World's Greatest Husband

That’s right, I have the world’s greatest husband. :o)

Our normal morning routine means we’re both up at 0600hrs, leaving home at 0700hrs for a 5km HIT bike ride to work, once there it’s straight over to the gym for our individual weight training sessions followed by weekly symmetry and compulsory photos. But unfortunately he wasn’t going to be there this morning due to work commitments. This simply wouldn’t do so I asked him ever so nicely if he wouldn’t mind getting up earlier so that we could get it all done before he was required for work. Of course he said yes and then asked what time we needed to get up. "At 0430hrs" I replied. The look on his face was pretty evident that all enthusiasm had just left his body. You see, my husband isn’t a fan of early mornings especially when it’s dark. LOL!! But he loves his wife dearly and knew that this was important to me so sacrificed his time to get up early. He didn’t like it, but he did it. :o)

So I will dedicate this blog to my husband, thanks honey. :o) xo

Thalgo Hydra Intensive Facial

Bella Skin Health Clinic was the beauty salon where I'd booked in for my birthday facial yesterday and it was the most relaxing and pampering experience I have ever had. It was my first time there and I have to say that I was impressed across the board with the whole experience. The decor was lovely and the treatment rooms even better. I can't wait to go back there again for my next facial.

Being winter my skin was some what dry and needed a little extra attention so my beauty therapist reccommended the Thalgo Hydra Intensive Facial. The skin is nourished with marine sourced ingredients designed to fixate water into the skin and a highly concentrated marine mask improves the moisture balance, producing exceptional results giving the complexion a revitalized and radiant look.

By the time I left there my skin felt completely rehydrated and I also stocked up on some products I'd run out of. Thalgo has been my skin care of choice for some time now and it's the one thing I couldn't live with out.

Well that's enough about that it's time for me to go eat, beef rendang and vegetables. Which vegetables will I have today? I'll have to go and see what I have the the crisper and decide, I have a least a dozen different fresh vegetables to chose from. There's nothing like variety. :o)

Get It Done!

Achievers concern themselves with excellence, but do not obsess over perfection. Things get done by doing them in the real world, not by putting them off until conditions are perfect.

In the time you spend worrying about whether or not to do something, it could have been done. In the time you spend worrying about whether it's the perfect time to get going, you could already be far ahead.

By all means plan clearly and carefully, then go ahead and take action. Though things will not go perfectly, you'll certainly be able to handle whatever bumps in the road you may encounter.

Achievement and excellence are built not by fearing the mistakes, but by confidently handling the mistakes and the surprises that come along. The will to succeed includes the willingness to live with the very real possibility that things can go wrong.

Excellence is built by working though the challenges. Often those challenges are different than what you imagined, yet you have the ability to learn, to adapt, to adjust and to prevail.

Go beyond merely dreaming and planning and speculating about the ideal way to reach your goal. Make use of whatever you have available to get it done.

-- Ralph Marston

Busy bee, that's me . . . . .

I've been quite the busy bee of late and time has got away from me in the land of blog.

I've well and truely settled into my new position at work and couldn't be happier with everything. For those that know me well know that this is where I belong back in front of students. Next month I'll even have my own course where'll I'll shape the future officers of the Royal Australian Air Force. No pressure of course. LOL!! There's nothing like a good challenge if you ask me, what's the point of living otherwise.

It's now eight weeks until the Defence Force Natural Bodybuilding & Figure Titles 2006 and my competition preparation couldn't be any better. My training was challenged recently with a change of gyms but that turned out to be a blessing. I am so focussed and driven, the proof is in the results that I've been getting and it just on keeps getting better too. As for my nutrition, I'm really enjoying dieting the second time around. You want to know why it's becuase I don't diet, I eat like this all year round and make adjustments where needed. Josh Dickinson has taught me this and it certainly has made things easier. Time management also plays a really big part in this after a lot of trial and error throughout the year. I'm now a well oiled machine and eveything runs like clock work. Miss Rae it's because of you that I'm now so organised. You inspired me to try food perparation once a week and we both know that it worked like a treat. Thursday night's we go grocery shopping after dinner, you NEVER go shopping on an empty stomach. I mean, that would be suicidal! LOL!! Then when we get home we cut up the kangaroo, beef and chicken for the next seven days and marinate them individually in the fridge overnight. This way the flavours have time to infuse making it taste so much better. *hmmmm* Then Friday when we get home from work we cook it up, weigh it, into the glad ware lunch boxes then into the freezer. In total there's 28 meals for both myself and my husband that we need. Now we move onto snacks and for this next week it's the french onion cottage cheese alternating with carrot and celery sticks. Again it's also weighed and into glad ware snack containers and into the fridge. Our pantry is full with all the relevant ingredients we need for breakfast and other snacks so thankfully no preparation required there. So now I have a fridge, freezer and pantry fully stocked with seven days worth of prepared meals and snacks. It doesn't take that long to do once you get into a routine of doing it and there's no better feeling of knowing that it's all done. Every day I'm constantly learning on how to improve things to make my life easier and better my time management.

As for everything else my weekends are starting to get booked up with errands and appointments but now with my new smartphone I'm always on top of things. Tomorrow for example first up I'm going to Winning Physique for my posing routine. Vicki Arief is doing my choreography and I have no doubt that what she's come up with the music that I've provided will be nothing short of spectacular. She comes from a dance background so I know I will have my work cut out for me but I'm up for the challenge. Then I'm picking up my material to send up to Jo Rogers at Style of Stage. She custom made my costume for me last year and it was just to die for. I got so many wonderful comments about it and from total strangers. I can't wait to see how this years turns out. And last but not least, I'm booked in for a belated birthday facial. Unfortunately I had to re-schedule my original appointment because I was in hospital on that day. I seldom get sick but when I do it's always a doosy. So I'm really looking forward to that one, I mean what girly girl wouldn't. LOL!!

Well I could go on forever as I still have heaps more to tell you all, but the clock's ticking and I have to shower and change ready for bed. Don't worry, I'll be back again this weekend with some more updates.

Have a fabulous weekend!



P.S. I'll be doing rounds this weekend and catching up on everyone's blog's so stay tuned for my comments. :o)

Bath Day

Dad took us to Aunty Sharon's for a hydro bath this morning, I have no idea why because we didn't need it. We looked and smelt just fine, do you have any idea how long it takes to get the desired effect we want? Well let me tell you it takes weeks, and it all depends on how much access you have to things like dirt and old rotton bones. Mum & Dad on the other hand kept saying that we were dirty and smelly so we both know who won that argument. Dry noses, what would they know! *hmph*

Then after the bath we get towel dried (we like this part, there's nothing better then a damn good rub), blow dried (we definitely don't like this part), brushed (or this part either, especially Jett) then sprayed with a frangapani deoderiser. What is with that! We're men, don't they know that! And that's not the worst of it either. Mum brushes Jett when we get home with a special brush just for him, it looks really nasty. It has wire things in it and pulls out lots of hair. I'm worried that one day she'll brush him until he has none! The poor little bugger, he's to small to defend himself against her. There's usually fur flying everywerhe and he absolutely hates it, and I mean HATE. As soon as she puts him down when she's finished he's off like a rocket never to be seen again. No not really he comes straight back for his food reward, he's not a stupid dog like me you know. I'm just so glad that I'm not fluffy, it looks like hell! Oh yeah, and by the way my name's Odin. *woof woof*

Thought For The Day

"It does not matter how slowly you go

so long as you do not stop."

-- Confucius

The things you see . . . . . LOL!!

This afternoon my husband and I went to Highpoint to do a little shopping, it was kind of a last minute thing. Well anway, I was in Target looking for Bonds Bras when I was walking through the ladies underwear and came across this interesting design. It was on the rear of a pair of ladies underwear. I just had to photograph it and share it with you all. LOL!!

I'm back. . . . .I just had to do some more food prep in the kitchen. Who ever said that eating healthy meant that you had to sacrafice flavour certainly wasn't very creative. I just made myself french onion dip with celery sticks for my afternoon snacks this week without jepordising my competition preparation. I used Coles Farmland Low Fat Cottage Cheese and a packet of Continental French Onion Salt Reduced Soup to taste blended together using my Braun Handblender so that it's smooth and creamy, just the way I like it. LOL!!

Well I best be going now, I am so far behind in everyone's blogs that I'll be lucky to make it to bed before midnight tonight. Sweet dreams. :o)

2006 All Female Classic

WOW what a weekend. . . . .it was positively filled with excitement and one that I won't forget anytime soon. Miss Katie took out 3rd Place in the Ms Figure Intermediate - Tall of which I was extremely proud. Her 100% hard work and effort in her preparation was second to none and I know that this week's rest is certainly well deserved. :o)

Miss Rae took out 1st Place in the Ms Figure Intermediate - Tall & Best Routine and I was as equally proud of her efforts also. She's a true lady in every sense of the word. :o)

And the Lovely Lucy was the 2006 All Female Classic Ms Figure Overall Winner. I have no doubt that the smile on her face will be there for some time to come. She's an incredible athlete and was in the best condition I've seen to date. You're a true champion! :o)

Not competing and being a backstage helper certainly gave me a whole new appreciation and perspective for this behind the scenes role. It was also a great opportunity to learn and improve on things in preparation for competing. The following day we all discussed our perspectives of what we thought could be improved next time around and came up with some really great ideas.

Well it's back to normality again for me and my competition preparation. It's 100% focus from here on in and nothing is going to slow me down for a second. Whatever it takes is exactly that!

I'm back to riding my bike to and from work, although it's a new route now that I've moved with work and is certainly more challenging which I don't mind. Hey it's even a good thing, something different which will not only stimulate the mind but also the muscles. My husband always says you never see a cycylist who hasn't got great legs and I would have to agree. I'll have a pair of those, thank you. LOL!! It was ten weeks wef yesterday, not that I'm counting or anything. LOL!!

Have a great day! :o)

Phew what a week!

My feet have barely hit the ground running this week and it's far from over yet. LOL!! There's nothing like a challenge to test you and your coping mechanisms.

Katie Allan is a very dear friend of mine whom you all know I'm helping prepare for the up coming The World All Female Natural Muscle & Fitness Classic. Being a competitor is very challenging to say the least but I now have a new found appreciation and respect for the friends and family that support and help them prepare for a competition. I put my hand up for this job a long time ago out of the goodness of my heart and because I love her to pieces. My day starts before hers and finishes after hers which at the moment is making for a very long day, none of which I would change although it could be tweaked to benefit us both next time around. She's my # 1 focus and priority and it's all about her, or so I keep telling her. LOL!! ;o)

Today is pretty much planned out, surprise suprise. Soon I'll wake her from another good nights sleep so that she can get up and have her first meal. Following that will be a refreshing rinse off in the shower in prepartation for the second stage of her tanning. I've also had to set the house temperature to a nice and toasty 25 degrees so that she's also comfortable due to low body fat levels. Following that I'll blow dry and straighten her hair ready for tomorrow, a girl has to look good you know. LOL!! Katie has certainly earnt the right to be pampered and looked after, she has been preparing for this competition like a little demon.

Well this is only going to be short, I have much to do today. Have a great weekend everybody and I'll report back again real soon. :o)

Here now

What you need for this moment, you already have. Everything else is a delightful bonus.

There is nothing for which you must strive. For you are here, and alive, and aware and able.

There is no reason for worry or anxiety. There are so very many ways that you can choose to make a difference.

There are no pressures, no demands, no regrets and no struggles. There is only now and the opportunity to fully live it.

In this moment, let go of the illusion of need and you are truly wealthy beyond all measure. Realize that lack and limitation exist only in your mind, and you'll see that you can instantly be free of them.

The whole universe is yours in this moment, to live, to experience, to transform into value and fulfillment. All the best that you could ever imagine is here for you now to bring to life.

-- Ralph Marston

Old habits die hard.....

Well here I am sitting at my desk and the time is now 0430hrs. LOL!! Although I did have an earlier start this morning it wasn't this early, I guess old habits die hard. I could've rolled over and tried giong back to sleep but I was wide awake and didn't want to waste this time that could be spent elsewhere getting a head start on the day. You know me it's all about time management. :o)

My new toy is coming along very nicely, still working it out bit by bit but it's money well spent if you ask me. Next on the market is a screen protector and a leather case for it, I'll pick those up this weekend and it's longevity is depending on it. LOL!!

Well it's almost time for me to shower and change for work. Have a great day and live today as if it were your last. Bye bye for now. xo

Keep your eyes on the prize

Sally Milne

2005 INBA Ms Figure Tall & Australia - Overall

Thought For The Day

"You are the handicap you must face.

You are the one who must choose your place."

-- James Lane Allen

Well it's all happening . . . . . .

Today's my first day in my new location, job and gym and so far so good. :o)

I had the distinct pleasure of getting up at 0600hrs this morning, how good is that! 0430hrs starts to the day are a thing of the past now. LOL!! I am so lucky, my new job allows me to train during work hours. Life just keeps on getting better and better doesn't it! :o)

I was back in the gym this morning for my last training cycle leading in my first competition and you would not believe it, this gym has heating! That's right, this gym has heating! Am I excited or am I excited people. *woo hoo hoo hoo* I was even sweating, this is a new concept as I'm normally training in four degrees or less at my old gym. It's smaller then my old gym but patronage is less which is a real good thing, there's nothing like having free range in your own gym. :o)

One thing that they don't have I want and that is a stair machine. Now I know what you all must be thinking and it's not that bad, we have a love hate relationship and the benefits outway what I REALLY think of it. ;o) It's a crutial piece of equipment and to save the drive back to my old gym I've requested that one be relocated over here for me to use. The guys that work at the gym said that they would see what they could do for me so fingers crossed. I mean, it's not like it won't get regular use so I can justify it's move. LOL!!

Well that's about it from me today as nothing much more to report at the moment. Still finding my feet with everything but have given myself to the end of the week to get organised and into a new routine, very important at this stage of my preparation. Enjoy the rest of your evening and I'll post again real soon. :o)

I'm baaaack! :o)

What a looooong week that was, one I certainly don't care to repeat in any kind of a hurry either. LOL!! Lets just say that I'm glad I've got that out of my system and now I'm all geared up and raring to go for my compeitition preparation. :o)

As you can see I got flowers for my birthday, my all time favourite a dozen long stem pale pink roses from my husband. We did have an entire day planned but it didn't quite eventuate for very obvious reasons. LOL!! So to compensate we went into the city yesterday to do some birthday shopping. I got myself a 100% cotton pale pink bath robe, it's something I've wanted for a while now and seeing it is the season for it it was an absolute must buy. Then next on the list will be some cotton pyjamas followed by ugg boots. I'll be the toastiest thing ever this side of the southern hemisphere. LOL!!


Also my new toy the HP iPAQ hw6965 finally arrived into the country last week after its long awaited release date and just in the knick of time. It's quite the little piece of modern technology and already I know it's going to be an invaluable tool to have. Life is going to be so much easier and far more organised with this little baby. :o)


Well it's back to loading the rest of my cds onto my iTunes and then downloading a new batch of songs onto my iPod Shuffle. Enjoy what's left of your weekend everybody and keep smiling. :o)

Birthday Flowers

Birthday Blues

A big thankyou to all of you who sent me birthday wishes, I'm sorry for not replying more promptly but unfortunately I spent my birthday sick even resulting in a trip to the hospital. I contracted an unpleasant viral infection and lets just say that I was losing body fluids left right and centre. I'm home now on sick leave and although I'm maintaining my body fluids today my body feels like I've been hit by a truck. So on that note, I'm heading back to the couch for some more rest. Once I'm back on top of things I'll post again real soon. :o)

You Can Do It

This one is for you Deb. :o)

You may not feel like making the effort. But you can do it.

There may be plenty of excuses, plenty of reasons for not taking the time. But you can do it.

It may be uncomfortable, inconvenient and perhaps even a little painful. But you can do it.

You know it needs to be done, and you know that you can do it. You know that once you have it done, you'll be thankful that you took the time.

So go ahead now, get up, step forward, and get moving. The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll have it done.

You can do it, and you know you can. So go ahead and make it happen.

-- Ralph Marston

Roll Call

INBA All Female Classic

Melbourne

Saturday 14th July 2006

Who's coming to compete or spectate? :o)

Thought For The Day

"Motivation is simple.

You eliminate those who are not motivated."
-- Lou Holtz

Competition trolley all packed and ready

Rae got me thinking some time ago now when she posted up Rae's List For Comp. It prompted me to pull out my trolley and go through everything as there's no time like the present to get organised. I have done something different though, this year I've printed out my actual list laminating it so that it can be stored in my competition trolley ready to checked off closer to the day.

Posing Costume
2 x Posing Costumes (1 x Pre-judging & 1 x Evening)
Sewing Kit (1 x Needle, 2 x Coloured Threads, Foldup Scissors, Safety Pins, Glue & Crystals)
Bikini Bite (A Rollon Glue Product For Securing My Costume So That It Doesn't Go Anywhere LOL!!)

Accessories
1 Pair High Heels
Costume Jewellery

Body Products
6 Pairs Small Latex Gloves (For Applying Tanning Products)
Body Shimmer (Top Coat Tan For Any Touchups)
Body Spray Glitter (If Desired)
Vaseline (For Putting On Teeth When Mouth Is Dry)
Cooking Spray Oil (For Effect)
Baby Oil & Baby Wipes (Tan Removal)
Black Hand Towel (For Keeping Hands Clean)
Black Bath Towel (For Standing On Whilst Aplying The Tanning Products)

Toiletry Bag
Makeup Kit (Touch Ups)
GHD Irons, Hair Brush & Combs
Clear Eyes (Thanks Maraina)
Panadol (Dehydration Headaches)

Music
2 x CD's (Posing Routine)
iPod Shuffle

Clothes & Shoes
Bonds Black Singlet, Track Pants, Hoodie Jacket & Sockettes (100% Cotton For Breathing To Prevent Sweat And Ruining Tan)
Black Thongs

Food & Drink
As Instructed
Bottled Water (For After Evening Show)

Miscellaneous
Black Pillow (For Sleeping Inbetween Shows)
Digital Camera (Have Camera Will Travel)
Resistance Bands (Pumping Up)

All of the above where possible is placed into either their allocated black bags or glad ziplock bags. I like to keep my kit as clean as possible and we all know how challenging that is when it comes to tanning products. :o)