Feeling Confident

I'll be competing in two weeks, and I'm feeling confident!!  I was struggling a bit with my diet and was having some trouble staying disciplined.  My mitts kept finding their way into food that I shouldn't be eating.  I felt like I put myself two steps behind instead of ahead, BUT I got it together! I have managed to get myself back on track.  I was also seriously lacking in the motivation department, which was partly because I had allowed myself to slip a little. Anyway, I chose not to beat myself up over it and just move forward!!! 
Yesterday, I went to group posing practice at STS, and it gave me the boost of motivation and confidence that I needed.  Apparently, it was a tough week for several of the girls.  I was definitely not the only one who was struggling. I was definitely not the only one who had some cheats on the diet either.  On top of that, we all did GREAT on our posing!  I felt like I looked pretty dang good too...not at all behind like I felt!!  Compared to the other girls, I am still right on track, if not still a bit ahead of the game! Hot damn!!  The icing on the cake was last night, however, when Q and I went to the Desert Muscle Classic (pro show.)  I walked up to say hi to one of my favorite people, Dave Palumbo, and he commented that I am looking really lean!!!  His opinion means a lot to me:)  He then introduced me as his future ex-wife. LOL Funny guy!  He also suggested that I should perform, as they didn't have a guest performer last night. Unfortunately, I was wearing a fancy dress and high heels....not practical for performing a routine in.   I did have my music and dance sneakers out in my car though!!  Maybe next time??   Can I take a rain check on that offer? 
Today is my rest day, which is much needed.  My body still just hurts all over.  I'm pretty sure posing for an hour yesterday didn't help with the soreness at all either.  It must be done though!
Anyway, I am looking forward to busting my ass , especially in my routine, these last few weeks and then shining on stage like the rock star I am(in my dreams!!) LOL  

Two Week To Go

I've only got two weeks to go until show time!! Woo Hoo!! I'm feeling pretty good about things.  I'm stressing a little over getting my routine down.  I'm working on cleaning it up, polishing the moves, and making them sharper. When I'm tired, it definitely shows in my routine.  I'm still worried about getting my glutes tight as well.  It seems like the more fat I lose, the more loose skin I have....which is yucky and frustrating. It's a good thing we girls have a few tricks up our sleeves for situations such as this;) 
Speaking of being tired...boy am I!!  My body and my brain are exhausted!  Today is one of those days that my body just does NOT want to go! This morning, I didn't quite finish my cardio, started with my glute conditioning exercises, and just couldn't do any more. I left after 2 sets of 1 exercise.  So, my plan for this afternoon was: routine practice, glute training, and more cardio.  However, my body had an entirely different plan.  I did practice my routine, but then decided to listen to what my body is telling me, which is something I've learned to do over the years.  My body hurts!  My knees have been a bit pissed at me, my back is tight, and now my hip flexors are screaming! I'm plum worn out. Today, I am listening to my sore, tired body, and giving it a little rest. Guess what?  I can do glutes tomorrow. I can do cardio tomorrow, and I can practice routine again tomorrow!  I also have posing practice tomorrow.  It will be a full day, but my body will hopefully be a little rested and ready to conquer it all!!
Tomorrow is also the Desert Muscle Classic, a pro show that is held in Mesa, AZ. I am looking forward to going tomorrow night, seeing some friends, and getting re-motivated, inspired, and amped up to kick it into even higher gear these last few weeks!!  Gee, I wonder if I could possibly fit any more into one day? HA!
BTW, Shannon video'd my routine practice today, and it will be posted on my YouTube channel sometime within the next few days for y'all to see! 
Also, if you live in the Phoenix area, you can expect to see my on Channel 3 News sometime before the competition. They want to run a story that covers my competition prep! I'm excited about this because nobody has ever run a story on me before that focuses on my fitness, rather than just my "handicap." So, be on the lookout for that! For those of you NOT in this area, hopefully I can post a link to the news clip once it airs!  

Progress Picture

I keep promising that I will post a pic of my progress for you, and I'm finally here to deliver!   In this photo, I am 5 weeks out.  This was taken later in the day, which means I already had 3 meals and a ton of water in me. So, if I look a bit bloated, that's why. In the end, all that water will be pulled out.  Yes, I obviously need a tan as well.  However, I am not worried about that at this point. I'll get that the day before show time!  I am going to keep working on conditioning, especially in the glute region.  I have no doubt I will be ready:)

Another Video Blog

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOF71ljk4M&feature=plcp&context=C3494a16UDOEgsToPDskKQUpZyhUWl85b7mF4DuRQ8

Yes, I am very opinionated....I get that from my dad;)  I say it exactly how I see it.  I don't sugar coat it, beat around the bush, or try to be all "PC."  This video is about what people should and should not be wearing to the gym, in my opinion.  My husband says that my brain is always on speaker phone.  I guess this is one of those times.  I think that what I have to say on this video is what most people are thinking anyway.  I just have the balls to say it.  I hope that some people will take my advice on this subject!

My First Video Blog

You asked for it!!!  So many people have requested that I try video blogging. So, today I did it!  It took me three tries, but I finally somehow managed to record and publish my very first video blog!  It is on my new YouTube channel, which is FitnessUnarmedBarbie.   Ok, this was my first video. I'm sure with practice, I will be more comfortable seeing myself and hearing myself on camera.  I also need to learn to quit saying,"uh" and "um."  However, this isn't too bad for my first video.  I will keep practicing!  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-4TkuBKeY

More Changes

I am now a little under 7 weeks out from competing, and more changes are being made.  Last Sat, I went to a posing clinic at STS, and Scott was kind enough to give an honest assessment of how he thinks I am doing and looking.  We were both in total agreement that my glutes need to be a lot tighter.  So, he gave me some extra exercises to do. Some are five days per week, and one is twice per week.  These should help tighten me up in the glute and upper thigh areas.  It's refreshing to hear an honest opinion and for someone to be willing to help!
In addition to those changes with my training, I will also be making another small change to my diet when I hit the 6 week mark.  I'll be going from 3 days no fats/ 2 days fats to 3/1 for 2-3 weeks, depending on progress.  Then, I'll be cutting out fats completely.  I also discovered when I was out sick, that by adding in some quinoa cereal a few days/week, I am feeling a bit better AND more weight started falling off!  So, for energy at the very least, I'm keeping it in my diet.  
Yesterday, I went to see an old friend, Jerry Slaton, who was also my trainer for about 100 years. Just kidding, but he did train me for many years:)  Anyway, I went to him to take my measurements and body fat.  He has kept a log for me of my measurements and body fat for the last several years, which is helpful!!  Yesterday, at about 7 weeks out, he measured me at 9.9% body fat, which seems to be right on track because last time I competed, in 2009, at 8 weeks out, I was at 10.5%! A few of my measurements were even a bit smaller this time, and most of my skin fold measurements were the same. So, I am right on track, not behind as I thought!!  The main reason I go to him for this is that he's very good with the calipers....and GOOD quality calipers, not those cheap plastic ones.  Checking body fat this way is MUCH more accurate than other methods, such as the hand-held bio impedance machines, which can be VERY inaccurate. Thanks again, Jerry!!
On another positive note, I finally got to do some work on my routine yesterday!  i changed up the choreography a bit, just to suit me better.  It's coming along nicely!  I really need to just practice as much as I can to polish it up as it looks pretty rough right now, which is how it always looks in the beginning stages:)  I am definitely stressing a lot less about the routine now and feel comfortable and confident that I have plenty of time to be ready!!
So, all in all, aside from being sick still, everything is falling into place! I am pleased at this point!!  Thanks again to Jerry Slaton and Scott Keppel for their help!
P.S. Another video by Shannon and I will be done soon! So, be on the lookout!!

I Believe

Sometimes, I wonder if anyone besides me has a "theme song."  I guess a theme song could be a song that symbolizes your life, a period in your life, or even just a certain situation in your life.  I have a theme song that kinda sums up my whole life, as well as my "career" as a fitness competitor.  The moment I heard this song, (when I was watching the movie, 'Honey') it hit me...THAT'S MY SONG!!!!  I had to wonder if I wrote this song about my life and forgot I did it! lol  
There have been many times throughout my life when people believe that I "CAN'T" do something.  Sometimes, they even put little seeds of doubt in MY mind, BUT I have to try to ignore that doubt and find my own strength and BELIEVE in myself!  Sometimes, I have to dig deep, really deep, to find that strength and belief, but it's always there!  Have I ever cried? OH YA!  Have I ever wanted to give up? YA!  However, I've NEVER let things get me down for long. 
When I'm going through a rough time, I listen to this song over and over.  I know my kids get tired of hearing it at times, but hey, maybe the words and the meaning will sink into their little heads too!!  
I've heard negative comments about me competing from the very beginning...actually before I even began. If you've read my bio, you know what I'm talking about.  I COULD HAVE allowed that negativity to stop me in my tracks before I even got started, but I CHOSE to keep going after my dream and prove people wrong!  To this day, I still CHOOSE to use those words, which I can still hear in my head plain as day, to light a fire under me!  That man's words motivate me more than anything else!  
Anyway, I'm starting routine choreography/practice today, which for me is the hardest part of the competition.  My theme song gets me going, gets me amped up, and reminds me to believe in myself!!! I listen to it over and over on my way to the gym and on my way to practices, and I just wanted to share MY theme song with you because this is ONE of the things I do to keep my chin up and my attitude positive.  Enjoy!  Drum roll please..........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXZdudAoZHA

Because I'm Kind Of a Big Thing (JK)

Today, I received an e-mail from a lady who does it all!!  I was going through her web site, and she seems pretty amazing!  Her name is Janet Marisco, she's a figure pro, and she has a radio show called, "The Body Shop." She asked me to be a guest on her show on Jan. 30!  I've been on the radio a number of times in the past, and I absolutely love radio! OF COURSE, I agreed to be on her show! After the touching letter she wrote to me, there was no way I could ever say no....not that I would anyway:)  This is something I enjoy doing!  I hoe she doesn't mind if I share her letter with you.  I want you to read it because it really touched me.  Sometimes, actually most times,  I have absolutely no idea how I impact the lives of others.  When I hear stories like this, I feel grateful and blessed that I am somehow able to inspire people, motivate people, and make people see that their excuses are just that ---- excuses.  If I can do it, so can they!!  So, here's the sweet letter I got from Super Woman herself, Janet Marisco:

Barbie, my name is Janet Marsico, I am a WNBF Pro Figure Competitor, 
the 2008 WNBF Pro Figure World Champion, as well as the official stage 
coach for both the INBF/WNBF. I also have my own spot on FTNS Fitness 
Radio every Monday night at 9:00 live. The only live internet station 
in our area (I live in New York but the station is in Connecticut and 
airs via internet nationwide). I bring on guests in our industry every 
week for an hour and interview them about their involvement in the 
fitness industry and their contribution to the sport itself. I have 
already had Tosca Reno from Oxygen magazine, Jennifer Nicole Lee will 
be coming on this month, etc. The reason that I am reaching out to you 
is you actually have a special spot in my interest, and I will explain 
why. Whenever I conduct any of my one on one Workshops with a new 
client, I have what I call my "fitness bible" where I have pages and 
pages of visual pictures from magazines of photos of competitors from 
different competitions from several organizations from my many 
different magazines. I show them many great shots of the correct 
poses, suits hair, make up and then I also show them the girls who are 
in the "wrong" stances, etc. Then I always look them in the eyes and 
say "and then just when you get to the last week towards your show and 
you think that you can't, you feel it's too tough, try telling it to 
Barbie Guerra"... I then turn the page and they kind of look at me in 
confusion. I then tell them, "no, that is not a photo shop picture". 
It's the 2006 article from Oxygen magazine of you on stage at a fitness 
competition and the article is entitled "The Amazing Courage of Barbie 
Guerra"..... I have had this article in my "fitness bible" since then 
and I cannot tell you how much the girls sit back and read the article 
and how much it gives them a different perspective on what strength and 
the level of fitness that anyone can achieve if you really want it.. So 
thank you for allowing me to give that to my clients for so many years. 
I really should have written to you many years ago.

So this brings me to wanting to invite you to be interviewed on my show 
either at the end of this month, or early February. I think my 
listeners would love to hear your story, the competitions you have 
competed in and I personally would be honored to get the change to 
speak with you and get to know you as all of my clients have all had 
the chance to read that article so I know they would be most interested 
in listening to the interview.

I will be on tonight at 9:00 if you would like to listen to see what 
the show is about and what I go into with my guests. You can log in 
live at ftns.co (it's not .com) and get back to me at your convenience. 
I would absolutely love to have you on the show. It would be a 
telephone interview for an hour so there is no need for any travel 
plans.

Warm regards, Janet Marsico

PS: My web site is thefigureworkshop.com if you wanted to see a little 
bit about me and what I have been doing over the years as well...

Now you probably understand why I said "YES!"  What an honor to be in her "fitness bible" for all of her clients to see!  Thank you again, Janet! I can't wait for my interview in a few weeks!

Because I'm Kind Of a Big Thing (JK)

Today, I received an e-mail from a lady who does it all!!  I was going through her web site, and she seems pretty amazing!  Her name is Janet Marisco, she's a figure pro, and she has a radio show called, "The Body Shop." She asked me to be a guest on her show on Jan. 30!  I've been on the radio a number of times in the past, and I absolutely love radio! OF COURSE, I agreed to be on her show! After the touching letter she wrote to me, there was no way I could ever say no....not that I would anyway:)  This is something I enjoy doing!  I hoe she doesn't mind if I share her letter with you.  I want you to read it because it really touched me.  Sometimes, actually most times,  I have absolutely no idea how I impact the lives of others.  When I hear stories like this, I feel grateful and blessed that I am somehow able to inspire people, motivate people, and make people see that their excuses are just that ---- excuses.  If I can do it, so can they!!  So, here's the sweet letter I got from Super Woman herself, Janet Marisco:

What's New This Week?

This week, my legs are feeling a bit fatigued. So, I'm going to go ahead and do only one leg day this week instead of two, but I am still going to focus on those problematic areas that I mentioned in one of my past blogs.  The double cardio sessions are going as well as can be expected.  The step mill and I .... well, we still have that love/hate relationship going on.  I don't expect that to ever change.  I am hoping to get working on my routine this week, which is exciting and scary all at the same time.  Most of the things I'll be doing in my routine are things that I have not done in a few YEARS.  I am extremely rusty, to put it mildly. In fact, after going over just a few things today with a friend at the gym, it was very apparent that my skills are not just rusty....they straight suck right now!  This is going to require A LOT of work!  Practice, practice, practice!  I am expecting my body to be hurting all over when I begin choreography and practices.  It's a good thing I have plenty of epsom salt on hand!  I've done this a million times before and survived. So,  I'm sure I will survive this again.  It isn't going to be easy though...not that it ever is!!  In the end, all the hard work will have been worth it, and I'm looking forward to it!  
When I hit the "8 weeks to go" mark, which will be Saturday, I'm changing up my diet a little bit. I'll be going from 2 days with no fats/2 days with fats to 3/2 for a few weeks.  Then I will switch it again to 3/1.  The last 3-4 weeks will be all proteins and asparagus/green beans/salads/cucumbers.  That is what I am NOT looking forward to.  Again, I will survive.  Although, at that point, I really feel for my family because I know I'm not exactly a joy to be around.  During that time, I don't even like being around me!!  I just hope they can remember that it is only temporary and be as understanding as possible!  As usual, I will keep y'all updated if I make any changes!  I also want to get some pics up sometime soon.  Maybe on Sat, I'll have Q take some pics.  :)  Have a great week!!  I hope you are keeping the resolutions you made!  Don't ever give up!  Remember --- "CAN'T" is NOT an option!

Bleacher Babe Workout Video

Yesterday, my friend Shannon and I, shot a video of us doing a bleacher workout!!  The video is only 3 min long...because I'm sure nobody wants to watch us for an hour or more going up and down the bleachers! So, there are just short clips of some of the fun things we do on those bleachers!!  i hope you enjoy it!
https://www.facebook.com/shannonjdougherty/posts/273411336052402?notif_t=mention

Sweepin' and Shapin'& Movin' and Shakin'

Yep, I'm working on my sweep, but I ain't talking about sweeping the floor!  I've decided to split my leg training into two different days so I can give each part the work and attention it needs.  I have decent quad development, but my outer sweep has always been lagging behind.  Instead of a nice rounded out outer sweep, mine is just kind of straight up and down....not much shape there.  So, on my quad day, I am really focusing on that.  I'm hoping I can grow that into a nice shapely outer sweep.  
I also have good glute development and plenty of "mass" there, but I also hold onto extra "fluff" in that area that is extremely stubborn and never wants wants to go away until about 2 weeks before I step on stage.  I freak out and obsess over it every time, too.  So, on my other leg day, I am focusing on shaping that booty of mine.  So, I'm doing more exercises that focus on shaping the glutes, rather than putting so much effort into building them. Trust me, I've got enough size back there, and it follows me everywhere! haah  
I'm also still doing my cardio twice/day, more than half of which is done on the stepmill.  I'm doing a lot of intervals on the stepmill as well as on the treadmill.  I vary the speed and the incline/resistance constantly, no matter what cardio machine I'm on.  I've also been doing some walking on a negative incline, as well as some backwards locomotion just to keep it mixed up and to make my muscles work in different ways.  
Bleacher workouts are still part of my training as well.  I just haven't done them in about a month because of football games, weather, holidays, kids' surgeries, etc.  However, this week, I'm supposed to be doing a bleacher workout with my friend, Shannon, AND we're making a video this time!!! Of course, I will post it as soon as I can!!
I've kept dance in my regime.....because it's fun, and I love it!  As soon as I get my music, I will be choreographing and practicing my fitness routine, which will also help burn some fluff and help with my conditioning.  The routine is definitely the hardest part for me.  However, it is also the most fun part, and I can't wait to get movin' and shakin' on that!!  I will try to get a video of my routine for you all to see at some point as well. Maybe I can recruit Shannon for this job;) wink wink:)
BTW, I hope everyone is having a great new year so far!! If you've made any resolutions, resolve to not give up on them!!  Remember, "CAN'T" is NOT an option!!!

Progress Update

Well, I've got about 10 1/2 weeks to go, but I feel like I need more time!  I feel like I'm behind.  I've really been struggling.  I've never had a problem in the past, jumping right back on the diet band wagon after my cheat meals.  This time, however, is a different story!  I decided that I would allow myself to enjoy Christmas day with my family.....food and all, but after that...NO MORE CHEAT MEALS for a while.  If I can't cheat and get right back to the diet, then I probably shouldn't allow myself to cheat.  
My body is still hanging out around 13% body fat, which I'm not too happy about(but it's my own fault.)  I'm sticking to double duty in the cardio dept. though.  Hopefully, that will help.  I finally got someone to get back to me about making some music! Yay!!  So, once I have music, I can start choreographing and practicing, which will also help me drop some fat:)  I'm excited to get busy on that!!  That is, after all, my favorite part of competing!!  I did PROMISE my mother and a few others that I would be doing NO tumbling this time around. Tumbling is how I hurt my knees, and they are finally at a point that the pain is manageable. So, no tumbling for this chick any more:(  Maybe I can sneak in something that's "tumble-ish?" haha We'll see.  I will definitely keep my "signature" moves in my routine though, one of which I haven't practiced in a long time!  It's like riding a bike though, I hope:)  It should all come right back to me.  
Anyway, that's my progress...or lack of progress update for now.  I plan to have better news for ya next time!!! 
I hope y'all had a nice Christmas!  Have a Happy New Year!  Be safe! 2012 is going to be awesome! Let's rock it!  

Egg Whites on Sale

FYI, I still sell the Egg Whites, Int, and they are on sale NOW until the end of Dec. 2011.  The link is posted on the right hand side of my blog page, and the sale codes you'll need are listed below:

** 2 Gallons normally $70.00. Now in Dec with code only $56.00 (includes shipping)
CODE: SNOLLAG

** 4 Gallons - normally $132.00. Now in Dec with code only $112.00 (includes shipping)
CODE: ESACLAG

** 6 Pack of half gallons - normally $116.00. Now in Dec with code only $96.00 (includes shipping)
CODE: ESACFLAH

Dressing - It Can Be A Workout Too

Another question I get asked A LOT is,"How do you get dressed?"  Things that you take for granted or are just simple tasks for you can definitely be a chore for me sometimes.  Dressing myself is often one of those things that I really wish I just didn't have to do!  Being a nudist would just be so much easier!  Honestly, if it was acceptable, I'd be naked all the time, mainly to save myself the frustration of getting those darn clothes on!!
It did take me a long time to master the task of dressing.  Thank God for creative thinking therapists and ingenuity! Thank God for parents who MADE me do it instead of just doing it for me.  Sometimes I still have to be creative when figuring out how to do things.  It's a good thing I was blessed with the ability to think outside the box!
For starters, flexibility is a key factor.  If I didn't keep myself flexible and "bendy," I wouldn't be able to do half of the things I'm able to do.  I do sit in the floor for much of my dressing.  I have to say, not having those pesky arms in the way makes some things easier. For instance....bras!  I hook the bra before I put it on and just put it on over my head, pull it down where it needs to be, and DONE!  I tend to wear strapless bras most of the time because I don't have much of a nub on my left side to keep the strap up.  If I'm not wearing a strapless bra, I'm wearing a sports bra, which is about 99% of the time these days.  I'm becoming more and more anti-bra all the time. Sports bras are just more comfy:)  Another example of something that's easier without those things called arms in the way is shirts/dresses with zippers or buttons in the back.  I can slip them over my head (on backwards) zip it up or button it or whatever and just turn it back around. You can't do that with arms! lol
Speaking of buttons, I usually button as many as I can before I put things on. Then, once it's on I use my toes and my mouth to button the rest. It is a pain is the ass, which is why I usually buy clothes without buttons.  The older I get, the more I look for clothes that are easier to put on! 
I used to wear jeans ALL the time. Now, I only wear them once in a while. Those things are a real pain!  At least now, many jeans are stretchy, and that definitely does help.  I do have some special tools I use, mainly for bottoms.  I have "dressing stick," which is a long metal stick with a hook on one end (to hook onto pants/shorts/panties, etc) and a soft coated mouthpiece on the other end. So, I hook the clothing on the hook, and use my mouth to pull up.  I also have a suction cup that sticks to smooth surfaces, and it has a knobby thing on the end. I've been using this way more lately than my dressing stick.  This thing came about because when I was little, I would use my dresser drawer knobs. I can hook my clothes on there, and move my body up or down to get the clothes where I need them. I broke so many drawer knobs, that someone finally came up with this for me. I always have one of these in my purse too so I can take myself to the restroom when I'm not at home. Public restrooms can be a real pain too.....I will NOT sit on the floor, and I don't want my tools touching the floor. So, I have to be creative.  Honestly, if I have a good friend or my mother with me, they will usually just help me get my pants up and down.  It's a heck of a lot quicker too.  I am also very thankful for family restrooms.  There have been many times that I've had on difficult clothing, and I need my husband to go in and help me. Otherwise, I could be in there forever just fussing with my clothes. Getting some things, like leggings, on is a total body workout!! haha
OK, back to jeans..... I also have a smaller and much skinnier "dressing stick" that fits into the hole in the end of a zipper. I call it a "zipper pull." The little hook fits into the zipper hole, and I use my mouth to pull it up.  I also have a "button holer," which is a wire hanger that is bent up all funky.  I use my right foot for this. i hold onto one end of it, and the other end I put through the button hole, hook the button, and pull it back through the hole. Sometimes, this is tricky. Sometimes, I get it stuck.  I have actually had to call a neighbor friend before to come get me unstuck from this thing!!  I tell ya, if I didn't have a good sense of humor about myself, I'd probably be in the nut house by now. haha  Belts...ah those pain in the ass things.  I rarely wear them any more. When I do though, I put the belt on first, and use my long dressing stick to fasten it once everything else is on. Since I'm usually in gym clothes or something simple to get on these days, my life is a little easier. When I wear more difficult things, I feel like I'm getting a workout, and I'm a sweaty mess by the time I'm done!
Oh yes, I almost forgot...because i almost never do this anymore, but tucking in shirts....this one actually isn't too hard.  If I'm going to tuck in a shirt, the only way I've found to do it is to use my dressing stick to tuck it into my underwear. I know, it sounds silly, but it works.
The older I get, the more I'm concerned with ease. Ya, jeans are cool, but they are a real pain in the butt. So, I stick to wearing easier things.  Dresses are something else I don't wear a lot. If I wear a dress, I have to wear shorts underneath so I don't give the world a peep show every time I put my leg up to do something. Trying to hold up a dress to get shorts up and down to use the potty...not easy. Therefore, dress wearing is limited. I'm just too impatient to worry about all these things that are a hassle any more!
I guess what goes on my feet is a part of dressing too. So, I'll address that too for you:) I love boots, but the ONLY time I wear them is if I'm going somewhere like dancing, my husband or someone is with me to do EVERYTHING for me, and I won't need to use my feet.  The same goes for any type of shoes that require buckling buckles. As you can imagine, I just don't wear these types of shoes or boots often. It's rare actually. I usually just wear sandals or flip flops. They are easy:)  My sneakers are the only thing I wear that have closures. I have to take my sneakers/gym shoes to a shoe repair place and have them put velcro straps on them. Again, not exactly cool, but it works. So, I use my right foot to velcro shut the left shoe, and my mouth to close the right shoe. I only wear these when I'm at the gym or doing anything workout related.
Coats and jackets are another thing I don't like. That's one of the main reasons I will only live where it's warm. Here in Arizona, the most I ever need is a sweatshirt, and those I can just put on over my head.
I hope this answered the whole dressing question.  I'm sure it's hard to visualize how I do this, but at least you get the idea now. Keep your questions coming, and I'll do my best to answer them! As you can tell, I am a very open book, and I totally don't mind satisfying your curiosity!! 

Mom's Advice

When I was a teenager, like most teenagers I didn't think my parents knew diddly squat about anything.  My response to just about anything they tried to tell me was, "Whatever."  BTW, I still say that sometimes, not usually to my parents though.   However, my mom gave me a piece of advice that for some reason stuck with me. Although, it didn't hit me until I was in college, and I realized she was right.  That's a humbling experience...realizing your mother was right!! haha  Anyway, I used to not understand (in high school, jr. high) why the boys didn't ever want to date me.  OK, NOW looking back, I understand that it had a lot to do with them not being sure what their friends would think.  In college, the boys did a complete 180* turn around, and it didn't seem to matter to them that I didn't have arms.  When I realized that boys actually DID like me now, it also occurred to me that something else had changed within myself......I had learned to love and accept myself the way I am.  The advice my mother had given me a few years earlier was: YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAN EVER EXPECT THAT ANYONE ELSE WILL.  HOW CAN ANYONE ELSE LOVE YOU IF YOU DON'T EVEN LOVE YOURSELF?  After all, I am ALWAYS going to be like this.  I guess I just finally learned to accept that.  I also learned that I am a pretty cool chick!!  Why WOULDN'T anyone like/love me??  lol   So, to anyone else who is struggling with the same thing, or is in a similar situation, I am telling you....I guarantee that if your attitude about yourself and your situation changes, so with others' attitudes change!!  Attitude really does make a HUGE difference!!  I know you've heard this before as well, but CONFIDENCE (not to the point of cockiness) is BEAUTIFUL, even sexy at times!!  
So, adjust that attitude, love yourself, believe in yourself, and let your confidence shine through!!  Trust me, people will notice, but beyond that YOU will be so much better off and SO much happier!
Now, I would just like to say, "THANKS MOM!!!  YOU WERE RIGHT...AGAIN!"  

More Answers

I am glad that my readers, fans, and friends still have questions for me because it's giving me material to blog about!!  Here is another one that I will do my best to answer:  "ur married and have kids, how did you approach potential relationships etc and bringing that new person into your 'world'? and did you find ur sex life complicated at all by others perceptions or ur own perceptions? u seem very confident and un phased at all by what other people think, i just wondered if that also translated into ur personal world? "
I believe I approached relationships just like anyone else would.  If a man wanted to get to know me and date me, then I would assume he had already noticed that I am missing a few limbs!  So, if he had a problem with that, then he probably would not be dating me in the first place.  In the past, there have been the occasional men who wouldn't date me because they "didn't know how to talk to me" or didn't know how to handle my situation.  I was even with one man who insisted that I didn't wear sleeveless tops because people would stare at me!  I told him that people are going to look and stare at me no matter what i wear!  i could wear a long sleeve turtle neck, a strapless top, tank top, short sleeve t-shirt, or a freakin' tent.....it's not going to stop people from staring!!  If you know me at all, then you've probably already guessed what I did.....YEP!  I wore a strapless top out that night anyway!!  He was obviously a jerk, and I did NOT stay with him.  I told him that not EVERYONE stares just because I don't have arms and think I'm a freak!  Some people like to watch simple because they are amazed.  Most people are just curious.  Wouldn't you be??  After all, it's not every day you see someone eating with their feet in a restaurant.  i told him, for all we know they could be staring at him and wondering what the hell I was doing with him??  haha
With anyone who is new to my world, my reality, I try to make them feel more comfortable by letting them know that if I need help, I will ask.  I don't make them feel bad for watching me do things.  i usually try to inject some humor into things too....it helps:)
I have to say though, being armless is sometimes a great way to weed out the jerks!!!  I have found that MOST people don't care that I'm using my feet, and they eventually "forget" that I don't have hands.  Most of my friends, family, etc eventually become unaware of the looks and whispers of others.  They aren't quite as unaware as I am, but oh well.  The ones who DO care about that and can't handle it obviously need to be weeded out anyway.
I guess I realize that people are just curious, amazed,etc, and I don't care if they look.  I'm so used to it that most times, I don't even notice....unless they're being downright rude.  I have my ways of dealing with them too:)  I figure if someone doesn't like the way I look, or they don't like to see me using my feet, they don't have to look!  Ya, I'm wearing a tank top, and my shoulders/nubs are showing! You don't like that??  OH FREAKIN" WELL...then don't look!! So ya, I'm pretty unphased by what people think. Why should I care what they think? They sure don't care what I think!!  Hey, I can't please everybody!  I am just me....take me or leave me. lol
OK, to answer the question about sex: doesn't sex always complicate relationships?? lol  Honestly, I've never had a problem in this department.  On more than one occasion I've been asked HOW I have sex. My response is always, "Very well!!!! You don't need arms for that, and I have everything else!"  That usually shuts them up.  If they decide to just be raunchy, I'll answer their questions with a smug, "That's something you will never be lucky enough to find out."
IF being with me sexually and my not having arms/hands has ever been an issue for someone, I have never been told about it.  I could certainly understand how it could be a concern though, and I wouldn't hold it against anyone for feeling that way.  In fact I think it would hurt my feelings more if someone told me I was bad in bad than 
if they said they had a hard time dealing with me not having hands!
I hope this answered those questions to your satisfaction:)  Keep your questions coming people!!!

Korea Trip

I just got the news that our trip to Korea has been postponed. They couldn't get us a flight because it's the peak time of the year...the holidays.  They still want me to go in January though. However, I asked if we could please go sometime after March because I'm in the midst of contest prep. Hopefully, that will be acceptable to them.  I'm actually a little relieved, just because I'm already a little behind in my progress.  I was afraid this might put me further behind.  Everything happens for a reason, right?!!

Motivation

Today, someone asked me a question....a question that I get asked A LOT! So, I decided I should just write a short blog about it. Here's my chance to answer the question (well, one of them) that everyone asks me: HOW DO I GET MOTIVATED AND STAY MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING TO THE GYM, KEEP TRAINING, AND KEEP MYSELF FIT????? 
The answer is a multi-part answer yet quite simple really.  First of all, if I don't keep myself in decent shape, it's difficult for me to function and just do daily tasks. When I slack on training, I tend to let my healthy eating habits fly right out the window, too.  When I don't train and don't eat well, I gain weight, retain a lot of water, my back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees swell, and it becomes difficult....even painful at times to use my legs and feet the way I need to.  Plain and simple....by staying in shape, I feel better, look better, and I can function much easier.
The second part of my answer is: goal setting.  I am always setting new goals for myself. Some are long term goals and some are just small short term goals, but there is ALWAYS  a goal I am setting out to achieve.  Sometimes, my goals are as simple as just keeping my eating in check or stretching for 5 extra minutes a day.  Other times, like now, I'm aiming to lose 10% body fat by March 10.  I rarely do ab exercises. So, sometimes I shoot to do abs at least once per week.  Recently, my goal (which I have achieved) was to be able to go for an entire hour on the stepmill.  If there isn't a goal in sight, you really don't know what you're working toward!! You've got to know know where you're going in order to figure out how to get there, so to speak. 
Rewards are also a good thing.  Reaching any goal, big or small, is something to celebrate!  I might reward myself with a cheat food, a new pair of shoes, a night off from cardio, new make-up....or whatever it is that floats my boat at the time.
Last, but not least: I HATE when I can't fit into my favorite clothes!  So, fitting into my clothes is definitely a motivator for me as well!
I hope this answers the questions about my motivation!!  If there are more questions, PLEASE feel free to ask me, and I will do my best to answer them!

Progress Update

Before Thanksgiving, I was doing great and making progress.  I somehow allowed myself to get derailed though.  I planned on Thanksgiving dinner being my first cheat MEAL.  However, my cheat meal turned into a cheat DAY, and my cheat day turned into four cheat days.  Yes, I did some damage.  My weight was right back up to where it was when I began.  Luckily, it was mostly water weight, and I'm now back to where I was before Thanksgiving.  This did put me behind though. So, now I'm busting my ass even harder.  I was doing 45 minutes of cardio twice per day.  I'm now doing an hour twice per day.  
I decided that I'd better just live on the stepmill for the next 15 weeks.  However, my soleus in my right leg is apparently pissed about all that stepping up.  I'm not sure if it's tendonitis or what, but I'm taking it slower on the stepmill and using the treadmill instead when I need to.  
I've also been making a conscious effort to do more stretching, and my flexibility is already back to where it needs to be!!!
Q and I are taking a very short trip to South Korea in a few days because I was asked to be on a talk show there!!!  I'm going to do my best not to fall off the diet wagon while we're away.  I'm not at all excited about the long flight, but I can't wait to see Korea!  I couldn't pass up this opportunity, even though the timing is horrible.  When I return, I'm sure I'll have a few stories to share with you!!  
BTW, 2012 is right around the corner! Have you decided on any resolutions? Fitness resolutions and goals??  You MUST have goals to achieve success!!!