Well,, I just got back from FIBO.. What a Great Experience. So many cultures in one place. I Loved It!!!!!

Nutriworld was Great,, they were the best hosts. Their staff worked non stop to ensure we all had everything we needed. You all ROCK!!!

I made some new friends, ones I will have for life .

I guess I will finish my story.( Well it is never really finished)

I was training for a second attempt at Nationals. It was difficult. I was torn between trying to build a career in the Industry, and completing a goal, I had once  thought impossible. I decided I would go for it.

I decided that this contest would be all me, my routine would be coreographed by me and my friend, and my husband.

I knew pretty much how to diet, so I figured the first 10 to 12 weeks I could handle. After that, I would decide what to do.

I practiced my routine carefully, as to not reinjure myself. My children helped every step of the way. Being patient with me, and the moodiness that comes with the diet. The hours in the gym, molding, sculpting, practicing.

One thing I knew I had , was support. My husband, although I bit his head off on a normal basis, was still encouraging, and helpful.

I continued my part time work with ISS, I still managed to be there for my children. However it was taking a toll on me. But I was not going to give up.

Finally the Olympia 2005 had arrived, and I was going to Vegas to work in the ISS Booth. I was committed to this being my last time as a Booth girl. I wanted more. A career, a solid future.

It was there that I ran into our close friends Jeff McCarrel ( Nutrex), and Amber LittleJohn, who took second at the Olympia in Figure.

They saw potential in me, so they decided to help prep me in my final 6 weeks. Jeff's dieting advice was helpful. Amber kept my head on straight. Even insisting I wore one  of her Incredible Swimsuits.

I had, had my own made, but something about wearing a suit that graced such stages as the Arnold and the Olympia, well it was a no brainer.

November came, and it was once again time to take the family to the big show. This time Atlanta GA.

No flying this time, close enough to drive. My children were so excited. My little one kept saying, just smile mommy, and don't fall down.

And you will win. AHHHH it is so simple in a child's mind.

I was okay. I was ready. I knew I had done everything I could do. I was prepared.

First round , I knew I was doing well, over the years I had learned to not worry about the other competitors. If they showed up better that day, well so be it.

I did well in the swimsuit rounds, I knew I was not in first place by the call outs. But that is the beauty of Fitness. You have three rounds, and the scores can always balance you out.

Routine round.. This is where my fear kicked in. Was my routine good enough, would my back stay with me.

It did. I nailed it .. I made it my own. I sold myself.... It was the best feeling........

Another swim suit round, this time in the one piece that belonged to Amber Littlejohn.  I could hear her screaming from the crowd, my family was so proud.. In my head all I could hear was, Smile Mommy, and don't fall....lol

After it was all done, I took second place. Earning my Pro Card.

Some people say, second place is first place loser. Well let them say it. The girl that beat me , deserved it. So I applaud her.

I overcame so much adversity, I had a loving family, children who ,,now understood all those days I was in pain, or tired. They would say,, Why don't you just quit Mommy... I couldn't , I had to teach my beautiful Daughters, that when things get hard, or sometimes painful, when you don't think you can not go on one more step.. You reach deep, deep inside what is in all of us. And you pull from it. You find the strength, or you create it. And you don't quit.

They now understood why this lesson is so important.

Through all my pain as a child, through the abuse , the beatings, the hunger, cold and lonely nights. All the horrific events that I have survived. One thing was true. No one could take away what I was feeling that moment I got my Pro Card.

Not because of the card, or becoming a Pro Athlete. It was just the achievement. The satisfaction. The Pride I had learned to depend on to help me get through life.

One of my favorite quotes, comes from my Favorite Movie,, Rocky,,,in Rocky VI, the final one. He gave his son a speech.

If you know what your worth, go out and get what your worth. It is not about how hard you can hit, It is about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.  I have lived this quote my entire life.

I will teach my children to live this. Many people who know me, and may know my story. They ask me sometimes, why is it so easy for you to discuss such a life.  My answer is alwasy the same. There was a time when I would not want people to know the sickness I have come out of. But not anymore.

I Love who I am, everything about me. I stand proud of how I turned out. And it was because of every good, and every horrific moment I experienced. It was all of these things that made me who I am today. So why would I be ashamed. I embrace them.

I wouldn't change not one thing that occured in my life. Because It had made me the April I am today.

Okay,,sorry,, I get going sometime...lol  Well, after I earned my pro card, I focused on my career.  I had no desire to compete on the Pro Level. I had three children who needed me, and to be a Great Mom, I wanted a satisfying career .

I was offered a job by Stacker , NVE Pharmaceuticals, directly following the Nationals. Not to be their booth girl, or to be their Model. But to be their National Sales Manager for Sports Nutrition. I learned so much from them, made a ton of contacts.

Learned Contract manufacturing, traveled. I used the experience as if it were college. Absorbing all I could. I stayed with my Stacker Family for two years.

Soon another company would contact me, Ask me to start a Sports Nutrition Line for them. They would supply the money, I would start it from scratch. This was the oppurtunity I had been waiting for. To take all I had learned through the years, and apply it to something that I would see from beginning to end. I knew it would be alot of work, alot of travel. I needed to be sure my family was in agreement. They were, they new that to be the best mom , and best wife, I needed to be happy inside.

The group that hired me, they had faith, they trusted my judgment and my suggestions.  That was the birth of Infinite Labs.

We are one year old now, and doing well. We have acheived more in one year as new brand, then some that have been out for 3 and 4.

So yes, I am proud of that.

Well I better get back to work. For anyone who read this. Thank You.......................