Be Fit! Be Strong!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

New pictures from Ed Ip at the Earth pageant....

Well, I've finally settled down from not only competing in Vegas but a family vacation in Virginia Beach as well....my work has kept me crazy-busy as we are starting to ramp up with activity. We are kicking off a HUGE fundraiser we do every year for the Children's Hospital of Richmond...

I haven't had a chance to share my experience about the Earth pageant. I decided to do the Earth pageant because one of my best friend's Yolanda Makle was on staff. I've known Yolanda for years, since I was Mrs. Galaxy 2003. We became kindred spirits because we both had been bashed on the internet boards for years. She fortunately, has her basher behind bars, and no, not from what she did on the internet but for other crimes. My basher still lurks and even though I had her arrested, she was found not guilty, but that doesn't mean that she has not done unforgivable things. I will not go into full details but she still remains ever present on the internet and to this day continues her onslaught of negative behavior.....

Anyhow, Yolanda did a great job as producer and emcee. I also had the privilege to meet Laurye Natale, the former queen and I love this woman! What a genuine person she is! But, I have to say, my best experience was competing with the incredible women that I got to know. This pageant was so low key, so fun and so full of love, that I wish every single competition could be like this. No one said ugly words, no one lashed out on the internet and while there will always be disappointment, each woman handled it with grace...
My goal was to look great in photos....I know that sounds crazy but I figured at 45 and after losing my sweet father in law back in May, I wanted to look happy again. I grew up fatherless and he was the only dad I ever knew. My other goals were to win fitness and interview, of which I did....
I knew Mrs. Venezuela would be tough to beat. She was a great competitor and had to win her COUNTRY in order to come to Vegas. I'm proud to say I was right on her heels until the gown competition....in fact I was winning until then but she was able to edge me out when she stepped out in her very Venezuelan-style gown....
I wish Ana-Elisa all the luck in the world, or wait, the Earth....she will do a great job!! I just wish I spoke more Spanish so we could communicate!!
Hugs to all my new pageant sisters!!

Where is Maria?

December '09-Christmas Party at Veteran's Hospital
December '09-Collecting toys for Salvation Army's Angels
January '10-Animal Planet films Bealls for show!
January '10-Virginia International workshop
January 23 '10-Kick off launch for Les Mills programs
January 29 '10-Deliver meals with Meals on Wheels
February 5-American Heart Association National Wear Red Day
February 14-Virginia International Pageant!
February 16th-Meeting with AHA to coordinate volunteer efforts for the Heart Ball in Richmond, VA
February 21-International fitness travel to Cancun!
February 27th-Day of Dance!
March 20, '10-Pennsylvania International pageant
April 17th, '10-Richmond Heart Ball at Science Museum
May '10-Key West trip
July 1 '10-Heart Walk, Richmond
Sept 12 '10-Heart Walk, Hampton Roads

Heart Smart facts

Getting to know me...

When I was just five years old, my father died of a faulty heart valve. He was only 39. I was raised by a single mom and we struggled financially and emotionally. My life was forever altered, as my mom tried to make a better life for us, and yet, we moved every two years. Then at the age of 20, I found myself 12 sizes overweight and going down a path of being unhealthy and miserable. However, with the direction of my mother-in-law, I took my first aerobic class. Within months, I was teaching fitness and inspiring people to get fit and healthy! I pursued my passion and earned my degree in Exercise Science, graduating in the top five of my class, while raising three sons, two with Attention Deficit Disorder, and working a management job in fitness. After I earned my degree, I then obtained my certification with the American College of Sports Medicine. And I just didn't obtain any ordinary certification, I earned the title of Health Fitness Specialist, a certification that requires you to have a four year degree in health. This is unlike a Personal Training certification that can be earned by anyone. So, what does this mean? This means that I take my client's health very seriously and differentiate myself with knowledge and experience. I have 20 years of experience as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and fitness director.
Now, my mission is to help the next generation. The American Heart Association says that if the plight of the American children continues on it's course of obesity and sedentary lifestyle, we could see this generation not living as long as their parents. This will be something we have not witnessed in decades.
So, what can we do to stop this? Well, we can get moving. Find ways to move your body. Not only will you feel better, but you will help cut down on health care costs and possibly inspire those around you. For too long, we have taken short cuts to make our life easier and yet, it's costing us our lives. For more information, visit The American Heart Association's website at americanheart.org