I had the best routine practice today!!! I completely changed huge parts of my routine! I decided that my energy level in the routine was not high enough.....and I figured out that it is because the routine wasn't "me" (per se). I absolutely love the choreography, but it was too much dance and not enough high energy "tricks." So....I changed it:) I added in some old "favorite" moves, and threw in a few new ones that I love! I finally feel EXCITED about this routine. I love the music, and now I love the moves:) I must say that I did so many push-ups today that the connecting muscles between my lats and my pecs are SCREAMING tonight.

I found out that I have to have surgery on a small hernia in my abdomen...(beside my belly button). I am not looking forward to it, but luckily I am not competing until next spring- so I will have plenty of time to heal:) The doctor assures me that I will be as good as new in a few weeks.....but "no heavy lifting for 6 weeks"....(yeah right! Like that will happen:) I will go crazy if I can't lift weights for 6 weeks! It is going to be a challenge to say the least....ha ha ha

Did everyone watch the Biggest Loser tonight??? Go red team!!!!! I have to admit that I am partial to Kim's team cuz she is an IFBB fitness pro like me:) I am SO impressed with all of the competitors on the show.....I look forward to the weigh ins every week- so motivational!

After Biggest Loser, I watched the interview with Steve Irwin's widow Terry.....I cried until I gave myself a headache.....it was totally heart breaking to listen to her speak about her husband. But I must say, her devotion to him and his memory is inspiring. I could only imagine the pain she must be in......I don't know what I would do if I lost my husband. He is my best friend, and as my Mom says "He is the rock that I dance around." I have always loved him dearly....but after being together for 14 years, I really like him too:)

Well, I must go to bed. I have a hard day of routine practice and training ahead! I had a cheat meal tonight, and I feel as though I need to sleep off the effects of it:) (I ate steak, and cheesecake if you really want to know.....hee hee hee) I did not have OREOS, I promise! (Not that I didn't want to though:) Good night everyone- train hard, no excuses! Love ya,

Tami

I am soooooooo sorry for neglecting my journal!!!! I have been extremely occupied lately- getting ready for my guest posings. I am happy to say I had my first official guest posing at the Evergreen State Championships this past weekend. I had a total ball! I performed my new routine for the first time on stage! It went well, but wasn't as high energy as I would have liked.....It is a work in progress. I have to keep reminding myself of that:) I had the best time hanging out with my good friends Tanji Johnson and Michelle Mayberry. Tanji is a week out from the Olympia and looks phenomenal (as usual), and Michelle is a month out from Nationals (and also looks phenomenal)! I had a very interesting dinner at Applebees the night of the contest (with a couple of my "girls", we laughed till our guts hurt, and everyone in the restaurant was staring at us:) We closed the place down, and shared a sizzling maple nut blondie! If you've never had one, oh my God, they are good! We were "high" on sugar:)

Congrats to my good friend Karen Patten, who competed in her first pro contest this past weekend at the Atlantic City Pro Fitness! She placed 11th, which is a very respectable showing in your first pro contest! I am very proud of her:)

Well, my next guest posing is on October 7th at the Seven Feathers- Northern Pacific States Classic in Canyonville, OR. Come drop by and say Hi! This show is at an incredible venue! You have to see it to really appreciate how beautiful it is. I am so excited to perform for Ron and Susan Smith's contest....they have been so supportive of my career as a fitness competitor. They are just really great people!

Well, enough for now....I will really try to write more often.....I promise:) Take care everyone, train hard- no excuses! Love always,

Tami