Monthly Archive for January, 2006

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Personality test

Jode, I did it and here is a cut and paste of some of the things in my profile – most of these things sum me up quite well – see “truth wins out over tact, and just the facts, ma’am” :) Others I just did not agree with! Some of the questions were a bit hard to answer though I thought.

ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.

As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.

ISTJs are most at home with “just the facts, Ma’am.” They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown “to work,”) the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.

ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don’t keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don’t mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.

AC Died

Me and Dianna (from Qld), taken late October 2005 after the INBA Nationals.

I thought it was on it’s last legs, and lo and behold, I got up this morning to a sauna out in the hallway and kitchen/lounge. Was trying to figure out if it was just THAT hot that it was doing the best it could, or if it was buggered. Within about half an hour we definitely knew it was dead, as the temp inside went up to 32 degrees. Luckily I was able to get hold of an a/c fix it man before I left for the gym, and by the time I got home, it was done! The pump had burnt out – wonder if it was due to the power outage we had Friday night.

Speaking of the gym. Not only the a/c, but Jodie and I nearly died as well! It was leg day, 43 degrees today, and boy did we feel it. We were wandering around like zombies by the finish. But, we managed, and managed well! I went up on lunges and squats, and without even realising I had an extra 15lb on leg press for my set of 12 – gotta love that. My legs were shaking uncontrollably as I bent over to put something into my workout bag!

Just downed my shake, and better go have some more food now. It’s getting really hard to eat all the food, I just feel so full all the time. But I am doing it, gotta do it to grow! Looking forward to seeing what Richie has in store for me by the end of next week in the workout department.

I have an appointment with my posing coach on Wednesday, must call today and confirm. I have an awesome idea for a routine this year, I just hope that it will fall into place :) Have my music picked out, but it will need to be cut. Something I had better get to work on.

I hear on the grapevine they are predicting temperatures close to 50 degrees on Wednesday, goodness I hope that is NOT true!! We are going to the cricket in Adelaide on Thursday, I can’t imagine sitting out in that heat with no shade. Perhaps we will watch on tv instead, from the comfort of the apartment :)

Tracey W, if you are reading, yes lets go to Fitness First, 10am Friday, will meet you there. Let me know where it is exactly, I can probably walk from where we are staying. Coffee first, then training – will email to confirm. Send me your mobile number..

H. O. T.

This is a pic from 2004, in Melbourne, with Melbourne AFL player Nathan Brown, a good friend of Damien’s

I cannot remember it being so hot for so long – the evap a/c’s really struggle now the weather is becoming more humid. I am sitting here with an ice pack around my neck. Just sweating the whole time.

I got my zzz’s last night thank goodness. I actually slept until 11am today! So, behind schedule. I have not done cardio, so that will be done tomorrow afternoon, and then I will do another session on Sunday after legs, and that will be my 4 for the week done. I don’t think there is any let up in the weather on the horizon.

We have to go out for a barbie tonight, how uncomfortable will that be outside. I will have to take my lappy, so I can get some work done. Just washed my hair but it’s too hot to be blow drying it, so natural look it will have to be!

Been working on a new ad for New Woman magazine all morning. Having a little trouble with trying to get across what I want. Was not happy at all with the first draft. I have a brilliant lady whom usually does my ads, she is from New Idea and a former client – love her work. Unfortunately the lack of communication with New Woman mag hasn’t allowed me to have it done by someone else this time.

Kat, the book I am reading (it’s a course) was mentioned a few posts back, if you want to scroll back and click on the link – will take you to the info you are after. Thanks!

Need some zzzz’s



Here I am looking mighty glamourous at my hen’s night

Feeling reasonably good for not having slept until about 3am AGAIN. So frustrating. Had my blood tests this morning, and went to the gym and did my cardio – walking on tready incline. I took my bodybuilding course book with me to read while walking – amazing how quickly the time went! I made sure of course I was walking at the required heart rate.

So sore from my back workout on Monday! Funny as I trained alone, and that is the most sore it’s been for a long time. No new workout either. Chest is starting to get very sore too.

Richie has decided to make an entire new training routine for me after he sees my updated pics and stats next week. This will be my last phase of the growth plan, before I start dieting. He said because things have been going so well he wants to “take a more ambitious approach”. Sounds ominous!

Jodie is going to the US in 9 weeks, lucky thing! Means I will have to find a new training partner for that time. Can’t go back to training alone! I love having a workout partner.

Writing this out in the lounge on Damien’s computer as I have someone in fixing up a few things on mine. Hopefully it will be good to go soon.

Think we have a bbq dinner on tomorrow night. I might leave training until Saturday, so my shoulders have more time to recover from chest workout. Jode will be back Sunday so we will tear our legs up then.

Michelle has sent my new hooks, Myoplex (got some for Kimmy too) and new muscletech product, so look forward to receiving that soon. Thanks Michelle!

I have sleep issyews

Love this pic, INBA Prez Wayne McDonald and me on the Big Shot in Vegas, 2002. This ride is way cool, huge adrenaline rush. What a great trip! My hair colour has changed a little. :)

Here I am, 1.10am, in bed with my laptop. I have been having terrible trouble sleeping this past week. Every night has been after 1am with the exception of perhaps 2 nights. Then last night i was still awake at 4am. Hence I wasn’t very switched on today. I had an hour and half sleep this afternoon, just before training. Now, 1am and I am wide awake and buzzing.

Training was great, did a bit of a strength test on BB Bench Press, I managed about 1 rep at 110lb, and Jodie helped me with the remaining 3! I reduced the weight to 100lb and managed about 3 on my own for next set, and Jode helped with last 3. Really blasted chest tonight, again. We have been training so hard! Very impressed with Jodie’s improvements in strength lately.

I didn’t get cardio in today, due to the lack of sleep. Tomorrow i will for sure. I also have to have some blood tests tomorrow to check up on my hormones again – seeing doc in Adelaide next Friday. I was telling Jodie tonight how i have not had any of those exhaustive episodes since October, so I am really happy with that. They were happening every 1-2 weeks early in the year, especially when I was made to diet on 800-1000 calories. Any wonder.

Richie has increased my food again, I get to eat 4 tablespoons of peanut butter over the course of the day, how awesome is that!! Still no cottage cheese :( But I get another half Myoplex Lite instead of my green beans, pretty happy with that swap. And baked potato instead of sweet potato. Food galore. My metabolism must be improving, am not putting on much fat, if any, and this is a LOT of food for me. The PB helps a lot with satiety.

I think I am getting a little tired now. Let’s hope so, will try and sleep now.

Back to reality


Granite Island, Victor Harbor

I’m back! Have had a magnificent few days. Friday night before we left, we were invited to dinner by one of the local Lutheran Church pastor’s and his wife – they treated us to a lovely dinner, very healthy too, and an entertaining evening. Such a beautiful family – their children were so polite and extremely grown up for their age! The kids had us out kicking the footy and digging for ‘treasure’ in the garden :) We got chatting about the Cohen’s Diet, as this couple have been following it for some months and have lost a lot of weight, but I educated them a bit on the dangers of such a low carb and low calorie diet. I could talk all night on diet and training issues :)

The next day Jodie and I trained legs – we did a strength workout this time, I wanted to test how much I had improved. Managed to squat 60kg for a set of 4 (which is 5kg more than my bodyweight), and only managed 1 rep at 65kg. Got 6 reps for 400lb leg press (it’s a pin loaded one rather than our usual 45 degree sled that they have removed from the gym – so i really have nothing to compare it to), and some other good lifts, can’t remember off the top of my head now. Still managed to get quite sore.

I worked feverishly for the rest of the day as we decided to leave Saturday arvo. Wasn’t until about 5pm that I finished everything, so we just decided to go to Renmark and stay there the night, and leave for Victor the next day. Had a lovely few days – it was so good to remove myself from the computer for an entire day (well i answered one email from Di). I really felt as though I had a good break. We went out for dinner twice, but I did very well at sticking to my diet as I took my blender with me, as well as some precooked food, and other food that is convenient for travelling ie packaged tuna, salmon, peanut butter, rice cakes, etc.

Did some walking on the beach, and over to Granite Island, for cardio. I managed to finish my Women’s Fitness article, so I am pleased with that. I really love writing, I would like to do more of it. I need quiet time to do so, so I can concentrate. Good excuse to get away for the weekend :) Good time for writing…

Next weekend we are going away also. Christmas present to Damien, trip to the cricket in Adelaide. 3 nights there, so that will be good. I hope to meet up with Tracy, and perhaps even have a workout together.

Could not believe how hot it was when we got away from the coast. Like an oven. Jode wasn’t able to train tonight, so I went alone. Trained back and tris. I have a new workout coming from Richie, as well as an updated diet. I am really happy with how I am coming up. Can’t believe I am not putting on any fat with the amount of food I am eating!

There was a girl at the gym tonight who had her shorts half way up her a**. It was disgusting. I am not exaggerating, she had 1/3 of her bum cheeks hanging out, with a huge wedgie to boot. How anyone can be comfortable working out in that is beyond me. NOT a good look.

Ok better get back to it. If you are waiting for feedback, or email answered, please be patient! My job for tomorrow! Time to go and eat some more.

I have received some more finishing photos from clients over the past couple of days – awesome work girls!!

Rexus Maximus


Today’s pic is my big puddy cat, Rex, doing what he does best – rolling over asking for a belly rub. Looks like Garfield, acts like Garfield :)

I am having a few computer issues, but getting there. Will have to get someone to look at it when we come back from the beach.

Got a pretty full schedule between now and then. Cardio in the morning, then work all day to get all my new programs done, then we have dinner at friends at 6pm. Saturday morning thrashing (Legs) at 9am, then showing a guy through his new program at 11am. More work, pack for trip, and Sunday we head off to Victor. I am even considering taking our microwave with us!!! How else will i be able to cook my oats! And my blender, can’t go without proper blended Myoplex Lite.

I added pics to my client gallery.

Wonder when i will get a change in diet, am looking forward to it. Salmon used to be one of my favourite things to eat but I have to tell you, eating it every 2nd day or so really takes the enjoyment away! I think mostly because I am not hungry. It’s difficult to eat 250g salmon steak and veg when you find it hard to swallow it. However, I am just DOING it!!

Had nails done today, took that time to read some more of the Bodybuilding Course.

Sent my pics to friend at INBA today who said I had improved muscle and shape. Cool, getting there!!

Bit of relief…

Gonna do a little pictorial of anything and everything. Will post a new pic every day. This was taken at LA Fitness in Arizona in 2002, my first year of competition. This was a few days before the Natural Olympia. My hair’s long!!

Weather-wise…this morning it was nice to wake up to a few spits of rain and an overcast morning. It still turned pretty hot by afternoon, but nowhere near as bad as it has been.

I’ve sorted out my posing suit colours, that’s a start. Jo is going to get going on one right away.

I had a massage this afternoon, with a guy that I have not been to for about 12 months or more – he was going hard on my quads, and asked if it was too firm. This is how the conversation went:

MT: Is that too firm?
Me: No, that’s good.
MT: They are looking pretty toned.
Me: (laughs) You think?! Well, they should at least be a little bigger.
MT: Yeah, they definitely are.

So since my legs have been a bit ‘slow on the muscle uptake’, I was happy to receive that unprompted comment, which I took as a compliment! He also said my pecs were pretty hard. This guy massages footy players so he would be used to massaging quite a bit more muscle than I have.

Getting nails done tomorrow thank goodness, they are so long I can barely type. Very frustrating as I keep making mistakes.

Jode, congrats on some great results from your skin fold test! Keep focused, I know you are! You can visit Jodie’s blogger via my links on the right. Thanks for updating my blogger! Coz I am so not computer literate…

We trained shoulders/bi’s tonight – I lost strength compared to last week on my first shoulder exercise which was really strange, as when I got to biceps I was feeling very strong.

Ok, off to post some pics in the client gallery, then an early night, didn’t get my nanna nap in today!

Tomorrow morning is cardio, and training chest, calves and abs at night.

Where does the time go!

Our latest finisher

End of Tuesday already! Cardio only today, but boy was it hot at the gym this morning. I had an elliptical machine positioned very close to the fan, and did 20 mins there and another 10 incline walking – but, the treadies were a long way from the fan and i ended up dripping in sweat. Another day where it’s just unbearable to do anything outdoors, and even difficult inside. Our evap a/c is having a hard time dealing with it. Soon though, will be lovely refrigerated air in our new house! They are still waiting for building supplies after Christmas so it’s at a standstill, again!

Had some amazing transformations come through, one lady (above) has almost halved her body fat %! Gone from 32% to 17%. Hilary was her personal success mentor, so well done to Hilary, but I know Belinda was SO determined right from day one. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you give your all. I have scanned some pics today, so will put them up in my gallery later. I will be getting to meet another of my clients soon! She’s coming to Mildura, so that will be great.

Just scanning Di’s pics so she can add them to her blog. I can barely work in here it is so hot. Should be writing an article for WF&H but I can’t concentrate in this heat! Poor Rexy has done nothing all day, except sleep on my desk.

Going to Victor Harbor for a couple of days this weekend coming, so will try and get all my work done prior to leaving so i can just lay on the beach. Nah, really don’t like baking in the sun, but will definitely be doing some walking on the beach.

Oh got a new shipment of sugar free maple syrup, so if you have been waiting for some, they’ve arrived!!

Had a good chat to Kimmy today, good to hear how she was going, and Kimmy, forgot to say but your legs look great!

Jodie and I trained last night, once again, SO hot. Back and tris. Tris were already sore this morning. We quite enjoyed lifting more weight than a guy on the t bar row :) Speaking of guys, am starting to get quite a few of them signing up as well.

Better go water the garden before everything shrivels up.

Lazy Sunday

Did my cardio this morning at the gym, 30 mins walking on tready, on full incline. Followed with 6 sets of abs.

Noticing little VM muscles starting to pop out while I was hanging on the bar doing knee raises facing the mirror – very exciting. Well it is to me anyway :) Reasonably sore in the legs and glutes today, see how that progresses tomorrow.

Had a quiet night last night, I was so buggered from my leg workout, it really took it out of me. Tonight we have a barbie at some friends – we are taking our own food :) I may have a glass of wine, depending what is available – I have one to go from my allowance.

Thinking about what to do for a break after Di’s wedding in October. Probably will stay in Noosa for the week, and then head on somewhere else. I LOVE Noosa, fave holiday place so far in Oz. The National Park is just spectacular – check out this link:

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=53


Di’s wedding will be awesome – it’s at a gorgeous restaurant on Hastings Street. Pic above was taken at the same restaurant, in March 2004. Hope I am not giving too much away. There is one thing I don’t like about Noosa in summer – the humidity – as you can tell above, my hair doesn’t appreciate it either.

I’d like to go up to the Whitsundays and the Barrier Reef again too, Damien hasn’t been that far up yet. We have plenty of Frequent Flyer miles so we might have to look into that. Can’t really do it when I am preparing for comp though, and it will be the wrong season if I do it before/after. Another year perhaps…

I am going to have a nice, lazy day today…