You all know that I have raved about Shelly at TheWorldAccordingToEggface....well, she's got an amazing contest going to celebrate her accomplishments and gains. Check it out here and while there be sure to check out some if her super yummy recipes...I love her protein cakes, ideas for bento boxes and her super yummy Ministone-ish soup with Kale and Turkey Meatballs! So excited to be able to enter this one myself now that I am back Stateside (and to be able to try more of the recipes that I couldn't because I didn't have access to the ingredients!)!!
Good luck!
Today's Quote of the Post:
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison
You all are close if you keep trying.....Don't give up now! And if you are tempted...remember why you started in the first place
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
PCS and a Show
Now that's a title huh? PCS and a Show....That's what I just experienced....moving a family of 5 with 4 pets from Okinawa Japan to Camp Pendleton (Southern California). An experience that was the hardest training session ever! Talk about really pushing my own determination and discipline to the limit.
Rewind to late February/early March...I am training and prepping for the Kadena Pacific Muscle Classic - the same show I competed in for the very first time last year. We are slated to stay in Okinawa for an additional 3 years and so I am focused on the show, attaining my personal trainers certificate and nutrition coach license....Andy calls me from Thailand and tells me that our IPCOT (In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour) may not happen after all - we may just be extended for a year instead. OK that's still doable, we can still make it work and it still works with the kids for school. Andy returns from the exercise and when he goes to work two days later, Orders are in the system for us to move back to Camp Pendleton. What? Why? What happened? Turns out that he is needed back in Cali to fill a spot - he's the only one for the job. OK, breathe and get used to it. I had already been looking at the show in Sand Diego to compete at when we were travelling this summer (as part of the IPCOT you receive a trip 'home' as a bonus to staying the additional time) I can still do this right? So, I continue to train and start making preparations to move. For any of you in the military you know how 'easy' it is to move! NOT! Thankfully for us though, the military schools have in place a program that allows you to pull your children out early but be considered complete for the year (really beneficial when you have a high schooler!)
So, diet, exercise, move, pack up the house, prepare paperwork, sell cars, prep the kids for life in America again, find a house, set up utilities, the list keeps getting better and stress is building....NOT a good thing for a figure competitor! Stress does a number on your body, your mind and your emotions - we all know that. But, I don't have a choice in the matter. I must push through, it is in a way keeping me grounded too...having a goal still to attain and not let the pressure break me. Yea, easier said than done!
I have a great support system though, my friends are there beside me Stacy does not miss one gym session with me and she (and Janet and Ricky) even get up with me early Saturday morning that we are scheduled to leave and get in my last abs and cardio work out that will be done in Oki! Great friends and support indeed! But, I have to admit I was a little lax on my diet - I mean, I was only going to be able to get certain foods for a limited time....but, I didn't get out of control and my indulgences were only after I ensured that I was rock solid the rest of the week on diet and exercise. I worked the cheats in! Only once did I lose it and over indulge, but I added some extra cardio in and while I left the island not really where I should have been 3 weeks before a show, I wasn't in a horrible spot either.
OK, now for the flight, can't eat the food on the plane and what am I going to do when I get to the States? Food Prep!! You all know I am a champ at food prep ;) So I made up 5 meals of fish to take on the plane...again Stacy was a life saver for me, allowing me to stink up her house as I cooked my fish to leave in her freezer to have for the trip. Cooler, almonds to snack and a small package of Godiva Dark Chocolate Gems courtesy of my trainer and dear friend Shelly and I am set for the flight. I eat my breakfast and one meal before we get on the plane and then I pulled out the meals as needed for the trip, being as I had froze them prior I did not need to worry about ice or ice packs that would not clear security. I was able to get my food to last all the way through to San Francisco where I had to throw away my last meal at customs because you are not allowed to bring food in....we also had to throw away the food we had brought the pets on their carriers as well.
San Francisco airport, we have a bit of a layover and everyone is excited to be back in the Good 'Ol USA...they of course celebrate with hamburgers, french fries and milk shakes...a splurge for them as well...but I cannot eat that, I am three weeks from a show! So, I find a salad and grilled chicken, and cheat with the low fat dressing that they have :) We get into San Diego, get our rental and drive out to Fallbrook to our new home. Again I have to thank dear friends for helping me out! Stacie in Ca not only found us the house but set us up with some groceries...and had me chicken waiting :)
So, now to find a gym, get my food prepped and not break down to the convenience of fast food that is surrounding me! Empty house, culture shock, jet lag....again no need to feel any stress! UGH. I go look at the gym that is literally two blocks from my house and I don't like it....I go to the gym on main side (Camp Pendleton) and I don't like it...I go to the gym closer to the hospital and I like it a little better but still IT'S NOT MY GYM!! I am not happy but I can't lose focus, I am too close and I have done too much, invested money, time, sweat and I have been too grouchy to just stop now - even though I want to.
Andy buys me a home gym, I can do some stuff on it but I still need to go to a gym because I can't get all my exercises in. I'm slowly adjusting to the changes, missing my old support group, my gym partner and the familiarity that I was used to. Coming back to a duty station you've been to before does make it easier but harder too....I'm scared that I will fall back into the same old bad habits gain the weight back and it scares me....I see the actuality of it when we are invited to a BBQ, I take my food with me and I know that I will be tempted - I wasn't prepared though for the 'come on just one bite', 'just a small taste' I stayed strong though, ate only my food and tried not to be too much of a bitch with my old friends.
I saw the old gang, and I realized how easy it would be to fall back into those bad habits....I won't do it though! I can't do it! I will be miserable if I do it!! I know all this and now I have to overcome these hurdles...but I have the faith in myself to know that I can do it. But I also now realize (once again) that this is an ever continuing endeavor!
I am now two weeks out from the show and I feel that I am far from where I should be....I am still sending pics and weight to Shelly in Okinawa who has the confidence that I am still doing OK....she tweaks my diet, and work out and I forge ahead. We get our shipments of items (3 separate ones) and I am still trying to relax and not stress so that my body will lose the last pounds it needs to to compete and have me look good on stage. I still work on my posing, my walk and have my hair and make up gal booked. It's now the week of the show and I am instructed by Shelly not to get on the scale anymore (it's stressing me out too much) and just send her pictures each morning. I prep my food for the week, get up and get my early morning workouts in and my late evening weights and cardios done....those were hardest as I like to get my workouts done early and have the rest of day....plus, I was exhausted by that time as well! But, I got them done and rested as much as I could considering that we had our major shipment of goods that Thursday before the show...my first full rest day!
I get up Saturday morning and I weigh myself....128 pounds?!? 128? 128!!! OMG, take out the weight of my twins and I am the same weight as I was when I walked across the stage at Kadena the year before....add in that I have more muscle mass than last year and the means my body fat has definitely got to me less than what it was last year as well! I am STOKED!! 4 am and I get to have 4 oz of steak and 6 Reece's peanut butter cups (the small ones) Andy starts to tan me and my hair and make up gal Mitzi shows up at 5. We get started with the hair, Stacie comes in to take pics and support things are going great, I am super excited and then it hits me.....I am hot - turn on a fan. doesn't work. Now I can't hear, and I am covered in sweat! OH NO....I suddenly feel really ill and I bolt to the toilet (thank goodness my bathroom has the toilet separate since I've got 3 people in there assisting me this morning). I feel like I'm going to pass out, I down and (TMI sorry) I lose it. the sweats are still there but I am getting my hearing back, my stomach isn't clenched - as much - and I think I can feel my legs again. Oh Crap and holy nerves!!! This is new. Give me 10 minutes though and we start all over. Touch up the tanner, start back on the make up and get me my next meal.
We finish getting me ready, take a few pictures and race out the door...I have to be in San Diego for the competitor brief by 9 and it's 8:30!! Great starting this show day stressed just like last year, not what I was going for this time around. Oh well, we'll just make the best of it. Got my food, got my suit, shoes and I am happy with how I look....it's out of my control now, it is what it is.
Get to the Scottish Rite Center and run in...I get there in time to hear the last of the brief - but missed the whole what you need to do when you get on stage phase of it...AGH!! OK, just ask the gals back stage...need to find Jennifer who I met at at the registration the night before who was going to give me the fast hip pop initial move that is supposed to happen. Yea, I was stressing about that too - hip pop? The Bikini Move Hip Pop? I have no clue what the heck to do! I finally run into her back stage and she shows me what I should do....I think I have it down I watch on the video prompt each of the classes go up, most of the women in figure are doing the hip pop...OK, keep practicing back stage I can do this. It's my turn to line up for the Open class B 5'4 - 5'6....btw, I got my height card at the registration and while I have been 5'6 my entire life...they measure me in and give me my official card - 5'51/4 how in the heck have I lost 3/4 of inch?? So I am back stage getting ready for them to call our class out...again something different, they call the entire class out and we line up on one side of the stage...then each gal goes out on their own...I'm the last in the class so I can see everyone else with their quarter/model turns. It's my turn and I freak out....I can't do the hip pop, so I do my front pose that I have been practicing for months. I feel confident though so we'll just see what happens. I am the second person in the second call out...OK good...that should place me around 7 or 8...not bad for my first Stateside show! I go backstage again to wait for the next class I entered...the All Forces Figure division. There are 4 in my division and 2 of them I know look better than I do...they have been at this longer than I have ;) So I am confident again that I am 3rd or 4th :)
With Pre-judging over, I have a few hours before I have to be back and get ready for the night show....Shelly had on my meal plan for the day to eat a double cheeseburger after pre-judging YUMM!!! So, where do we go for lunch? We decide (Andy, Stacie and I) that we want to go somewhere to sit down, be served and hang out for a little while. So Islands it is. We order and they bring my burger out :D It is huge, there is no way I can eat the whole thing...I cut it in half and dig in. I am almost embarrassed to say that it was completely gone before Andy had even taken one bite of his chicken wrap! It was SO GOOD!!!
We head back and take a nap in the truck...well Andy and Stacie did, my nerves I guess are still a bit on hiatus so I just laid there and checked face book, called Shelly (I had downloaded Skype to my phone) and just rested with my feet up....had I realized how late I was going to go on stage, I would have worked harder at falling asleep!
I'm not called on stage till 9:30 for the first class - All Forces Figure.....I am awarded 3rd place!!! YAY ME!!!
I then have to wait for the last class....I know I'm not getting a trophy for it but have to hang out to go back on stage lest I want to blemish my name in NPC and being as I want to continue competing, I just can't do that ;) So, the class finally gets called back on stage after 11! I go out, do my pose, wait for them to call the top 5 and file off....hoping my peeps are waiting for me by the door when I grab my stuff and head out. I had some great support and am thankful for those who came out to see me. My husband, Andy, my life partner Stacy ;), and good friends Shana and Shannon and her hubby Jason - hope he didn't get into too much trouble ;) It was great running into an old friend Roz as well who competes herself and had just won the week before her first overall Figure as well as place first in two divisions...Masters and Open Figure. She looked beautiful and was in full prep mode to go to the Jr Nationals in Chicago the following week.
From the show even though we were all exhausted...being up at 4 will do that to you. Stacie, Andy and I headed to The Cheesecake Factory - where I indulged in their Buffalo Blasts (Wonton style buffalo wings...chopped buffalo chicken with cream cheese wrapped in a wonton and deep fried served with bleu cheese dressing) Oh yes...super yummy...and two cheesecake slices (one for me and one for Andy of course) and two more ordered to go....OMG even more super yummy and to top it all off, I think I downed almost a full gallon of water - I was so thirsty!!. Needless to say, I was beat by the time we got home after 1am...but I had to get in the shower to rinse off all that tanner...which still got on my new white sheets...that stuff sticks around ;)
Breakfast the next morning you ask? Why Cheesecake of course!! the rest of that day? Carne Asada Burrito for lunch, ice cream and cake for snack, and Carne Asada fries for dinner. Late night snack was a slice of pizza that the kids had left over from their dinner.
Needless to say I am now back on a more regular eating schedule and method....I was sick from all that grease and sugar but it was oh so worth it. Now, I am eating my normal diet and having 'little extras' here and there - yesterday's as a matter of fact was a hand dipped ice cream bar from the Costco snack bar...yup, just as good as I remembered them to be. But, in all truthfulness, the meal that has been most satisfying to have back...my Pistacchio protein waffles made with cottage cheese!
Right now, I am going to continue to enjoy my workouts, see what show I want to go forward with next (possibly in September but most likely not till March of next year) Seeing those other girls, I know I need to continue to work up my lats and my abs, add some more to my legs and keep my glutes going strong...that was the one thing that all the girls seemed to compliment me on was my glutes which made me feel great....I mean seriously tell me what woman doesn't want a great butt!! So till then, I will continue to try and get better about blogging, keeping you all updated on my progress, giving you some ideas and hopefully just continue to inspire the lifestyle change in you.
Today's Quote of the post:
"If you don’t do what’s best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end."
– Julius Erving
You have to make the choice EVERY day, EVERY meal, EVERY temptation.....I know it's hard but don't let what you want right now take over the big picture - temptation is a way of life but so is fighting it and overcoming it. You will feel better for it, I promise.
Hugs!
Rewind to late February/early March...I am training and prepping for the Kadena Pacific Muscle Classic - the same show I competed in for the very first time last year. We are slated to stay in Okinawa for an additional 3 years and so I am focused on the show, attaining my personal trainers certificate and nutrition coach license....Andy calls me from Thailand and tells me that our IPCOT (In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour) may not happen after all - we may just be extended for a year instead. OK that's still doable, we can still make it work and it still works with the kids for school. Andy returns from the exercise and when he goes to work two days later, Orders are in the system for us to move back to Camp Pendleton. What? Why? What happened? Turns out that he is needed back in Cali to fill a spot - he's the only one for the job. OK, breathe and get used to it. I had already been looking at the show in Sand Diego to compete at when we were travelling this summer (as part of the IPCOT you receive a trip 'home' as a bonus to staying the additional time) I can still do this right? So, I continue to train and start making preparations to move. For any of you in the military you know how 'easy' it is to move! NOT! Thankfully for us though, the military schools have in place a program that allows you to pull your children out early but be considered complete for the year (really beneficial when you have a high schooler!)
So, diet, exercise, move, pack up the house, prepare paperwork, sell cars, prep the kids for life in America again, find a house, set up utilities, the list keeps getting better and stress is building....NOT a good thing for a figure competitor! Stress does a number on your body, your mind and your emotions - we all know that. But, I don't have a choice in the matter. I must push through, it is in a way keeping me grounded too...having a goal still to attain and not let the pressure break me. Yea, easier said than done!
I have a great support system though, my friends are there beside me Stacy does not miss one gym session with me and she (and Janet and Ricky) even get up with me early Saturday morning that we are scheduled to leave and get in my last abs and cardio work out that will be done in Oki! Great friends and support indeed! But, I have to admit I was a little lax on my diet - I mean, I was only going to be able to get certain foods for a limited time....but, I didn't get out of control and my indulgences were only after I ensured that I was rock solid the rest of the week on diet and exercise. I worked the cheats in! Only once did I lose it and over indulge, but I added some extra cardio in and while I left the island not really where I should have been 3 weeks before a show, I wasn't in a horrible spot either.
OK, now for the flight, can't eat the food on the plane and what am I going to do when I get to the States? Food Prep!! You all know I am a champ at food prep ;) So I made up 5 meals of fish to take on the plane...again Stacy was a life saver for me, allowing me to stink up her house as I cooked my fish to leave in her freezer to have for the trip. Cooler, almonds to snack and a small package of Godiva Dark Chocolate Gems courtesy of my trainer and dear friend Shelly and I am set for the flight. I eat my breakfast and one meal before we get on the plane and then I pulled out the meals as needed for the trip, being as I had froze them prior I did not need to worry about ice or ice packs that would not clear security. I was able to get my food to last all the way through to San Francisco where I had to throw away my last meal at customs because you are not allowed to bring food in....we also had to throw away the food we had brought the pets on their carriers as well.
San Francisco airport, we have a bit of a layover and everyone is excited to be back in the Good 'Ol USA...they of course celebrate with hamburgers, french fries and milk shakes...a splurge for them as well...but I cannot eat that, I am three weeks from a show! So, I find a salad and grilled chicken, and cheat with the low fat dressing that they have :) We get into San Diego, get our rental and drive out to Fallbrook to our new home. Again I have to thank dear friends for helping me out! Stacie in Ca not only found us the house but set us up with some groceries...and had me chicken waiting :)
So, now to find a gym, get my food prepped and not break down to the convenience of fast food that is surrounding me! Empty house, culture shock, jet lag....again no need to feel any stress! UGH. I go look at the gym that is literally two blocks from my house and I don't like it....I go to the gym on main side (Camp Pendleton) and I don't like it...I go to the gym closer to the hospital and I like it a little better but still IT'S NOT MY GYM!! I am not happy but I can't lose focus, I am too close and I have done too much, invested money, time, sweat and I have been too grouchy to just stop now - even though I want to.
Andy buys me a home gym, I can do some stuff on it but I still need to go to a gym because I can't get all my exercises in. I'm slowly adjusting to the changes, missing my old support group, my gym partner and the familiarity that I was used to. Coming back to a duty station you've been to before does make it easier but harder too....I'm scared that I will fall back into the same old bad habits gain the weight back and it scares me....I see the actuality of it when we are invited to a BBQ, I take my food with me and I know that I will be tempted - I wasn't prepared though for the 'come on just one bite', 'just a small taste' I stayed strong though, ate only my food and tried not to be too much of a bitch with my old friends.
I saw the old gang, and I realized how easy it would be to fall back into those bad habits....I won't do it though! I can't do it! I will be miserable if I do it!! I know all this and now I have to overcome these hurdles...but I have the faith in myself to know that I can do it. But I also now realize (once again) that this is an ever continuing endeavor!
I am now two weeks out from the show and I feel that I am far from where I should be....I am still sending pics and weight to Shelly in Okinawa who has the confidence that I am still doing OK....she tweaks my diet, and work out and I forge ahead. We get our shipments of items (3 separate ones) and I am still trying to relax and not stress so that my body will lose the last pounds it needs to to compete and have me look good on stage. I still work on my posing, my walk and have my hair and make up gal booked. It's now the week of the show and I am instructed by Shelly not to get on the scale anymore (it's stressing me out too much) and just send her pictures each morning. I prep my food for the week, get up and get my early morning workouts in and my late evening weights and cardios done....those were hardest as I like to get my workouts done early and have the rest of day....plus, I was exhausted by that time as well! But, I got them done and rested as much as I could considering that we had our major shipment of goods that Thursday before the show...my first full rest day!
I get up Saturday morning and I weigh myself....128 pounds?!? 128? 128!!! OMG, take out the weight of my twins and I am the same weight as I was when I walked across the stage at Kadena the year before....add in that I have more muscle mass than last year and the means my body fat has definitely got to me less than what it was last year as well! I am STOKED!! 4 am and I get to have 4 oz of steak and 6 Reece's peanut butter cups (the small ones) Andy starts to tan me and my hair and make up gal Mitzi shows up at 5. We get started with the hair, Stacie comes in to take pics and support things are going great, I am super excited and then it hits me.....I am hot - turn on a fan. doesn't work. Now I can't hear, and I am covered in sweat! OH NO....I suddenly feel really ill and I bolt to the toilet (thank goodness my bathroom has the toilet separate since I've got 3 people in there assisting me this morning). I feel like I'm going to pass out, I down and (TMI sorry) I lose it. the sweats are still there but I am getting my hearing back, my stomach isn't clenched - as much - and I think I can feel my legs again. Oh Crap and holy nerves!!! This is new. Give me 10 minutes though and we start all over. Touch up the tanner, start back on the make up and get me my next meal.
We finish getting me ready, take a few pictures and race out the door...I have to be in San Diego for the competitor brief by 9 and it's 8:30!! Great starting this show day stressed just like last year, not what I was going for this time around. Oh well, we'll just make the best of it. Got my food, got my suit, shoes and I am happy with how I look....it's out of my control now, it is what it is.
Get to the Scottish Rite Center and run in...I get there in time to hear the last of the brief - but missed the whole what you need to do when you get on stage phase of it...AGH!! OK, just ask the gals back stage...need to find Jennifer who I met at at the registration the night before who was going to give me the fast hip pop initial move that is supposed to happen. Yea, I was stressing about that too - hip pop? The Bikini Move Hip Pop? I have no clue what the heck to do! I finally run into her back stage and she shows me what I should do....I think I have it down I watch on the video prompt each of the classes go up, most of the women in figure are doing the hip pop...OK, keep practicing back stage I can do this. It's my turn to line up for the Open class B 5'4 - 5'6....btw, I got my height card at the registration and while I have been 5'6 my entire life...they measure me in and give me my official card - 5'51/4 how in the heck have I lost 3/4 of inch?? So I am back stage getting ready for them to call our class out...again something different, they call the entire class out and we line up on one side of the stage...then each gal goes out on their own...I'm the last in the class so I can see everyone else with their quarter/model turns. It's my turn and I freak out....I can't do the hip pop, so I do my front pose that I have been practicing for months. I feel confident though so we'll just see what happens. I am the second person in the second call out...OK good...that should place me around 7 or 8...not bad for my first Stateside show! I go backstage again to wait for the next class I entered...the All Forces Figure division. There are 4 in my division and 2 of them I know look better than I do...they have been at this longer than I have ;) So I am confident again that I am 3rd or 4th :)
With Pre-judging over, I have a few hours before I have to be back and get ready for the night show....Shelly had on my meal plan for the day to eat a double cheeseburger after pre-judging YUMM!!! So, where do we go for lunch? We decide (Andy, Stacie and I) that we want to go somewhere to sit down, be served and hang out for a little while. So Islands it is. We order and they bring my burger out :D It is huge, there is no way I can eat the whole thing...I cut it in half and dig in. I am almost embarrassed to say that it was completely gone before Andy had even taken one bite of his chicken wrap! It was SO GOOD!!!
We head back and take a nap in the truck...well Andy and Stacie did, my nerves I guess are still a bit on hiatus so I just laid there and checked face book, called Shelly (I had downloaded Skype to my phone) and just rested with my feet up....had I realized how late I was going to go on stage, I would have worked harder at falling asleep!
I'm not called on stage till 9:30 for the first class - All Forces Figure.....I am awarded 3rd place!!! YAY ME!!!
I then have to wait for the last class....I know I'm not getting a trophy for it but have to hang out to go back on stage lest I want to blemish my name in NPC and being as I want to continue competing, I just can't do that ;) So, the class finally gets called back on stage after 11! I go out, do my pose, wait for them to call the top 5 and file off....hoping my peeps are waiting for me by the door when I grab my stuff and head out. I had some great support and am thankful for those who came out to see me. My husband, Andy, my life partner Stacy ;), and good friends Shana and Shannon and her hubby Jason - hope he didn't get into too much trouble ;) It was great running into an old friend Roz as well who competes herself and had just won the week before her first overall Figure as well as place first in two divisions...Masters and Open Figure. She looked beautiful and was in full prep mode to go to the Jr Nationals in Chicago the following week.
From the show even though we were all exhausted...being up at 4 will do that to you. Stacie, Andy and I headed to The Cheesecake Factory - where I indulged in their Buffalo Blasts (Wonton style buffalo wings...chopped buffalo chicken with cream cheese wrapped in a wonton and deep fried served with bleu cheese dressing) Oh yes...super yummy...and two cheesecake slices (one for me and one for Andy of course) and two more ordered to go....OMG even more super yummy and to top it all off, I think I downed almost a full gallon of water - I was so thirsty!!. Needless to say, I was beat by the time we got home after 1am...but I had to get in the shower to rinse off all that tanner...which still got on my new white sheets...that stuff sticks around ;)
Breakfast the next morning you ask? Why Cheesecake of course!! the rest of that day? Carne Asada Burrito for lunch, ice cream and cake for snack, and Carne Asada fries for dinner. Late night snack was a slice of pizza that the kids had left over from their dinner.
Needless to say I am now back on a more regular eating schedule and method....I was sick from all that grease and sugar but it was oh so worth it. Now, I am eating my normal diet and having 'little extras' here and there - yesterday's as a matter of fact was a hand dipped ice cream bar from the Costco snack bar...yup, just as good as I remembered them to be. But, in all truthfulness, the meal that has been most satisfying to have back...my Pistacchio protein waffles made with cottage cheese!
Right now, I am going to continue to enjoy my workouts, see what show I want to go forward with next (possibly in September but most likely not till March of next year) Seeing those other girls, I know I need to continue to work up my lats and my abs, add some more to my legs and keep my glutes going strong...that was the one thing that all the girls seemed to compliment me on was my glutes which made me feel great....I mean seriously tell me what woman doesn't want a great butt!! So till then, I will continue to try and get better about blogging, keeping you all updated on my progress, giving you some ideas and hopefully just continue to inspire the lifestyle change in you.
Today's Quote of the post:
"If you don’t do what’s best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end."
– Julius Erving
You have to make the choice EVERY day, EVERY meal, EVERY temptation.....I know it's hard but don't let what you want right now take over the big picture - temptation is a way of life but so is fighting it and overcoming it. You will feel better for it, I promise.
Hugs!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Instantly look thinner....
We all know there is no magic pill, no special shake, etc....it's hard work, a good clean diet and discipline. But, what if you just need a quick look a little slimmer - how can you look about 5 pounds lighter...easy!
Easy? Yes, easy....check your posture, suck in your stomach, pull your chest up and set your shoulders back - instant leaner look! How simple is that? Many people have been asking me how have you gotten your stomach to be so flat after so many kids (remember, I have given birth to 3 of my own and two sets of twins....7 babies total) I don't have a flat belly...it's an illusion. OMG did I really just throw that out there for everyone to know?
That's right folks, I have a foopa, pouch, mushroom top, whatever you want to call it, my belly is there and the only way that it is going to disappear is if I have the excess skin cut away....but you don't have one on stage in that suit! No, I don't because of my posture (and dehydration necessary for the show..and that is really what it comes down to, it's a SHOW!). You also don't see it when I'm conscience in my standard street clothes or gym clothes either. Because I try to stay aware at all times of my posture, stand up straight and keep my belly sucked in at all times - on the stage or off, on season or off...it's becoming engrained in my head.
Try it.....go stand in front of a mirror right now, first thing you do is pull your shoulders back, straighten your back and lift your chest, now, suck in your stomach....wow, instantly you look thinner and that will probably make you feel a bit more confident and that will also add to your illusion. But, you do have to still work at it to make it a reality. This is just your spring board to getting that look all the time!
To work your belly and have those abs, you should at all times keep your ab muscles engaged....suck it in...ALL THE TIME!! I can tell you even now as I sit and type these words, my abs are engaged - I am constantly sucking them in....when I am working out, I watch my posture not only for the lessened risk of injury but to help my core become stronger....it's called the core of your body for a reason, you can't do much without it! If you are on the treadmill walking or running, have those abs engaged, and stand up straight you will get a better work out. If you are on the elliptical, keep that posture up and engage your abs...you will get a better workout! On the step mill? Again, engage those abs work your core in every single exercise you do and stand tall, you will start to feel better about yourself, you'll be able to look at yourself in the mirror longer and thus get a better workout.
Abs are made in the kitchen not the gym they say but you still have to engage the muscle to have the definition show along with the work from the kitchen!!
So, stand up, suck it in - keep it sucked in and walk a little taller. Good posture is a great thing to have and so many of us these days don't make an effort to do this one little trick that will make us feel and look better, even if it is just an illusion some times.
Today's quote of the post:
'How well you deal with adversity is a measure of how well you will succeed in any endeavor whether it be building a great set of six-pack abs or combat on the field of battle. We have a tendency to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes rather than accept the fact that "to err is human". A successful person will focus this effort on ensuring that such mistakes are not repeated and to increase the resolve to do it right from now on.' akidk01, hubpages
Stop fighting that skinny person in you! Let them be seen, you will be healthier, you will feel better about yourself, and you'll have a much easier time keeping that posture proper ;)
(photo from a Brazil Gym ad - The ad is promoting fitness, not pointing and making fun of fat people)
Hugs,
Crystal
Easy? Yes, easy....check your posture, suck in your stomach, pull your chest up and set your shoulders back - instant leaner look! How simple is that? Many people have been asking me how have you gotten your stomach to be so flat after so many kids (remember, I have given birth to 3 of my own and two sets of twins....7 babies total) I don't have a flat belly...it's an illusion. OMG did I really just throw that out there for everyone to know?
That's right folks, I have a foopa, pouch, mushroom top, whatever you want to call it, my belly is there and the only way that it is going to disappear is if I have the excess skin cut away....but you don't have one on stage in that suit! No, I don't because of my posture (and dehydration necessary for the show..and that is really what it comes down to, it's a SHOW!). You also don't see it when I'm conscience in my standard street clothes or gym clothes either. Because I try to stay aware at all times of my posture, stand up straight and keep my belly sucked in at all times - on the stage or off, on season or off...it's becoming engrained in my head.
Try it.....go stand in front of a mirror right now, first thing you do is pull your shoulders back, straighten your back and lift your chest, now, suck in your stomach....wow, instantly you look thinner and that will probably make you feel a bit more confident and that will also add to your illusion. But, you do have to still work at it to make it a reality. This is just your spring board to getting that look all the time!
To work your belly and have those abs, you should at all times keep your ab muscles engaged....suck it in...ALL THE TIME!! I can tell you even now as I sit and type these words, my abs are engaged - I am constantly sucking them in....when I am working out, I watch my posture not only for the lessened risk of injury but to help my core become stronger....it's called the core of your body for a reason, you can't do much without it! If you are on the treadmill walking or running, have those abs engaged, and stand up straight you will get a better work out. If you are on the elliptical, keep that posture up and engage your abs...you will get a better workout! On the step mill? Again, engage those abs work your core in every single exercise you do and stand tall, you will start to feel better about yourself, you'll be able to look at yourself in the mirror longer and thus get a better workout.
Abs are made in the kitchen not the gym they say but you still have to engage the muscle to have the definition show along with the work from the kitchen!!
So, stand up, suck it in - keep it sucked in and walk a little taller. Good posture is a great thing to have and so many of us these days don't make an effort to do this one little trick that will make us feel and look better, even if it is just an illusion some times.
Today's quote of the post:
'How well you deal with adversity is a measure of how well you will succeed in any endeavor whether it be building a great set of six-pack abs or combat on the field of battle. We have a tendency to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes rather than accept the fact that "to err is human". A successful person will focus this effort on ensuring that such mistakes are not repeated and to increase the resolve to do it right from now on.' akidk01, hubpages
Stop fighting that skinny person in you! Let them be seen, you will be healthier, you will feel better about yourself, and you'll have a much easier time keeping that posture proper ;)
(photo from a Brazil Gym ad - The ad is promoting fitness, not pointing and making fun of fat people)
Hugs,
Crystal
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
My progression in photos
I know I've been promising this for a while and truthfully, I haven't done it because I've been horrified at myself thinking how I could have let myself be so unhealthy and set such a bad example for my family...but I have made the lifestyle change, I am a better person and I am looking forward to helping others attain their goal. I am finally comfortable sharing these pictures....my hope is that you all can realize, I am a real person, I am just like you, I have had the kids, fought the weight loss yo-yo and have come out the other side a victor - here's to you doing the same.
For those of you who don't know, I have given birth to 7 children, I have three beautiful children of my own and I carried for two wonderful families twins....my deliveries were Dec 1997, Jul 2003, Apr 2005, Jun 2006, Nov 2007....These are all pictures of me not pregnant so you can see the REAL me - beware, some of these photos could be detrimental to your health..or, hopefully they can be the motivation and inspiration you need to get to where you want to be.....it's hard work, but it is worth it, I'm living proof! Exercise and a good healthy diet will get you there - there is no secret pill, shake or style of workout just you, your dedication motivation and ability to take the risk to make the change in your life.
So, that's me....7 kids and from a size 16 to a 6 (off season) If I can do it, you can too!
Today's Quote of the post:
Don't compare yourself to others.....compare yourself to the person you were yesterday - Justine Switalla
No truer words...you can't compete with the magazines, your best friend, me or the skinny chick in the office...everyone is built different, you will not look the same, but you will look good for you and that is what matters. Don't let anyone deter you from the road you are on, you have come very far and they don't know your back story. And the minute you decide to give up...remember why you have held on this long or started in the first place. You can do it!! I know you can and I will be your biggest cheerleader!! Go make this your life - not a 12 week weight loss plan!
Hugs!
For those of you who don't know, I have given birth to 7 children, I have three beautiful children of my own and I carried for two wonderful families twins....my deliveries were Dec 1997, Jul 2003, Apr 2005, Jun 2006, Nov 2007....These are all pictures of me not pregnant so you can see the REAL me - beware, some of these photos could be detrimental to your health..or, hopefully they can be the motivation and inspiration you need to get to where you want to be.....it's hard work, but it is worth it, I'm living proof! Exercise and a good healthy diet will get you there - there is no secret pill, shake or style of workout just you, your dedication motivation and ability to take the risk to make the change in your life.
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| December 2006 - I think I am in a size (YIKES) 16 |
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| June 2009 |
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| April 2010 |
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| November 2010 |
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| April 2011 |
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| June 2011 |
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| August 2011 |
Today's Quote of the post:
Don't compare yourself to others.....compare yourself to the person you were yesterday - Justine Switalla
No truer words...you can't compete with the magazines, your best friend, me or the skinny chick in the office...everyone is built different, you will not look the same, but you will look good for you and that is what matters. Don't let anyone deter you from the road you are on, you have come very far and they don't know your back story. And the minute you decide to give up...remember why you have held on this long or started in the first place. You can do it!! I know you can and I will be your biggest cheerleader!! Go make this your life - not a 12 week weight loss plan!
Hugs!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
What is holding you back??Age? Kids? Not an excuse...here's some inpiration
So those of you who are friends with me on FB know that I have been putting up a lot of motivational pics and am getting feedback on them....I'm not only putting these up there for me (because I really need it!) but I'm putting them up there to hopefully continue to inspire other friends and family to start making the right better choices in their lives to be healthier. I know that I have inspired many of you and it humbles me, it makes me proud to know that I have without intending to have helped many of my friends and family to get on the healthy lifestyle road.
I put up this picture this week as I am a big fan of prepping my food early
I was especially proud and excited when I got this post from my long time OB/GYN in CA (she delivered all 5 of my pregnancies!): "You continue to inspire and amaze me! I have lost 12lbs and I am finding time to do what I need to do even when exhausted from work! I say it everyday - there is no magical pill- if there were I would be thin and in shape."
But then, I also talked to my Mom who had recently gone back to the Dr and was happy to report that not only had her cholesterol gone down, he was removing from her chart that she was pre-diabetic AND no longer hypertensive!! SUPER YAY!! Both of these women are celebrating a few anniversaries of their 30th birthday and they are making changes....it doesn't matter how old you are and here is proof! Age is not an excuse!!
I had another gal pal of mine post on another photo which kinda bummed me out.....
She posted...Would you watch my son then? My gym doesn't have childcare...another mutual friend posted come to mine it's cheap and it does offer care...she replied, mine is free.
At first, I have to admit I was a little perturbed, you are using your child as an excuse when there are ways around that...then I thought well where is your accountability...a free gym is obviously free of weight loss too - you have nothing holding yourself accountable...but that is something that I need not everyone. And then I started to think about a friend of mine who has been an inspiration to me...no not my trainer Shelly you already know what an inspiration and dear friend she is to me, she really introduced me to this healthy lifestyle and now I aman addict dedicated like others that have been before me and other that will join sooner hopefully rather than later. No, it made me think of my friend from Iwakuni...I met her just over a year ago, through a mutual friend. She had come down from Iwakuni to deliver her twins...she was here because of the higher risk with the twins and the hospital near her did not have the means to assist a high risk pregnancy so, they all get sent down here to the island. This woman was the sweetest woman I had met, she had a daughter (who wasn't even two yet) and here she was with twins in the womb away from home here indefinitely to deliver her babies. She was staying at the Storks nest and making the best of it - living out of basically a hotel room with a small kitchenette. I met her and she was HUGE! I am not saying this to be mean...I carried twins twice and if you met me then you know I was GIGANTIC (bigger than huge!!) She told me that she was missing running and couldn't wait to get back into it...Now as anyone who has been around a pregnant woman knows, we get swollen ankles, water retention and are puffy all over sometimes right....well with twins, it is even more so, you get to a point that you really don't fit into even your own shoes! Flip flops are a staple because they are easy to slip on but most of the time, you are wearing your husbands or you go get bigger ones...REALLY! So now that you have the mental picture....she has the babies, they have to stay here for a few weeks to get them strong enough to fly back home, they are real fighters and are adorable! We keep in touch via FB a bit and she's planning to come back to the island for girls christening...we say that we will get together but you know how that goes...it happened I had a competition the same day that the girls had their service so I was unable to go BUT, I ran into her at the exchange...I had to do a double take - I almost didn't recognize her! This woman was tiny...but she was pushing this triple jog stroller and it clicked...OMG this is Jessyca!! This is the Jessyca that was 3 times smaller than the Jessyca
I put up this picture this week as I am a big fan of prepping my food early
But then, I also talked to my Mom who had recently gone back to the Dr and was happy to report that not only had her cholesterol gone down, he was removing from her chart that she was pre-diabetic AND no longer hypertensive!! SUPER YAY!! Both of these women are celebrating a few anniversaries of their 30th birthday and they are making changes....it doesn't matter how old you are and here is proof! Age is not an excuse!!
I had another gal pal of mine post on another photo which kinda bummed me out.....
She posted...Would you watch my son then? My gym doesn't have childcare...another mutual friend posted come to mine it's cheap and it does offer care...she replied, mine is free.
At first, I have to admit I was a little perturbed, you are using your child as an excuse when there are ways around that...then I thought well where is your accountability...a free gym is obviously free of weight loss too - you have nothing holding yourself accountable...but that is something that I need not everyone. And then I started to think about a friend of mine who has been an inspiration to me...no not my trainer Shelly you already know what an inspiration and dear friend she is to me, she really introduced me to this healthy lifestyle and now I am
So, to my friends that use their kids as an excuse....it's not one. There really truly are many things that you can do with your kids to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle...and what better way to set the example than to lead? Find something that you all like to do, go run in the park, ride bikes, are your kids smaller like my friend above? Put them in the stroller and use their resistance to gain your muscle. Look online for exercises you can do in the park while the kids are playing, is there a bench? Great, do some bench dips, push ups, step ups...three easy exercises that you can do while you watch your kid get his/her exercise (running and playing). Is your child in sports? What are you doing while they are practicing? Instead of sitting on the sidelines, get up and walk.run around the field...how about help the coach out and get out there and run with the kids? There are no excuses it's taken me time to realize that but, you have to have the desire and if you don't then where does that leave you? On the sidelines, looking in....
Today's quote of the post:
"It's not that some people have willpower and some people don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not." James Gordon
My hope, wish and prayer is that you become ready to change and have the willpower to to do it. It took me time to get there and it's been a long hard road, one that I've been on and fallen off of before - Hey, I'm human that is what we do...but I'm in it for the long haul, setting the example for my family and luckily for my friends as well and making some new ones along the way. Thank you to those who inspire me, there are many of you, there truly are. And thank you to those who I inspire....little do you know that when I hear that I was able to give you some inspiration, it swells my heart with pride, and inspires me to keep on this road so that hopefully you too will be an inspiration to others and they will inspire others and so on...leading to a great big ripple in the healthy lifestyle living!
Hugs to you all!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Water, Water, Water and What?? More Water!!
OK am I am going to try and recreate this blog post...for some reason the auto save didn't work and when I hit post it was gone :(
So we all know that water is important, we are supposed to drink at least 8 8oz glasses a day...but how many of you do that? How many of you drink more? Water is so very important for so many things and I hope that this post will help you to realize that. Dehydration is linked to so many things, headaches on one side of the spectrum and death on the other! Yes, people death! Here are just a few of the important facts you should know about water:
The functions of water in human body are vital. The water:
So, what could happen if we don't drink enough water every day? Here are a few:
Tiredness
Migraine
Constipation
Muscle cramps
Irregular blood pressure
Kidney problems
Dry skin
20% dehydrated – Risk of death
Yes, there really truly is a risk of death if you become severely dehydrated! So what are the signs and symptoms that you can look for (listen to body...it really does speak to you!)
Are you peeing Dark Yellow or Orange? You do not have enough water!!
Are you Tired? Water is a source of energy!
Do you have dry skin?
Are you hungry? Yes, hunger could be an indicator that you are thirsty...drink a glass of water before you reach for the food.
Are you Thirsty? This is your body's way of telling you that it is already dehydrated...stay ahead of the game, drink, drink, and then drink some more. An easy way to do this? Drink your 8 oz every hour on the hour....if a new hour approaches and you havent' yet finished your glass, guzzle it down and refill it for the next hour. Take water with you everywhere! Sip it constantly through the day! The benefits to your water intake are innumerable but here are the top 11 from Mangosteen.com
But I don't like the taste of water....Don't give me that excuse...figure out how to be creative with you water...Naturally! Do not constantly go for the Crystal Light or other drink additives...do not drink your calories!! Do those on occasion but instead try some of these:
Add a slice of cucumber, orange, lemon, lime, strawberries
Maybe a spring of mint is more your palette.....what ever it is try something....does it have to be ice cold, do you prefer it room temperature? Every one is different and just because you like it one way doesn't mean that someone else will either...experiment and be different...maybe sliced apples or Mango...the ideas could be endless - especially if you mix any of the above together!
Keep it fun, enjoy it and look at the benefits again....your water will never look the same!
A man may well bring a horse to the water, But he cannot make him drink without he will. -
I hope you all have the will to drink!
Hugs!
So we all know that water is important, we are supposed to drink at least 8 8oz glasses a day...but how many of you do that? How many of you drink more? Water is so very important for so many things and I hope that this post will help you to realize that. Dehydration is linked to so many things, headaches on one side of the spectrum and death on the other! Yes, people death! Here are just a few of the important facts you should know about water:
Did you have any idea that water was that important to our body?? And here is more:
- Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
- Moisturizes the air in lungs
- Helps with metabolism
- Protects our vital organ
- Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better
- Regulates body temperature
- Detoxifies
- Protects and moisturizes our joints
So, what could happen if we don't drink enough water every day? Here are a few:
Yes, there really truly is a risk of death if you become severely dehydrated! So what are the signs and symptoms that you can look for (listen to body...it really does speak to you!)
Are you peeing Dark Yellow or Orange? You do not have enough water!!
Are you Tired? Water is a source of energy!
Do you have dry skin?
Are you hungry? Yes, hunger could be an indicator that you are thirsty...drink a glass of water before you reach for the food.
Are you Thirsty? This is your body's way of telling you that it is already dehydrated...stay ahead of the game, drink, drink, and then drink some more. An easy way to do this? Drink your 8 oz every hour on the hour....if a new hour approaches and you havent' yet finished your glass, guzzle it down and refill it for the next hour. Take water with you everywhere! Sip it constantly through the day! The benefits to your water intake are innumerable but here are the top 11 from Mangosteen.com
- Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories.
- Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.
- Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity.
- Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.
-
- Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.
- Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
- Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
- Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system.
- Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you.
- Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.
- Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.
But I don't like the taste of water....Don't give me that excuse...figure out how to be creative with you water...Naturally! Do not constantly go for the Crystal Light or other drink additives...do not drink your calories!! Do those on occasion but instead try some of these:
Add a slice of cucumber, orange, lemon, lime, strawberries
Maybe a spring of mint is more your palette.....what ever it is try something....does it have to be ice cold, do you prefer it room temperature? Every one is different and just because you like it one way doesn't mean that someone else will either...experiment and be different...maybe sliced apples or Mango...the ideas could be endless - especially if you mix any of the above together!
Keep it fun, enjoy it and look at the benefits again....your water will never look the same!
A man may well bring a horse to the water, But he cannot make him drink without he will. -
I hope you all have the will to drink!
Hugs!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dire need of Chocolate when dieting...What is a girl to do??
If you are a woman, or married to one, have one close to you in your life, you know that once a month there is a dire NEED of chocolate, there is no way around it, you have to have it and you are not happy till you get it....so what do you do when you are dieting and that need occurs? You get creative! Try Sugar Free Fudgscicles, Sugar Free Chocolates, (Dove, Russel Stover and Hershey's all have some that aren't too bad - but be careful, these will make you gassy and/or act as a laxative!) Chocolate protein powders are another great direction to turn...a couple of my favorites: Optimum Nutrition Rocky Road, or Caramel Toffee Fudge. Protein bars are ok too just watch your fat and carbs in them - I use these more on a rare occasion.
But! Here are a couple recipes that I got from my trainer that are DELICIOUS and do the trick too:
Shelly's Quick Chocolate Fix:
1 Scoop Chocolate Whey Powder
1Tbsp Dark Cocoa Powder
1TbspSplenda or Stevia
1Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
2Tbsp Oats
liquid Egg Whites (all whites are pasteurized)
Place all ingredients into bowl, except egg whites....slowly add egg whites to mix just until moist (like cake batter) You can eat as is or warm for a few seconds in the microwave (not too long because it will dry out - I put it in for literally no more than 15 seconds - kinda turns into a lava cake - use your imagination though)
OR make these cookies and package three to a baggie and freeze for a quick on hand snack...but beware, they are super yummy and you could lose control - these are great to fight that Girl Scout Cookie urge too!!
Shelly's Choco High Protein Cookies
1/2 Cup Natural unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/4 cup Baking Splenda
1/4 cup Brown Sugar Splenda
2 egg whites
1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter
1/2 tspn Vanilla (I like to use almond instead) extract
1/4 tspn baking soda
3/4 tspn baking powder
3/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour (you can use a little less to keep them moister)
1 cup oat bran (quinoa works well too - gives it a yummy crunch)
1/2 cup whole oatmeal
1 heaping scoop Chocolate Optimum Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
2Tbsn dark chocolate powder
and 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (can omit)
also yummy to add (when not in contest prep) dried cranberries or cherries, almond slices
Preheat oven to 350/ Mix applesauce and sugars then mix in egg whites and stir well. Stir in PB and vanilla (or almond) and beat till smooth Add remaining dry ingredients one by one mixing well. Drop Tbsn size dough (pampered chef small or med scoop work perfectly) on cookie sheet sprayed with pam and cook for 10-12 minutes. Don't overcook - they are best soft. Can add more or less chips or protein to adjust sugar, protein :)
These little treats are great for Aunt Flo or any time you need that little bit of sweet.....It all comes down to discipline still, you must stay in control no matter what bit of chocolate you go for...small changes they are what make the big difference in the long run. Hope this helps to keep you in control when that dire needs takes over!
Today's Quote or the Post:
CHOCOLATE IS A NATURAL WONDER DRUG.--Daniel Worona
REMEMBER: DIETING IS NO PIECE OF (CHOCOLATE) CAKE. --Daniel Worona
Stay on track everyone....it's YOU who makes the difference in your life...live it healthier today!
Hugs!
But! Here are a couple recipes that I got from my trainer that are DELICIOUS and do the trick too:
Shelly's Quick Chocolate Fix:
1 Scoop Chocolate Whey Powder
1Tbsp Dark Cocoa Powder
1TbspSplenda or Stevia
1Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
2Tbsp Oats
liquid Egg Whites (all whites are pasteurized)
Place all ingredients into bowl, except egg whites....slowly add egg whites to mix just until moist (like cake batter) You can eat as is or warm for a few seconds in the microwave (not too long because it will dry out - I put it in for literally no more than 15 seconds - kinda turns into a lava cake - use your imagination though)
OR make these cookies and package three to a baggie and freeze for a quick on hand snack...but beware, they are super yummy and you could lose control - these are great to fight that Girl Scout Cookie urge too!!
Shelly's Choco High Protein Cookies
1/2 Cup Natural unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/4 cup Baking Splenda
1/4 cup Brown Sugar Splenda
2 egg whites
1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter
1/2 tspn Vanilla (I like to use almond instead) extract
1/4 tspn baking soda
3/4 tspn baking powder
3/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour (you can use a little less to keep them moister)
1 cup oat bran (quinoa works well too - gives it a yummy crunch)
1/2 cup whole oatmeal
1 heaping scoop Chocolate Optimum Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
2Tbsn dark chocolate powder
and 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (can omit)
also yummy to add (when not in contest prep) dried cranberries or cherries, almond slices
Preheat oven to 350/ Mix applesauce and sugars then mix in egg whites and stir well. Stir in PB and vanilla (or almond) and beat till smooth Add remaining dry ingredients one by one mixing well. Drop Tbsn size dough (pampered chef small or med scoop work perfectly) on cookie sheet sprayed with pam and cook for 10-12 minutes. Don't overcook - they are best soft. Can add more or less chips or protein to adjust sugar, protein :)
These little treats are great for Aunt Flo or any time you need that little bit of sweet.....It all comes down to discipline still, you must stay in control no matter what bit of chocolate you go for...small changes they are what make the big difference in the long run. Hope this helps to keep you in control when that dire needs takes over!
Today's Quote or the Post:
CHOCOLATE IS A NATURAL WONDER DRUG.--Daniel Worona
REMEMBER: DIETING IS NO PIECE OF (CHOCOLATE) CAKE. --Daniel Worona
Stay on track everyone....it's YOU who makes the difference in your life...live it healthier today!
Hugs!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Catching up
I am a horrible blogger.....I am sorry that I have not been on task a bit more here but it's been a hectic start of 2012!! 3 back to back deliveries, training, family, laundry - the list goes on and on....there is always an excuse right?! I need to find the excuse not to NOT get in here and update my few followers ;)
Today at the gym was my reminder that I do have those of you who follow me and are inspired by my ambitions and I need to keep you all updated and hopefully honest at your workouts and diets (yes, I said that horrible horrible word!) DIET (did I eat that?!) This isn't a diet folks, it's your life!!! Take control of it and be better for yourself, your spouse, your kids, your friends! Set the example and others will follow. I know this to be true - Many of my friends near and far have made the change, and Ihope are know are inspiring others to do the same. It's not going to be easy but it is going to be worth it...these are words to live by - truly they are! But, let me get off my soapbox - what happened in the gym today that I want to share?
I was working out and my friend Stacy came in...I met Stacy at school last year, came to find out that we are both from New Mexico (she's from Santa Rosa but we get past it ;) ) Stacy was just beginning to make changes in her life to become healthier, she started running and hanging out with different people and she was really starting to shed the pounds...she's dropped 40 pounds people!! She's now taking steps to work on the diet part....yes, that horrible word again. I've mentioned it before it really is 80% diet and 20% working out...if you aren't eating right, your body is not going to look right. You are a walking billboard of the food you put in your mouth - no matter what you put on that paper or food journal, the truth is just a glance at that butt, those thighs, the jiggle in the middle, the second hello from those triceps. BUT, exercise is a part too they go hand in hand. So back to Stacy....she's been doing great, she is making the change and setting the example for her beautiful little girl and her husband is very supportive too...but there are mean people out there (some not intentionally but it can still happen) I like to think of those people rather than being mean...being jealous! Yes, they are jealous. She had a (I don't really want to say friend but an acquaintance?) say some mean words to her....words that hurt - words that once said cannot be taken back. Yes, the words were mean, but I would like to think that they were spun more from jealousy.
These people are everywhere...they want to lose the weight too, they want to make healthier choices but they don't have the support, the will power, the drive whatever their excuse is and so they want to knock you off your all mighty high horse (yes, that is what they see - you are better than them and rubbing it in their face) I know, I was once there....I wanted what everyone else had, but I still wanted to eat my cake and ice cream! I didn't have the drive, I had excuses - but did that mean that I could be rude? that I could make comments that would hurt the other person? No it didn't but I still may have done that unintentionally. And I am sorry for it...but, until I realized that it was me that needed to make that change, I hate to think that I was that person....I finally though had to stop hanging out with people who didn't have the same goals, people who would take me off the wagon, offer me the cookie, the cake, the candy. It was hard but you truly do grow wiser with age, you need to surround yourself with people who are like minded, who will support you and you have to support them too. This is not easy but it is worth it!! I don't remember where I heard that (face book or pintrest I'm sure) but it is so true. It is not easy, you will meet people who want you to stay the same (I think this was the case with the acquaintance), you will meet people who will support you (Stacy I support you!), you will have good days in the gym and you will have bad days too! You need to dig deep sometimes more than others for that motivation, the roller coaster ride is all part of it...but in the end it is worth it! You will feel better about yourself, you will be living a longer life, you will be healthier, and you will inspire others to follow the road you have decided to make as your path. Be the better person, don't belittle others because their goals are not yours but support them in what they are doing and if you have people in your life that are not supportive of your goals for a healthier lifestyle, they truly are not your friends and you need to take this time to evaluate if they are doing more harm than good for you and if so, cut them out...it really will be their loss not yours!
stumble, it's getting back up and starting fresh that sets us apart from the rest!
Thanks for letting me rattle on and thank you, thank you for supporting me!
Today's Quote of the Post:
I never said it would be easy....but it will be worth it - unknown
The things you work harder for in your life really are the most rewarding!
Hugs
Today at the gym was my reminder that I do have those of you who follow me and are inspired by my ambitions and I need to keep you all updated and hopefully honest at your workouts and diets (yes, I said that horrible horrible word!) DIET (did I eat that?!) This isn't a diet folks, it's your life!!! Take control of it and be better for yourself, your spouse, your kids, your friends! Set the example and others will follow. I know this to be true - Many of my friends near and far have made the change, and I
I was working out and my friend Stacy came in...I met Stacy at school last year, came to find out that we are both from New Mexico (she's from Santa Rosa but we get past it ;) ) Stacy was just beginning to make changes in her life to become healthier, she started running and hanging out with different people and she was really starting to shed the pounds...she's dropped 40 pounds people!! She's now taking steps to work on the diet part....yes, that horrible word again. I've mentioned it before it really is 80% diet and 20% working out...if you aren't eating right, your body is not going to look right. You are a walking billboard of the food you put in your mouth - no matter what you put on that paper or food journal, the truth is just a glance at that butt, those thighs, the jiggle in the middle, the second hello from those triceps. BUT, exercise is a part too they go hand in hand. So back to Stacy....she's been doing great, she is making the change and setting the example for her beautiful little girl and her husband is very supportive too...but there are mean people out there (some not intentionally but it can still happen) I like to think of those people rather than being mean...being jealous! Yes, they are jealous. She had a (I don't really want to say friend but an acquaintance?) say some mean words to her....words that hurt - words that once said cannot be taken back. Yes, the words were mean, but I would like to think that they were spun more from jealousy.
These people are everywhere...they want to lose the weight too, they want to make healthier choices but they don't have the support, the will power, the drive whatever their excuse is and so they want to knock you off your all mighty high horse (yes, that is what they see - you are better than them and rubbing it in their face) I know, I was once there....I wanted what everyone else had, but I still wanted to eat my cake and ice cream! I didn't have the drive, I had excuses - but did that mean that I could be rude? that I could make comments that would hurt the other person? No it didn't but I still may have done that unintentionally. And I am sorry for it...but, until I realized that it was me that needed to make that change, I hate to think that I was that person....I finally though had to stop hanging out with people who didn't have the same goals, people who would take me off the wagon, offer me the cookie, the cake, the candy. It was hard but you truly do grow wiser with age, you need to surround yourself with people who are like minded, who will support you and you have to support them too. This is not easy but it is worth it!! I don't remember where I heard that (face book or pintrest I'm sure) but it is so true. It is not easy, you will meet people who want you to stay the same (I think this was the case with the acquaintance), you will meet people who will support you (Stacy I support you!), you will have good days in the gym and you will have bad days too! You need to dig deep sometimes more than others for that motivation, the roller coaster ride is all part of it...but in the end it is worth it! You will feel better about yourself, you will be living a longer life, you will be healthier, and you will inspire others to follow the road you have decided to make as your path. Be the better person, don't belittle others because their goals are not yours but support them in what they are doing and if you have people in your life that are not supportive of your goals for a healthier lifestyle, they truly are not your friends and you need to take this time to evaluate if they are doing more harm than good for you and if so, cut them out...it really will be their loss not yours!
stumble, it's getting back up and starting fresh that sets us apart from the rest!
Thanks for letting me rattle on and thank you, thank you for supporting me!
Today's Quote of the Post:
I never said it would be easy....but it will be worth it - unknown
The things you work harder for in your life really are the most rewarding!
Hugs
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Making your 'Skinny' jeans become your 'fat' jeans!
Hey All,
I know it's been a while but I hope to get back on here regularly again as I am in full stream training for my next shows...yes, I said shows, plural! I am completely crazy and am going to train to do 3 shows in the States this coming summer! The first one is in May in NM and then two simultaneous ones June 9 in San Diego. But, before we get into me and my new training etc, I want to share some things that have helped me to make my Skinny Jeans become my Fat Jeans....yes, we all have that double closet - the things we fit into now, and the things we really would prefer to fit into - our Skinny Jeans.
In the past year, my Fat jeans were donated or sold off - I did not want to keep them in my closet any longer! I made this commitment to change my life and have promised myself to not get there again...what better way than to get rid of them! So, my Skinny Jeans from last year are now my Fat Jeans - Jeans that I am OK in but know that I am (for myself) a little heavy. And my Skinny Jeans you ask then...they are only one size smaller than my fat jeans and then I have my competition clothes...the items that I fit into when I am just a few weeks around my competition weight - as that is even smaller (and not a healthy to maintain weight!)
So, what did I do? Here are a few things, and they are in no particular order, but they all compile to add up to where I am now, and how I can maintain a good healthy weight for me - try them yourself, make the commitment and see the change!!
1. Eat at home (easy enough)
2. If you go out to eat, choose the healthy or lighter side menu - if you order a salad, ask for the dressing on the side and use minimal amount...even better use only red wine vinegar!!
3. Cut out the pasta
4. Buy Fitness magazines, READ THEM, and try the exercises and ideas they have in them
5. Go to Zumba (or any class you like - it you enjoy your workout you will be more likely to stick with it!)
6. Start a blog, tell your friends what you are doing (ACCOUNTABILITY)
7. Surround yourself with people who have the same goal (we as humans are a jealous bunch - we love to see people succeed but hate to see ourselves left behind and will unconsciously try to sabotage the other - not to be malicious but because we ourselves are afraid to change)
8. Switch to diet soda (only one or two MAX a day - fewer is even better)
9. Buy a food scale
10. Use said food scale!!
11. Try a Boot camp style group - learn to incorporate weights into your workouts)
12. Start taking a daily vitamin and Fish oil
13. Rinse all canned food before using - take out all the extra sodium!!
14. Remove salt from your home and table - switch it to Mrs. Dash seasonings
15. Park further away from the entrance
16. Hire a personal trainer - this is great as they can show you proper form, see how your body is working and suggest changes to your diet if not completely write up a great program for you
17. Work out with a friend (accountability again!)
18. Remove sugar and creamer from your coffee - use splenda, stevia or sugar free syrups to add flavor...protein powder is great too!
19. Stop using sugar - substitute splenda, Natural applesauce or any other sugar free flavoring. There is so much sugar in many items already and when you can cut this out and realize the natural taste of items it is amazing!
20. Learn the importance of Protein in your diet!
21. Drink NO LESS THAN a gallon of water a day!
22. I bought a water cooler with 5 gallon refillable jug - convenience of cold or hot water at my finger tips!!
23. Buy a scale - but only weigh yourself one a week in the morning!! Remember the scale is only a number and you will get a better idea of how your body is changing by your clothing
24. Take before pictures - this will help to remind you where you were and how far you have come.
25. Buy an outfit in the size you would like to be - hang it where you will see it everyday and set a reasonable date to when you will fit into it!
26. enjoy your workouts - you will feel better after it I promise
27. Even when you aren't feeling up to it, go to the gym to start your workout - you most likely will complete it once you get there.
28. Carry your food with you - If you know you are going to be out for a while, don't fall into temptation eat the food you know will help you achieve your goal
29. Don't drink your calories - you'd be amazed at how many calories you could use up just by what you are drinking!
30. Find a Whey Protein that you like - be creative with it (my favorite is Optimum nutrition cake batter...you can mix in so many things to this YUM!)
31. Find healthy recipes try them
32. Read Healthy/Fitness minded blogs and use what you can from them (a great one for recipe ideas is The world according to egg face
33. Write down a plan and follow it!
34. Make it a family effort - while the kids still need some extra carbs and fat in their diets, they can still learn the importance of healthy eating and living which will last them a lifetime!
36. Get new gym clothes - don't work out in sweats and a baggy shirt
37. Watch yourself in the mirror when working out - nothing is more exhilarating then seeing how much you can lift, watching the muscles move and knowing that you are making yourself stronger!
38. Carry water with you everywhere
39. Chew Sugar free gum
40. Break out of your shell and try new things!
None of it is easy, you have to work at it EVERYDAY! But, have that will and determination and reward yourself when you hit a certain goal....it can't be done at once but it can be done when you realize that you are the one in control...you have the self confidence to make the changes for you, not for anyone else...if you aren't doing it for yourself, for your own well being and health then you aren't going to succeed - when you realize that you are the only person holding yourself back, then and only then can you make the change. Be confident in yourself, I am!
Today's Quote of the Post:
More of a mantra today from an unknown source "Far from what I once was, but not yet what I'm going to be!"
Go and make yourself strong - you'll feel better!
Hugs,
Crystal
I know it's been a while but I hope to get back on here regularly again as I am in full stream training for my next shows...yes, I said shows, plural! I am completely crazy and am going to train to do 3 shows in the States this coming summer! The first one is in May in NM and then two simultaneous ones June 9 in San Diego. But, before we get into me and my new training etc, I want to share some things that have helped me to make my Skinny Jeans become my Fat Jeans....yes, we all have that double closet - the things we fit into now, and the things we really would prefer to fit into - our Skinny Jeans.
In the past year, my Fat jeans were donated or sold off - I did not want to keep them in my closet any longer! I made this commitment to change my life and have promised myself to not get there again...what better way than to get rid of them! So, my Skinny Jeans from last year are now my Fat Jeans - Jeans that I am OK in but know that I am (for myself) a little heavy. And my Skinny Jeans you ask then...they are only one size smaller than my fat jeans and then I have my competition clothes...the items that I fit into when I am just a few weeks around my competition weight - as that is even smaller (and not a healthy to maintain weight!)
So, what did I do? Here are a few things, and they are in no particular order, but they all compile to add up to where I am now, and how I can maintain a good healthy weight for me - try them yourself, make the commitment and see the change!!
1. Eat at home (easy enough)
2. If you go out to eat, choose the healthy or lighter side menu - if you order a salad, ask for the dressing on the side and use minimal amount...even better use only red wine vinegar!!
3. Cut out the pasta
4. Buy Fitness magazines, READ THEM, and try the exercises and ideas they have in them
5. Go to Zumba (or any class you like - it you enjoy your workout you will be more likely to stick with it!)
6. Start a blog, tell your friends what you are doing (ACCOUNTABILITY)
7. Surround yourself with people who have the same goal (we as humans are a jealous bunch - we love to see people succeed but hate to see ourselves left behind and will unconsciously try to sabotage the other - not to be malicious but because we ourselves are afraid to change)
8. Switch to diet soda (only one or two MAX a day - fewer is even better)
9. Buy a food scale
10. Use said food scale!!
11. Try a Boot camp style group - learn to incorporate weights into your workouts)
12. Start taking a daily vitamin and Fish oil
13. Rinse all canned food before using - take out all the extra sodium!!
14. Remove salt from your home and table - switch it to Mrs. Dash seasonings
15. Park further away from the entrance
16. Hire a personal trainer - this is great as they can show you proper form, see how your body is working and suggest changes to your diet if not completely write up a great program for you
17. Work out with a friend (accountability again!)
18. Remove sugar and creamer from your coffee - use splenda, stevia or sugar free syrups to add flavor...protein powder is great too!
19. Stop using sugar - substitute splenda, Natural applesauce or any other sugar free flavoring. There is so much sugar in many items already and when you can cut this out and realize the natural taste of items it is amazing!
20. Learn the importance of Protein in your diet!
21. Drink NO LESS THAN a gallon of water a day!
22. I bought a water cooler with 5 gallon refillable jug - convenience of cold or hot water at my finger tips!!
23. Buy a scale - but only weigh yourself one a week in the morning!! Remember the scale is only a number and you will get a better idea of how your body is changing by your clothing
24. Take before pictures - this will help to remind you where you were and how far you have come.
25. Buy an outfit in the size you would like to be - hang it where you will see it everyday and set a reasonable date to when you will fit into it!
26. enjoy your workouts - you will feel better after it I promise
27. Even when you aren't feeling up to it, go to the gym to start your workout - you most likely will complete it once you get there.
28. Carry your food with you - If you know you are going to be out for a while, don't fall into temptation eat the food you know will help you achieve your goal
29. Don't drink your calories - you'd be amazed at how many calories you could use up just by what you are drinking!
30. Find a Whey Protein that you like - be creative with it (my favorite is Optimum nutrition cake batter...you can mix in so many things to this YUM!)
31. Find healthy recipes try them
32. Read Healthy/Fitness minded blogs and use what you can from them (a great one for recipe ideas is The world according to egg face
33. Write down a plan and follow it!
34. Make it a family effort - while the kids still need some extra carbs and fat in their diets, they can still learn the importance of healthy eating and living which will last them a lifetime!
36. Get new gym clothes - don't work out in sweats and a baggy shirt
37. Watch yourself in the mirror when working out - nothing is more exhilarating then seeing how much you can lift, watching the muscles move and knowing that you are making yourself stronger!
38. Carry water with you everywhere
39. Chew Sugar free gum
40. Break out of your shell and try new things!
None of it is easy, you have to work at it EVERYDAY! But, have that will and determination and reward yourself when you hit a certain goal....it can't be done at once but it can be done when you realize that you are the one in control...you have the self confidence to make the changes for you, not for anyone else...if you aren't doing it for yourself, for your own well being and health then you aren't going to succeed - when you realize that you are the only person holding yourself back, then and only then can you make the change. Be confident in yourself, I am!
Today's Quote of the Post:
More of a mantra today from an unknown source "Far from what I once was, but not yet what I'm going to be!"
Go and make yourself strong - you'll feel better!
Hugs,
Crystal
Monday, September 19, 2011
A little behind...sorry
Time flies when you are off season......so here's a quick update
Wow, kids back to school, competition over, and boot camp has started again....the time has gotten away from me! I just realized that I never did post about the show! Well, for those of you who are friends with me on FB know, I did win! Yes, I was given the title - Ms. Figure Okinawa!! It was super exciting since I really was only doing this show for the stage presence and practice. But here I am on stage with the Local Okinawa Bodybuilders. It was another great experience, and I was way more nervous this time around then I was my first time out!
You had this may want to ask why so nervous? You knew you had this in the bag after the competitor meeting....yes, that was when I found out I was my only competition....so again why so nervous?
#1 - Language barrier....I couldn't even understand them call my my number much less any of the instructions back stage...thank goodness this wasn't my first show...yes, there was some English and my very skoshi Japanese plus arm movements and gestures to get us through.
#2 - No one else is on stage with me, no other women to walk out with me, no one to be compared to
#3 - I wasn't 100% happy with how I looked, I hadn't practiced my posing as much as I should have and my suit broke! Yes, the jewels that hold the back and front part of my bottoms together broke! All I can say is thank goodness for Bikini Bite!!
So, I am back in my normal every day routine...or trying to get there anyway. I have come one full year since I started this journey into a healthier me and I feel great. Boot camp started back this month and I am leaps and bounds from where I was last year that is true. I have also taken the initial steps to get myself certified as a personal trainer....knowing first hand what it takes and being able to relate to the women and men out there in the weight struggle I can't wait to help them achieve their fitness goals too!
Today's quote of the post:
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tomorrow's the day
Wow, what a fast 5 weeks....yes, it was 5 weeks ago that I had said I would be doing this Okinawa show...on the condition that I looked OK when my trainer had returned from her own show...I then just bit the bullet one week later and filled out the registration form and paid my fee to be a competitor (YIKES) was I going to be able to drop the weight like I would like to??? I was on track and it seems like yes, things were going to be great...then the typhoon hit - and put me back UGH! My saving grace??? getting my suit in and trying it on! What an eye opener that was...OMG, do I really look like that?! I was a bit discouraged but not wiling to give up....a week later, I looked much better in it! I haven't put it back on yet to see the difference now a few days later but I feel much better!
I was this same time last competition 123.6 pounds...this morning I was 133.6 pounds so by scale standards 10 pounds heavier...but take into consideration the added assets and so that is less approx 5 pounds so technically I am only 5 pounds heavier...with me only deciding to have done this show for sure 4 weeks ago, I think that is pretty darn good! Putting my shoes on and posing in the mirror, my body looks (I think) pretty good....could it be better? of course it can! But, for what I have been able to do in the time that I have done it - I am happy...now just to make the judges happy :D
I'm resting now, feet are up and movies are rented, I will have my next meal here in a bit and maybe take a nap - it's all out of my hands now. All I can do is stick to the diet for the next 25 hours and that should be a piece of cake...afterwards I'll be able to actually have that cake too ;)
I was thinking the other day how far I have come in the past few years...it is amazing....I plan on posting soon a timeline with photos of my progression starting 5 years ago when I really had looked at pictures of my family at Christmas, it was horrid - I knew we had to start making changes but wasn't too sure just what those changes were; I will then progress through the years up to my most amazing transformation this past year - it really is amazing, and the best part? knowing that my children now have a better understanding of just how much their food plays in their lives. I can't wait to share my journey with you...I'm hoping that if you all see the difference you will be even more inspired to stick with or make your change!
Today's Quote of the Post:
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training… what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." - Socrates
It truly is a disgrace not to see this....transformation of the body through physical training no matter how big or small is an amazing and beautiful thing! You can't get to the leaps and bounds until you can master the baby steps (my own little two cents **smiles**)
Hugs,
Crystal
I was this same time last competition 123.6 pounds...this morning I was 133.6 pounds so by scale standards 10 pounds heavier...but take into consideration the added assets and so that is less approx 5 pounds so technically I am only 5 pounds heavier...with me only deciding to have done this show for sure 4 weeks ago, I think that is pretty darn good! Putting my shoes on and posing in the mirror, my body looks (I think) pretty good....could it be better? of course it can! But, for what I have been able to do in the time that I have done it - I am happy...now just to make the judges happy :D
I'm resting now, feet are up and movies are rented, I will have my next meal here in a bit and maybe take a nap - it's all out of my hands now. All I can do is stick to the diet for the next 25 hours and that should be a piece of cake...afterwards I'll be able to actually have that cake too ;)
I was thinking the other day how far I have come in the past few years...it is amazing....I plan on posting soon a timeline with photos of my progression starting 5 years ago when I really had looked at pictures of my family at Christmas, it was horrid - I knew we had to start making changes but wasn't too sure just what those changes were; I will then progress through the years up to my most amazing transformation this past year - it really is amazing, and the best part? knowing that my children now have a better understanding of just how much their food plays in their lives. I can't wait to share my journey with you...I'm hoping that if you all see the difference you will be even more inspired to stick with or make your change!
Today's Quote of the Post:
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training… what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." - Socrates
It truly is a disgrace not to see this....transformation of the body through physical training no matter how big or small is an amazing and beautiful thing! You can't get to the leaps and bounds until you can master the baby steps (my own little two cents **smiles**)
Hugs,
Crystal
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Only a few more days!
Wow, I can't believe that I haven't blogged for more than two weeks!
Things have been a bit crazy though...we had a huge Typhoon come through the island and it had us locked in for 3 days!!! Let me tell you, three days with three kids, three dogs, two cats, a bird (a typhoon refugee) and a husband added to a dieting and training Mom/Wife is NOT a good combination! SO needless to say, the stress got on me and while I did prep a ton of food, it was hard to not fall into temptation with the kids and hubby around snacking and well really not much else to do but eat, sit around and watch movies or play games....I gained 7 pounds in those three days!!! ACK! But, I was determined once we received the all clear on Sunday to get rid of the typhoon yuck and by Wednesday was back down to what I started at on Thursday!! YAY ME!!
I left from the competitor meeting pretty confidant of this show - though I have to admit, I am a little worried about understanding on stage when they ask for me to make my quarter turn and such...but we'll just tackle that beast on Sunday and it'll be what it is....adjust, adapt and overcome right?!
So, just today and tomorrow to finish working out (I already went to spin bright and early this morning) then it's onto primping! I have my hair and makeup lady all set, my hair/brow wax appointment is on Friday, my Manicure is on Saturday and I just need to find a place to get my Pedi done....so far everyone is booked...worse case, I will polish them myself and glue the stones on to the tips of the nails to make them look pretty ;)
I will let you know how it goes once it's all done....the other big difference in this show is that the Finals are right away after pre-judging...so I'll be DONE by about 3pm and then I can EAT!! Thinking my first cheat is going to be one of those super sugary monster cookies from the commissary that they have here...two cookies with icing sandwiched in between them and a monster face made with even more icing....YES, I have missed sugar most I think this time around :D But, we'll see...I do know for sure that I will have a huge bottle of water waiting for me this time around and not have to stop to get that ;)
Today's Quote of the Post:
"The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges." - Martin Luther King Jr.
So this competition really isn't a controversy but it surely is a challenge for me....I am planning on going out and standing tall, making it look like I understand it all and just go for it....grab life with all it's got and give it all you've got!
Hugs!
Things have been a bit crazy though...we had a huge Typhoon come through the island and it had us locked in for 3 days!!! Let me tell you, three days with three kids, three dogs, two cats, a bird (a typhoon refugee) and a husband added to a dieting and training Mom/Wife is NOT a good combination! SO needless to say, the stress got on me and while I did prep a ton of food, it was hard to not fall into temptation with the kids and hubby around snacking and well really not much else to do but eat, sit around and watch movies or play games....I gained 7 pounds in those three days!!! ACK! But, I was determined once we received the all clear on Sunday to get rid of the typhoon yuck and by Wednesday was back down to what I started at on Thursday!! YAY ME!!
But, that still put me back in my plan of attack for this competition....so I kicked up the diet and cardio ALOT! I am still a bit over what I would like to be but I think with the dehydration over the next few days, I may just be alright. I do know that from when I received my suit initially to how I look in it now a few days later is a BIG! difference so that makes me feel really good. I LOVE my new suit too!! I ordered this time around from Vizion Wear turns out this guy is from my home town of Albuquerque, NM AND has an amazing turn around time!! I was stoked. So, I have the new suit, I have my tanner, and I have my head in the game....the show is on Sunday and we had the competitor meeting last night.
Now, I know I told you all that I was doing the show out in town....I did not realize or even think that there really would not be many Americans, I mean look at all the competitors we just had at the last two shows here on Kadena and Foster; surely many of them would cross over and do a show in our host country even if it is just for the experience and stage time (which is what I am chalking this up to....just some more on stage practice in a novice competitive arena) well, that was not the case....there were two of us Americans there last night. And of course, we were totally lost - we were told that the meeting started at 7 to find out that in all actuality it didn't start till 7:30 so we're wandering the halls of this place trying to make sure that we are in the right location (which we were)/ The lady that was doing the meeting spoke 'skoshi' English (little) and of course we spoke even less Japanese....like SKOSHI, SKOSHI! So a bit of a barrier but the other guy had brought a friend who was Japanese so we were able to get through most of the obstacles but there were still plenty of barriers in the language and understanding. All in all though, we know where we have to be and what time so we should be set!
I left from the competitor meeting pretty confidant of this show - though I have to admit, I am a little worried about understanding on stage when they ask for me to make my quarter turn and such...but we'll just tackle that beast on Sunday and it'll be what it is....adjust, adapt and overcome right?!
So, just today and tomorrow to finish working out (I already went to spin bright and early this morning) then it's onto primping! I have my hair and makeup lady all set, my hair/brow wax appointment is on Friday, my Manicure is on Saturday and I just need to find a place to get my Pedi done....so far everyone is booked...worse case, I will polish them myself and glue the stones on to the tips of the nails to make them look pretty ;)
I will let you know how it goes once it's all done....the other big difference in this show is that the Finals are right away after pre-judging...so I'll be DONE by about 3pm and then I can EAT!! Thinking my first cheat is going to be one of those super sugary monster cookies from the commissary that they have here...two cookies with icing sandwiched in between them and a monster face made with even more icing....YES, I have missed sugar most I think this time around :D But, we'll see...I do know for sure that I will have a huge bottle of water waiting for me this time around and not have to stop to get that ;)
Today's Quote of the Post:
"The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges." - Martin Luther King Jr.
So this competition really isn't a controversy but it surely is a challenge for me....I am planning on going out and standing tall, making it look like I understand it all and just go for it....grab life with all it's got and give it all you've got!
Hugs!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
t minus 3 weeks
Yes, yesterday was the 3 week mark for the Okinawa Show!
What did my first week of hard training accomplish for me? Down 4 pounds!! WOO HOO!!! Went last night to the Foster Far East Bodybuilding competition and let me tell you, it was bittersweet being in the stands...sweet because I got to cheer on my gal pals but bitter because I really missed being up there! But sweet too because I got to see some of the little things in posing and thank yous that the other gals did and I am going to practice and tweak some of my stuff now too. There was some great looking gals up there and the competition in the short class was tense! Those girls looked rock solid...the winner, a local looked like she had just been chiseled or photo shopped on that stage, she was RIPPED! Everyone looked great and you could see the dedication and discipline it took them to reach their goals last night!
Talk about a major boost to get my butt in gear even more! Trained 5 days of weights last week and all 7 days cardio (some of those days twice! - it's takes a lot to get those pounds off!) But, I am ready, I am officially registered to compete and I can't wait. My suit is ordered, I have talked with my make-up lady, bikini bite and tanner are ordered and I've been practicing posing and walking again in my 5 inch hooker heels ;)
I tell you even just those 4 pounds that I shed last week have made a huge difference, I am ready and I am determined! 20 days to go...that means 18 days to train! No cheating, sticking hard to the diet and never giving up...as my own personal motivational poster says below - I have a fixed purpose and I have the drive! How is your goal going? Are you determined?
What did my first week of hard training accomplish for me? Down 4 pounds!! WOO HOO!!! Went last night to the Foster Far East Bodybuilding competition and let me tell you, it was bittersweet being in the stands...sweet because I got to cheer on my gal pals but bitter because I really missed being up there! But sweet too because I got to see some of the little things in posing and thank yous that the other gals did and I am going to practice and tweak some of my stuff now too. There was some great looking gals up there and the competition in the short class was tense! Those girls looked rock solid...the winner, a local looked like she had just been chiseled or photo shopped on that stage, she was RIPPED! Everyone looked great and you could see the dedication and discipline it took them to reach their goals last night!
Talk about a major boost to get my butt in gear even more! Trained 5 days of weights last week and all 7 days cardio (some of those days twice! - it's takes a lot to get those pounds off!) But, I am ready, I am officially registered to compete and I can't wait. My suit is ordered, I have talked with my make-up lady, bikini bite and tanner are ordered and I've been practicing posing and walking again in my 5 inch hooker heels ;)
I tell you even just those 4 pounds that I shed last week have made a huge difference, I am ready and I am determined! 20 days to go...that means 18 days to train! No cheating, sticking hard to the diet and never giving up...as my own personal motivational poster says below - I have a fixed purpose and I have the drive! How is your goal going? Are you determined?
Today's Quote of the Post:
Monday, July 25, 2011
Goals/Weight
Hi all!
OK so it's crunch time....T minus 12 pounds in 4 weeks - yes,that is what I have gained back since my last show and need to drop PRONTO! 3 pounds a week....it is doable! And to ensure that I am going to meet this goal, I have ordered my new suit and am praying that it makes it on time! I am super stoked it is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to get it!
So, I have my nose to the grind stone, my diet is hardcore and I am hitting the gym (and cardio) hot and heavy....my trainer (Shelly) gets back from her show on the 8th and we will make the decision then as to me being able to do the Local Okinawa show.....6 pounds two weeks....I CAN DO IT!! I saw this comic recently and thought how fitting:
How true is it? it does take weeks to lose the weight and then just a few wrong decisions on what you intake and it all comes back in no time....that is why this really is a lifelong change that you have to make. You have to decide what is healthy looking for you and make sure that you stick with it....my off season weight should and will be about 130/132 my show weight 122/125. I've got my plan and it is in play...I can't wait to see how this all comes about this time around. I have those same feelings going through me once again nervous, excited....but also a new sense of confidence that I know I can do this...I did it before and I am and will do this again. I am taking what i learned from the last show and incorporating it into this show....I am going to be a competitor this time around more so than I was last time....And I will take with me the new lessons from this show as I continue to grow in this new exciting hobby of mine and will flourish - I can feel, I can see it and I am going to live it! Are you living your dream? I sure hope so!
Today's quote of the post:
DON'T QUIT! Every difficulty is an opportunity in disguise - unknown
DO IT!!! don't let it get the better of you....you get the better of it!
Hugs!
OK so it's crunch time....T minus 12 pounds in 4 weeks - yes,that is what I have gained back since my last show and need to drop PRONTO! 3 pounds a week....it is doable! And to ensure that I am going to meet this goal, I have ordered my new suit and am praying that it makes it on time! I am super stoked it is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to get it!
So, I have my nose to the grind stone, my diet is hardcore and I am hitting the gym (and cardio) hot and heavy....my trainer (Shelly) gets back from her show on the 8th and we will make the decision then as to me being able to do the Local Okinawa show.....6 pounds two weeks....I CAN DO IT!! I saw this comic recently and thought how fitting:
Today's quote of the post:
DON'T QUIT! Every difficulty is an opportunity in disguise - unknown
DO IT!!! don't let it get the better of you....you get the better of it!
Hugs!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Next Show/Competition?
Hi All!
Wow, I can't believe that I am 5 weeks post surgery...I am finally starting to feel mostly normal, my gym routine is getting to be almost back to what it was pre-surgery and I am excited about my next potential show!
Yes, my trainer (Shelly) and I are going to see how I look when she gets back from her latest competition (she's competing for the first time in Physique at the 2011 USA in Las Vegas, NV...I will be cheering her on from Japan and while I may not be there in person, I hope that she will feel me there in spirit as she ROCKS that show! Depending on what she thinks (and how hard I give my workout and diet over the next couple of weeks) will decide on my entering into the local Okinawa Ms. Figure (their 37th annual!) I am excited and nervous all the same....oh my goodness, I am really thinking of doing another show? Don't I remember how tired and carb deprived I was? How cranky and miserable I felt on certain days - most of the days? I do BUT...I also remember how great I felt when I stepped out onto that stage! It was all suddenly worth it and I felt amazing! I want that again...but I want to make sure that I am also competitive with it and while i have for the most part taken off the past 7 weeks from my last show, I am a little worried that I may not be able to be competitive....can I really drop 10 pounds in 5 weeks, can I get that bit of fat back off my booty and belly that have suddenly reappeared? That I am worried about....so, we will see when Shelly returns, after she kicks but in her competition and see where it leads me. If I'm not ready for this one in August, there's always one in Anchorage Alaska early October.....
Yes, I do think I have the bug ;) Do you have it too? any exercise or commitment bug? I sure hope so!
Today's Quote of the Post:
"Training is what strengthens you, but it's what you eat that changes you" - unknown
No truer words!!
Hugs!
Wow, I can't believe that I am 5 weeks post surgery...I am finally starting to feel mostly normal, my gym routine is getting to be almost back to what it was pre-surgery and I am excited about my next potential show!
Yes, my trainer (Shelly) and I are going to see how I look when she gets back from her latest competition (she's competing for the first time in Physique at the 2011 USA in Las Vegas, NV...I will be cheering her on from Japan and while I may not be there in person, I hope that she will feel me there in spirit as she ROCKS that show! Depending on what she thinks (and how hard I give my workout and diet over the next couple of weeks) will decide on my entering into the local Okinawa Ms. Figure (their 37th annual!) I am excited and nervous all the same....oh my goodness, I am really thinking of doing another show? Don't I remember how tired and carb deprived I was? How cranky and miserable I felt on certain days - most of the days? I do BUT...I also remember how great I felt when I stepped out onto that stage! It was all suddenly worth it and I felt amazing! I want that again...but I want to make sure that I am also competitive with it and while i have for the most part taken off the past 7 weeks from my last show, I am a little worried that I may not be able to be competitive....can I really drop 10 pounds in 5 weeks, can I get that bit of fat back off my booty and belly that have suddenly reappeared? That I am worried about....so, we will see when Shelly returns, after she kicks but in her competition and see where it leads me. If I'm not ready for this one in August, there's always one in Anchorage Alaska early October.....
Yes, I do think I have the bug ;) Do you have it too? any exercise or commitment bug? I sure hope so!
Today's Quote of the Post:
"Training is what strengthens you, but it's what you eat that changes you" - unknown
No truer words!!
Hugs!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Pearls
One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.....
Well, I'm not so sure about the world being my oyster after a stay in Bangkok but I am definitely happy with the pearls I got! Now that my top half is better proportioned with the rest of me I am hoping to have a better placement in my next competition (yet to be determined)
Bangkok Makeovers - what an amazing experience more than I ever imagined! Rachel and her staff, and Dr P and the hospital W.O.W. WOW! That's all I can say. When I finally made the decision that I was going to finally do this I looked at Dr's here in Okinawa, I looked at Dr's in Albuquerque (in the States) and then I heard of Bangkok Makeovers and well it came down to the almighty dollar and what I could save. Now many may think Bangkok? you get what you pay for...or Bangkok? Are you sure it's safe? Yes, these questions and more went through my head as well but I talked to a couple other women who had gone there and they were happy and healthy so I decided I would save myself the 2+K and book my trip! Yes, I saved over $2,000.00 US cashola! And that is to include my food, stay and shopping! Let me tell you about the experience and how I spent my money:
I contacted Bangkok makeovers back in April and decided on a date that would work best for me. Jenni was amazing, she got back to me with the quotes for the procedures I was looking into and answered all my questions quickly and efficiently with out ever seeming unprofessional - one extra check on the bonus side. She organized my stay with Rachel, my consult and surgery with Dr Preeyaphas as well as notified me of additional information that I would need for travel (i.e. the address to fill out on the immigration form). All the medical forms were filled out and photos forwarded so I paid my booking fee $300AU which came out to be about $325.00 US.
I then purchased my flight from Okinawa to Bangkok and that was just under $840.00 - total thus far $1,165. Jenni forwarded all my information necessary along with a confirmation sheet for me addressing the pick up from the airport to the appointments and departure information. I was very excited to know that this was finally going to happen. So, the 15th comes along and I get on a plane headed to a country I've never been and I can't be more excited! I arrive in Bangkok Airport and proceed to exit 3 as instructed to meet Bert who is standing there with an iPad that has my name on it. He takes my luggage from me and we proceed to the parking lot. We walk up to this van and it helps to make me realize even more so that I have made the right decision. The van is still cool from the air earlier, he opens the door for me and I get in to one of leather seats he then tells me that I can recline the seat back if I would like...this thing is a real recliner, the feet go up and the back reclines! As we depart from the airport we chat a bit and then he phones Rachel for me to receive instructions for the following day. She advises me to shower as normal, but not to put on any make up, lotion or deodorant and I am to meet her downstairs at 6:30am some more small talk and I am set. We arrive at the Condominiums and Bert takes me upstairs to the 2 bedroom Condo on the 8th floor. There is another client in there from Australia; Tani - she has had her surgery a few days before and will actually be leaving on Friday so we think that we not see each other much which was a bit of a bummer as we totally hit it off - she is getting her stitches removed in the morning so we do get to spend some time together.
So it's Thursday morning, I didn't sleep too well as I am so excited to be here and finally get this party started! I shower and go downstairs to meet with Rachel we ride to the hospital and I can't believe the driving! I knew from the night before that there were no lanes marked on the city streets but I had no idea how crazy it really was...I seriously only saw two street lights the entire time I was there....there is no speed limit and it seems that everyone just does what they please - yet it still seems to work. They have motorcycle taxi's that I swear are swerving in and out of traffic and I guarantee if I had been on one of them I would have been terrified I would have fallen off...but there all all the Thai women sitting sideways and just filing nails or texting or just holding their lunch in their laps..Crazy! But that's off point....so we pull up to the hospital and it is Valet Parking...we walk in and the hospital is immaculate, so bright and airy and everyone is in these lavender uniforms and not a hair out of place on a single person. Rachel takes me up to the admissions desk for me to get the initial paperwork filled out, they take a copy of my passport and then they take a photo of me...turns out this photo goes on every single piece of paper I will see from here on out including my admissions bracelet!
We then walk back to the surgery clinic where we once again are greeted by nurses in lavender. One of the nurses calls me back to have my blood pressure, temperature and weight taken and then no sooner do I go back to the waiting room, Dr P is ready for me to go into the consult room. Now Dr. P is what I had pictured in my head (yes, I had seen photos of him before but you know what I mean) he's this little Tai man and boy is he a riot! I get into the room and he asks me to hop up on the table and take off my shirt he and Rachel along with the nurse start pulling out different shapes and sizes of implants and give me a bra to put on so that I can try them all. I already knew that I was going to go with the high profile and I was sure that I was going to have nothing less than 500cc's as well. We try on a few and Dr. P tells me I think you should go 385, that be a good size for you....nope, I want big, 500. He looks again at me and then says yes, I can do 500 no problem. He then has me take off their bra and he holds the moderate profile up to my chest so that he can draw the circles that he will be using as a reference when in the operating room...before this he is lifting my nipple and pulling on the tissue to ensure that he will be able to fit the implant in...he tells me that we will definitely need to go under the muscle as if we were to go over the tissue is thin and you would see the implant...I tell him that's what happens when you have 5 pregnancies and your boobs stretch and shrink back :) We really are laughing and having a great time in the consult, it was not at all nerve raking or was I ever nervous or anxious. So, he starts to draw on me and he says - you have no crease...excuse me? You have no crease how am I going to know where to cut? Well of course I don't have a crease, that's why I'm here, you're going to give me one ;) He says he's never seen this before and he continues to draw the circle...he removes the implant from my chest and I look down...Hey hose lines are all the way on my rib cage I don't want my boobs there....of course they have to be there that's where they go to be centered on the nipple....OK, they will not really be there because I am getting the high profile and they go out not around, no problems. Rachel was with me the entire time in there and she too is laughing with us. It was a perfect environment to have this done. So, all that is done, I am marked up and ready to move to x-ray and continue with the processing. I say goodbye to Rachel and she assures me that she will see me tomorrow, I say goodbye to Tani and I head over to the X-Ray department. Have I mentioned how nice everyone is? I get into the X-ray department and they have me take a seat to alert the tech...I barely have a moment to sit and they call me back to change and then go in straight away for the x-ray. (So not the care I have grown accustomed to in the military!) Once out of X-ray I am escorted up to the Lab area where they will draw my blood and continue with the rest of the processing.
I once again am asked to have a seat and once again barely sit back in the chair and they pull me back for the blood work to be done. The nurse if very nice, she seats me in a leather chair and asks me a couple questions with regard to past surgeries, allergies etc. and then she tells me that the cashier will be up shortly to collect my deposit....she already has the hep lock in and I am ready to continue from here. I go back into the lobby of the Lab area ans the Anesthesiologist comes in. Again a cute Tai woman who sits next to me to ask the questions she then tells me she'll see me in the operating room and I am then met by the cashier who takes my credit card and processes the charge for 90,000 baht ($2,994.00 US) I am then taken up to the recover suite...and a suite it is! Two rooms, one with a little kitchen area, TV, table, couch and balcony and the second which has the bed and another couch and TV (if you go to the website, there is a video in the testimonials page of Rachel and it shows the room) Again I am met by two nurses and Madam how are you here is your room allow us to help you change, here is the safe for your belongings and we will take you down from here to the operating area. The courtesy and respect these staff memebers were showing were just amazing! I felt like royalty at times and this is just the beginning!
I am escorted down to the operating room and am once again asked to come into a small room to place on a different scrub top for the procedure. I take off my glasses which they place in a locker and am whisked down to the operating room. I put on my head covering and hop onto the table, Dr P is in there along with a couple nurses and the anesthesiologist...some small talk and then I am told that I will feel a bit of cold as the medication goes into my iv....next thing I know I am waking up in recovery and I swear no sooner do I open my eyes there is a nurse above me...madam how are you feeling? are you in pain we can get you some pain medication before taking you up to your room. I tell he I think I'm OK, a little sore but alright. I am wheeled in the bed up to the recovery room and am moved from one bed to the next by 4 nurses - that is a little painful but of course it would be I just had my chest moved all over and filled to capacity! I have two nurses that will be with me for the night, they get me settled and give me some water to help clear my throat - warning this will be warm water...I was not expecting it. I am told that I will be on a liquid only diet for a bit (OH I forgot while I was in the suite earlier getting my items settled, they had me pick out my breakfast and lunch for the following day....YUMMY menu items is all I can say!) They place the tray right next to me (i can't reach very far at this point) and have the nurse call button on my stomach in the event I need them - I am told to call them for anything, including going to the bathroom...they ask if Madam would like a sleeping pill and I politely decline I should be OK. They leave and I snooze a bit. I wake up to them coming in to take my blood pressure and temperature and then doze off again, I wake up just a few moments later and press the buzzer...I swear the nurse mush have been at my door waiting because there was absolutely no time from me buzzing her to her being in the room! I ask her to assit me to the bathroom - not realizing that she was going to stand in the room with me...ya, I can't do anything a little stage fright! So I tell her sorry I guess I don't have to go after all and we head back to the bed, she offers me some more juice and water and I ask her for the sleeping pill after all, she gives me that along with some pain medication and I doze back off. I am awoken again to have the blood pressure and temperature taken once more and am offered a sandwich - I take a couple bites but my throat is still dry and I am really not too hungry - she leaves it for a bit though for me to have...I then attempt the bathroom trip again - thankfully this time it is a different nurse and she turns on the water in the faucet, and stands outside the door...though I can see her hand through the frosted glass I am able to finally empty my bladder. Feeling much better, I climb back into bed and doze back off till the morning when Dr. P comes into look at me. He removes my bandages, looks at the implants and the me and says you look good. Thank you, I am feeling pretty good too. He then has me fill out a couple more forms and we say goodbye, breakfast is brought in shortly there after and it is served in the adjoining room. I get up and go to eat and then am encouraged to walk around the halls of the floor. I start walking around the floor and come up to the very back side and there is this amazing room with leather couches, a flat screen TV, magazines and the such...this is the waiting room for family of those in surgery - WOW! I get back to my room and lie down for a bit again. Rachel then comes in to check on me she had just dropped some other gals off for their surgery and since no one was going back with her she poked in to see how I was....being as I had already been up and walking around and Dr P had given me my release papers she asked if I would like to go back to the condo - You bet! No reason for you to come back if I am good to go already. She assured me that she wouldn't mind coming back but I really was feeling great and there was no reason for me to stay. She lets the nurses know and they come in to help me dress back into my street clothes, I gather my belongings and the final cashier comes up to help close out my bill. I give them the receipt of my 'deosit' then have to pay for the medication (which is presented to me in this amazing bag with the registration cards to my new Mentor implants) the medication I pay for in Thai Baht 500 the equivalent of $15.00 US...Total cost so far, surgery, booking, flight, hospital stay $4,174.00.
I get back to the condo and Tani is surprised to see me.....most clients do not get back to the condo till later afternoon approx. 3pm. Yes, I was feeling good so Rachel brought me back early, no reason for her to have to go back to the hospital when I had already been up and wandering the halls ;) - She was headed out to shop a bit and so after just a bit of a chat I had the condo to myself, I settled in and put in a movie. Tani came back that afternoon to quickly pack and head out for her flight back home to Australia. Rachel had a staff member Sam come up to see how I was dong and order my dinner to be delivered. She and another staff member Om (sp?) came up to meet see how I was doing and verify that I was doing well....my dinner had not been delivered yet so they also checked on that. They brought up my new bra and we removed the bandages -I was very anxious and excited to see the twins! I was still very swollen and so they really didn't look too hot but OMG I actually have a chest! We chatted for a bit - they both were very easy to talk to - and then when my food was delivered they left me to eat. Later that evening I was able to meet my new roommate Michelle who also happened to be from Australia...again she and I hit it off fairly well so I was thankful! Saturday came and I went downstairs to have my hair washed and styled...150 baht about $5.00 US! Again they spoke English so I was with out a problem to get the service. As I was finishing Om was just headed to Rachel's and she asked me what I was planning on doing for the day...I wanted to go shopping. She said she would get care for her daughter then meet me at 10:30 to go out. I met her downstairs and in the cab we hopped to go to Platinum Shopping Center. What an experience! The shopping was amazing, before I realized it it had been over 5 hours and I had spent over 5000 baht (less than $200.00) but had all these bags! Which of course I was not allowed to carry...Om did it all, she carried all my bags, bartered with the sales clerks and had the patience to continue to keep up with me. I would tell her what I was looking for and she would lead me right to it. It was great...cost to hire her for the day 700 baht...about 22.00!! I then ventured out on my own on Sunday Union Mall was with in walking distance of the Condos - again another 5+ hours and I was beat....headed back to the condo and Michelle was back! YAY...she was feeling great, we decided to go down for dinner at the restaurant below and made arrangements to have Om take us shopping again on Monday! I shopped so much that I had to purchase another suitcase to fit everything! Shopping, food and Om cost me $685.00...
Tuesday I went back to the hospital to have my stitches removed...again a simple and fairly painless procedure...it hurt just to lie down and get back up...the tugging of the single strand was nothing at all. Dr. P was very happy with how everything looked, he assured me the swelling would be gone in a couple weeks and that I could be back full force lifting in the gym in 5 more weeks...I was set! So back to the condos and visit with Rachel and Om again, square up my room and have the arrangements for my return to the airport the next morning...my stay with Rachel was 13000 Baht or $406.00 US I meet the taxi at 3:45 the next morning to head to the airport for my return flight. One suitcase additional, and 5 pounds heavier with a couple of pearls on my chest....I am Happy and really could not have asked for a better experience at an amazing cost! Total dollar spent $5,265.00! A savings of over $2,000.00 and an experience to last a lifetime not to mention an amazing story to tell along with the best souvenirs a woman could ask for! A very special THANK YOU to Rachel and her entire staff at Bangkok Makeover and to Dr P and the staff at the Bangkok Hospital!
I'm just about two weeks post surgery, I feel great, have been back in the gym doing light weights and cardio, the bruising is about gone, the swelling is considerably less and I am excited with my new set of pearls!
Today's Quote of the Post:
"I am a believer in enhancing." Lara Flynn Boyle
My life has been enhanced by the changes I and my family have made this past year...this is just one more that gives me that happy feeling....What enhancements have you made to make yourself happy - I know you have even if it has been small....keep with it the time and work does pay off!
Hugs!
Well, I'm not so sure about the world being my oyster after a stay in Bangkok but I am definitely happy with the pearls I got! Now that my top half is better proportioned with the rest of me I am hoping to have a better placement in my next competition (yet to be determined)
Bangkok Makeovers - what an amazing experience more than I ever imagined! Rachel and her staff, and Dr P and the hospital W.O.W. WOW! That's all I can say. When I finally made the decision that I was going to finally do this I looked at Dr's here in Okinawa, I looked at Dr's in Albuquerque (in the States) and then I heard of Bangkok Makeovers and well it came down to the almighty dollar and what I could save. Now many may think Bangkok? you get what you pay for...or Bangkok? Are you sure it's safe? Yes, these questions and more went through my head as well but I talked to a couple other women who had gone there and they were happy and healthy so I decided I would save myself the 2+K and book my trip! Yes, I saved over $2,000.00 US cashola! And that is to include my food, stay and shopping! Let me tell you about the experience and how I spent my money:
I contacted Bangkok makeovers back in April and decided on a date that would work best for me. Jenni was amazing, she got back to me with the quotes for the procedures I was looking into and answered all my questions quickly and efficiently with out ever seeming unprofessional - one extra check on the bonus side. She organized my stay with Rachel, my consult and surgery with Dr Preeyaphas as well as notified me of additional information that I would need for travel (i.e. the address to fill out on the immigration form). All the medical forms were filled out and photos forwarded so I paid my booking fee $300AU which came out to be about $325.00 US.
I then purchased my flight from Okinawa to Bangkok and that was just under $840.00 - total thus far $1,165. Jenni forwarded all my information necessary along with a confirmation sheet for me addressing the pick up from the airport to the appointments and departure information. I was very excited to know that this was finally going to happen. So, the 15th comes along and I get on a plane headed to a country I've never been and I can't be more excited! I arrive in Bangkok Airport and proceed to exit 3 as instructed to meet Bert who is standing there with an iPad that has my name on it. He takes my luggage from me and we proceed to the parking lot. We walk up to this van and it helps to make me realize even more so that I have made the right decision. The van is still cool from the air earlier, he opens the door for me and I get in to one of leather seats he then tells me that I can recline the seat back if I would like...this thing is a real recliner, the feet go up and the back reclines! As we depart from the airport we chat a bit and then he phones Rachel for me to receive instructions for the following day. She advises me to shower as normal, but not to put on any make up, lotion or deodorant and I am to meet her downstairs at 6:30am some more small talk and I am set. We arrive at the Condominiums and Bert takes me upstairs to the 2 bedroom Condo on the 8th floor. There is another client in there from Australia; Tani - she has had her surgery a few days before and will actually be leaving on Friday so we think that we not see each other much which was a bit of a bummer as we totally hit it off - she is getting her stitches removed in the morning so we do get to spend some time together.
So it's Thursday morning, I didn't sleep too well as I am so excited to be here and finally get this party started! I shower and go downstairs to meet with Rachel we ride to the hospital and I can't believe the driving! I knew from the night before that there were no lanes marked on the city streets but I had no idea how crazy it really was...I seriously only saw two street lights the entire time I was there....there is no speed limit and it seems that everyone just does what they please - yet it still seems to work. They have motorcycle taxi's that I swear are swerving in and out of traffic and I guarantee if I had been on one of them I would have been terrified I would have fallen off...but there all all the Thai women sitting sideways and just filing nails or texting or just holding their lunch in their laps..Crazy! But that's off point....so we pull up to the hospital and it is Valet Parking...we walk in and the hospital is immaculate, so bright and airy and everyone is in these lavender uniforms and not a hair out of place on a single person. Rachel takes me up to the admissions desk for me to get the initial paperwork filled out, they take a copy of my passport and then they take a photo of me...turns out this photo goes on every single piece of paper I will see from here on out including my admissions bracelet!
We then walk back to the surgery clinic where we once again are greeted by nurses in lavender. One of the nurses calls me back to have my blood pressure, temperature and weight taken and then no sooner do I go back to the waiting room, Dr P is ready for me to go into the consult room. Now Dr. P is what I had pictured in my head (yes, I had seen photos of him before but you know what I mean) he's this little Tai man and boy is he a riot! I get into the room and he asks me to hop up on the table and take off my shirt he and Rachel along with the nurse start pulling out different shapes and sizes of implants and give me a bra to put on so that I can try them all. I already knew that I was going to go with the high profile and I was sure that I was going to have nothing less than 500cc's as well. We try on a few and Dr. P tells me I think you should go 385, that be a good size for you....nope, I want big, 500. He looks again at me and then says yes, I can do 500 no problem. He then has me take off their bra and he holds the moderate profile up to my chest so that he can draw the circles that he will be using as a reference when in the operating room...before this he is lifting my nipple and pulling on the tissue to ensure that he will be able to fit the implant in...he tells me that we will definitely need to go under the muscle as if we were to go over the tissue is thin and you would see the implant...I tell him that's what happens when you have 5 pregnancies and your boobs stretch and shrink back :) We really are laughing and having a great time in the consult, it was not at all nerve raking or was I ever nervous or anxious. So, he starts to draw on me and he says - you have no crease...excuse me? You have no crease how am I going to know where to cut? Well of course I don't have a crease, that's why I'm here, you're going to give me one ;) He says he's never seen this before and he continues to draw the circle...he removes the implant from my chest and I look down...Hey hose lines are all the way on my rib cage I don't want my boobs there....of course they have to be there that's where they go to be centered on the nipple....OK, they will not really be there because I am getting the high profile and they go out not around, no problems. Rachel was with me the entire time in there and she too is laughing with us. It was a perfect environment to have this done. So, all that is done, I am marked up and ready to move to x-ray and continue with the processing. I say goodbye to Rachel and she assures me that she will see me tomorrow, I say goodbye to Tani and I head over to the X-Ray department. Have I mentioned how nice everyone is? I get into the X-ray department and they have me take a seat to alert the tech...I barely have a moment to sit and they call me back to change and then go in straight away for the x-ray. (So not the care I have grown accustomed to in the military!) Once out of X-ray I am escorted up to the Lab area where they will draw my blood and continue with the rest of the processing.
I once again am asked to have a seat and once again barely sit back in the chair and they pull me back for the blood work to be done. The nurse if very nice, she seats me in a leather chair and asks me a couple questions with regard to past surgeries, allergies etc. and then she tells me that the cashier will be up shortly to collect my deposit....she already has the hep lock in and I am ready to continue from here. I go back into the lobby of the Lab area ans the Anesthesiologist comes in. Again a cute Tai woman who sits next to me to ask the questions she then tells me she'll see me in the operating room and I am then met by the cashier who takes my credit card and processes the charge for 90,000 baht ($2,994.00 US) I am then taken up to the recover suite...and a suite it is! Two rooms, one with a little kitchen area, TV, table, couch and balcony and the second which has the bed and another couch and TV (if you go to the website, there is a video in the testimonials page of Rachel and it shows the room) Again I am met by two nurses and Madam how are you here is your room allow us to help you change, here is the safe for your belongings and we will take you down from here to the operating area. The courtesy and respect these staff memebers were showing were just amazing! I felt like royalty at times and this is just the beginning!
I am escorted down to the operating room and am once again asked to come into a small room to place on a different scrub top for the procedure. I take off my glasses which they place in a locker and am whisked down to the operating room. I put on my head covering and hop onto the table, Dr P is in there along with a couple nurses and the anesthesiologist...some small talk and then I am told that I will feel a bit of cold as the medication goes into my iv....next thing I know I am waking up in recovery and I swear no sooner do I open my eyes there is a nurse above me...madam how are you feeling? are you in pain we can get you some pain medication before taking you up to your room. I tell he I think I'm OK, a little sore but alright. I am wheeled in the bed up to the recovery room and am moved from one bed to the next by 4 nurses - that is a little painful but of course it would be I just had my chest moved all over and filled to capacity! I have two nurses that will be with me for the night, they get me settled and give me some water to help clear my throat - warning this will be warm water...I was not expecting it. I am told that I will be on a liquid only diet for a bit (OH I forgot while I was in the suite earlier getting my items settled, they had me pick out my breakfast and lunch for the following day....YUMMY menu items is all I can say!) They place the tray right next to me (i can't reach very far at this point) and have the nurse call button on my stomach in the event I need them - I am told to call them for anything, including going to the bathroom...they ask if Madam would like a sleeping pill and I politely decline I should be OK. They leave and I snooze a bit. I wake up to them coming in to take my blood pressure and temperature and then doze off again, I wake up just a few moments later and press the buzzer...I swear the nurse mush have been at my door waiting because there was absolutely no time from me buzzing her to her being in the room! I ask her to assit me to the bathroom - not realizing that she was going to stand in the room with me...ya, I can't do anything a little stage fright! So I tell her sorry I guess I don't have to go after all and we head back to the bed, she offers me some more juice and water and I ask her for the sleeping pill after all, she gives me that along with some pain medication and I doze back off. I am awoken again to have the blood pressure and temperature taken once more and am offered a sandwich - I take a couple bites but my throat is still dry and I am really not too hungry - she leaves it for a bit though for me to have...I then attempt the bathroom trip again - thankfully this time it is a different nurse and she turns on the water in the faucet, and stands outside the door...though I can see her hand through the frosted glass I am able to finally empty my bladder. Feeling much better, I climb back into bed and doze back off till the morning when Dr. P comes into look at me. He removes my bandages, looks at the implants and the me and says you look good. Thank you, I am feeling pretty good too. He then has me fill out a couple more forms and we say goodbye, breakfast is brought in shortly there after and it is served in the adjoining room. I get up and go to eat and then am encouraged to walk around the halls of the floor. I start walking around the floor and come up to the very back side and there is this amazing room with leather couches, a flat screen TV, magazines and the such...this is the waiting room for family of those in surgery - WOW! I get back to my room and lie down for a bit again. Rachel then comes in to check on me she had just dropped some other gals off for their surgery and since no one was going back with her she poked in to see how I was....being as I had already been up and walking around and Dr P had given me my release papers she asked if I would like to go back to the condo - You bet! No reason for you to come back if I am good to go already. She assured me that she wouldn't mind coming back but I really was feeling great and there was no reason for me to stay. She lets the nurses know and they come in to help me dress back into my street clothes, I gather my belongings and the final cashier comes up to help close out my bill. I give them the receipt of my 'deosit' then have to pay for the medication (which is presented to me in this amazing bag with the registration cards to my new Mentor implants) the medication I pay for in Thai Baht 500 the equivalent of $15.00 US...Total cost so far, surgery, booking, flight, hospital stay $4,174.00.
I get back to the condo and Tani is surprised to see me.....most clients do not get back to the condo till later afternoon approx. 3pm. Yes, I was feeling good so Rachel brought me back early, no reason for her to have to go back to the hospital when I had already been up and wandering the halls ;) - She was headed out to shop a bit and so after just a bit of a chat I had the condo to myself, I settled in and put in a movie. Tani came back that afternoon to quickly pack and head out for her flight back home to Australia. Rachel had a staff member Sam come up to see how I was dong and order my dinner to be delivered. She and another staff member Om (sp?) came up to meet see how I was doing and verify that I was doing well....my dinner had not been delivered yet so they also checked on that. They brought up my new bra and we removed the bandages -I was very anxious and excited to see the twins! I was still very swollen and so they really didn't look too hot but OMG I actually have a chest! We chatted for a bit - they both were very easy to talk to - and then when my food was delivered they left me to eat. Later that evening I was able to meet my new roommate Michelle who also happened to be from Australia...again she and I hit it off fairly well so I was thankful! Saturday came and I went downstairs to have my hair washed and styled...150 baht about $5.00 US! Again they spoke English so I was with out a problem to get the service. As I was finishing Om was just headed to Rachel's and she asked me what I was planning on doing for the day...I wanted to go shopping. She said she would get care for her daughter then meet me at 10:30 to go out. I met her downstairs and in the cab we hopped to go to Platinum Shopping Center. What an experience! The shopping was amazing, before I realized it it had been over 5 hours and I had spent over 5000 baht (less than $200.00) but had all these bags! Which of course I was not allowed to carry...Om did it all, she carried all my bags, bartered with the sales clerks and had the patience to continue to keep up with me. I would tell her what I was looking for and she would lead me right to it. It was great...cost to hire her for the day 700 baht...about 22.00!! I then ventured out on my own on Sunday Union Mall was with in walking distance of the Condos - again another 5+ hours and I was beat....headed back to the condo and Michelle was back! YAY...she was feeling great, we decided to go down for dinner at the restaurant below and made arrangements to have Om take us shopping again on Monday! I shopped so much that I had to purchase another suitcase to fit everything! Shopping, food and Om cost me $685.00...
Tuesday I went back to the hospital to have my stitches removed...again a simple and fairly painless procedure...it hurt just to lie down and get back up...the tugging of the single strand was nothing at all. Dr. P was very happy with how everything looked, he assured me the swelling would be gone in a couple weeks and that I could be back full force lifting in the gym in 5 more weeks...I was set! So back to the condos and visit with Rachel and Om again, square up my room and have the arrangements for my return to the airport the next morning...my stay with Rachel was 13000 Baht or $406.00 US I meet the taxi at 3:45 the next morning to head to the airport for my return flight. One suitcase additional, and 5 pounds heavier with a couple of pearls on my chest....I am Happy and really could not have asked for a better experience at an amazing cost! Total dollar spent $5,265.00! A savings of over $2,000.00 and an experience to last a lifetime not to mention an amazing story to tell along with the best souvenirs a woman could ask for! A very special THANK YOU to Rachel and her entire staff at Bangkok Makeover and to Dr P and the staff at the Bangkok Hospital!
I'm just about two weeks post surgery, I feel great, have been back in the gym doing light weights and cardio, the bruising is about gone, the swelling is considerably less and I am excited with my new set of pearls!
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| Me and Om - your personal shopper for hire ;) |
Today's Quote of the Post:
"I am a believer in enhancing." Lara Flynn Boyle
My life has been enhanced by the changes I and my family have made this past year...this is just one more that gives me that happy feeling....What enhancements have you made to make yourself happy - I know you have even if it has been small....keep with it the time and work does pay off!
Hugs!
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