And you are....?

Hi there and welcome to my blog! I've been following other health and fitness blogs for a few months now and finally decided to start my own. Originally, perusing blogs inspired me to begin a Body-for-Life (BFL) Challenge and, as it turns out, I'm in my final week and down 10 pounds(no applause, please, I still have a ways to go before I'll strut this stuff on stage HA!). Since starting BFL three months ago I've gained a greater understanding of eating lean and clean and I have come to LOVE strength training and the empowerment I feel when in the gym. More and more I began reading blogs about others' transformations and soon I was introduced to the world of bikini figure competitions (dun dun dunnnn). Let's just say, a spark ignited within me and day by day that flame is growing and I become more and more excited to transform my body and achieve my best body yet!

I suppose in order to know where I'm headed it helps to know where I'm starting. I'm a shortie (5'1 and a 1/2") and currently looking to shed +/- 20 lbs off this petite frame to be bikini ready. By bikini ready, I don't mean hanging at the local pool or beach looking "decent", but rather chiseled. Thanks to genetics (proper shout out to my Daddy!), I have a naturally athletic/muscular build, however the past decade I've fooled myself into believing my extra fat was just "curves" and ended up in this mess place. "At least you have a cute face", I'd tell myself and carry on about my insecure merry way. Thank God I finally came to my senses and I chilled for a bit realized I have it in me to have that cute...no, cut...body to match!

Which brings me to today, July 21st, 2010 (in case you were wondering). I just turned 30 a few weeks ago (I think I still hear a few kazoos blarin' in the distance) and I've been blessed with an amazing husband who I've been married to for a little over a year now. Since I'm no spring chicken (ohhh, chicken sounds good for dinner tonight) my hubby and I would like to get crack-a-lackin' on babies in the next year or so (I swear I can hear my mom halfway across the country jumping for joy). But, before my belly looks like I swallowed a beach ball and we have kids there is just one more thing I need to do for myself and that is strut my stuff on the bikini stage (whoo hooo!).I want to look like I belong up there and afterward reward myself with a dozen cupcakes and a bottle of wine bangin' photoshoot which will be proof I kicked some serious glute and achieved my best body.

I'll leave you with some random things about me...

• I love lists and calendars but often forget to check them


• I'm Irish ♣ and a mix of other stuff, but who cares cuz' I'm Irish


• While most girls would pay big bucks to have breast implants, I'm dying to get a reduction (but scared to go under the knife eeep!)


• I change my hair color as often as the seasons (and now that I live in PA I actually know what seasons are)
  
  
• I eat things I don't really like because I know it's good for me and will provide my body 'narly' nutrients


• I am a grammar nazi and am probably correcting your grammar as you speak/write


• The color pink makes my heart smile


• I love Jack Russell Terriers and will beg and plead with my husband until he breaks down and buys me one


• My favorite muscles to work are my d-e-l-t-o-i-d-s
  

Well, there ya have it- my very first blog post (goooo me!) If you've made it this far I hope you stick around and come back often. Better yet, you could press the 'Follow' button and win instantly (ok, ok, you won't win anything, but you can imagine what it'd be like if you did!)

Sayonara!

♥, T