Pictures from the past, I'm the middle "shortie" on the right

Too bad there's not a height class and a weight class.

I never really knew I was THAT short.

Snowmobiling, coughs, and contacts

My husband left on another snowmobiling trip...not sure when he'll be back. Usually, I go crazy cleaning the house while he's gone. Most often, the first night he leaves I have a difficult time sleeping....and it happened again last night....didn't get much sleep at all. I try not to anticipate it...{having a difficult time sleeping} but it happened none-the-less. Well, it's cold....I've got to get wood for the woodburner...and keep those stalls clean for the horses! I'm tired of winter!
My cough is still lingering...
Unfortunately, I wear contacts and just ordered two pairs of glasses. One really pretty pair and one pair that will darken so I can wear them outside in the summer, giving my eyes a break from the contacts. I was just fitted with a different brand of soft lens....I don't think I'm happy with them at all!!!

My son's 21st Birthday today!!

I'm so proud of him! Joining the ARMY and excelling in it! Tim just got back from California from training. He says he's got alot of photos to show me....I can't wait to hear all his stories!

What sort of Journal is this?

It's was supposed to be a little bit more about me, but as you can see the dogs are a very big part of my life. I actually see and spend more time with them than my daughter or my husband and definately...they are with me more than my horses.
Looks like I should dedicate this Blog to Corona, what on earth did I do with my time before she came in our lives.

Corona adores running!!

Speeds of 25 and up!

Corona the Showdown

Corona vs. Me ...would Ceasar be proud???

Ok...this might seem a little boring to the "non-dog" person....but if you are truly a dog-lover, you'll understand. I actually go thru this little scenario almost every morning. When just 3 short years ago...I didn't have this little "stinker" in my life and life was a bit easier. She's not even MY dog! Well......I LOVE HER!!!.....I thinks that's obvious. She's my daughter's dog, Corona...loves us all. But she knows who gets up and let's them out, feeds them, and provides them with some exercise and fun! Now, Chad does contribute SOME and Tiana does as well.....but we are all very aware that this ONE LITTLE DOG...NEEDS to run.....it is essential to her mental well being!

Jossee and Corona {our 20 mile bike ride}

Our 20 mile bike ride! {Not much if you are a human...but if you are a dog...it's quite a hike}If I had my way about it...we'd live in a warmer climate and bike all the time. I use something called a Springer dog walker, to enable the dogs to be harness to the frame of my bike. I also use prong collars with leashes attached and loosely held in my hands, while I hold onto the bike handles. Ummm...we've only crashed twice and it was JOSSEE'S fault. She has not been known for her intelligence. What she lacks in that department she makes up for with her BIG heart. Corona KNOWS right and left...and I say "whoa" to stop at stop signs. We've been doing this for 2.5 years and Jossee is still clueless. Well, on Jossee's behalf....Corona and I were focused on going straight and Joss...went right...and the back tire hit a slick spot. { It was November in Illinois and we were riding thru the grass } WE HAD to EXERCISE THAT DAY....as we humans were having a large party and the canines needed to be calm and TIRED.

4 Pounds off!

Oh...I'm so happy! I've lost a few pounds...hopefully ALL bodyfat and not muscle. I've been off the weight lifting for about 2 weeks now. It's very discouraging, as I was on a roll and very motivated...ready to get in the best shape of my life. But I'm not gonna' let it get me down, because I have alot of confidence in the chiropractor/acupuncturist I'm seeing...he's helped me more in 4 visits than some have with a year of visits.

This "cold" is lingering....how very frustrating to feel exhausted and not have exercised. Feeling drained after cleaning a horse stall.....pitiful!!!

Tell ya', what feels good though.....drinking a protein drink made with ice and skim milk...it could pass for ice cream to me right now. I do feel it has been key to shedding a couple excess pounds.

Corona's Close up...

Yeah...you could say she's the center of our household. Shhh....but don't tell our 10 year old Weimaraner...it would hurt her feelings.

The dogs love to run around and "help" me feed horses in the morning. I DON'T enjoy it when it's muddy out though...they must stay inside.

This dog knows she's getting her photo taken.....

Just say, "Give me the belly" and Corona will hit this position!

Harpole's Heartland Lodge

http://www.heartlandlodge.com/illinois-vacation-getaways.html

This is the bed and breakfast that we go to in May for the May Paso Fino Ride! It's a wonderful place, very cozy and they feed you very well! Oh...it's worth going just for the comfy beds! Truly luxurious sheets and comforters to jump in after a long day in the saddle. Treat yourself to a suite with a whirlpool jacuzzi in it to really pamper ones body after hours of riding! There's not much better in life to me!

Cross Fit....will I ever JUMP IN???

I'm very intrigued by Crossfit and would love to join them in the ranks of the athletes they have there.

I would LOVE to construct a workout area like theirs in my barn! Click on "Cross Fit..." in the title and be directed to their homepage! Check it out.

Corona our American Staffordshire Terrier!

Doesn't she look like a LION or a BLACK PANTHER?? I absolutely love this dog. It's amazing how much one "little" dog can add to your life. Corona is so intelligent and high energy...she's contagious! Yes...she's on the leather furniture! At approx. 55lbs this little girl thinks she's much smaller than what she is. I have plans of teaching her weight pulling...she's 3 years old now...it's never too late to learn. She loves to work...in fact Corona and our Weim, Jossee adore biking with me.

Hardwood Floors

Ok....I just wanted to post a photo of my husband's work....I'm so proud of him. His custom hardwood floor work is absolutely stunning....and if I may brag....he is very sought after in our county and surrounding areas!

Sickness...

How very frustrating, seems as though when you are making attempts to get your life in order...the Devil has other plans. Friday and Saturday night I ran a fever...God only knows how high it was. I swear I was delirious...seeing shadows in my house and it was night time!!! Called in sick on Monday, I was just drained from coughing and the fever....
I could have called in today as well and thought nothing of it....I feel exhausted. To say the least, I haven't worked out.
Ok....it's a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of your life....but still incredibly frustrating.

Where did the first month of 2008 go? Help!!!

First of all, I CANNOT believe it's January 31st. And does anyone know if you can get paid for "blogging"? LOL.
Chad has pnemonia and bronchitis! He's on 3 different meds and an inhaler....now I just gotta' get him to rest!
Haven't heard from Tim {our son} in about 3 weeks...at least. He's in the Army at NTC in California!
It's SNOWING right now....if it's gonna' be cold...it might as well SNOW.
I AM HAVING HORSE WITHDRAWLS....even though I see them everyday...the NOT riding IS killing me....and it's not good for them either. Can't wait until the time changes!!!
Think I'm gonna have lunch by myself today....usually I do not like to be by myself...never have. But I do "enjoy" gathering my thoughts as best I can...at lunch and just try to relax. Just received a Yoga DVD in the mail though Amazon. I can't wait to try it out...hopefully it will aid me in DE-STRESSING my life.

Chiropractor tonight!

Seeing the chiropractor tonight ....I may RESCHEDULE.... so I can work out!!! That's what I feel compeled to do!

Where has the past Two weeks went???

OK...I don't know what happen to the last two weeks. My husband and I did go on a snowmobiling trip ~ Chad is very sick right now...I sure hate to see him this way! And Chad's
good friend's father passed away from cancer!

So I will not "catch up" on the events of the past two weeks yet.

Our Horses ~ Phoenix and Hija'

Our little Peruvian Paso gelding is going to be 15 years old this June.

Hija' {pronounced e-ha, means daughter in Spanish} is a little Paso Fino mare. She'll be 10 years old this summer.

"Your Fitness Future Foretold: 20 Predictions for 2008" by Tom Venturo

There are two things you can always count on:

(1) Nature's laws of cause and effect and
(2) human nature.

On that basis, here are my 20 fitness predictions for 2008:

I PREDICT that if you can reach into your pocket on anyday in 2008 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your body and fitness goals written on it in vivid detail, the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the year is out.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, youwill reach your goals so fast this year, it will make your head spin.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don't want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.

I PREDICT that if you made a new year's resolution, but you didn't turn it into a specific, written goal with a deadline and a strong reason why you must achieve it, you will freely abandon it the moment the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with it when the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me today what is your life purpose and what is your life long vision for your body and your health, you will still be as motivated and driven at the end of the year as you were at the beginning.

I PREDICT that if you don't have long term goals and a "big picture" vision for your life that you will lose your New Year's enthusiasm and motivation in a matter of months or even weeks.

I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind's eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you have a set back that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself "this just is temporary; this too shall pass," then it won't set you back and it will pass.

I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won't even make much of an effort this year.

I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.

I PREDICT that if you're unhappy with your physical conditionand you say,"it's not my fault" or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2008 as it did on New Year's day.

I PREDICT that the more you have patience, a long term perspective and the ability to postpone immediate gratification,the more likely you are to be a success one year from now.

I PREDICT that the more you seek "miracle pills" or "quick fixes," the more likely you are to be a failure one year from now.

I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2008.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers and negative peoplethis year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners.

I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2008, you will double your chances for success.

If you surround yourself with numerous support partners, you will become virtually unstoppable. So how does your future look for 2008?

Based on my "predictions", if it doesn't look as bright as you'd like it to be, then don't worry, because a prediction is not predestination.

My practice video for my first competition I was 38 1/2 years old

My hubby hard at work & doing what he loves best...snowmobiling.

~ Ann ~ An Awesome Friend

Here's a photo of my good friend, Ann. {{ She's on the right}}

Photos 11/2007 Mexico

Here's just a few photos for fun!

One warm up plus 2 sets of 15 reps
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 25lbs for 15 reps 3 sets total
Pulldowns (any grip) Wide grip latpulldowns 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 20lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs
Rows (cable or barbell) Seated row machine 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell) 15lbs, 15lbs, 15lbs...this is light...I am trying to rehabilitate my shoulders
Curl (any form) 15lb dumbbells...I used to curl more...BUT...tendonitis in that left elbow...is holding me back a bit
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing) on cable 70lbs x 15 reps x sets
Squats {We did one set of lying leg press} The rest squats with the bar only...gotta' enjoy the "getting back in shape phase"
Leg curls 65lbs, 65lbs, 80 lbs
LungeCalf raise (standing or seated) standing calf with 25lb dumbbells

! Bodybuilding !

Learning
What is bodybuilding? Thesaurus.com describes it as follows: “The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition.”
Hmmm, sounds pretty simple, but is that all there is? If bodybuilding is so simple, there would be bodybuilders walking all over the place. We would have a gym in every place of work and the processed food industry would be dead. Which, you will agree, is not the case. Okay, then why do so many individuals, with a strong desire to start with, fail in the process and never reach their physical goal? Because it is not easy; because it takes time and patience; but mostly, because you have to work for it! Becoming a bodybuilder is not something that can be done overnight, I don’t think anyone has ever woken up one morning saying, ''HEY! Look at me, I’m a bodybuilder!!'' The whole process of getting into bodybuilding is a much more complex one. Bodybuilding isn’t something you can acquire after a twelve week body transformation challenge. It’s a slow process that comes from inside-out; first the mind…then the body. Simply put, you don’t just get to be a bodybuilder, you learn to be a bodybuilder.

The Food
For most people, food is almost always associated with pleasure: a good bottle of wine and dark chocolate shared with a loved one; a BBQ party with close friends. But, for our bodybuilder, food has a whole different significance. FOOD = FUEL. Fuel to feed the body. Fuel to feed the mind. Fuel to train harder. She knows that without food it will be impossible for her to build her beautiful muscles. Mostly she doesn’t eat for pleasure, but for the results! Each day she will plan and prepare each of her meals in advance. She knows exactly what she will eat that day. Each of her daily meals is to be split into the precise ratio of protein, carbs and fat. All of this depending upon her goal. For her oats are not a cereal, but a complex carb; broccoli not a vegetable but a fibrous carbs…. which she’ll probably be eating by the truckload pre-contest. She doesn’t care what it tastes like, as long as it does the job! She knows that poor choices or insufficient intake will only drive her further from her goal. Making the right choices will keep her on the road of success. FOOD is the master key to build her a quality physique.A female bodybuilder will not only choose her foods depending on the goal she wants to reach but will also eat at a very precise time. She’ll be watching the clock while eating. Whether she’s bulking or dieting, whether she’s hungry or not, is of no importance. Every 2-3 hours, and this five to eight times daily. She’ll be eating. All this to make sure her body gets everything needed, when needed. With time, relatives and friends get accustomed to her somewhat unorthodox and different eating habits, especially pre-contest. They’ll get used to seeing her come to parties and family reunions with this HUGE cooler, filled…. with green stuff and stinky chicken! (sorry, guys, no beers!). Yup! She's always at it and yup, she never takes a break! Don’t worry; she still enjoys herself very much! She just sees things from a different perspective. She knows that she can still have lots of fun and enjoy the people, without the “party” foods. And please, stop trying to get her to eat just that tiny piece of cake… it’s will not work! Don’t get her wrong, she’s not pretentious, she just wants to stick to her plan and reach her goals. She knows she has to be strong and not let all the hard work so far be in vain by succumbing to temptation. When dieting, she know the craving won’t last forever, that she just needs to get through this, that everything will get easier eventually and that dieting isn’t forever. And if she leaves the party early, she’s not anti- social. She just needs her 7-8 hours of sleep for her body to recuperate and be fresh to hit the gym the morning after.

The Gym
Most woman would kill for a gorgeous, fit body, but believe that circuit training three times a week and a walk in the park will do the trick. Sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way. Just like food, if you want to see results, you need to be extremely disciplined and consistent with your training. If someone had told me, when I started practicing this sport, the huge amount of grueling effort and sweat I would have needed to be where I am today (which is not very far!!), I would not have believed them one bit!! Seriously, muscle is hard to build. You have to put in an enormous amount of energy to harvest little amounts of muscle. If you want to have the body of a bodybuilder, you first have to build it, and for this to happen, you have to put yourself seriously to the task! When a female bodybuilder gets to the gym, there is no time for chatting. She is there to do her job. She is there to build HER physique. The ONE she has clearly pictured in her mind. Before even getting into the gym, she has already gone mentally through her workout. She knows exactly what to do, and why she is doing it. Day after day, she will be working on each individual part to assemble her whole muscular body, reconfiguring the ideal of her perfect physique, piece by piece, muscle by muscle. Every training session to be individualized, each exercise to be chosen carefully depending on which body parts are to be worked or where development is needed. She doesn’t see her training as a workout, it is the blueprint to build her physique. She doesn’t see the weights as pieces of iron, but as the necessary tools to forge her muscles. When she trains her muscles she doesn’t go through the motions, she gets into it. Feeling every contraction, pushing herself to the limit. She will not miss a workout just because she doesn’t feel like training, because of a bad cold, PMS or bad weather. Everyday she will be consistent and will work out with intensity. She knows that with every workout done correctly, she is getting closer to her goal and that each one missed, is gone forever, only driving her further from her goal.

The Evolution
A good bodybuilder will never be content with what was good the year before. She is always aiming for the higher goal, always striving for perfection, always wanting more. With this in mind, she will not see her body as other women do. Her goal is not to fit eternally into a size six. Her body is a temple under construction, something unique, nothing like an ordinary woman's. She long ago accepted the fact to be “bodily different”. For this she will voluntarily manipulate her body composition and gain weight off season; always reminding herself that every pound gained is quality muscle in the process. She will not pay attention to negative comments about her bulkier appearance off season, she just walks her way because she knows why she is doing all this. She has goals and sticks to them. She’s on a mission of building a better quality physique for the upcoming competitive year. You will, mostly, recognize a successful female bodybuilder not by the size of her muscles, or by the weights she lifts, but by the strength of her mind.A female bodybuilder knows where her priorities lie. Her bodybuilding is her priority. For this she will fit the rest of her life around it. She will adapt her schedule to fit her training. The saying, “if you fail to plan you plan to fail” is her motto. Each of her days are planned to a T, no difference between week days and weekends. And if the unexpected happens she finds a way to get the essentials done. Not having enough time is never an excuse. If needed, she will set the alarm at 4 AM to get her cardio done and wake up at midnight, making sure she gets her eighth meal in.Being a bodybuilder is definitely a full time job. Not in the sense that you need to quit your job, but that if you are serious about your results you have to invest yourself totally in the pursuit of your goal. Not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. You need to put your mind and heart in it every single day. Being a bodybuilder is not a part time thing; it's an all the time thing. You're not a bodybuilder once in a while. You don't do things right only once in a while; you NEED to do them right ALL the time. SucceedingI believe any “ordinary” woman can become a bodybuilder. Just like any other sphere of activity, if one’s ready to put in the necessary effort then one will mostly succeed. Female bodybuilders are not different from other women. They are not superwomen born with freaky superior genetics. They all started as ordinary women but with the difference of fiercely wanting to reach a precise physical goal. The many challenges in a woman’s life should not be an excuse or a distraction for not reaching her goal. With some focus, planning and creativity everything can fit together and be kept in harmony. Bodybuilding is now my lifestyle, I do this because it’s in my heart, mind and blood, it is now part of who I am. I do this because it makes me feel alive, different from others, not one of the masses. I feel unique, not conventional. I do this to inspire my children and the ones around me. But most of all I do this for ME.

**please note...I did not write this...and if I had the author's name I would give her credit. I wanted it on my page ~ so I could refer back to it....
**the same reason I posted "LET IT GO FOR 2008" ...quick reference for inspiration

1/10/2008 Second work out with Deb

Ok....I'm definately looking foward to meeting Deb at the gym! We are really gonna' benefit from having each other for support and encouragment! We did speak on the phone last night, I was hoping she wasn't too sore ~ I hope today isn't any worse than last night...when it comes to soreness.

1/9/2008 Chiropractor / Acupuncture !

I've been waiting for months to see Dr. Lardi. Let's just say....I feel very encouraged....I had accupuncture for the first time. I wish the patient/guy on the table, behind the curtain next to me would have shut up and stopping complaining!!! What a pest!!!
My next appointment is Wednesday, 1/16/2008 ~ He didn't even adjust my back...he stated I was too sore and inflammed for that. He performed some "tests" by manipulating my feet...sort of a reflexology I guess..and manipulated other areas of my body, neck and head. He did adjust my ankles and neck. Very interesting. For some reason, I feel like I'm in very good hands. I'm very optimistic.
Chinese Medicine? What ever works, right?
He gave me a list of foods to avoid and foods that were beneficial. I'm planning on intergrating that with my eating clean menu.....
One of the neatest things is, his assistant/secretary who is also going to school to be a chiropractor, wrapped my arches with tape and wanted me to leave it on for two days....it didn't loosen in the shower this morning. I like the way it feels.

Last night's workout with Debbie

Deb was quite a trooper! I hope I do as much for her, as she did for me...just showing up to work out and doing her very best.
I ALWAYS laugh with this girl.....!!! She is a wonderful, wonderful person!!!
We are working out Thursday evening...right after caring for our horses! Remember when I posted, that I was getting used to working out by myself? Well.........I like having a training partner. I hope she sticks with it and WE see the results we want and deserve.

What Truly Makes Me Happy?

I would have to say, for quite some time I would describe myself as "indifferent."
For 2008, one goal is to truly be "HAPPY." For me to be happy in my own skin....throughtout this process of getting lean.....etc.
So today, I am focusing on what a great base of muscles I have....I'm thankful for that.
I am HAPPY when my family is happy....
When life is good...there's no problems!
I am happy when I'm NOT at my job.
Happy when I'm having fun with my husband.
Riding horses....enjoying some new trails with a good friend.
Happy when my daughter and son ...smile...and say I love you mom.
Happy when I'm biking with my dogs...and I swear they look up at me and smile...:)
Feeling the results of a good workout!
Eating clean does make me happy.....
Ummmm....chocolate.....makes me temporarily happy.