tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119271918920395362024-03-13T15:08:45.453-04:00Just Another RepMy life as a fitness junkieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-21253244818342816262014-09-30T10:52:00.000-04:002014-09-30T10:52:06.657-04:00Five Pluses and a MinusThe past couple of weeks have left me <i>Busy</i>! The temperatures are cooling off(?), although we have had a few rather warm days this past weekend. Speaking of this weekend (and last week), I suppose I have a few things to share. Most positive, and one rather bittersweet. So which would you like first-- the good news or the bad news? Let's just get the <strike>bad</strike> bittersweet out of the way by ripping the band-aid off.<br />
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<b><u>Bittersweet Saturday</u></b><br />
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<i>Last</i> Saturday, Kipp went to live with his new family. They picked him up around 1:30. He was his normal shy self, so I had to make like I was walking out the door with them before closing it behind him. Luckily, J was there to make the sad occasion better, and served as an excellent comforter. Gigi, Melissa's cat, had known something was about to go down for the past few weeks, so naturally, she sauntered out of Melissa's room as I was gathering myself. In an attempt to lighten the mood a little, I tossed Kipp's remaining tennis ball to her and said, "Fetch." Lo and behold, she started batting it around, which was a good way to stop the tears momentarily.<br />
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As sad as I am to have had to say goodbye to little Kippernicus (and 2 days before his first birthday!), I'm extremely grateful for the family that reached out and agreed to rehome him. I couldn't ask for a more loving, welcoming family for him, so I know he will be in good hands. I've already received two update emails from the wife, and it brings tears of joy to my eyes to hear that he's having the time of his life while not being cooped up in his crate for 9+ hours a day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye sweetie! You won't be forgotten <3</td></tr>
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Goodbyes are hard, but sometimes it's just the right thing to do.<br />
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Now that we have that out of the way, let's bring a little more light and life to this post.<br />
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<b><u>Recipe Wins</u></b><br />
J and I have been making more of an effort to try new recipes at home. Over the course of the past week and a half, we have made Alton Brown's soft pretzels, subbing whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour that was called for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat. Me.</td></tr>
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Then there was an amazing chicken sausage and kale saute with white beans. By far the favorite, we have plans to make that tomorrow night for dinner as well.<br />
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Another notable creation: pumpkin & pecan baked oatmeal. Drool!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-cl60eE0Hw/VCq9HfL_U-I/AAAAAAAAbXM/z5cFqQvzZsI/w576-h768-no/IMG_2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-cl60eE0Hw/VCq9HfL_U-I/AAAAAAAAbXM/z5cFqQvzZsI/w576-h768-no/IMG_2023.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really need to start taking better food pics.</td></tr>
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<b><u>iPhone 6</u></b><br />
This new toy will be awaiting my return from work this afternoon. Enough said.<br />
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<b><u>Junior League</u></b><br />
Last week marked my first GMM as a Provisional, and the atmosphere was fantastic! It's so great to see <i>so many </i>women gathered based on similar interests of volunteerism. I applied about a month ago for a leadership role for our provisional class event, Kids in the Kitchen, and I am happy to announce that I was selected to co-chair the Active Healthy Lifestyles committee! Tonight is the first of several meetings to take place as the leadership council for this event, and I am super pumped!<br />
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<b><u>Yard Work</u></b><br />
You read that right. J and I have been clearing behind his house-- he has a lakefront property, but unfortunately for him, the previous owners did nothing to tame the jungle that was growing back there. It's been an ongoing project for him, but now he has an extra set of hands to help. <i>I keep telling him that he's lucky he found me, because not many girls would voluntarily get scratched up by thorns and vines to help. Most would probably </i>voluntarily<i> give him a number for a professional yard service to call...</i> These past two weekends we have made some great progress! We've burned two piles, and have 3 more that just keep growing. We thinned out some trees to the left of the lake and cut up some fallen trees that were creating a catchall for the dead leaves. So much done already, but so much left to do!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFN-w2hI4OE/VCq8xCrEBEI/AAAAAAAAbUk/fKNd4iZc-Hw/w576-h768-no/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFN-w2hI4OE/VCq8xCrEBEI/AAAAAAAAbUk/fKNd4iZc-Hw/w576-h768-no/IMG_2008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge strides of improvement from this already!</td></tr>
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I may have to admit that I'm partially in it for the short-term end goal: a fire pit to hopefully be in use this Fall!<br />
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<b><u>Enjoying Fall</u></b><br />
What better way to enjoy the lovely weather than with good friends and wine (and nachos). Emily and I went to a local vineyard, King's Family Vineyard, to meet up with some JLC gals the other weekend. Unfortunately, the crowd gets pretty large and we were unable to find our (small) group. Fortunately, we didn't let the wine get warm and found a spot to relax and watch the polo match.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfejscvEp3Y/VCq82Ibp5_I/AAAAAAAAbVM/-zG3XWMnS4k/w718-h539-no/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfejscvEp3Y/VCq82Ibp5_I/AAAAAAAAbVM/-zG3XWMnS4k/w718-h539-no/IMG_2012.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kicking off the shoes and relaxing.</td></tr>
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We may have indulged a bit too much, which resulted in the fabulous(?) idea of ordering nachos at Beer Run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nacho game face!</td></tr>
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I mean, a plate of nachos requires extreme preparation...<br />
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Don't worry, between bike rides around town with J and all that daunting yard work (and gym time each morning), I've offset my Fall appetite... I hope!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-87277987123486082222014-09-19T13:50:00.000-04:002014-09-19T13:50:24.321-04:00Fridays in FallTGIF-- Thank Goodness It's <strike>Fall</strike> Friday! Not that this week has been particularly taxing, but with everyone's anxiety heightened due to <a href="http://justanotherrep.blogspot.com/2014/09/addressing-current-events-tragedy.html">Hannah Graham</a>, I think some time to unwind is necessary.<br />
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As goes for many bloggers I know, I am usually one to recap recent events. However, I'm flip-flopping this time and instead fast-forwarding to my weekend plans. If I'm being honest, I really couldn't tell you the last time I had a dull weekend. While I enjoy having plans, sometimes a breather is necessary. I can't say this will be that weekend.<br />
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Let's have a look-see!<br />
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1. The weekend unofficially started 30 minutes ago. My supervisor and I walked down the street during our lunch break to pick up some essentials.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
Need another clue?</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Not going to lie, I'm highly tempted to send that picture to J. I was showing him a picture on my phone the other week, and he starts flipping through my photos. Being the <strike>cupcake-obsessed person</strike> blogger I am, I took a picture of a cupcake from the same bakery, Pearl's that I had gotten the day before as a treat to myself for eating clean during the week. J has heard me mention that I am a bit cupcake obsessed, a huge fan of <a href="http://www.pearlscupcakeshoppe.com/">Pearl's Bake Shoppe</a>, and seriously have to force myself <i>not</i> to go get cupcakes all the time. In fact, up until that day (I think 2 weeks ago), I had not bought a cupcake since Mardi Gras! Yikes-- I was well overdue!</blockquote>
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So yeah, J sees the picture and brings up, "Oh, what's this? Those are the cupcakes you were telling me about?" (There was just one cupcake, I swear. But multiple pictures.) I snatched that phone away from him quicker than you can say "icing." I'm an open book, and would gladly let him look at anything on my phone, but <i>not my cupcake!</i> I'm weird. <strike>I think/hope</strike> He accepts it.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now, though, I realized I'm ready to share. My obsession must be spread to all the non-Pearl's-believers out there. And besides, they will go really well with plan #2.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2. Last week, my inbox was graced with the <i>best news ever</i>. Back in June(?), I made the fantastic decision to join The Smuggler's Society <strike>which allows me a five finger discount at all major retailers</strike>. <i>[Please don't think I'm serious about that statement-- I pay for everything that isn't outright given to me for free. Which is why I don't have any reviews on here-- I don't get free stuff. Womp.]</i> The Smuggler's Society is the oh-so-clever name of the <i>WINE CLUB</i> at my favorite vineyard around Charlottesville (a statement J is surely sick of hearing), <a href="http://www.pollakvineyards.com/wines/wine-club/">Pollak Vineyard</a>. Don't worry, if you want to feel cool too and you live in one of 18 states/districts, I linked up to the wine club page for ya. You're welcome.<br />
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Back to that email-- my first wine club order would be ready on Monday, September 15th! As much as I really wanted to make the drive out on Monday, a. I was sick as a dog, b. I forgot, and c. I really wanted J to come with me so we could get free tastings (wine club perk, for the win!). We have plans to make a delicious dinner tonight, so what better pairing than a nice <strike>four</strike> bottle<strike>s</strike> of wine. After work, we are heading straight to the vineyard since they close at 5 (how rude!).<br />
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3. Briefly mentioned, but hopefully not as briefly eaten, I found the following recipe for us to stir up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/kale_with_sausage_and_white_beans/">Kale with Sausage and White Beans</a></td></tr>
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Courtesy of Simply Recipe, but with the substitution of chicken sausage for regular sausage, and sweet onion for white onion. I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I <i>love</i> kale. Especially sauteed.<br />
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4. This is a bit of a Debbie Downer, but early Saturday afternoon, I am saying goodbye to some<strike>one</strike>thing near and dear to me.<br />
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I've mentioned it before, but my current work schedule and daily activities leaves little time for me to care for this dear pup. It's been a few <strike>tears</strike> weeks in progress, but a few house visits later, and I have found an excellent new family for Kipp/Kippernicus/the Kippster. The husband and wife couple have two high-school daughters, ages 12 and 14, with a house down a private road in the country. So plenty of places for him to run and get out all that puppy energy!<br />
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Luckily, they have offered to keep me updated with pictures and let me know how he is doing from time to time. The wife even invited me to visit on occasion, and for all this, I am eternally grateful! Needless to say, no <strike>kids</strike> pets for me for quite a while!<br />
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5. Bouncing back from bittersweet event, J and I have plans to light it up. A fire, that is (without s'mores, sadly)! J's backyard has access to a small lake, and for some time, he has been trying to clear out massive overgrowth to allow for a better view. I <strike>barely</strike> helped last Sunday before getting beat down by sickness, and now we have quite the large pile to burn (as a controlled fire).<br />
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You can see it off to the right, but it's much larger now. And of course with a bonfire, food <strike>and beer</strike> <i>must </i>be involved, so we are taking a page from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe.html">Alton Brown</a>.<br />
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Drool.<br />
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6. Finally, Sunday is as-of-yet unknown. It could include festive Fall decorating. It could include a closet transition. It could include a polo match at (yet another) winery with some JLC gals. What I do know is that it <i>will</i> round out a fantastic weekend! Keep an eye on my <a href="http://instagram.com/eckurland">Instagram</a> for updates!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-18788217247631972342014-09-18T10:58:00.001-04:002014-09-18T10:58:49.589-04:00Greatness Born Out of CircumstanceToday is going to be one of those two-fer days. Rare, so don't get used to it, but necessary. I hate to blog on a negative note, and my <a href="http://justanotherrep.blogspot.com/2014/09/addressing-current-events-tragedy.html">last post</a> was certainly not the most pleasant topic.<br />
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As I may have(?) previously mentioned, I was accepted as a provisional member of the <a href="http://www.jlcville.org/">Junior League of Charlottesville</a> at the beginning of August. I happened to receive the official acceptance email in the airport on my trip out to Utah with the boyfriend. <i>Sidenote: let's refer to him as J, shall we? I don't like the disconnect of calling him The Boyfriend or The BF-- just seems rude.</i> I was elated, and immediately texted the lovely Emily, whom I had convinced to apply with me, to see whether or not she was accepted as well. Well duh, who wouldn't love her-- we both had good news to share!<br />
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It is through the Junior League that I'm (slowly but surely) able to expand my network, my group of friends, and unite with girls/(young) women of similar interests. It is through my Junior League Provisional Class that I've become acquainted with the wonderful <a href="http://backhomeblue.com/">Sarah</a>, whom I just recently found out via Facebook is a fellow blogger. Hello, Sarah!<br />
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Sarah mentioned the other day in a post that she just has a feeling that something amazing is about to happen, and she detailed her feelings further in yesterday's post. I was drawn to her positivity, her optimism, and I jumped at the chance to leave an encouraging comment. This got me thinking, I <i>know</i> that feeling. I <i>lived</i> that sensation earlier this year. I have been absent from the blog for a prolonged period of time this year, but I was busy living. Sarah's post sparked a desire for me to share my good fortunate, born from a series of unfortunate events.<br />
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<b>2014: The Beginning</b><br />
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At the start of the year, it was no surprise to friends that I was feeling rundown at my job with the biopharmaceutical company. I had a vast territory, "Shenandoah Valley," which ran the length of the state from north to south. And living in the center of this territory in a town that seemingly has plenty of business opportunity, I found myself facing the roadblock that is the University of Virginia Health System. You see, large teaching institutes (and large health systems) tend to have very strict rules and regulations regarding pharmaceutical reps of any kind, so even though they ran the <strike>world</strike> (Beyonce reference, anyone??) town and surrounding counties, I was able to do <i>highly limited </i>business within about a 45 mile radius of where I lived. Commence long commutes just to get to my first office, and subsequently long commutes home.<br />
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As I mentioned earlier in the year, my company announced in November 2013 impending layoffs that would take place after the turn of the year. These took place January 29, 2014. We were told to stay home, on guard for a phone call in which we would learn our fate. On the one hand, no one wants to be laid off. On the other hand, I knew I would burnout sooner rather than later. I was ready for any outcome. Mid-morning I received the call. I would not be returning to work the next day. I would remain on payroll until May 1. I would receive a severance package and career assistance (this is typical for pharma companies, so they tend to have well-strategized severance plans in place to avoid lawsuits and such).<br />
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Four days earlier, I had received news that my grandma, the closest of my grandparents (and last living), has passed. It was a one-two punch. I had had time to consider what I would do if I found myself pseudo-unemployed (technically I was still on payroll, so to any onlooking company, I was still "employed"), but it's a different world when you actually find yourself in that predicament. Money was not yet an issue, but it was looking as though it would be for the big ideas I had for my future.<br />
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I wanted to go back to school to become a physical therapist. This proved to be more difficult than I thought. Even with my experience in pharmaceutical sales and my educational background in (environmental) science, it didn't translate as well as I'd hoped, and I still needed observational hours at more than one physical therapy clinic in order to have a shot at acceptance. I talked with family members about my future and gathered a few ideas. Being laid off was not in my career plan, but I chose to see it as an opportunity, not a setback.<br />
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<b>Entering the Dating Game</b><br />
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Whoever says that dating is not a game is full of horse manure. It's sort of like Monopoly of Risk. You have to invest (yourself), you have to strategize, you are not guaranteed positive outcomes. I was a little hesitant to put myself out in the dating world because, let's face it: with the recent circumstances, it's not like I really had a lot to show for myself. I <i>was</i> a pharmaceutical rep, but I didn't hold that title anymore. I value honesty, so I didn't find it fair to claim to be something I wasn't, and I wasn't about to start any sort of potential relationship by spitting out lies (although, to be fair, it wouldn't have full been a lie).<br />
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I did test this out on a couple of occasions, but when I met up with J for our first date, I chose to be forthcoming with my current situation. I mentioned my ideas for my future-- which have since changed (I do feel a little guilty about that, but ideas are not concrete)-- and besides, I do have other desirable qualities. I'm smart, I'm adventurous, I have interests. It was important to me to leave out my bikini competitor alter ego. While, yes, being active and fit and a competitor is a big part of my lifestyle, I didn't want it to define me as a date/potential girlfriend. Several dates (and hikes) later, and we were already getting together travel plans for the near future.<br />
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<br />
Although I hoped for a decent relationship, I never thought one would rise from the ashes of my failed first career. I knew the end of the pharma gig was the beginning of something better, but I couldn't have imagined all which that turned out to be.<br />
<br />
<b>Apps on Apps on Apps, Yo</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If you think dating is hard, try getting turned down left and right (or worse, not hearing back) from numerous companies to which you apply. In conversations I had with family members, it became quite obvious that while going back to school is a great idea, there's still value in working and leaving no gaps in employment. Besides, jobs make money, and money pays things like school loans and living expenses. The money I had from the biopharma company would cover things for a while, but not forever, and I would doubtfully qualify for financial aid based on my previous income.<br />
<br />
I am very close with my oldest brother, although we are farthest apart in age. We tend to have similar personalities, outlooks, and interests. Oddly enough, he works for a clinical development company-- a company that works with pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials, etc. We spoke at length on multiple occasions about looking into Clinical Research Associate positions, both within his company and others. We concluded that with my experience in pharma sales and my exposure to clinical research terminology and methodology, it could be a good fit.<br />
<br />
Flash forward through several turned-away applications and obsessive searches on Indeed and other job search engines, and I was only turning up dead ends. And then, one night at 10pm, my "dream job" appeared. I don't know how I knew, but I <i>knew</i>. Clinical Research Coordinator Trainee. "Trainee"<i>-- that must mean they are open to limited experience. I have translatable experience! That's good right?! </i>University of Virginia-- <i>I've been longing to get a job at the University! Close to home, close to my heart too. Go, Hoos!</i> Department of Radiation Oncology--<i> Oh my goodness, could you ASK for a more rewarding department to work in?! I've been saying all this time that I really value a job in which you can </i>truly help<i> others. <b>THIS IS IT!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
An hour later, at the late hour of 11pm, I had rewritten my entire cover letter. It was risky. I blatantly stated that while I did not have direct experience, I had translatable experience, and I outlined why this mattered. I sent it off to my good friend, Stacy, to proofread, but then <b>I sent in my application anyway</b> before I even got her feedback.<br />
<br />
Her feedback was not what I was hoping for. She said what I was thinking--it was risky. Too risky. But it was too late.<br />
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<br />
<b>International Planning</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As I held my breath waiting for word on my job application, it slowly shrank away as it became replaced with thoughts and plans of travel with J. I'd never traveled internationally before. I had always wanted to. I currently had all the necessary resources in which to do so-- time, money, and a wanderlust that had yet to be tapped into. The plans commenced. They got serious. And then I got an email. Requesting an interview!<br />
<br />
It was a quick process, but nerve-wracking, as are all interview processes. I met with my supervisor and the department administrator. I sold myself. I'd been selling things-- clothing, meals, pharmaceuticals-- for years. I just needed one good sales pitch to accompany the skills I'd so well marketed in my application. I left questioning the unknown.<br />
<br />
Two days later, I was asked to meet with one of the head clinicians in the department. By that Friday, I not only had concrete plans/dates to travel to Costa Rica, but I had a job awaiting my return.<br />
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<br />
This was just the start of the best year of my life to-date, although if you had asked me on January 29, 2014, I wouldn't have been able to venture a guess that my <strike>luck</strike> life was just about to turn around for the better. I chose to remain open to opportunity. I chose to remain optimistic. I chose not to put my life on hold because of one setback. And that was my saving grace.<br />
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<br />
<b>Embracing the New</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Over the past several months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to try several new experiences. While I find myself with the occasional daily stresses, setbacks, and discouragements (hey, life isn't perfect 100% of the time), I continue to embrace each and every moment. I fall, I learn, I go on. Thank you, UVa, for taking a chance on me. Thank you, friends and family, for staying encouraging and being my listening ears when the time called for them. Thank you, J, for feeding my adventurous soul. And thank you, Amgen, for setting me free.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-49254067530372687282014-09-18T08:34:00.001-04:002014-09-18T08:34:06.960-04:00Addressing Current Events: Tragedy StrikesThe quaint college town in which I have spent the past 7 years has been making headlines, and not for the usual exciting reasons. Working within the University of Virginia Health System, employees are kept up-to-date on current events that require attention. Lately, I've been anything but at ease. Monday morning, the University Police, and subsequently the University President, issued emails regarding a missing student. Having been last heard from early Saturday morning, Hannah Graham, a second year student, remains missing, and both university and Charlottesville Police are on a high-stress search for her. My supervisor and I have been following the search through a local news source (the same one at which I interned 4 years ago). You can read more about the story <a href="http://www.newsplex.com/home">here</a>.<br />
<br />
It is so sad, but my friends and I have noticed that there's been an uptick in missing young girls over the past four years. This is not the first time Charlottesville has gotten bad press-- most notably, you may recall Morgan Harrington, who went missing during a Metallica concert and who's decayed body subsequently found months later on the outskirts of a farm in a neighboring rural county. That took place during the fall of 2009. The following September (2010), Samantha Clark went missing. 2012: Dashad "Sage" Smith, a transgender teen. Alexis Murphy, a rising Nelson County senior, August 2013. And now, Hannah. I am not one to feed into conspiracies, but I can't help but think that these are somehow linked. And I am not the only one in my group of friends to believe this. It may not be the same person that is responsible, but perhaps a network of abductors? At the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: are we really safe?<br />
<br />
I am a big proponent of not living a life of fear, but that being said, I believe that most of us do not take the necessary basic precautions when alone. First thing first, as a young woman, or really as any sex at any age, <b>there is safety in numbers</b>. My roommate, Melissa, and I were talking and we noted that this could have been any one of us back during our days at The University. We went out to parties/bars and drank while underage; we made the (short) walk home alone on more than one occasion; and while we maybe didn't show <i>as much </i>skin, we certainly dressed less for comfort and more for attention. At the time, I was active in the gym, and I <i>distinctly</i> remember thinking, "I'm fit-- I weight train, and I have a background in track & field and cross country. If I was in a position where someone tried to follow me or apprehend me, I could easily outrun them." Such stupid thoughts for such an otherwise smart girl.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons this is making headlines is because the University of Virginia is known to be an "Ivy League of the South." Students don't just get in on a whim; they have to earn their spot in their graduating class, and once accepted, you have to continue to prove yourself. It's no easy feat. If she was anything like me, this was <i>the school</i> I had my heart and my academic career set on. I worked for my acceptance. UVa is a school known for the caliber of it's students. We all make poor choices, but all of my fellow Hoos have level heads on their shoulders. I know that's quite the generalization to make, but it is true to a large extent.<br />
<br />
Yes, this series of events could happen at any college or university in any city or town in any country. But the fact of the matter is that this happened here, in the heart of Charlottesville, and has been happening for a few years now. I wish for the best-- I sincerely hope that they find Hannah Graham alive. I hope that she is reunited with her friends and her family. I hope that this tragedy has a positive outcome. Unfortunately, that just is not the reality of missing person reports.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see the changes that are implemented from this occurrence. While there have now been a total of 4 missing young girls between the ages of 17 - 19 over the past 5 years, this is the first in which the young woman was a university student. President Teresa Sullivan has done an excellent job of reaching out to students, alumni, and the community to bring hope to us all and unite us throughout this tragic time. However, I don't foresee this not causing a chain of events leading to heightened awareness and security not only across University Grounds (aka campus) but across the surrounding areas as well.<br />
<br />
My heart is with Hannah Graham, her friends, family, and loved ones, and with those who have experienced such an event.<br />
<br />
I know not all of my readers are in the (Central) Virginia area, but please take note:<br />
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<b>Stay smart, and stay safe.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-66759532525202141142014-09-15T21:31:00.000-04:002014-09-15T21:31:21.366-04:00Catching Up: New Focuses?My good friend, Emily, is still in Spain with her boyfriend this week-- can you say <i>jealous?!</i>-- so once again, I am in need of a good catch up session.<br />
<br />
Last week, my boyfriend was at Lake Anna with his friends from Charlotte. They rented a lake house for the week, and while I managed to get out there for the day Sunday and Wednesday after work, I had plenty of "me" time. Not a bad thing at all, but it's during these quiet times that I start to throw around ideas, reflect on the past several months, and reorganize for the future.<br />
<br />
If we were chatting over a glass of wine, a la Emily-Liz catch-up sesh, I'd tell you:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>I've been in a bit of a fitness rut</b> these past few months. Part of it has to do with the balance of responsibilities, or lack thereof. Part of it has to do with uncertainty. And then another part of it has to do with all these other thoughts floating around in my head that can't quite be summed up in one sentence. Regardless of the reason, I am disappointed with this burnout and am looking for alternate options to get in a good workout.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpDmqVaBlBo/VBeQguVlqNI/AAAAAAAAaaE/znTiZT7BKG4/s1600/IMG_0702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpDmqVaBlBo/VBeQguVlqNI/AAAAAAAAaaE/znTiZT7BKG4/s1600/IMG_0702.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not just interested in the 'bells anymore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>As a result of my fitness rut, <b>I am trying to transition to a more active lifestyle outside of the gym.</b> This is much easier said than done, because working out at the gym is so ingrained in me, especially having gone through two back-to-back competition preps last year. I've been known to succumb to the idea, "If it didn't happen in the gym, or if it's not strictly cardio, then it isn't a real workout." This summer-- okay, let's be honest, the boyfriend-- has had me trying all sorts of new things in the great old outdoors, and I'm thinking a change of scenery is in order. Slowly but surely, I would like to replace at least 2-3 days a week of gym workouts with cross-training on different terrain.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIXPGJDm5LU/VBeRKr9eogI/AAAAAAAAaaM/t82Xu0eTv6c/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIXPGJDm5LU/VBeRKr9eogI/AAAAAAAAaaM/t82Xu0eTv6c/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may be cooling off, but the Supra still has<br />a few more weeks of water to see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>Financial literacy has been on my mind day-in and day-out </b>as of late. Confession: I finished Robert Kiyosaki's <i>Rich Dad, Poor Dad</i> yesterday and immediately ordered his other book <i>Rich Dad's Guide to Investing</i>. I also referenced his book in my phone appointment with my financial adviser. As much as I'd like to say this disturbs me, I'm actually rather surprised. While I do love my family, I was not raised to understand financial competence. As a child of divorce, I saw the struggle of being a single mom to four children, and I still see it. Investing can be frightening, and many people choose to stay safely away from that fear. However, I have been welcoming this catharsis as I embark on this financial endeavor. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10583839_10152707826325871_8006022998214302671_n.jpg?oh=8d7292fcc83ab6f771a0288fb808427e&oe=54CEC643&__gda__=1417826620_2593e51131f121060aa38b6eb03a3b88" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10583839_10152707826325871_8006022998214302671_n.jpg?oh=8d7292fcc83ab6f771a0288fb808427e&oe=54CEC643&__gda__=1417826620_2593e51131f121060aa38b6eb03a3b88" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Financial fitness book #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>I'm ready to invest in myself</b>. I love my job. Love it. But I know that I don't always want to be working for someone else, and I know that I have other talents and knowledge that I can share with others. It has been a long time coming, and with a few well-timed comments from friends who don't even know I've been considering this, I have decided to study and sit for my NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam. I have a few hectic weeks to get through, but I am hoping to register by early- to mid-October.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasm.org/images/default-source/cpt-page/cpt-become-a-personal-trainer.jpg?sfvrsn=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nasm.org/images/default-source/cpt-page/cpt-become-a-personal-trainer.jpg?sfvrsn=2" height="98" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.nasm.org/">NASM</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm out to sleep off this nasty head cold.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-5098426845406970012014-09-10T08:38:00.002-04:002014-09-10T08:38:26.608-04:00School of Thought: Workout ApparelWhen it comes to purchasing workout gear, there are a few schools of thought. For instance there is the <i>less is more</i> principle, where an active athlete will buy fewer <i>quality</i> items at a heftier price tag. Then there is the <i>more is more </i>principle, where someone will buy <i>more</i> items of lesser quality. And then there's me. I subscribe to my own school of <strike>bought</strike> thought when it comes to the workout gear I wear.<br />
<br />
First and foremost, I am <strike>a</strike> THE bargain hunter. Just ask my roommate who <i>[begin tangent] </i>witnessed me spaz out during a Saturday evening trip to Target upon noticing the 3-pack of pocket tissues in the dollar section were marked down 70% <i>AND</i> on top of that, there was a Cartwheel offer for 20% off items from The One Spot. You do the math. Just kidding, I'll do it for you (because I'm cheap and I'm proud of it...on occasion): $1 * .30 = $0.30 * .8 = $0.24. So basically, that's $0.08 for each individual tissue pack. I scooped up all five that I saw. And then I saw more. So I picked up an armful, which equated to 14 of the 3-packs when all was said and done. I may be considering going back for more since I have a return to make anyway... The allergy-stricken boyfriend will be so happy to know that I will at least have <i>one</i> tissue on me for the next <strike>decade</strike> few months. <i>[End tangent.]</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
So yes, I am a bargain hunter each and every time I shop. I couldn't tell you the last time I paid full-price for something. I was going to say my Cannondale, but I even got a discount on that through my brother's affiliation with one of the local bike shops. Connections are key. I am that person that subscribes to store emails just so I can get that initial "Welcome to the Email Family!" discount. Then, unless I truly don't shop at the store, I stay subscribed for a few weeks at the least. Usually, those subscriptions trickle off, and of course there are some stores that I have never shopped at but keep the subscriptions because I constantly do the online window shopping bit. If you don't know what that is, it's when you browse, occasionally adding items to your cart, but usually without an intention of buying a single thing. Sometimes you are swayed. Sometimes you buy things on a whim (but only if the return process is easy-- bonus points if there is free shipping both ways or if there is a brick & mortar store nearby). About 80% of the time you are stricken with buyers remorse, even if the item is necessary. Let me stop a moment to point out that the bf does not like these non-consumers. Putting items in a cart without hitting the "Place Order" button does nothing for sales numbers. Whoops-- I'm a terrible consumer.<br />
<br />
Regardless of my online window shopping habit, there are times when I do make a purchase, for whatever reason-- want, need, somewhere in between. After I've racked up a cart full of items (now don't get me wrong, cart-full can be two items or it can be 10), I adjust accordingly. Is there free shipping? Do I have to hit a minimum to get free shipping? What can I add to my cart to send me over that threshold? Have I significantly surpassed the free shipping limit? If so, do I <i>need</i> everything in my cart? Do I already own similar items? What promo codes are going on now? <i>What do you mean there are no promo codes?! </i>(Note: if there are no promo codes available, that significantly decreases my desire to go through with my purchase, and 9 times out of 10 I walk away.)<br />
<br />
Clearly, you can see that I over-think <strike>everything</strike> the online checkout process. There is no stone unturned. Why? Because I've made some regrettable online purchases, especially with workout gear. I've been lured by the hype of an up-and-coming company or trendy apparel only to be disappointed at the quality after having shelled out $20-$25 for <i>A</i> tank top! <i>A tank top that I'm going to SWEAT in!</i> Sure, I do look for certain materials for certain items-- I don't want an all-cotton sports bra or compression leggings-- but that doesn't guarantee that they are actually made well. And to be honest, most of my favorite (i.e., durable, cute, breathable) workout apparel has come from one of the following stores:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Target-- C9 for the win! And an honorable mention for the clearance racks.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1INqhDmgI/U_YfyvTdg6I/AAAAAAAAUDA/oF_XhghKMkA/w607-h809-no/20130807_060010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1INqhDmgI/U_YfyvTdg6I/AAAAAAAAUDA/oF_XhghKMkA/w607-h809-no/20130807_060010.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C9 sports bras are perfect for my flat chest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Walmart-- ever since they started carrying the Danskin line, I've been pleasantly surprised...and so has my bank account.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvAi3co7c_g/UdnzBruOPaI/AAAAAAAACVc/vJi9hSUb_38/w539-h809-no/IMG_20130707_140124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvAi3co7c_g/UdnzBruOPaI/AAAAAAAACVc/vJi9hSUb_38/w539-h809-no/IMG_20130707_140124.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danskin steals <i>(2013)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Old Navy-- the compression gear here is good quality for the price, but I usually wait until sales hit before pulling the trigger. </li>
<li>Aeropotale-- <strike>formerly</strike> still known as a teenybopper store, they ramped up their active selection by introducing a "Live Love Dream" line full of yoga, active, and lounge wear. Paired with their constant but rotating promo codes, and you can score some major gear here. Bonus points that it's cute since it's marketed towards teens, who <i>clearly</i> know <i>everything</i> about fashion.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I've tried the mass retailers for workout clothing before, such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and Finish Line, but those are usually hit or miss. That being said, Finish Line tends to have some great deals/clearance items which, in addition to promo codes, can score you Nike, Under Armour, and the likes for mad cheap. About a year and a half ago, I ordered several (yes, several) pairs of running and training shoes there for next to nothing. And they always have promo codes. Always. <i>Forewarning: if you do shop in their clearance section, they charge shipping </i>PER<i> item, but if you factor that into your overall cost, it's still well worth it.</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDOTOVhSGSA/UeSiQ_KCRuI/AAAAAAAAClc/AFV0r_-Btu8/w539-h809-no/IMG_20130715_175649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDOTOVhSGSA/UeSiQ_KCRuI/AAAAAAAAClc/AFV0r_-Btu8/w539-h809-no/IMG_20130715_175649.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Finish Line finds <i>(2013)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And of course there are outlets, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Love me some outlets. I don't think I need to elaborate here (although beware of some stores-- <i>cough, Nike, cough</i>-- that don't mark down items but rather carry post-season items.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Let's discuss my ideal price points for individual items before getting into pet peeves. I am willing to spend the following amount for the following items (because once again, I do like decent quality but I also spend a good amount of time staying active, so quantity is nice too):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sports bras: $15</li>
<li>Tanks/tops: $10 - $15</li>
<li>Shorts: $15</li>
<li>Compression capris/tights: $20 - <i>maybe</i> $25 (add a bit more if it's thermal gear)</li>
<li>Long-sleeve tops or quarter-zips: $15 - $20</li>
<li>Shoes: practically MSRP <i>(I will invest in shoes because those are essentials-- good shoes can make or break <strike>ankles</strike> a workout.)</i></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfEg9xoprpQ/UVNGvDDlaOI/AAAAAAAABQg/DdL_KJufNB8/s640/IMG_20130311_174013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfEg9xoprpQ/UVNGvDDlaOI/AAAAAAAABQg/DdL_KJufNB8/s640/IMG_20130311_174013.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mizunos and Brooks Pure = Foot love <i>(Spring 2013)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And pet peeves:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Drawstrings</b>-- why do these exist? The waist is already elastic. I'm not going to be wearing baggy diapers when I run. And compression gear <i>definitely</i> does not need these. Ever.</li>
<li><b>Skewed seams</b>-- I didn't dole out $X just so I can wear a tank who's seam now resides in the middle of my abdomen.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTkuTRVBL14/UtIC0I5e5OI/AAAAAAAAFrk/XDWLr7LXTlk/w607-h809-no/20140111_092122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTkuTRVBL14/UtIC0I5e5OI/AAAAAAAAFrk/XDWLr7LXTlk/w607-h809-no/20140111_092122.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many things wrong with tops from this company:<br />Skewed seams, poor/skewed screen print, etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>Skewed screen print</b>-- I notice everything. And unless it is intentional, I really don't want to be thinking about how the screen print is 1/2 inch off-center when I'm doing squats.</li>
<li><b>Poor-quality screen print</b>-- Screen print should not fade when you wash your clothing properly (and inside-out). It also should not pill or get linty.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL7-fbQeuQk/U_Yyopmp_lI/AAAAAAAAUKs/8E4iJGjHtYA/w455-h809-no/Snapchat-1545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL7-fbQeuQk/U_Yyopmp_lI/AAAAAAAAUKs/8E4iJGjHtYA/w455-h809-no/Snapchat-1545.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The company is a culprit of the<br />poor screen printing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>Poorly sewn seams</b>-- There's nothing worse than trailing threads.</li>
<li><b>Socks with poor elastic</b>-- If I'm wearing ankle socks, I don't want them to slip off my heals during cardio. Talk about disrupting.</li>
</ul>
<div>
There you have it folks. My over-analysis of workout apparel and some tricks of the trade to score some great deals. What it comes down to is really wearing what you're comfortable in that won't hinder your workouts. Too tight? Stay away! Too loose? No way, Jose!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Questions:</u></b></div>
<div>
<i><b>Where do you shop for workout gear? In-store or online?</b> I'm a hefty mix of both. If I buy online, I over-purchase with the intent of returning something(s) that ultimately won't work out.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>Any tricks of the trade? </b>I don't have any other secrets to share with you at the moment. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><i>Pet peeves?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now go forth and shop.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-15148307204455085582014-09-05T14:36:00.002-04:002014-09-05T14:36:31.433-04:00Catching Up to September<div class="tr_bq">
If you're anything like me, you have some of those friends who you don't <i>need</i> to spend a lot of time with, because the time you do spend together is great and rewarding. I'm lucky in that one of my good friends, Emily, actually lives upstairs from me (she and her boyfriend moved in about 6 months after I did), and while we don't necessarily communicate on a daily basis, we do take one evening out of the week to get together and catch up on life. It's a great way for us to share our accomplishments, our plans for the upcoming days, and vent as necessary. We lend each other a different opinion, which is usually just what either one of us needs.</div>
<br />
In honor of Emily's and my weekly catch ups, I am compiling a list of tidbits over the last week to bring you up to speed with my life. If we were chatting right now (probably over a glass of wine or a beer), I'd tell you:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I cannot believe it's already September! Seriously! Although it does seem like forever ago that I went to <a href="http://justanotherrep.blogspot.com/2014/08/travel-bug-utah-edition-part-1.html">Utah</a>, and a lifetime ago that I went to Costa Rica, I'm not quite sure that I'm ready for it to be fall. I've worn my bathing suit(s) several times this summer, but can 2014 please just slow its roll for a minute!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL58aN28oHo/U_To6bIe1HI/AAAAAAAALdM/BBJnMPD9EoM/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL58aN28oHo/U_To6bIe1HI/AAAAAAAALdM/BBJnMPD9EoM/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" height="168" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8LHItV5LIQ/U_T0LPFy61I/AAAAAAAALzI/C1W9USxrKmY/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8LHItV5LIQ/U_T0LPFy61I/AAAAAAAALzI/C1W9USxrKmY/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0VfsB2ZbKI/U_UTk2KNzRI/AAAAAAAAMPk/Wf-1K_bPA6w/s1600/IMG_1267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0VfsB2ZbKI/U_UTk2KNzRI/AAAAAAAAMPk/Wf-1K_bPA6w/s1600/IMG_1267.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Attempt #2 at wake boarding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lw9_3h3Nvf4/U_UVrjcG-HI/AAAAAAAAMSU/zE5KCJsWPpQ/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lw9_3h3Nvf4/U_UVrjcG-HI/AAAAAAAAMSU/zE5KCJsWPpQ/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Just call me Store Your Board's newest<br />(and only) model.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>I recently came back from one of the most amazing long weekend trips in recent history. The boyfriend and I were able to "celebrate" Labor Day <strike>by doing no such labor</strike> down in the Outer Banks. It was a bit of an impromptu trip, planned just last Monday, but it was <i>such</i> a great time! I don't know why exactly, because we have traveled a good bit together over the past six months, but I can't stop raving about this one. Maybe it was because we did so much. Maybe it was because there was no hectic airport involved. All I know is that we enjoyed every moment of it-- spending hours on the sound getting up on the SUP, kayaking, and catching some incredible sunsets; <strike>attempting to</strike> surf in the Atlantic; and <strike>constantly snacking and </strike> eating plenty of seafood. We relaxed, we were active as heck, and we enjoyed the light atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMfplShQ8Y8/VAkd8EofNLI/AAAAAAAAaKs/zlA5VnIasUs/w958-h719-no/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMfplShQ8Y8/VAkd8EofNLI/AAAAAAAAaKs/zlA5VnIasUs/w958-h719-no/IMG_1698.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennette's Pier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/sTJkc18HjKShNnC8fMZOzc-eiFA6zh13kZbEaDrJEFkk=w607-h809-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/sTJkc18HjKShNnC8fMZOzc-eiFA6zh13kZbEaDrJEFkk=w607-h809-no" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack(s) of champions after all that activity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JqOzqOjtFQ/VAkf_J6DKSI/AAAAAAAAaPk/vsotWOGV1qc/w958-h719-no/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JqOzqOjtFQ/VAkf_J6DKSI/AAAAAAAAaPk/vsotWOGV1qc/w958-h719-no/IMG_1726.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"West Coast" sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote>
I think we brought the contents of the boyfriend's garage down with us. His truck was full to the brim with two surfboards, the SUP, both our road bikes, and our luggage. I'm sure that was a sight to be seen for other drivers! Good thing he owns <a href="http://www.storeyourboard.com/">Store Your Board</a> so he had the proper truck racks to keep it all in place.</blockquote>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Last Thursday, we spent the night in Virginia Beach, which meant the boyfriend was able to meet "my other family" aka my best friend's family that has "adopted" me as their second daughter. We spent the evening chatting around in the living room <strike>unfortunately</strike> watching the Redskins preseason game. (Redskins = meh. Go Giants!)</li>
<li>These are quite possibly my last few days with this little guy.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO7f4TcHuGU/VAkcCFGS3MI/AAAAAAAAaRo/xwuOWJ5W3s8/w607-h809-no/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO7f4TcHuGU/VAkcCFGS3MI/AAAAAAAAaRo/xwuOWJ5W3s8/w607-h809-no/IMG_1679.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-groomer's 2 weeks ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have had a huge sense of guilt over keeping Kipp cooped up in the crate all the time while I'm at work. It's been a huge adjustment for us both since I went back to work in May, and I'm having a hard time balancing time with him and active time. I feel like over the past few months my fitness level has dropped, and while I cannot fully attribute it to him, there is an underlying sense of needing to rush home to make sure he goes potty, etc. That being said, I have a family interested in him, and we are working out the meet and greet details for this weekend. Tears have been shed. Tears will be shed. But I know deep down that this guy is way too adorable and deserves more attention than I can give him. It would help if I had a fenced yard instead of living in an apartment complex, but that's not doable right now. Bear with me if I seem a little down next time I update you.</blockquote>
<br />
<ul>
<li> My mom gifted me with a lovely Claddagh ring to replace the one that was stolen while I was in New Orleans back during spring break of 2011. Please excuse the fact that I'm wearing it the incorrect way (although that probably only matters to the wearer of the ring. I'm sure the boyfriend would think it insignificant).</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTy-j59L-M/VAkd4S337bI/AAAAAAAAaKg/XK0n-92E5wM/w607-h809-no/IMG_1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTy-j59L-M/VAkd4S337bI/AAAAAAAAaKg/XK0n-92E5wM/w607-h809-no/IMG_1693.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh. Ahhhh. Jewerly...and kitchen towels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I started reading <i>Rich Dad, Poor Dad</i> while in OBX because I failed to bring a book with me (which turned out to be a good thing). I didn't finish it while I was there, and seeing as I couldn't bring it back with me since it wasn't mine, I ordered a copy for myself before we even left! If you haven't read this book by Robert Kiyosaki-- or his other book <i>Cash Flow Quadrant</i> (which the bf owns and recommends so I'll be reading next...)-- I <i>HIGHLY</i> encourage you to go out and get a copy. Or borrow a copy from the library.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />This is a book you will want to have on hand so you can reference it from now til your days' end. No matter what age you are, it's never too late to reassess your finances. This book is all about financial literacy and puts it into layman's terms. Investing shouldn't be hard, but it's necessary if you want to acquire assets. This book distinguished between what we <i>think</i> are assets (cars, houses, etc.) and what <i>actually are</i> assets (investments). Instead of working for money, it promotes how to make your money <i>work for you</i>. I've been sitting on a good bit of money, and I've used my ignorance about investing as an excuse to not do anything with that. Let's just say that since Tuesday, I've been getting things in order, seeking advice, and setting up appointments with financial adviser friends so I can get this show on the road. Robert Kiyosaki also has plenty of resources that can be found on his <a href="http://www.richdad.com/Resources/Rich-Dad-Financial-Education-Blog.aspx">website</a>.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezRQV7wiF2g/VAkgKgYZYaI/AAAAAAAAaQI/-rnFB5PgE9A/w607-h809-no/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezRQV7wiF2g/VAkgKgYZYaI/AAAAAAAAaQI/-rnFB5PgE9A/w607-h809-no/IMG_1729.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dogeared a few pages that stuck out to me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Although I'm dreading the end of the summer days filled with boating activities, beach activities, and extra-long days, I'm bidding "good riddance" to the humidity that has <strike>come</strike> raged with it. My hair is ready to actually stay straight (or curled) after the 15-minute walk from my car to my office each morning. Confession: I actually bought a second (cheap) straightener to keep at work in an attempt to combat the inevitable frizz. Although the beach days (at this latitude) may be drawing to an end, there are some planned Fall festivities that are keeping me excited for the months ahead.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRmT2w83_GQ/VAkgY05F0zI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/GHRriICuE7Y/w607-h809-no/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRmT2w83_GQ/VAkgY05F0zI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/GHRriICuE7Y/w607-h809-no/IMG_1733.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy clouds before heading to Carter's Mountain Orchard<br />last night for their sunset concert series.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><i>What were your favorite trips taken this summer?</i></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I don't think I can honestly choose a favorite! They were all so different, AND I usually don't travel this much. I could get used to this wanderlust!</i></blockquote>
<div>
<b><i>What are you most excited for this Fall? What are you glad is leaving with the last days of Summer?</i></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Super excited for apple picking, trips to <a href="http://www.pollakvineyards.com/">Pollak Vineyard</a> as a member of The Smuggler's Society (their wine club), and some festivals coming up! ...And perhaps some new fall wardrobe staples??</i></blockquote>
<b><i>Do you invest your money? What do you do to increase your financial literacy?</i></b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I have a 401(K) through my previous employer, and I have both a pension and 403(b) through my current employer. I'm trying to get into the stock market game-- I hear it's risky, but you don't get anywhere without taking risks.</i> </blockquote>
</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-41262698164524138482014-08-26T10:33:00.001-04:002014-08-26T10:33:36.991-04:00It's Only Golden OnceI've spent the better part of the weekend aging, despite my efforts to stop the process and live eternally as a 24 year-old <strike>youthful goddess</strike>. All sarcasm aside, this weekend was full of festivities celebrating not only my roommate's birthday, but mine as well. Short story long, my roommate and I both met our third year of college, as we were pledging a local sorority (that went on to become chartered by a national sorority the next year!) as the only two third-year girls. So obviously, we <i>had to</i> immediately form a bond! As we started to get to know each other better, we realized we have a lot in common-- some of it eerily so. First off, our birthdays are just <i>two</i> days apart-- hers being August 23rd and mine August 25th. We both hail from the Hampton Roads area, and our mom's look like they share all but a couple genes, they are so similar.<br />
<br />
When she graduated from VCU grad school, she found a job back up in Charlottesville working for UVa, and we jumped at the chance to be roommates. But back in 2010, when we both turned 21, we quickly realized that we <i>obviously</i> HAD to celebrate together... and always would, even if we were separated by distance for our birthdays. With that came Melizzapalooza 1.0.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl2-CHHK8dc/U_i-AzDcVRI/AAAAAAAAYqI/aizeXTcS8dw/w454-h809-no/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl2-CHHK8dc/U_i-AzDcVRI/AAAAAAAAYqI/aizeXTcS8dw/w454-h809-no/IMG_1118.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach themed, of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Melizzapalooza 2.0 was spent apart, we were together in spirit. Then we were reunited for Melizzapalooza 3.0, where we celebrated each other's recent accomplishments.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuSd0gpYMSk/U_YYo4rQ-PI/AAAAAAAAT_k/2IitH1MrX0M/w607-h809-no/20130824_220834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuSd0gpYMSk/U_YYo4rQ-PI/AAAAAAAAT_k/2IitH1MrX0M/w607-h809-no/20130824_220834.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grad school > bikini competiton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This year, and probably for the next few at least, Melizzapalooza has taken a turn for the tame side, as it should. Saturday, we lounged around the apartment during the afternoon drinking wine, watching <i>Easy A</i>, and eating Trader Joe's munchies that her boyfriend brought over. Later in the evening, we went out just after 8pm (yup, we are showing our age) for a couple celebratory drinks. And I seriously do mean a couple. Two. Dos.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning was for gathering groceries for the week, then the boyfriend and I made good on a LivingSocial deal I had for a local rock climbing gym. Leave it to me to slam my knee just a few climbs in. While it was certainly uncomfortable, I didn't let that keep me down (literally), so we kept climbing and bouldering for a couple more hours before giving up due to our bruised <strike>egos</strike> hands. When you're actually trying to follow marked routes, bouldering is hard!<br />
<br />
The boyfriend and I lounged around watching <i>Boardwalk Empire</i> for a little while before going on a stroll through his neighborhood. The weather was pretty crappy all weekend, but luckily Sunday did not bring rain like Saturday. And speaking of <i>Boardwalk Empire</i>, I swear I am an expert at calling story lines before they happen. Does this happen to anyone else? There have been several instances where they will introduce a character or a seemingly minute scene will occur and I'll turn to him and say, "X is going to happen," or "I bet they introduced Y for Z reason." Then after waiting <strike>with baited breath</strike> for a few episodes, my surmises are proven true. It's almost like that commercial for Netflix where the girl has watched over a season without her boyfriend then pretends like she hasn't... except I swear I haven't watched ahead.<br />
<br />
Back to birthdays... after a quick nap, I was headed home to get ready for a pre-birthday dinner at a very intimate (in size) restaurant with Melissa, Celia, and Madelyn. Alley Light has been on my list of places to try, mostly because I caught wind that their drinks are to-die-for. The atmosphere is that of a period French restaurant. There are only a few high-top tables and just as many welcoming leather couches, with a vast array of liquors adorning the shelves behind the narrow bar.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10646783_10101806410011764_5336529767647570871_n.jpg?oh=f2360093264777e53ba424b576cf4f53&oe=546EF778&__gda__=1415719047_5befd91438ac95337aa421ec1320c187" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10646783_10101806410011764_5336529767647570871_n.jpg?oh=f2360093264777e53ba424b576cf4f53&oe=546EF778&__gda__=1415719047_5befd91438ac95337aa421ec1320c187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me. Celia, Melissa, and Madelyn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ordered a Manhattan, and I can honestly say the drinks lived up to the hype. I stopped after only the one because <strike>I'm old now</strike> my tolerance is marked by the "tipsy" sinus pressure I get between my eyes and the sides of my nose, which crept up as I finished the booze-soaked cherry from the bottom of my glass. We also ordered 7 or 8 different dishes, as this restaurant specializes in French small plates. I loved the food and I loved the company! However, I will admit that this is definitely a pricier restaurant, and aside from a special occasion or needing a place to leisurely catch up over a few drinks and a charcuterie or cheese plate, I probably won't return for a full meal. But still, a <i>lovely</i> time indeed!<br />
<br />
One restful night of sleep later, and I was awoken to the fact that it was my <i>GOLDEN</i> birthday yesterday. 25 on the 25th! Melissa made the pre-work morning routine that much more enjoyable by surprising me with a gift bag full of festive Fall items-- a super cute mug for my desk at work, sugar-free salted caramel and pumpkin spice latte syrups, and a pumpkin-scented Yankee Candle. I'd say we are both in the spirit! Also, as many of you already know, my birthday this year was marked by the return of the infamous Starbucks PSL, which thanks to Celia, I will be enjoying several of <i>very</i> soon!<br />
<br />
After getting through work with many warm birthday wishes from friends and family, Melissa and I went for a pre-dinner walk. The boyfriend and I had plans to go to a nice, Southern-inspired restaurant, Brookville, which is known for it's obsession with all things bacon. Little did I know when he told me he would pick me up at 7pm that he would surprise me at my door dressed very dapper with a card and flowers in his hands. Okay, okay, I'm swooning. I'll tone it down, but I feel <i>very</i> lucky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTtxq9vkAF0/U_yVV6VF4jI/AAAAAAAAaDY/pRYnIgsQMtY/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTtxq9vkAF0/U_yVV6VF4jI/AAAAAAAAaDY/pRYnIgsQMtY/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made with our Utah pictures!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tv0Mjq5xiE/U_yVV95P5KI/AAAAAAAAaDc/7TAD8AocMgQ/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tv0Mjq5xiE/U_yVV95P5KI/AAAAAAAAaDc/7TAD8AocMgQ/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yes, he did well.</td></tr>
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After parking, we walked along the Downtown Mall to Brookville... only to find out that it was closed on Mondays! He threw out some suggestions, to which I chose Zocalo (which also happens to be the location of our first date), and upon walking there, it was closed too! Seriously business owners, <i>some of us</i> have Monday birthdays, you know!! Third time was the charm though--we "settled" on Commonwealth restaurant, which if you rewind back through my blog, you will remember I was supposed to work there and even went through training there before I got a full-time job offer. I had not actually had a chance to eat there though, and it was absolutely perfect.<br />
<br />
We chose a nice patio table outside to enjoy the beautiful weather-- a perfect Fall preview. To our benefit, it just so happens that Commonwealth offers a four-course tasting menu on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we lucked out and were able to try small plates of many things. At one point, something moving pretty quick along the downtown mall caught my eye. A<i> deer(!!)</i> had run the length of the mall! So I know they say if you see a shooting star, you make a wish and it's good luck. So if I see a deer run along a pedestrian mall on my birthday, that must mean a year of good luck, right?? There really are no heavily or even moderately-wooded areas around the downtown area, so it was a wonder where it came from. We surmised that maybe the deer was along the train tracks and was scared away by an approaching train, so it took off in any direction, which led it where we were.<br />
<br />
With several possible after-dinner options, I opted for the low-key one--falling asleep at 10pm <strike>on the boyfriend's couch</strike> after another riveting episode of <i>Boardwalk Empire</i>. And I wouldn't have it any other way. <b>Thank you to those who made my birthday so special!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Questions for my readers:</b><br />
<i><b>What is the average price of a good cocktail in your city?</b> Here in Charlottesville, it ranges anywhere from $8-12 usually. I won't spend any more than that (excluding tax). Sunday's Manhattan was $9, and last night's specialty cocktail "Front Porch" (bourbon, bitters, rhubarb, and cucumber) was $10.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>What's the most interesting thing you've seen/done on your birthday?</b> The deer was a good conversation piece and sort of stole my thunder ;-)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>What are your telltale "I'm getting old..." signs? </b>The after-drink "tipsy" facial pressure is new for me.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-72811100391207417922014-08-22T13:47:00.000-04:002014-08-22T13:48:55.890-04:00Travel Bug: Utah Edition, Part 1Don't mind me while I reminisce back to two weeks ago, when my boyfriend and I flew out to the Land of Oz. ...At least that's what Las Vegas was to me--much to look at, much to take in (and yet no gambling, drinking, strippers...or stripping).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kRiAEC-6T4/U_XmHo64H-I/AAAAAAAAN-4/PQx7JkzzkRM/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kRiAEC-6T4/U_XmHo64H-I/AAAAAAAAN-4/PQx7JkzzkRM/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We managed to be walking past the Bellagio <i>right</i> before a<br />
fountain performance. <i>Chicago</i> for the win!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNAQmHSy-HY/U_XmldX_JRI/AAAAAAAAOC4/jVZVphST7aY/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNAQmHSy-HY/U_XmldX_JRI/AAAAAAAAOC4/jVZVphST7aY/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cool is this?! A preview of the second half of our trip.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_133039286"></span>We spent about five or so hours walking the strip to shake out our legs between our flight and the three-hour drive ahead of us. After an early dinner in downtown Las Vegas, we hit the road for Springdale, UT, where we would be spending the next three nights. I had found a quaint B&B through Trip Advisor, and even though we got in after the staffed hours, we were still given a warm greeting to our Walt Whitman suite. Each room was named after a famous writer, and the rooms were decorated for the time period in which they lived.<br />
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Up bright and early the next morning, we awoke to dreary skies-- we had brought the rain with us from Virginia! I swear, every Utahan we met made mention, "Ah, I see you planned your visit during the <i>only</i> time it has rained here this year. We need it though!" So with that, we headed to breakfast at a local cafe (the wife of the B&B owner had her hands full with a young baby, so, presumably, they worked with the cafe to provide their guests with breakfast vouchers instead of cooking).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7T7X0VsdUg/U_XmzV9UKyI/AAAAAAAAOEQ/_lMgTTtl6fA/s1600/IMG_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7T7X0VsdUg/U_XmzV9UKyI/AAAAAAAAOEQ/_lMgTTtl6fA/s1600/IMG_1524.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me to the bf:</i> "I don't want to alarm you, but<br />
there's a bear behind you..."</td></tr>
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After fueling up, we made our way into Zion National Park. Although we were unable to do most of the more alluring hikes for experienced hikers due to expected flash flooding, we did some trailblazing of our own.<br />
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First up: free-form rock climbing:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/1jgHQEgGD5-8rgfuIkkaz6-A37QSFIwG1Vpxq6OOzgHy=w793-h809-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/1jgHQEgGD5-8rgfuIkkaz6-A37QSFIwG1Vpxq6OOzgHy=w793-h809-no" height="320" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just kidding!</td></tr>
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But in all seriousness, we pulled our <strike>oh-so-awesome</strike> uber-compact Nissan off to the side of the road when we saw a pretty cool mountainside that we wanted to <strike>hike</strike> bound up. About an eighth of a mile up, I pointed to a rock outcrop and turning back to the trailing bf, stated, "I'm climbing <i>that!</i>"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDtL0CxhZBE/U_SKdyAJo5I/AAAAAAAAI10/Fyk_Ri-IYoU/w607-h809-no/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDtL0CxhZBE/U_SKdyAJo5I/AAAAAAAAI10/Fyk_Ri-IYoU/w607-h809-no/IMG_1549.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that tall rock structure in the top right corner?</td></tr>
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I wasn't entirely serious, but it also didn't seem too terribly far away. (Now is probably a good time to mention that a. it was further away than it looked, and b. keep in mind that it was raining...and started raining harder.) Next thing you know...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCfH4pUOMmI/U_SLjOHfJnI/AAAAAAAAI4I/3hvT6Xd4w3M/w607-h809-no/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCfH4pUOMmI/U_SLjOHfJnI/AAAAAAAAI4I/3hvT6Xd4w3M/w607-h809-no/IMG_1542.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually did reach that tree...!</td></tr>
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The hike down turned out to be more treacherous than we anticipated since the rain picked up, leading to some heavy streams forming along the sandstone mountains. Caution: slippery when wet! I slipped once, catching myself with my hand <i>just barely </i>missing a cactus.<br />
<br />
Once back to the car, we played cat and mouse with the weather all day. Luckily, it cleared up enough for a short period of time, during which we decided to do one of the shorter, more novice hikes to the Emerald Pools. Given that this trail was not in danger of flash flooding, it was pretty packed with hikers--mostly families and elders--which unfortunately slowed the pace. The views were phenomenal, so it was still a great experience. Being from the East Coast, there's so much novelty to take in!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJg7p_p_0Ew/U_SJJvsMKqI/AAAAAAAAIy0/GiS6Z2zVJIo/w607-h809-no/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJg7p_p_0Ew/U_SJJvsMKqI/AAAAAAAAIy0/GiS6Z2zVJIo/w607-h809-no/IMG_1563.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I let the bf take the real pictures because <strike>I'm just<br /> so nice</strike> his camera is light-years better than mine.</td></tr>
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And of course, leave it to the rain gods to clear up the skies after we showered up for dinner, getting our hopes up for some dry, epic hiking the following day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk-gSY4B33U/U_R2mW8F-XI/AAAAAAAAIbc/AvizFoK201w/w607-h809-no/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk-gSY4B33U/U_R2mW8F-XI/AAAAAAAAIbc/AvizFoK201w/w607-h809-no/IMG_1595.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to dinner-- so beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5_I-MSsX8/U_R2KaJjXCI/AAAAAAAAIaY/3Hwqlf4Ypao/w958-h719-no/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5_I-MSsX8/U_R2KaJjXCI/AAAAAAAAIaY/3Hwqlf4Ypao/w958-h719-no/IMG_1598.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our evening backdrop.</td></tr>
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We were having such a good time taking in the now-shining mountains that we took probably 2 hours to eat dinner. We found this great tex-mex place we enjoyed so much that we ended up going back there the next night. Our server(s) must have thought we were crazy (or lazy), because we sat around with a mostly finished bowl of chips and guac-- seriously there were maybe 5 chips left-- for an good 45 minutes before we decided to place our meal order. It was just such a different pace for the two of us who are normally go-go-go. I truly enjoyed the company I was with.<br />
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And that wasn't the end of the evening. Throughout dinner, we kept checking the ever-changing forecast for the following day. We would look once and it would say 40% chance of rain. Then upon next glance 20%. At one point it said 0%, to which I started rejoicing, and we headed over to the Zion Adventure Company to inquire about hikes for the next day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, it turns out the weather forecast was wrong (surprise, surprise), and the rep at the adventure company informs us that no, it is in fact supposed to rain, and flash flooding is likely. With that, our plans to hike The Narrows that day went out the window. After a good fifteen minutes asking for opinions on other possible hikes and a couple hours debating between two, we opted to hike out to Kolob Arch, the second largest free-standing arch, the next day.</div>
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Another early morning and a filling breakfast later, we drove out 45 minutes to the northwest entrance to the park and started our hike. Due to the change in elevation, it was quite the brisk morning and took a good hour (and 3 miles) to warm up. Thank goodness we each brought a couple jackets with us for this trip! The hike to the arch was 7-1/2 miles with the first mile and a half declining in elevation to eventually follow along a creek bed. Those first three miles were relatively quick--even with some lulls to take pictures, we knocked them out in an hour. However, the further in we got, the more picturesque the hike became, and while we were keeping up a good clip while we were moving, our photo breaks became longer (and well worth it!).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU73ZabSzNQ/U_Ry0rBaRtI/AAAAAAAAISU/6q6HW2-MbsM/w957-h235-no/IMG_1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU73ZabSzNQ/U_Ry0rBaRtI/AAAAAAAAISU/6q6HW2-MbsM/w957-h235-no/IMG_1633.JPG" height="155" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strike>My</strike> pictures do it no justice (the boyfriend's are another story).</td></tr>
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The last mile to the arch was a little tricky and not very well marked, but luckily we came across a family of experienced hikers on their way back up the trail, and they had set up little rock "fixtures" to mark the correct route. That last mile had some very hairy sections complete with rock scrambles and creek crossings. We may have missed the cue to cross the creek a few times and had to pave our own way. But alas!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYOihFQT-p0/U_Rxenx0dQI/AAAAAAAAIPg/SvUIQ-oWUwc/w958-h719-no/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYOihFQT-p0/U_Rxenx0dQI/AAAAAAAAIPg/SvUIQ-oWUwc/w958-h719-no/IMG_1642.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case: "look up."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlelZVGpRAc/U_RxEJYGL0I/AAAAAAAAIOU/MaPZ_PfAIOw/w607-h809-no/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlelZVGpRAc/U_RxEJYGL0I/AAAAAAAAIOU/MaPZ_PfAIOw/w607-h809-no/IMG_1644.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, my name is Liz and I creepily take pictures<br />
of you taking pictures.</td></tr>
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You can see that if you don't know where to look, you might just miss it. Hidden gem! We were lucky that, due to the 45-minute drive out to Kolob, we only shared the trail with a handful of hikers. Having found a log on which to take a break, we sat and ate our 10am lunch (#1) before heading back up the trail.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was smooth sailing on the way back, with those last couple miles of incline presenting a welcoming challenge. Until it started raining. And by raining, I mean pouring. And by pouring I mean <i>WHY?!?!</i> It just so turned out that it was a spot shower, and we by the time it ended, we had a <strike>muddy</strike> half-mile in which to dry off a bit. And being that it was Utah, we were each our own personal saunas.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Upon getting back to the car, we took a few minutes to gather ourselves before making the return trip to Springdale. We even stopped at a local grocery store to get some fuel together for the next day, which was definitely <i>THE</i> day to hike The Narrows, a popular slot canyon in Zion National Park.</div>
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<div>
Flash forward through a shower, a nap, and dinner, we headed back over to Zion Adventure Company, where we rented water shoes, neoprene socks, and hiking sticks. If you ever plan on hiking The Narrows, I strongly encourage you to make the $22 investment into these necessities. While, yes, you could hike the narrows without these, it was infinitely easier and quicker with the right gear. With an early wake-up ahead of us, we called it an early night.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning, the boyfriend and I awoke to darkness at the wee hour of 5(? - 530?). We dressed for the occasion, gathered our gear (and all of our belongings we brought with us: checkout day...) into the car, and drove to a parking spot on the side of the road just inside the park. From there, we took the shuttle (the first of the day) up through the park to the head of The Narrows trail. We may have been some of the first, but we weren't the only ones with the "early bird catches the worm" idea-- the shuttle was decently full!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We hopped off the bus, and away we went. The two of us share in some personality traits, a few being the "need for speed" <strike>or lack of dilly-dallying</strike> and a desire to accept any hiking challenge. Due to the very wet nature of this hike, I did not bring a camera, which means no pictures for you unfortunately. Once again, I let the <i>real</i> photographer take the pictures. (Note: my boyfriend is not actually a photographer, but he is <i>really</i> good at capturing things on camera. I would say my inability to take decent pictures is due to the lack of a decent camera, but we all know that is only an excuse.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I leave you with how we left Springdale and Zion that afternoon:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/DwC8MdndVBBRnwIGvgJ-Zl-R31uIx_pGbKktsnE76aVB=w895-h809-no" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/DwC8MdndVBBRnwIGvgJ-Zl-R31uIx_pGbKktsnE76aVB=w895-h809-no" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Just kidding. We left around noon that day-- not the evening-- en route to Park City. But you have to admit the sun setting on the mountains is as alluring as gold. There was so much that we didn't get to do due to the weather, so you better believe we will be back!</div>
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Stay tuned for Part 2! <strike>Aka I'm tired of typing this, so you surely must be tired of reading this.</strike></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-14223566730797054422014-08-20T09:57:00.001-04:002014-08-20T09:57:31.316-04:00What I'm Missing (Wednesday)Oddly enough, I feel lost lately. Without a goal-- i.e., without a competition in the books for the remainder of the year-- I am at a loss of what to write these days. I am passing up the chance to compete this year for good reasons, some of which I will touch on in a moment, but it's hard to blog about fitness when it's become pretty routine for the most part.<br />
<br />
I'm a highly analytically person-- sometimes too much so-- so I've had plenty of time for inner reflection on my decision not to compete in bikini this year. Let's assess the reasons:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Social calendar:</b> When I decided not to compete in 2014, I realized there are a lot of events coming up that I don't want to miss out on--weddings, concerts, festivals, and all that jazz. While I've done it <strike>twice</strike> before, I don't think I'm up to prepping during this time. I was lucky that there were few events last year that really coincided, but it is a tough balance and raises a lot of questions from strangers. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to answer them, but it gets old, it's a lengthy conversation, and it takes away from other topics of interest. With one of my close sorority sisters getting married at the end of September, I want to celebrate her by celebrating <i>with</i> her.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9BLe_wH4Jc/TZW-4n5-7-I/AAAAAAAAAEE/rcYNKs9_VHM/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9BLe_wH4Jc/TZW-4n5-7-I/AAAAAAAAAEE/rcYNKs9_VHM/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren (second from the left in the black dress) will be <br />tying the knot in September! Congrats to her and her fiance!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Health:</b> I have said it before, and I'll say it again, but I want to make sure that I'm healthy during the prep process. Being that I would be going at this one alone, sans coach, it will be hard to get an objective view on my progress. We all see things in the mirror differently than those around us. A friend might say, "You're looking good," but <i>how so?</i> I might look in the mirror and say, "I don't see much change from last week to now," when I've actually made changes visible to someone with a trained eye. There needs to be defined markers of progress. Health <i>MUST </i>be the main goal (behind winning a stunning trophy) to my next competition prep, and I am keeping that in mind for when I do compete again.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtIdjSoR1M/U-yzaUagKcI/AAAAAAAAH8E/cp7qGiBxZRk/w540-h809-no/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtIdjSoR1M/U-yzaUagKcI/AAAAAAAAH8E/cp7qGiBxZRk/w540-h809-no/IMG_0291.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Return of the progress pictures.<br />...And I need to teach the bf what to look for.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Physique:</b> Going into a bikini competition without considering physique is like going boating without a boat. It <i>is </i>the competition. You are competing against each of the girls on stage with you. Your<i> physique</i> is competing against each physique on stage with you. If I were to say, "Okay, let's do this-- November competition. Prep starts a week from Saturday," I would have no chance. <i>(By the way, </i>THAT<i> was my tentative plan had I decided to compete in 2014.)</i> I took off-season off. Most competitors work on their problem areas, they bulk, and they still maintain <strike>some semblance of</strike> a diet/meal plan. I've minded my nutrition for the most part, I've maintained a mostly consistent workout schedule, but I slack off here and there, and I surely haven't been doing any bulking. If anything, the weights that I'm putting up these days are lower than they were pre-comp last year. So hopefully with a new workout partner, we can push each other to perform just a little better each week and eventually I can see all those numbers creep back up (including my weight, which I've maintained although my physique has changed-- sure sign of muscle loss!).</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KapOuSyjAHw/U_SWZjxyoGI/AAAAAAAAJTs/wHGJzr40aic/w607-h809-no/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KapOuSyjAHw/U_SWZjxyoGI/AAAAAAAAJTs/wHGJzr40aic/w607-h809-no/IMG_1412.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who <i>really</i> wants to give this up just yet?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
On that last note, keeping sight of these smaller, but equally pertinent, goals is what is keeping me moving forward. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I just need an <i>off </i>day, but not being in prep mode gives me that flexibility. I wrote it down in January, and it went a little by the wayside, but I <i>will</i> be working to improve my glutes and hamstrings before I compete again!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lv1LsAnJw/UiqUZqx2owI/AAAAAAAADro/WnIkXV6EDRI/s1600/OCB081013DCa_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lv1LsAnJw/UiqUZqx2owI/AAAAAAAADro/WnIkXV6EDRI/s1600/OCB081013DCa_0958.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room for improvement...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-HLg5sLcFw/UhQgkSKsPXI/AAAAAAAADcs/hpR1aUHeREA/s809-no/Apr%2B21%2C%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-HLg5sLcFw/UhQgkSKsPXI/AAAAAAAADcs/hpR1aUHeREA/s809-no/Apr%2B21%2C%2B2013.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...But <i>SO</i> fun (to see the <strike>blurry</strike> transformation)!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-62108942645487351312014-08-15T12:08:00.003-04:002014-08-15T12:08:58.803-04:00My Dream Come True!Ever had a dream you didn't realize? Not to be taken as you didn't achieve your goal but rather you didn't know such dream existed. I just fulfilled one of those, I suppose. I am now a semi-published "fitness expert" for <a href="http://storeyourboard.com/">StoreYourBoard.com</a>! And there may also be a product picture featuring yours truly lingering around the website as well. Hint: it's a sport I've mentioned in recent posts. I'll let you find it yourself.<br />
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I say things such as "semi-published" and "'fitness expert'" because I do not claim that I have hard and fast credentials to call myself one or the other. However, I've led an active, fit lifestyle for quite some time now, and I do know a thing or two about <strike>blogging</strike> nutrition and fitness. Clearly, this has not gone unnoticed. <i>Okay, okay, so I have ties to the owner... </i>(Transparency = credibility)<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1937459_10152623462970871_9203490373263287705_n.jpg?oh=b49bf472e59e48f6255fd1f03e3ee5c8&oe=546662E7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1937459_10152623462970871_9203490373263287705_n.jpg?oh=b49bf472e59e48f6255fd1f03e3ee5c8&oe=546662E7" width="320" /></a></div>
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A while back, I was searching for an alternative to Quest Bars because, let's be honest, those buggers are Pric-ey! ...Unless you're Type A like me and you time coupons right for when they go on sale at GNC and you can get like 6-7 boxes for just over $100. But enough with how <strike>cheap</strike> frugal I am. What started as a short internet search ended days later at <a href="http://www.purefitnessnutrition.com/Products/protein-bar-types/protein-bar-supplements.html">this</a> website. Enter in an internal debate that lasted a week trying to justify whether protein bars I had <i>never tried before</i> would <i>possibly</i> be worth the $30 price tag, and I sucked it up and ordered the variety box. Best <strike>tasting</strike>. Decision. Ever.<br />
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I kid you not, each of these Krush bars tasted exactly like the real thing. <i>Especially</i> the birthday cake flavor. I closed my eyes and blew out imaginary candles, and when I opened my eyes, there was no sheet cake sitting in front of me. Nor was there a Krush bar anymore. Obsessed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purefitnessnutrition.com/sitebuilder/images/krush-main-page-705x315.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.purefitnessnutrition.com/sitebuilder/images/krush-main-page-705x315.png" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Pure Fitness Nutrition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it's not just about the flavor. It's about the quality. Check out the webpage-- high quality whey protein- and milk protein- isolate, agave inulin, <i>natural</i> flavor, NO aspartame, <i style="font-weight: bold;">FRESHLY MADE(!!)</i>... Need I go on? That last highlight is the icing on the (birthday) cake (Krush bar) for me. What other protein bar can you buy <i>not from a straight-up bakery (and even then...)</i> that is freshly made on a weekly basis? I don't know about you, but that means <i style="font-weight: bold;">product consistency</i> to me. Not to compare apples, but this morning I had a cookies and cream Quest bar-- I had sadly run out of Krush bars-- in which the "cookies" were hard as rocks.<br />
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If that is bad enough, about a year ago I bought a box of the PB&J Quest bars that I could literally stack like bricks. Just imagine how it felt biting into one of those suckers. Quality control can sometimes fall by the wayside with mass production, so I emailed the company asking for a replacement box to those inedible bars... to which I received no response. In contrast, I contacted Pure Fitness Nutrition, the parent company of Krush Bars, in early May raving about the little <i>krush</i> I formed for these bars. Steven, the owner/baker/mastermind behind these protein bars emailed me back in person, and it was so great to see the passion he had for his product and the excitement over his customers' shared interests in it.<br />
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So I encourage you to not only check out Krush Bars for yourself, but also my little blurb on the <a href="http://www.storeyourboard.com/krush-protein-bars-variety-12-pack/">StoreYourBoard</a> website (as well as all the other great products on there-- Got a rack?). It might be the only review of mine that ever gets posted there if nobody enjoys my sense of humor... I kid. Oh and just a side note: a little birdy told me Krush is releasing a new flavor <strike>my birth-month</strike> this month!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-68999174678997945552014-08-14T08:37:00.000-04:002014-08-14T08:37:18.562-04:002014: Plans & PassesLately, I have been constantly thinking about my plans for the remaining months of 2014. Probably because, having competed twice last year, I am torn between competing again in 2014. On the one hand, if I decided to, my potential prep start date would be August 30, the Saturday following my birthday. That would be with the intention of competing in late-October/November so as not to interfere with the holidays. <i>Sorry, but I'm not one to let competition prep interfere with family holidays--</i> I cannot be that selfish. I have kept in decent shape, and well within a nice range from stage weight (probably indicative of some muscle loss-- <i>tear, tear</i>), so it would be doable. But do I want to?<br />
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Having fallen into the world of competing a few years ago (although I did not actually decide to compete until last year), I have become a frequenter of a multitude of different fitness blogs, including several fellow competitors. I have noticed two common trends: there are those that live to compete and those that figure out that competing does not let them live. I do not quite know where I fall-- somewhere between those two categories. I cannot say that I will never compete again, but I cannot say that I will compete this year either.<br />
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If you had asked me earlier in the year, I would have told you I planned on competing at the end of June. However, I started a new job, my dog was having separation anxiety leaving me feeling obligated to trade gym time for puppy playtime, and the icing on the cake: I parted ways with my trainer when it became evident that that particular association would do me much disservice. Needless to say, any competition plans by then were in shambles, so I scrambled for a tentative Plan B, which kept taking the back-burner to enjoying summer activities. And while I can tell you that I've enjoyed a normal summer (which I didn't have last year), I still cannot tell you that I've forever given up competing. So what's it going to be?<br />
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After much deliberation-- and now the reputation of being a bikini competitor (i.e., all the comments and questions coming from friends and acquaintances that come with it... unfortunately leading to feel like I'm letting down those around me)-- I am saying <i style="font-weight: bold;">PASS</i> to any plans of competing in 2014.<br />
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There are several reasons behind my decision, and I still have a lot to figure out. Truth be told, I am in a much different place in life this year than I was last year. I am a lot happier but with more commitments. And with more commitments comes less free time, which is <i>not</i> a bad thing. I've experienced a lot of change over the past few months, and I still need to settle into my new life. With that being said, I have a tentative plan to compete in early March 2014, assuming there are NPC/OCB shows around me at that time.<br />
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So since I'm not competing, I've decided to focus on other plans for the remainder of the year. What do I want to accomplish? What matters most to me in the 4-1/2 months left of 2014? I took this opportunity to reflect on my 2014 goals, which I created in place of resolutions. While some have fallen by the wayside, I'm doing phenomenally with others. Let's assess.<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>I set a goal to read one book each month during the year. Over time, I have tweaked this to mean: <i>at least </i>12 books during 2014<i>.</i> So far, I have read 10 or books <i>(I lost count, but woohoo, ahead of schedule!)</i>, and I <b><i>PLAN</i> </b>on hitting at least 20-- maybe 24 (an even 2 per month). That doesn't count the stacks of magazines that I've been catching up on dating back to early-2013...</li>
<li>I set a goal to, in so many words, generally be more pleasant/patient. My mom was a huge fan of this one. To date, I like to think that I have stuck to this. I try to ask her opinion on this every so often to make sure I am in check. I <i style="font-weight: bold;">PLAN</i> on not only keeping this up, but trying to keep judgement of others down... because those are not attractive qualities.</li>
<li>I told myself 2014 was the year I was <i>finally </i>going to apply for the Junior League of Charlottesville (JLC), so I wrote it down on my goal sheet. The application process opened in the beginning of June (or something like that), and I put mine in that first week. As I was flying out to Las Vegas two Saturdays ago, I received a "status update" email from the girl in charge of the new Provisional Class-- I got into the JLC! I <b><i>PLAN</i> </b>on making the most of this opportunity by going to all the volunteer and social functions that I can and bonding with the numerous other girls that share in my interests. It definitely helps that my friend (and neighbor) Emily applied and got accepted as well-- we were laughing and stressing over the application process for several weeks!</li>
<li>I had every intention of building during my off season, especially my lower body. While this off-season has turned into an off-year with me saying <i style="font-weight: bold;">PASS</i> to competing in 2014, I do <i style="font-weight: bold;">PLAN </i> on still building a lower body that will keep me competitive. This should hopefully be much easier now that I have a workout partner.</li>
<li>I <i style="font-weight: bold;">PLAN</i> on taking advantage of the weather every opportunity I get by spending more time outdoors. This summer, thanks to the boyfriend, I have been able to take up several new interests, including wakeboarding, cycling, and stand-up paddleboarding (although I am nowhere near great at the former two; I can definitely hold my own on the SUP though). I know once the weather turns cold, my time outside will be limited, so I must make the most of the sun and warmer temps now.</li>
<li>Looking back at my 2014 goals, many revolve around personal development. This was a crucial, because I foresaw some of the changes that were coming my way in the first few months of the year. I am taking this one step further and really making sure I am maintaining my health. With that, I <i style="font-weight: bold;">PLAN</i> on really making my health a priority and making a conscious effort to take control. I've already taken several steps, making the most of my excellent health insurance by participating in biometric and skin cancer screenings in the past couple months. More on this later.</li>
<li>Unlike last year, where I practically revamped my workout attire collection, I am putting a <i style="font-weight: bold;">PASS</i> on the frivolous spending. Having been laid off from the pharma industry, there was a lot of uncertainty, especially financial. While I was never in dire monetary straits, it was still unnerving knowing that at the end of my "administrative leave" (during which they left us on payroll without any work requirements), I would get X amount of dollars then be left to fend for myself. I was lucky in that I received a generous severance package-- as did all 400 or so employees that were let go from my business unit alone-- and I have since set this aside as my emergency-and-then-some fund. I come from a family that does not fully know the meaning of financial responsibility, so it is very important to me that I start off financially secure early on in life/my career. Now if only I could alleviate those student loans sooner rather than later...</li>
</ol>
<div>
While this is by no means the be-all, end-all of my <i>plans</i> and <i>passes</i> for the remainder of 2014, it's a start. I have more written down in the confines of my desk drawer, but I'm hoping that by sharing them, this will help hold me accountable. So maybe I should add that I <i style="font-weight: bold;">PLAN</i> on making more of an effort with the blog...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-76712632821144212042014-08-12T12:05:00.001-04:002014-08-12T12:05:03.374-04:00Bringing You Up to SpeedSomeone please explain to me why it is that rainy, dreary days always make time drag on minute by minute? Such happens to be the case this morning, during which I have already spilled sugar-free apple cider all over my desk at work, narrowly missing my clothing-- thank goodness for my catlike reflexes. Yes, I'm already digging on the fall beverages, and yet there are still some weeks left of summer. But more importantly: why am I such a klutz? Or maybe I should be asking <i>how</i> instead.<div>
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<div>
It's very apparent that for some time now, I have been struggling with coming back to the blogisphere. It's not that I have a lack of things to post about. It's not that I have a lack of desire to write. For me, blogging is cathartic, but like I've said before, it's a huge time-suck. I don't mean that negatively, but there are just not enough hours in the day-- especially as of late-- for me to sit down for an hour or so and type up a post, add photos (which have previously been edited... add time here), and edit. Okay, let's be real: I rarely edit.</div>
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This is not to say that I'm 100% coming back to blogging, but it's not to say that I'm 100% giving it up either. If time allows, I'll jot down my musings. If not, not to worry. So that's that. On to the good stuff!</div>
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<div>
To say that these past few months-- heck, 2014 in general!-- have been full of change would be an understatement. During this time, I have experienced the following (hopefully in order):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I got a puppy! The one and only, most-adorable Kipp, aka Kippernicus. Yes, my dog's nickname is longer than his full name. And <i>technically </i>I got him right before Christmas 2013, but we will still count this as a 2014 change, because we have both grown together during these months.</li>
<li>I got laid off from my pharmaceutical sales job. Such is the nature of the pharmaceutical industry-- hire for the immediate need, and remove for the immediate need (or lack thereof). Although this left me in a tough predicament, it opened doors for me, and it opened my eyes to what I really want from a career. My career transition has been a blessing in disguise, and I find myself much happier now than I ever was with pharma.</li>
<li>I bought a new car! A 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring to be exact. This sort of goes hand-in-hand with the layoff (no employing company = no company car), but I couldn't be happier with my choice. <i>(Although, this weekend some jerk dinged my door in a tight parking lot and I didn't realize until the next morning--grr! Must get that fixed ASAP. Car = baby (and the most expensive thing I </i>mostly<i> own.))</i></li>
<li>I started more actively dating. By this, I mean that I gave online dating an <i>actual</i> try--or more specifically Tinder-- and almost <i>immediately</i> met my now boyfriend! Before you go off judging those that use Tinder, let me say what I've said from the beginning of my experience with it: Tinder gets a bad wrap because of those that use it to hookup...and there are a lot of those type on there. But when you get down to it, you get out of this dating app what you put into it. Those that are looking only for "booty" are very transparent about it. I preferred Tinder because it allowed me to be more selective up front about what I was looking for and only get contacted by those that fit well with that. I went into my experience looking for a relationship, and it just so happens that I found one.<i><b> I am not ashamed to admit that, nor will I ever be.</b></i></li>
<li>In conjunction with the last bullet point, I found a new, wonderful, meaningful relationship with by far the best guy ever. <i>No, I'm not biased in the least...</i> My good friend Stacy used to tell me <i>all. the. time. </i>while listening to my dating woes, "You deserve someone who treats you like a princess. You deserve someone who treats you like a queen. Don't settle for that crap!" I knew what she meant, but I never <i>really </i>understood what she meant because I had never experienced that before. <b>Now I have.</b></li>
<li>I went to Costa Rica for 2 weeks... with said boyfriend. It was my first international experience (excluding Canada before the days of the passport requirement), and there are not enough words in the English language for me to express just how utterly, breathtakingly <i>amazing</i> it was. We drove between six different towns, including three days of backpacking in Corcovado National Park and four days of sand and sun (duh) in Santa Teresa. Heaven!</li>
<li>I started a new <strike>job</strike> career two weeks after my return to Charlottesville. I now work for the UVa hospital as a Clinical Research Coordinator (Trainee) in the Department of Radiation Oncology. So very rewarding, to say the least, and I <i>ABSOLUTELY</i> love it.</li>
<li>I've spent a substantial part of my summer taking weekend trips, enjoying the company of weekend visitors (both mine and my boyfriend's), and making every last minute count. In previous years, I don't think I made the most of the free time that I had, so by Monday morning, I would dread going back to work because all I had done over the weekend was errands and chores. Such is not the case this year, and I can contribute this new thought process to the new relationship.</li>
<li>New year/career = new gym. Now that I work for UVa, I can take advantage of the gym(s) they have around Grounds at a discounted rate. You have to have a tie to the University in order to be able to use their facilities, so it's not that I couldn't as an alumnus, but it would have been a few hundred dollars more per year. And I was able to get a Plus One membership for the boyfriend too, so I finally have a workout partner again! The couple that trains together stays together?!</li>
<li>I bought a road bike (and have been trying to get out on it more)! The boyfriend is a big road cycling enthusiast, and I'm always looking for a new adventure/challenge/fitness goal. I am now the proud owner of one of the Canondale Synapse Women's line of bikes. No races on the horizon for me anytime soon.</li>
<li>Most recently, I vacationed out to Utah with the boyfriend, helping him take notes for his company at the Outdoor Retailer conference held in Salt Lake City. We extended the front end of the trip a few days and spent three of them hiking through Zion National Park. We must go back soon! Although we had those three days in the park, it wasn't nearly enough time to see/do all that we wanted. And the OR conference was such an experience-- I'm always glad when I can find little ways to help him with his (successful, constantly-growing) business.</li>
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And there you have it, folks-- that brings us to mid-August 2014, in a nutshell. Unfortunately, I'm not working from my MacBook, so no pictures this time. But hey, at least I got a post in (finally)??</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-52145593583643560862014-05-03T22:22:00.002-04:002014-05-03T22:22:26.121-04:00A Return to the Virtual WorldIn the days/weeks/months that have passed since my absence from the blog world, I have found myself asking the question all of us bloggers ultimately face in our blogging career. "Should I keep at it?" I let a negative comment from an acquaintance hold more weight than it was worth when I was told, "Oh, you still do that? I didn't realize people actually blog anymore these days...," and throw in some comparison to MySpace.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, I <i>enjoy</i> creating this blog. I put a lot of time and effort into what I write, give or take a few <strike>rushed, probably terribly written</strike> posts. This may not be the most well-written blog on the internet, but it's the most accurate reflection of me and my life on a daily basis. I am my own editor. I decide what stays and what goes, and I create my own deadlines. It's a way to answer the questions I get, mostly with regards to my training, most often. <i>Just Another Rep</i> is my 100% truth.<br />
<br />
I was recently discussing this very blog with someone-- how it originated, what I discuss, why I took a hiatus, why I have decided to revive it, and what exactly <i>this</i> post would look like. <i>Just Another Rep</i> has gotten me through 3 1/2 years at this point-- college graduation and simultaneously my transition away from the lush life into the lifting life, a few job searches, and numerous other life events. It is because of this blog that I delved into the world of blogging, finding likeminded writers to follow and serve as inspiration. It is because of this blog that I conversely have followers and friends which I help to inspire. And perhaps most importantly, <i>J.A.R.</i> is a source of motivation for my own goals-- you can't tell the internet something that is not the truth, for fear of being deemed a liar. What an excellent accountability resource!<br />
<br />
It was nice to be reminded that I do, in fact, have people in my corner supporting me with regards to my leisurely blogging activities. I initially intended to use this post to do many things-- make my blogosphere comeback, reiterate my purpose, touch on all that's new (trust me, there's a <i>lot</i>), and get amped for all that I have on tap for the near future. Unfortunately, that is not all going to happen tonight, for a multitude of reasons:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I am blogging from my mother's house, and there are 4 dogs running around.</li>
<li>I am scatterbrained enough as it is at the moment, and I want to do each post justice. If that means breaking my initial plan down into a few posts, so be it.</li>
<li>I have a <i>LOT</i> of pictures to edit before I can fully reveal what I've been up to.</li>
<li>I have a few kinks to work out before I can fully reveal what my future holds.</li>
<li>I'm clearly tired and full of excuses.</li>
</ol>
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And with that, I make my (short and sweet) return.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodnight! --Liz & Kipp signing out.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-24406836882338199582014-01-07T08:41:00.002-05:002014-01-07T08:41:32.605-05:00New Year, New BlogHey folks, due to some privacy issues, I will be leaving "Just Another Rep" in the dust. I will, however, be starting a new blog-- the name of which will be released through both my personal and blog-related Facebook pages. I know I may lose some readers in this confusion, but unfortunately this has come down to necessity. Look for a revived blog post soon. Miss you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-37822899851272104532013-09-06T23:12:00.004-04:002013-09-06T23:12:44.391-04:00Never Too Late: OCB Presidential Cup Recap, Part 2It's never too late to finish a half-assed competition recap, am I right? I just needed to keep the suspense high, and I think I successfully managed to do that. <strike>Or I just got busy (my usual excuse) and this is my first time logging into Blogger in about a month...</strike><br />
<br />
When I last left you guys, I had just entered Laurel High School, sans trainer, to get checked in and receive my number for competition day. They had left some of the competitor numbers home the day before when I actually checked in, mine being one of them, so I waited with baited breath to be handed my badge of honor.<br />
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This turned out to be a good thing though, because they had to renumber several competitors the day of the show due to some scratches and no-shows. I was content with my number because it was easily divisible by 5. And 25. Which is also divisible by 5... But at least it was easy to remember.<div>
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Show day is an odd event. It's several days in one, and yet it goes by in the blink of an eye. As Kevin likes to say, "It's a lot of waiting around for nothing." Lucky for me, I already had the "get the toes wet" experience, so I was better equipped to handle the day in its entirety and in its fragmented state.</div>
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This go-round, bikini novice (and bikini open) were pretty late in the show--I think out of about 17 or 18 classes of competitors, novice didn't go on until 13th. And open was even later. But even so, the events went by fairly quickly, or so it seemed. Before I knew it, Kevin was backstage spraying me down with a pound of Pam. Don't worry, we weighed myself before and after so I know it was exactly a pound... Almost too much so, that when Kevin went back to his seat and checked out some backstage pictures, he immediately ran back to me to blot some of that <strike>shit</strike> shine off. Hair = ruined. Although apparently that's something only noticeable to girls.</div>
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Nonetheless, I found myself chatting with some of the other bikini competitors as we awaited our fate before strutting out in less than 20 square inches of total fabric and lucite hooker heels. I say this shamelessly, but I now know what it physically feels like to be a stripper--when you step off stage, your entire body <i>hurts!</i> Arching your back, pushing out the booty, engaging your quads and abs, shoulders back yet relaxed. <i>SHIT, son!</i> So much to remember, and yet, with weekly posing practice, I had it to where it came naturally. <strike>Note to self: if I ever get let go, I can always be an uncoordinated whore...er, stripper.</strike> Okay, okay, they're people too.</div>
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Anyway, it was such a different atmosphere this time around versus my first bikini experience back at the end of June. I don't know if that was my doing or just due to the difference in shows/venues/etc., but I have a feeling it was because I was more knowledgable about what to expect. It was a calm and collected chaos, if that makes any sense. I.e., no stress about the small things, no "I just want an effing trophy" mentality, and no "Holy crap, what did I sign up for and did these other girls even train??"</div>
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Honestly, I have to say that I was highly impressed with the physiques I was up against, and I'm not just saying this because I have become pretty good (remote) friends with some of these gals. The thing about bikini competitions--and really any bodybuilding competition--is that you have <i>no idea</i> what the outcome is going to be. You know how much time and effort you put in before stepping on stage. You know all the sacrifices you made to get where you are, 5 inches taller than you should be. But you don't know how you compare to your competition. I say that not just because the judging is so subjective and can differ from judge to judge, competition to competition, and organization to organization. I'm sure plenty of my competitor friends out there would agree with me--you could get feedback one day saying you need more mass, bigger shoulders, etc., and the next time you step on stage, they say you are too big, tone down the shoulders, etc. There's no wrong, but there's no right either. And thus there is certainly no perfect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qChXVATe87c/UiqSMssv5VI/AAAAAAAADq4/omKNQAYS7Ww/s1600/1172329_10151871326952494_1905426882_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qChXVATe87c/UiqSMssv5VI/AAAAAAAADq4/omKNQAYS7Ww/s400/1172329_10151871326952494_1905426882_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer, Tiffany, & Yours Truly<br />(Clearly I need to stop arching my back...)</td></tr>
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After a morning of waiting, we all walked out on stage in numerical order, lined up like dominos so we could be compared, critiqued, and compared some more. It was an eternity of moving around, hitting front poses, back poses, walking to the back of the stage, turning around, switching places, walking to the front of the stage, walking to the back of the stage in a smaller group, popping the booty, walking to the front of the stage in a smaller group, hitting a front pose, and walking off. And that was only the half of it.</div>
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I mentioned before that you really don't know where you stand when you get to these things, but let me make my point. If you're like me, you're constantly <i>trying</i> to compare yourself to other physiques. By the week of the competition, changes are occurring so rapidly that you don't even recognize the changes yourself and you certainly don't understand how to compare yourself to anyone else. Except in a quantitative sense (ex., duration of workouts, macronutrient consumption). Backstage is no different. And when you get on stage, the last thing you are thinking about is how you compare to other girls. That's what the judges are for. I can just imagine cocking my head around like a hyper puppy trying to see what the other gals are doing... Yeah, <i>that's </i>attractive.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough group!</td></tr>
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I have to admit, part of the reason that I have taken to long to post this is because I am content with how I did at this competition. In a sense, it doesn't even matter the ins and outs of the day, because they had no bearing on how I placed. It didn't matter that after prejudging, I went back to the hotel to try to blot the excess Pam out of my hair.</div>
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It didn't matter that that did not work and I had to <i>carefully</i> wash my hair in the sink and avoid streaking my fab tan. It definitely didn't matter that the chocolate pudding I ate made me feel like I was the devil bringing a little bit of hell to heaven.</div>
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All that mattered was that: A. the hard part was over, B. prejudging was over, and C. I had done everything I could to ensure that I brought the best physical version of myself to the stage (so far...).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy camping.</td></tr>
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<div>
The evening show was great though--I finally got to enjoy watching some of the other competitors do their thang, and by the time I went on stage, two of my greatest friends had shown up to cheer me on and watch the result of my 4-month-long absenteeism. Luckily for all of us, it paid off as I collected my <i>4th place bikini novice trophy!!!!</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Words can't express my love for these two!<br />Madelyn, myself, Celia.</td></tr>
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<div>
It just goes to show, I have the greatest friends ever! No need to say more. I think they were more excited than I was. And true fact: this is not only my Facebook cover photo and my desktop background, but it is also the cellphone background of Celia's. Not just because she's my wing-girl in recent days...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZk-ctUl6IU/UiqVHRLfAjI/AAAAAAAADss/o4Yy37n_bn4/s1600/IMG_20130810_211457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZk-ctUl6IU/UiqVHRLfAjI/AAAAAAAADss/o4Yy37n_bn4/s320/IMG_20130810_211457.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Kevin for dealing with my crazy.</td></tr>
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<div>
And my favorite trophy photo of all time:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duuERK36gIA/UiqVFlWEw1I/AAAAAAAADr0/95HcuoYn190/s1600/2013081095211205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duuERK36gIA/UiqVFlWEw1I/AAAAAAAADr0/95HcuoYn190/s320/2013081095211205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That baby shines even without my pearly whites.</td></tr>
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So there you have it--a finished recap (brought to you by a couple of drinks--yes, alcohol and I are testing the waters again)! And because I <strike>know you want to see more awesome photos</strike> want to share a few more awesome, proud photos:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCs18pklQ9g/UiqUWhBtAuI/AAAAAAAADrg/1zEL3fhkHCs/s1600/OCB081013DCa_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCs18pklQ9g/UiqUWhBtAuI/AAAAAAAADrg/1zEL3fhkHCs/s320/OCB081013DCa_0930.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiffany won overall AND received<br />her pro card!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lv1LsAnJw/UiqUZqx2owI/AAAAAAAADro/WnIkXV6EDRI/s1600/OCB081013DCa_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9lv1LsAnJw/UiqUZqx2owI/AAAAAAAADro/WnIkXV6EDRI/s320/OCB081013DCa_0958.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No T, all A.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">A very special thanks to all my continual supporters, including but not limited to: Kevin, Celia, Madelyn, my momma, Melissa, Katie, Felisha, Sissy K, Lacey, Lisa W., Tenecia, Ashley, Stacy, Sara & Jason. </i><strike><i>To those who I forgot to mention--that was on purpose... Kidding!</i></strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strike><i><br /></i></strike></span></div>
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<i><b>Until next time--Spring 2014!</b></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-998277676928723002013-08-19T22:33:00.001-04:002013-08-19T22:33:31.141-04:00Floored for Four: OCB Presidential Recap, Part 1So proud. So dang proud! If you had asked me at the beginning of April if I thought I really would step on stage and compete in a bikini competition before the year's end, I would have had the following response: "I hope so." If you think back to that time, I had <i>just</i> started my initial prep--cleaning up diet, getting serious about workouts, etc--and within 3 days, I got rear-ended at a stoplight and had to deal with that whole mess. Luckily for me, it was more of an insurance/paperwork/time-consumption mess than a physical/health mess.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7jcFFeKfkA/Ug_kas5muaI/AAAAAAAADXU/CV3iXb_fGnY/s1600/20130403_152428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7jcFFeKfkA/Ug_kas5muaI/AAAAAAAADXU/CV3iXb_fGnY/s320/20130403_152428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So very blessed that Bug Eyes suffered the damage, not me.</td></tr>
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I walked away pretty much unscathed, with a good amount of chest tightness and shortness of breath, but no physical pain. But the incident still left me questioning whether I could actualize my goals. Three days in and already the odds were against me.<br />
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<i>BUT </i>I stuck it out, and here I stand four and a half months later, looking the <i>best</i> I've ever looked, feeling the <i>best </i>I've ever felt, <strike>weighing the least I've weighed since...middle school(?!?!)</strike>, <i>AND</i> with not one but <i>TWO</i> bikini competitions under my belt.<br />
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I can't believe it. I seriously cannot fathom all that has happened in that seemingly short amount of time--especially between the OCB Beach Classic and the OCB Presidential Cup. I can't believe it's been a week since I stepped off stage. At this time last week, I would have been just getting back to the high school (the venue for the competition) gearing up for finals. Can you say t-walk?! It wouldn't be for another 2 or so hours that I would even strut my solo stuff--I was competitor #75 out of 80, and unlike the first competition, they ran the finals in numerical order, not by class. Hallelujah for excellent planning!<br />
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It wouldn't be for another 3 or so hours that I would have found out my fate. Did I even place? Did I do as well as I had hoped? Did I redeem myself from my subpar performance 6 weeks prior?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UW10FYKQTF8/Ug_mpu8AXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/vvArM_pjgBI/s1600/2013081095211205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UW10FYKQTF8/Ug_mpu8AXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/vvArM_pjgBI/s320/2013081095211205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this trophy even mine? Maybe I'm just holding it for someone...</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>How Did It All Go Down?</b></span><br />
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It's always my goal to take what I've learned from the past and apply it to the future. So walking into my peak week, I knew what I had coming for me. I knew I would have a caffeine withdrawal and I knew that working on Friday was out of the question. <strike>I also knew that I must shave at THE last possible minute before tanning and I MUST wash my hair right before show day.</strike><br />
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If I had to choose which peak week was harder, it would be a tough call but in the end, this most recent one would win out over the last. I went into Thursday with an excruciating headache that just <i>would. not. go. away</i>., and resulting back pain from sitting around on my bum all day driving between few and far between offices. The joys of having rural southwestern Virginia offices in my territory. By the time Thursday evening rolled around, I had <i>NO</i> appetite, and I really just wanted to get the first round of tanning over with so I could get <strike>in</strike> on my bed and sleep. Not the best mindset to have, but hey--if it was easy, everyone would do it.<br />
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Lucky for me, with the extra sleep Thursday night, and no set time I <i>needed</i> to be awake (although I woke up at 6:30am anyway--darned internal clock!), I got up feeling <i>much </i>better than the evening before. Upon walking out of my room, I was even greeted with a pleasant surprise from my roommate, who is officially <i>the</i> most supportive roommate in existence. With an estimated departure time of 12:30, I had plenty of time to run errands, shameless reeking of self-tanner and looking just shy of Oompah-Loompah status. Minus the green hair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Competitor essentials--how sweet is M?!</td></tr>
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The rest of the day seemed to fly by. Kevin, my coach, was nice enough to be my chauffeur and I was able to just relax away until we made it into Laurel, MD. After checking in, getting my competitor number, and going through the polygraph, we made it to the hotel and started round 2 of the tanning process. This went much better and much quicker than round 1. Fast-forward a few hours, and the following meal(s) occurred:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkArPh2JXfY/UhLNZVuLjhI/AAAAAAAADYQ/0QqjQmrEsok/s1600/IMG_20130809_204315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkArPh2JXfY/UhLNZVuLjhI/AAAAAAAADYQ/0QqjQmrEsok/s320/IMG_20130809_204315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meat and (sweet) taters</td></tr>
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I was in heaven. Chicken? What chicken?? I had weighed in a little bit leaner than we would have liked to hit the stage with on Friday morning, so in order to refeed my muscles, a medium-rare steak and a baked sweet potato, lovingly made by the chef at Outback, was just what the <strike>doctor</strike> coach ordered. And just what my body needed.<div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Show Time!</b></span></div>
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Excuse my horrendous abilities (or lack thereof) to properly recap events. With one show and all its preparation flaws behind us, we awoke Saturday morning with a purpose. First thing first--wash the mane that is my hair, avoiding tan streaking as much as possible, and get those last 2 coats of tan on. After all, we were going <i>darker</i> for this competition. Lesson learned from June 29th. The final product:</div>
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I wish it were feasible to look like that every day. Sigh. You can tell by the look on my face though that I was already feeling much more confident with what I achieved in the 5 weeks between competitions! Several layers of makeup later, and I was looking like a <strike>certified whore</strike> winner. At that point, I ate <i>something</i> although I honestly couldn't tell you what because I don't even recall, and I headed over to the venue. Competitors were told to start getting there at 8am, although this is always a massively overestimation of how much time you need. The show didn't start until 10:30 (11 in actuality), and they didn't even open the backstage doors until 9:30. Good thing I brought a book and entertained myself by taking selfies!</div>
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Again, the level of support I received was incredible, although this time much more personal/genuine/concise. I never went into competing as a way to garner interest from friends and acquaintances. It may seem that way at times because I have started using my Instagram and Facebook accounts as a way to keep up with my progress, hold myself accountable, and connect with like-minded individuals with the same or similar goals. When I noticed that several people would mention in conversation that I had inspired them or motivated them to better themselves, whether in the gym or out, I kept it up. I was very humbled by the good luck wishes sent my way that morning and felt more ready than ever to step up my game on that stage!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-16405720647544003152013-07-23T19:12:00.000-04:002013-07-23T19:14:30.558-04:00Weights Over DatesYou may have noticed that in the duration of my blog, I <i>rarely </i>mention dating. Yes, there's a reason for that. No, it's not necessarily <i>just</i> to keep details intimate about my private life. For me, dating and prep do not mix. I've tried. I've wanted it to work out on some occasions. But at the end of the day, I prefer weights over dates.<br />
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Weights aren't confusing. Weights don't leave you wondering if you've captured and held their attention. Dates do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://skreened.com/render-product/o/o/y/ooyscagsrcmojicaiaub/weights-before-dates.american-apparel-unisex-tank.black.w760h760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://skreened.com/render-product/o/o/y/ooyscagsrcmojicaiaub/weights-before-dates.american-apparel-unisex-tank.black.w760h760.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google search has done it again. Must have this!</td></tr>
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In my experience, it's just as the saying goes: If you can't handle me when I'm bulking, you don't deserve me when I'm cut.<br />
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Let me reference a few distinct types of guys when it comes to attempting to date during prep.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Exhibit A. The Aware Guy Who Loses Attention Because You've Become a "Buzzkill"</i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is the guy who you know prior to starting prep. The guy that you've told your intentions to and is intrigued by the fact that you're going to start to lean out and look banging in a bikini. <strike>Excuse my blatant language.</strike> But will he stick around?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The pros: You've clearly caught his attention...at first. He likes seeing the progress you're making. He keeps in touch, but it's shallow conversation at best.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The cons: This dude is clearly in it just for appearances. He wants a free ride on your success and wants to be linked to someone who has the dedication, determination, and drive that you do. When it comes to something more substantial, he's not there at all. He will eventually lose interest when he realizes you will not forego the gym for drinks, and you are not full of stories of drunken debauchery. By the end, the only thing that appeals to him is that you are now a lightweight and therefore a cheap drunk.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZYYoRC9mO3zm41zI1sIjDWDHVQe2SPabCgDJ8OZfZCvKH1Rxm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZYYoRC9mO3zm41zI1sIjDWDHVQe2SPabCgDJ8OZfZCvKH1Rxm" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too funny not to share!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Exhibit B. The Before and After Guy</i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Aka the now and later. Very similar to Exhibit A, this guy seems interested as you're entering prep. He's intrigued by the transformation that's about to occur. He sees you as a caterpillar, but he has no intentions of waiting around while you're cocooning away in the gym. But once you become that butterfly and spread your wings on stage, he's sure as hell blowing up your phone. Next!</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1011488_10151790392215871_1857313644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1011488_10151790392215871_1857313644_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What about the during, mister?!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Exhibit C. The Ignoramous</i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is the guy that <i>just. doesn't. get. it.</i><b> </b>Not only does he not understand <i>what </i>you are training for, but doesn't understand why you're not a cardio bunny. This type of male does all he can to "put you in your place" as a female. Really, aside from the first date, there is no reason to even consider Date #2. Unless you don't even mention your training regimen to him during Date #1. Be ready for this jerk to mask insults as "teasing." Toss him like you toss those 45-lb plates around!</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p480x480/28078_643894268959862_1829669794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p480x480/28078_643894268959862_1829669794_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, not every girl does Zumba.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Exhibit D. The Enabler</i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Much like the ignoramous, this guy just doesn't get it. Diet that is. He doesn't understand that the workout is only 20% of the battle and nutrition is the other 80%. Go out on a date with him, and he will order you a drink the moment you step away from the table. He will constantly suggest, "One bite won't hurt..." Umm, I'd like to see <i>you</i> up on stage in a bikini that cost $10 per square <i>INCH</i> in X amount of weeks! Oh wait, I'd rather not see that... Forget I suggested that--<i>terrible</i> mental picture. Ew, ew, ewwww!</blockquote>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/p480x480/1010792_181816901988010_765867671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/p480x480/1010792_181816901988010_765867671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Just think--if this guy is already weighing in on what is "good" for you, that spells trouble down the road.</blockquote>
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Exhibit D. The Gymrat/Bodybuilder/Soulmate(?)</i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
With this guy...it could go either way. Honestly, this is your best chance at successful dating, but make a wrong move and things could go awry. Especially if you co-gymitate (aka you frequent the same gym). You like your gym right? So does he. Who gets dibs after the breakup??</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The pros: This guy gets it. He gets all of it. He will take either one of two approaches--a. he becomes your new spotter. That workout rut you were in? Kicked! All thanks to this guy. Or b. he does his thing and he lets you do your thing. You walk in the gym together and you walk out together. Everything else is on your own.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The cons: Be careful because if this guy is too much of a gym rat, then he will try to outshine you every chance he gets. You PRed by 5-lbs for your 1 rep max? Well he PR-ed by 10. You got a new blister on your palm? He just tore 3. The good news is that if this guy does fall into this category, you can kick his ass into shape and he can handle it.</blockquote>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">So there you have it folks, </i>several reasons why I've <i>tried</i> staying out of the dating game during prep. Now, I'm not saying that I've dated all these characters, but I do hear stories. And I was inspired by some people I know that would fit the bill as any of these exhibits. Let's just say it's just not worth it. Not until I bring home some metal. Competition prep is already a physical, mental, and sometimes emotional battle. There's no need to add more to the mind games. If you're in a relationship, that's awesome! I <strike>hope</strike> am sure that your beau supports you 100-fold. But if you're a single gal like myself, embrace it. Rock that stage for yourself and no one else! And keep this in mind--there may be some single bodybuilders backstage on competition day! <i>I kid.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-62878739516423070462013-07-22T21:26:00.002-04:002013-07-22T21:26:36.746-04:00On A Lighter NoteWow, somebody has been Captain Serious lately. Guilty. The truth is, while training is not all fun and games--really it's routine, challenging routine--that doesn't mean that I'm not having my fair share of adventure and fun on the side.<br />
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If you follow me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/eckurland">Instagram</a>, then you are the most in-the-know about my life as of late. Even on Facebook, I sometimes forget that not everyone wants to hear about my training day in and day out. Outside of work, I become a one-track mind, and that track is the stage. Confession: I <i>do</i> have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justanotherrepfitness">Facebook page</a> for my blog, but it's so hard for me to balance both because I'm not readily able to post fitness tips/tricks/updates on the reg during the day. Instead, I typically use it to post links to this blog, and then it's just boring. One of these days, I will get the hang of things and be able to bring the Facebook page off the ground running.<br />
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But regardless, now that I have an <i>amazing </i>flatmate, she's been pushing me more to actually <i>enjoy</i> my downtime. And trust me, that is definitely a good thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02ruwgwLxSE/Ue3TJXHQh_I/AAAAAAAACtY/-9YmJjeQu1k/s1600/20130720_204157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02ruwgwLxSE/Ue3TJXHQh_I/AAAAAAAACtY/-9YmJjeQu1k/s320/20130720_204157.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet M, aka Twinnie, aka my new flattie!</td></tr>
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Oh, did I not tell you? Yes, the better part of the month of July has been filled with <i>slowly</i> moving between two apartments in Charlottesville, luckily within 2 miles of each other. Slowly, until I decided I was prolonging moving in with one of my greatest friends--who would do such a thing?! Thus, this past week(end) has been a whirlwind of moving heavy furniture, haphazardly "packing" and unpacking boxes with the hopes that no glassware breaks as I creep down the road in my Subaru, and getting organized. Oh, and did I mention the furniture that I bought from Ikea?<div>
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Yes, 7 boxes were delivered to me on Friday, full of furniture ready to be assembled by yours truly. This is where I wish I had <strike>a man</strike> an electric screwdriver in my life--that entire process could have been a <i>whole</i> lot easier! Not to worry though, when I get started on a project, I try not to leave it unfinished. I even prolong bathroom breaks until I get to a "good stopping point." Nonetheless, by Saturday the transformation had occurred.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qS2lNl9IFE/Ue3TMx_1jpI/AAAAAAAACuc/uV8Wh_u59g0/s1600/collage_0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qS2lNl9IFE/Ue3TMx_1jpI/AAAAAAAACuc/uV8Wh_u59g0/s320/collage_0.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Controlled chaos turned reward.</td></tr>
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If you ever need anything assembled, just call <strike>this girl</strike> <i>anyone else!</i> That was only one of the two pieces I received, the other being my bed frame with under-bed storage. Yes, I really am <i>that</i> excited about my furniture and my ability to assemble it, that I'm <i>still</i> talking about it. Not to worry, a full bedroom picture will be taken shortly after this weekend. I'm just waiting for <i>oneeee</i> opinion before I deem my feng shui complete. </div>
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Let me tell you something, moving is no joke! Especially given that I moved from a top floor apartment in a two-story house to a lower-level apartment in a building built into a hill. In case you don't follow, that's one trip up and down steps for every box I move into my car and one trip up and down steps for every box I move into the new place. Let's just say that I really shouldn't experience any guilt for going easy at the gym the past weekend because I worked out plenty between Friday afternoon and Sunday.</div>
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<div>
But back to the point of this--so <i>YES</i>, I'm so glad that I've chosen to end my short-lived era of solitary living. It's nice to have your own place, but it can get isolating. And there are just some things that are easier when you have a roommate, especially one you're friends with first and foremost. For instance, now I don't have to practically break my arm trying to zip up impossible dresses! I also have a scapegoat for when I don't feel like doing suggested activities: "Oh, sorry, my flattie and I were planning on having a girl's night in..." <i>I kid!</i> (Oh, and yes, we've decided that calling each other flatmate or flattie is <i>MUCH</i> more fun than "roommate." Silly Americans!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've already been on several flatmate dates, including a viewing of <i>Despicable Me 2</i>, which I HIGHLY recommend you go see ASAP, and an indulgent cheat meal on Saturday. She even let me pick the restaurant, <i>gasp! </i>I was so excited to eat some pork barbecue nachos and a turkey burger bowl with sauteed mushrooms, onions, and peppers that I completely forgot to take a picture. Also because I'm just not a foodie blogger. I've tried, just not me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
M and I were in the same sorority for the last year and a half of college. Oddly enough, we were the only two 3rd year students that decided to join said sorority late in the game, and we were also going through similar frustrating situations in our life at the time. We bonded immediately, and our friendship grew after the following:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Our birthdays are two days apart--she's the older one.</li>
<li>Our mothers look <i>eerily </i>alike</li>
<li>We've been asked (by a drunk man) before if we are twins...</li>
<li>...Which led to us realizing we both have very similar facial features</li>
<li>We are both "shy" looking to the eye, but <i>SUPER FUN</i> if you really know us... I'm not biased or anything.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So when I found out that she had been offered a job back here in Charlottesville, I immediately jumped on the flatmate ship and asked if she was looking to get a place. The rest is history.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After <strike>my</strike> our cheat meal, we needed a little exercise, so we took to UVa Grounds to reminisce and take in the view as alumni--something I'm always too "busy" to do. And something I never think to do. <i>Note to self: slow down more and LIVE</i>. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZRQvTqMWkA/Ue3TKFL16xI/AAAAAAAACto/py7nWTToeTg/s1600/20130720_204836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZRQvTqMWkA/Ue3TKFL16xI/AAAAAAAACto/py7nWTToeTg/s320/20130720_204836.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Cabell Hall from the Rotunda steps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuO1o-MWrGk/Ue3TKSdeRfI/AAAAAAAACtw/isqjO0B_i7w/s1600/20130720_204847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuO1o-MWrGk/Ue3TKSdeRfI/AAAAAAAACtw/isqjO0B_i7w/s320/20130720_204847.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Lawn rooms/one of the Pavilions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roDReRm7jvM/Ue3TK21N0MI/AAAAAAAACt0/qwWmePyIH9U/s1600/20130720_205915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roDReRm7jvM/Ue3TK21N0MI/AAAAAAAACt0/qwWmePyIH9U/s320/20130720_205915.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ampitheater. No filter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eTlNcXBGg4/Ue3TLR4UgtI/AAAAAAAACuA/ROOcD-sArnI/s1600/20130720_205957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eTlNcXBGg4/Ue3TLR4UgtI/AAAAAAAACuA/ROOcD-sArnI/s320/20130720_205957.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ampitheater. Filtered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
By then, the temperatures had cooled off so it was nice to just sit around and relax.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnBMeRcKOWo/Ue3TJgQuS0I/AAAAAAAACtc/6Bz59gzivcY/s1600/20130720_204141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnBMeRcKOWo/Ue3TJgQuS0I/AAAAAAAACtc/6Bz59gzivcY/s320/20130720_204141.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the right choice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Other reasons I am super excited to live with M--she knows I've been going a little stir-crazy with competition prep this time, and during my cheat meal, she made it a point to tell me, "Now don't go home and look in the mirror." Yeah, did I mention she caught me checking myself out in a mirror when we were shopping in World Market earlier that day? It's hard not to this close to show day! But honestly, I greatly appreciated her reassurance and that she felt concerned/comfortable enough to tell me that. Not many people would have that much insight, and for once, I can actually say that I didn't immediately go check the mirror when we got home. Instead, I lounged around, wrote my grandmother a nice letter, and hit the hay. Besides, I'd taken enough progress pictures earlier in the week, and as I promised you all, the scale was tucked away until weigh-in on Sunday.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt42jhOpKOA/Ue3TLPrYuGI/AAAAAAAACuE/nXlMFjaoREM/s1600/20130717_134853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt42jhOpKOA/Ue3TLPrYuGI/AAAAAAAACuE/nXlMFjaoREM/s320/20130717_134853.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less of this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlPgUYAUmw/Ue3TMPQlOMI/AAAAAAAACuU/3yuZLmuiRyA/s1600/IMG_20130720_094755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlPgUYAUmw/Ue3TMPQlOMI/AAAAAAAACuU/3yuZLmuiRyA/s320/IMG_20130720_094755.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And this. What good is progress if you can't enjoy it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I may not have it all right yet, but I'm slowly finding balance. And I think that this move--hectic as it was--is just the positive momentum I needed. Less than 3 weeks out from the stage, and I am embracing all aspects of life.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-35937382808994484382013-07-17T08:17:00.001-04:002013-07-17T08:17:50.945-04:00We All Make MistakesIt appears as though I've been found guilty. Guilty of being a prep monster this go-round, and not in a good way. I'm familiar with enough bikini competitor blogs and resources to know that I've been making some of the most common--and uncommon--competitor mistakes.<br />
<br />
First of all, no prep <i>really </i>goes perfectly. There's always <i>something</i> that can be done more, something less, something to change and something to keep the same. I say this partly from the little experience I have, and partly because it's intuitive. If you were just shy of first place and instead walked home with a second place trophy, what would the first thing be that you would ask yourself? <i>"What could I have done better? Differently? What was I lacking? Why did I not exceed expectations?"</i> Like I said--intuitive.<br />
<br />
As I approached the show date during last prep, I already had a good idea in my mind that one competition was not going to be sufficient enough. I knew I wanted to do another, sooner rather than later, but had not decided on which yet. It wasn't until <i>ON</i> show day that I actually chose not one but two more competitions for which to register. I went from a mindset of "I'm going to simultaneously celebrate a paid week off work and finally being able to say that I'm a bikini competitor... no matter how well I do," to a mindset of "Well, now what? Do I <i>really</i> take a week off knowing I'm 6 weeks out, or do I just take it easy?"<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtfhp9hLH4/UeaGqPCQoZI/AAAAAAAACqk/DqY8TotKlT0/s1600/IMG_20130702_233946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtfhp9hLH4/UeaGqPCQoZI/AAAAAAAACqk/DqY8TotKlT0/s320/IMG_20130702_233946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Order beer (and a pitcher of water), drink 2-3 ounces.<br />
Call it a night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The uncertainty and my over-ambition brought me to a very confused state. I was a lost dog, wandering in circles. And because of that, I did not fully "enjoy" my week of freedom, but I did feel good knowing that I exercised self-control during that holiday week(end). The flip-side? I felt like I was overanalyzing everything I ate. It was like the "Eat This, Not That" mentality redefined to "If I eat this, I can't eat that." Not to mention, my protein intake was certainly lower than I'd intended for it to be.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQoS5pkPS5A/UeaGufpG7QI/AAAAAAAACrA/sG5p8ct1Pps/s1600/IMG_20130706_183507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQoS5pkPS5A/UeaGufpG7QI/AAAAAAAACrA/sG5p8ct1Pps/s320/IMG_20130706_183507.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One evening of fun with the new Flattie (Roomie)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was all in an effort to avoid the post-competition rebound, the one that is infamous among amateur figure competitors. I'd heard horror stories--girls that went wild the night after the competition and by monday morning, they were crying to their coach about legs so swollen they couldn't see their ankles. The girls that only lost 15 pounds to get to stage weight but ended up gaining 30 after the show. I was not going to be one of them.<br />
<br />
The day after the show, I felt so <i>IDLE</i>. I had just driven back to Charlottesville and <i>needed</i> to get in some form of activity. So I headed to the gym for a 4 mile treadmill tempo run, snapped the following picture, and officially called on the Booty Sculpting Offensive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuo4-q7J6f8/UeaCgP4IYuI/AAAAAAAACqU/RqIjbJhxIlA/s1600/IMG_20130630_203121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuo4-q7J6f8/UeaCgP4IYuI/AAAAAAAACqU/RqIjbJhxIlA/s320/IMG_20130630_203121.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work to be done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest of that week, while I did not train at the intensity I had been during prep, I did not miss a day. Well, aside from 4th of July--an unplanned, but needed rest day. While I was at the beach visiting my mom, I still managed fasted cardio. Back up in Charlottesville, I hit the gym and went on some runs. It's not that I was overtraining, but I <i>may</i> have been a little too eager to jump back in and probably could have benefitted from the extra rest. Mistake #1.<br />
<br />
Mistake #2--as I already mentioned, I was <i>very </i>careful to avoid the weight gain. And I did (and have). I fluctuate between a 3 and 5 pound weight gain from the morning of the competition til now. What does that mean? That means that I'm stepping on the scale <i>wayyyy </i>too much. Thus relying on the scale as an "indicator of progress" <i>wayyyy</i> too much. Not good. It's a bad habit and not at all indicative of good gains or anything.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r0Q0AlvqD4/UeaGsVgirCI/AAAAAAAACq0/8yFgj5Vq3j8/s1600/20130628_060625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r0Q0AlvqD4/UeaGsVgirCI/AAAAAAAACq0/8yFgj5Vq3j8/s320/20130628_060625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two days pre-show. Within 2 pounds of stage weight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A bad habit I'm trying to break. Typically, I start my day with fasted cardio, go home and weigh myself pre-shower, and compare to previous days. And also again after my afternoon workouts, at which point I'm also typically slightly dehydrated. In case you don't see what's wrong with that, let me point it out to you--<i>WAY</i> too excessive! So this morning, I kicked the scale. Ideally, I should take out the batteries and hide them until Sunday mornings--my <i>actual </i>weigh-in days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-7C55_A7Iw/UeaGsiAog5I/AAAAAAAACq4/HJsPHa8HBdE/s1600/20130715_181934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-7C55_A7Iw/UeaGsiAog5I/AAAAAAAACq4/HJsPHa8HBdE/s320/20130715_181934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better indicator of progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This hasn't affected much in terms of my training, aside from mentally. It's a lot harder to go through prep when you are in constant comparison of two versions of yourself. So rather than look to the scale, I've started to turn to my iPhoto as an indicator of my progress. Why let the number define me? Instead, perhaps I should be looking to compare my current physique to that which it was 4 weeks out from my last competition.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN1iMVPHE98/UeaKfI2T5fI/AAAAAAAACrg/bQ0XrJYzmaM/s1600/20130602_111046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN1iMVPHE98/UeaKfI2T5fI/AAAAAAAACrg/bQ0XrJYzmaM/s320/20130602_111046.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then: 4 weeks out from OCB Natural Bodyz<br />Beach Classic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKFJfRaBu5w/UeaKf3hJs7I/AAAAAAAACro/mDvkF2MAFuI/s1600/20130602_111233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKFJfRaBu5w/UeaKf3hJs7I/AAAAAAAACro/mDvkF2MAFuI/s320/20130602_111233.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYzSb8k7Kd4/UeaKc6ADEAI/AAAAAAAACrY/VNfxOku1BBI/s1600/20130713_204542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYzSb8k7Kd4/UeaKc6ADEAI/AAAAAAAACrY/VNfxOku1BBI/s320/20130713_204542.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now: 4 weeks out from Presidential Cup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUgUblttDms/UeaKhDF26TI/AAAAAAAACrw/wsVuGodCbxE/s1600/20130713_204644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUgUblttDms/UeaKhDF26TI/AAAAAAAACrw/wsVuGodCbxE/s320/20130713_204644.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmsOXSnuJlE/UeaKkemVunI/AAAAAAAACr4/NaKoKh7DYeg/s1600/20130716_215729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmsOXSnuJlE/UeaKkemVunI/AAAAAAAACr4/NaKoKh7DYeg/s320/20130716_215729.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tell me: <i style="font-weight: bold;">Do you see any differences?? </i>No need to filter responses to make me "feel good." Clearly, I'm working on posing and thus the posing between then and now is completely different...another mistake I'm working hard to fix!<br />
<br />
<b><i>What mistakes have you made in your fitness goals/training/etc??</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-86469100116116820052013-07-13T22:32:00.004-04:002013-07-13T22:32:48.156-04:00It's All Crystal Clear Doing Laundry in Hooker HeelsIt seems as though I have set a negative precedent amongst friends. It's no one's fault and everyone's fault at the same time. It's a Saturday night--a birthday weekend amongst one group of friends--and I'm sitting here more upset than I'll let myself let on, having just finished folding my <strike>gym</strike> laundry and posing in my mirror. This has become my norm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ERMRZKq7urI/UeINkUohMqI/AAAAAAAACjE/wiQDBLmudkI/s1600/20130713_204321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ERMRZKq7urI/UeINkUohMqI/AAAAAAAACjE/wiQDBLmudkI/s400/20130713_204321.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscle definition! Excuse the monstrous bruise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before I go any further, I feel the need to give a little background, so let's rewind a bit. Last prep was an experience for me. I use no adjectives to describe "experience" because there are so many, and some contradict others. It was the first time I had fully committed to the grind that is competition prep, and I took every moment in stride. And now, in hindsight, I see that I was testing the waters for what I am and am not capable of during prep.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0l5Kf3-pEg/UeIFRXuEeoI/AAAAAAAAChQ/AR3cBFnrHDw/s1600/20130712_185554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0l5Kf3-pEg/UeIFRXuEeoI/AAAAAAAAChQ/AR3cBFnrHDw/s400/20130712_185554.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridays are for wandering around Target contemplating<br />
tempting purchases.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Four weeks prior to the Beach Classic, I was becoming <i>very</i> anxious about the competition. I wasn't sure that I would be ready, wasn't sure that I would lean out enough, wasn't sure that I would be able to pose <i>at all</i> (though that one, I learned, was not far from the truth, ha). I was putting so much into this--time, money, energy, and I knew that I needed to step back from certain things. So I stepped back from socializing as much as I had been.<br />
<br />
I didn't entirely remove myself from my group(s) of friends, or so I thought. Nowadays, almost everything is technologically driven, so it's only fitting that most of my friends have created Facebook groups or messages so as to more easily communicate upcoming events, etc. Couple that with the fact that almost <i>everything</i> in Charlottesville costs money to attend, even if you are not partaking in the perks (food/alcohol) that come with the entrance fees. It was with hesitation that, after several mentions of different (costly) events, I posed the question of whether or not anyone would be upset if I temporarily left a particular group message until post-competition. With everyone's blessing, I hit the "Leave message" button. And it was easier--I didn't feel guilty for having to say no most of the time. I didn't yearn to just suck it up and pay $30 just to hang out with my friends. And most importantly, I got through prep.<br />
<br />
Now I sit here questioning whether that was a wise choice. I never chose my lifestyle with the intention of isolating myself. I chose to compete (and then to compete two more times in the coming months) to prove something to myself. I go through training <i>every DAMN day</i> not because anyone is forcing me to, but because it's what's important to me, it's what I like to do, and I have fun doing it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4K1MOQ5DwWE/UeIF1fgotJI/AAAAAAAAChY/ii9Mra9HJYI/s1600/IMG_20130705_110843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4K1MOQ5DwWE/UeIF1fgotJI/AAAAAAAAChY/ii9Mra9HJYI/s320/IMG_20130705_110843.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sweat and I smile. And then I sweat again.</td></tr>
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Many don't understand it. They ask basic questions about training/competing/fitness, and they ask about limitations, but they never bother to ask about what I <i>can</i> do/what I'm not restricted with. There's a very distinct ignorance about it, and because of that, I find myself no longer getting <i>any </i>invites--even to events that I initially suggested. Plans are being made as though my training coincides with my non-existence. This, after just coming back to the land of the living and indulging everyone's curiosity about all of the competition recap details.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8vPVGmz2oI/UeIGR55vWSI/AAAAAAAAChg/aLjY1SleA7M/s1600/20130629_193950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8vPVGmz2oI/UeIGR55vWSI/AAAAAAAAChg/aLjY1SleA7M/s400/20130629_193950.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip Ricardo Jr. putting me to shame</td></tr>
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Like I said, it's no one's fault...and it's everyone's fault. Is it mostly mine? I will not deny the fact that yes, I am at fault but am unsure as to how much blame I can take. All I know is that I sit here, having missed out on half a weekend full of festivities, not to mention those events that took place during the week, because lack of knowledge about my lifestyle led many to believe that an invite was not necessary. Am I being passive-aggressive? Perhaps a little, but I'm hurt.<br />
<br />
I've said it before, and I'll say it again--Charlottesville is lacking in resources for fitness competitors. Several larger cities have it all, from competitor-oriented gyms to actual storefronts where you can buy your competition bikini <i>off the rack</i>, something unheard of to me. So it's not like I can walk into a gym and find all these like-minded girls to buddy up with during prep. Heck, I realized a few days ago that I go to a gym that's <i>all-male</i>. I kid you not. Aside from the occasional girl that comes in (usually "lifting" with her bodybuilding boyfriend), I'm the only thing with T&A walking through the doors of Total Performance. Don't get me wrong, I love my gym--it's super inviting, the guys are <strike>mostly</strike> decent, and I can do my thing in peace. But I'm never going to make any of those BGFFL (Best Gym Friends For Life) friendships there. <b><i><span style="color: magenta;">How do I find balance?</span></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-90669628278829075192013-07-12T08:19:00.002-04:002013-07-12T08:19:29.723-04:00Waking Up to a New MindsetIt's Flex Friday, and I woke up to the sound of rain this morning. Although it may have been some of my best quality and longest sleep cycle this week, I had to battle the urge to stay cool under the covers and let the sound of the rain hitting all the surfaces outside be my white noise. But guess what? Prep has no business sleeping in and missing fasting cardio. That's what the weekends are for--sleeping in...<i>NEVER</i> miss fasted cardio on the weekends!<br />
<br />
I decided to try something a bit different this morning. I nixed the usual Ab Ripper X video pre-gym and instead incorporated my own ab routine. Some moves from the video, others I know from various sources. I liked it. I'd been in a rut and have been using that ab video as a crutch. Don't get me wrong, <i>IT WORKS</i>, but it's not enough and it's sort of like eating <strike>peanut butter and jelly</strike> chicken <i>every</i> day... It gets old quickly.<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes of core work later and I was off to the gym. My mornings are by no means my most glamorous sweat sessions, but I do what I need to get done and I leave. Quick, easy, painless. I let the <strike>heavy</strike> heavier lifting come later. Always will. It's what I prefer.<br />
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Normally when I get back from the gym, I create this rushed state in my mind and I hurry into the shower, hurry to apply makeup and make breakfast, only to relax for an hour before leaving for work. Today? I decided screw the rush because progress pictures are in order. And again, <i>it's Flex Friday</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm still not feeling 100%. Aka the bloat feels like it's still working itself out of my system, but these pictures gave me a realistic perspective on where I'm currently at.<br />
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<span id="goog_403844714"></span>Clockwise from top left, my thoughts:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">Back: </i>My back is staying pretty lean. You can tell especially through my lower back. It's all very compact and even though the picture quality is terrible, the definition is continuing to come in.</li>
<li><i style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">Obliques: </i>Although a little puffy, you can tell that not much has changed in the oblique area. Still some good lines, although I would prefer to be a little less "wide." I'm pretty sure this is due to water retention, and I won't see the full definition until I deplete my water and sodium again during peak week. Still a work in progress but also something to strive for during off-season.</li>
<li><i style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">Biceps: </i>I think the picture pretty much needs no explanation. Arms have never been my issue, although now that the <strike>faux</strike> tan is washing off, I feel a little self-conscious and flabby. It certainly holds true that muscle definition looks better when tanned. Maybe I'll use this as motivation to lay poolside during my off-time (and now that my new apartment complex has a lovely pool...and lakefront beach).</li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Frontal (abs, legs):</i> </span>Still a little puffy in the midsection, but I think things are getting a little denser. Aka more lean muscle?? I'm not as unhappy with this picture as I thought I would be. You can tell that my legs are really taking to the extra work I've been putting in to shape them and accentuate their strength. I've been doing a lot of hamstring/glute work, but have been neglecting quads except for leg extensions--which means I need to add more quad work to keep balance and bring the <i>full</i> package to the stage.</li>
</ul>
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So there you have it folks. I apologize for the poor picture quality--even though I have plenty of windows, I'm generally lacking natural sunlight in the mornings. And the overhead lighting is a little dull. The move to the new place should yield much better progress pictures! And don't be afraid to weigh in--I'm 4 weeks, 1 day out from Comp #2. <i><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Do you see any areas that I need to work on? Work less on? Just maintain??</b></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-9563732189580760482013-07-11T18:12:00.002-04:002013-07-11T18:12:19.554-04:00Thursday ThingsOh gloom--that's practically all I've seen when I look out the windows every morning this week. Thunderstorms <i>every</i> day. Don't get me wrong, there's some sun thrown in there at times, but I'm getting a little sick and tired of this inconsistent weather. Last summer was hot as the dickens, this summer is stormy and savage.<br />
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I've been a little lax in posting about my second competition prep (of three), and while there are some changes to training and nutrition, I am still settling into a new schedule. For those of you who don't know, I had a week off of work (mandatory--<i>LOVE</i> it!) last week, so I'm getting settled into a new semester. It definitely helps with motivation when you get in your sales results from Semester 1 and you see that you finished well above 100%! <--That was last night at 10:10pm for me, although I should have been in bed. I was too anxious!<br />
<br />
Another reason I've been lax about posting (and mostly about progress pictures) is because I had gotten used to a certain look the last couple of weeks of my last prep. I'm mentally at a point now where I feel like I'm not physically where I want to be. I feel puffy still--although it's not necessarily because I am--and I want the abdominal definition I had less than 2 weeks ago!<br />
<br />
By no means did I rebound last week, but I did enjoy several treats. I'm one of those picker-chooser types--when I want something unhealthy, I do not eat it <i>in addition</i> to a healthy meal. Rather, I'll eat healthy for most meals of the day, and replace one meal with the unhealthier choice. I did that <i>a lot</i> last week, especially with my beloved froyo. I can go for weeks without the softly frozen decadent goodness, but I cannot go a lifetime without it. So sue me.<br />
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Because of this disconnect between my mental and physical states, it's actually helped increase my motivation and the rate at which I'm working at the gym. Almost too much so, but that was also due to a misunderstanding I had with my new training regimin. Apparently "add in sprints in place of steady-state cardio" does <i>NOT</i> mean to do sprint/speed work <i>every</i> day. I learned this yesterday morning after the following sequence of events:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Skipped fasting cardio in favor of an extra hour of sleep since I had to be on the road early/be at an office early that is 2+ hours driving distance from my apartment.</li>
<li>Googling "best cardio for butt" while stopped red lights in response to my exhaustion and #1.</li>
<li>Texting my coach asking about "speed walking on an incline to target butt because I can't sprint every day."</li>
<li>Receiving a text back saying "With long strides... Sprints weren't meant to be every day..."</li>
</ol>
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Duh! Silly me--I was opting for either speed work or hill sprints or stair mill intervals on the reg. Stair mill intervals, while brutal, are easy-peasy for me. But the response I got definitely mirrored what I was already thinking: "<i>HOW</i> am I supposed to sustain this level of energy at 5am every morning?!"Phew! <i><strike>I just want a better bootyyyyyy!</strike></i></div>
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<i><strike><br /></strike></i></div>
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If any of you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/eckurland">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liz.kurland">Facebook</a> then you know what I'm talking about. And you know that it's rare for me to post something non-fitness-related these days. Which is why you should check out one of my current posts, or the following mash-up of Robin Thicke's <i>Blurred Lines</i> and The Cosby Show intro:</div>
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Respect for the genius that pieced that together.</div>
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I think another reason for my disconnect is the couple stressors that I can't escape at the moment. In an effort to save money--like <i>actually SAVE</i> money...in a bank account or some other fashion--I have decided to leave my <i>AMAZING</i> downtown Charlottesville apartment in favor of moving in with one of my best friends in an apartment community less than 5 minutes down the road. While I'm excited for this change, and the new place has it's perks--such as a heavenly view of Carter's Mountain Orchard and a lakefront location--the move itself has me pulling myself in many directions. On the one hand, my current lease runs until the end of August, but on the other hand, I would like to be moved out of here by the end of July. I've contemplated doing a slow move, first taking the items I don't immediately need, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to just get it over with.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21vRa38XwL8/Ud8tDprMBII/AAAAAAAACc4/APa_ifeGAkg/s1600/20130427_092053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21vRa38XwL8/Ud8tDprMBII/AAAAAAAACc4/APa_ifeGAkg/s320/20130427_092053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will miss this view next Spring</td></tr>
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<div>
And with this move comes a change in gyms. For those of you who remember, I joined a second gym in February so I would have somewhere within walking distance to do my 5am cardio. Well, this move negates the perks of having that second gym membership. Not to mention the clubhouse for the new apartment has a <i>FULLY-EQUIPPED </i>gym--another way to cut costs and save money! But I've been having the unknown consequences of breaking my gym contract weighing on my shoulders, and I also don't want to fully cut ties until I fully move into the new place. You would think that all of this would light a fire under my butt, but with the aforementioned thunderstorms every afternoon, it's hard to get a dry chance to actually move stuff. And I need motivation to pack.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Workday, Gym Sesh, and Some Packing Later...</i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Well apparently some of the worry and stress got to me and I moved a little bit more over to the new place. Remember those thunderstorms I was telling you about? Well, I managed to miss the ones that blew through this afternoon, and let's just say my kitchen is pretty bare right now. This happened to be somewhat in place of the gym for a few reasons:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>When I got to the gym, I realized that aside from Round #2 cardio, abs was the only thing on my schedule today.</li>
<li>I got in 20 minutes on the treadclimber when I got a text about going for a run. See #1. (Although the run ended up not happening because I thought it was about to downpour and I needed to stop at Sam's Club...and start packing stuff.)</li>
<li>I am <i>still </i>feeling bloated like crazy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
That puffiness I mentioned earlier? Make that "bloat." When making the changes to my nutrition plan, my coach mentioned that the oats we were adding in (only 1/4 cup one time a day) may make me bloat. I've tried adding it in 2 of the past 4 days, and it seems like regardless, I get a puffy stomach. <i>Add in frustration here</i>. My coach thinks it's the greek yogurt. I'm skeptical and I think it's either the pickles I added back in or the whey protein that was also added in. Need to get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-r8-M69jcE/Ud8tRxIQFXI/AAAAAAAACdA/LOfEx9qSZLo/s1600/20130625_100957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-r8-M69jcE/Ud8tRxIQFXI/AAAAAAAACdA/LOfEx9qSZLo/s320/20130625_100957.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat stomach, come back!</td></tr>
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<div>
Hopefully in a few days, I will figure out the culprit and be able to provide you with something other than text to read (i.e., progress pics again). Until then, please weigh in on my bloat dilemma if you have any insight! <strike>Oh, and it doesn't help that my faux tan is unevenly coming off...I'm so pale!</strike></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-88215410242127566002013-07-08T19:00:00.003-04:002013-07-08T19:00:31.532-04:00Can't Stop, Won't StopIt's about time I stop procrastinating and actually recap the OCB Natural Bodyz Beach Classic from last weekend, don't you think? I apologize for the lag in posting--I know many of you have been very eager to hear how the show went. Truth be told, I've had this past week off of work (corporate shutdown, yay!) so it coincided nicely with a week to recoup and figure out next steps. It's so funny, because now that I've gotten my first bikini competition under my belt, I feel like the day just flew by and almost like it didn't happen at all. But it did, and here is how it went down.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>Friday</i></b></span><br />
<br />
A work day like none other, my plan Friday was to get through my offices as quickly and efficiently as possible and make the drive from Manassas (where I was that day) to Virginia Beach. GPS said it should take about 3 hours. Traffic upon traffic upon traffic later, I finally made it to the Westin Town Center, where I would be checking in for the competition and staying for the night. Just in case you're unsure, traffic upon traffic upon traffic equates to about 6 1/2 hours. Give or take. (Give).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUqWQTAMlE4/UdoGieJbnJI/AAAAAAAACWY/EqfltP9hRzg/s1600/IMG_20130628_105834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUqWQTAMlE4/UdoGieJbnJI/AAAAAAAACWY/EqfltP9hRzg/s320/IMG_20130628_105834.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooler packed full of chicken, naive to the traffic ahead of me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The show had a very nice setup for accommodations--the host hotel was directly across from the venue, within walking distance. When I finally made it to check-in, I made the split decision to cross-over into bikini open. If you recall, I'd previously decided to register for bikini novice and was on the fence about crossing over. Well, I was pushed off the fence and landed feet first into both divisions. I was then presented with a lovely competitor's packet and the button of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fT2Iw4PySkE/UdoGljn39rI/AAAAAAAACW4/otS2VIu3rJw/s1600/IMG_20130628_194424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fT2Iw4PySkE/UdoGljn39rI/AAAAAAAACW4/otS2VIu3rJw/s320/IMG_20130628_194424.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potentially lucky #47??</td></tr>
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At that point, I only had about half an hour to relax in my room before my polygraph test--yes, apparently the OCB makes you <strike>pay for</strike> take a polygraph test to ensure you have not used performance-enhancing drugs in the past 7 years. Let me tell you, that's a great way to up the cost of a show! And even though I can honestly say that I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs, I still got a little nervous strapped up and down with wires, blood pressure cuffs, etc. <i>What if it somehow said I was lying?!</i> All that worrying was for naught though, because the polygraph went off without a hitch <strike>duh</strike>. After that, it was back to the room to wait for my coach to arrive--because of my work schedule earlier in the day, we had to drive separately. Although in hindsight, it would have taken probably the same amount of time had I just opted to detour to Charlottesville instead of taking I-95. Oh well.</div>
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Less than half an hour later, my coach made it through the traffic as well, and we got to work on Coat #2 of 3 of ProTan. There really wasn't much time to relax at all, and by the time we finished up it was around 11pm, aka bedtime. Unfortunately for me, being the light sleeper that I am, I tossed and turned all night. I am pretty sure I woke up unable to fall back asleep more than I actually slept that night. This was due to several reasons--the obvious (nerves, excitement, etc.), and poor sleeping conditions (the ice machine <i>RIGHT</i> down the hall from my room beeped the <i>ENTIRE</i> night). I also kept switching between hot and cold, and I <i>for the life of me</i> could not get the thermostat and my thermoregulatory system to agree.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>Saturday--Show Time!</i></b></span></div>
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Of course, I woke up well before my alarm the next morning, anxious as anything. It was 6:30 and I still had to eat my <strike>breakfast</strike> chicken, apply <i>another</i> coat of tan, and do my hair and makeup before walking across to the venue at 9am. It didn't seem like there was enough time, and my best friend was arriving at 8am to help me with makeup. I kept feeling like I was running behind and didn't get started on my hair until about 7:45. Thank goodness for my level-headed BFF who listened to me freak out, calmed me down, <i>and</i> managed to apply my fake eye lashes like a pro. Love her--such a trooper!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vHtESIGujc/Uds4vpL9bWI/AAAAAAAACXY/93dRf0Qtqa0/s1600/2013062995115321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vHtESIGujc/Uds4vpL9bWI/AAAAAAAACXY/93dRf0Qtqa0/s320/2013062995115321.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How adorable is she?!</td></tr>
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Did I mention that she just shy of surprised me by coming down for the competition? Initially, she was unsure whether or not she would be able to make it, because she and her husband have been crazy busy with visitors (including myself) up in Philly practically every weekend for the past month or so. When I travelled to visit her 3 weeks prior to my show, she mentioned that she was going to try to convince her husband to come down with her this weekend but wasn't 100% positive. Then a few days before the show, as I was talking with her dad (they really are my second family), he told me the exciting news that she was indeed coming down. I'm so lucky I have such a supportive group of friends and family!<br />
<br />
So 9am rolls around and my coach and I headed to the venue, and my BFF and I parted ways (only to be reunited after prejudging). Walking into the dressing rooms backstage, I was at first a <strike>little</strike> lot nervous...until I realized that I just happened to walk into the room full of <i>figure</i> girls. Most of the bikini girls were in the other dressing room. Then the waiting game began. I kept practicing posing in the hallways until it was time to oil up and hit the stage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0rM_Lt7twU/UdtBS0DIC8I/AAAAAAAACYY/4-C4K3F4RTk/s1600/20130629_100344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0rM_Lt7twU/UdtBS0DIC8I/AAAAAAAACYY/4-C4K3F4RTk/s320/20130629_100344.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending IG love to all my supporters!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>Prejudging</i></b></span><br />
<br />
When I stepped behind the curtains, I realized I wasn't the only girl there that was trying to hold it together like a ball of yarn about to unravel. And yet I this sense that I was the most out of practice. The time came that we were finally called out on stage and I did what I was told to do--strike a pose. Hold it. Change. Hold it. "Turn to the back." Pivot. Flip the hair (<i>I forgot to flip the hair SEVERAL times</i>). Hold it. "Now take 5 steps to the back of the stage." Strike a pose. Hold it. "Turn to the front." Strike a pose. Hold it. #__ and #47 change places. Wave. Saunter. Strike a pose. Hold it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UBir1q-zXM/UdtBPhbVfgI/AAAAAAAACYQ/6C-4ws01EXo/s1600/2013062995111848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UBir1q-zXM/UdtBPhbVfgI/AAAAAAAACYQ/6C-4ws01EXo/s320/2013062995111848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's not comment much on my terrible stage presence...</td></tr>
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It seemed like it went on forever, and there is no room to "check out what the other competitors are doing." No, no. When we stepped off stage, I already didn't have a good feeling about my placing. You can tell who the judges are watching, and I didn't seem to be a favorite. Not to mention, despite the long drawn-out description of the <i>exact</i> poses that the OCB was looking for (especially with back poses), there were several girls that took to other poses. Yeah, that sounds confusing, but basically, the rules said they were looking for rear poses where you have your hip popped to one side or the other, looking over one shoulder, and yet <i>EVERY</i> other girl on the stage either hit a straddle-legged (I don't really know what it's called) pose or one with their legs crossed together to accentuate their glutes/hammies.<br />
<br />
I remember meeting up with my coach backstage practically fighting back tears because I didn't think that was fair. It was one of those "had I known" moments. I had one of the best physiques out of the girls in the bikini division. Heck, I was the <i>only</i> bikini competitor with legit abs! Okay, well maybe one of two... And yet, I lacked the stage presence, I lacked the posing confidence, and it killed my placement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrz1foNjk9A/UdtBU5Xx3wI/AAAAAAAACYo/5Xbe8qtl6Zc/s1600/20130629_134400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrz1foNjk9A/UdtBU5Xx3wI/AAAAAAAACYo/5Xbe8qtl6Zc/s320/20130629_134400.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One, two, three, four, five, six. Yup, that's a 6-pack!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Waiting Game, Evening Show, and Beyond</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0YAqaNufME/UdtCUShj0QI/AAAAAAAACZA/eXaHd3ZIF-Q/s1600/2013062995115425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0YAqaNufME/UdtCUShj0QI/AAAAAAAACZA/eXaHd3ZIF-Q/s320/2013062995115425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Captain Cole! (How is it that I don't have pics with my own family??)</td></tr>
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After prejudging, I met up with my BFF, her dad, my mom, and my sister. It was interesting to hear their opinions of the competition, especially my mom. Let's just say strutting your stuff on stage in next to nothing isn't exactly her cup of tea. But she was also a trooper and stayed through the entire show, as did my BFF and sister. We "celebrated" being done with the hard part by going to get a little lunch and unwind. Before I knew it, it was time to get back for the evening show. At this point, I was a little bummed, as I already knew the odds were not in my favor. When it came time for my T-walk, they started playing house music until the cut into the music that I provided, which threw me off and I kinda blew that too. Well, not really, but there was a <i>LOT</i> of room for improvement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPZm8--IG0Q/UdtCWV2z3FI/AAAAAAAACZM/zMvqGqZPZE0/s1600/Snapchat-3671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPZm8--IG0Q/UdtCWV2z3FI/AAAAAAAACZM/zMvqGqZPZE0/s320/Snapchat-3671.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caption explained: I felt gross<br />and desperately wanted to shower.</td></tr>
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After awards wrapped up, it was already 10pm(!!) and my BFF's dad invited me over so he could grill me up my first post-competition food--a delicious burger with a side of her mom's <i>fabulous </i>berry cobbler. I kid you not when I say I dreamt about that cobbler that night! <strike>Well it sort of turned into a nightmare of "I ate a pan of cobbler and now I need to workout...Yes, I have odd dreams.</strike><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>Now What?</i></b></span><br />
<br />
In the end, I think I placed 8th out of 9 girls in the novice class. Frustrating, but I'm well aware of why. And yet, I am not discouraged. <i>Back to the drawing board!</i> The next day, I was ready to get back at it. No, I don't mean a Sunday morning fasted cardio session, but I did hit the gym when I got back to Charlottesville that evening. I was ready to fix the things that need fixing. I was ready to revamp my training and nutrition plan, get in contact with my posing coach, and exhaust all my resources/contacts between now and my next show. And then I made that decision, which I knew I'd made long before--another show is in the works.<br />
<br />
Not just another show, though. Another <i>TWO</i> shows. One larger, in Maryland. The OCB Presidential Cup on August 10th. Another, probably about the same size, by the same promoter, again in Virginia Beach. The OCB Battle for Tidewater on September 14th. The second is still a <i>little</i> tentative because I had committed to an obstacle race team with a couple of friends, and I don't want to leave them in the dust. However, I explained my intentions and we are working on finding a replacement for me so we can still all have our competitive moments that day.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until Friday that I finally met with my coach. We weighed in, checked BF%, and made some tweaks to the training plan. Only 3 pounds up from competition weight (<i>I was VERY cognizant about what I ate/drank afterward because I've heard my fair share of horror stories</i>), and BF% was right in check. We've kept most the same because we don't want any drastic changes between now and the next two shows, but I'm cutting down my cardio from 20-30 minutes steady-state (more or less) to 15-20 minutes of HIIT. Luckily, both my old (current) and new apartments are within walking distance of two different local school tracks. Can you say TRACK SPRINTS?! <i>Oh yeah, did I mention I'm moving about 3 miles down the road during this next prep??</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Along those lines, I'm also trying to shape up my derriere a bit more, so I've started what I've termed <i>BSO: The Booty Sculpting Offensive.</i> This rear better shape up or ship out!<br />
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So all-in-all, I'm excited, I'm invigorated, and I'm raring to go! I have my first competition under my belt, I know the ropes, I know what to work on, and I'm fixing what must be fixed. August 10th, you better watch yourself!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12924270032282217673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211927191892039536.post-77096531157973767582013-06-26T18:45:00.000-04:002013-06-26T18:45:35.723-04:00How to mess up a video blogJust follow my lead and ramble on... Enjoy!<br />
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