To keep this to the point: I have changed the name of this blog. It is now the fourth time. Although I still plan to write about competition prep I also plan to broaden the scope in…everything. I wanted to write on an array of subjects before, but didn’t feel like the blog really allowed that.
So hold on to your draaaaw’s because other stuff is on the way. 
Spring 2009
It’s 2012! Another year passed, and I’m slowly working my way out of a strange place, but I hope to open some new doors for my family and I in the upcoming year.
Web writing
In 2011 I continued to web write with mixed success. My page views for Yahoo! Voices significantly dropped with the Google analytics change. Another solid blow from PANDA and my page views hit an all time low. C’est la vie. I can’t cry over spilled milk.
While my Yahoo!Voices content suffered my National Body Building title made headway in 2011. My page views doubled 2010. I had more page views in 2011 from Examiner.com than in nearly three years with Yahoo! Voices; with 1/8 of the articles. In 2012 I plan to spend much more time on my bodybuilding column.
I was also contacted by several fitness publications that asked for queries. This doesn’t mean the articles will get published, but it is another step.
Boggity, bloggity blogging
Over the course of the year I floundered with blogging. I wanted to do more blogs earlier, but wasn’t sure if I should take on the task. In November I finally did it and created Bodybuilding Event Tips and Tabletop Concoctions.
Late Summer 2009
There are still a few things I would like to change like the Twitter gadgets, but haven’t quite learned how to do it yet. I did, however, learn that if I’m not good with SEO I have to market my work more on social networking sites.
I also created and finished my website. It’s simple, but clean. I haven’t marketed it as much, but plan to during 2012.
Web writing basics
I finally have “the hang” of some writing basics. I’ve worked on writing tighter, keyword dense, concise content with smaller words. I also learned about pinging and hashtags to generate more page views. Yes, I’m slow to the finish line, but I’ll get there.
On the flip side of life
Before we left Chicago I turned away clients. Yes, I was busy with fitness coaching, and we moved so now my business is lacking. I have not worked with anyone in Virginia yet, but found two solid prospects this week. If they hire me my clientage will grow exponentially within six months.
Moving forward is the goal, but if I can find a job with benefits I will continue to coach on the weekends or via Internet.
Bodybuilding Endeavors
June 2011
In 2011 I resolved to win a natural pro-card, but once I began the contest prep process I wasn’t concerned with winning a pro-card. It’s not because I didn’t try, but because I didn’t want break down my body.
Bodybuilding Results
I placed third and fourth place in the OCB Charm City Classic, and third in the NGA Mt.Rogers bodybuilding show. Although I wanted to place higher I am content with my placings. I promised myself that I would not over do it, and I didn’t. I lost a total of 20 lb. to compete. I wasn’t lean enough for bodybuilding standards, but I still placed in the top five. Yahoo!
Throughout contest prep I learned more about my body, and know how to train for the 2012 bodybuilding season. From cardio lengths to weight training, it’s all been noted.
I’ve been weight lifting for years, but in the last two fiscal years I’ve made it a point to add muscle and I did. I should have taken note of my muscle gains, but I didn’t. Maybe in 2012 I will.
Fall 2011
Anyhow happy 2012!
Finally well enough to have an iced coffee.
I’m still sick. It’s not the aching flu that I had, but the continuous cough I can’t get rid of. It has caused me to strain my lower abdomen, and irritate my IT band. It will be several more weeks before the cough goes away because that’s the way I roll; for every cold. My Chunk woke up with a fever today so I hope this will work its way out of our house now. Everyone has been sick so maybe we’ll get lucky and it will be the last for a while.
Writing, training and studying
I’ve tried to write all week and start my new certification, but my focus is a bit off. Once the cold is gone I have to get back on my regular schedule of training, writing, and now, studying. I’ll be getting back up at 3:30 a.m. and dividing the following three hours for homework and writing. If I stick to the plan I’ll be able to get a lot done.
2012 Season
Everyday I toy with the idea of competing in the fall, and it is still up in the air. Vandella Costumes has already agreed to another sponsorship for 2012, but I’m just not sure how I feel about it. There are several reasons I would do it.
This is why I wouldn’t do it:
I still have time to decide. My training will not change though, except for the addition of cardio if I do the Warriordash.
Thanks Mikie! xoxo
I’m taking a break from the huge project I’ve been working on. Actually, I’ve got several projects I’m working on including my website and third blog. I started the blog ages ago, but it needs a major facelift. I even debated on doing an additional blog for my website, but that’s one too many blogs!
My website
Anyhow, the website is nearly finished; so I keep thinking. I added extra elements to it, and hopefully it’s presentable when it rolls out. In a way, I haven’t rolled it out because I’m not personal training clients or bodybuilding athletes right now.
Josh’s schedule is still ridiculous, and getting someone to watch Chunk for an hour is also ridiculous. Next year, this will be a different story. I will still freelance write for Y!CN and Examiner, but I will find a place to work as a contractor. I prefer not to work for a corporate company because they won’t pay me what I’m worth. Call it arrogant, but I know my value.
Contest prep training
Anyhow, training is totally off schedule. My Chunk is sick so we’ve hung out at the house. I am thankful for the chariot though. I walked to the apartment complex to workout this morning. I’ve got under three weeks left, and I’m excited about the next bodybuilding show.
To be honest, I can’t really say that I’ll take off much more weight. I said I was going to do one hour and ten minutes of cardio a day, but so far I am doing one hour a day. My diet is on track, but my real goal for the next show is to get the water right. After that, it’s up to the judges.
xoxo Thank you xoxo
Thank you Dara! xoxo
Anyhow, back to my projects, but not until I say thank you to my mother-in-law Mikie for sending me a gift for my birthday. The dumbbells rock Mikie! You told me to buy something for me.
I’d also like to say thank you to Dara for my lovely flowers. They sit in the center of my newly re-finished kitchen table.
Last but not least, thanks mom and dad. You guys are the best, and I can not wait to see you on Thanksgiving! xoxo
