I don’t think I will ever write another blog about more
opposite topics… but welcome to my life!!
On Saturday, I attended my niece’s first birthday party and emceed my
first State Championship of Body Building! It was so much fun!
Leading up to Saturday, I spent a lot of time catching up
with friends, reading books, getting a haircut, and of course… keeping up with
the Olympics! In fact, I met my
three college roommates on Tuesday for a movie and dinner! Then we headed back to Whitney’s house
for an Olympic watch/slumber party!
It was so much fun, and I am so thankful for their friendships!
Saturday was a big day! My beautiful niece, Addison, celebrated her first birthday
with 50 people, including lots of babies! I believe she is the BEST dressed one-year-old. For her party, she was wearing an owl monogrammed t-shirt and an adorable colorful tutu! But her bloomers…!! They were just precious!
I really regret not taking more pictures of the party decorations
because my sister-in-law went all out with the “owl” theme! My brother, Mark, grilled hamburgers
and hot dogs, and of course my grandmother brought a birthday cake! She has not missed making a birthday
cake for a family member that I can remember… EVER! When it was time for the cake, we had to take off the tutu and fancy clothes! She had her own blue owl-shaped “smash cake”. A little hesitant at first, she didn’t hold back once she tasted the icing!
Addison needed a little help blowing out the candles!
Then, it was time to open the presents! Addison got lots of toys, books, clothes, and outdoor toys! She also received two tickets to the zoo and a bag of animal crackers… her favorite present of all! Mom and Dad gave her a shopping cart full of groceries, which excited the one-year-old on the verge of walking. I gave her a toy cell phone. I may not be a positive influence on my niece... Haha!
After the birthday party, I headed home to change into my
black leather dress! Several weeks
ago, Sandie Kight called to ask if I would emcee the Arkansas State Body
Building Championships since the scheduled emcee had to cancel. Sandie co-owns Fine Lines Training with
my Miss America personal trainer, Ann Marie Gibbs. Both ladies have held state titles in Women’s Figure and
Physique, and Sandie now helps to expedite the state competitions. I knew very little about the
competition, but they promised I would have an emcee notebook from which to
read! After selecting my leather
dress, I felt ready for the challenge!
The state competition was held in Robinson Auditorium with
approximately 500 people attending.
More than 90 male and female contestants competed in Bikini, Figure,
Physique, and Body Building. The
contestants ranged in age from 16-60, and the 60-year-old man was clearly
popular with the crowd! Onstage in
my silver heels during most of the four-hour competition, I had an occasional opportunity
to relax backstage. Contestants
doing push-ups created an obstacle course to the water fountain. It was a really new world to me!
Competing in a fitness competition requires an incredible
amount of self-discipline! Most of
the athletes prepare for years, with constant attention to workout and
diet. Then, they prepare a 90
second posing routine to music of their choice… and, as you can imagine, “I’m
Sexy and I Know It” was a popular song!
Haha! There are nine judges
who score the competitors. I got
tickled when I saw them passing around a pizza box. I mentioned to Sandie how cruel it was for the judges to eat
pizza in front of competitors who have been on strict diets. Laughing, she confided that the
contestants had pizza in their dressing room and were chowing down after their
onstage appearances. Haha … reminds
me of Miss America!
The announcement of the overall body builder winner was
intense. I had observed the
judging trends and decided that it would come down to the back-flipping Gareeno
or the crowd favorite, Brett. Finally,
I announced the judges’ decision, “The Arkansas State Champion of Body
Building… Brett Cotter!” He had an
emotional moment during the announcement and doubled over with a few tears, but
I mustered the courage to ask for a photo afterward. I knew my blog followers would want to see a picture! All of the division winners will be
invited to the National Olympia Competition.
With the excitement of the weekend behind me, I am now
transitioning to school mode!
Orientation for Pharmacy School begins on Monday; classes start
Wednesday! My white coat ceremony
will be on Friday, and I have a few special events coming up as well. I am SO excited about my life right
now! I know God has big plans for
this pageant girl/science nerd, and I will trust His guidance!
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5
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