LATE BLOOMERS....

It seems there are a lot of people who are "Late Bloomers."
I love flowers. Some are bright and showy right of the garden center flat. Others don't bloom until they have a chance to set deep roots...had a winter or two to harden and then stand back and prepare to be dazzled!

I love the idea that people also bloom when they are supposed too.

Since entered this warm, and loving community called BFL I have had the chance to observe a large variety of blooms.

It's really amazing what a little (or in my case a lot depending on the neglect) attention and proper nutrition can do to make people transform.

I bring this up because I just saw the slide show presentation for the Champions' for Life Cruise. Jim Shelton has put a link up on the BFL Tracker for feedback. Great Job Jim!
The show represents some of the Champions and possibly future BFL Champions preparing to set sail on the 2006 cruise.
I never get tired of looking at before and after photos. I don't think I ever will.

The change in those after pictures keep me going. That change is the reason I now get up early each day, try to write a few words on the blog, pack my six meals for the day and head to the gym before a full day at work.
While some may just see the physical change in those photos I see the blood, sweat and tears that took to transform. I see the flowers they've become to brighten a world that needs beauty and the promise of better things to come.
I also see the tremendous power of the ripple effect these "late bloomers" will have on the flowers surrounding them.

I just wish that I could be on that ship when it sails this year to hear their stories in person. But I will try with all of my might to do that next year....cause I know that when the 2006 ship drops anchor...those who sailed will be making plans and saving for 2007!

One Hour Photo

I got to thinking this morning about all the pictures I've had taken of me since 2003.
Personally, I should have bought stock in the One Hour Photo Industry!

Before we began our BFL Transformations so many of us never stood still in front of a camera long enough to have that photo taken. If there was one taken we made sure we were hiding behind the kids, the Christmas Tree or the dog!

We knew we were not in the best of shape--but we didn't want to be confronted with the evidence in living color.

I think that's why that before picture is so hard to have taken. But frankly without having one---your transformation might just stall and never get off the ground. That before picture shows where you are and where you need to go.

12 weeks from now it will show you where you was and where you never want to return!

Today---I have an amazing pile of photos to remind me of just about every baby step I've taken along the Body for Life Path to mental, spiritual and physical health. I am so glad I got over my camera fears. In fact, my chief photographer, my Dear Hubby...loves taking my photo now.

He's had lots of practice. Prior to the start of my first 12 weeks I forced him to take that "fat" picture over and over again during a six month deliberation period. I'm sure that was pretty frustrating for him....
Thankfully he remained patient until I got off my duff and got serious about taking care of myself!

Please, if you have had that before picture taken but failed to begin your challenge within the contest guidelines....have it taken again and begin your challenge. During the next 12 weeks carry that picture with you everywhere! Look at it, study it and make a self promise to change that image to the person you deserve to be.
Fit, happy and glad to start the day with cardio!

Train hard, eat clean and remember to breathe!
Your BFL Buddy,
Michelle

PS, TODAY I am off to Wally's world to buy a new photo album so I don't have to look at this mounting pile of one hour photo packets.

NEW GOAL!

Today I began training for another figure event at the end of Sept.
My goal is to build up my glutes and my back. I want that beautiful V back...and buns of steel!

Today I did an amazing leg workout. Weighted lunges, one legged weighted lunges....calf raises....
Tonight a little cardio.

I've increased my carbs and will be rotating them between now and September.
Lots of clean protein to build strong, new muscles.

Yeah! I love to have a goal.

NEW GOAL!

Today I began training for another figure event at the end of Sept.
My goal is to build up my glutes and my back. I want that beautiful V back...and buns of steel!

Today I did an amazing leg workout. Weighted lunges, one legged weighted lunges....calf raises....
Tonight a little cardio.

I've increased my carbs and will be rotating them between now and September.
Lots of clean protein to build strong, new muscles.

Yeah! I love to have a goal.

Here are three Body for Lifers stepping out to compete at the All Natural BB figure comp. in Bloomington, June 10, 2006

Showtime!

This picture was taken by BFL'er Annie from Iowa....Thanks Annie!
The show was exciting and it was a big boost to my self esteme. I feel now that I can go after any goal and master it.

Wow...the women were so beautiful, the show itself was flawless, thanks to the promoter Aaron. This was his first...and hopefully won't be his last.

I am still trying to remove pro-tan. It may take several days.
There were four of us in Master's Division. I came in third and got a trophy!
Thrilled beyond belief.

Will I do this again?
Talk to me in the fall. Now that I have dieted down and see where I need to build...I have new transformation goals. Efforts will include walking lunges and lots of shoulder and back work!