Good lord almighty! That shoot had to be the most difficult one I have done to date! Not in a bad way, mind you, but I definitely do not need to work out today, and I think I deserve a cheat meal for three full hours of, "tighter, tighter, hold it, suck in, tighter, get that muscle to come out, hold it, hold it, hold it, tighter, arch your back, arch some more, arch, arch, hold it, bend this way, bend that way, hold that weight, hold it, tighten, flex, flex harder, harder, harder, hold it!" Whew!

Okay, I must spill the beans. I can't hold it in any longer. I'm horrible with secrets anyway. I shot with Jerry Frederick of Ironman magazine today. Now, the pictures won't appear in Ironman until next year, probably right about the time I step on stage for Junior Nationals in June (magazines work on this really weird timetable...they take your picture and then wait around for decades to use it). But this is still exciting nonetheless. I'll be in the hardcore training section, and there were several "hotshots" taken to go into the gossip column in various issues in the coming months. I'm just beside myself! I shouldn't be this excited about it, but I am. See, I've wanted to be in that hardcore training column for years now. I've watched so many other competitors make it in--including my friend, Michelle Troll--that I had decided I would contact Jerry once I knew when I'd be hitting competition shape again next year. The fact of the matter is that he didn't care that I wasn't in contest shape. He liked the fullness and roundness I'm carrying now. (I can see striations in my shoulders, veins in my arms, a definite four-pack--six pack when flexed--and good, smooth skin for my legs. My back is always ripped as are rear delts, so I never worry there.) Anyway, he did this shoot and then will do a follow up one again next year when I am dieted down. He also suggested I contact Bill Dobbins when I'm at the Olympia, which I will definitely do again.

Anyway, it is a great opportunity, a terrific ego-boost, and just an overall nice feeling to know that I can be approached out of the blue at Gold's Gym (did I mention that Monica Brant trains there; unfortunately, I have not caught a glimpse of her, but I did catch an eyeful of Chris Cormier's arm workout just a week out from the Olympia. One word: impressive! But I've always been a fan of his physique.).

I also made a decision once again: I'm staying natural. I just don't see the worth or the point in taking anything that could possibly change my facial structure, create a different shape to my muscles, or make shaving the face a daily ritual. You just never know how much it takes to cross the line, and I won't risk it. The fact that I can garner attention from a major magazine photographer and hear about how my physique and the lines I carry are good for photos and the girly look I have is a very appreciated added benefit just reiterates my gut feeling. I'll still ask questions about various gear choices, for I want to understand what my friends, competitors I might be providing advice to, and other girls I step on stage with are doing and to be able to explain fully why I won't go that route, but I sincerely believe that I can carry this on my own, without the aid of anabolics. It just doesn't pay.

Okay, one decision down, thirteen million more to go. I better get busy...lol!! Actually, I think I need either a nap or a nice dinner at a Mexican or Italian restaurant. Who's buying? Lol! On second thought, is it possible to sleepeat (like sleepwalk?) or would that just defeat the purpose of the cheat meal and the enjoyment of it? Yeah, I think I'll take a quick nap and then head out to pig out. I don't want my face falling into the plate of spaghetti...lol!

Happy Friday!

Jodi :)