I had to run to WalMart and get several gallons of water, as I forgot I was finishing my last one tonight. I've switched from tap water to bottled spring water, so I have to make sure I have a gallon in the morning when I wake up. Anyway, that's not the point. The point is, it's the middle of the night, I'm in WalMart, and I've got a package of chicken, a package of lean steak, a couple of avocados, enough asparagus to feed a family of seven, and black pepper (I ran out a week ago and have been dying for some taste on my food), and I head straight for the cookie aisle to see what new flavors have come out on the market. Yeah. Torture. Really smart, Jodi.

So, I stroll down the cookie aisle and see that Honey Maid has come out with oatmeal raisin cookies. I actually stop, pick up the package, and begin to sniff. How sad is that? Me...in the middle of the night...in WalMart...sniffing cookies. I guess it's better than sniffing glue, which would be exceptionally dangerous considering I haven't had carbs since about 2 p.m., have done cardio since then, and already feel lightheaded as a result. And it doesn't stop there. I try sniffing a bunch of different packages of cookies. I can't smell a thing! It's frustrating. They've packaged those things so well and so tightly that not a single scent is going to dare to escape. I'm about to leave the aisle when all of a sudden I see that the Fig Newton people have come out with new flavors: caramel apple and cherry cheesecake. These two items are now on my list of things to try. I think it is absolute cruel and unusual punishment for companies to introduce new flavors when I'm dieting. They should know better. They should know to wait until I'm in off season and can actually eat the stuff.

Here's the funny thing. I actually started to head towards the checkout counter and was halfway there when I realized I had forgotten the one thing I had gone out in the middle of the night to get: water. Was it the low carbs? Or was it the imaginary cookie fumes that caused me to have a memory lapse? Either way, I had to walk all the way across the store, past the cookie aisle once again, to get to the water and bring home seven gallons' worth (I'm going through two gallons a day). Luckily, WalMart sells them for 58 cents per gallon.

I got a new Pooh keychain too. I'm pleased with my physique, so I figured I deserve another one. Unfortunately, I already have it. It's one of those little vending machines, like a gumball machine, and you put your quarters in and hope for the best when you turn the dial. I'm waiting for my grape Pooh, but I keep getting pineapple Pooh, pear Pooh, and orange Pooh. I want grape Pooh!!! [stomping of foot]

I also wanted to add something else. Awhile back, I wrote to Monica Brant to thank her for taking the time to talk with Michelle Bell, Stephanie Collins, and myself. I'm copying and pasting her response as well as my original e-mail. This is a woman I truly admire, and when you read this, you'll see why. I get just as excited about hearing back from competitors I write to as y'all do!


Hello Jodi!!
I am sooooo sorry for taking so long to respond to your sweet email!
I have such a hard time keeping up with the emails and trips and training and boyfriend.. and, well you know !!
It was really nice meeting you at the AC !!

Thank you for the nicest email and sincere thoughts you wrote. I really appreciate hearing them and will use them to keep me going! I enjoy what I do and that is what is most important.. as that relates to others and hopefully keeps them going too! Just a big circle!

I will be happy to give you the link.. I'll send the request to my webtech...

Hope you are happy and healthy! Thanks again for being so generous with your words- you are a gem!

Hope to see you again someday!!
Lots of love,
MO


Stay Fit, Love Life, & God Bless U!
Monica Brant

Universal Nutrition Spokeswoman
www.universalnutrition.com
Co-Promoter npc Monica Brant Fitness Classic
www.bodyrock.com

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----- Original Message -----
From: JulietRmeo@aol.com
To: MBrant1@excite.com
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 11:39 PM
Subject: Re: Meeting you at the Arnold (w/Michelle Bell and Stephanie Collins)


Monica,
This is a bit delayed, but I just wanted to drop you a quick line and tell you how much I appreciated you taking the time to talk with me, Michelle, and Stephanie the Saturday morning after the Arnold.
I meant what I said when I stated that you are such an inspiration and a true and accurate representation of what figure is and should be. Regardless of what judges tell you and what numbers they jot down on scorecards, you have earned a number one spot in the hearts and minds of fans, peers, and fellow competitors.
As someone who has been working hard to achieve a chance to step on the same stage that you walk upon, I know it must be dejecting and disappointing to hear conflicting reports from judges after you've given it your all. But what really makes me respect you is the fact that you step back onto the stage in terrific condition and with a terrific attitude. Your competitiveness is to be admired.
I don't mean this to be a gushy e-mail, but I just wanted you to know that it was truly spectacular to finally meet you in person. I do hope I earn pro status, for standing on stage with you--amongst many others--will be trophy enough for me.
I have a link to your site on mine and would love to be included in your link section as well. Here's a link: www.jodileigh.com. Thank you in advance for doing this!
As I know you are incredibly busy, and I understand how difficult it is to get back to everyone, don't worry about writing back. Just know that I'll be rooting for you when the Olympia rolls around. In the meantime, keep training hard and strong! You motivate tons of women out there!
Sincerely,

Jodi Miller
www.jodileigh.com
P.O. Box 293344
Lewisville, Texas 75029-3344