In the last month I have finished my Junior year of school (with a 3.95 GPA this semester - whoop whoop!!, moved to Washington, starting an internship at the Navy Shipyard (PSNS), and starting training and dieting under Bombshell Fitness to compete in NPC Bikini shows (first one as a Bombshell is in less than 2 months!)
I really had to adjust my daily schedule when I moved to Washington. Although I just got here on Saturday, I feel I have already gotten into the groove of things and I have a sustainable, enjoyable, and effective morning routine that sets me up for a busy day of work. You have no idea how fast the time flies from getting off work at 4:10pm to 9pm (when my head should be hitting the pillow to get enough sleep to do it all over again!) I still have some kinks to work out with stream-lining my evening hours, but I have mastered my morning!
Good morning sunshine!
I strongly believe it is important to start each day with purpose. If you don't get up and get going with intention, even on those lazy days, relaxation or vacation days, or raining days - which I'll be seeing alot of - I have learned from experience that you'll find yourself feeling tired, dull, and like you wasted a day.
If you don't have a plan, you plan to fail.
Here's how I start my day off right, 1) 3:50 am - Alarm goes off 2) 4:00 am - Dressed/Brush teeth/Grab packed backpack and food cooler 3) 4:15 am - Out the Door/ Drive to Ferry 4) 4:30 am - Ferry to PSNS/ check personal email on phone/ listen to music 5) 5:00 am - Walk to Gym/ Listen to Bible reading plan <-- The most important part of my morning as far as determining myt attitude for the rest of the day! 6) 5:15am = Gym time!! - 1 hour of cardio/FOOD!!!/Shower 7) 7:00 am - Walk to work 8) 7:10am - Start my day's Work of learning and helping at my PSNS internship
Boom: It's "My 8 before 8" ha-ha. My morning is definitely full, but it starts me off right and it's well planned, fullfilling, and empowering. All before 8am!
Disclaimer: These guidelines and schedule has only been tested
in WA, there's absolutely NO GUARANTEE it will work if you
Wake Up In Vegas...
Here's a great article on the topic of "How to Become A Morning Person" by Jaime Baird, my fellow Bombshell athlete and an amazingly inspiring woman. I totally agree with her philosophy to "Begin as you wish to continue.”
Hi friends! Today is my second day of work at my engineering internship (click the link for more info on what the shipyard and I actually do) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and it's going well :) I've already been out on a submarine both today and yesterday. I also got to get new "safety shoes" this year (aka steel toes) but they're surprisingly awesome lol. They're Reeboks and look a lot like this:
Not too shabby for steel toes!
Of course, I can't wear them for anything else because they weigh at least a pound each with the steel toe... but I am all about having fashionable work shoes he-he. Also, they're waterproof which is super important here in the Seattle area. I almost wore flats, but decided to wear my brown leather boots to Seattle (aka my "Obi Wan Kenobi" boots according to my brother) and was soooo glad I did because it was cold and wet all day. But I have a feeling I will be making some fashion choices while I;m here that are just that: only for the sake of an outfit's stylish properties... not s omuch that it's practical. But, Weather or Not it's Practical, it's Fashion!
~In other WA/summer/work news: - Saturday night @ 7pm we got here, my brother drove out with me to Port Orchard (where my summer apartment is). On Sunday we took the ferry to Seattle because he had to catch the Greyhound bus back. We had quite the adventure using my GARMIN to navigate to the station. Lesson learned = just ask someone! We went in a huge circle and had to double-back from where the silly GPS thought we should go. Ugh. We saw a lot of interesting things though and made it fun, Matthew always makes everything fun! You may remember I brought him with me to my first Bikini competition in Missoula too. Best road-trip buddy ever!
-I met my new roomie, Kinjal, in Seattle after my brother left for home and we went for a little "window shopping" at the mall... but both ended up buying something lol. I bought some tan lace up booties (for work of course) and Kinjal got a fake engagement ring to fend off the Navy boys at work. No joke, it's a very real problem to deal with Navy guys hitting on you when you're trying to work on a carrier/submarine! If they think you're engaged, problem solved :) We got our goods from ForeverXXII. I love this store for cheap, trendy and well-fitting (unlike Wet Seal).
There's a lot of really cute outfits at Forever XXII, like the ones inspired from a super cheap ($13) Forever 21 floppy hat! You'll be lookin' like J-Lo or Kim Kardashian in no time :)
Tonight is my last night in Whitehall for three months! I had a great time last night hanging out with my friends in Butte at Alli, Kadie, and Melissa's house. It was fun to get out before I left :) I'll miss my buddies!!
All the sexay girls :) ...
I'm pretty bright in my yellow dress I know lol.
I can hold my own against the beautiful Miss
Earth Montana don't-cha think!?
Mel and some of the boys lookin' cute
Alli being her gangsta self with Phil
Melissa with her 'nanner :)
Boys... being boys!
Last night with my favorite lifting buddy James :(
It was quite the night, my brother even came over. It was cool to have so many of my friends at the same place! I even played a game of beer pong (but lost to the Cali boys) and of course I didn't drink because "I am IN TRAINING!" I love saying that he-he.
Speaking of training, my Bombshell training is going well. It's no cake-walk though...
Here's an Update on my Bombshell Training:
1) I have found a way to mentally conquer the cardio (actually the physical part isn't as bad as the mental block for me). I've been doing it every day and pushing hard!
The Cybex Arc is NOT my friend
2) I've been taking all my supplements, vitamins, and following my scheduled meal and lifting plan.
I haven't missed a single lifting day and I've been focusing really hard on the muscle I'm using. I really need to work on my glutes so I always be sure to make the mind-muscle connection when I lift glutes.
It's ALL about food prep!!
(and hiding the Peanut Butter)
3) I love having a coach and teammates for support! Last week after a brutal cardio session I emailed Coach V. to ask if I should cut down my cardio since I was so incredibly sore after lifting. But she talked me through it... "We LIVE sore and hungry!" She told me... lol hmm so the positive side is I'm not alone in this!
My fitness coach, Coach V. (far left) with Nicole Nagrani,
The woman who started it all! "Momma Bombshell" aka Shannon Dey (center in grey)
and three of my Bombshell Teammates... if they can do it I CAN DO IT!!
4) I still need to work on being 110% on my diet. Okay, so I may have substituted my "Meal #5" for a tablespoon of Peanut Butter on toast instead on sweet potato and olive oil... but I still had the salad! I know I know... Champions Don't Cheat. And I definitely want to be a champion, not just a competitor. I will conquer this... as I said in my last post, "with God all things are possible."
So that's it for now, next time I write it'll be from Washington after I start my internship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Wish me luck!!
Shout out to all my awesome friends who graduated this past weekend fromMontana Tech (and various other schools :p)
However, I am especially proud of my girls: Miranda Dunkel, Kaci Hockaday, Jerika Allick, and Rachel Costin...
~~ YOU GO GIRLS!! ~~
Rachel looking beautiful @ Commencement
Jerika got a hard earned Engineering degree,
someday I will follow in your footsteps girl ;)
Rachel spoke at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and did great!
Her speech was really funny and honest :)
Miranda getting pinned at Nursing Pinning
Graduation is always so bittersweet... I hate seeing my friends go, but I am so proud of them for making it through college. I know this means new adventures and an exciting new life for them :)
Tech's grads before getting turned loose on the world...
Kaci, oh the times we had at Overflow. I still remember your smiling face from the first time Cameron twisted my arm into going to church (on a Friday night!?) but it turned out to be the biggest blessing for my life because I met such genuinely beautiful people like you. I know you will go far in your career and will be an incredible dentist to those in need overseas. I know God goes with you where ever you go...
Kaci and I taking a break together at a church service project
Miranda, oh how I'll miss you! I know you'll have a great time with your hubby far far away (where ever the Marine Core takes you!) but it was a pleasure and an honor to have you as my roommate for the last three years :) I love you and may God bless all your efforts!
Miranda and I on an infamous "Missoula Shopping Day!"
Jerika, even though we have only known each other for a short time, I cannot even express how much I value your friendship. You reached out to me and gave me that little push I needed to find a sport I really really love, who knows if I would have ever found out about the 2011 NPC Big Sky Classic and placed 4th, joined Team Bombshell, and taken off on a new passion and competition if it weren't for you! For that I am forever thankful :) And ever since you have been an incredible motivator and so supportive, with those qualities any employer would be NUTS not to keep you around! Love you girl and I'm still prayin' for your success in your new job and engineering career.
Rachel, where to start :) We go waaaayyyy back and all I can say is it is jaw dropping to see the mature, beautiful, spiritual, and loving and caring young woman you have grown to be. You were always the sweetest thing and I know any man, any patient, and any new friends you meet as you enter your new life as a nurse will be SO lucky to have you. Continue to trust and follow in Jesus in all your ways and there is no limit to the impact you will have on the lives of others. I thank God for you and I thank YOU for being such a good friend for so long!
Oh I still remember the days :p
(Can you spot me and Rachel?)
So go get em' girls, let the world have it, don't take no for an answer, make your mark, all the above :p. I think these verses apply to the challenging world ahead of you all (hopefully not too challenging) ...
"Rejoice in the Lord always; anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:4-7
"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. " - Philippians 4:11-13
Sooooo, if you're in a public computer lab, or shy about people seeing your screen feel free to scroll down with caution (that means you Keven ha ha) because this post is all about me as a Bikini competitor, and I have big news!!
Drum Roll Please!!!
No, don't worry there's no scandalous pictures yet :p....
This means for the next year I will be training under the IFBB Bikini Pro competitors, to sculpt me into a lean-mean-bikini-machine!
~What exactly does this mean?
First off, it means I will be training with the Most Prestigious, Fitness and Bikini Training Team in the World!
From the Bombshell website:
"In the past 24 months, Team Bombshell Girls have earned 25 IFBB Pro Cards, 23 Olympia Invites, won 9 IFBB Pro Championship wins, 150+ Overall NPC Titles, 300+ NPC Class Wins, 600+ NPC Trophies and 9 of our Athletes signed with the exclusive Management Company, FMG.
Team Bombshell has been featured in Flex Magazine, Muscular Development, Fitness RX, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Fitness RX, Ironman, American Body Plus, the NPC News and more. In 2011, you will see several Bombshells grace the cover of the top International fitness magazines. "...
.... and the list goes on!
Team Bombshell is my new Training/Coaching Team, and with it comes a fitness family of like-minded girls also competing in Bikini, Figure, and Fitness across the world. Meet my fellow Bombshells:
Ali Rosen
I love how feminine and strong she is.
Nicole Nagrani
She is one of my favorites, and a huge inspiration..
The youngest Bikini Pro EVER at only 18!!
Vanessa Campbell
She is my fitness and diet coach!!
Ruthie Harrison... oh wait that's me ha ha.
Team Bombshell helps promote me, get me competition ready, and make the whole process fun and fulfilling by being a network and support system. I will only compete in NPC/IFBB competitions from now on (as opposed to other sanctions, such as NANBF), and I will be representing Team Bombshell at all my future competitions. The coaches will help me with suit selection, make-up, posing, walking and stage presence for my shows, and in the mean while during the "off season"...
I have my own personal monthly hard training, diet, supplement, and cardio plan!! :-) I get daily feedback on any questions I have about exercises, diet, or anything while in training, and I also get access to all the secrets that helped the current Bombshells reach their current level of success. I've already learned so much it's mind-blowing. I had no idea so much went into this, and honestly after I decided I wanted to go for it, and sent in all my paperwork (thank you Tech library for letting me use your fax machine!) I was so giddy to get started it was hard to wait while they analyzed my "starting point" pictures and stats/goals/future plans, and write up my plans for May. But once I got them on Friday (5/6/11) I was totally overwhelmed.
They want my to do cardio for how long!? Do I have to eat exactly that? How many vitamins do I have to take!? Man, I was starting to doubt myself that I could handle it all. I was thinking, "Maybe I'm not cut out for this like I thought. Maybe it'd just be easier if I don't try to go Pro... I like competing 'just for fun' right?" The instructions said to start on Monday with my workouts, so I had the Mother's Day holiday weekend to think it over while I was home in Whitehall, and I came to a conclusion:
I am going to give this 120%!! I already know how much I love competing, it makes me feel so accomplished, so alive, and just so full of joy. I love meeting all the other competitors, shining God's light in a totally new place, growing closer to my family and friends through their support :), and challenging myself to improve my physique, my stage presence, my attitude, and my confidence.
Basically the bottom line is, I want to do this and I couldn't imagine letting myself down by backing out and settling for less.
I don't really have the answers tonight, but I wanted to share a few thoughts and the videos of songs that have inspired me today and reminded me to persevere when everything in my world seems to not want me too succeed. Sometimes, for me it's like as soon as I decide to put a lot of effort towards something, whether it's school, a particular relationship, eating healthy, training consistently, reading my Bible, or saving money, I encounter a slew of hardships seemingly purposefully directed to cause me to fail in that venture. Do you ever feel this way? I think it is the devil working against us to detour us from the thing he knows will bring us happiness if we do succeed.
I have a recurring problem of being my own worst enemy and doing the exact thing that I know has caused me to fail in the past. Do I do it because it's familiar? Because for some reason at that moment I rationalize that it will help? Because I think I should have to work harder to truly be happy? I have no idea. I wish someone could tell me, and get me to stop doing it.
I want to let myself be vulnerable and trust in the Lord to lead my way, not lean on my own understanding, ability or motivation. Because in the end, none of us are strong enough to do it on our own... we need our friends, our family, and our God together with our our perseverance to push when you want to just fall back and give in.
"In this very moment I'll bring everything. No I'm not lucky, I'm blessed. Yes. But I couldn't do it all alone. We. "
There's no other way to AFTER from BEFORE except going through the DURING. Many people get lost in the in-between because they lost motivation, hope, inspiration, or determination. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't do something. You can. Just believe it, and keep believing....
Is there something you really want for your life? Something that makes you light up inside, and feels like the thing you were meant to do? Ask yourself now...If it takes forever, am I willing to die trying? I know it's a bold statement, but if you think it's worth doing then DO IT. And it's worth doing well.
"Seasons come and go, but I will never change... and I'm on my way."
Music can be a very powerful motivator, I know I am recharged after hearing the words I needed to hear sung over a beautiful melody or stated bluntly in a way I never would have thought to write.
"No matter what been through, no matter what you into Never ever put them down, you just lift your arms higher Raise 'em 'til your arms tired, let 'em know you here That you struggling, survivin', that you gon' persevere Ain't nobody leavin', nobody goin' home Even if they turn the lights out, the show is goin' on. "
I pray you all succeed in finding your passion.
Peace and love my friends,
<3 Ruthie
Yes that's much better. I love May flowers, sunshine, and it actually being warm enough to walk to school without losing feeling in my fingers, ears, and nose. I realized I have already developed I bit of a pattern for May though, and it's only day #2! May is all about POWER for me. Yup,
"I got the power!"
1) The first POWER is for Power-Lifting.
Today I resurrected an old staple I haven't done in years...
Power Cleans! Have you ever done these?
What better way to start off a new muscle "bulking" month in preparation for my Fall Bikini shows than to hit the power lifts hard? They will get you huffin' and puffin' in 5 reps and you'll be begging for mercy by rep number twelve. I did four sets of 12/12/10/10 reps increasing the weight after the first two sets.
2) The second POWER is for Power-Point.
Today my Technical Writing partner, Chance Scally, and I spent almost three hoursmaking over 30 note cards to cue us for our PowerPoint presentation on Wednesday. We'll be presenting our Feasibility study on "Temperature Fluctuation's Effect on Learning in the S&E Building" at Montana Tech. If you've ever had class there you know what I'm talking about...
Anywho, hopefully our project gets implemented and I won't look so much like this in class:
I...Am...So... Bored.
Someone Turn Down the Heat!!
3) Power number three is for Power-Nap.
I can't believe I already need these this month... but Sunday I barely studied for my Econ test today because I kept falling asleep trying to read my book (sorry Professor Armstrong...). The NPV at 15% MARR after taxes is just not that thrilling...
Of course the what is thrilling is the reason I needed a power nap... which is:
I was up at 4:20am helping the new MISS EARTH MONTANA 2011 curl her hair. And ooohhh was it so worth it when she looked this fabulous winning the crown!! :)
Melissa Gee took home the title of Miss Earth Montana
2011 on Saturday night in Missoula.
I am SO PROUD!!
4) The most important POWER though, is the All Powerful = Jesus.
I was reminded this weekend at Melissa's pageant just how powerful prayer, and working with God is.
I spent the entire day praying for Melissa to do well in interview, and I spent the entire evening show praying for her not to slip or stumble in her heels, and to do well in her on stage question. The result? She nailed her interview and won the interview award. She rocked the stage and even did a spin, which are incredibly hard to master. And she answered her onstage question flawlessly.
Yes, prayer is powerful, effective, and sooo rewarding.
Melissa told me she even got the finalist girls to pray with her before they took the stage for the last time before it wad decided who won the pageant. Being there for Melissa and seeing what an incredible influence she was on those around her and what a light for Christ she made me realize what a light she is for me, and the whole experience reminded that if you will always succeed if you seek God first, and follow in the path He has set for you. If you do everything to your best ability and do it to the honor of God, He WILL bless your efforts. Melissa is drop-dead gorgeous on the outside but the most breathtaking beauty she possesses is in her soul... I am inspired to live my life re-focused on Jesus because of her influence.
Thank you Mel!
May is dedicated to trusting God and the plans He has for me.
All the best,
Ruthie xoxo
PS- Voting for the "Get Money Smarts" Scholarship ended today... soon I'll know if I won or not!
I'll be praying I did :)
