Time to Reflect and Reset

Soooooo, Roatan is awesome! I had such a great trip and can’t wait to go back (tentative plans are already set for early next year).

The trip started with us fitness gals getting into the cab at the airport and the cabby asking us, “Are you here for Spring Break??” “Uh, no.” Apparently, the week before Easter is a holiday in Honduras so the beaches were packed (packed!) with people and parties. Such a cool scene, but not the most conducive for photo and video shoots. Also a challenge? The sun. It was hot!! But, it was awesome! We all definitely got some great shots in, were able to get done what we needed to do, and then spent the rest of the time resting and relaxing.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we got up to:

http://vimeo.com/94862352

I also got to shoot a beach workout spread for STRONG magazine. It took some good timing and a little patience (we had to wait out a couple boats and a few tour groups), but Paul scoped out an awesome location for the shots. From the quick preview I saw, the pictures turned out amazing! It was such a surreal experience- a vision I pinned on my board last year coming true. I can’t wait to see it all in print.

And, while the first half of the trip was all photo and video shoots (which meant early mornings, no drinking and limited buffet options), after everyone done and everything was wrapped up, it was game on! Pina coladas and banana donuts all around!! It was great to be able to relax a little, have a few (read: many) treats, and really have the opportunity to get to know my teammates and coach a little better.

 

 

Getting our smile ready for the shoot...
and getting caught taking a selfie.

 

Honduras at 6:30 am

 

Paradise at sunset :)

 

Stormy skies and some pretty awesome ladies

 

Some of the ladies

 

Leaving Honduras... but I will be back.

 

Sleep deprived and happy to be home.

Up next?? It’s show time! And not just any show, but the WBFF Vancouver!! I have wanted to compete in a WBFF show since watching the Worlds show in Las Vegas last year. It was over-the-top spectacular! So much glitz and glamour (there’s even an evening gown round). While that’s not the spotlight I usually seek, sitting in the audience made me want to be a part of it, and here’s my chance! This is something that will really push me out of my comfort zone J

The WBFF means business!! Look at all those fabulous ladies!

 

The best of the best!

As of today, I am 62 days out (not that I am counting). That means 372 more meals and 54 more workouts to give it my all - day in and day out. With competing, there is no off time. You have to be on. All. Of. The. Time. This is when every meal, every workout, and every day really does count. And, if I don't do it, nobody will do it for me.

While I thought it would be easy to flip from photoshoot prep mode to competition prep mode after Honduras, I have struggled a bit. Too many treats (all very yummy and worth it of course!), too many distractions and just too much going on in general. It has taken a few weeks to really ‘reset’ and get ready to devote my all to this prep, but I’m on board now. I’ve got a new meal plan, an awesome training plan for the month, and finally a clear and focused mindset. Nine weeks out! Let’s see what we can do!



On Season and On the Road… to Roatan!!

Even though I haven’t been blogging on here as much lately, I have been posting somewhat frequently on Instagram (@jencordeiro if you wanna follow me). And in those posts I had been hinting that I was prepping for something big and exciting… and something that I wasn’t allowed to share until recently.

Here’s the official announcement!

http://vimeo.com/88693966

Soooo crazy, right?!? If anyone had told me a year ago I would be prepping for something like this today, I would have never have believed it. I started training because I wanted to compete. I wanted to compete to challenge myself… and once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I do what I do because I love it. Being rewarded with an opportunity like this seems too good to be true. All of it. Too good to be true.

This pic was shared on the Team Blessed Bodies Facebook page and Lori Harder (one of my idols and on the current cover of STRONG) commented on it! How cool is that?!?

 

So, how does one prep for a magazine spread and shoot? I dunno! Lemme know. For me, my food plan and training have pretty much stayed the same. I am so, so, so lucky to have a coach and training program that properly paces me so there are no crazy/ stressful/ desperate measures in the final few weeks. Consistency pays off. Minor, minor tweaks have been made to my food plan. My focus this week is to really balance all my meals and time them evenly throughout the day. Training wise, I just need to keep up with my 5 days weights/ 4 days per week cardio plan. Easy peasy. I have even been scheduling it to make Saturdays my rest days- how delightful!

On top of that, there is a lot to prep for the trip. As I have shared in past posts I always plan out my meals and pack what I can to help stay on track while away. This trip poses significant challenges. Long flights. International borders. Unknown hotel room. I won’t be able to bring any fresh fruits or proteins. And I am pretty sure that Roatan doesn’t have a Whole Foods just around the corner like there was in Vegas. A little more thought will need to go into this…

The other daunting task at hand is wardrobe! Tell me to only eat 147 flakes of oats 10 times a day, I could do it. Tell me to do 500 hours of cardio a day, I would do it. Tell me to go shop and pick out outfits for the shoot- no way!! I’m not a shopper. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good deal, but I do not like shopping for specific items of clothes. I don’t know what goes together. I don’t know how to make an “outfit”. And I really don’t know how to accessorize. I foresee some agonizing shopping trips in my immediate future. I spent the shopping trip before the TBB Vegas trip repeatedly calling my sister in a panic (Leanne, prepare yourself for another round).

Anyway, 3 weeks out tomorrow! Can’t wait for that sun and sand!!

 

Planking it out to build up those abs!!

 

XOXO
Jen

TBB Does Vegas!!

Last week I went on a trip of a lifetime! Yes, I’ve been to Vegas many times before (for my stagette, with the hubby, with my sister, etc), but this time was different. This I went with my coach and over 20 other beautiful TBB ladies! We came from everywhere! BC, Alberta, Ontario, Rhode Island, and Florida! Some came to compete at the WBFF Worlds show, some came for photo shoots and we all came to support each other. What an amazing team J I may have come home with one less pair of pants (I lost them somewhere out in the desert), one less curling iron, and a couple more pounds, but what a fun/ exciting/ nerve-wracking/ tiring/ once-in-a-lifetime trip! Here’s the breakdown...

 

Tuesday: Travel day

 

A week in Vegas requires a lot of prep. In the weeks leading up to the trip, I spent quite a bit of time not only planning out all my outfits (a couple for going out, some for photo shoots, something to wear (and sleep in) post-spray tan, workout gear, bathing suits, etc), but also putting together a meal plan that I could easily prep, execute and transport around Vegas. This meant figuring out what I could (and couldn’t pack) and what I would need to buy there. This also meant figuring out how to get everything into one suitcase. The verdict? Two suitcases. In any case, after paying more ridiculous “extra fees” on top of my “cheap” Allegiant flight, we were off!! I travelled down with two of my lovely teammate, Brandi and Ami J Once we got to Vegas and settled into the hotel room, we took a cab over to Whole Foods, which, conveniently, is just past the end of the strip, and picked up some fresh produce and protein for the week. Back in the room, we all did some food prep, went to the gym to get our cardio in, and then all passed out by 10. I know, crazy night in Vegas.

Tuesday: Travel day! Food is always the top priority!

Wednesday: Settling in

I pretty much had Wednesday to myself since, unlike many of the other ladies, I wasn’t doing any shoots that day. It was nice to sleep in a bit, hit the gym for some weights and cardio, prep more food, and then spend some time down at the pool. It gave me a chance just to slow down, rest up and prepare for a busy Thursday.

 

Wednesday- Settling in. Gym, food and sun-- everything I need in life :)

 

Thursday: What this has all been about

This was it! This is what I had been working toward. This was the ultimate goal! A shoot with Paul Buceta. Paul. Buceta. Open any issue of Oxygen magazine and you’ll see his name and pictures on every page. He is, without a doubt, one of the best fitness photographers in the world… and I got to shoot with him J

Thursday was a crazy day though! First, it was over to the Aria to get hair and makeup done by the fabulous ladies of 2 Chicks and Some Lipstick. Lori and Valeria were so much fun! It was such a pleasure just to meet them both, let alone get my hair and makeup done by them.

Then, it was out to the desert for a group shoot. Despite being to Vegas countless times, I realized I had never even been too far off the strip before. This was such a great opportunity to really get out there and see the desert. It was stunning. And, with storm clouds and lightening in the background (luckily we didn’t get rained on), the landscape was breath taking. After getting in a few different shots, it was time to load up and get back to the hotel for the shoot with Paul.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it all unfolded nicely J First off, he’s awesome. It was really easy to feel comfortable in front of the camera with him behind it. The time went by fast and I got some really great shots. I also definitely had the, Is this seriously my life right now?? Never in my wildest dream would I have thought I would have had this opportunity to shoot with Paul. It has inspired and motivated me to keep pushing, to keep at it, and to keep dreaming. I will shoot with him again, and next time I will come back bigger and better. I told him so.

Thursday: Photo shoot shots!

After the shoot, Ami and I celebrated by going out for a couple delectable little treats- champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate covered pretzels. Damn you, Jean Philippe Patisserie, you will be the end of me. I also celebrated with a protein pancake covered in an unmeasured amount of Nuttzo and bananas. Cray cray!!

Then, that night, all the ladies (who weren’t competing the next day) went out for a night out on the town! Whoo hoo hoo!

 

Thursday: Post-photo shoot treats :)

 

 

Friday:  Rest and recovery

With all the scheduled shoots out of the way, Friday was a bit of a rest and recovery day for me. Again, I spent it sleeping in, hitting the gym and then laying by the pool. In essence, the perfect vacation day for me.

 

Friday: Rest and recovery

 

Friday was also awesome because the hubby was coming down to join me J J Yay! I was so happy to see him. He support me so much and we have both been so crazy and busy with just everything that has been going on this summer that it was nice to have a little time out and spend some time together. Obviously this time together involved a couple of treats. Upon his arrival we had crab cakes, pizza, wine and, for be, a nice big bowl of frozen yogurt and candy J Hahaha, some things never change.

 

Saturday: Show day!

One of the original reasons behind the trip in the first place was the WBFF Worlds show. This is one of the biggest shows of its kind with competitors from all around the world! I was excited to not only cheer on my teammates competing, but also to see all of the other fitness models that I have been following in the magazines and online over the years. I watched the show in amazement. The guys (omg, the guys!) and the girls!! Wow. Just the dedication and hard work represented on that stage was inspiring. And this isn’t just any old show, this is one of the biggest and the best. There’s the glitziest of the glitzy bikinis, sparkly evening gowns and even theme wear. Wow! Everything over the top and spectacular. Watching the show made me start thinking about my own competition plans… Hmmm…

 

Saturday: Show day! Pics from the WBFF Worlds

I also got to meet Andreia Brazier. She has been one of my biggest fit-spirations over the year. And, there she was. She also placed first :)

 

 

 

Sunday: Pool party!

Sunday was spent poolside (and in the pool) at Wet Republic. After months of prepping, and food plans and training, it was time party it up VIP style! The afternoon was filled with a little drinking, some dancing and a lot of fun. I love these ladies!!

 

Sunday: Funday!! Me with the hubby, my coach, a big bottle of vodka and some teammates

 

More Sunday Funday! Me with Paul Buceta, and teammates Heather and Ami. I heart these ladies!!

After a nap and cleaning ourselves up a little, the hubby and I went out for a very nice dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse. That Gordon Ramsay, I’ll tell ya, he knows a thing or two about running a nice restaurant. He should think about getting his own show (or four). Seriously, I cannot say enough great things about the amazing experience we had at the restaurant. Every detail, every morsel of food, everything, was just divine! I even ordered off menu (I’m not a meat person), and had a “vegetarian wellington.” It was superb!

Sunday Dinner: Sooooo good!



 

Monday: Leaving Las Vegas

After stocking up on a couple more off-plan treats (in the form of candy) for the plane ride, Monday was spent traveling home. We ended the vacation with one more dinner out, sushi, and then got right back at it.

 

Up next!

Tuesday I fell right back into my routine, prepped all my meals and got back to the gym. Vegas was fun, but I am happy to be back at it.

Competition wise, I am still figuring it out. I’m probably, probably, done for this year. When I compete again, I was to come with something different. I want to come back with something bigger and better. I’m learning that this takes time. Time I’ve got. I am committed to keep at it and see where I end up.

Training and diet wise, I’m keeping up with that too. Some people have asked me if I’m “taking a break” or “easing up a bit.” Breaking from what? I love what I am doing and how it makes me feel. Yep, it can be a lot of work planning and preparing and sometimes it’s nice to have a break from all of that, but a break from training and eating clean?? No way! My body and my mind are craving it. Putting in this time and effort to properly fuel and condition my body is treating it. I want to keep at it. I need to keep at it.

Other plans? This summer has just been so busy. From moving, to Napa, to Chicago and then Vegas, the past couple of months have been a whirlwind! Moving into the fall things should start to calm down a bit more and I really want to focus on building a bigger and better me. What does that mean? Well, a couple different things, but nothing that I am ready to reveal yet. Something has started, and this is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see what’s up next! If anyone had told me what this past year was going to be like 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. That makes me excited to see what will happen next!!

XOXO

Jen

WIAW: What I Have Not Only Been Eating, But Also What I Have Been Doing Wednesday

Whoooo hooo! After a brief hiatus, I’m finally back for What I Ate Wednesday, but let’s make it, What I Have Not Only Been Eating, But Also What I Have Been Doing Wednesday. With so much going on, life has just been a little bit cray, cray lately. But first, the food!

Here is what this week’s daily menu is looking like. I’m eating so much/ so often, that I couldn’t fit it all into one collage. Hahaha.

Morning meals and lunch:

 

M1: The same ol’ porridge and eggs with coconut oil. Nope, not sick of this yet. Still a delicious way to start off the mornings.

M2: I like to call this one "frittata in a cup". It’s a new guy on the menu this week. I essentially pack a 2 cup sized Ziploc container full of veggies (well, yams, oats and spinach with some hot chili flakes), then pour a ½ cup egg whites over it all and pop it all into the microwave for a minute. It comes out so yummy. I also top it with a little more coconut oil.

M3: Pre-workout snack. Since I have been going to the gym at lunch to do my weights workout, I eat my pre-workout protein and oat muffin before I go. So easy. Just oats and protein powder mixed with egg whites and baked in the microwave for 54 seconds (exactly). It comes out smelling and tasting like a dreamy piece of chocolate cake. Such a great carb and protein combo.

 

M4: Tilapia, rice and broccoli salad topped with avocado and lemon juice (and more hot chili flakes). This is a slight modification of what I was previously eating for lunch. I get my post-weights carbs and protein in the most delicious (and fast) way.

Afternoon and evening meals:

 

 

M5: Chicken, beans and oats. Exactly what it sounds like, but really satisfying for some reason.

M6: Quinoa with chicken and stir fried vegetables. Tonight I topped it with some avocado, but I have also used Udo’s oil.

M7: Chocolate blueberry “ice cream.” One of the best summertime treats. Frozen blueberries blended with chocolate casein and cocoa powder. That’s it. That’s all. But so delicious and a perfect bedtime snack.

So, that’s what’s been going on with my food. As you can see, I have been trying to switch it up a bit, but am still keeping it pretty basic and simple. I like simple. Whatever is easiest for my Sunday prep. Here’s a couple of pics what that looked like on the weekend.

 

 

Training-wise, I have just been keeping at it, doing whatever I can do to get it all in. Right now I am on a 6 day a week weight and cardio plan. As I mentioned above, most days I am able to get into the gym on my lunch break to do my weights workout (it’s legs day tomorrow), and then head right back there after work to get my 30 minutes of cardio in. It may seem a little crazy/ obsessive/ too much to get going to the gym twice in one day (and I do sometimes get strange looks from the staff- haha), but it’s really the best for many reasons:

1. It gets me off my butt and out of the office at lunch which is a nice physical and mental break from sitting and staring at a computer for hours on end;
2. Instead of one long workout, it’s two smaller work outs which, scheduling and timing wise makes it much easier to fit in; and
3. It splits my weights workout from my cardio workout and allows me to properly refuel and recover in between sessions which helps with muscle growth J

See, all good things. I have definitely seen some changes in my muscles. Here's a sneaky shot at the gym. Check out the bicep vein J J NBD.

 

 

 

The downside to the new gym plan- I have to get on public transit after sweating my face off in the gym. I’m still not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I think, “Whatever it takes, no excuses” and “I am still, by far, not the worst smelling person on the skytrain.” And, on the other hand, I am slightly embarrassed and aware that I may just be the second worst smelling person on the train. But, you know what, after years of taking public transit, and tolerating the weird smells and disgusting behaviours of others, maybe it’s my turn to be that person on the train, right?? Thoughts?

Today for cardio, however, I went for a run in the watershed with my dad J Nothing, no treadmill or stepmill or whatever can compare to that. Pure bliss.

 

In other news, since I posted last, I have also been to Chicago and back. Yay Chicago, I love that city!! We had an amazing trip, and the food (we’re talking pizza, deep dish cookie pizzas, and lobster macaroni and cheese) and fun deserves a post of it’s own. I will however, quickly point out that although I may have indulged a little too much, I also kept up with all my training J Our hotel was actually located in an athletic club. #noexcuses

And, the countdown to Vegas is on!! Only 13 more sleeps until I leave. Things are getting real! Photoshoots are booked, tickets to the WBFF Pro Show are purchased (I cannot wait to cheer all the Team Blessed Bodies ladies on plus see all the girls I follow online!! It'll be a who's who of the fitness industry) and pool party is booked! A lot more prep and planning to go, but it is all coming together. More deets soon.

XOXO

Jen

Happy Anniversary- To Me!

Today, July 15, marks my one year anniversary with FitnessPrint and Team Blessed Bodies. It has been a year of change, of dedication and self-discovery. Reflecting on from where I started – too scared/ embarrassed/ nervous/ unsure to even say “I want to do a fitness competition” out loud (seriously, even writing it in an email made me feel sick and ridiculous) – to competing in 3 shows, I know I have grown in more ways than I can even recognize. I’ve found and followed a passion for food and fitness, trained hard and heavy, pushed my mind and body beyond its limits, learned to support and encourage without feeling threatened, discovered a disturbing affinity to Enrique Iglesias and Justin Bieber lyrics, and became hungry for more!  

And, when I think of all the things that I have done and achieved, I know I couldn’t have done it alone. I have been surrounded by the most supportive and encouraging people. First and foremost, my hubby Bryan. I cannot even count all the ways in which he has been there for me. From spending Friday nights grocery shopping, to calling friends hosting dinner parties ahead of time to let them know of “my situation” (i.e. I’ll be bringing and eating out of my own Tupperware), to driving me to tanning appointments (I stress while driving and cannot be sweating when sprayed), to not complaining when I say “5 more minutes” when it’s actually 20 (okay 30) more minutes, to being neglected for 12 hours straight when I hit the gym right after work. He has been nothing but encouraging and supportive. I could not ask for anything more.



Bryan supporting me at the NPAA show in May :)

I have also been blessed beyond belief to have found such an amazing coach, Fatima Leite Kusch and the team she has created. I haven’t written about them much here, but seriously, the all the Blessed Bodies ladies are so amazing and each of them in their own way have inspired and motivated me to keep on going. When I am struggling to get out that last rep, or talking myself out of doing cardio, I think of all the other girls on the team getting it done with whatever they have going on in their lives. There are moms (one with 5 kids!!), college students (even a girl in med school!), older women, younger women, some women with weight to gain and others with weight to lose, women who are training for their first competition, for their pro card or their first pro show and women who just do to do it. It’s truly awe inspiring. Every day I am so thankful and honoured to be a part of this team. They have strengthened me in more ways than one.

If the past year is any indication of what’s to come, then the sky truly is the limit. Never could I have imagined a year with so much strength, so much growth, and so many opportunities. It has truly changed the way I see the world (ugh, see?? This is the cheesy inspirational quote/ cliché thing I was talking about).  

 

 

 

Team Blessed Bodies at the Bust a Move fundraiser. Big muscles and big hearts.

 

Here’s to wishing for many, many more!

XOXO

Jen

 

IDFA Show Recap

This past weekend was the IDFA BC Classic, my second show of the season. I was pumped, prepped and all in pink! Here are a couple post-hair and make-up back stage pics:

This time there were 5 Team Blessed Bodies girls competing. Yay Team Blessed Bodies! I heart these girls. Here are a few shots of us hanging out throughout the day.

 

In this show, I was entered into only one category- Novice Fitness Model. So, when it was my time, I went out, posed and did my T-walk and quarter turns like nobody’s business. Here are some professional stage shots:

 

Did I feel nervous? Yes! Between the nerves and adrenaline, I was shaking the pretty much the entire time but tried my best to stay focused and kept on smiling, and posing, and smiling and posing. During the judging round I got first call out (which usually means top 5) and felt good when I left the stage. It all happened so fast. Then it’s a waiting game. After a few more hours (spent backstage, chatting, sipping water and eating our clean meals- no treats yet!), it was the awards round. After one more time on stage to do a couple poses, the top five of my group was announced. I made the cut! From there, the placings are announced, and I received… fourth, and a medal J A pink medal that matched my bikini :) 

 

Did I expect to do better? Yes. Did I want to do better? Yes. Did I still ‘win’? Yes.  Of course placing first would be a ‘win,’ but there is sooooo much more to get out of all of this and whether or not I walk off stage with first place or last place, I am still leaving a winner (ugh, this is the cliché/ quote things I was talking about in my other post). Throughout this competition prep process I have learned more about training and nutrition and what works best for me, I have made new friends at the gym, I have been inspired and have inspired others, and I have learned to prioritize, set goals and work towards while balancing work and the rest of life. Most importantly I have awakened a passion for health and fitness and am excited to see where it takes me. Speaking of which…

Plans for the next few months do not include any more competitions. I flirted with the idea of doing the WBFF show in Vancouver on July 13, but just don’t have the time and focus to work toward that right now. When I step on to the WBFF stage for the first time, I want to bring my BEST and nothing less.  Between a bachelorette party in Napa, a weekend wedding away and a big move all before the end of this month, I just cannot commit to and enjoy prepping for this show. Instead, I will be focusing on maintaining where I am at, building some more muscle, and finding some balance. I will also be heading to Vegas in August for a photo shoot and to watch my teammates compete in the WBFF Worlds, which also give me a little incentive to keep at it every day. Beyond that, I’m considering my options.   

But, in the meantime, I am starting my post-competition journey with many treats. Post-show treats have included lots of chocolate (candy, cookies and cakes- no joke- all three!), pizza and a trip to Menchies (I may have started a post-show tradition). All of it shared with some of my biggest suporters- my husband and mom and dad J

 

Despite overdosing on treats for the first 24 hours post-competition, I did get right back into my training schedule Monday morning, hitting the gym first thing and going for a run down to the beach… and then to the sushi restaurant for a delicious lunch… and then to Cielo’s for dinner where I was reunited with my lover- the bruschetta.

 

Today, it was right back on the food plan. I have already planned and prepped my meals for the week and am excited by what I’ve made for my breakfasts! It’s a combo of two of my favorite recipes- the crockpot porridge and the zucchini pancakes cakes. Um, yep, it’s the best of both worlds J

So here’s to kicking off maintenance season and living the 365 lifestyle.

XOXO
Jen

 

What Happened, What's Up and What's Next

Okay, very belated (like by almost two weeks), but here's what has been going on since my last (non WIAW) post:

1. The Show!!

 

First, before getting into the details, I have to throw out a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who wished me luck. I was overwhelmed by the support and the really touching messages I received - both pre- and post-show -from friends, family, coworkers and even people I haven't talked to in years. I love and am excited by what I do and knowing that it is inspiring or exciting for other people is just sooooo rewarding. Words cannot describe it. I just feel so blessed. Thank you.

Anyway, back to the deets. Show day was awesome... Despite a ridiculously early start! I was up and at the salon for hair and makeup at 5 am. Ugh. Also, to note, no coffee on show day :( Rough start.

 

Anyway, in 1.5 hours, I got my hair did, make up on and went from this...

 

...to this...

 

 

I was excited I see how the show would go after the awesome check in meeting the day before. NPAA did a really great job creating such a warm and welcoming environment for the competitors. Things were so calm and chill, but still organized and efficient, backstage. So different than my first show where I was fighting for a sliver of counter space and surrounded by hundreds of other competitors (who, were all nice, but were just always in my space). Plus, 6 other girls from Team Blessed Bodies were there too- and we tore up the stage!! We took trophies is each category- figure, fitness and bikini!- and our coach won an award too (cause she is the bestest)!

Some shots from backstage, with the other ladies, and of my coach:

 

The bikini girls lined backstage and ready to go out

Bikini booty shot! Can you spot me?? Nope? Good, because I'm not there.

Note that everything is covered in plastic in the dressing rooms so tans don't rub off and ruin anything.

All the TBB ladies with our coach, Fatima!

 

  

I personally place 3rd in novice fitness and 2nd in open bikini. Whoot whoot! Not that it's all about the trophies or the placings, but I did have a goal (to do better than last time) in my mind and I achieved it :)

And on that note, again, while placing is great, the real reward for me was standing on stage and feeling good. I felt excited, I felt confident, and I felt like I belonged there. It's funny, because by nature I'm not someone who seeks the spotlight. I'm actually really introverted, fairly shy and quite quiet and I usually don't feel comfortable in a bathing suit at the beach. However, for some reason, I felt good standing on stage, in a teeny tiny bikini while being judged. It's kinda hard to wrap my mind around that. 
And finally, a couple of shots with two of my BIGGEST supporters- my husband and my sister. Seriously, I could not do this is if weren't for them.

Me and the hubby

 

 Me and my sister :)

 

 

2. Post-show treats :)

As I discussed in a previous post the power of the post-show treat. It becomes the carrot at the end of the stick and that first bite is like indulging all your cravings from the past 3 months at the same time. I chose chocolate again, and it was delicious:

I think my exact words were, "Omg, I forgot how good chocolate is!" #thingsineverthoughidsay

I then had the evening to enjoy a nice dinner out. I chose Cielos on the White Rock strip, which was perfect on such a sunny evening :) Here are some shots of the delicious food (and drinks) we enjoyed.

Nothing, nothing, in this world compares to this bruschetta... we ordered two... and I ate most of each!

 

 

Followed by a trip to Menchies where I pretty much paid (well, actually Leanne paid) for a bowl of Oreos and peanutbutter cups :) I was in heaven.

3. Post-show plans

As I have mentioned previously, I have another show on June 2 that I am training for. But, to keep things interesting and to keep me on my toes, when presented with the opportunity for a quick post-show trip to Vegas with my sister, I said, "Why not?" With another show 4 weeks out, could I keep it clean in Sin City? Quick answer: yes! But, that deserves a post of it's own... more on that later.

4. Future show plans

The original plan at the beginning of the year was to do NPAA May 5 and then the IDFA show on June 2. Both awesome, but smaller, associations. Good stages to get experience and learn the what's what and then target the bigger shows next season... but then the coach causually mentions that I should consider doing bikini at the WBFF... the WBFF! One of the biggest, most glamourous and most theatrical shows in the industry. To say that stage scares me is an understatement, but to say I won't do it because it scares me is unacceptable. Truth is, I think I can do it, and I think I want to do it. While I may be faced with some challenges leading up to the show (like a stagette in Napa :)) I want to take them on! This will be a whole new prep and will require me to really dig deep to find more of that confidence, that sass and that toughness to really bring it to this stage. And I am ready :)

XOXO

Jen