Last 4 weeks...and thank you's!

Whewwwwwwww…where do I begin?... It’s been a while since I’ve had a more than a minute to sit in front of the computer and give everyone an blog update.

Ok, I’ll begin by going back about 4 weeks ago to the OPA Ontario Championships. Darrin and I would like to congratulate Team Emerge on a fabulous competition season here in Ontario. Team Emerge had 4 ladies compete on june 23^rd in London Ontario at the level 3 OPA championships. Pauline Trinier was on role this year and emerged the new 2007 Ontario Masters Champion (team Emerge Kelly Kuus is the 2006 Master Champ) and she also placed 3^rd in the Open medium class. Cindy Currie placed 2^nd in Masters qualifying her for the CBBF Nationals in Edmonton a week later,(Darrin and Cindy)
Kelly Kuus gave the open medium class a shot in an attempt to qualify for the open class at the Nationals, but her focus was the masters at the Nationals a week later; Kelly looked fabulous on stage—she didn’t change a thing with her diet just threw on a coat of protan and hit the stage-she came 5^th in a very tough class, and finally the newest member of team Emerge Sylvia Cameron came in her best condition to date and placed 4^th in a very tough class in Masters. Congratulations to Team Emerge on an outstanding showing at the Ontario’s! Pauline, Kelly, Cindy and Sylvia, each one of you looked amazing on stage and should be very proud of your conditioning and performance!

After the Ontario’s were completed our focus was now on the CBBF Canadian Nationals in Edmonton. Team Emerge would have 3 members compete on June 30^th. Cindy Currie and Kelly Kuus both compete in Masters and myself in Med-Tall figure.

One week till the Nationals…..

On Wednesday I went to see Karen from KHP designs to go for my final fitting and pick up my amazing suits. Karen is an angel…the suits she created for me fit like a glove and showcased my figure brilliantly. She created a new prejudging suit, a new 2 piece and altered my original one piece. My physique this year was a lot different then previous years…so she had to shrink my one piece quite a bit. I can always count on Karen to make me “shine on stage”. Thank you Karen for sponsoring me for the 2007 season…you are the best!!

Thursday morning, I went to say bye to my mom…I went to her work so she could see “her little girl” before getting my hair done. My mom has always been so supportive and proud of me. It was nice to give her a hug and spend a few minutes with her before I left. Darrin and I flew out to Edmonton later Thursday afternoon. There had been a lot of issues going on “behind the scenes” here at home for the past couple of months and it was nice to finally get on a plane and away for a few days. After dieting for 19 weeks (the longest I have ever “contest dieted for”) and preparing for the biggest show of my life; the time finally arrived to get in Darrin’s car and head off to the airport. Darrin knows how much competing and our lifestyle means to me --his support and guidance have been incredible this year!!! This was the best condition I have ever been in I was very happy with the way I was dialing in—the final week prep is always the hardest but the people close to me who know how much heart I put into competing-made the last few days wonderful. I had many of my close friends visit me before we left bringing me good luck cards and gifts—it was a little overwhelming but I appreciated everyone and everything.

As we arrived at the airport we met Kelly and Doug in the parking lot….they were on the same flight as us so that was nice to be able to chat with them at the airport. The flight was fantastic and our reservations all went very smoothly…we checked into the host hotel later that evening and we were happy to get settled in. On Friday before registration Darrin and I went to West Edmonton Mall for a few hours to keep ourselves busy. I got in a bit of cardio "yuck!" walking around and Darrin went to the shooting range. I sat behind the glass and watched him shoot the “big guns”!! lol

Friday afternoon after the mall excursion…Kelly and I went down to pre-registration together and before the athlete meeting both went back to our rooms and threw on another coat of protan. When we came down for the athlete meeting Fred Kens from the OPA met Team Ontario outside the hall and presented us with an envelope, team jacket and bag. It was great!! Thank you to the OPA for all the goodies and the monetary gift; it helped greatly. At the meeting it was nice to finally see everyone and say “hey” before the big day!

Saturday morning Kelly and I went over to see Nina at her hotel to get our makeup done. Thank goodness for Nina…she made us look beautiful!! She was my lifesaver!!! Cindy had gone to see Nina a couple hours before us. And all the girls looked gorgeous! After our makeup was done we all headed over to the venue. It was held at the same hall as last year so everything was very familiar to Darrin and I. The show itself ran very smoothly and it was incredibly organized. Most of Team Ontario were together in the back. It was nice to be there supporting and helping each other out. The day was great and the competition was fantastic. Since our trainers couldn’t be with us in the back, Darrin and I kept in contact throughout the show via text messaging. In between the morning and evening shows, the four of us (Kelly, Doug, Darrin and I) went outside and took some pics. It was a lot of fun!!

My goal this year was to place among the top 5 in Canada (in my class) and as we came back for the evening show I was praying for that spot… after coming on stage in our 2 piece performing ¼ turns in the line up ..the top 5 were called out for the final judging comparisons. I was called out!! It was the best feeling in the world to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Darrin was so proud of me. I ended up placing 4^th in my class… I was on cloud nine!

After the show we went out for a bite to eat at Earls then back to the hotel to shower and off to bed.

Sunday, I was still so incredibly happy!! Darrin and I went out and took some more photos before I began celebratory eating..lol.. After the photoshoot we went to Denny’s for breakfast then back to the mall where I was treated to some shopping. I was so spoiled. We wondered around the mall again for a few hours, went out for lunch and drove around the area for a bit before heading back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

A dinner to remember!

For dinner we went to Koukouti restaurant. Many of you may be familiar with this Greek restaurant as it has been the focus of a TV series on the food network for the past couple of years. http://www.foodtv.ca/thefamilyrestaurant
The food was amazing!! Darrin and I had a 12 course meal and everything we had was outstanding. We had the chance to meet the members of the family who starred in the show and Darrin chatted with the “mom” for a few minutes. At the end of dinner we were toooo full….it took everything in us just to get back to the hotel. We were going to go and watch the Canada Day fireworks but I ended up passing out when we got back to our room. But I still managed to wake up a few hours later and eat some treats Tami and Robin sent for me..lol.

After spending a beautiful, relaxing day together, Darrin and I woke up on Monday, packed and headed back to the airport. The flight was great again. This time Cindy, Glen, Jake, Kelly, Doug, Darrin and I were all on the same flight home. We arrived back in Hamilton late in the afternoon on Monday, said our goodbyes and had a few hours to get ready to go back to work on Tuesday.

The following few days I had soo many visits, emails and calls from friends and family congratulating me, again, it was all very overwhelming. I had the chance to look over the pictures from the weekend and slowly get caught up on work. I’m still trying to catch up on everything but one thing for sure is….i don’t have to catch up eating…that is one thing I’ve done enough of!!

Last Sunday Shawn and Pauline invited Darrin, Kelly, Doug and I all over for a BBQ. It was great! They cooked up a storm and we all were able to relax, eat, DRINK and have lots of laughs!! I think my cheeks are still sore..lol.. It was nice to be “normal” for an evening and to spend time with friends. Thank you Shawn and Pauline for a nice evening and for the gifts.

So that will finally bring everyone up to date on my life for the previous few weeks…..I still have lots of news to announce but that will have to wait till my next entry…however, last but not least:

I have to thank some key people that made this an exceptional year for me so far:

First and foremost Darrin: I love you and thank you for everything you bring to my life and all the incredible support you have given me. Thank you to Emerge for sponsoring and providing me with the tools I need to continue with my quest in the Figure world!!

***
My mom and sister(s): You guys are my biggest fans and I couldn’t live my life the way I do without your support! Mom, the picture frame is gorgeous!! Thank you so much—every time I look at it, I will remember the success that I have achieved this year and the love you have given me. The cards from all of you will be going into my memory box to remind me of the little gestures and kind words that mean soo much! More than you’ll ever know!

***
Allmax: Thank you for the amazing supplements and support. The Allmax family is the best and I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing team!

***
KHP designs: Karen- WOW!..I luv you!! Thank you for the sponsorship and the incredible suits!! You always have been there for me 1000% and I appreciate everything you have done for me. Your friendship and support are priceless! Thank you! I will always wear your suits with pride and honour!

***
Mark: Thank you for taking care of the store while I was in Edmonton and all the support and LOYALTY you have shown me. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have brought to my life this year! The card and figurine meant so much to me, thank you and thanks for the candies after! There many good people in my life, however you are one of the best! Thank you!
***
Tami and Robin: Tami—your daily texts and emails got me through those final days!! You are an amazing friend and I could always count on your support! Thank you for the cards and the BIG bag of goodies….I could hardly wait to dig in to them after the show…wow..!! You both are great friends, thank you!

***
Brenny and Matt: Your support and friendship mean the world to me. Thank you for coming to visit before I left for Edmonton. And for the amazing chocolate gift basket after the competition…!! mmmm…it was incredible! You both will always have a place in my heart!
***
Christine D: there are no words to describe the level of support and kindness you have in your heart! Thank you for the card and flowers! You are an amazing person and friend with a true heart of gold, thank you!

***
Ron Hache, Doug Schneider, Chuck Matton, Fred Kens and the rest of the OPA: Thank you for believing in me and the support you have shown me. Thank you for the chance to represent Ontario and I will keep on representing to the best of my ability! The team jacket, bag and monetary gift were greatly appreciated.
***
Nina Luchka: Thank you for making me “beautiful” for the Nationals!! My makeup was amazing! Thanks again for all your support, encouraging emails and to Vince for pushing me to go get remeasured!

***
Team Emerge and the Emerge family: Thank you for all the support and encouragement during my journey this year!! Paul, Brandon, Tania, Pauline, Kelly, Cindy, Sylvia, Adrian, Dolly, Anne, Val, Mike, Barb and everyone else…thank you!
***
Geoff and Kat: Thanks for the good luck wishes before I went out!! And for the huge goodie bag after.…my belly was soo happy!
***
Noah, Dorian and Rachel: Thanks for the candies and your support-you guys rock!
***
To all my friends:Thank you for all your support, love and friendship! From visits to emails to facebook messages/wall posts to kind words at shows!! Every little gesture, word and act…will never go unappreciated or unnoticed…each one of you will always have a place in my heart!

THANK YOU!!!