Sept. 19- 2004

Hello everyone!
I am back from Spain. Wow- what a weekend. I have to say, this was the highlight of my life. I am still in shock. I never thought that I would do well over there in Europe. It has been over 10 years since the USA has brought back a GOLD. And- I was the first to bring back an Overall. It is really incredible. I don't think that I will ever forget this weekend.

I don't even know how to describe the whole experience. It was that amazing. Think of the odds against me. I hate flights ( 7 hours to get there plus 6 hour time difference), they don't like the USA, it was my third show, and I wasn't sure if they were going to have a refridgerator so I boiled 24 eggs and brought cans of tuna. I just thought- let me go out there and do my best. Let's hope for some medal.

Then- THE WEIGH IN. There was a girl from Germany who I thought was very impressive. If she was better conditioned -- she would have won. But- I managed to to pull it off and I was tighter than at the North American. I had striations in my glutes--- I never saw that before. I get so nervous at the weigh in. I am convinced that everyone else looks better than me. There were some very BIG girls-- that is for sure.

Finally- the prejudging. They kept me out there forever. It is very different from the STATES. Each judge gets to call out there top 5. I was out there for at least 8 of the 11 call outs. So- I was exhausted. But- I knew I was doing well and at least made the top 5.

Then- I had to go home shower and reapply the Pro- tan for the next day. Yes- a two day show. That is fun. It makes for a very long Saturday night.

Finally- The big day. We had to arrive at the venue at 8:30 and the show didn't start until 10:30 a.m. of which the opening ceremony lasted over an hour. I didn't even go on stage until 2 pm. I was so tired. It was hard being dehydrated and just sitting there waiting. FINALLY--- the HWs. I did my posing routine ( which they cut to 60 seconds) -- but did the best I could with the time I was allowed. I dazzled them--because they put me over the edge with my scores. It was between me and this women for the CZECH REPUBLIC. She won last year and she was going for it this year. Politcally -- it was in her favor to win. I didn't think it would be possible to beat her-----but, I did it. I was in tears. It was so emotional. I can't even tell you--I will never forget that moment, how it felt, the feelings of complete and total accomplishment and disbelief. It was amazing.

There is so much more to the story. I am exhausted. I have been up for a long time. I have photo shoots today----so, let me get back and rest.

More to come.

THANKS TO ALL MY FANS, FRIEND, FAMILY-----------------for helping me do this. For believing in me.

Colette

Sept. 17- 2004

Greetings from SPAIN!!!!!!!111

Gene X is here. Steve Weinerstrum is here. It almost feels like home. Ah, Not really. Actually, this is my first contact with the outside world. My phone hasn´t been able to get service and the internet doesn´t work in the room. The hotel has an internet business center and I finally had a moment to keep you all up to speed with what is going on over here.

First- the flight was long, but actually relaxing. I needed the break. I have been running myself into the ground. So- sleeping, chilling and reading for 7 hours wasn´t that bad. Now- on the way back home I am not sure how I am going to feel. Well, if I win, I am going to be feeling very GOOD. We arrive in Spain with a strong team ( Me , Debbie Patten, Vikki Nixen, and two very beautiful figure competitors). It is all very exciting. Once we arrive we had to wait a few minutes for our BUS driver. Then-- you can only imagine the check in process. Already-- the excitement was starting to build. Once we arrived at the hotel you could see all the different countries represented. The uniforms and professionalism was amazing. They take such pride in what they do with sponsored athletes and detail in presentation even outside the competition setting. I must admit- I still want to win. Despite my dream of gaining pro status at the North American, you don´t travel all the way to Spain to place out of the TOP 5. So - I was taking things very seriously. We were told we wouldn´t have refridgerators so I packed 24 hard boilded eggs and low salt tuna along with cooked chicken. Turns out-- we have a refridgerator. That was a big saving grace. The food is served in a HUGE cafeteria still atmosphere. And , believe it or not, the food is dietary and very good. Things are much better than last year, so I here.

Okay-- now on to the show. I wore the Aqua good luck suit from the North American and sure enough it did the trick again. The call outs are very different from the NPC over here in America. Every judge has a chance to call out the top 5. I made about 6 of the 11 judges. So-- it seems I am in the top 5. I am so excited. We are going to see what happens. It is going to be a fight--- but, at least I am in the boxing ring to give it a shot. Prejudging was so grueling. They kept me out there forever. This is only 50% of the score. They judge the posing routine. This is a good thing for me. I am going to have to razzle dazzle them with my choreography. This is so exciting. Maybe I could win..... not because I am the biggest or hardest girl ( because trust me , I am not ) but on overall presentation and package..... I have a shot. I am a touch harder than the North American which was needed to beat these girls. I am finished for today and tomorrow morning I do it all over again ...... this time with my hair down, fancy PINK suit from the Team U , and cool routine that hopefully can win my the title. I am so excited. I have to redo my color- it was a little light. All the europeans use this crazy DREAM tan stuff. I have never seen anything like it. They roll it on with a paint roller. I particularly don´t like it. It bleeds all over your suit and on stage. So--- I am going to stick with my DYO DERM and PRO- TAN combination.

Listen-- I apologize for not being able to email or call anyone. You know who you are... Amanda, Rich, Malea, Parents, Elise, Etc........You all know who you are. But... I will try and update one more time tomorrow.

Wish me luck. I actually have a shot at winning some kind of medal. I am going to give it everything I got.

Be back on Tuesday.

Sept. 14- 2004

Hello everyone!!!!!!!!

Can you believe- I leave for SPAIN tomorrow. I am still in shock about winning my Pro-card. This is insane. I can't wait. This is going to be an amazing experience. Win or Lose- I am so glad that I am able to have this opportunity. First- I have never been to Europe. This is my first time. I don't even know what to expect. All I know- it is going to take about 8 hours on the plane --- which, may make me crazy. I can't take much more than 4 hours --- but, if I made it to Hawaii-----I can make it to Spain. It is non-stop from JFK on Delta. We were going to stay a couple extra days, but we just have too busy a travel schedule. We have a guest posing in New Hampshire and then off to Texas for another guest posing.

This is going to be quite a whirlwind. I am not sure how the internet is going to work over there so I am going to do my best to keep my journal and site up to date. I will try and make a journal entry after the Pre-judgeing on Saturday if I can get online. I will do my best. Let's face it- after the call outs --- you can pretty much determine who is top 5.

I hope to see a lot of my fans over there in Europe. Please say HI---------if you are in the audience.

Colette

Sept. 14-2004

Hello everyone!
I am leaving for Spain on Wednesday--------after another 2 weeks of dieting. I am ready to do this. I can't wait. I have never been to Europe--- the most international I have been is Canada. This is going to be quite an experience.

Here is the situation. We leave out of Kennedy Airport at 5:15 Wed. evening. The fligth is around 8 hours. Now, this means, packing lots of food and water. I usually am drinking around 3 gallons of water on Wed. So, I am going to have to be prepared. Also- we have to expect no refridgerators in the rooms, another frustration. I am going to bring chicken and gr. beans for the plane and then ( low sodium ) tuna in a can and hard boiled eggs. Those- which I am going to pack in my suitcase. I am going to throw some rice cakes and peanut butter in there -- and that is my diet for the show. I understand that getting DIET type food is going to be a challenge. Let's face it- after a long flight, bus ride to the hotel and an expected LONG check in line...........my chicken isn't going to be looking too good. The food situation is going to be very interesting----------that is for sure.

The one thing that we had to take into consideration- Cell phones and Electricity Conversion. It is going to be difficult without any outside communication. I am going to lose my mind. Still- with international calling 99 cents / minute. And- let's hope I am going to be able to use my labtop.

With that said---------------I really want to do well at the WORLDs. There is no pressure NOW. I just want to place well for the country. It would be such an honor. When Jim Manian asked me if I still wanted to compete in SPAIN, I said, YES. I love competing. This is something that I may never have the opportunity to do again. I have experienced it all-------------competed at USAs, Nationals, Team U, North American and now the WORLD. Who can say they ever did that? It is just amazing.

I will keep you all posted. If I have internet access-- I will update this on Saturday- after prejudging.

Wish me luck.

Colette

Labor day

Hello everyone!!!

I am still in shock. I can't believe that I finally got my pro-card. I don't even know what to say. Thank you to all my fans, family, friends, and loved ones who put up with me during all the drama and pre-contest preparation. It has been quite a year-- to say the least. My dream-- finally came true.


How can I sum this experience all up in a nutshell. I started competing in 1998- ALL NATURAL NGA shows in New York City. My boyfriend and I loved to perform and thought this would be a great venue for us to showcase our talents. He was an olympic hopefull that got hurt during the parallel bars and I was a wannabe broadway dancer.

I just finished my Masters Degree at NYU and passed my certification to become a registered dietitian. I never thought that I could ever be a professional bodybuilder---although , it has always been a fantasy of mine.

After winning show after show--competing at around 132#, I decided to do a national qualifier in NOVI , MI ( THE PRO-WORLDS combined with a regional qualifier). It was a huge event. I actually won my MW class, I lost the overall, of course. I was so excited. I decided to try my luck at the TEAM Universe. I heard that it was drug tested and I thought, it is in NY and could get me some publicity. I also heard that the winner could compete in Europe. I placed 4th at the show. I was so excited. I didn't know what I was doing. I was just doing it for the experience.

Then, I got involved with MSNBC , they wanted me to compete at the Nationals 2000 in New York, as a middleweight. At the time, I was 175# in the off-season and didn't think it was possible. But, I was up for the challenge. I came in the most shredded to date at 132# and placed 6th out of 38 MW competitors. It was the year Kim Harris turned Professional. I was hooked. I decided, maybe I am actually good at this. The documentary was one of the most positive expereiences of my life.

To follow- many close calls. I placed TWICE ( 2001,2002) 1st place HW at the USAs , but NO OVERALL. I then followed up that performance with a 2nd place finish at the USAs 2003 at 155# and then, didn't even place in the top 15 at Nationals ( weighing in at 158#). Bigger was not better for me. It through off my symmetry and I just looked out of balance. I was so frustrated. I just couldn't figure out my body, what the judges wanted, how to get everything right... all at the same time.

Life goes on. It continues to evolve as does your training, diet, philosophy , etc.........I spent most of 2003 guest posing and reflecting on the sport. I wanted to keep myself marketable. I wanted to live life with no regrets. I wanted to be able to walk away from the sport without feeling like I wish I had done things differently. I took a good look at myself and decided I was going to compete at the TEAM Universe once again. I wanted to challenge my body to see what it could really do. It was scary--- after competing around 155#, at 149# I wasn't hard. I lost the overall and Pro-card to a light weight bodybuilder. I wasn't in shape. I needed to keep going. So, what does every bodybuilder do after a show-----------EAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did, but only for Saturday and Sunday. Then, back on the program. Monday. I started watching my body----it was looking better and better. I wasn't sure if I should compete at the North American or just wait until the Worlds in Spain. I was walking on the treadmill and I had a vision. I felt like the North American's was my show to do. I didn't know what I would weigh, how I was going to look, I just knew I was going to go for it. I was training great and the weight was dropping. I was 146# on the Tuesday after the show. I still had 3 weeks. I knew right then and there-- I might be able to make the LHW class. I had my reservations on doing so, but I was deciding on leaving it in the hands of fate.

My weight was staying around 149# ---I really thought that I was going to stay a HW. But, when I went to weigh in, I was 142#. Dave advised---go down to LHW. DO it. So, I suffered through the night and weighed in at 138#. The smallest I have been in 4 years.

I still can't believe it. I am waiting to wake up from the dream. But- it is a reality. I told myself when I started this whole journey that I would give myself 5 years to devote to getting my pro-card. I was almost out of time. I DID IT. I finally DID IT. My family was all there to watch my win and my good friends Tammie and Nate. It was so great. So much love. I can't thank all my friends, fans, phone buddies ( Amanda, you know who you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) for being there for me. I am a lot to take when I am dieting. I lose my mind. Plus, I hate doing cardio. It drives me insane. It can be such a waste of time. But- very necessary. I have to thank my dear friend Malea for helping me with my OIL--- she does the best OIL and COLOR of anyone I know. We have it down to a science.

I had a good eating day- to say the least- on Sunday. But- back on the diet Monday. I am focused and ready to WIN at the WORLDS. Here we go again. I hope this ole' body of mine can do it again.

It would be amazing to place top 5 at the WORLDs. You never rknow. I will keep you all informed. Please keep visiting my site-- lot's of pics to come. I have a lot of updating to do. Please be patient. I have to get all the pics.

Thanks you--------------all my friends!!!!!!!!! You know who you are-- I don't need to tell you. I don't need to go into any GREAT explanations. Those that have been there for me--- talking to me on the phone, helping me work through all my REAL LIFE DRAMA, and just being there for me -----you mean the world to me.

This is my DREAM---- and I am finally living it.

I LOVE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sept. 5- North American Win

Hello everyone!

I am still in shock. I am so happy right now. I wanted to let everyone know- I won the overall at the North American and won my Pro-card. It is so exciting. Like a dream come true. I wasn't even sure if I should do this show. I wanted to focus all my energy on the WORLDS-- but, I hated to pass up the opportunity to compete in Cleveland, close to my family and friends. It was so amazing- my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.................they all drove down to watch me compete. It was one of the best ways to share in my glory.

I am off to do some photo shoots. I just wanted to let you all know----- I finally did it. I have been working very hard---and it finally paid off.

I want to thank Dave for putting up with me. I was a lot to take these past few weeks. I still have two more--- with the WORLDS 2 weeks from today.

Man- Not a lot of time.

Here we go again.

Colette

Sept. 5- North American Win

Hello everyone!

I am still in shock. I am so happy right now. I wanted to let everyone know- I won the overall at the North American and won my Pro-card. It is so exciting. Like a dream come true. I wasn't even sure if I should do this show. I wanted to focus all my energy on the WORLDS-- but, I hated to pass up the opportunity to compete in Cleveland, close to my family and friends. It was so amazing- my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.................they all drove down to watch me compete. It was one of the best ways to share in my glory.

I am off to do some photo shoots. I just wanted to let you all know----- I finally did it. I have been working very hard---and it finally paid off.

I want to thank Dave for putting up with me. I was a lot to take these past few weeks. I still have two more--- with the WORLDS 2 weeks from today.

Man- Not a lot of time.

Here we go again.

Colette

Sept. 5- North American Win

Hello everyone!

I am still in shock. I am so happy right now. I wanted to let everyone know- I won the overall at the North American and won my Pro-card. It is so exciting. Like a dream come true. I wasn't even sure if I should do this show. I wanted to focus all my energy on the WORLDS-- but, I hated to pass up the opportunity to compete in Cleveland, close to my family and friends. It was so amazing- my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.................they all drove down to watch me compete. It was one of the best ways to share in my glory.

I am off to do some photo shoots. I just wanted to let you all know----- I finally did it. I have been working very hard---and it finally paid off.

I want to thank Dave for putting up with me. I was a lot to take these past few weeks. I still have two more--- with the WORLDS 2 weeks from today.

Man- Not a lot of time.

Here we go again.

Colette

Sept. 6 - 2004

Hello Everyone

Well- I am here in Cleveland and just weighed in last night. I was 142#. That is very light for me. I usually compete at 152#. But- this is a different year and a different outlook on bodybuilding. I am much more symmetrical and my legs actually match my upper body. I think it is a better look for me. I decided to come down and make Light HW. I didn't eat much last night and managed to pull it off. I was 138# this morning. It was pretty scary. I have to tell you- I am fadding fast. I can't believe how much weight I lost. You figure- over 40#. Never again - I am going to stay lean and mean. I just can't keep doing this to my body-- I would be willing to sacrifice muscle gains in the off-season to keep my weight more stable. Plus- I want to be more marketable. I am that--- a little smaller.

I am excited. This is the best I have looked in a long time. I am really fired up. I just have to keep the momentum going for the WORLDS in another two weeks. Let hope that I just keep getting better. That is the plan. I will eat something on Sat. night--- and then, get right back on the program. I am going to be at the GYM Sunday- and the batter for the Worlds starts right after the Competition on Saturday. I am shooting with Muscle Moods on Sunday--and that is about it for the weekend. I am going to hit the gym in the late afternoon and then off on the plane to the WORLDS.

Then- the competition season is over. I can take a much needed break. I am going to focus on getting control of my eating in the off-season. That is the plan. I need to learn how to eat like a normal person. I am all or none. One extreme to the other. So, that is the challenge this year. Let's see if I can do it. Every year is another learning experience. But- I am getting older and dieting is not as fun as it used to be.

Wish me luck. Saturday is TOMORROW. I should be on stage by 11 a.m. Then- it is all over. After Pre-Judge- you basically know what is going to happen. I am ready for anything. I just hope that my package if finally right on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But- if not, I am ready to bring it on at the WORLD AMEATURES.



Colette

September. 4, 2004

WOW-

I can't believe how time flys. I am off to Cleveland, to compete in the North American. Man, I was so motivated right after the TEAM U to redeem myself, but the last two weeks has been a struggle. Dieting really starts to get to you after a while. But- I managed to pull it off- I am 145# about 5 # tighter and leaner than the Team U. Not freaky--but, a good package. You never know what they are looking for- the standards for female bodybuilding are ever changing. You really have to just strive for you personal best. I am getting there- I feel that by the WORLDs in SPAIN-- I am going to be at my best. I am very excited. I have to keep that momentum because when I get back, I have to fire it up for another 2 weeks. Then- off to compete in EUROPE.

I am close to a lightheavyweight. I am not sure what I am going to weigh in----- but, I still might be a heavyweight. I really wasn't concerned-- I was just going to go in at whatever weight I come in at. It is a show for the OVERALL- you have to be the best bodybuilder in the show to win a pro-card. So - you are basically competing with everyone.

I choreographed a cute routine- I actually had the music mixed a year or two ago, just never performed this routine for an audience. So- let's hope I make top 5. My parents are driving in from Waterford, MI and I can't wait to see them. I am having my mom help me with my hair and make-up-- just like she did for the North American in Toronto, 2001. It is going to be great. I love having them there to support me.

I am off. It is 6 a.m and my flight leaves at 8:30 a.m. It is about 1 hour to the airport- and you never know about NY traffic, plus the Republican Convention is in NYC this week. Which-- I don't want to get on my POLITICAL soapbox-- is ridiculous in a nearly 80% Democratic State. I encourage everyone to vote---- "DEMOCRATIC" if I can sway any of you Replublicans. Stem Cell research alone should be a deciding factor and help you make the right decision at the Poll booth.

Okay- enough. I better get my head back on the COMPETITION. Have a great Labor Day. Let's hope for a good competition for ME.