4-17-04

Hey everyone...

Sorry for the delay in everything. There is just so much going on right now as usual, but more so right now. So I do apologize. Picture updates coming either Monday or at the LATEST, Tuesday... depends on how fast I can get them up w/ my school/work schedule. There will be progress pics and also a training gallery. You all will be quite suprised. he he. Its worth the wait, but I really appreciate those of you who have joined the members sections, I can guarantee you wont regret it, especially in the next 9-10 weeks. lol.

I've got a LOT planned in the coming weeks. I'm hoping to have Colette come to Florida to help me with my routine for the Jr's... I'm pulling all the stops on this show. The Jr's is mine this year. I've never been this lean, this far out. I've got so much support and plan on using every last bit of it as positive reinforcement that I've never had before. So hopefully colette can get her butt down within the next few weeks. My routine is going to be kickin'... it'll be VERY hot.

I'm also tentatively planning a shoot w/ a few other AMAZING photographers. I'm not going to ruin the suprise of these shoots.... but I'll say, you all will be pleasantly suprised to say the least. lol. These will be happening very close to my show, so my condition will be like no other shoot I've done. Just keep watching and in the next few weeks when things become more definite, I'll fill you all in a bit more.

Right now I'm still hanging around 152.5... weight fluctuating a few lbs up and down everyday. But I'm getting LEAN. Everyday there is a change. Its so cool. Veins in my upper body are getting ridiculous when I train. Its just amazing lol. I love veins, just have to get them in my legs now. My abs are totally in now. They could be a bit deeper, but how they are now are just perfect for being so far out to the show. 9 weeks out and I can walk around the gym in a sports bra!! Gotta love that! hahaha.

The gym right now rocks! Everyone at this new gym is amazing. A good amount of people with muscle train in this gym so its quite motivational. I've been doing cardio with Denise Masino everyday because she's dieting for the Night of Champions - guest posing she has to do. So it REALLY helps to have someone to do cardio with. She's looking AMAZING as usual. One day, i'll get to that level of muscle maturity. Its just scary how thick and dense that woman is. I love it and cannot wait to have a body like that.

My diet is going great. Using a bit of a different approach this year and its working without a doubt. My cardio is 45-60 mins in the am, then 30-45 mins pm, monday-friday... weekends I'm off because of my work schedule at the hospital. For the time being this is how it will be until I am not seeing anymore progress, then I'll step it up a notch to get that last bit of fat off, but until then I'm just gonna coast into this. :)

This semester of school will be done by the end of May. THANK GOD. Got a couple more tests I need to get thru and all my stress will be gone for a while. I've got a summer class I have to take, but that should be pretty easy. Its some health core class for the Physical Therapy program.

OH... on an even better note, my apartment ROCKS. I'm really happy with it now. Its taken some adjustment but its going well. Finally... settling in. I had my bedroom furniture delivered yesterday and its soooo cool! All mine! The first time I've bought anything like that. Let me just say... this year is a break-out year for me. I'm definitely evolving and becoming SO STRONG and independent. It has a lot to do with the people I've surrounded myself with, they've really pushed me along through this hard time and made me realize I CAN do it on my own and not to let fear stand in my way of ANYTHING. Things are REALLY looking up. Now I just have to get another mattress/boxspring for the spare bedroom and a living room set... lol which are all expensive, but I'll get it done sooner or later. No rush.............

Well better get some work done. Feel free to shoot me an email and let me know what you want to see more of on this site. I'm totally open to suggestions. I've got a LOT up my sleeve that you guys will be really excited about once you see it, but until then I'd like to hear your feedback.

Amanda :)

March 30th, 2004

Today has been a bit up and down but I wanted to let you all know what's up. This morning started out great. Awesome workout.... its just so motivating at my new gym, I can't describe it to you all. I LOVE IT. So after the gym needless to say, I was psyched.... positive things are coming for my bodybuilding career, I feel it.

Then I left the gym and all of the sudden I was starting to feel depressed again... I got home, got on the computer... and just kept thinking about the apartment situation, my break up, etc... it all just sucks. Very depressing and I just don't want to have to deal with any of it anymore. Its all really stressing me out. I didn't go to school today because I just couldn't focus. I went furniture shopping instead because I still don't have a bed to sleep on come thursday night when I move. lol... thats a whole other issue. It'll get done, but can't make a rush decision, ya know?? Too big of a purchase to have it be a bad one.

Anyways though... I was busy all day... being busy is good in a way but doesnt let me rest enough right now... here was my day: I went to the gym, trained back... did 45 mins of cardio... came home, ate, computer for a minute... then went to a few different furniture stores and found nothing... later went home, checked email.. and had to go train a client at golds... then went back to my new gym and did my 2nd cardio... then went home to get food... and back out to train another client tonight...

TIf you can believe, today was a slow day... Yesterday I had 4 clients in one day. OMG... those days are CRAZY. I'm not sure how I do it. Lots of running, but all worth it in the end. (one of my clients is squatting 315 for 10 now!!! REAL SQUATS, ASS TO THE GROUND! how cool is that!??)

Anyway... I REALLY want to thank a dear person to me... Mr. T9 (everyone knows Tom from thevalkyrie.com website).... he is SUCH a great guy. I just want to really say thank you sooooo much to him. He has been a godsend to me and has helped me GREATLY... I've known him for about 3 years now and has been nothing but a true, genuine person. Tom... you rock... You better be at the Jr. Nationals this year... :) Can't wait to hang out a bit and we've gotta do some "shredded" pics this time!!

The pics posted in this journal entry are pics from my shoot with Jonathan Bowie (jabber) taken on March 20th, 2004. I was 154 lbs and just beginning my diet... this is a preview of some great pics from that shoot that will come in my members section very soon.
Hope you enjoy. :)

Well better get going... need to get some sleep. Big chest day tomorrow!!! Oh and I move on Thursday, everyone wish me luck. I'm officially signing my first lease!!! wooohoooo. Can't wait to get it all done....... Can't do this stress for much longer.

**Below are sample photos from Jonathan Bowie photos-- featured in members gallery!

3/25/04

What a week.... things have changed back and forth as they always do... The condo thing, is not happening but I did find another place, which I'll be paying A LOT more for, but will be worth it in the long run. I really just need some piece and quiet. Nobody around me, so I can clear my head and figure out what I need to do. My contest prep is set and that, if anything, is the least of my worries. Things are coming along quite nicely and for the members I'll be posting more pics tomorrow (fri).

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that has emailed me. I cannot believe the amazing support I have received. I got SOOOOOO many emails, I just cannot respond to them all. Its crazy how so many people have been thru what I'm going through and really want to give me support right now. I've had a few people send me donations and a few more sign up because they know I'm going through a pretty stressful time right now. To everyone... thank you so much. It makes me so happy to know you guys have really come through. This has helped me more than you'll EVER KNOW. Without you guys I wouldn't have gotten this apartment and been able to get out on my own and try to be independent like I'm striving for. The emails that I got though.... I wish I could describe to you how "on" you were about whats up with me. Thanks for understanding and giving me a bit of time to regroup before throwing myself back into my website.

As of this Friday, 12 weeks out... there will be CONSTANT updates. There is so much progress going on during this time, you all will be amazed to see the changes. Without a doubt, worth the $12.95 membership. Easily. I will make you all proud because I'm going to the jrs to win it this time...

Now as for the apartment situation... I've pretty much gotten everything set besides having a bedroom set to sleep on lol, and a couch for the living room (which at this point is not necessity to me, gotta think realistically)... I've got a table and chairs! haha but thats about it. Sucks... quite depressing but I'll get it taken care of. Its scary how much my attitude changes about this. Yesterday I went from in the morning being SO scared to get the apartment, to crying on the phone to my mom because I didn't think I'd be able to handle it on my own... to today, I talked myself back into it and I'M READY TO DO IT. I think I just needed to get it all out and realize I have SO MANY people backing me, there is NO WAY I can fail. I will not let myself fail. I dont care what I have to do, but it will work. I just wish it wasnt all happening in the middle of my contest prep, but somehow things will find a way to work. I have to believe that.

Last weekend I took Saturday off from my job at the hospital (first day off in forever) and went to the Palm Beach bodybuilding show. It was a national qualifier and I had a few friends in the show. I also did a photo shoot with Jonathan Bowie so I'm happy to be getting those up on the site very soon. My good friend, Kathleen O'Donoghue, placed 2nd in the LHW class and another girl, Venus Beck placed 3rd LHW... all women that were awesome on stage. It was a great show. Plus I got to see soooo many people. Joe Mesa, who is a friend/fellow bodybuilder, and also another up and coming bodybuilder Fionna Millines from Japan. You all need to check out her website. She's got some real potential!! http://www.fionna.net


Oh...and by the way... I spoke to Andrea Trent today http://www.AndreaTrent.com and she's doing the Jr. Nats with me. We're tentatively planning a HOT, HOT shoot at the show. THIS WILL be worth seeing. I cannot wait to work with her. She's a beautiful girl... I know these pics will turn out amazing...

And on another note... I spoke with one of my VERY VERY GOOD friends, Deb Widdis... http://www.Debwiddis.com and she's doing awesome. She starts her prep Monday after she does her powerlifting meet this weekend. That woman is AMAZING. Sooooo strong! She'll be squatting 500 lbs, benching 230 (pl'ing, perfect form), and deadlifting I think 415... THAT IS RIDICULOUS! lol. YOU GO GIRL! I can't wait to hear the results. She's going to show the Jr. Nationals crowd what a bodybuilder is all about... She is massive... Its scary to think she'll probably be at least 160 on stage... lol and I'll be around 137... and we're both the same height! HAHAHA. She is a beast. I love that!!! Deb is the best! :)

Well better get some sleep.... gonna take pics tomorrow for you all. We'll get them up on the site hopefully Friday afternoon. Thanks again everyone for all your support. It means a lot to me. :)

Amanda

3/17/04

There is so much to say... I have started this journal now about 3 times and deleted each one the last couple days. I just wasn't ready to post a lot that has been going on in my life. Now I think I'm ready bc I'm ready to start making positive steps to better myself. As of May 1st I'll be moving out of the new house that Mike and I built together, and into a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo. Things just aren't going so well to say the least... its time for me to move on and start my own life. I have never been in a relationship where two people are "in love" with each other and still just can't work things out... not sure how that happens. I don't understand why certain stipulations are always placed on relationships when all you have to do is love the other person "unconditionally". That to me really doesn't make sense.

I am a person that takes EVERYONE at face value. I accept people for who they are, see their strengths and weaknesses and love each person to the best of my ability. I don't judge anyone by the outside, by their financial status, or beliefs. We are ALL the same and until many people see that, there will be a lot of unhappy people in this world. I am constantly doing things for everyone, because that is just how I am. If someone asks me to do something, I'll drop what I'm doing and help them out. Yeah, sometimes people might take advantage of me trying to help out, but there are some people out there that actually appreciate that value in others still.

Its just been very trying for me in these past few weeks/months. To not know if I'll have to move back to my moms house (at 23) because its extremely hard to support yourself, go to school full time and pay bills... nevermind try to live a bodybuilding lifestyle. I've really had such a HARD time trying to find a place to rent because my salary is not enough by the standards that they set, because of school, etc... So what is a person to do? Suck it up and go back to your moms when you're trying to make something of yourself? At 23 go back home and live there, even though, yeah... it would be fine, and I love my mom, she's great, I can tell her anything... but to go back and live there, tells me in my heart/mind that I cannot take care of myself... at 23 years old.

Just by chance. I met this girl who works at the new gym I'm training at and she rents out a condo right across from the gym that I can share with her. Without this opportunity, I'm not sure what I'd do?? I need to be out there, on my own, live my life like everyone else does... So for the time being, I'm still living at mikes, in the spare bedroom, until the new place becomes available. Nothing like having to diet under major stress... If anyone has read my bio with all the drama I have lived thru in the past, you'll know I'll get thru this one, it'll just be some adjusting time.

Sometimes I just don't understand men or certain family values. If I take anything away from this relationship is dont place stipulations on people.. They are who they are, you fell in love with what they are, now don't try to change them. That is key... accept everyone for who they are, not what you WANT them to be.

I've passed up a lot of opportunities in the past few years and from this point on, I won't... I'm going to do my thing. Go to school, training like a mad woman, get a killer website and do as I want. This is my life and I will not worry about what anyone else thinks of me. At the end of the day when you come home you need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with yourself and not ashamed. If you can do that, thats ALL that matters. And thats how I am going to look at life from this point on. Its going to start being about ME a bit more, and enjoying the ride. :) That might sound bad, but up until now I was living w/ expectations that others set ahead of me, not my own... so now I'm happy I can do as I want.

I have so much going on in the next few months with school, contest prep... everything really. I am trying to get Colette to come down and see me during May sometime... so girl, GET ON IT. She's going to help me out with some website stuff here... I know it'll kick ass, if I can just get her down here.

Now as for my prep... as I posted in my last journal, I'm done with John Schoolcraft and I won't work w/ him again, it still stands and will continue to stand. He has really reminded me that people don't change and what they were 4 years ago, is what they are now... no need to give 2nd, or 3rd chances. Its just how it is. I need someone dependable to work with in my prep. John will NOT be that person. He has too much going on in his personal life to deal with a contest prep at this point. The crappy thing is... is that I already paid his entire trip to my show (that was our deal for him to prep me) so now I have to forfeit his ticket basically, unless I can find someone to go that can replace his ticket if I change the name...

Nevermind the fact that at this point Mike (now ex-bf) will not being going to my show either, so that is 2 flights that will be wasted. At this point, a friend of mine from the gym, Sherri, said she'd go to help me out w/ tan, etc... but I know financially that'll be hard. So I'm really caught between a rock and a hard place right now because there were many people I was DEPENDING ON to be there for me and both said they'd be there for me and neither have come thru.

But this is another learning lesson... the only person you can depend on is yourself... Sad but true sometimes. You live with the end result, so make sure you are the one getting things done. As for my contest prep, I've been the person getting things done when it comes to my preps... I'm responsible for the outcome and just like the past few years, I'll be doing that again... Just with less support than I had planned...

Sorry to be a negative post, but wanted to let everyone know why I've been kinda slow with journals lately. As I've said in the past few days I've written this a few times but just wasnt ready to post...

I hope everyone is doing well... and to all my members, thanks again for supporting me. Honestly right now, you all have no idea just how much I appreciate it. :)

Amanda

March 9th, 2004

As always its been pretty crazy for me lately. School is getting really un-motivating to me for some reason. I just want to be in the program (PTA) and just stop doing all these extra pre-req. classes. They are such a waste of time, its amazing.

Contest prep though, is going great. I might be progressing a little bit too fast. I'm 15 weeks out and weighed in this morning at 152... I've lost a LOT already. I can't believe how easy its coming off. I've been training at the new gym, going there a couple times per day bc I like it so much. lol. I know, I know, I'm addicted, but its my passion, so why not take advantage of it? Plus its a great stress reliever!

I missed the Arnold Classic once again this year (still haven't been yet) because of finances. One of these years I'm just going to say screw it and go no matter what. All of my friends went and it was killing me to have phone calls from people telling me how great it was going, etc. ughhhh! Next year I'm there. No doubt.

I've also made another decision and that is that I will be dieting myself for the Jr. Nationals. I will NOT be working with John Schoolcraft. I think I'll be fine to do this on my own, so that's the plan. Wish me luck........ :) I've done it every year prior, I might as well do it this time and get it right by learning from my mistakes.

So many changes in my life. The only thing going well for me at this point is my work and training... everything else is just not working out for the time being. Hopefully it'll all start picking up soon. Either way, I'll stay focused on my prep. If anything with tons of stress, it only keeps me more focused on my goals... I'm weird like that. I just throw myself into the gym when I have problems and don't think about anything else. Its the only thing that pulls me through some tough times. I'm also really glad I have some great friends who care about me because its helped me so much. :)

Amanda

Sat. 2/29/04

Well yesterday marked 16 weeks out for me. Friday started my official contest diet. I weighed in at 157 to start the diet. John did my bodyfat on Thursday and it was 11.17%. I ate a LOT the last 2 weeks to get all the cravings out of my system before I start the long prep for the Jr. Nats. So now I'm ready to go. I've got my protein bars, protein shakes, and the even more appetizing boiled chicken and brown rice. Fun diet... ugh. My numbers are this until next Friday:

Protein: 279
Carbs: 188
Fat: 31 or less

Cardio is starting at 7 days x 30 mins each. I'm cool with that for now. We're gonna start out a little bit harder so we can back off of it later. Being fairly lean going into this, it'll be easier this time around.

Well big news on my training this week. I switched gyms, officially on Monday. I have left Golds Gym in Ft. Myers, FL. (although I'm still personal training there) and am now training myself at a new gym called "The Omni" in Ft. Myers. Let me just say... this gym ROCKS. To describe it a bit, they've got 65 treadmills. lol... the gym is HUGE. Its in a closed down Winn-dixie supermarket, if you don't know that store, its about as big as a regular walmart. CRAZY HUH?? I love it. Its got everything I'd ever need and then some...

On an even better note, I went to the gym on Tuesday and who do I see there? Denise Masino. Absolutely Amazing. Her and Robert have switched gyms and will be training there also. Talk about motivation. She looks fabulous. She's a week out from the Arnold and will DOMINATE the show. No doubt. I will love training there. Its really great for motivation sake, just to see another female bodybuilder that I can look up to a bit, instead of me being the only big woman in the gym. Its really very cool. I got to chat with her for a bit the other day and she's very very nice. I was definitely impressed. She's made a great name and physique for herself. Hopefully I'll be able to learn some things from her. She's been in my shoes and can really teach me a lot. So this is a huge positive going into my contest prep!!!

School is going ok... I got accepted into the Physical Therapy Asst program! Wohoooo! So I'll start in the fall. I'm really happy that finally I'll be moving into a real career in 2 years. Having a real job and being able to make decent money for myself. It'll be a big stress off my shoulders. I hate having to worry about money. Its the thing I worry about more than anything. It sucks sometimes being a college student because it can be very trying at times when you have bills coming in. So for all of those that have joined my site or bought videos, I really appreciate it. It has REALLY helped me take some stress off. It means a lot to me. :)

Better get some work done... more updates coming up soon. :) Lots and lots of photo shoots coming up very soon. I can guarantee the members will enjoy them. Also, to track my progress in my contest prep, check out the members gallery, it gets updated w/ new pics EVERY friday until the show. I hope you all enjoy it! :)

Amanda

2/18/04

Hey everyone! Things have been a bit hectic around here lately... Lots going on as always. I wish I could have no drama in my life and just be boring for once, but for some reason there is ALWAYS something happening. I found out the other day that a good friend of mine was diagnosed with lymphoma. I'm really sad for him and wish I could be there for him and help him out. I know its going to be a really hard time... but I'm praying he'll pull through all of this. Justin, if you're reading this, you know I'm here for you anytime, you're in my thoughts and I want to help you if I can. So never hesitate to call. A lot of people are worried about you, but we know if anyone can get through this, it'll be you. You somehow get through everything. You're stronger than so many others I know...

On a more positive note, I hope my members are enjoying the new site. Many more galleries and video will be updated in the coming weeks. I'll have weekly progress pics going up so you all can see my transformation. I'm really excited to get this completely under way. The first 2 weeks of my contest prep you wont see too many changes, I'm just starting my foods a bit early to get back in the swing of things. Starting at week 16 though, the pressure is ON. lol. Back in the saddle and ready to start kicking ass. I got an email asking what foods I'm eating on this diet... This is how it works. I'm doing 277g protein, 186g carbs, and 30g fat.

Now to get those numbers in you have to eat extremely clean. I'm a huge advocate of protein shakes. My brand of choice is Isopure by Nature's Best. I get the meal replacement shakes (chocolate). I haven't touched THAT much chicken yet, but I will coming up very soon. I'm just a bit burnt out on it right now. I'm a new fan of the protein bar, "Tri-O-Plex". Those are SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Try it at your gym if they have them. My favorite is peanut butter choc. chip. Mmmmmm! Its great. I also do plain grits, oatmeal (occasionally), ground turkey, and brown rice. Not that much of variety, but when you're contest dieting, its not about that. You eat for FUEL, not for pleasure. Thats the first thing you have to get out of your head so you don't have major cravings. It'll kill you mentally dieting if all you can think about is junk food.

So basically thats what my diet is about right now. Training is also going very well... My split is looking like this:

Mon: Shoulders/Biceps
Tues: Back/rear delts
Wed: Chest/Tri's
Thurs: Legs
Fri: Shoulders/Biceps

Abs I'm fitting in where ever right now. Doing them 1-2 times per week, but nothing crazy. Just easy abs, a couple sets on the weighted crunch machine.

School is going farely well. I'm not very motivated for it right now though for some reason. Computer class is ok... and humanities class is... well, boring. But thats to be expected I guess. Too many papers to write. I sent in my application for the Physical Therapy Asst program this past week. Hopefully I'll get in. From what I've been told, only 12 spots available, my grades are good so that should be cool... I'll let you all know when I hear back.

I scheduled a photo shoot with HerBiceps for April 2nd. I should be getting some AMAZING pictures from Mike after that shoot. I cannot wait. If any of you have suggestions on what you want to see, please email me and let me know. Seriously, I'd love to hear your suggestions. I've only gotten a few from a fan, Eddie... I'd love to hear some more.

Oh, and by the way... in the members section I posted some OLD pictures of myself. Young pictures to recent and yes.... those fat pic's are of me. Those pictures are BEFORE I started working with John Schoolcraft (my trainer now) and about a year after I had a few of my first ankle surgeries. Being on a cast and crutches and extremely depressed from having to turn down scholarships really made me extremely unhappy, which is part of the reason for so much weight gain... I know its pretty gross to see the fat in those pictures but I think its good to show everyone that because IT IS possible to change. For all the women out there who are a bit overweight and need motivation to do it... THERE YOU GO. Pictures prove it is possible. It just takes lots of hard work and dedication. You will do it! And believe me when I say its well worth it to be lean. I was absolutely miserable fat like that...

Now all of you can understand why I am pretty confident in what John Schoolcraft can do for me this year on stage. He took me from that fat, very overweight girl... to basically looking soooooo thin and almost anorexic looking. A HUGE transformation for someone to go through. Its really amazing to look at. I hope I can inspire just one person to get in shape by looking at those pics.

Alright get ready for more progress pics on Friday! Check back for the updates! :)

Amanda

2/11/04

Hey everyone. Sorry its been so long for an update but I've had a lot going on. I'm really happy to have this new website finally up and running. Colette has done an EXCELLENT job with it and I'm just so impressed. I want to say thanks to her. She's amazing and has been very prompt on updating it. So if anybody needs a website, be sure to contact her because you will be very happy with her work.

I am also pleased to announce that my member's section is now open!!!! I've noticed a few people have already joined and I wanted to thank you so much! I will not let you all down. More content is going up everyday. I promise you will be happy. I want to say though, if there is ANYTHING you guys want to see in specific PLEASE feel free to email me. I'd love to hear suggestions. I've had a few so far and I'd really love to hear more. So email me: AJgilly3@yahoo.com

As far as how things are going for me... well its busy as usual. I'm back in school and its going well. Personal training business is going pretty good and my clients are looking awesome. Omar, one of my clients, is starting to really lean out big time. I'm pretty impressed. About time he sticks to my diet! hahaha

I met with John Schoolcraft yesterday to do my numbers. (bodyfat and diet) and things went really well. My weight is down a bit, 155 and my bodyfat came out to be 10.36% so I'm starting this contest prep out very nicely. I'm really excited!! I'm starting an initial diet to get me back in the mindset of no more MCDONALDS lol on a daily basis. So thats cut out as of today. My diet is going to be going as follows: 277g protein, 186g carbs, and 30g fat per day. Not bad at all. I'm quite content with those numbers. This diet will be so easy for me I think. Cardio wont be as bad as last time because I'm not starting out that fat. So I'm ready to go!!!

Starting this Friday, I'll be 18 weeks out from the Jr. Nationals... I'll be doing WEEKLY Progress Pics up until the show for my members only section. I did them last year and I really enjoyed it. I hope you all can check it out this time around.

I've also got a shoot scheduled for March 20th in Palm Beach, FL. with Jabber. There is a National Qualifier show over there that day, so hopefully I'll get some HOT pictures to bring back and show you all. I think that show will be quiet interesting to say the least. Two fbbs from my gym will be there competing and I know a couple other fbbs that are going with me. Tammy Jones another fbb from my area will be there and I also spoke with Isabelle Turell (from Orlando, who is also doing the Jr. Nats with me) and she said she's thinking about going. So if anyone is in the area, make sure you go! Its going to be a blast!!!!

Oh I almost forgot to mention... The video I've been talking about for soooo long now has FINALLY come out, thanks to James Cook, of FTVideo.com. I'm selling it on my website and James is on his site also. Make sure you check it out!

Many of you have been asking if I'd be attending the Arnold Classic and sorry to say, no I'm not. I really wish I was, but financially I can't get there yet. Next year I hope I'll be able to attend a real pro show like that.

I just wanted to make another mention of a good friend of mine, Elena Seiple (www.ElenaSeiple.com) she's got her new website up and running and let me tell you, its a hot one! Wait until you see the new pics she's putting up in her member's section. I think you all will be pleasantly suprised...

I hope everyone is enjoying the pics posted in the member's section. I'll be adding some more within the next few days...

Amanda :)

Jan 21st, 2004

Hey everyone! Well things are going well, started doing some cardio to get things rolling a bit. I'm ready to have those abs again. I was 159 this morning, hanging in there. I've got another 5 weeks or so before real dieting starts. Too bad the show isn't sooner. I'm getting so antsy. :)

School is pretty easy this semester. Only a humanities class and a computer class. Pretty cool. The computer class will be so simple. So far, I've done nothing. Gotta love that! haha. Training is awesome. I've been in the gym Mon-Fri like usual kicking ass. Sometimes training twice per day when I can and usually coming back for cardio later in the night or doing it right after training. I'm so motivated. This years Jrs, is mine. I feel really confident that I'm going to look my best.

Mike and I bought a digital camcorder a few weeks back so I'll start putting some mpegs up of my training, etc soon. I spoke w/ Colette today and she has agreed to help me with my website, so expect some changes to how the site looks. I cant wait!! I know she'll do a great job. She's creative and I definitely trust her abilities. Its gonna be great!!

I took a few pics so I'm gonna put some on here for your entertainment. haha. The first is actually a pic that a friend of mine in the gym took. Its of John Schoolcraft (my trainer) and I.

 Thanks Renee for the great pic! You rock!

 Also, here is another of my quads that I took 2 days ago. :) I HOPE they're growing. hehe

The next is from my girl, Trudy Ireland. If anyone gets a chance to meet
Trudy, take advantage of it. She is SOOO nice! I love her to death.
Plus she's huge... what an amazing body on her! U go girl! :)

The last one is from the Nats in Miami also. From left to right:
A friend of mine, Sherry Enos, Trudy Ireland, and me.

Hope you enjoy them!! That's it for now..I'll update more a bit later. Amanda

Jan 2nd, 2004

Can you believe it, its already 2004? Weird... time has really flown by. Only 6 more weeks until I start my contest prep. Thank God. I'm ready to start eating properly again and be able to walk around with shredded abs all the time. I'm actually leaning out a bit right now. This morning I was 158 lbs. So its down a bit but my body is looking a lot better. I'm just trying to clean up the diet a bit before I cannot have anymore good food for 16 weeks of the diet. I know John will take full enjoyment out of killing me this contest prep (LOL) so I've gotta be completely ready for it.

Well Mike is in NY seeing his family. Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to go up there. I haven't been up north since I lived in CT when I was 10... so I think I'm about ready for the trip. :) Yesterday started school. I have two more classes until I can get into my major, so I'm taking a computer class and a humanities class this semester. Not too bad... I'm really excited because I can definitely handle two classes with a contest prep. The fall will be the true test because I'll be going full time, plus clinicals, and trying to train myself in a contest prep. Should be interesting to see how it goes. I give Sarah Dunlap a hell of a lot of respect for being able to do all her shows while in school full time. It really show show dedicated she was.

Not too much else going on. Christmas was good, long day at work and extremely busy at the hospital for that day. And New Years was ok,we didn't do anything really. Pathetic actually because we were in bedby 11:30pm. :(   I'm not really a drinker or partier so no big deal.

Gotta run, time to train.

PS... I bought a digital camcorder the other day, so look forward to LOTS of video and pictures coming up this contest prep (starting inthe middle of Feb.) It'll be well worth your time to check out. :) I'llkeep you all posted.

Amanda :)

Journal
12/24/03
Well just gettin' ready for bed and figured I'd update my journal again. Opened
some presents tonight with Mike (my boyfriend) and Joe (his brother) and we
had a really nice time. Got some cool presents!!! woohooo. I'm trying to mentally
prepare myself for working my double shift tomorrow. Man is it going to be a LONG
DAY. ughh and on Christmas no less.

Well I figured I'd show you all who my hottie of a man is... here is a candid picture
of him that I took of him on my new camera phone when we were in a restaurant
the other day. LOL He didn't know I was taking the picture. hehehehehe.
I love you baby!

Mike and my baby boy, Franco. :) Awwww

Here's a bicep shot for you all... OFFSEASON REMEMBER!!!  :)
taken today 12/24/03

Enjoy!! 
Amanda

Journal

December 24th, Christmas Eve! 2003

I cannot believe its finally here. Xmas eve... we're opening presents tonight in my house
because I have to work a double shift tomorrow on Christmas. Gonna be a long day
tomorrow, 7a-11p at work, but its OT and I need all the extra I can get right now.

Training is going pretty good. Sore all the time. My ankle is absolutely killing me
lately, I'm not sure what the deal is? But its been throbbing like crazy. Hopefully
it'll go away soon because I dont want to have to go back to my orthopedic for another
depo-medrol or cortisone shot. :(

Well I was going through some pics on my computer that I had taken on my new phone
(bc it has the digital camera on it) and I found some of my mom. lol. I figured I'd share
them with you all. She's 50 YEARS OLD!! Denise Dunbar is her name and this was
her visiting me at work a few weekends ago before she went out that night. hehe She looks
pretty good huh? If you wanna give her a shout, email her at: brick002@hotmail.com .

Not bad picture quality for a phone camera huh? I'm pretty impressed myself! LOL.

Well hope everyone is doing pretty good. Relax a bit and enjoy the holidays. Dieting
time is coming up real quick and I'm ready to be shredded again. ;) The Jr. Nationals
are really going to rock this year.

--Amanda

Journal

12/16/03

Well finally........ SOME TIME OFF!! School is done for a while and I'm getting
a much needed break. I did ok in my classes in school. The class that I thought
would be easy (logic) was not at all what I expected. Its not about making the
'logical choice' or something like that, its all about re-arranging sentences, etc.
I did really crappy in the class... Got a C, so I'm not pleased with it, but I'll deal
with it bc I dont need it for my major anymore. So its ok. Bio Lecture - B,
Bio Lab - B, and Human Growth and Development - A. So my overall GPA
is a 3.17 so I'm ok with that for now. :)

This weekend was pretty stressful. My boyfriend hurt his back in the gym
deadlifting. He was just doing a warm up set of 315 lbs (which is nothing
to him) and he hurt himself. Sunday I had to bring him into the ER to get
an MRI done and come to find out he has a moderate to severe herniation
of his L5-S1 disc in his back. We went to the neurosurgeon this morning
and the dr wants him to wait a week to see if its healing at all on its own.
If there is no progress he'll need to have a discectomy (surgery to remove
part of the disc) and we'll go from there. But hopefully it won't come to that.
So he's hurting, but I'm sure it'll start feeling better soon. Now no more
powerlifting for him.

Training is going well. I'm around 161 lbs staying the same for some reason.
I'm having such a hard time trying to eat enough. Getting a lot of protein in
but still could probably eat more. I just dont have an appetite for some odd
reason. I've always been able to eat like a horse and now its starting to slow
down a bit. I'm going to try to lean out for a little while, so I'm not so heavy
come precontest time.

Other than that, not too much going on. School starts again Jan 8th... Then
contest prep begins Feb 20something. I'm ready for precontest now. I
can't wait to be able to walk around the gym again with abs!! :)

Amanda

11/21/03

Hey everyone! Just figured I'd do another update since I have a few minutes. I had the
pleasure of hanging out with a lot of cool people over the Nats weekend and wanted to
show you all a pic of my good friend Kristy Hawkins, her boyfriend John, Gene X., and
myself. Thanks Kristy for sending this to me! Hope you enjoy!
 

(L-R: John, Kristy, Amanda, Gene X.)

(L-R: Amanda and Dena Westerfield)

(L-R: Gina Davis and Amanda)

11/19/03

What a weekend!!!!!!!! I went to the Nationals this weekend in 
Miami and it absolutely kicked ass. I had such a great time. Thank you
so much to my good friend Hans who I spent the weekend with. I love
going to shows. I got to meet SOO many people and see many of my
friends I only get to see a few times throughout the year. It was just
an amazing time. 

I want to say congrats to my good friend, Bev. Direnzo. She absolutely
kicked ass. 4th place in the middles?? Awesome! Also to Gina Davis
shes moving up in the ranks and looked absolutely beautiful on stage.
I was so impressed. To finally meet her in person, was great. Such a
down to earth person and her husband, kevin, was so cool too. It was
very refreshing to see a husband be so supportive of her bodybuilding.
It must make for such a great common interest between the both of them,
plus has to make it 10 times easier for her to diet and do shows with
someone so into her bodybuilding and wanting her to do well. I really
admire that. Gina, you've got it good girl! hahaha. 

I got to FINALLY sit down and speak to Colette Nelson this weekend.
If anyone ever gets a chance to have a conversation with this woman,
take advantage of it. She is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Very
much down to earth, intelligent, and so friendly. She makes you feel like
you've known her for 10 years and could go on for hours talking. I just
cant express how impressed I was with her. She is really one of the most
beautiful fbb's out there and once that girl brings her legs up to the level
of her upper body, NOBODY and I mean NOBODY will beat her at the
National Level. She's got it all... And she's promoteable with her looks.
I know she'll do it. I was actually VERY suprised at how the judges 
placed her. I don't really understand it? There is no way in hell that
she should have placed out of the top 15. I thought that was just 
absolutely crazy. What statement they (the judges) were trying to make,
I have no idea... but it was pretty sad to see. 

Tonia Williams was just crazy shredded in person. Plus very beautiful.
She really deserves her pro card. Its about time. 

I also got to meet the new hottest bodybuilder alive, in person this weekend. 
lol. That would be Tom Prince, IFBB Pro. Damn, that man is HUGE. He 
was 282 lbs at the Nats walking around like he dominated the place. 
I cannot wait to see him on stage this year at the Ironman. He's just
just soooo motivating to look at. I saw him and was like SHIIT... His
back was just so massive, everything about him was so impressive. 
Plus he is so knowledgeable and a VERY nice guy. I wish I could have
chatted with him a bit more at the show because I know I could have 
learned a lot from him. 

Well I've made my decision on competing for sure this year. Since there is
the new rule going into effect (with will hopefully apply to me for the show I 
am choosing) but I will be competing as a "light heavy" at the 2004 
Jr. Nationals again in Chicago. I'm really excited. This year should be 
the year to really prove myself. I'm extremely excited and will start my 
contest prep at the end of Feb. 

I've been training SO HARD every day recently. Everything about my 
training has changed, plus diet has really been awesome, eating so 
many calories to try and put on extra weight. Every day I am now 
training with John Schoolcraft. My intensity in the gym has been 
magnified times 10 and I'm now sore every day. I ABSOLUTELY 
love it. I had to train legs with him the other day and his goal was
to make me work so hard that I threw up bc he thought I couldn't 
take it. What he has now come to realize lol, is that I train HARDER
than most people and can deal with anything anyone puts infront
of me in the gym. Why? Because I LOVE IT and will be huge and
turn pro. Makes me wonder why I never went into the military for
a profession? LOL. I know I'd really do well at it. :) 

By the way... I've got a new girl in the gym that I will be helping
who is very young also. She's 23, very pretty and also definitely
muscular and lean. Her name is Jordan. She's going to be sending
me pictures via email soon and I'll get them posted on my site so you 
all can see who the new up and coming girls are around my area. She is
going to be doing some damage very soon. 

Gotta run, have to train someone at the gym. More updates later. 

Amanda 


11/06/03

Yo! I'm getting really excited... Nationals is 1 week away! I cannot wait!
I am so excited to finally have a great time and get to meet a ton of
new people and see lots of my old friends. I'm going to have a kick ass
time! Gina Davis better be ready because the party is on when I see her!
haha. She is going to be top 3 I think... all she's gotta do is peak at the
right time and she is going to be showing tons of people a brand new
Gina... I'm really looking forward to it. Also if anyone is going to be there
that wants to hang out, email me so I can look for you!! I want to talk to 
everyone!! So stop me and say hey. 

I'm finally going to get to meet Andy, from Andys Muscle Goddesses 
website. After talking to him for what seems like forever, it should be fun!
I'm also going to try to get some photos done with Michael Lucas 
http://www.lucas-photo.com. As long as I stay 
fairly confident in what I look like by that time, haha, I'll do some offseason
pics with him. Should be interesting to see though. I've never been this lean
in the offseason before and I'm weighing in around 162!!! Thats CRAZY! I 
love it!

Training is going VERY WELL. I'm seriously kicking some ass lately. At my
weight, 162, I've been doing pull ups with a 45 lb plate hanging from my waist
for sets of 8-10 UNassisted! Woohoooo! Getting strong! Strict form too, no 
cheating involved lol. Also did 75 lb INCLINE dumbell chest press the other 
day for sets of 10. So not too bad for me. Its coming along, slowly but surely.
I've also been working with John Schoolcraft in the gym as well as I had
mentioned previously about him working on my diet for the Jr. Nats in 2004. 
He's been working with me most days this week really putting my workouts
to a new level. Its so nice to have someone care about your workouts and 
make sure all the necessary things get done. I really appreciate it. It 
puts me in SUCH a better mood when I have a good training session. Totally
changes my frame of mind. Plus the fact that I want to WIN the Jr's this year
is really keeping me focused. Last year I went in to show my stuff and see
how I faired with everyone else. This year I'm coming back with a vengence
to win the heavies... There is no stopping me this year, as I said before, as
long as everything goes well with training/diet this year, I would LOVE to 
finally meet my goal.    :) 

School is going well... we got our grades back in Bio Lab today and I was
a bit worried I must say. :( That class stresses me out. lol. But... suprisingly
enough, I have a freakin' "A"!!!!!!! How did I pull that off?? I still have another 
couple quizzes to go, but hell, I'm actually going to do well in the class! I'm
extatic about it! he he. I dropped my math class I was taking. Its now not in
my prereq's for PTA program so I said forget it. It was stressing me out more
than anything, so no need. I've got an "A" in my Human Growth and Development
class and so far hopefully a "B" in my Bio Lecture class. Who knows with that
one. lol. And as for Logic, my last class. I have NO IDEA, how I'll do there. That
class (I'm not sure if anyone else has taken it before?) but is NOT what I thought
it would be. Its sooooooooo confusing! Its not based on whats right and whats 
wrong. Its all based on sentence structure, etc. Dumb??? Confusing, etc...! Its
killing me!! So hopefully I do OK there. 

Also not to change the subject but wanted to give a big congrats to Colette
and Dave Palumbo! Woohooo! Engaged! I'm so happy for you girl! Thats
so awesome. You guys are great together.  :) 

I'll touch base again a bit later... gonna try to update some pics in a bit. So
make sure you check back. :)

Amanda 

10/23/03

I can't tell you all how hard its been lately for me. So much going on
and just not enough time in the day to do everything. For some reason
I always overextend myself in every situation whether its helping someone,
training people, school, work, whatever. Its always SOMETHING and I never
have time to just do things for myself or even sleep enough.

Lots to update on. I can't believe how much has happened in the last month.

Weight... I'm 162 as of this morning. I got my bodyfat done almost 2 weeks 
ago and at the time I came in at 160 lbs and 13% bodyfat, which was said
to be a bit on the high side of the caliper reading. Isn't that just great???
I'm psyched that I'm so heavy. My lean body mass is a bit over 139 right now
which means I'll NEVER weigh in middles again. Another great thing. I'm getting
quite a bit larger. yesssss. 

I've also pretty much decided, as long as things go according to plan, that I'll 
be working with someone this year from 16 weeks out. I'm trying to stay a 
bit reserved on this because I really want it to go well, but John Schoolcraft
and I have actually sat down again and I've told him i'd like him to help me 
again. I actually worked with him a few years ago when I was 19 or so, 2 years 
before my first show and again for my first show, the Jr. Florida back in
late 2001... but things fell through about 8 weeks out from my show and
I dieted the rest of the way alone.

This year, I'm hoping that things will go according to plan and him and I will
produce a winning physique as a heavyweight. To have the knowledge that
he got Peggy Schoolcraft so shredded with for many years is what is going
to get me through those last few weeks and last couple days of dieting, which 
is where I always seem to have the problem with. Plus its beneficial because
he's right here in my town, actually now training clients at my gym, Golds Gym 
in Ft. Myers, FL, so it'll be more one on one... Again, i'm not getting my hopes 
up because I don't want to happen like what happened in the past with him
and i working together. I HONESTLY want it to work, and if/when it does, 
I dont think anyone will believe that its even me onstage. I can guarantee I'll be 
absolutely huge and just completely feminine. Its a dream of mine and I will
achieve it. Anyone that knows me, knows how absolutely passionate I am with
my bbing and training... So keep watching for me. I should be a minimum of 
140 on stage next year, but John is telling me I'll be at 145-150 if I continue
at the rate I'm progressing at now. Which kicks ass!!!

School is going, ummm, OK.... I do not enjoy going at all. I am like I have said 
previously, taking 5 classes... 4 of which I'm not crazy about, but the Human
Growth and Development class really interests me. Its a very long class, 3 hrs...
but its one of those things that once I get there, i dont mind being there at all
because its very interesting.

I've also changed my major once again. There was an article in the paper
this past weekend stating how much physical therapists make (with a
masters) as opposed to Physical Therapy Assistants... and I was just
absolutely shocked. PTA's have a 2 year AS degree. The pay difference
is $8 per hour. WHY kill yourself FOR $8?? I have absolutely no clue. So
I have decided to do the PTA program. If that means taking the easy way
out, SO BE IT. I'm sick of going to school and want to do something I enjoy 
and SOON. So I'll be applying into the program for the Fall of 2004... 

I dont know how I'm working a second job right now but I am... As most of you 
know I work Sat/Sundays 7am-11pm at the hospital in xray... full time... plus
I go to school, 15 credit hours per week and have now started personal training.
I have two clients right now which I train a total of 6 hours per week, plus an extra
8 hours I have to work at Golds Gym training people. Its a lot of extra time I just don't 
have. Thank God school is almost done for this semester. Great for extra cash
and I love helping people out and seeing progress. Its great when people actually
listen to diet advice I have for them because they really do well with it. Plus my 
training kicks everyones butt. LOL. They love it though... 

I have also decided that I will be attending the 2003 NPC Nationals in Miami. Not
as a competitor but as a spectator/supporter. :) I have a lot of friends in it and I 
cannot see just not going especially when its so close. I don't care if I have to 
charge everything for the trip lol... I'm going. Its here and I need to take full
advantage of it. 

Also I wanted to thank Scott K. for taking the time/effort to send me some 
sponsorship money. I cant tell you how much that means to me. Its so nice
when you think people have forgotten about you, to see an email or two, or
sponsors come out and say how much they really appreciate everything you
do or stand for. I was having a horrible day when he sent me an email to help
fund my trip to nationals and it absolutely just made my day. I couldn't have felt
any happier. Thank you again Scott. :) I'll see you at the Jrs for sure this year and
we'll get some pics. 

Now for my predictions on the nationals. I predicted last year that Sarah Dunlap 
would win along with Jeannie Paparone. This year... hmmm, I'm not so sure 
about overall's or even class winners. I can tell you though, I am THOROUGHLY
impressed with Gina Davis from Texas. OMG! I cannot believe how much size
she's put on in the past year and she's absolutely BEAUTIFUL. She will be 
top 5 no doubt. I HONESTLY MEAN THAT. If not top 3.... But she's in the HW class
which is extremely hard... Tatianna Butler, I'm not sure if she's doing it, but she'll be
top 5. Colette N. top 5... Annie R. top 5.... 

Middles.... not every many that I know are doing it? One of my best friends, Beverly
DiRenzo from Cape Coral, Florida will be a middle, she's using the help of Chad
Nicholls again, she's looking shredded as ever. I can guarantee she'll be the 
LEANEST in the class. lol. Without a doubt, she's ready NOW. I'm not really too
sure who will be a middle this year though.

Let me know your comments though. I'd love to hear your opinions. I'm looking
forward to meeting everyone this year. But just to forwarn everyone, 
I AM OFFSEASON.... lol. So you all might not recognize me and I dont want to
hear that I'm fat. lol. Offseason is to put on size and I cant see ruining my 
offseason training because I'm too worried about what everyone else will
say at the nationals and make myself diet for it. I'm not doing that again. I 
have to do what is best for me. 

Take care everyone. I'll keep you all posted. I'm gonna have mike take some 
offseason pictures soon before I get too heavy, to see progress. 
I also want to wish a good friend of mine luck, Tami Jones of Cape Coral, FL.
She is doing a National Qualifier in less than 2 weeks. I think the Florida State
bodybuilding competition. She NEEDS to win the class. Keep your fingers
crossed for her, she's looking shredded! She's also my age... I'm trying
to get her to do the Jr. Nationals with me next year, ya never know!!!

Amanda 

9/17/03

Hey everyone... sorry its been so long. What a month its been. 
Mike and I moved into our new house and its been absolutely
CRAZY. I didn't realize how involved it was to move, but I can
say I dont want to do it again anytime soon. It seriously sucks!

The new house we bought is amazing. It has a big jacuzzi tub
and everything! wohooo. Gotta love that! Perfect for us, 3 bdrm/2 bath
for the two of us and our two cats. :) Things are going great otherwise.
Just a lot of time and effort really goes into furnishing and keeping clean
a brand new house. Its scary. I just didn't realize... Its so much different
having to clean our house, compared to the small 1 bdrm apartment
that we had before! LOL. I hate it but its totally worth it to live in a brand
new house. 

I've been so busy lately its incredible. I started school and I am not 
liking it. For the people out there that actually enjoy going to school, I 
honestly don't understand how you can like it? My boyfriend loves
school and would love to go back, but I can totally say I don't enjoy
it and I know I never will. Seems negative, but I am not a school person, 
I have never enjoyed it ever since I can remember. I enjoy learning
but I'm not much for going in and having papers due, or big exams
to stress about. YUCK. 

I'm taking Bio, Bio Lab, College Algebra, Logic, and Human Growth
and Development. I'm not really a math person, so I'm not loving the 
math class what-so-ever. The human growth class though, I find

very interesting. I love those kinds of classes. I just wish I could get
into the Physical Therapy program and not have to take all of these
prereq classes. I know its going to be extremely stressful and hard
to get through just the required classes to get my bachelors. Once
I get into the program I KNOW I'm going to love it and enjoy it. It 
might be challenging but I know it'll be something I'll enjoy and 
something I will actually USE and not just take because I'm
told I HAVE TO. Ughhhh. 

Other than that, I've still been trying to get into the gym on a 
regular basis. With working full time, going to school
for 15 credits (5 classes), cleaning/laundry, doing homework, etc.
its been awful hard with time management for me. Its really hard
to get everything done. I've gotta hand it to Sarah Dunlap for
being able to prep for many shows while she's going to 
school full time. I'd really be stressing.

My weight is around 155 right now. I'm losing a bit of weight
I think because my diet hasnt really been where it needs to be.
I haven't been eating enough on a daily basis, and definitely
not enough protein. This is the first time in a long time I've not 
taken in over 200 grams of protein per day... but hopefully I'll get 
back on track and on schedule soon. 

Nationals is just around the corner and depending on what
Mike and I decide to do, (if we can swing it financially) we're
going to head out to Nationals to watch the show, so I have
to be in good shape for that.

The other day I went to another local gym to train with a good friend
of mine... A former powerlifter, turned bodybuilder, Kaylie is her name.
It was really nice to have a training partner just for that extra
bit of motivation. The gym we went to also has a lot of bodybuilders that
train there... one being Denise Masino. She is absolutely amazing. To
see what she looks like up close is just so motivational for me. I CANNOT
WAIT until I have the size and muscle maturity that she has. It is so
impressive, plus she's beautiful. She's really got it all going for her. 
I have NO DOUBT that she will place top 3, EASILY at the Olympia 
this year. She is just in such great condition already. 

Now on to the subject of the Jan Tana... from what I've been reading,
I've really got a pretty good response from my review of the show.
I know I got people thinking, especially on thevalkyrie.com 
because I know certain people were very unhappy with me, but I 
really think bodybuilding needs to change for the better, so if I am
the sacrificial lamb on this one, so be it. If I can help just one person
in all this, its very much worth it, and so far, I've already helped a few.

So many women are really getting taken advantage of by SOME of 
the photographers,  IFBB/NPC officials, etc. I know of a few that 
have done video/photo work from certain photographers and have
never received copies of their video, and/or compensation for the
work they did for them. Its really ashame. 

(although I will say, that James Cook and Gene X. from FTvideo.com
run a VERY professional company and I would recommend ANY 
OTHER female bodybuilder to work with them for video or photos 
because they are very respectful and always follow through with what 
is promised to the athlete... they are always compensated with
what they're promised. ALWAYS. James was really such a 
great guy to work with at the Jr. Nationals for me. I'd be honored
to work with him again.)

I've recently heard that the women from the Jan Tana never received
prize money as they were promised? Now this could be speculation, 
but I highly doubt its just a rumor. As I read from an email, why should
this even be considered a pro show anymore?? I agree 100% with 
the person that said this. Bodybuilders should be given the respect
they deserve. Why do men always get what is promised and the 
women get nothing? Again this could be just a false rumor going 
around, but I doubt it. The women already get very little money
in the sport, I'd think the promoters from the Jan Tana would follow 
through? If anyone has confirmation on this, I'd be interested to
hear more about it... 

Amanda


8/18/03

Well I just got back last night from the Jan Tana Classic in Charlotte.
There was so much that I saw and it was definitely a reality check
to see exactly how a pro show looks and is run. Nevermind some of 
the spectators (or lack of I should say). 

With this being the first pro show I have attended it really made me think twice about
wanting to turn pro or not. I have completely realized that the elusive "pro card"
that everyone is after is really not what its all cracked up to be. To see
the lack of an audience to a professional event really just amazed me. 
I honestly believe I would get more out of competing on the national
level than to ever worry about turning "pro". Its simply not worth it,
unless you're going to be the next Ms. O, which is still my dream, 
but with the lack of support these bodybuilders get (by the fans AND judges),
it kind of makes it more or less a joke when they're on stage. I had more people in
the audience when I competed at my first local show than there 
was for the pro show. 

Nevermind the fact that most of the people out there were men that just 
wanted to get a session if you were up for it. Which is NOT 
what I do at all. I'm completely not into sessions. Not at all. 

I was simply amazed by what type of men come to watch the shows. There was 
NO RESPECT for the hard work, shredded condition, or sacrifice these athletes had 
gone through... It was to the majority of the percentage of the men that came up to
me about something sexual. It made me extremely uncomfortable to be
around some of these people... I was just not happy about that. I 
did not have to deal with anything like this at the Jr. Nationals...
Maybe because my boyfriend was with me?? But I didn't appreciate
some of the comments I received... basically like I was a piece of meat
to some. It was just a bit scary that some have no respect for others
and dont think twice about what they're saying before they say it. I will
say that not ALL the men/fans that came up to me were like that, because 
some had really genuine interest in my bodybuilding. Jim, Scott, etc... you know
who you are. I appreciate that. But others were a bit scary. 

Now as for the comments I received from the other pro's, officials, and
some fans, I was very happy with the feedback I got. I really have a great
group of friends out there and it made the difference this weekend. I first off
want to say thank you to Troy and Christine Envall. They were really great 
people. Its been forever since I started talking to these two online and 
to finally get to meet them and hang out with them and learn a lot, really
made for a great trip. I respect both of them highly and cannot wait to 
meet up with them again. It was an awesome experience and I just cannot
express how much I learned in the process..... Thank you both again. :)

I originally went up there in support of Joanna Thomas, a dear friend of mine
that lives out in Ft. Lauderdale. I went as moral support and to help with last
minute things, tan, etc.... She ended up doing great. Second place in only her
third pro show! Great job girl! You really worked hard these last few weeks.
I know it was very hard mentally for you but you came out on top, keep it
up and I'm so proud of you! Glad I could be there for you. 

I also met up with Angela Debatin, her husband, and son while I was there. 
She looked absolutely amazing on stage. I have been a big fan of hers for a 
few years now. She was absolutely the most shredded in the lightweights... 
She really nailed her condition this time around. I'm so happy for her! It was
well deserved.

I was also very suprised with the placing of Suzanne Neiderhauser. I saw her in 
the lobby a few times and didn't realize she was competing because she was totally
covered up. I never honestly thought of her as a threat on stage because I figured
she was very tall...? Well let me just be the first to say HOW WRONG I was. Her shape
and condition on stage was absolutely beautiful. She stood up there and compared
with Joanna so closely on shape, and condition was very close to Angela's also... I
am extremely suprised that she didn't place higher than 4th place. I think she was
a bit ripped off actually.... She definitely has a new fan now. I'm so impressed with
how thick her muscle bellies were and just again, great shape/condition. 

I finally met Jeannie Paparone... I've spoken to her a couple times via email and
she was a very nice woman in person. She also stood right along side with all
the middleweight pro's and held her own. Its so cool because she JUST turned
pro this past year and is already doing very well on the pro level. Her thickness 
and shape really is awesome... 

Now Christine Envall.... She was absolutely the MOST shredded woman in this show.
She was just as hard as the overall winner Helle Nielson, but didn't get the recogition
she should have. Finally making the top 5 was an accomplishment but to have the 
physique that they are supposed to be looking for, hard/shredded (is what real
bodybuilding is) and she places only 5th.... Being a world champion many times over,
I find it very hard to understand her placings and it only leads me to being more and more
frustrated with it all. Just look at how thick she is.... she's kept a lot of her size as
she's come into the new middleweight class along with retaining her great V shape. 
Just look at her lower lats and her calves... Nevermind the fact that her legs are 
shredded to the bone. It was amazing to see in person. 

Overall I was really pleased with who they picked for the winner. (Helle Nielson) but
in my opinion the judging for the lightweight and middleweight classes were completely
off. Hardness was the main factor for judging the heavies, but with the other classes, 
besides Angela, the other women were not judged according to hard or not. 

Now as for me and whats going on in my life.... I actually start school in 1 week. So
1 more week of freedom then stress will start in big time. I'm not looking forward to
5 classes, 15 credit hours of school. Its not going to be fun, but I need to get moving
if not I'll never make good money. 

Mike and I are doing great. We move into our new house this Thurs. I'm really 
excited. Its going to be so awesome! woohooo! Lots of stress to move all our stuff,
but it'll be worth it long term. 

I've decided I will NOT do the nationals this year because of school. I need to
make sure I do well and concentrate on it, not just get through it. I want/need
to get good grades this time around. It is very important now. Nationals are 
going to have to wait until next year, 2004 when I've hopefully put on about
10 lbs. :)

Right now I'm weighing around 158 or so. Maintaining quite nicely and suprisingly
not that fat either. I could be a bit leaner but its not THAT bad where I'm at. I'm
really trying to make a conscious effort to eat cleaner in the offseason. Yeah,
I still have my crap hear and there, but everyone has to! You cant be strict 24/7!

Other than that, not too much else going on. I'll post a few pictures from the Jan
Tana in a few minutes if I can some clear ones out of the bunch.  Sorry for this 
being so long.... Once I get going on a good topic, I cant stop! ;) 

Amanda
 

8/4/03

I have not written in this journal for a while... wow, didn't realize
it had been that long. I really apologize for that but so much 
has been going on. I dont know where to start! LOL. 

USAs just passed and I cant believe the results! Elena competed
and looked awesome! I was really pleased to see how she did. 
Judging is just weird sometimes. To have Heather Lee and
Elena tied going into the night show was just weird... they train
together a couple times per week, whats the odds?? Both looked
awesome and they really deserved to do well. 

I went down to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday and stayed all day, didn't
get back into Ft. Myers until really late that night. I had a few 
friends competing at the Southern States and I'm so proud of 
both of them. A good friend of mine, Kathleen, who was a middle
competed and really should have kicked ass and as of Friday 
afternoon when Joanna and i were carbing her up and getting
her weighed in, all was going smooth. Then I speak to her on 
Saturday morning and she had been sick all night, throwing up 
and didnt know what was wrong. Well she still went up on stage
even though she was feeling horrible and continued to finish 
out the show. Her weight went from 131.7 for weigh ins (cut off 
is 132) to 120 lbs the next morning because she was so sick.

Well come to find out after a day of stress at the show and 
her feeling terrible, they realized she had food poisoning 
from the ground turkey she had cooked the day previously. 
All 16 weeks of her diet shot because she was sick, it wasnt
wasted but she deserved to place extremely high and there
was no way the judges could award her of that when she was
just so depleted. Really sucks and I feel horrible for her. I know
how hard she worked and I wish she could have really showed
everyone what she was all about... Next year Kathleen you will
win it!

Another good friend of mine, Kelly Koons competed in the LW
class and placed 3rd. She seriously kicked ass and has trained
her ass off this year. She put on nearly 10 lbs of muscle and 
really put it all together for this show. The best shape of her life
and I just want to say congrats girl. You are so dedicated, I really
admire you for that!

At the weigh ins I couldnt believe what I saw...... I had no idea
who this massive bodybuilder woman was that was walking 
around. I swear she looked like a pro bodybuilder. OMG, it 
was Colette Guimond. Whoa!! That woman is AMAZING. She 
must have weighed in somewhere in the 150s because she's
like 5'1 and SOLID... 3-D looking. I was so impressed and loved
her physique, she also won the heavyweight class but because
the judging was really political that day, the middleweight won
the overall.... how anyone could beat her, I just do not know. 
Colette really just rocked. So motivational to see her.

Now as for Joanna Thomas... its less than 2 weeks out from
the Jan Tana. I was really shocked to see her in such amazing
shape when I got to Ft. Lauderdale. She is going to do really
well at the JT this year. Its just such a huge transformation
she goes through. Her face is just SO MUCH DIFFERENT from
when she started dieting until now. She's got a beautiful face
with an awesome shape going on. I just hope she doesnt make
me crazy at the show. lol She is VERY carb depleted and not
thinking very well right now but will stick it out and once we
can get some carbs into her after weigh ins, she'll be so much
better. lol. Then ITS ON... She has a great routine this year 
and hopefully she'll win her second JT LW title again. 

Mike and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary since we 
started seeing each other after the Southern States last year. 
:) I cant believe its already been that long! Wow. I'm extremely
happy with how him and I are together. 

We move into our new house in less than 3 weeks. I cant wait!
A real house and not an apartment, woohooo! 

I've also been contemplating doing Nationals this year. Still
unsure. I start school up full time in 3 weeks and have to make
sure I can handle my class load before anything. I'm going to
be taking 5 classes, 15 credit hours this semester. I havent
dedicated myself to school enough in the past and now need
to get myself together and finish my degree. I'm more going
along the lines of physical therapy now... lol. I keep going back
and forth. So we'll see. Either way I'll be at the Nationals this 
year. Its going to be so fun! 

Well I've gotta run. Going furniture shopping and to tan. Sorry
for taking so long getting this journal done. I have more to 
say so maybe I'll write a bit later too. he he.

Amanda :)


6/17/03

Wow  WHAT A WEEKEND!!! For all of you that haven't heard, I 
did the Jr. Nationals, my first national level show and got 3rd place.
Placings went:
1st Dena Westerfield
2nd Kim Perez
3rd Amanda Dunbar
4th Kristy Hawkins

I'm really psyched to even be put with a group of girls like this. It went
really well and although I was a bit stressed half the time, it went some-
what smooth. lol 

I want to say first of all, thank you so much to my boyfriend, Mike, who was
there for me non-stop 24/7 when I was nasty and a grouch for the last
few weeks. Only a few people in this world can deal with me when I'm
mean like that and its only been him and my mom. lol. hahaha. He was such
a help and I love him so much. Thanks Mike, you're the best. I'll have to owe
you now. Man..... lol. 

Second I wanted to say thanks to Elena for being there for me all the time,
every day when I had something to stress about, she was there for my
moral support when I needed someone to complain to that has competed
before and that could calm me down and tell me I was fine and right on track.
She was there the last few days, did my tan, make-up, etc and I cant thank 
her enough. If there is anything i can ever do for you or Chris ever, please dont
hesistate to ask. I really value your friendship, Elena. 

Thanks to Shannon (my older sister) and her son, Josh, who came up to support
me at the show. Too bad you couldnt watch the night show, but its ok, at least
you got to see prejudging. :) Hope you had a good time and its really nice you
came all the way out there for me! Thanks again. 

James Cook...... Let me tell you what an amazing photographer he is. If you
dont have a membership to his site, www.ftvideo.com by now, you need
to go get one. I did sooooooooo many pics/video with him, omg.... and I know they're
going to come out great. I normally HATE all the pics I do, haha, but the ones I
took with him, omg. I'm so excited. They came out so good. Go to his site and check
out Gene's contest report and the new wallpaper they added. Its so awesome. I love
it! Once James gets going on the video it'll come out in a month or so. It'll be of 
me posing and Elena and I training in the gym, 1 day post contest for me and 6 
weeks out from the USA for Elena. She is is super condition, hard as shit and 
will kick ass this year at her show. I have no doubt in her ability. She is very smart.

Now onto the trainer situation. I WAS working with a guy named Jeff Bell, from 
about 4 weeks out til the show. I came to him looking for advice for my last week
of carb depletion/loading. He helped me out up til then and then we depleted and 
all I am going to say is his carb load was NOT something i was willing to do. I 
ended up doing the entire carb loading process on my own (with the help of 
mike, elena, and chris) and we kinda put our heads together and did what 
I've done in the past with minor corrections here and there. 

With not much time after weigh ins there was only so many carbs I could
get in my mouth to make me full enough before i stepped on stage in less 
than 12 hrs before prejudging. Never, what if I eat too much and I spill 
over for the night show the NEXT night, if i were to qualify. 

It was a stressful day/night.... I never want to do a 2 day show again, until I'm a pro.
lol. Until I have more experience under my belt with dialing in and how my body
responds to different carbs and how much time it takes to see results, I dont ever
want to do that type of show again. Its much better going in to peak for 1 DAY, not 
holding condition for 2. 

It turned out I was a bit flat for prejudging, although i was harder looking in the legs
but less vascular throughout. For the night show, I was A TON bigger looking, just 
crazy FULL, vascular, but legs had gone to the softer side. I wasnt really drinking any
water, besides sips here and there just to maintain some type of sanity. So I was on 
the right track. I think there are a few things I'll tweak for next time. But the next time
i do this, I WILL be a heavyweight, an I will be MUCH HEAVIER. 

For the Southern States last year, in August... I weighed in at 123. 

This year Jr. Nationals, June (only 10 months of time in between) I weighed in at 132. 
I came up 9 lbs at least... and probably stepped on stage at about 139 or so. 

So my goal now for Nationals in 2004 is this... To weigh in at 140 then step on stage
at about 145 or so. Definitely possible. Next year I will have a different look. Harder,
just as feminine, and a lot more muscle maturity. Its going to be great. Every year
can only get better. More time, the harder my muscles will get and the more defined
I will be on stage and just offseason too. I love it.... 

Right now though, my plans are to start really training hard offseason. I'm going to 
be doing some serious eating this week, lol.... then start back on a great offseason
diet on Monday. I'm going on a cruise the same weekend as the USA (sorry Elena) :( 
but have to spend some time with Mike. he he. Then Aug will be the Jan Tana....

I also registered for classes again. YUCK. I HATE school. Taking full time classes.
Bio, Bio Lab, Logic, and a math class. Mon-Friday classes. How crappy. Mike is 
gonna try to keep me motivated because i am starting to see the light at the end of
the tunnel here with school. I need to finish these prereq's so I can go on to 
Occupational Therapy School. If I can get all this done in 4 years I'll be very happy. 

We move into our house in less than 2 months......... YAAAAAAAAAAY! Out of this 
apartment! I'm psyched! Cant wait!

I also ran into Heather Policky at the show. Let me just tell you, HER LEGS. 
O-M-G. Are amazing. And of course Steve Wennerstrom from FLEX Magazine/
WPW was there at the same time and he had to get a picture of us together. 
Well fine, cool.... but of course it had to be a LEG SHOT. lol. I cant wait to see
THAT picture floating around somewhere and its her GIGANTIC LEG next to my
puny anorexic one. lol lol. what a comparison. It was worth a laugh. On another
note though, Heather was great. She's been a real friend throughout this contest
prep and any questions I've had she's answered w/o a doubt. She's a true 
bodybuilder, I just hope she gets whats she deserves at the USAs... she's a pro
in the amateurs, she needs to qualify out. She's just too good. 

Oh, I also wanted to mention one more thing.... I really want to thank Deb Widdis
who also competed at the Jrs with me, for being such a good friend. She's one of 
the most genuinine people I know and really giving of herself. I was so upset for her
when she didnt place higher than she did at the show. She got ripped off big time,
in my opinion. I love her to death and would do anything for her. Deb... Keep your 
chin up, the USAs are just around the corner and you need to stay focused and
prepared. 


Well gotta run, thats it for now... going out with friends tonight!

Amanda 


6/11/03

I cannot believe we leave tomorrow for the Jr. Nationals. This 
prep has flown by (not fast enough when it comes to dieting lol) 
but with the 16 weeks I was dieting, its really gone quite fast. 

All I can say is, I think I'm ready. I'm 10 lbs bigger than I was last
year and will actually have a problem weighing in as a middle this
year. Hopefully I'll make it. I need to come in at the highest, 132. I'm
excited just to get out to chicago and weigh in, then the fun begins!
Lots of eating!!!!!!!!!!!! mmmmmmmm. lol

Elena Seiple and Chris (her husband) are staying with Mike and I and
its going to be a great time. I arrive Thurs morning and they'll get there
sometime Thursday night. All I can say is, I think Elena is going to want
to kill me by the end of this show, ha ha, I get soooo excited about it, I 
go non-stop 100 miles and hour. woohooo! :) Cant wait. 

I also wanted to say thank you to the people that have helped me out
and contributed to my contest prep fund by donations. Its been such a
help you all have no idea. Thanks Jason, Todd, and Andy from 
Andysmusclegoddesses.de. Its really so nice that you all are cool like that.

Sunday after the show Elena and I are shooting a video with James Cook
from FTvideo.com. That will be a sight to see, lol her and I training together.
:) 

I'm pretty excited to finally meet a few people I've been talking to online/phone
for the past few months. Deb Widdis will be there competing as a heavy and 
she will be a GIANT on stage. I love that. She is so massive, I pray I dont weigh
in as a heavy and have to be placed next to her to walk out. ha ha. I'll look 
anorexic bc she's so big. :) Goooo Deb, you're gonna kick ass. If anyone sees
me there, make sure you say hi and stop me to talk!!!! 

My goal in this show is to look better than I did last year which I have already 
achieved. #2. to be bigger on stage, which I should be around 10 lbs heavier 
when I weigh in than last year. #3 place in the top 5 and make the night show. So
we'll see what happens. Dont wanna get myself all excited and stressed for nothing,
it'll be a great time and really a chance to get out there and finally start doing some
national level shows. ;) 

I also want to say thank you to Jeff Bell who has helped me out with my last 4
weeks of dieting. He rocks... Anyone looking for contest prep info, talk to me and
I'll set you up with him. He is going to be one of the top contest prep people very
soon. Glad I was introduced to him. (Thanks Justin.... I already owe you a ton as
it is. ha ha).

Alright, gonna go start packing. Cant wait to see everyone there. Wish me luck. 
Keep your fingers crossed for me to make middles. ahhhhhhh! :) 

--Amanda