things are finally on the upswing!!!

If you've been keeping up with my journal then you'll know that things around here have been pretty eventful....and not all that pleasant. I've done everything within my power to alleviate the issues I was faced with and I've also come to terms with the fact that some things just can not be fixed. Ah hell, what can you do.....
Time seems to heal everything and everyone....it works in mysterious ways.

Prior to my brief holiday, I hosted a small 'get-together' with some of my closest friends. We had such a blast! It was a very welcome distraction. The theme was Mexican combined with some early St. Patty's day cheer....we made green(lime) Margarita's for the occassion. I seldom drink, but let me tell ya, I haven't slept that well in months. I'm not sure if it was the alcohol or exhaustion or a combo of both. Either way, I slept like a baby.

My trip in to the mountains was amazing. It was probably the most NEEDED holiday I have ever taken. Easter with my family was great as always. The only disappointment I had during my trip was my inability to locate and devour a few Hershey's marshmallow filled, chocolate, Easter eggs. I absolutely love them, but I couldn't find them anywhere. I settled for Cadbury's cream filled eggs instead. I arrived home in a much better frame of mind than when I left. The lengthy drive to and from my destination gave me time to think and reflect on the recent turn of events in my life. Of course, the drive itself was very scenic and comfortable. I know I'm repeating myself, but I love my new car!!! The 2007 I had was great however, the 2008 is much, much better.
Check it out - >

Upon my arrival home, I received a 'reminder email' telling me the deadline for entry to the New York Pro is Friday. I know I won't be stepping on stage, but I am still considering flying out to see the show. And speaking of deadlines, the Europa is 20 weeks away as of this upcoming Saturday!!!
Now that I'm finally feeling healthy again, I'm hoping to pull myself together and start my prep for this show. I'm back in the gym and feeling better than ever! I'll keep you posted on my decision and progress.

Great news! I'm in the April issue of Muscle Mag! Also, Martin Schoeller's exhibit featuring female bodybuilders at ACE Gallery in Beverly Hills opened earlier this month. Of all the women he has photographed over the years for this project, my pic was one of the sixty chosen to be featured! He will be releasing a hardcover book with the pics as he did with his previous project called 'Close Up'. I can't wait to receive a copy :) Also, I was recently contacted by a local TV station...they want to do a story on me!!! I'm so excited! I'm not sure exactly what it will entail, but a little recognition is cool :)

I had some spare time today so, I went out in search of my favorite Easter treats. My first stop was a grocery store about two blocks from here. I couldn't believe my luck, I hit the jackpot....Marshmallow filled chocolates!!!!....mmmmm...
I bought enough of them to satisfy my craving until next year!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Change is good :)

I suppose a bit of change is good, but seeing as how I've become a creature of habit, the changes are taking some getting used to. I'm learning to accept them and make the most of my given situation.

Life seems so unpredictable. I guess we all get thrown a few 'curve balls' every now and again. How we choose to deal with them is most important. I'm not sure that running from any problem will make it easier to face later on down the road. I'd rather deal with it all now rather than later. I've quickly realized that everything normal in my life which I've taken for granted to a degree has changed. Perhaps, the changes are for the best...of course, that's the eternal optimist inside of me speaking :) Sure, it's easy to get pissed off, but that wouldn't get me too far. Fortunately, I've managed to remain calm and diplomatic while dealing with the problems that surround me. At times, I'd like to scream on the top of my lungs, but I know I'd only embarrass myself...LOL!

I'm finally starting to feel better. After my first bout of illness, I had gotten better only to get sick again, but this time it's in my chest and throat. My immune system has obviously been compromised due to my stress level and lack of sleep. Now that I'm finally feeling better, I'm starting to resume some normal activities like training.

No matter what I'm facing, I
always resort back to my therapeutic activity,
doing what I love the most....cooking or more specifically, baking. My neighbor and I got together for an afternoon and baked dozens of cinamon buns, we had such a blast! It was a welcome distraction. Just like training in the gym, baking enables me to focus on something different and clear my head a bit.
I've decided to take a short trip out of town next week and celebrate Easter with some of my family in the mountains. I haven't put a ton of km's on my car yet so, it'll be a good chance for me to break in the motor :) It'll also be a nice change of pace for a few days. It'll take me roughly 10 hours to get there, but now that the snow is melting away, the drive should be pretty scenic.

By the time I get home, I should be ready to hit the gym and get back to my normal training routine. Well, that's my plan anyway...we'll see what happens. If I plan on getting up on stage this summer, I NEED to get my ass back in the gym and back on a decent nutrition plan. Getting sick twice in a short period of time really hasn't enabled me to eat as I should. When I do eat, the last thing I'd choose to consume is diet food. In fact, I'm not even sure I could swallow it anyway.

I'll be back with an update after my trip.
Happy Easter!