Nationals was a lot of fun. Dylan and I just have fun together.. Im lucky like that. Our client Nicole Berg won the LH class and turned pro so we are very happy about that. Jen Gutierrez took 5th in LH. I thought she looked so good... and I definitely wasnt the only one. Dylan deserves a pat on the back for pulling them both down at the last minute to make LH. Literally last minute. We were pretty nervous that Nic just wasnt losing the weight when we started depletion but we got it worked out. I thought the heavies looked great. I really like Kris Murrell's look so I was happy for her win. We noticed that there was more classic looking woman at this show. I of course came home sick as usual. I hate cold.. and these places over use AC. Hot to cold and it instantly get sore throats. Plus, we went on this NIGHTMARE of a cruise over to the Bahamas on Sun that made me feel worse cause it was so cold and windy on the boat. I wont even go into that mess. I already wrote tons of super mean reviews about it on line. Just never ever go on a Discovery Sun cruise!!!!!!! Then I got taken/ripped off in Ft. Lauderdale shopping. There is this suit store that Ive been to a few time that I stopped in to shop(I have a suit and shoe problem). Nothing had price tags but I figured not a single suit could end up being over 100-120 bucks.. not even the Ed Hardys. Wrong.. I was taken so bad!!! I over paid for everything by double. So if you think you cant get majorly ripped off in the states wrong!!! I had spent so much time shopping and we were running late to get back to Hollywood so I just paid the bill and left. I am still PISSED. Tried calling them after I realized how bad I was overcharged and the number just rings. WTF? Karma is a bitch though. ;) I have one last HORA left before I start my Arnold prep. We are going to go have some fun and lots of sun in Mexico then come back and get very serious with work. Yes, I have a very nice husband, I know. ;) This week has us going crazy too. There is just tons to do when we get home from anywhere. I am not thrilled about the next 3 months of cold ass weather I am facing. I just HATE it. Someday.. I will live somewhere warm year round. :) I will be uploading some pics from the weekend in members.

Its time for Nationals. We have two female clients to be there for so it kinda work but I plan on having some fun. I'm trying to get all the last minute things done. I am worse about leaving for a show then going on a vacation. I stress more. I know its not much for relaxation going to shows. I stay busy! I havent gone to a nation show for a couple years so Im kinda excited to see one. I think our girls look great. They both have come sooo far. I start my diet in about 4 weeks for the Arnold. I am going to enjoy myself a little till then! This past weekend was our big Rocky Mountain show here. It was so much fun. I think the venue being like a night club was a bonus. I loved it. Our people did sooo good too... so more bonus!

We are getting our first major snow and I am sooooo not happy about it! Its white out conditions.. bad! Every time Kelee comes back in her doggie door she grunts and huffs like shes just disgusted. lol I was still in Mexico last week this time. We got home last Thurs. from Cancun. It was our first time staying there. Did not like it.. at all. It is so Americanized and commercialized. Our resort though.. wow! Its rated #1 in Cancun and if you like Cancun it would be, IMO, the only place to stay (Le Blanc). We go to Puerto Vallarta next week for a shorter trip. I just love sun and beach. If I can do some traveling finally at this point in my life, hell yes Im going to. When you walk into the same gym, same office everyday.. it gets so draining. I guess mainly cause I do have to train for shows there too. I do want to take some trips back east Caribbean and Europe but flight out of Denver are SUCH a pain in the ass. It is no hub for getting much of anywhere. You have to go through LA or Miami.. NY.. Dallas. Long connections. Yuck and we dont have much time. I am training. I have been sick with some head infection so its been a little rough. Post show is the only time I will get sick. Body just goes through so much readjusting. We had some cooler weather ups and downs in Mexico which messed me up. That Arnold Classic is just around the corner so I gotta be pro active so I can come in at least 15% better. Its harder than anyone could possibly know. Especially for me. ;)

I am so sick of not sleeping when I am suppose to! I had a lot of sleep problems before the Olympia but its still going on. I have a feeling it has a little to do with nerves. I have been a little stressed and I think my mind keeps me up. I know Im tired/exhausted but Im wide awake. Which then makes me very unproductive the next day. We leave for Utah tomorrow for a guest pose. I think Im a little concerned about how I will look. I still think I look good but I dont think its stage good. Ive got some curves back and my curves are not normal! I am back up to about 185 and I competed at 162! I just know how hard the fans can be on the pros. Hell, I need to eat something yummy too. lol I am looking forward to it though. Ive been getting more guest posing request which I think is just so cool. Its about time the woman are brought back into the local shows. I know I would've loooooved to have seen a top pro at a show 10-15 years ago. I was in awe when I went to my first Olympia seeing all the pro woman that I admired. Ironically I dont see myself like that now though. I just feel like.. me, muscles or not... just normal. I hope people see me as approachable. I know so many of the pros do not come off that way at all. My mom wanted to say hello to one of the other Olympia competitors a couple years ago in Vegas and she said she didnt cause she seemed very unapproachable. If my mom thinks you are unapproachable... you are. In this case she was on the money. I do fully understand that there is a time and place to be left alone however. Pre show yes but afterward you should be different. Some of the men can come off really stand offish too. That is why I think Phil is so great. That guy will talk to anyone anytime. He's kinda Arnold like which is great for the sport. We are leaving for Mexico on Monday. I am so already there mentally. Its like an itch I cant scratch. We are going to our usual place in Cozumel first with a few friends and then to Cancun. We've never went on a vaca with friends but Im excited to take these people. Which a few more couldve gone. We have some very cool friends.. I think so anyhow. ;) I would NEVER let just anyone go with us. You have to be fully comfortable. We cherish our trips too much to mess one up. We get back and its back to work big time. I want to actually be better at the Arnold. Much. I definitely dont want to do what Ive done the last 4 shows and be frazzled to put on the muscle and get in shape quick. I feel good that I have more of a plan. I almost was in denial that the Olympia was coming going into the summer months this year. I put off dieting till the last minute and I was fat! lol Stupid. Stupid and fat! hahaha Going to go eat some broccoli.. yummy! Not quite the same as pancakes before bed but Ill make it work.

I am so glad that I got through last week. I ate so much. My office was filled with goodies on Mon and I ate them all. Two whole cakes and a cheesecake my training partner and his wife got me. Whole Foods cheesecakes are unreal good. I had help with that one. Everything has been soooo yummy but I noticed over the weekend that I had really put on too much cushion and food wasnt tasting as good. I have a guest pose in Salt Lake City next Sat. I hope lots of people come out for it. It should be pretty good.. they have me and Jay Cutler. I need to say thank you to my training partner and his wife Laura. He puts up with me and trains when I want (unless hes racing ;). I can only train with certain people and that is a super small hand full. Dano has been around me since I came into Dylans life so he knows how I work. I also have to have someone to train with at night or else I skip out. ;) The gym is still in the down season which sucks. Its been slow and you dont make money without spending it. We need to buy some new equipment this month. I have to admit I was seriously disappointed to lose 4k on my check. That wouldve bought a couple pieces. :( Or a vacation. LOL We leave for Mexico on the 12th and I am counting the minutes. I dont know if I really deserve it but I sure want it.

I am so spilled over people!!! I have eaten everything that I had been dreaming of between now and Friday night. I am telling you what the normal person does not know about the poison they are eating is... well, not good. lol Food is so nasty. My body went from working like clockwork to more tired and sick than ever. Im a mess. But... wow do things TASTE amazing. The deal breaker for me was the Cinnabon yesterday at the airport. Those are not meant for digestion!!! Holy shit! lol I went to town on BBQ last night and desert then Dylan wakes me up yearly asking if I want to go get pancakes. AH... actually sleep was #1 but I went and it was so worth it. Ok.... enough about the food. I sound food crazed. Thank you everyone for an awesome weekend. My husband who took great care of me even though I was flipping out. I was texting him from prejudging back stage freaking out about getting smoked. So from the time we got there Wed to Fri morning he had to listen to me whine and worry. My nerves had me going. I still get nervous think about it all. lol My friends who stayed sweet those final weeks and who all made the trip to support and help me.. I love you! My employees.. I love you too! Two woman that get my make up and color perfect- Chaundra Tangi and Mary Hobbs with Pro Tan(Carla and Nikki of course), THANK YOU! I am grateful for every little bit cause like Ive mentioned Ive climbed and traveled quite a road to this point. As worried as I was about problems there really werent any. I was a little disappointed in my morning suit bottoms but it wasnt horrible. I didnt get my suits till Tue before leaving. I was lucky enough to be able to upgrade my room which was super nice to have. I thought they may not have any left and I was really needing the extra room. I didnt sleep however on Wed. night.. at all, which left me very very watery and MEAN. ;) I was a mess by Meet the Olympians. Luckily I was able to get some good sleep Thur night before pre judge. I woke up looking pretty good but then I get back stage and start looking at the other woman and FREAK... LOL I got so psyched out. The woman that compete at that level are there cause they are THAT GOOD. To see them up close they just look so unreal and I think Im in a fat suit or something. Well, we all know that I got that awesome call out and the rest is history. I was relieved and my husband was like a 5 year old and Disney. Time flew between then and night show so I had no time to think about what I was going to do with the music I didnt really dig. I just wasnt feeling anything this year like I normally do. It worked out ok though. I had too many other things going through my head. I will admit I wouldve loved to have won but I am so happy with everything. Iris is wonderful. She works her ass off and I have so much respect for her. Every time I talk to her I understand her more. Until you go through a prep AT THIS LEVEL.. you have no business thinking you know. I do know we all have our faves and that is cool but you still have to give a lot of respect to everyone that can get through one of these. I will be getting ready for a guest appearance in Utah on the 10th with Jay Cutler then I am going on vaca! Arnold? Possibly.

Damn! I am counting minutes and believe me I know I need every single one but Im kinda just wiped out and ready to go so I have idle... cloudy, mind going and that is bad news! Im so edgy now that I cant do much of anything and enjoy it. Its so hard to explain to people that arent in your shoes but the repetition of the daily prep can get a little tedious and before you know it you just do not want to do it one more day. I have been wondering for a couple of weeks why the hell I pay for cable. It is the same shit everyday!!! Rerun after rerun and a lot of horrible reruns. The Kardashians? Really people? Now Kourney and Klohe or whatever it is. LOL Its painful for me to watch. I had the Tool Academy on while I was doing cardio earlier and that was a perfect of example of our stupid society at its stupidest. Those woman should be ashamed of themselves for even dealing with such... TOOLS. Even my favorite shows are kinda hard to watch now though. I think Im just really frustrated. :) I am on my way into the gym now which Ive put off all day cause of a seriously upset tummy so now Im going to just bare down and get it done. I felt really good about everything a couple days ago but this is my 3rd day feeling pretty sick. Nerves maybe. I need adjusted too but my chiro wasnt in today and I have rib out so that will wait till Mon. Its this part that I need to be much better at. Stress is the worst thing EVER! I was watching the 24/7 last night on HBO. Maywheather said that he doesnt feel pressure... it is what it is. I though how cool would that be? No wonder hes so good. No pressure would be sweet!

I am so ready to be back to normal. Dylan hates it when I write in here about my preps cause people often misconstrue what I mean or say. I dont want to sound negative but I guess sometimes the reality of the final days can sound.. a little negative. I always fight the little normal things like being so lethargic, weakened, really quiet... I get to where I dont talk much. EMOTIONAL! My poor husband. lol It all gets a little intense and frustrating so naturally you just want to fight it. Plus, Im a control freak. You know its not you but what a do? Blog/vent! Being a woman I think it is natural. Each prep is so different and I would think by now they would be more predictable but nope. Ive had a lot of nausea with this one which has made some of my eating inconsistent. Not good. Sometimes I just cant eat and then other times I can eat trash.. or could. ;) I have been more stressed than with the last Arnold. Stress is the worst thing ever for losing fat. I think I have some fear associated cause of last years nightmare showing on my part. I dont know if other competitors have ever noticed this but I find certain times of year to just jell with me better too. There is usually some little nagging injury which is there just to make you nuts. I have had insane tendinitis in my right arm bicep for 2 years now which makes back and arm training fun. Then of course you have the good ol genetics. AH! There are certain things that no matter how much you fight you are just screwed. lol I still am in shock at times how seriously HARD it is competing at this level. It is extreme like no one can possibly fathom without actually experiencing it. I cringe with people tell me they "understand". lol Oh Lord! Really? I have so much respect for the woman I compete with. They are unreal! I just admire them so much. Now days if I read something just out of line, rude or just stupid I get pissed where as years back I would let it hurt me. I consider who is making the comment and that says it all. Not too many opinions matter anymore. Only a few that really count. That panel of judges for one. ;) lol I definitely know what it is like to have the fan approval but not so much of the judges. Its nice to have fans love you but its more icing on the cake if the judges like you first. Dylan has been so awesome with this prep. He's even been going on walks with me and Kelee to get me out of the house after working all day. Thats a big one. He has gotten better and better with tuning into me and how woman work. Its taken a lot of trial and error but Im impressed. I am more of the hot head and hes real even which is very helpful. One of the reasons I do compete is cause he loves it so much. I have admitted that Im not always the best at this but there is nothing like seeing him light up cause he loves being involved. The husbands that support the woman that compete at pro level are super special too! At least my training partner can get rid of me after the hour. ;) We've really been through soooo much together with this sport. We were laughing the other day cause I we use to have to buy our chicken in frozen bags and now I go to Whole Foods and buy everything fresh. Funny cause we had to pinch pennies on the silliest things. Now Im fortunate to have more little luxuries... like fresh meats. lol I could tell all sorts of stories about how far we have come.. most too embarrassing. After the Olympia we have to worry about the future location of our gym. We are negotiating our lease but our landlord is not wanting to budge. I do not like our building at all! It has its "cool" attributes for a gym but its a 5 year old building that seems like 20 years old. The location could be better too. I sure something will work out. We definitely need more space too. T's KO fight club just moved in next to us which I think is pretty neat. I would love to learn to fight but Ive never taken the initiative to just do it. I did change my hair drastically yesterday. I wasnt intending on it but my beloved dear friend hair dresser of mine talked me into it. Hes never done me wrong in 8 years so I just went with it. Till later...

ONLY 2 more weeks till Im on the plane to Vegas! Its honestly never enough time but wow, is it dragging. I am so wiped out/exhausted. Ive been battling some pretty heavy nausea for about 10 days. Like I dont feel crappy enough. I had some major nausea when we got out to Columbus this year and couldnt really eat much. Its pretty much the same thing right just much sooner. For how much I eat I should be coming in a lot harder. Im fighting that big butt syndrome and a couple nagging injuries. The drier and leaner I get the more aggravated they get. I feel like the tin man needing an oil lube to the joints. Having the stepmill at home this go has been such a blessing. I looooove my gym and the members but when you start getting close you just dont want to say HI to every single person you see!!! Its so exhausting. Im usually done before I get started if I dont hide in the office. LOL Everyone is sweet and they just want to be involved, I get it. Nor do they have any idea what you are feeling so what a do? Luckily I dont really have to work the rest of the way in but I will be swamped when I get home. I laugh when I hear people say they want to own a gym or that is a dream. Its soooooo much work!!! Sometimes I hate it and feel Ive been cursed. LOL I think especially as a pro bb you kinda lose that place to go and get away and train cause now its also where you work. It can definitely be challenging. Phil was in this weekend shooting with Flex which is awesome but it really reminds me how much the woman dont really matter and its disheartening. I let it really bother me last year but this year I just tried to take it in stride for what it is. Phil is a good friend and Im very proud of him so I can see the best in it. Im not the typical bodybuilder that is so ME ME ME(no offense all.. but that is annoying) I just wish the woman got more love. At the same time I realize that the industry has been pretty good for me. I have an AWESOME husband.. who I met cause of bb, I own half of a pretty great gym, I have some wonderful friends, and I have gotten to experience the highest levels of competition. Not too bad. :) As long as I can keep away from the carbs I may have a good time in Vegas too. I will be crushed if I dont place high enough. Its kinda cool that there 3 of us going from the same gym. I'm wearing some daring colors this show.. IMO. Im usually so careful and conservative, ironic. I am headed to the doc today though cause my allergies are just a little too much to handle and I have some discomfort in my throat and glands. Hopefully nothing major. :)

Most people have heard of TMJ right? I have always had problems with it. Getting ready for the AC I had some pretty extensive dental work done. Between weeks 5 and 4 I was eating only baby food and whey. The results.. I looked like ass for a while. This morning I was getting ready for work and a crunching snap went through my jaw/ear. I haven't eaten anything solid all day. I cant even aline my bite. Went to the chiro asap and like everything else.. spasms. Its seems like more than just spasms though. Needless to say it really set a yucky tone to my day. I am praying that it works out of there. Seriously after that last shows trials.. I dont know how to do it again. Its so disheartening, not to mention PAINFUL! I can fight through a lot of shit but this is a little questionable. Ya gotta eat REAL food. Funny how you take something like a good bite for granted. Stay tuned. I am being pro active and fighting it. I am using a new suit lady and that has got me a little unnerved too. I have the hardest body to fit ever. I am ready for a new look and Im bringin it. This years O.. men and woman is just stacked. The competitors are sooooo good. This would be the one to go see. Hell, I want to sit in the audience. lol I am bigger than I was for the AC so that should be good. Sleep is a luxury now. Seems like just in the last couple of years its really affected me. If I don't get at least 8 hours.. my whole day is ruined. That is one of my biggest struggles. Dylan is definitely husband of the year 09. He is just something. He impresses me everyday. He is every fbb dream hubby. I cant complain, he just does such an awesome job. Every woman needs a Dylan. lol I still have NO music. Normally by this time I have 3 or 4 to choose from but nothing is sticking out. Maybe its the economy. Theres really not good movies either. If anyone has any ideas let me know. I am open minded. :) Love to hear from you on any subject. I need the entertainment right now. IF you are going to Vegas people say hi and introduce yourself. I will be selling some goodies at Meet the Olympians so don't miss out. One item is the b&w of the wine glass in 20x16. A must have right? lol Last Holly Geersen is headed to NA this weekend to get the card. She is looking awesome even if she doesn't feel so hot with some infection. I wish I could be there but obviously I wont. Dylans going and since she stop sneaking the almond butter, wow.. what a difference. She looks hot! I'm very excited for her. That is it for now. Bedtime. :)

Here I am again. Another show. It is insane how much my life has change in the last 3 years. I now, FINALLY get to do things a little more MY way for prep but feel guilty for it! LOL Damn! Dylan got my stepmill for home and I dont have to work much, make my own hours/schedule but I feel bad.... I hate that. Possibly cause my husband is such a work horse. He works a lot and doesnt miss a beat. My hero! In all honesty, I just wasnt ready to prep for this show when the time came. I have since come to accept that its going to happen whether Im ready or not. First few weeks were not so good. I had my wallet with my life in it vanish the second week, the next I had a horrible disappointment with an employee that shook me up and then my low back and a few other smaller injuries! OUCH! My back is an issue from top to bottom. Luckily I see Holly Geersen's hubby Miles who I completely trust and I got training again. Dylan just tells me to focus on vacation afterwords. Sure! No problem. Every minute I am waiting till my next meal. ;) I feel so bad that I am not doing things with my step kids like Six Flags, Waterworld... but I cant hang with the food that is around that environment. When they come over Im just wiped out and ready to hang and home and chill.. or clean, and thats not much fun. Hanna wants to go to the Olympia so bad but I think 13 may be a better age. Maybe the Arnold. I see so much of myself in Hanna that I have a tendency to spoil her a tad. I just know all too well how crazy those weekends get. We want to take up scuba now and get certified before we leave on our next trip. I love the water so it seems like the perfect hobby for us. Cant wait till I live by it! I am off to try and nap. Im on 3 hours of sleep and that just wont cut it.

We got all moved into the house. We love it. It has a huge and beautiful yard with a ton of privacy. Its soooo nice. Kelee loves her doggie door and tons of grass. Its so nice to find a nicely cared for home in a custom neighborhood. Im not crazy about my neighbors house looking like mine. All the houses here are so different. I love the mix of new and old and the established area with all the landscaping. HGTV is my favorite channel! We got everything knocked out pretty quickly. I am very NEAT and I do not like messes so I insist on clutter being cleaned up quick. Our movers were awesome too. I just hope the next time we move its out of the country. lol I started dieting and our fridge goes out. A new Kennmore. Just another obstacle for me to deal with. I had some back problems this week but Im dealing with it and working through. Hard to believe this will be my 18th show. I dont know how some of the woman do it. It is exhausting!!! I just start to feel normal about 3 weeks ago since the Arnold Classic and I have to prep again. BUT, I rather do it than not at all. I would love to do a video cause we have really great guy that does them right here in Denver. He actually did Phil Heaths new one and it is really fantastic quality. Its just finding the time to make it really great. Maybe with the Arnold this winter. I can tell ya it would be entertaining. I took the afternoon off to hang with Dylan and now I have to go in to the gym and tie up some loose ends then TRAIN! Dano is my partner still.. he hasnt pussed out yet! lol I will be working with Dylan.. of course and Hany Rambod for this so I surely cant look too bad. ;) I have enough people to make me accountable.

Hey everyone! Its been waaaaay too long since Ive made a post. We all know... the gym keeps me busy! I only have a few weeks till the hard dieting starts for the Olympia.. hard to believe its here already. We are currently getting ready to move into this house we have an option to buy on. I have mixed emotions about it. I was pretty set on something new or newer and this is a more early 90s. It needs some updating and I don't know if Im up to it. We spent all day yesterday shopping and nothing was coming together. I am extremely picky and will make sure curtain things are done. Houses are EXPENSIVE! The location is amazing and the yard... OMG, fabulous. I even got a hot tub on the patio(I love that). I decided I rather not be house poor. I couldn't gotten something more turn key but we wouldn't have the money left to save and do things that we love... travel. Plus, I really want my DREAM home much further south! So this will be an adventure for the girl who has never even planted flowers or kept a big lawn. Oh and cant paint! LOL Yikes! Hopefully it will serve the purpose of keeping me busy while thinking about food. The gym is doing well. We are still getting members where so many others are having major problems. I don't wish any ones business harm but I sure would like their members. ;) We are searching for the right building to move it to. Our lease will be coming up where we are and we've out grown the space the way it is. My dream of having our Mexico gym is on the back burner since a guy so conveniently opened a big one in March in the area we wanted!!!! DAMN! I will keep focus on this one to get it how we want it. Its an on going task. Should be an exciting rest of the year and I love being busy. This one might be the time to do my DVD. It should be pretty interesting with everything going on eh?

Seeing if anybody still reads this.. lol I dont keep it updated enough eh? Colette Nelson has been working on a fresher look for it. Thank God for Colette's patience. :) Going to do some location searching for the Mexico location next week.. and some R&R of course. Yes, I am a tad worried about the Swine stuff. We were just down there after the Arnold and I am ready to get some rest again. Owning a gym is no joke. I cringe when people say they want to open a gym. No one knows how much really goes into it and how much the government takes from you. Small business gets hit HARD. One of the big gyms here in Denver is closing up after almost 20 years. They have 3 locations in town. I'm sure it will help us but we still feel bad for them. Hate to see anyone struggle. Looks like we will have a Ft. Collins location in the future too. So all is well with us. Lots to do as always. We will also be needing a new location for the current gym by next year so that is also a search. We just need a whole lot more room. We are still looking for a house.. or a loan I should say. They lenders are ass backwards retarded. I cant believe the stupidity of it all. People are so incredibly rude too. If I treated people like that in business we would be under too. I think the market/economy has made everyone very edgy.. I just wont put up with it though. Just reminds me why I want to move south so bad. We play the game though. I know that stresses me out more than anything cause I always feel compromised. Its a bad situation for anyone that doesnt have 50k+ laying around to do nothing with. And if you do you dont want to spend it cause you just may REALLY need it these days. Training is going ok. I've had to put a lot of time into work again but I'm still getting in workouts. I have however, gained way too much weight. I am so miserable with it. I dont know how people DONT workout and DONT stay somewhat in shape. I HAVE to. Most people, besides being lazy.. just dont know what they are missing. Check out the new blog on the gym's site. http://armbrustprogym.blogspot.com/

A few thank yous to people that were so helpful in getting me through to the AC. Of course my husband Dylan. He's the best buddy in the world. My training partner, Dano. He didnt have it too rough though. ;) The next 6 months may be a different story. He's like my brother so I can be a huge pain in his ass. Andrea Wanek for taking so much off my mind at work... huge help. The gym wouldnt have ran so smoothly without her. Chaundra Tangi for helping me with the finishing touches out there. All the officials, volunteers and expediters out in Columbus. These people do an amazing job. They put the word professional in the name of these shows. This is truly a pro show. All our members for just being supportive and fun. All the people in the industry that have been so nice and real with me. Thanks folks. I just really appreciate everyone.