!

*****************

Had my skins done again Tuesday and again they were all down! WHOO HOOOOOOOO! I'm doing something right :) I know it will start to slow up a bit now, and we're going to do them weekly so I know the changes won't be as drastic. But everything is going in the right direction, so I've just gotta keep the focus, and keep doing the job at hand... one meal at a time; one training session at a time :)

All Gone

2010-03-21T11:30:00.003+10:00

Last night as soon as I pressed the "Publish Post" button the power went off (after just typing that we still had it!). Timing was freaky... it was like I pressed the magic button that lost power over the suburb!!

The candles and torches came out. It was impossible to sleep with no fan or air-con working, but I drifted for about 40mins, until about 11.30am it was soooo noisy. Not a chance in hell of sleeping! My dad was on the back deck watching the trees; have you ever seen trees blowing horizontal!?!?!

There was no sleep for a few hours - the window above the bed I was in was rattling; I had horror thoughts of it caving in on me... The peak of it was about 1am and there was no letting up for a few hours.

We all managed a few disrupted hours sleep later in the morning, from pure exhaustion.

We were lucky, no major damage. Mum just brought me home to my unit (I just wanted to be here all nite!! It's so hard being away from your own stuff, especially through things like that). THANK GOODNESS I only have a water leak at a window, so soaking carpet in my spare room is the extent of it for me.

Powerlines are down; trees are down everywhere; some major roads are blocked. It's incredible to see. Fortunately there doesn't seem to be any major destruction, although there's no power over town so I have no idea what the TV is showing!

My uncle lost his little shed; a few people had them blow away. We're very lucky it was only a category 3 cyclone.

My lappy toppy battery may die, so best be off. All's good here, can't wait for the power to come back on so I can see what's doing round town!

All safe, ta again for the well-wishes. Can't believe I've actually been through a cyclone.

It's Nearly Time....

2010-03-20T22:05:00.003+10:00

The 9.50pm update.

I could so be the next weather chickie huh!!

Raining heavy... wind is howling... 1am is expected 'hit' time....

I'm lucky where I am, I still have power. A few of my friend's houses lost it three hours ago... At least I can net-surf and continue to 'scribble' (thanks Mel!!) ;)

I'm gonna attempt to sleep, although I don't think anyone here will get the chance to do much of that tonite!

Thanks for the well-wishes guys - I'll be back in the morning with the outcome :) We've been told to expect to stay indoors until at least midday... booooring! LOL!

Sweet dreams! xx

And closer it comes...

2010-03-20T17:11:00.003+10:00

This is the updated image as at 5.00pm.

Expected to hit in the early hours of the morning. Man, it's windy out there already!!!!!!!!! Radio announcements are saying to be where you plan to spend the night by 7.00pm.

So I succumbed and I'm at my parents. They didn't want me home alone, and I was getting scaredy-catter by the hour.

My naughty little brother is still out surfing.... there's no telling some men. I've called him and left a message, hope he gets his butt home soon.

Nothing much to do except wait. And watch TV. And I'm already sick of both ;)

Fasten your seatbelt, it's gonna be one hell of a ride....

2010-03-20T13:13:00.004+10:00

Here Cyclone Ului comes. It certainly hasn't fizzled to nothing (as I mentioned last post) and the whole town has taken it very seriously. There is no water or tinned food left on the supermarket shelves.

The cyclone is expected to cross the coast early Sunday morning........

It's a little bit scary; I've never been through anything like this before! I was co-incidentally out of town for our region's heartbreaking 2008 floods. I'm not quite sure what to do...??

I had plans for someone over tonight, but we decided it would be better to stay at our own houses... just to keep an eye on things. Mum has asked me to go there, but Max doesn't have any shelter at mum's house. (Max is my car ;) ). I may be able to go to my friend's house that was to come here; provided I get picked up or my car fits in the garage. I can't do anything more at home but wait - I just don't want to be alone... it's a little scary!!

Strangely enough there's been no rain today; it's very overcast/dark and windy (no surprises there). I was up at 5am and there was nothing better to do than go for a run, so for 50minutes I pounded the pavement. It's the best run I've had in a long time - I felt so STRONG! YAY, I must be coming back. That, and the diet has been spot on - good, nutritious, fuelling foods :)

Cyclone threat or not, you can't do much about it, so I did some shopping as well... then went into work and did a major back-up of all my systems, just in case!

Now it's just the waiting game....

This little lappy-toppy will be getting packed up very soon as staying close by me, lots of stuff on here that I can't afford to lose!

Sooooo see you all on the flip-side! Hope and pray for us that the winds are kind and there's little destruction, and most importantly that everyone stays SAFE.

Time for me to put those wheelie bins somewhere indoors. :)

I need 27 hours in a day!

2010-03-18T20:22:00.002+10:00

And another period of time has passed. Where do my days go!? And on that, I was just told today that easter is just over 2 weeks away.... NOOoooooooooooo the year is flying!!!

You know just when things are all going great, there's always something that happens to disrupt the happy little world. Well yep, work did it to me again, and we're not quite over the hurdle just yet. Need to remember to turn every negative into a positive. It will all work out in the end. And Breathe! Been a little bit stressy the since my birthday but there is a light.

So along with that came.... ding ding ding, round TWO of the summer flu! Go me, I'm on fire with harvesting all the nasty bugs. As soon as the razor blade throat came on, and woke me at exactly 2.22am Tuesday morning (what's with that time?!) I smashed the pills, so managed to skip the crappy part of the flu, and now it's just coming out of my nose. Lovely.

********

Training is going well. Infact, I did a 5km Club Championship race on Sunday (where all the 'guns' come out to play as it's for trophy points). In the past 4 weeks since my three-week bout of the flu, I've run about four times - most of those being reduced to a walk. Since December I've done ONE sprint training session, so wasn't expecting to pull any magic numbers. Wasn't even sure I'd crack 5minute kms.

When that gun went off, the sleeping, competitive little biatch came out to play and I pulled out a 23:50 race. Shocked? A little. Only 54secs off my fastest time ever from years back.

Not running and being sick really works for me ;)

Two of the boys I do sprint training with did massive times; a 17:22 and an 18:35 (yea I run with fast boys...) so we went out for dinner to 'celebrate' (I went wild with chook and veges). I wasn't there for the food... how good did I look dining with two fit men!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;) Shame no one I knew was at the resturant to see ;) LOL.

Weights are going well - I'm liking seeing all the arm veins again. Keep burning fat, keep burning.

*****

So there's a cyclone coming this way. Just like every other year. We all get so complacent. But this one is different... so everyone is cleaning their yards, doing the cyclone grocery shop. All I have to do is bring my wheelie bins in. Easy! Oh and the pegs, they may become very dangerous flying missiles.

Hope it all fizzles to nothing... but regardless it's going to be a very wet and windy weekend. *fingers crossed* everyone stays safe!

THE Par-tay!!!!!!!!

2010-03-09T14:54:00.015+10:00

I had the bestest fun on Saturday night!

It all started Friday when my bestie flew up; we organised stuff, then Saturday was my actual birthday! I started with a run - best way to start, right

We had just 'stuff' to do, visits to make, then got my hair done and my other friend flew up then it was time to get ready and it was all on

Everyone made an effort with the masks, it was so good to see.

I had a great night, and everyone who attended said they did to. It was only a small party, but the people that matter to me most were there - that's the most important thing to me. :))))

Picture time!
My funky hair! And yes, it's all mine, no extensions. (I get asked that all the time)

Soooo not a poser!

My bestie and I.

Speech time and my yummo cake!

Trying to cut it, and not touch the bottom! ;) You'll see on the table my mummy presented me with a gift I had to open there - which is my Oxygen mag article framed :)

Some of the boys.

Getting a little crazy.

The awesome foursome back together again.

Mummy and her two daughters.

More fun and games.

I have heaps of pics and heaps of memories. I scored some great gifts, but just had so much fun spending time with everyone!

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes via facebook and the texts - I'm going to turn 30 every year!!! xx

4 More Sleeps

2010-03-02T20:03:00.003+10:00

ARGH! Till I wave buh-bye to my twenties! Soooo looking forward to my par-tay on Saturday night :) I have a two friends flying up from the Gold Coast just to help me celebrate!

I got my skins done again today and the results made me a very happy chappy! They've come down again this past week - whoo hoo!!

I managed a veeeerrrryyyy slow 8km run in the rain on Sunday. First run in a month, so it was just one foot in front of the other. I'm not out to break records at the moment, but to burn fat. And that's what I have to keep telling myself when the little competitive girl in me starts to play games... :)

Early to bed, early to rise - this princess is needing alot of sleep these days. Must be the old age catching up with me. ;)

Lazy Blogger

2010-02-27T14:48:00.005+10:00

Is there an award for that? I think I win!!!

It has been 2 weeks since my last post and I have managed to do the following:

Stay reeeeallly sick with that damn flu. I still haven't shaken it :( I had TEN whole days off training, felt like a whale but was ensured I didn't look like one. Attempted to go for a run and lasted 7 mins and had to walk :( Where is the long-distance runner in me hiding?? It's crazy how unfit I felt so fast, although I still holding some crap in my lungs and still got the attractive nasal voice happening :)

Back into weight training this week and so so so painfully sore and so so so loving it!!

AND although I dormant for quite some time, I had my skin folds redone on Tuesday and they're ALL DOWN!! I so didn't deserve that, but I'll take what I can ;)

I flew to Brisvegas last Friday night and stayed with Miss Lyndsay and her fam for the night before catching the train to the Goldy for my best friend's 30th!! What a night, it was AWESOME!!! My two friends from here left their babies and hubbies at home so it was a huge girlie trip :) Heaps and heaps and heaps of fun.

I also managed to yet again burn the credit card out. But did get a hot little dress for my bday party, so that cancels it out.

I ate well, didn't get to train at all but still come home with the skins down so I'm doing something right :) (eating!!)

UMmmmmmmmmmmm that's the end of my lil life. I visit my gorgeous little girl almost every day, and she'll be up from her nap now, so I better be off!!

A BIG GERM

2010-02-11T18:50:00.002+10:00

That's what I feel like I am at the moment!!! This horrid flu has been hanging on. I was a bit naughty yesterday morning and went and trained leggies - I did feel almost 100% again before I went, but maybe pushed it a little toooo hard.

I find the longer I am in the air-con'd office, the more downhill I go as the day goes on. Then last night I had free Premiere tix to "Valentine's Day" - so more air-con.

Today I was worse than ever - my eyes watery and my back is just aching. I fronted up for my PT Session but my trainer turned me away (thank god, I really didn't feel like it!) and told me to go home and sleep. Love him! So I went back to work to shut down my puter - which between other 'stuff' took an hour! -then I was home.

Cold and Flu tablets are gooooood ;) I feel alll betterer again :)

It's frustrating having missed so many sessions but I need to practice what I preach and REST or I'll keep delaying being well. I just have no patience!

On the flipside, I had a nice little coffee date at my new fave place "Sinful Coffee", so that was the extent of my exercise today - walking the block and a half to get there ;)

And I popped into a newsagent on my way past, and the chickie working recognised me from the Oxygen Mag article. That was... weird!?!?! But cool :))

Enjoy the rest of the working week. Friday here we come!!xx

ARGH!!!!!

2010-02-09T17:04:00.002+10:00

Where on earth did I catch a summer flu??

Had a slightly sore throat last week but thought I got over it. Nuh-uh. Sunday afternoon it came on bad and Monday morning my alarm went off at 5am to get to my Community Health Challenge session by 6am. It was raining so someone called me, heard my voice and said "I'm calling everyone to cancel. You sound like sh!t".

I did plan on doing the session and going straight back to bed - after all I didn't want to stand the Mayor up!

I crashed back to sleep until 8.30am. Popped into work to pick up stuff to do at home, then somehow dropped back off to sleep from 12pm - 2.30pm.

I don't think I've slept that much ever! I can't remember the last time I had a real and true sick day from work - it just doesn't happen when you have a business. And I'm sure no one even noticed I was gone ;) Must take more sickies!!!

Needless to say no gym yesterday or today :( Just when I'm IN THE ZONE... poo-bum. But I refuse to be one of those inconsiderate people who share their germs when sick... sneezing and coughing all over the equipment. Ick.

I've lost about a kg from nose-blowing however!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

In Denial

2010-02-07T09:46:00.002+10:00

I can't avoid it any longer, it's now 3 weeks and 6 days until I wave good-bye to my 20s...

I know it's only a number but I'm not handling it too well. At all. I don't want to have a 3 as the first digit of my age.

I'm in denial.

Drama Queen much?

The upside is - A PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm having a Masquerade Party at a swanky new venue. I went to the grand opening on Friday night, as soon as I walked in, I knew it HAD TO BE MINE for my par-tay. Small, private, dim, almost-sexy(?) lounge-bar type venue. Perfect for a Masquerade Party.

SOOOOO - who wants to come???????????? And I'm serious :)

Brissie girls - you're all close by ;) Fares are cheap.... I have accommodation if needed....

Saturday 6th March. Think about it!!! Let me know if you're keen and I'll send a formal invite :)

(Does that sound like I'm desperate and trying to find friends????) I'm just sharing the love :)

Update

2010-02-07T09:29:00.002+10:00

I'm so so so slack for typing, but lurve to read what's happening in everyone else's worlds! Soooo...

- I had my skin folds done last Monday 1st Feb and I'm going to get them done fortnightly just to make sure I'm shrinking :)

- A pole came into contact with my brand new car :(

- I'm suppposed to be in Bali right now. I booked a trip last year but canned it (no refund on flights, but got them for a huge bargain so it's no great loss.) Reason - I need to save some $$$ and although I lost a little by forfeiting, if I went for the 2 weeks I would have caused a lot more damage! PLUS it's busiest time at work and I've got the Community Fitness Challenge - training the mayor, his deputy and a few other business people. PLUS I'd prefer to go back over to the USA/Europe later this year instead of Bali again!

- Miss Media Tart strikes again - A fortnight ago, I was in the local newspaper for the Kid's Sessions I was running and now I'm on the radio website for the challenge. Check it out here ;)
Publicity is good for the business but I feel like I'm on Big Brother... I got recognised - "you're that chick on the ad for the fitness centre" - whilst I was looking like a scrap after training. I'm not big-noting myself to you guys, I just feel so restricted and don't like it as I feel I always have to be good and polite and behave... Coz I don't know who knows me. I'm scared to put business signs on my car... I suffer from bad road rage - only when idiots do stupid things and deserve it!!!!!!!! In this town, it's most of the time :P Rant over - need to run away to the bigger fish bowl of a city where I don't feel like I have to be constantly on my best behaviour.

- I've been hitting some PBs in the gym - woop woop.

- Went to Brisvegas on Tuesday for an overnighter with my mummy as I had 2 appointments. Even with the limited time we still managed to shop HEAPS.

- Had a mass clean-out of my room yesterday, I can't believe how much crap I can accumulate in only 8 months of being here. After my shopping spree, I culled shoes/underwear/clothes - not one drawer was untouched. I got rid of bags - how good does a clean-out feel!

Finally It's Here!!

2010-01-26T19:16:00.002+10:00

A Wine Glass that makes sense!!

(received via email) :)

Meet Mad Max!

2010-01-24T14:26:00.003+10:00

This is the new car in my life - pic taken on the day I picked him up! It was rainy so I drove even slower than normal... ;) I hardly drove it for 5 days as the red one was easier to access.

Max and I are bestest friends now. He's hot hey!! ;)

Bye Bye Red Rocket

2010-01-24T13:19:00.005+10:00

A final hug.

She's all ready to go. :( Last October I got hit up the backside by a big mean Falcon - and you'd never think - it totally came off second best! Although my damage was really minor, the soonest I could the insurance fix-up - not at my expense! - was just this week. So now she's all straight and painted up pretty it's time to go.

She still looks good (I think!) for ten and a half years together! Driving like a Grandma does pay off!! ;)

Here She Is!

2010-01-17T11:20:00.003+10:00

Little Miss was an angel yesterday! She didn't even flinch as the water was poured on her head three times :) Dad, Mum, Godmother & Godfather.

It was a SUCH nice day - everyone went back to mum and dad's house for a BBQ. We all took our swimmers to jump in the pool (perfect day for it!) but got busy chatting and the day was gone before we knew it :)

************************

Thought I'd add in a pic of my other goddaughter - she's now five. How gorgeous is her costume for her Prep Halloween Disco!!!!!!!!!!!! And apparently she was a hit with the boys - her mum was worried when picking her up from school, one of the little boys yelled out "see you tonite at the disco!"

************************

Mojo or not, made my lard ass go to the pool yesterday. Ignored my alarm for a run, then it was waaaay to hot, so when the pool opened at 8am a 1km swim it was!!

Today I was up and out at 5.30am for a 40 min run.

Slowly but surely I'll crawl back up :) I already feel soooo much better for it :)

Sometimes people say things that you already know, or should know, but to see or hear it again just makes everything click. Thanks Linda for this one about the ol' mojo:

"well no one says you have to be fired up all the time you just have to "do it!"

I'm going to be a mother

2010-01-15T17:36:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow. A godmother. :)

It's Miss Isabella's Christening and my sister asked me, quite casually, if I'd like to be godmother. My response was "well I'd be offended if I wasn't!" hee hee

My brother came in with "I thought godmother's were supposed to be positive role models..."

No comment.

***************

Other stuff - struggling on all fronts to get my head in the game, and I don't like it. I've never been so unmotivated and uninspired in my whole entire life. I always train, it's like cleaning my teeth... I need to get my sh!t sorted - if anyone has some not-required mojo, please telepathically transfer it my way.

Struggling at work as well, usually beginning of the year I'm on fire. I do have some different stuff happening though - Monday is the start of a Community Health Challenge that I'm the trainer for - a group of high profile locals, including the mayor and the deputy-mayor are starting a six week challenge. Radio & newspaper are covering it, so fingers crossed I can help them get great results.

I had a new client today who has Spina Bifida. He's an elite athlete - plays wheelchair basketball for Australia in Juniors, such an inspiring kid.

Makes me realise I have nothing to complain about. His attitude is just amazing. I was really drawn to him.

**********

My bestie from the GC was here last weekend. Maybe that's why I'm feeling like poo this week, whenever she leaves me I feel so down.

I picked up my new beast too!! Must get some pics this weekend. Max is his name and he's HOT! I sadly have to part with my loyal, other best friend of 10 years - my lil red car. I feel like such a traitor - it's never done any wrong by me :( I hope the person who's bought it loves it aand looks after it as much as me :)

Is it sad to be so attached to a car???

I'll Struggle to Get To Seven!

2010-01-05T18:36:00.003+10:00

So here's my go at the seven random facts: Thanks Jeh for the tag ;)

1. I've worn coke-bottle glasses since I was 10, I got contacts at 15 and have worn them ever since. My sight is so poor, I've been told laser surgery may not help. Unfortunately those evil green eyes everyone comments on, are fake. My eyes are a grey/blue.

2. I wrote my first car off a year after buying it. Not cool as my lil bro was in the car with me. I bought a brand newie which I've had until now but - as I just 'remembered' as below - I bought a new car last week!

3. I told everyone I would be a nun when I grew up!! WTF????

4. I've only had 2 serious boyfriends - both were a long-term WASTE! Both ended with them cheating on me. Maybe fact 3 was a better option... :P

5. I used to work in legal accounting before becoming a PT.

6. Although some people think I'm confident and outgoing, deep-down I'm petrified of not fitting in and that people won't like me. Wish I was one of those people that didn't give a damn what others think! (ain't that one a bit deep :P )

7. I'm about to turn the big 3-0 and I still don't know what I really want from my life!!!!!!!!

And that's all I've got. Aren't I boring! :) If there's anyone left who hasn't done it and wants to - I tag YOU!

Oh and How Could I Forget??

2010-01-05T16:05:00.002+10:00

On 30th December I bought myself a new brooom broooom!!!!!!!

Ok that looks like a broom, I mean a car... although many would disagree, a broom is not my preferred method of transport!

What a way to end an insane year!!

Will post pics as soon as the beast is in my hot little hands :)

Continued..... ;)

2010-01-03T08:11:00.008+10:00

July

Went through major crap at work - ready to sell up. A trainer who had me in tears, a lot, quit the day I flew to Melbourne for the All Females... just what I needed.

11th July - All Females in Melbourne!! Was well looked after by Kerryn - can never thank her enough for her hospitality, and hot water bottles (hey, I was FREEZING!!). Met for the first time Katie, Rae, Jeh, Jadey, Linda, Kate and hope I didn't forget anyone.... Had a ball on stage with Shannon and was very fortunate to come home with 3rd place in Intermediate. One of the few bloggity blogs on it is here.

22nd July - flew to Brisvegas for surgery. Kept this one a big (pun intended) secret!

Couldn't work as a PT anymore - 'retired' from my position.

August

Couldn't work, couldn't train, only thing I could do was eat. 5 kgs in 3 weeks ain't too bad hey? Although I knew 50-51kgs ain't FAT, try telling my image in the mirror that at the time.

Struggled with not working and no longer having set hours.

Got extremely lonely living by myself and with my mental state at the time went on a downward spiral of depression..........

Started partying heaps. Coz alcohol solves all your worries of course....

Bestie from GC came and visited for my 'house-warming' party!

September

Went on an overnighter with my mummy again to Brisvegas. :)

Finally clawed myself out of my crappiness. I met someone very very special who doesn't know but got me back on track. My bestie from here, just last week said her and my other friend were really worried... they felt like they didn't know me anymore; who was this new person. She said once I met him I was ME again. Wowsers. I didn't realise they thought/saw those things...

After recovery from surgery, got back into training and was ME again in that regard too!!

Some of my pics from my photo shoot with Dallas Olsen were used in Ultra Fit mag!

October

Hosted the most fun party for my clients at a swish bar/restaurant. Over 100 came through! WOOP! Was soooo much fun :)

Got my wisdom teeth taken out. Another few days off work. What a sucky operation... considering I'd never been under until this year, I'm an old hand now. :P

Went off to Melbourne for five nights. Had the best.time.ever. EVER!!!!!!! EVER!!!!!

Thought I better do about a week of work before taking off again... to Brisvegas to do din-dins and drinkies with Lyndsay, Shannon, Shelley, Jadey, Fern and Jeh. Then I went up to Noosa for 2 days before back to Brisbane and flying home.

BIG EXPENSIVE MONTH!! Surgery hits the pocket hard :P

November

Just as I was flying home from Brisbane, my bro-in-law called to say my sis was in early labour. Our little princess finally joined us on the 5th November!!

Got back into hardcore, make-me-spew run training. LOVE IT!!!

Bit more personal and work crap made me go MIA for a bit. Love my friends.xx

Went to Brisbane and GC for a night each for a friend's wedding!

December

Having missed training clients, went hardcore at work with new ideas. Oops... got a bit too excited...

Lots of Christmas catch-ups - I LOVE IT!!!

Fell more and more in love with my little girl :)

Got back in my good, happy, place!!!!!! Again. Can't keep me down :P

Had the bestest Christmas and New Year ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Acutally didn't fly anywhere in December. Wow).

So that's my big 2009 in a nutshell. Holy crap. It was huge. Well... I always stick to what I say I'll do, and that was to live life to the fullest.

Amount of money saved in 2009 - ZERO!

Memories and experiences from 2009 - PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!

I do not regret ONE thing!

Here's to 2010, I won't say bigger and better coz crap, I can't afford myself anymore!!!

:)))))

2009 - The HUGEST Year Of My LIFE!

2010-01-02T15:34:00.010+10:00

Take me back one year today - 2nd January, 2009, and if you told me that I'd be where I am right now, doing what I'm doing right now, I would have peed myself laughing.

My goal for 2009 (as I just saw I blogged in December 2008) was to simply live each day like it's your last. This came after my friend Laura was killed in training ride one Saturday morning - you just never know when your last run/ride/drive could be your last.

I think I did that in 2009!

January

5th January I went back to work like any other day. Until I got a phone call. Rushed home to my bf of the time's house... only to walk out single. THE break-up - anyone who followed me back then knows alllll about it - every single detail was blogged, this was my diary. My boyf of 4 years had been doing the dirty on me for almost a year and I had no idea. Men can be damn good liars. It was the end of my life as I knew it...

Took off to my bestie on the Gold Coast for 10 days.

Back to work for a week.

Back to the GC for four days over the Australia Day weekend. (I'm very lucky my business doesn't need me to be there to function!)

February

Sick of moping, I MADE myself snap out of it - I lost so much weight. I had to set some goals - some HUGE goals. Contacted Liz who was coaching me already and asked she if she thought I could still step on stage (she planted the seed the year before and I said a big fat NO). Plan set in place.

Went to Bali for 11 nights with three awesome gals. Created new happy memories with special people - felt mentally fine about THE break-up, all of 6 weeks later :)

Was quite ill after Bali and on anti-biotics for a bit.

March

Threw myself into training and everything revolved around comp in May.

Had my 20th birthday - 2 of the gals I went to Bali with flew up and partied with me. (Ok, maybe I mean my 29th birthday) Cyclone came, so most people desserted my party, lost power at the place we were at, but had an awesome night all the same!

Got my 8th piercing - on the last day of being 28, which was 8 weeks after THE break-up.

Had an quick two nighter trip to Brisvegas to visit specialists.

Got a recurring kidney infection - NOT from drinking! LOL! (well I don't think anyway ;) ) Two rounds of anti-biotics and I was normal again.

Became reacquainted with a Primary School friend after years of lost contact. Spent a lot of time together last year :)

April

Totally busy with all things comp and work. Lost a staff-member, gained another.

Filex in Sydney - met Shannon, Casey, Fern and Vicki :) Caught up with Liz again and my-partner-in-wagging-crime - Kerryn.

The week after flew to Brisvegas with my mummy for some time with Jo Rogers. Bless her!

May

Long weekend - went on a road-trip to Townsville for a music festival. My 2 friends from the GC flew up to me here then we drove. So much fun going away 2 weeks out from comp. I didn't eat one thing I shouldn't have - cold chook and beans (limited facilities) was delicious as I watched them eat their nachos at a mexican restuarant.

My sister and bro-in-law announced their FINALLY pregnant! After 3 years of trying and fertility drugs, it happened!

17th May - INBA Brisbane Natural Physique Titles - 4th place novice division. I blogged about it here and here any many more times after... ;)

Photo shoot with Dallas Olsen the day after. I'm sure you've all seen enough of those pics!! ;)

Decided against competing at the ANB comp two weeks later, instead deciding to go to Melbourne in July for the All Females.

MOVED INTO MY UNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

June

Went to Brisbane for a weekend to see PINK!

Pushed on with comp prep for July....

And I'm over blogging my year for now. That's the first six months, I'll be back, with the following six months - it only got bigger! ;)

All Gone :(

2009-12-27T10:08:00.003+10:00

Can't believe my fave day of the year is all over - and it went so fast!

This year was the first one ever for me that I woke up to an empty house with absolutely no one else. It felt a bit... weird?! I started at 5.15am with my traditional Christmas Day run - I know I say it every single year, but I always love to start Chrissy Day with a run - or, for a few years there, dad and I cycled. It sets me up well for the day, and what's to not love about being out in the sunshine at that time!

After fluffing around at home, I got to my mummy and daddys at 8am for breakfast and the present opening! I scored just what I asked for:

A George Foreman Steamer!! YAY!!

Some other house-y stuff

$$$$ from my parents;

$$ & Twilight DVD from my bro;

A framed picture of my little girl and $$ from my sis!

(do you reckon my family thinks I'm a bit broke!) ;)

And other bits and pieces - as you do.

By 9am, we were all done, and my bro and I were like "so what do we do?" Soooo down to the air-conditioned media room we went and watched Love Actually (love watching that movie at Christmas time as it's based around Christmas!!). How romantic - my bro and I... HA! At 9.30am we celebrated the day with our first drink...

Once my sis and bro-in-law came with the princess, the day revolved Miss Isabella's feed and sleep cycle, so we were in the pool before lunch, had a scrumptious seafood lunch, back in the pool with our drinkies for the arvo - just how I love spending Christmas Day!

My gift to her was the most gorgeous Little Miss Lorna Jane jumpsuit saying "Born 2 Win" on the front. I'm getting in early! ;)

I had a great day - hope you all had a special one with your families!

This is what I was doing all day!

My bro-in-law, my sis, my bro and me just chilling :)

On Boxing day having a rest with my lil girl - it's so hard being a bubby!

How cute is her Christmas Outfit!!!!!!!!!

It's HERE!!!

2009-12-24T10:56:00.004+10:00

I have to admit with so much going on, I haven't been the usual little Christmas Spirit I am every other year. No big count-down... it's kind of snuck up on me without even realising. I've almost felt like a bit of a grinch compared to my normal self, but it's just been busy!.

This week I'm wearing my antlers, reindeer badge and jingle bell earrings so I'm feeling a little more festive. Yesterday I popped into the business upstairs from mine to drop a card off... one hour and a little bit of bubbly later I returned to work quite 'cheery'! HAHA!! That's what I do love about this time of year - all the festivities!

On that note - I thank each and every one of you for joining me in my 2009 journey, which has been one hell of a ride! And I thank you for letting me share in yours.

All the best to you and your loved ones for a very happy, safe and healthy Christmas. I cannot wait to chill in the pool all day with my drinkies... ;) Cherish every single moment - I will be!!! xxxxx

What's Doing?

2009-12-21T15:46:00.004+10:00

I haven't fallen off the planet, just been keeping my mouth shut for once :P

So in the past almost five (really? that long??) weeks here's a snap-shot:

1. Thanks to a very influential and smart person in my life, I got all motivated and inspired to try different stuff with work, which led me to biting off waaaaay more than I could chew! After having three months off training clients, I missed it sooooo now I'm taking group training sessions in the park, as well as corporate training sessions on their premises and taking clients for one-on-one running sessions (this one I decided as I was running one morning - I thought 'how cool would it be to be paid for this?'... voila!) AND last but not least, doing a Kid's Fitness session twice a week in the park for the duration of the school holidays. Phew! Yes I was exhausted for a bit there, but balancing everything better now :)

2. Went through some very stressful personal 'crap' which led to lots of tears, lack of sleep, lack of eating (I don't eat when stressed/upset, naughty I know) therefore little loss of weight ;P. Thanks to a very, special friend Miss Lyndsay, I have come out the other side a way better, stronger person.

3. For at least three of the last five weeks I've been on anti-biotics for a recurring staph infection... I thought it was stress related (as per above). I finished my third course yesterday... if it comes back, it tests for me. Yuk.

4. Went to Brisbane/Gold Coast for a weekend. Yes, away again, know - my 13th or 14th? I've lost track! - and final trip for the year. I spent a night with Lyndsay and her gorgeous family, (what would I do without her!!) then had a friend's beach wedding on the Gold Coast and spent that night with my bestie down there. She'd just broken up with her boyf of a year, so it was good timing for me to be down there.

5. Although I've been training hard myself, I resumed PT sessions with my trainer at the gym up here. Ouch is all I can say. I'm focusing on getting on stage again next year...

6. Been SMASHING the running training - cannot believe the times I'm pulling out! Found out I really am a sprinter... thanks leggies!!! When the fast boys say "Sh!t, you can sprint" - I know I must be OK. :) Good for the ego, if nothing else! LOL. Soooo, no more half marathons in my immediate future :P

7. I'm in love with my neice. I just want to eat her up she's so gorgeous. Six weeks old already - how that's flown!

8. Looking forward to spending Christmas with my family. If nothing this year I've learnt family is the most important thing :) Here's to 2010 - although I don't think anything will top this year for me! Ever!

HA!

2009-11-17T11:47:00.001+10:00

Friday the 13th!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-13T17:36:00.002+10:00

What a day!!!!!!!! Had a topsy-turvy one, but isn't that expected on Freaky Friday?????

So excited - I'm going to a Christmas Party (yes already!) tonight. A business I do Corporate Training for has invited us - I sooooo can't wait!! (has nothing to do with all the alcohol and food they're putting on. Hey, I'm not in uniform tonight!).

Theme is - Friday 13th. Duh! The staff will all be doing (made to do may I add)Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance - I sooo can't wait to see it!

My two staff and I are dressing nice and easy as devils. More halloween than Friday 13th, but... meh. I've done the devil dress-up many times! Shall I be a naughty or nice-ish one?

Leather pants, here I come! *evil giggle*

The Runner in me is BAAACK!!

2009-11-12T12:15:00.003+10:00

I really did miss competitive running this year - it just didn't fit in with all I had going on :) I missed all the other road runners, and my training partners.

I've gotten back into it the last few months, slowly. No plan, just took myself for a run. I've done two un-planned and winged-at-the-time speed sessions, but nothing to rave about. It's so disheartening being SO unfit (having so much time off with 2x surgeries); when a simple 5km hurts. But, gotta start somewhere again!

Been loving it the last few weeks, feeling the improvements and loving running in Brisbane and Noosa - I need the variety to keep chugging along.

Yesterday I braved it and did a speed session with some of the road runners. Was good to catch up - they were very intrigued as to what 'body-building' I did. Four were really fast boys, and 2 around my pace or slower. From having done hardly nothing to attempting this was silly really. BUT - sucker for punishment I am.

We did 4 x 500m efforts with a jog back to the start as recovery.

I recorded:
1:51
2:03 (yeees, second one shows I took off a little tooo excited for the first one!)
2:06
1:57.

I was chuffed (and stuffed) with those times - how exciting! :)))

Finished off with a 1km smash and I somehow managed to pull out of nowhere a:
4:16.

Oh.My.God. My fastest ever 1km was 4:13, which was within a 3km time trial 18months ago and after months of sprint training.

Where on earth did I pull that from. Maybe being a sloth for so long is a good thing?!

Loved the feeling of the burning in the gutz (will I see that banana again?), loved the feeling of the deadness in the legs like wearing concrete boots, loved the pain. LOVED IT! And don't my legs feel it today.

Pain oh how I have missed you! I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Little Girl...

2009-11-08T17:50:00.007+10:00

Well, maybe not mine, but let's not get too technical. ;)

Today at the hospital - all of four days old :)

I've got the magic touch... ;)

Thumbs up for the coollest aunty in the whole wide world!

Enough Already - I'm sick of photos!!!!!!!! Love this pic!!

DOWN, DOWN and HOME.

2009-11-07T20:57:00.003+10:00

I had an amazing trip!!!!

Spent Saturday afternoon with Lyndsay and her kiddies after I flew in, before we got ready for din-dins. My friend from home (my new bestest friend whom I did everything with) came out with us - she's deserted me and left me alone here to live in Brisbane about a month ago :( BUT it was great to see her and for her to meet....................
Jehanne
Jadey
Ferny
Shelley
Shannon &
Lyndsay!!!

These girls alll look SOOO good, healthy and happy - made me realise how hard we are all on ourselves; I've found my happy place, I hope everyone else struggling does too. It's so much better to be at peace with yourself than continually fighting. xx

Had a great meal and ever better vinos at Meccah Bah before continuing on to other nice lil places. Was home by 1pm-ish, so behaved myself ;)

MovieWorld was canned on Sunday due to the weather, but I took the trip down to the GC anyway to spend a few hours with my bestest friend down there. It was sooooo good - we had SO much to catch up on ;) Finished the day with a walk/run with my cousin thru Brisvegas - noice!

Monday - up early for a run, then I took the Shuttle up to Noosa to spend time with someone very special :))) I LOVE NOOSA!! I'm soooo moving to the Sunny Coast! We got up on Tuesday morning for a glorious run through the National Park - I loved it soooo much! Then jumped in the ocean for a swim - my new girls had their first ever day out in bikinis!!!!!!!!! YAY!! Was awesome! Mark my words - I made a pact on the beach this day that I would do the Noosa Tri next year........................ let's see how that one goes!!!!!!!!

We made our way back to Brisvegas over a few hours, checking out the coast, stopping at Mooloolaba for a looksy. Just LOVED the coast. I think I've found my new home. We were party poopers and missed some big horse race, as we were driving ;)

Got to Brisbane and went for a walkie, din-dins and early night as someone (not me) had to get up at 4.30am Wednesday to run up Mt Cootha! We parted ways a few hours later and I hooked up with Miss Jeh, Lyndsday and Shannon for lunch/coffee - was great to see them again :)

Not long after Jeh left us, I had a call from my bro-in-law - my sis was in early labour!!!!! I told her to wait till I was home - I was flying home that night. ;)

5.58am on Thursday morning my little niece - Isabella Chloe was born! I'm in love with her!!

There has been just soooo much excitement this week. I'm all over the place. Highs and lows (a good friend had bad news), stresses and excitements!

BUT...............

LIFE IS GOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))))))))))))

UP, UP AND AWAAAAY!!

2009-10-30T12:36:00.002+10:00

Again!!!!!!!!! WOOP!!

Cannot WAIT!!!!!!!!!!! I'm flying off tomorrow and Miss Lyndsay will be picking me up and we'll have a huge catch-up before getting ready for dinner and drinkies with the girls! Can't wait to have a proper chat to everyone, not backstage at a comp! I will behave (to the best of my ability) as we're hitting Movie World on Sunday, I'd rather not be seedy for that! ;)

On Monday I'm heading up to Noosa to spend Monday and Tuesday with a friend - so cannot wait for that as I've never been to the Sunny Coast! Bit slack for a QLD'er - it's closer than the Goldie, but I'm always down there!

Wednesday I have a full day in Brisbane before I take the last flight home. I have no plans so far, so I'm happy to wing it, or catch up with anyone if you're free!! Apart from a shopping list with 2 items, my credit card must stay away from the shops!! Did way to much of that in Melbourne.

I'm SO SO SO SO excited about this trip - I seriously LOVE MY LIFE right now! I haven't been doing a lot of blogging or inter-netting, because, finally, I'm LIVING again! I used to sit at home and just waste time on the puter - we all know how much time flies doing that - now I'm having so.much.fun!! I'm never home. :)))

Take me back a year and I thought I was happy - HELL NO! Unfortunately I was happy to settle with where I was... thinking that was the best I could have. NEVER EVER EVER settle!! Ok, and so as to not get preachy, I might sign off now. :P

See some of you tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!!!!! With your party shoes on!

WOOOOP!

BOO again!

2009-10-21T13:22:00.002+10:00

I'm doing a lot of MIA-ing lately!!!! Life is so hectic, I can't keep up with myself!

I just got home on Monday from a whirly-wind 5 days in Melbourne - total last minute trip planned quite quickly - flew out last Wednesday lunch and had the most fun, crazy, insane time! Oh how I love life!

Lots of food, lots of drink, lots of shopping and lots of laughs. Couldn't have had a better trip!

How effing cold was it though?!?! Jumped on the plane from 30degrees to having to go straight out and buy boots (strappys won't do it in that weather), two jackets (which I wore BOTH of, every day), and an extra pair of jeans. I was wearing five layers each day, along with my scarf. I'm such a cold-frog, but it's OCTOBER Melbourne.... catch up huh! ;) Looked a great sight flying back home to 30degrees wearing all of the above.............

My suitcase was lucky to only come home 2kgs heavier - I did SO much shopping. If I ever complain again of having nothing to wear, I'm allowed to be smacked. Damn shame there's not alot of a life here for me to dress up for.................

(So next Saturday I'm off to Brisbane for 5 days, but that's another blog. I'm SO naughty!)

Unfortunately I also came home 2kgs heavier... yup! That's just how much fun I had!!

So not alot of work (or training) has been happening in my world - between having my teeth stolen then jetsetting off, I'm living the life baby.

Now I just need to earn some dosh to keep up with my extravagant lifestlye.......... I can't afford myself! :P LoL.

Yup, It's ME!

2009-10-09T10:27:00.006+10:00

I was flicking back through some old comments and a month ago Linda asked the question:

Hey Selina- is that your pic in the latest Ultra magazine?? I've checked out your earlier pics and it does look like you!

So I'm not the quickest at responding, but yes, it is me! A few shots from the photoshoot I did with Dallas Olsen in May are used for an article on pages 62 and 64.

My mum and sister were so excited and told EVERYONE - they are so cute :) And to think it's not even an article on me, it's just my pics to supplement an article!!!

********

And a huge congratulations and well done to the gorgeous Miss Jadey for your starring role in the latest Oxygen mag! You look HOT HOT HOT- and well deserved girl!

And also to the other hot chickies who're inside, how cool is it hey!!! I'll be demanding some autographs when I see you all next!! ;)

How Good do Babies Have it?!!?!?

2009-10-08T10:06:00.006+10:00

This baby food stuff is gooooood. I quickly got over the sweeter stuff - yoghurt, jelly, custard, even ice-cream etc, but after trying one lot of baby vegetable stuff, I sent mummy to buy me more!!

That's what I've tried so far... they are GOOD!!!

Could be something I keep in the old handbag as emergency food on the go!!! tee hee hee ;)

The Party Wrap-Up!

2009-10-07T17:47:00.003+10:00

The Big She-Bang on Friday night was SO MUCH FUN! My hair appointment ran late so I was stressing big time (as you do), but I managed to get there 30 mins before 'official' start time. I was soooo nervous I needed a vino straight up. Just one. I've never hosted such a huge event before, and it was all on me. I was worried about all the silly little stuff - "does this person have anyone to talk to", "is this person having fun", "what if blah-blah doesn't know anyone else" etc etc etc.

I was busy doing intros and making sure everyone was comfortable. Then I had to get the 'formalities' out the way - if you can call it that. Had to say a few words as it's expected plus then people that are keen to leave can go without feeling rude. Waffled a bit, drew the prize winners then carried on chatting.

Food was great (apparently), I was too busy doing the mingle thingle to see a platter. The most fun part was seeing clients out of sweaty gym gear and they were more impressed with us glamming it up!! Was great fun. So many clients knew each other anyway - they just didn't know that the other trained at our studio.

After the party for people who wanted to keep going, I arranged free entry at our swanky new club/lounge bar (if you do bother to click on link, its the second paragraph under the stars). We all saved $20 each, so not a bad effort! Then we decided that we'll see what else we can get from them - spoke to the manager and asked oh-so-nicely for the VIP room. Thank-ya very much! All complete with our own security guard to let us in and out. How cool did we feel. A friend (and successful businessman) and I just said to each other "all right, we just gave them heaps of business, let's see what they can do for us". I roll with the right people ;) (and ensure I'm taking notes!! hehe)

100 people came and went throughout the night, so it was a HUGE success! So much so that I've had lovely emails thanking me for a great night and the big question - When's the next one?!

Me and my business kinda coaches who helped organise the night.

Me and my bestest friend underneath the cool balloon display!

Me and my very pregnant sister. Although you wouldn't know it, from the back she's tiny! 8 months down.

Me and my brother and dad.

WHOO HOO!! I love entertaining!!!!!!!!!!

Four Times Less Wise

2009-10-07T09:51:00.002+10:00

I'm alive and I survived.

The day surgery was running FOUR hours late - booked in at 3.30pm, didn't get knocked out till just before 7.30pm. You can imagine how freaking STARVING I was. Oh and thirsty as I had to follow the rules for fasting for the earlier surgery.

Four teeth gone - not happy Jan. I've never had a problem with my wisdom teeth, like, ever. No issues, no growth pains, NOTHING.

The top 2 have been there, and through perfectly, for 10 years - I had teeth extracted when I was 12 for braces, so there was heaps of room.

The bottom 2 were just hanging round under the surface, one of them decided to grow a bit crooked. Silly bugger. So my local dentist said to just get the bottom 2 out. Great.

Paperwork comes back and oral surgeon wants them all gone. WHY!?! They are perfectly FINE. Of course, them being the experts 'win'. So they stole all 4.

Now was that an interesting story? Does make you wonder if they're feathering each other's and their own pockets sometimes though.

The anaesthetist's assistant nurse came to collect me and it just happened to be a previous client. A really great, friendly guy. Haven't seen him all year as he's been serving in Afghanistan, but as I learnt he's back on a casual basis.

Straight away I said "NOOOOOOO. No revenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!" So he threatened tattoos, piercings, and missing eyebrows.

Have to admit, he was just great and asked me many questions to make me waffle crap, coz by then I was pooping my pants.

Went all light and fuzzy (like after a few glasses of vino ;) hee hee hee), then I woke up with an ice-pack, and zero feeling in my face!

When I come out of it, I feel like I'm pissed. I waffle absolute crap (which I'm quite talented at straight) and looking back now I can't really remember what we spoke about. Must be good entertainment for them.

My major concern was "am I drooling".

Got home after 10pm - I stayed at my mummy's house as I'm supposed to have a carer for 24hours. 12 was enough.

So after enjoying a breakfast of heinz baby chocolate custard I'm just fluffing around. Feeling absolutely fine! No pain AT ALL so far, however it does get worse before it gets better.

So there's my gory story - can't talk all that well, but certainly doesn't stop me typing crap!!

xx

Waiting, waiting, waiting....

2009-10-06T14:21:00.003+10:00

Great time for a quick blog, what else do you do whilst waiting to go to the hospital to get your Wisdom Teeth taken out?!

I'm not scared of freaking out (yet). Thank goodness I've been under once before which was only 2 months ago - so I know what I'm in for.

'Cept this one certainly ain't going to be as fun after.

It's SUCH an inconvenience more than anything, and it hurts the bank balance. I think they should be paying ME to take my teeth out - I'm happy to keep them.

Haven't eaten since 10am, and I'm no longer allowed to drink. It's going to be a looong afternoon... just knock me out and get it done with already!! :P

That's what scares me most - not being able to eat properly for about a week. ;)

I'll be back when I'm a little less wise :)

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Excited!!!!!!

2009-10-02T11:21:00.003+10:00

I'm SOOO pumped! I've been organising a massive event for this evening! My studio is having a PARTY at a funky function place on the river and it's going to be AWESOME!

All five of us trainers are doing the Little Black Dress thang - our clients won't recognise us as we're always wearing long pants, no/minimal make-up and pony-tailed hair. We can't wait to glam it up!

I've got the coolest balloon display coming, the nibbly food will be divine - no deep-fried crap - some of the stuff I can't even pronounce!!

I've just come back from the final meeting with the owners which is why I'm so excited - I can't concentrate! *bounce bounce bounce*

We're expecting 150 people so I can't wait to be Miss Social Butterfly.

I've had some GREAT prizes given to me- LJ Voucher, a Massage Voucher, $150 Hair & Beauty Package, and I was given an awesome discount for a weekend accommodation package at a 4.5star resort at Airlie Beach. I'm getting good at sweet talking!! hee hee

And so then of course as I have pimp these places, they've looked after me by doing my spray tan and I'll be getting my hair funkied up this arvo all for FREE :)))

SOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo hope everyone else has a great weekend! If you're up this way feel free to pop on in! I'll post some pics up :))

I'm thinking that Functions & Events Co-Ordinator should be my next job - I love it!

Who Wants to Go to the Circus in Brisbane?!

2009-09-28T11:34:00.005+10:00

After puchasing these tix earlier this year, my bestie and I can't go now :(

Concert Date: Tuesday 24th November in Brisbane
3rd Row Seats - Lower Circle, Diamond Reserved

Concert is sold out

We're selling the tickets for the purchase price of $200 each

Anyone interested?? Could everyone please put the word out to anyone who may be interested?!?

Any takers, any takers, any takers!?!?

Ready, Set, GO!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-21T07:31:00.002+10:00

I'm all pumped up for a SMASHING week this one! I've got a new weight training program all ready to go, and I'm looking forward to feeling getting my running back upto 'top speed' ;).

Heaps on at work - so so soooo busy, but I find I'm way more productive when I'm flat out as opposed to just floating along.

HAPPY MONDAY!!! Here's to a SENSATIONAL week!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

We are SOOOO freaking cool!

2009-09-20T21:21:00.005+10:00

I've got a really cool friend, previously from primary school, in my life at the moment, we caught up earlier this year after so many years with no contact and I'm so so so glad we 'found' each other again.

Our friendship has been rekindled and we spend a lot of time together because unfortunately she came out of a long term relationship about five weeks ago. I took her under my wing, as I said to her "Babe, you can tell me anything. Trust me, I know how you're feeling. I'll look after you" She's in the same 'category' as me - young-ish, single and wondering what happened to those childhood dreams of the Knight in Shining Armour!!!

I must have done an OK job as she said to me "You should be a counsellor". Real life experience is all it was though. I know how helpless and lost and lonely and sucky she felt, all I wanted to do was give an ear, and I hope in some small way I made things just a little bit better for her, and will keep doing.

So now I finally have a new best friend so similar to me, we've been inseparable! hee hee. She's my partner in crime, and it's great to have someone to do stuff with again :)

Dinner, movies, lunch, just hanging, it's really really fun! :) So today we decided to do a late lunch at the marina and hang around after it at the sports bar where everyone apparently goes on Sundays. No drinkies for us, on the hard water!

When we left in my little red rocket, some guys in a hotted up car drove beside us. I slowed so they'd get ahead... so they slowed. I went up to the speed limit, you guessed it, so did they, all the while giving us the thumbs up and signalling they wanted our numbers. They looked sooo young. We were pissing ourselves laughing wishing they'd get the hell away and do the freaking speed limit at least.

As they finally did we see the personalised number plate:

50LGE

Which, judging by their egos, we think is meant to read ' so large'. Oh my god - to make matters worse there was a P Plate hanging off the back of the car! BAHAHAHA!! It was hilarious!!!

Least we know we can still pull a teenager if desperate!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Sheeeee's BACK!

2009-09-19T11:22:00.003+10:00

I'm finally feeling like ME again!!!!!!! I've pretty much had two months of hell. I've never felt so so so crap in my life. I seriously wanted to jump off a bridge. (Be careful what you wish for though - I was invited last week to take part in a charity fundraiser - dressing up crazy and... jumping off our CBD bridge...!)

From being shit-hot (in my head at least!) at comp with all the focus and hardcore training and dieting, to having surgery and not being able to train, and of course eating whatever the hell I felt like because I can, I went off the rails. I looked in the mirror a few weeks post comp and op and I was FAT. I cried and cried and cried, it seemed to happen overnight. I gained 6kgs - I weighed in at 45kgs at the All Fems. For crying out loud, 51kgs IS NOT FAT but it was so hard to accept and I loathed how I felt. I hated the flabby, wobbly, soft body I was living in, having been lean, hard and muscular all year. I'm still 'dealing' with it, but it will take time. I also knew it was my own fault, but I felt so helpless to fix it.

I couldn't do, or chose not to do any impact cardio or weight training until I had the all clear from my surgeon. I'm looking after these babies, I'm not going to do anything to affect the healing. I attempted power walks, which bored the everythings outta me. Couple of spin classes, but there was no structure. Food was my focus and now that I wasn't on a strict comp diet, I could have a few drinkies again. I LOVE to socialise, I love to meet people and have FUN.

My bestie from the Gold Coast came up for a weekend, I was in my element - I had a friend!! Had the bestest weekend........... then she left. I went through a major depressive patch. I was so so so sooooooooooooooo lonely again. It made me realise just how much I need my friends in my life.

I did hit rock-bottom, I really really found a dark place that I never knew existed. I hated the unmotivated, depressed, sad, unpassionate person I'd become, but I had no idea how to get out. I knew I was in trouble when my family and friends started to worry. And my staff members - I thought I carried myself well but they can see straight through me. I simply had to claw myself back out, there was no other option.

So it was good timing that I had a quick overnighter in Brisbane last week with my mummy, we have SO much fun together -she is my bestest friend!! I shouted her as she's done absolutely everything for me this year :) I was there to have my post-op consult with my surgeon, but really it was a great excuse to do some shopping.

After getting the all clear, I snuck back to the gym, trying to avoid everyone. Yea right. Everyone had noticed I'd been away.

After 7 weeks of no heavy training I've been in a world of pain. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it though, I've missed that feeling. I had my first PT smashing on Thursday and I was so smashed I walked out in a daze and forgot to pay. How embarassing!!

And who would have thought doing chest presses with FIVE kg dumbbells could hurt so much. Oh.My.God - I've never been so sore! My ego copped a hiding.

I've also been getting out of my comfort zone and doing stuff alone. I was once a sooky-la-la that would do nothing without a friend, but now I'm going to places that I've been invited to by someone who knows someone, and I'm having the bestest time! I had a whole heap of fun going to a show last Saturday night that I'd never even think of going to 'normally', and managed to find myself four new clients in the process! Hows that for 'networking'. LOL

For the first time all year, I'm finding out what my new 'normal' is. From coming out of a looong-term relationship to overseas then straight into the strictness of comp prep and not socialising then finding my own place then comp finishes then surgery happens, then I 'retire' as a PT... it's been so FULL-ON, I didn't really know what I wanted or who I was with all the other normality that was previously my life, having ended.

It's been the little things - taking all my supplements, getting lots of water in, and some form of training every single day that's gotten me back on track.

I have a friend who I'm staying accountable to with mini-goals, and today I'm happy to say I smashed my Saturday goal just by eating properly and training again. It's always a work in progress, as long as I keep my body active and healthy my mind is clear too. That's all I'm worried about for now.

I know I'll crash again, BUT I've learnt no matter how many times I fall, I will keep on getting up.

I've learnt when my training is on track and I'm feeling good about ME, my life feels on track and most importantly I'm happy and someone you'd WANT to hang out with! :) Those happy endorphins are good little things aren't they!

So girls - who wants to come up to QLD for a holiday :) I can supply all the essentials - accommodation, transport, gym, fridge. And the weather is awesome right now!! (Jeh??) ;)

Figure Girls in the Making...

2009-09-18T17:06:00.003+10:00

My best friend brought her kidlets over to see me this afternoon.

They found my shoes...

Here's my goddaughter, Miss Five Year Old...

And Miss Two Year Old had to do what big sis did!

Lucky my shoes are only a size 4!!!!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEKK!!!

2009-09-18T09:03:00.005+10:00

I'm soooo excited, the butterflies are going crazy in my belly! For no reason other than I'm so pumped, nervous and excited for all the girls competing this weekend! I remember it all so fondly

Get up there, strut your stuff and have a great time doing it girls! You've worked so damn hard for it - now it's your turn to SHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I never wish 'Good Luck' as "Luck is for the Ill-Prepared" so just HAVE FUN doing your thang! :)

Comp Pics

2009-09-02T20:12:00.002+10:00

Hey, have any of you girls who competed at the All Females received your professional photos from the day yet??

I haven't - have I missed out, or have they still not been distributed??

She's Gone Home :(

2009-08-30T17:08:00.002+10:00

Back to being by myself. It was a short, but fun weekend. We had people over on Friday night, it was a great nite, we had to kick them out at 2am so we could go to bed!! I guess that's better than everyone leaving early coz it was boring!!!!!!

It was the most glorious day yesterday - we went for a drive to the beach before the restaurant we chose to go to opened for lunch. We never got there... sat at the Marina, had a few wines and four hours later went home! I can't believe it's still officially winter, the weather is amazing :) Love it love it love it!

We had a BBQ to go to last night at another friend's house, then did breakfast this morning before taking them to the airport. I've been moping with a case of the sads all day :(

Early nite tonite then the new week begins................. hope you all had a nice weekend.

SCORE!

2009-08-28T15:41:00.002+10:00

Sorting through the boxes of utter crap that followed me when I left home, I came across some old birthday cards. Lucky I bothered to read them, as I found some money in one!! Score!! How I mangaged to leave it in the card and not spend it straight up in the first place is beyond me! 6 months on, I'm $20 richer ;)

My bestie from the GC is here this weekend with her boyf. They get to be my first visitors, aren't they special. Although they were quite horrified to open my fridge - other than spices and a few veges, it's totally empty! Ha!

Have a nice weekend :) I've been looking forward to this one for a loooong time! It's always good to spend time with her and have someoe I can do stuff with, or just do nothing at all and still have fun!! :)))

Another Anniversary...

2009-08-19T10:01:00.005+10:00

I had my big one two weeks ago. Today's anniversay is even better.

Four weeks ago today when I was in Brisbane with my mummy, these girls came into my life.

Born at 12.30pm on 22/7/09, weighing 250g each.

Happy birthday to my girls - can't imagine life without you!!!!

xx

Yep, it was Him!

2009-08-18T19:33:00.011+10:00

In case my previous post wasn't obvious, after all my lusting over the TV during last week, I had heart palpitations when I read in the newspaper that my new boyfriend was going to be the special guest at the opening of the new nightclub.

I could meet him!!!!!!!!!!

And meet him I did :))))) He's quite small in 'real life' - just perfect for me ;) He was TOTALLY HOT, he had great dress sense, and............ I just wanted to jump on him. But I behaved like a lady :P

I felt like a total groupie getting a photo with him - but I wasn't the only one! So first I sat on the couch kinda below him and got a pic, then the other people moved (why thankyou very much!) and I got to sit up beside him and he introduced himself and we started the small talk stuff. (Which was what he was being paid to do, but I felt sooooo cool all the same). Our arms were touching we had to sit so close... my face was THAT close to his - you know how it is in a club with music! WOW! No one else was really hanging round by this point so I should have stayed and chatted................. but I was so scared I'd make a royal dick of myself by saying something dumb that I made a stupid excuse that I had to go! DANG! L-O-S-E-R. There really weren't that many people hanging around - either they weren't aware he was there, or they just didn't know much about him, or care! Anyway, I had the chance to speak to him so I felt special for just a little bit.

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be getting the pictures. It was a random guy that offered to take them for me, and he did take a few. Get to the part where I give him my email address (which is my name and the last 2 digits of my birthyear) and he looks at me like I'm some pre-historic creature and says "is that when you were born???". Just kick me where it hurts. I thought he was about my age.... obviously not. At least I wouldn't have been too old for my Benji ;) Google says he's 38 ;) (And the best part............SINGLE!)

So to this day, I still haven't got the pics emailed through. :( I should have just said it was my favourite number.

**********

So back down from my cloud and to reality...

Work is...............weird. I no longer have to get out of bed at stoopid o'clock, but without having a set appointment to get in there for, I'm a bit lost and don't yet have much structure. I'm so so busy still, I don't know how I fit it all in before. Why is it no matter how much we cut back to un-busy ourselves the days are still soooo damn full!

I've got 2 business mentors that are keeping me on track with all the things I've been wanting to do for a loooong time, along with growing the business. It's good to have them - not just to be accountable to, but to give fresh and new ideas from an outsiders perspective. It's very exciting!

**********

My lil bro went to NZ for a ski trip and got home a few days ago. Five days before he was due to return, he was glassed in a bar in Christchurch. He was very very lucky, had the d!ckhead that did it hit just a few centimetres in towards his nozzle, he could have lost his eye. He came home bruised and with stitches - so so so lucky. An off-duty ambulance officer witnessed it, so he was well looked after. My bro was taken to the police station and had to make a statement. There was a write-up in the NZ paper and all and the d!ckhead who did it is going to court soon.

My brother was an innocent by-stander, this has been backed up by all witnesses. IF this guy doesn't plead guilty (but as the police said - he'd be stupid not too, there were too many people that saw it), my bro will have to go back to NZ for the court case.

He's downplayed it all - he didn't even call to tell my parents as he knew they'd just panic. Which they would.

It's so scary though, you just don't know what losers are going to do with a few drinks in them. I'm all for the banning of glasses in pub and clubs - bring on the styrofoam!

***********

Well I might go and re-watch some of the Underbelly episodes. Back to my dream-land. It's more fun there :)

(and for some STOOPID reason, blogger will not let me put spaces between my paragraphs although I've edited it FIVE times to do so. This control freak doesn't like it looking so damn cluttered. Time to turn puter off before it ends up broken...)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2009-08-18T12:22:00.003+10:00

To those who know Lyndsay, she had a little girl yesterday at 10.53am weighing 3540g.

Both of them are healthy and very happy :)

If she's anything like her mother, she'll be a stunner!!!

I'M IN LOVE!!

2009-08-17T18:40:00.009+10:00

(no, not with a SpeedDate applicant... and thanks to Kelly for your comment - there we go, it was never something I signed up for after all!!! :P )

Although I finally have internet access at my house (YEEHA!) I've been MIA from the internet world - not because I wanted my sexy(?) 70s pic to stay at the top of my blog - but because I had a hot date every night last week.

I developed a huge crush, and I think it's now love.

My hot dates involved a lot of time on the couch with the television and the first Underbelly series.

Meet my new boyfriend:

What on earth will my mother say!

I had no idea who he was - sorry never watched Blue Heelers - so I let google do the background work for me and last week all I wanted was my TV. Coz that's how I could see him daily. Of course!

There's something I love about a tattooed bad boy on TV - that hot bad ass on The OC, and now my 'Benji' -but I reckon if I saw them in the streets I'd run and hide!!!

And to put your mind at ease, I'm in love with the actor, not the character he played... Just in case you thought it was my life goal to be a gansta's gal! ;)

************

Last Thursday I read in our newspaper that a new club was opening on Friday. It looked GREAT and I really wanted to check it out but I knew I had no one that would go out with me. (Remember I have no friends that don't have a tribe of young kids!!!!!).

Friday morning I HAD to go... then I got over it by lunchtime and resigned myself to a Friday night alone with more television. But my boy Benji had been killed off Underbelly by this stage so it wasn't as appealing. I really really wanted to go out again. I went through all my phone contacts and tried whoever I thought may be keen. I was rejected. I nearly cried. "EFF THIS, I'm selling my business and moving to a city where I can have FRIENDS!".

I had one last person to contact who I knew is a social butterfly and BINGO, she was going to the opening. Just happens to be one of my newly aquired business mentors. ;)

This place was AWESOME! Oh and as the Thursday paper mentioned, which was part of my NEEDING to go, there just happened to be a special guest star for the Opening....

JUST GUESS WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C'mon, c'mon... and guess who I got to see, meet, and touch as we sat side-by-side on the couch for a photo and a chat....

*ahhhhhhh*

Reason #467 Why You Shouldn't Drink...

2009-08-16T21:43:00.003+10:00

Because you just might hop on the computer when you get home in the wee hours of the morning, and sign up for a Facebook application like, say... Speed Date.

Obviously a good idea at the time...

I had no recollection until checking my inbox just now and there's eighteen new speed date messages.

Oh crap. What have I done, and how do I 'unsign' up....

(In my defence it was my first night out in six months, waaaay before comp and the banning of alcohol. I'm going to have to ban it again).

Shagadelic Baby, Yeah!

2009-08-09T17:12:00.003+10:00

Party was fun, everyone made an effort to dress up and there were some fantastic costumes. Apparently I was the only one with a genuine 70s outfit though. What was my mother thinking back then... :)

BOO!

2009-08-07T12:49:00.004+10:00

Three posts in a week, that's getting a bit much isn't it! ;)

Thanks guys for all your comments on my last entry - it certainly has been one hell of a year and I don't want the ride to stop! I hope if anyone else has gone through stuff like that, that you realise there is a happily ever after, after all. :)

After whinging that I get lonely at home, I have only been home once in the past eight nights! But I wan't alone - my sister came over for tea - her hubby is in New Zealand so she's a bit lost as well. On Wednesday night we were given premiere tickets to "The Ugly Truth" - it's a good movie! If you want a laugh, do it - my ribs were hurting and she nearly had her baby. It's a bit rude, but if you don't get offended by that, you'll like it.

I met the gorgeous Miss Hilde for tea this morning. I can't say coffee as we both had tea! For so long we've said we'll do it, but life just gets busy :) It was nice to catch up with her and chat about all our similar stuff - although she can run that marathon alone! She's running for a great cause, so I was more than happy to sponsor her. Rather you than me Hilde! Go girl. ;)

Condolences to Kerryn, Bike Boy and their three boys - thinking of you Kekky. {{HUGS}}

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend - I've got a crazy 70s party to go to - it's going to be hilarious - I'm wearing my mum's Engagement Dinner outfit from 1978. Why she still has it I have no idea - but in this case I'm happy she's a hoarder - I get a genuine outfit ;) Depending on how silly I look, I will post pics :)

Happy Anniversary to me!!

2009-08-05T13:10:00.005+10:00

Today marks the 7th month anniversary of my freedom from a LOSER!!! To my blog readers from way back - can you believe my infamous break-up was seven months ago today!! YAY!!! Although it didn't seem like it at the time (it never does, god bless hindsight), it was the best thing that could EVER have happened to me, and I've NEVER been happier!!!

I was reading back through my old posts on the weekend - man, wasn't I a mess! But some of the things I said have all happened:

6th January: "I know I'll come out the other side, in 6 months or so this will seem silly. I can't wait to get there."

So 7 months later here we are and let me say I got there way quicker than 6 months, try 6 weeks!! Never has a girl's trip to Bali been timed better :) New 'happy memories' were created with people who will be in my life FOREVER!

15th January: My goal is to make myself SO HOT. He is going to regret ever letting a HOT, AWESOME chick like me go. I'm going to pretend I'm the happiest girl in the world. Revenge is sweet, and I think that will be the best revenge.

Hows that for a goal!! tee hee. And to pretend I'm the happiest girl - hell no!! I AM the happiest girl!!!

22nd January: "I have plans this year, I have BIG plans this year. Something to keep me focused, to keep me busy and occupied, and to make me LIVE, not just go through the motions like I have been. And although ultimately it's for ME, to rub it in his deceiptful, slimy, pathetic face."

My mum always said I was stubborn - my whole life if I've said I'm going to do something, I've done it. After all the crap, I did set some BIG goals and planned some BIG stuff, and I've done them all!!! Although even I didn't realise at the time, just HOW big!

To compete - twice!!! Even more exciting was bringing home some bling in the second comp! Does that count as making myself HOT? ;) Can't get much hotter than comp condition, right?!

For many years I've said I'm going to take a step back from the training side of my business and focus on the managerial side and marketing - to take it to the next level really. This is official now but still taking shape! Done! My job is to look after my four fantastic trainers :)

I've got my own place!!

Although I wanted these things so bad as 'revenge', I have absolutely ZERO care-factor for him, he doesn't even enter my realm of thinking and I don't give two hoots if he knows any of the above or not!

I've done every single bit of this for me :) No one else :) He was holding me back and I just didn't realise!

(Although I will admit it felt quite good when I saw his mum and sister in the shopping centre - both who I on really good terms with - and all of those things came up in the conversation! And that mum and I had just came back from a few nights in Brisbane, having a break. Just because we can. tee hee)

GO ME!!!!!!!!!!

What's next, what's next, what's next?

Oh and NO, I don't have any men on the scene. That seems to be my most commonly asked question at the moment!

Don't have one, don't want one, don't have any time for one ;)

Boring Old Chook

2009-08-03T17:46:00.003+10:00

That's what I am :) Got a bit of blogger's block happening...

Not alot going on in my world at all. Just work. And a bit of play. I had a networking event on Friday night. A few wines go a lot further than they used to.... oops. I'll say no more.

I've also become a groupie for our local team in the Queensland Basketball League - I love love love going down to watch. I never understood the girlies that would follow footy teams around and support every game, I hated footy. Hate the fights. Hate the culture. But the atmosphere at the basketball is amazing. Plus the fact my bro-in-law and sis are corporate sponsors (as he used to play for them) so we get box seats plus drinkies and food. ;) Our team have made the finals for the first time in ten years, so that's very exciting! haha - how sad do I sound!

I love living by myself, but find I've been getting so lonely! I need a pet rock or something :) I go home to mum and dad's all the time - like now- just for company! (Plus they have the internet teee hee hee - I still can't get it at home dammit). I watch heaps more TV now, I was never a TV person. Although I must have ADHD with sticking to one thing- I'm currently in the middle of the Harry Potter DVDs (although that's a weekend thing, they're long movies) ;), Sex & The City series, Gossip Girl series and Underbelly Series.

And I'm in the middle of no less than four books at the moment. Is that strange?!

Well... eat time, so over and out. Here's a few more pics from my first comp, just coz they're on this computer... ;)

OUCH!

2009-07-28T09:12:00.002+10:00

Thanks Steph, that prod hurt ;)

Bout time for an update I guess :) My life is a constant cyclone!!

The week before comp, I officially 'retired' from my position as a personal trainer - for a few months at least then to re-evaluate. My role is manager and everything else of the studio, that's a full time job in itself. It was all going smooth... which we all know is a sign that it ain't gonna last for long.

One of my trainers (who's only been on since April) quit. With one hour notice. The day before I flew to Melbourne for the All Females. Leaving behind five full shifts of clients who needed to be trained. I could have cried, but what was I to do? I was leaving the state, and didn't want to get in a tizz before comp. So I forgot about it for a few days, and the wines helped with that ;)

Home from Melbourne Monday, 4.30am start on Tuesday - I covered as many shifts as I could in the past two weeks, to help out my other guys. 'Retirement' wasn't going as planned ;)

Last Tuesday I went away with my mummy. This was something we'd planned all year, and I'd planned work around it of course. But I'd booked this trip as a little break for us both - mum is my angel, and no staff dramas were going to stop it. She works in my business 3 days per week, and expects no payment, although of course I do reimburse her anyway. She deserved the break.

We had three nights in Brisbane city, and she went shopping crazy!! I seriously need to get her out more ;) I met up with my bestie and Miss Shannon on Thursday for coffee and a catch-up. It was great to de-brief after comp, and my bestie loves to hear about it. Although it's something she will never do, being my tanner and cheerleader at my first comp, she knows the ins and outs of it all.

Today is my first day back at work after this mini vacation. I've got heaps and heaps to do, so of course I procrastinate by blogging :) My day started well with an interview - this girl was a sweetie! Got a few more to do before our decision is made.

Things are going well!!!! I'm a happy little girlie and can't wait to see what else is in store for me... challenges, dramas, and happy things - Bring It On!

I'm Back...

2009-07-13T14:27:00.008+10:00

in the Sunshine State where it's 10 degrees warmer :)

What a whirly-wind weekend :) Kerryn has done a great post on the behind the scenes stuff from the weekend. Check it out - it's a good read!!! And yes, I was the bubble brain who dropped my last ration of chook on the floor, and then later on my honey covered rice-cake...

I was well looked after all weekend :) I could have had anything I wanted for breakfast, and I was served the most divine Paleo Pancake... so good it can't be 'diet' food! We dirtied it up with yoghurt and real maple syrup.

We went into the city yesterday to catch up with Shannon and her hubby and sister, and Liz for a late lunch before they flew home. It was great to de-brief (again!) and we were fully satisfied after our shared Sticky Date cake and few vinos :)

Back to reality now, work tomorrow and back on track with the food. Next goal - not sure yet! For the first time all year, I don't have a strict goal date, and it feels... weird?

Backstage pic of me, Shannon and Linda taken with Kerryn's camera phone. (edit: errrm, I mean phone camera. Can't blame lack of carbs for that one...!)

The Intermediate top 3.

Shannon and I enjoying our wine after the comp.

Looking less orange the morning after with my trophy and flowers before heading off for lunch!

All pics thanks to Kerryn :) The best host, chauffeur, personal cook, tanner, slapper, eyelash-applier, rice-cake and jelly snake feeder, tissue-supplier and photographer.... EVER!!!!

What a Day!!!!

2009-07-12T10:21:00.003+10:00

I'll jump straight to the stuff I know everyone will be waiting for - the pics :)

The All Females was a blast!!!!!!!!!!! It was GREAT meeting so many girls and catching up with others :)

My final week was a struggle and I just wanted it to be O.V.E.R. Meeting Shannon at the hairdresser's got the adrenalin and excitement happening! We got all prettied up, the straight to registration where we met Rae, Jeh and Jadey - all looking very glamorous!

The day went SO quick - the divisions seemed to run ahead of time and we were called out well before we were ready - so Shannon and I were down doing push-ups under boss's order being almost-yelled at "don't stop, but eat this" as a lolly was shoved in our mouth!

There were 7 girls in our Intermediate divison. Shannon was AMAZING - although she doesn't quite believe it ;) A few people asked us if we were sisters - must have been the same skin colour... haha :P We were onstage beside each other which was heaps of fun, but also a disadvantage as she is just PHENOMENAL (girl you are, and you have the proof of that now sista!) We were both there for ourselves and to have fun, and we sure did!

Pre-judging was over before we knew it, and we got to go have a normal lunch. And we told the boss that we were having a glass of wine... we didn't ask, we just told. hee hee. Casey and Linda (mightee mouse) and their helpers came along with us for lunch and it was nice to chill before heading back.

More lollies, pumping up and ROUTINE time! Yay, I got through mine with no fumbles and I hope I gave Jo's routine justice. The DVD will tell... :) Bit more of a pose-down and places were announced...

Miss Shannon WON! Again I say - that girl is just AMAZING, and did an awesome routine - put together late Friday night! She was simply incredible and has great stage presence. She owned it baby!

I GOT THIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEEEHA!!! I was SO SO SOOOOO excited after coming 4th in May in Novice, I was STOKED to come in third in intermediate!!!

The INBA QLD promotors who were back-stage were so proud of us, and I was jumping round like a kiddie at Christmas with my trophy!

Shannon was in the Overalls of course and made it to the final three - a process of elimination was done. It had to have been close - but all three were sensational, definitely something to aspire to.

Then we went to eat, another vino, a coffee and some Koko Black. Kerryn and I were home by 2am, and not sure about her, but I got no sleep being so high on sugar ;)

Huge thanks to Lizzie and Kerryn for being awesome slappers, and to all the girls - it was an amazing day!!

2 Sleeps to Go...

2009-07-09T09:33:00.002+10:00

Although I'm not doing a lot of that. Excitement? Nerves? Not sure but I had lots on my mind last night that I had to get up and write it on a list so I could get some peace and sleep!

The lists have started... I am a control freak. Or anal cow as I like to call myself. Lists everywhere. So I had to laugh when I read Kerryn's post this morning. Perfect. Just the way I like my hosts. ;)

I was up late last night cooking and portioning for the next few days. My meals are set out in my fridge in chronological order. The clip-seal bags marked with m1, m2, m3 etc. Lucky no one else needs to share my fridge. No thought required. Grab and eat.

I like to make everything as easy and thoughtless as possible in the last few days. Tonight's job will be to chop up my potassium supplements into the correct portions, chuck in a clip-seal bag and mark with the time to take them.

Then pack. Check lists, and no doubt, re-pack. Control freak. Hell yes.

The hard yards are done now. No more training. Just organisation. First coat on contest colour starts tonight. Ahhh the sweet kahlua-smelling smell. ;)

Can't wait to meet some people I haven't yet, and catch up with others. It's going to be great fun! And I'm fortunate to have the hostess with the mostest. She's getting more than she bargained for though - my personal shopper, chauffeur, tanner, and slapper. I will never be invited to stay again. ;)

Can wait for the Melbourne weather... I saw the news last night. 3 degrees? What the?

So this is it until next week!

Four sleeps to go!

2009-07-07T10:57:00.004+10:00

I'm on the countdown - just like last time. :)

I'm starting to get excited now!!

My nose is running like crazy, but nothing like a bit of cardio to get the juices flowing and clean out the old nozzle system!

Should start packing today, and organising what comp specific stuff I need to take. Nothing like leaving it till the last minute! Luckily Kerryn has told me I don't need any dark towels or sheets as she has them all, then from the plane we're going to the supermarket for all my food supplies to cook up, SO thank goodness I don't need to take all that either - the stuff that takes up heaps of room. It's SUCH a relief staying with someone else who competes!!! Makes things heaps easier :)

I have only half a tub of Tan Master left - what do others prefer - the Tan Master or Dream Tan as I'll have to arrange for more of one or the other. Dream Tan was banned at the Brisbane comp, so I've only ever used Tan Master... should I stick with what I know? Or go the Dream Tan that most people seem to use?

Thoughts...

2009-07-06T10:39:00.001+10:00

It’s never too late to be what you might have been.

- George Elliot

The time is always right to do what is right.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

How did it get there so quick?

2009-07-06T09:19:00.002+10:00

There's only 5 sleeps to go! four in my bed and one at Kekky babys!!! :)) It's so freaking cold here, I'm scared to think what Melbourne will be like. Lucky I have the expert who's advised me on what to pack. :)

So I've been ill. :( Went home last Thursday after I'd taken all my clients and had a sloth day. Worked Friday but then it came on real bad. Razor blade throat, watery eyes and runny nozzle. I know exactly whose fault it is too - my early Thursday client was ill, and I was a bit cranky he came in saying "I'll be OK to train" (yea buddy, but will I be OK?). I said to him "if you make me ill, I'll be really peed off, I don't get sick and I can't so close to comp". Famous last words...

Anyway a bit of forced quality time with the couch was in order all weekend. And lots of drugs.

This week I'm taking off - as in not seeing clients. Still have to do admin and payroll etc. I needed a decent sleep so turned my phone off last night to get one.... after a lovely sleep-in this morning I had no less than 4 text messages - my staff are sick too. ARGH!

So guess who's in at work sorting it all out - rescheduling clients etc :( Nevermind, I'll survive!

Few more training to go.... haven't had the ideal prep, but I'll still get up there and have some FUN!!! Bring it on :)

I'm Going to the Circus!

2009-07-03T12:55:00.002+10:00

I got tix for myself and one of my best friends - the other 2 weren't interested for some reason?! Back in the day we said if Britney ever toured Australia we were going - 10 years on, I have tickets :) She just has to find a way to trust her hubby to look after their three kids under 5 for a few days... So excited!!! :) (But please don't tell anyone!!!).

Well hello there!

2009-06-28T19:28:00.002+10:00

LOOoooong time, no post. Have you missed me :P

Life keeps whooshing by, each day one closer to the All Females :)

I'm had some utterly crap days, where I've ended in tears - but it's always from external sources not from me... if that makes any sense at all. That in turn had me so negative and pessimistic about every aspect of my life and I was miserable.

Of course it had to change - and I'm a happy chappy again, and really really working on not letting others influence my moods and behaviours. WE are in control of our emotions, getting upset at something someone else has done is them having total power over you. Nuh-uh, not anymore :)

My comp prep has been alot more enjoyable since the shift in mood. Not that the bad one lasted long, but when I'm in that place I feel I'll never get back out.

Been smashing the training, absolutely copping a hiding. I've been training with an EVIL trainer who pushes me to limits I never thought I was capable of. I cannot perform anything after our sessions. He has 30 years experience in the industry and was a very successful competitor so I'm learning lots from him as I go :) I know I train bloody hard by myself, but having that someone to push push push and help squeeze that last little bit out, and do negatives with just to really trash the old muscles has taken my poor bod to places I've never thought possible! I LOVE IT!

Posing practice is so much better second time around, my routine is finally coming together, it's just practice practice practice - as that makes perfect! I'm SOOO excited about the All Females - I'm a little more relaxed then last time, now that I know what happens, so I can't wait to get on stage, hopefully in better shape, and HAVE FUN!! Can't wait to be on stage with Shannon (and who else out there is gonna be with us?) and let my inner show-pony SHINE!!! HA!!!

Still got work to do before then.... I wanna BRING IT HOME STRONG!!!!!!!!!!

*****

LOVE LOVE LOVE living alone. I can cook in my hooker heels, I can break out in routine when my song comes on, and no one thinks I'm a fruit loop.

Having huge problems with internet which is why there's been no posting... Seems I'm in a black spot! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR. Spent HOURS signing up last week for mobile broadband only to get home and find I have no coverage. It's crazy, I'm in the centre of town, and I can't get coverage? What the hell?

I'm so lost at home with no internet :( I feel so isolated...

So it's either trips into work (yuk) or home to mum's like I am now.

Till next time!! GO HARD!!! :)))

Catch-Up

2009-06-18T13:20:00.002+10:00

Time's flying!! Today is a public holiday for our show day which is why I can finally blog something. Bet you've all been dying for it :P Felt great to have cardio & weights done by 9.30am, whoo hoo. So the day is mine... and I'm at work :(

My weekend away was great :) Did some Lorna Jane retail therapy, had lunch and a catch-up with Miss Lizzie, loved the Pink concert as expected. I wasn't as over-awed as my other friends as I'd seen her in 2007 and knew what an awesome show it would be. I was a tad disappointed my two fave songs from her Funhouse album weren't played and heaps of covers were, but, well, you can't win them all hey. It was still a fantastic production!

Got home at 2am after driving back to the Gold Coast. Checked out Robina Town Centre - the refurbs are AMAZING!!!! Spotted a Max Brenners... OMG! Had to walk as far away as possible, coz if I even sniff the stuff I'll put on fat ;) I sat and ate my (boring) meal while my friend enjoyed a nice tasty healthy Grill'd burger. Can't wait to check that out after comp!

We went to Gold Class cinemas to see Angels & Demons. I liked it :) I pulled out my smelly tuna - I hope everyone got a whiff. It's their own fault for having popcorn when I can't :P

Good weekend, but always glad to be home.

This week had flown - been smashing the training. I can't believe there's only three weeks and 2 days till the All Females, it's snuck up so quick!!! So much happening... had some really upsetting moments yesterday which ended with me in tears again, so I took it out on my body. Used up all that negative energy in a positive way! YAY! Three weeks - head down, bums up!

Well that's my week of nothing-ness updated. Hope you didn't hold your breath :P I'm heading home to have a day off... Couch & DVD, here I come!!

Off I go again...

2009-06-10T18:53:00.002+10:00

I'm so over it!! I'm flying out tomorrow to Brisvegas for the weekend. This was booked way way long ago last year before I made a kazillion other little trips in the meantime :) I just want to stay at home in my new house, to do nothing with me, myself, and I. And of course unpack boxes...

But -

I'm off with my sis tomorrow night to see PINK on Friday night!!! Although I really don't have a care factor for it yet, I know it will be a great weekend. I'm seeing Miss Lizzie on Friday to train together - I hope my body's recovered in time. I had a hardcore PT session yesterday with a trainer who has no mercy, at all. He's pretty muchly almost reduced me to tears on every occassion he's trained me... But that's another story. It'll be a case of Toughen Up Princess so Liz and I can make all the sore bits that little bit sorer on Friday :) And I can't wait!!

After the concert Friday night, I'm parting ways with my sis to head to the Gold Coast to stay with my bestie (and tanner extraordinaire!) for the rest of the weekend. Her boyfriend works nights, so I get her all to myself on Saturday night :) We've planned to go to the Gold Class cinemas as I've never been before. It should be a fun girlie weekend!

Best be off, I came to visit mum tonite to send off a few emails. Haven't read blogs properly but will catch up one day!

Be back next week!

xx

Just call me...

2009-06-08T16:49:00.003+10:00

.... a Ford Falcon.

I love public holidays, because I can go to the gym and take my time, knowing I don't have to get back to work to call this person, or do that errand. I slept in till 8.30am today... how shameful! First night alone in my house, and doesn't it make a difference when there's no noise. I thought for sure I'd be up early and planned to go for a run - the gorgeous pink curtains I've inherited in the unit let the bright morning light through. But no, I must have needed the sleep, I had an early morning yesterday where I officiated at the half marathon - I got to be a 'pole' - dressed as a lolly pop lady I had to stand still and direct the runners around a cone. It was more fun than running it. :P

So I walked to the gym and smashed my legs... so much so my back is really sore :( Toughen up Princess! I love the atmosphere at the gym - there's a lot of older members - "Mature and Motivateds" as I like to call them :) I always have time for a chat with them, and I know I'm a 'favourite' for that reason. They are so sweet!

One always asks "hows my little body-builder going today?"... he's been a 'mate' for a long time, offers to do stuff for me like help me move house, and so on and so forth. In fact, he's coming over for coffee once I get something he can sit on! LoL.

A few weeks back an older gentleman had been quite fascinated with my ipod shuffle. He asked what it was and what it did - I explained it played music. He asked how many LPs could fit on there - I explained it fits hundreds of songs. He was amazed. Then someone else came to chat to us he said to them - "Did you know that that little thing can fit 240 songs?? Amazing isn't it." It was so cute :) He's such a sweetie.

Today he had a classic line - "You're like the latest model Ford Falcon", he said to me. "Do you know what that means?"

I said no.

"Trim, taut and terrific".

AWWWW isn't he a sweetie!!

See I have some special men in my life after all :)

And so Kerryn, you are no longer looking for a blingy stick-insect, look for a Ford Falcon hopping off that plane!! HA!

***********

I went for a look at the furniture store for more 'stuff' this afternoon. I plonked myself down on the massage chair as my back was aching.

A salesman started to walk over - ahhhh dammit, I have to pretend to be interested.

"Hi there, can I help you... Hey, didn't I see you at the gym this morning".

"Ahhh yes I was, I do remember seeing you. That's why I'm testing this, I'm a bit sore..."

20 mins I stalled him for and waffled on, whilst enjoying every single second of my massage ;)

Teee hee heee.

It's was time...

2009-06-07T10:56:00.002+10:00

I had to buy some new jeans. My old trusty faves which were a bargain purchase in Melbourne, have been a little errr.. big. Crotch hanging low, g-banger occassionally popping out (NOICE) from falling down my now-flatter butt. But I didn't want to part with them.

I really really liked a pair I saw in a shop window. Upon scouting them out they were Skinny leg jeans. Crap, I've never ever fit into a pair of skinny legs... I can't get them up my non-skinny legs. Then I found another pair that were even nicer. These were called "Super Skinny". Ahhhh double crap. But the stubborn cow in me wanted to try them on anyway. So I took in a size 10 - a bigger size should mean I can get them up my legs, right, and they're usually quite small makes :). I also took in a size 8, just in case I was having a "skinny" day. I walked out of the shop with not just a pair of the elusive Skinny jeans, but a pair of Super Skinny jeans...

.... in a size 6. (If I could insert the boogly eyed smiley face here I would).

I stood there 'arguing' with the shop attendant - "I can't get these, I'm not a size 6, maybe I should try the 7s." She rolled her eyes - "Darl, you've got them on and they fit you perfect, the 7s will be baggy". My brain couldn't accept that I'm a smaller me now. She must have thought I was a fruit loop taking in a size 10. I think the manufacturers have finally gotten the point that only stick insects could fit into skinny jeans previously, and altered the sizing for the general population. Or maybe I am classified as a stick insect now.

Either way, I got sh!t-hot new jeans!! WHOO HOO!! I wore them to the basketball last night, they are COMFY!!

*****

For Christmas, I got a pair of (what used to be) gorgeous earrings from the f*ckface (as he is affectionately known) ex. As you know 10 days later it was all over red rover. I couldn't wear the earrings for a bit, then I got over that... Recently the diamonte stones had started to fall out and the earrings went a funny colour. I found the receipt thank goodness - of course I had it, he had the responsibility level of a dead fly - and thought I'd try my luck returning them.

BINGO!!!

Not only could I return them, I didn't even have to get them replaced for the same pair. I can pick whatever the hell to the equal value.

So now I have a gift card to spend on any sort of jewellery thanks to him, and best of all, there will be no reminder of him!

What a productive shopping day yesterday! :)

Pondering...

2009-06-06T16:16:00.002+10:00

I've just been thinking about a few things and made a few realisations....

It's been a whole year since I've been coached by Miss Lizzie - and it's been the best thing I've ever done. I've changed SO SO SO much, physically and in the head :)

Thinking back, last winter was the first one I didn't become a bit of a sloth and hibernate - I have previously become unenthused and have motivation for ZIP during winter and have a few extra kgs to show for at the end of it. Not last year - I had someone to be accountable to. Therefore I didn't get my yearly case of the SADS; (thanks Kekky baby for 'diagnosing' that one for me). I didn't go comfort eating at all :)

I was a cardio FREAK, I always did weights, but I never had the same passion. Now it's TOTALLY opposite, me, the runner, procrastinates when it comes to cardio. I love weights, LOVE them... I do four days now, and I told the boss with my last program update that I wanted to keep the four days (prior to comp prep it had been three). My throat would be cut if I had to do only three! :P I'm a creature of habit and I like my routine.

I finally have arms!! I've always wanted arms!!! I have lines, I love them!!! WHOO HOO!!

It was Lizzie who planted the seed of competing last year - I laughed at her at first... PUH!! Me? A figure chick?! HA!! I'm a RUNNER :P But, who had the last laugh ;)

Most importantly, I've killed my Gollum, my Mad Monkey and my Binge Monster. All one and the same, but I was 'blessed' with all three of them. HA! I used to troll and troll and pick and pick as a regular thing. But I just weaned myself off it. It just clicked. By having a well-rounded, 'diet' I didn't need to go for that crap.

He still appears at times, but never like before. After my comp, I struggled a little bit... it was more a case of "because I can", not really because I wanted to... I was eating crap that I would never even look at prior, not even think about even when I was craving something/anything during prep. I was just being STUPID. Liz put me back on the straight and narrow, and ultimately it was up to me to get my head back in the right place and not be so dumb about it. That's the only way to describe it - DUMB.

What's prompted me to realise the turn-around I've had in the past year, is the fact that tomorrow is the local Half Marathon. A huge event - over 200 runners are expected this year. My race report from last year is here. For those who knew me a year ago, I was all about running. I was one of the few runner bloggers amongst the figure girls :)) This year I'm not going in the half, gosh I haven't run over an hour all year! I could go in it, but I'm not excited about it, which made me realise how much my passions have changed. That's not to say they won't change again, but for now, the thought of running for 4 hours in marathon training - which WAS my original goal this year before Lizzie got me thinking about getting up on stage 95% naked in hooker heels in front of an auditorium full of strangers - doesn't turn me on in the slightest.

My training buddy misses me. We still run occassionally, but not like we used to. About tomorrow's race she said "hey I'll miss my little partner egg'n me on........... you had to leave me ........to be a "Bodybuilder". LOL :)

So on the 5th July this year when my 2 buddies do their debut marathon which we planned together on the Gold Coast, I will be a week out from my 2nd body-building competiton.

My, oh my, haven't things changed :) And I wouldn't change them for the world!!!

I Got Another Present :)

2009-06-06T15:57:00.002+10:00

Yesterday the DVD in the INBA comp was in the mail! Whoo hoo!!! Of course I watched it straight up, it's a bit weird watching yourself doing all that stuff. I really really really need to practice wearing those hooker heels, I thought I looked awkward, but we're always over-critical of ourselves aren't we?

I also finally got to see the my "new best friend" (HA! Jokes - although he did give me feed-back on my posing!) our local boy who won the Open men and the Overalls. Whoa - he looks very different with no clothes on!!!!!!!! In his back and bis pose he shoved his costume up his bum, and OMG you should see the glutes him!! Holy crap!! I will never look at him the same way again :)

*****

It's official now - I have my own place!!!! :)) Last night I slept there for the first time. My lil sis stayed over as planned and she thought ahead - she BYO'd her own chocolate... uh-ohhhh...

I got to sleep in this morning as we fluffed around till late last night, and walked all of 6 mins to the gym, smashed out some (chocolate-fuelled) cardio and walked back. I live in the bestest spot, the guys down there at the gym are going to get so sick of me!!! My spin bike's at my house now too, so I have zero excuses for not getting in any extra 'secret' training :)

*****

Tonight I'm going to the local basketball game with my sis and her friends. Her hubby used to play for the local team, now they sponsor the team so get a corporate box and free drinks for the home games. Not sure where the visiting team is from, don't really care much for basketball at all, I won't be drinking or eating the supplied food.... but I'm going anyway! LOL!!

Hope everyone has a great long weekend!!! I don't get to blog or read much at the moment, I don't have an internet connection at my new home - I'm at mum's right now, but if I don't stop by here or go to work (which I try to avoid when I can on weekends) I'm isolated from the outside world!!! Let's see how long I will last before caving ;)

2009-06-04T18:15:00.005+10:00

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.

Vince Lombardi

Busy busy as usual, but getting on with it all the same :) I'm half living in my unit, half not... my fridge has food, some furtniture is there, but it's been raining all week so I haven't been able to transport my bed there without it getting wet! GRRR!! I LOVE it though, being so close to the gym, I can now fly home for a shower and food before heading back to work :) Sure beats showering and eating and work and the gym all the time!!

My sis' hubby is away for the weekend so she's going to stay with me all weekend - should be fun! I'll get to experience how emotional a pregnant woman can be. Hee hee... Hope she has no cravings, coz when she gets there, the cupboard is bare!

*****

Steph & Kerry - my next goal is the All Females in 5 weeks and 2 days, and so not counting :) That's what we're training towards and, yes Kerryn, I don't know why I got all excited about the program when I saw what I actually had to DO!! ;)