Nearly twenty years later, on a random trip to Fort Stewart Military Base in Savannah, Georgia, I felt the same somberness move me at Warrior’s Walk. I drove by Warrior’s Walk in the past, but felt the need to honor those who honored our country with their lives.

The Warrrior’s Walk is dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Army stationed on Fort Stewart who gave their lives to defend my rights, our rights, as free men and women of the United States. Yes, they took an oath to protect this country, and upheld it with the ultimate sacrifice.

On this day, the locale was similar to a movie scene as the rain came down in sheets. The beloved mementos of photos, baby dolls, Christmas ornaments, love letters, cards and cherished belongings of children  left for family members not returning home swayed in the elements.

Miniature flags also waved in the wind and rain, and was a deep reminder of each soldier who lost their life for the battle of freedom as each flag represents a life lost. I felt as if each flag told me, in its own courageous way, be grateful for my freedom because someone’s loved one would not return home to celebrate another blessed day.  I, however, got into my car with my family and went home to spend the day with them, eat a hot meal and sleep in my comfortable bed.

While American’s barbecue and take advantage of consumerism at it’s best with big sales, there will be those who are not sharing the day with their loved ones. They will not have the luxury of morning coffee, or Sunday’s sermon. They will not be putting their children to bed at night, while some are not even here to see their children’s births.

I dare not forget this, and am thankful. I am thankful for the freedom that is being fought for, and I will always keep the veterans close to my heart.

Lunch

I wish I was a better photographer, but I’m not. However, this is a picture of my lunch. It is sautéed cabbage and pork tips over goguma (  고구 마  ), or Korean sweet potato. I took a photo of the plate with my handy-dandy measuring tape beside it to relay how much food I eat.

Lunch Macronutrients

• 6 oz. goguma
• 5 oz. lean pork  tips
• 2 cups white cabbage
• 1 cup Savoy cabbage
• 1 oz. red peppers
• 1 oz. onions
• 1 T soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Total Calories 435, Fat 7.0, 61.7 carbohydrates, 36.7 protein

Fat 14%, Protein 32%, Carbohydrates 54%

The macronutrients on goguma are 90 calories per 3 oz. serving. A 3 oz. serving size has 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein with no fat. This information was found on Myfitnesspal.com. 

Korean sweet potato (goguma)

You can find goguma in most Asian grocery stores; try H Mart if there’s one by you. Depending on the store they are named “Korean yam” or “Korean sweet potato” as they are called this interchangeably. They are sweet, but not as moist as an American sweet potato. The color is yellowish-white versus orange, and they have a chest-nutty type of flavor. It’s easy to steam or bake them.

I spy the McDonald’s iced coffee.

I  began contest prep early. Am I going to regret it? Most likely, since the diet becomes very monotonous and boring, but I want to come in a little leaner this time. I also plan to eat my way into the diet. My calories are between 1806 and 2027. They are higher than I anticipated, but these numbers are better for me. I am also eating one biscotti and a tasty coffee each day. I’m far enough out that I still have a treat.

Reducing cheats with higher calories

Last year, I maintained my calories just above 1800, but when I dropped them a little [1750] and cut my re-feeds; I began cheating. To be honest, I’m not sure how I placed last year. During the last four weeks I had a cheat meal every three days. Here is the main reason: the leaner I get the weirder I feel.  Also, the re-feeds really help me maintain and stay on track without eating a whole jar of Nutella in one sitting.

As of yet, I have not begun cardio and won’t do it for several more weeks since I’m 20 weeks out.

What’s on the menu?

My diet is clean, but not as restrictive as many other competitor’s diets. I still eat fruit, colored vegetables, cottage cheese and almond butter. I always include these in my nutritition program and always will.

I also wanted to answer a question about eating pork

Every contest prep I am asked if I eat pork. The answer is yes. I choose lean cuts of pork and grill or sear it before slow cooking it. I do not eat fish because I don’t like it, and I never eat Tilapia because the thought of it makes me gag.

I also eat red-meat, and depending on how my body feels, I may eat it every day if necessary. For my last show I had a 6 oz. lean hamburger for breakfast for the last two weeks. As a matter of fact; here’s my second breakfast from this morning:

Lunch

• 6 oz. hamburger
• 6 oz. asparagus
• 8 oz. Korean sweet potato
• 4 oz. diet Pepsi [had to have one]

Maybe I could have placed higher last season, but I felt great, so I’m going to stick to the high calorie diet. This bodybuilding contest prep is longer, but I’ll be happier in the long run.

My  lunch photo

For anyone interested my lunch photo contains:

• 6 oz lean pork tips
• 6 oz brussel sprouts
• 2 oz red peppers
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 packets of hot sauce

Total macros

• 408 calories
• 4.4 fat 10%
• 56.6 carbohydrates 50%
• 43.3 protein 40%

These numbers were calculated on the Fitday classic. I create custom foods for everything I eat to make the macros more accurate.

Big Mama and I.

I spent many hours during my childhood and adulthood sitting on the couch, or the floor, with my mom’s head on my lap, tweezing her silver hair. When younger, my mother’s hair was jet black, so black it looked blue in the sunlight. Her hair was not laden with silver, but just enough to annoy her. My mom loved for me to pull her silver hairs with tweezers, and she would doze off while I carefully laid each strand on a dark-colored folder so we could see the collection when done.

Over the years the tradition never changed. We did this regularly, and each time my mom would promise to pay me $.10 per hair. When I was six $2 was a glorious treat for my hard work.

Thirty  years later

Thirty years later the tables have turned. Yesterday mom said, “Lisa-ya, you gotta gray hair.” Oi vey.  Since my last blow drying experience I haven’t been on the hunt for silver hairs, but instead of being graceful I asked, “Mom, will you pull my grays?”

Big Mama [that's what we call her] sat down on the floor beside the sliding glass door, and I laid my head on her legs and she began the process of separating rows of hair and pulling grays. Several times

A gnarly group of silver hairs.

I heard my mom say, “Oh my god Lisa-ya. You gotta 많은 [a lot] of gray hair!!!”  I laughed and she laughed. “Mom, you know what I need? I need a dark-colored book.” We both laughed, and she continued to look for silver hair. ”So mom, I owe you 많은 money?” Without hesitation she says, ” You betta believe it.”

Sometimes it’s the “unimportant” moments you remember

I thought of all the hours I did this for my mom, and suddenly I’m at the age that my mom can do it for me. I laid there on her legs and a single tear fell from my eyes. It was not over the silvers, but all the good times and laughs my mom and I had while I used to pull her hair.  I’m far from being a sentimental person, but I recognize moments like these as the one’s I’ll remember years from now.

Language barrier– What language barrier?

Each morning I see the same families dropping their kids off at school, and in turn, have met several of the parents, even though we do not speak the same language. Sometimes the language barrier is difficult, but as parents, we all have the same goals– to see our children do better than we did, and to have more than we had. It’s not only the American dream; it’s a parental dream. This intertwines all of us no matter the spoken language.

Wikimedia Commons

During this year, we have enjoyed being part of the cultures around us, and last night we attended a baby shower of an El Salvadoran friend.  Hector explained that he was having a big party– a baby shower– for his daughter and invited our whole family to come. I wasn’t sure what to expect since Hector’s family speaks very little English, and we don’t speak Spanish. Once arriving, the language barrier made no difference.

Time to celebrate 

This baby shower was more than a baby shower. It was a full-blown, baby shower party, just as Hector said it would be.  The furniture was removed from the living room and chairs were lined up along the walls. A DJ table was set up with streamers and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. There was dancing and laughter and kids running around. The women were dressed to the nines and looked like they were about to hit the discotheque.

Oh, glorious food!

The music was blaring, but the din of the kitchen is what appealed to me. There were six or seven women standing in a kitchen meant for two, cooking and laughing loudly, serving food in portions meant for three. Just watching and being around them was comforting, and made me feel like I was home with my family.

This is a carne asada taco. www.cakefineart.com

The smells wafting between the kitchen and the grill were a foodie’s dream. There was everything from braised beef and rice with homemade tortillas,  pico de gallo, salads, radishes, cucumbers and a purple type of potato salad (I think). I’d never seen or had it before. The grill was loaded with carne asada and chorizo. Three plates later, I was on the verge of bursting.

And the party continued…

Between dancing and eating; men, women and kids joined the laughter of silly baby shower games. Even with the language barrier it was a warm, fun and inviting experience, and a far cry from the stiff baby showers I have attended. We stayed at the party for nearly three hours, but that didn’t mean the party was ending. Each group of people who left were met up with a group of people just arriving.

I wish I had a photo of the party, but I left my camera at home so I wouldn’t look like a complete and utter tourist.

However, the judges only care if my waist is visually smaller. They are not concerned with measurements so I’m changing some of my techniques for a more memorable stage presence, and to create the illusion of a smaller waistline.

My strength is posing and stage presence 

Style 669

My stage presence and posing are my strengths. Because I do not get as lean as some of the other girls I make sure my posing and T-walk are on point. I can mask my wider waist during the side and back poses, but the front pose does not hide anything so I’ll just do the best I can.

Posing suit/ bikini fabric color choices

One of my suits was too light last year so this year my sponsor Kira Jones of Vandella Costumes is choosing a color for me, as well as creating a custom design. She’s fabulous at what she does so I know she’ll choose a color best suited for the stage lights, and for my personality.

Adhering to my diet

I always sabotage myself by cheating during the last four weeks of contest prep. The leaner I get the unhealthier I know it is so I cheat. However, I’m trying not to do that this season.  I have created my meal plans so they are 1711 calories on low days, and 1844 calories on the high days. My macros are entailing higher proteins and fats, but it’s not the Keto diet. I just tend to lean out better this way.

Last season my macros were similar to these and I wasn’t lean enough. However, I didn’t do the amount of cardio that many other competitors do. Like last season, I will not do extensive cardio sessions. I didn’t over-do it last year, and I still placed in the top five of my classes in both shows. I can’t say that will happen again this year, but regardless, I’m not killing myself over a plastic trophy.

Am I really an athlete?

OCB Charm City Classic

That doesn’t mean competitors aren’t athletes in other areas. There are many who have sports backgrounds, but I just don’t see standing on stage in a bikini athletic. I view figure as a muscularized beauty pageant. It’s not necessarily bad because I don’t buy into all the craziness. By the way, I am not writing about the fitness athletes. Those girls take athleticism to extreme levels, and anyone who thinks Adela, Tanji, Trish, or Myriam aren’t athletes are mentally disturbed.

In general, I struggle with the subject often, and that’s why I debate on competing every season. Then I realize that time is finite. Life is full of surprises and things can change within seconds so I have to take advantage of the moment because I can compete. I also struggle because I was always an athlete. I started in ballet, moved to gymnastics, bowling, soccer, tennis and softball. I was the girl that would try out for a sport just to see if I could do it; without the care of winning.

Grand Master Jeff Smith

Karate settles my mixed emotions

With these mixed emotions I began karate in February with my kids. It was originally for them, but now I love it just as much; perhaps more. Over the years I entertained the idea of practicing martial arts, but felt too old. I felt like I was already beginning too late in life and that was in my 20′s. What I failed to see was anything can be started at any stage of life. As clichéd as it is; it’s never too late to start.

The first class in February was nerve racking. We were the new kids in class among several new kids, but I found an area that I can excel in unlike bodybuilding.

Under the teachings of Grand Master Jeff Smith and his instructors

My instructor Grand Master Jeff Smith is a ninth degree black belt, and under his tuteledge I am gaining more than I could ever attain in bodybuilding. I cannot begin to explain how thankful I am to be a part of Mile High Karate,  or to be a student of one of the best martial artists in the world. Yes, in the world!

Ali-Frazier Thrilla in Manila card with the famous DC Bomber.

To explain it best, I “borrowed” this from Grand Master Joe Corley, another great,  who wrote “One of my favorite pix and experiences as Jeff W. Smith defeated Kariem Allah as the co-main event of the Ali-Frazier Thrilla in Manila card which came live from the Capitol Center in DC as fans all over the world picked their favorite. Jeff was accurate and deadly, as usual.”

Although I’d prefer not to get smashed in the face by Mr. Smith; his skill is humbling. Under his teachings and those of his instructors Miss Morrow, Mr. Smith, Mr. J., and Ms. Saffar I hope to grow and develop into a great student.

I don’t plan to quit bodybuilding. I love it too much, but unlike bodybuilding, my growth in karate is based on my hard work and knowledge.  It’s me, the pads and my determination.

Brownies Amy baked. They ROCK!!!

for the second half, but I asked to push the date back. There are a few things I need to do before pursuing any job, and I think it’s better to get those done first. I felt the pressure to apply for jobs, but in reality applying was premature. That clichéd phrase of “putting the cart before the horse” was created by moments like these.

April workouts were behind schedule

April was really a tough month for me in terms of training. The kids were sick for the first two weeks of April, and for the last week of April. With that said I think I worked out a total of five times; perhaps seven, but they were crappy workouts. Today, I spent an hour training with Amy though. It was nice to train with a partner, which I haven’t done since I left the Chi. She also brought me a batch of brownies and some bath bubblies for mother’s day! Thanks Amy!!!

Although I have struggled with training for the last few weeks I realize it’s nearly go time. I’ve teetered back and forth with the idea of competing, but decided yesterday that it’s definitely happening. June 17, 2012 is the first day of contest prep. That’s Sunday. I’m not sure why I start each contest prep on Sunday, but I do.

My snazzy new Mile High Karate gi. Feeling very fashionable.

I’m actually putting together my meal plans now [yes, it's early], but I like to have it done before I begin prep. I’m not sure how this prep is going to play out because I’m also doing karate. I’m curious how much the karate is will help lean out my lower body and abs. At the moment, the kids and I are doing classes three days a week, when they are not sick, and I’m certain it’s one reason why I’m leaner this off-season. What can I say; I hate cardio, but I love karate.  Mile High Karate Sterling is the best! Woohoo!!!

This season’s goal

My biggest goal is to not sabotage myself  this season. For me, the unhealthy side of bodybuilding really plays with my mind. The leaner I get, the unhealthier I know I am, and that bothers me. I reduce cardio and incorporate MORE cheat meals versus re-feeds when I begin to feel this way; hence the reason I’m not lean enough. Sadly, that’s on an 1800 calorie diet, which is high for most figure athletes, and I still feel gaunt and gross.  This year, I plan to stay the course and see where it takes me. Don’t worry; starvation is not part of that plan.

Health and Fitness Books blog reminder

I nearly forgot. Several weeks ago I debated on doing a book blog on my website. I was hesitant because reviews are so subjective. One person can find the information mundane, while someone else can find it intriguing and valuable. Instead of being affected by the negativity, which I’ve received, I decided to say “f’k'em if they can’t take a joke.” Another words, I’m going to do the book reviews  in the best way I can, and hope it helps someone in the process. Here is the link. 

Read more from a National Bodybuilding Examiner:

April in review: Bodybuilding moments from competitions to MMA

How did the interview go?

I wore “real” clothes to my job interview. I didn’t think flip-flops, break-away pants and wife beater were appropriate.

Anyhow, the interview went “well,” I suppose, and I go back on Monday for the written and practical exams. I keep thinking “What if I don’t pass…”

This sudden fear of passing the exam has me cramming like a college student for final exams. The feeling of doing poorly on an exam sets me on edge. Perhaps it’s an over-reaction, but I am a nerd in stilettos.

Yes, I am forever the nerd– I mean that loveling to those called that. I find “nerdiness” one of the sexiest qualities someone can have.

Actually, the extra studying is good since I hope to get another certification within the next year. What certification is that? It’s a surprise.

What if I don’t pass the exams?

If I don’t pass the exams I certainly won’t get the position, but that is just an incentive to study harder. If I do get the position I plan to buy a pair of earrings to replace the one’s I lost at Chicago O’hare international.