Pro Debut...a few more pics

My Pro Debut!!!

Hi there, well I'm back home from Atlantic City and in a strange way, relieved that it is over. I told myself not to stress out and have fun.....needless to say, I was a wreck. My goal was top 12, that quickly changed after the meeting and seeing the other competitors to top 15. I was let down, and didn't make that top 15. What happens then is your music routine is shortened to 1 minute vs 2 and it goes down as "np = not placed". I was most disappointed with the effort and time spent on the routine and not given the chance to perform it all. On the positive end, I did learn a lot, took lots of notes, met some new friends and saw old ones too! It was a Team Universe "reunion". Lisa Aukland (Congrats for taking first place!!), Carla Salotti, Vicki Nixon, Colette Nelson, Toni Norman and myself. All in all, another experience I'll never forget. Bottom line is I'll keep doing what I'm doing. I may not ever be the biggest or the hardest, but blessed with the best friends and family for support along the way!!
Please forgive me for the quality of the pictures. I bought a new camera and I'm still learning how to use it! :)
A big thank you to everyone for the love, support and good luck wishes!
Debbie

NPC Inter-Continental

Hi - Last weekend, Doug and I made the trip up to St. Charles Illinois to watch and support fellow atheletes compete in the NPC Inter-Continental Bodybuilding competition. My good friend Gabe competed as a lightweight and took second. Personally, I think he looked real good and I would of had him in first!! I was surprised to hear that the overall winner was from Hammond, Indiana. With that in mind, I made my way back stage, thanked the promoters for the nice front row seats and introduced myself to Mike the middleweight and overall winner. There are not many bodybuilders in the Northwest Indiana area. It was nice to meet Mike and his wife Megan. Mike looked fantastic and is off to a great start and a bright bodybuilding future. I also had the chance to catch up with Ernest Bea, Kevin Noble, Jeff Johnson and Michelle from USA Gym. I just love going to these shows and sometimes really miss competing at the local level.
I am dialing in and so ready for this weekend. What a difference it is preparing for a competition when you don't have to work. I am totally focused on this show. I'm making the most of my spare time practicing my posing and routine. This is by far the best routine I've done. I love it!! I'm also already packed...this is so unlike me to be ahead of the game.
Anyway, here are a few pictures from the show. Gabe, alone on stage. Mike and I and Ernest and I.
I'll make sure to post some results once I get back in town. I'm just going to go out there, do my best and have fun!!
XOXO
Debbie

Getting Closer....

Just a few pictures as I get closer to making my pro debut. The support from family and friends is very overwhelming and motivating. Pictured above is my dear friend Boris......the best massage therapist ever! Along with Lew and Patty, friends I was so excited to finally run into while visiting World Gym in Highland. I'm keeping busy now that I don't have to worry about work......getting plenty of rest and training, training and more training. I could get very used to this life of leisure!! We leave for Atlantic City next Thursday the 21st. I'll be sure to get another post out before I leave. Until next time...

Lots of luv

Debbie