Sept. 22, 2004

Hello everyone!
It has been over a month since my last journal entry--- or close to it. I can't believe where the time goes. I am still dieting--- getting ready for the North Americans. I wasn't going to do the show once I decided that I was going to compete in Spain. But- I don't want to give up the opportunity. You never know what can happen. You never know what they are looking for. I am in better shape and I hope that I can bring a tighter more symmetrical package to the line-up. There are a lot of great girls competing----so, you never know. It really all depends upon what the judges are looking for at that particular moment. You can't get to worked up about it. Seriously--it is anyone's guess to the outcome of these contests.

I am just enjoying the whole process and journey. I have two more shows-- and the most exciting yet to come- SPAIN. I still can't believe that I am going to be in SPAIN--competing. This is so exciting.

I have decided-- pro-card or not---I love to compete. I love to push myself. A pro-card is like a diploma for all your hard work. The final validation of all the hours and years in the gym. But- I am finding that this year with doing the TEAM U and trying a different approach to my bodybuilding has been a wonderful learning and growing experience. Then- competing in SPAIN-- it just doesn't get any better than this.

I will keep you posted on the results of these next two shows. However, I am sure you will see for yourselves online.

Colette

Aug.9 2004

Hey guys

Thanks for the great emails. Don't get me wrong--- I am very excited about my HW win. Hey- in bodybuilding, any WIN is a good thing. It is like playing the lottery-- you are most likely going to lose, but if you are able to walk away from the table breaking breaking even, that is not such a bad thing. Not sure where I was trying to go with that analogy, but..........you know what I mean. The judges have a reason for their decisions-----------and for some reason they do not think that I am ready to turn Pro.

I was going to do the North Americans----but, I would rather put all my efforts into the Worlds ( Spain, Sept. 18th). Bodybuilding is something that I love to do-- I have done the North Americans--2001. I have never had the opportunity to fly to SPAIN and compete. Just the experience of comepting in Spain is exciting. I can't even imagine!!!! I would be a fool to pass up this opportunity. I have never been to Europe. It would just be so incredible.

I have 6 weeks to dial in my body. I have to be tighter. The women in Europe are incredible. They are ripped to the bone. So- back on the diet today. No cheating. I don't really have time.

I had a very FUN eating day , yesterday. It was just so great to be able to eat whatever I wanted.

Back to the GYM today.

It is all good. I just keep pressing on.

Aug. 7- 2004

It is 2:40 a.m. here in NY. I am home from Manhatten ( about 1 hour drive ) after the Team Universe. What a weekend. Another show where I manage to win the HW title and LOSE the overall. I don't know-- I just can't seem to get it right. I can't seem to bring everything in at the same time ( Legs big enough, Glutes Dialed in, Abs, etc.........). It is so frustrating. Going into the show was a bit of a struggle -- I couldn't seem to get my diet together. My confidence was not at the greatest, coming off of not even placing TOP 15 at the Nationals this past November, it doesn't do much for the ego.

I have learned to take losing in stride. I guess---- leave it up to me to get beat by a LW bodybuilder. I am going to put a lot of show photos on the site--so, please keep checking for updates.

I have made a decision to compete at the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in SPAIN. I have never been to Europe and I am looking forward to a once in a life time experience. I may never get my Pro-card, but staying in the game and competing is a good thing. I enjoy it-- I love performing and I love to challenge my body. So, here I go again. I have 6 weeks to get BETTER.

I really would like to jump into the N. American--but, It might be too much. I am not sure-- I haven't completely made up my mind.

We will see.

Colette

Aug. 6- 2004

Hello everyone!
I am getting ready to dash to New York City---- to think, just last year that was my HOME. Now that I am in Long Island--- going to the city is a big adventure. We are leaving around Noon, checking into the Marriot (Downtown, host hotel) and then off to the Polygraph at 2 p.m. After that-- I am going to force myself to do a photo shoot. I have to get some content. Hey- I killed myseld to make it to this show. With all the stress in my life-- I needed a distraction. There are a lot of women competing- Michelle Ivers, Carolyn Bryant to name a few. You just never know what they are looking for. I weighed in at 149#-- which is very light for me. I am usually 154#--for the past 2 years. My upper body is smaller but I am more symmetrical. It seemed -- the bigger I got---the more my legs looked small. So, I had to do something. Finally- My upper body isn't as overpowering.

I am always nervous. I want to do well---it would be a dream to finally get my pro-card. It is even more magical that NYC has been my home for 8 years. It is going to be even more exciting to have friends that have never seen me compete have the opportunity now that the show is in NY. I really am so excited.

I hope this is my year to be blessed. If not-- I am going to press on to the N.American which is just 5 short weeks away and give it one more shot. That show is another exciting opportunity- my parents only live 2 hours away and they are going to go for sure. My mother has been at most of my shows-- sometimes even doing my hair and make-up. So, either way, win or losethis weekend, I have something to shoot for.

I think all the women look amazing. It is all up to the judges. On Aug. 7th-- who has the package that they want? Really- it isn't about someone being better, harder, more symmetrical, etc...............It just depends on what the EYEs of 10 judges have in mind that particular day. I will keep you all posted.

Aug. 3- 2004

Hello everyone-

It has been a long time since my last entry. I am going to make the official announcement. I am going to be competing - this weekend- at the Team Universe. I busted my ass- and I am finally in shape. I killed myself for the past 4 weeks-------------not like I haven't been dieting for what seems like FOREVER. But- I have had a lot of pitfalls through this contest preparation. For those of you who know me-- KNOW I WORK BETTER UNDER PRESSURE. I didn't think it would be possible -- but I did it. No ephedra either- they drug test for that TOO. I survived on COFFEE. I didn't even try those new fat burners on the market. To be honest- I really don't even drink coffee- But, I do now. It was the only way.

There are a lot of people in NEW YORK who have been there for me. I have many training partner, co-workers, aerobic instructor pals, and dear friends who I would love to attend the show.

I am going to put down some of the travel/directions to the show.

Tribecca Performing Arts Center, BMCC----------199 Chambers Street at West Street.
Aug. 6, 7-----------------The show starts at 9 a.m for the pre-judging and 7 p.m. for the evening show. ( #212-346-8500).

The Figure Women--------------and Men's Pre-judging--------------is also on Friday Night. That starts at 6:30 p.m.

This is the SHOW. I am telling you-----with a pro-card on the line-----------there are going to be a TON of competitors.

I hope to see all my friends and fans there.

Aug. 3- 2004

Hello everyone-

It has been a long time since my last entry. I am going to make the official announcement. I am going to be competing - this weekend- at the Team Universe. I busted my ass- and I am finally in shape. I killed myself for the past 4 weeks-------------not like I haven't been dieting for what seems like FOREVER. But- I have had a lot of pitfalls through this contest preparation. For those of you who know me-- KNOW I WORK BETTER UNDER PRESSURE. I didn't think it would be possible -- but I did it. No ephedra either- they drug test for that TOO. I survived on COFFEE. I didn't even try those new fat burners on the market. To be honest- I really don't even drink coffee- But, I do now. It was the only way.

There are a lot of people in NEW YORK who have been there for me. I have many training partner, co-workers, aerobic instructor pals, and dear friends who I would love to attend the show.

I am going to put down some of the travel/directions to the show.

Tribecca Performing Arts Center, BMCC----------199 Chambers Street at West Street.
Aug. 6, 7-----------------The show starts at 9 a.m for the pre-judging and 7 p.m. for the evening show. ( #212-346-8500).

The Figure Women--------------and Men's Pre-judging--------------is also on Friday Night. That starts at 6:30 p.m.

This is the SHOW. I am telling you-----with a pro-card on the line-----------there are going to be a TON of competitors.

I hope to see all my friends and fans there.