You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers!!!!

On Craigslist.org, there is a discussion forum dedicated to fitness. One of the more recent posts received a lot of feedback. Here is the post:

Want to lose excess fat < equalways > 05/06 08:27:42
Right now i'm going to the gym about 5 times a week doing weights. I've been at this pace about 3 weeks now and seeing bigger muscles. I really want to lose fat from my stomach. I am 36 weight 179 and am 6'2. My friend says I should concentrate on cardio (read interval training is good). I've been taking about 25 grams of protein before I work out (whey protein). Just read now it is better to take it after the workout though. I eat pretty healthy too but used to be at 165.
thanks, Andrew

There have been several coments on it, but here are some of the ones I found to be pretty helpful...

Cardio and Diet § < CarolinaGirl17 > 05/06 08:45:41

I don't lift, actually. < OhRry > 05/06 09:15:03 I exercise by training martial arts, running, and bodyweight exercises.

bodyweight exercises < 1scubadoc > 05/06 10:03:11 What types of bodyweight exercises do you you do? If I could give sameful plugs to Ross Emenait who wrote "Never Gymless" and to Matt Furey for putting togehter "combat conditioning" there are some very difficult body weight exercises that would make for a tough work out no matter how much weight lifting anyone can do.

I personally thought that this was very helpful advice for the original post. Also, I feel like these responses were pretty prompt. I mean, the original poster posted the question about 8:30 and got a resonse 15 minutes later!

Hey, you can't get much better than that, even by going to the gym!

Bottom line is this-- if you're a fitness beginner- or an expert with a could of questions, you really should check out online discussion forums like the one of craigslist.org if you have questions you need answered. It's a great way to communicate with other fitness folks in a fast and non-intimidating way.

Online fitness forums... THUMBS UP!!!

-Ash:-)

P.S.- Do you feel that this poster got good advice for his inquiry??? POST YOUR COMMENTS AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK HE SHOULD DO!!!!!

ALL FOR FITNESS, FITNESS FOR ALL

In my Public Journalism class, one of my fellow students did a

presentation on a very interesting website that I had heard of but knew very little about. After being very captivated by the presentation, I decided to learn more about it and researched it for a while. What I found was a phenomenal, and very large, website that allowed people from across the world to make contact with each other. In addition, the website is designed to limit conversation to just people in your particular area. What’s more, there is a lot of talk about fitness on this site.

What site, you may ask?

CRAIGSLIST.ORG.

Now, I know you’re wondering why I would say that CRAIGSLIST.ORG is a great site for fitness (seeing as how it’s been in the news fro everything but!). But honestly, it’s got some great links for people interested in health and fitness that you may find fascinating.

The one that really jumped out at me is CRAIGSLIST.ORG’s online fitness discussion forum, located at http://norfolk.craigslist.org/forums/?forumID=92. There are tons of different posts up there, from great diet supplements to what gyms not to join. I think that my favorite part about this forum is the fact that you remain anonymous if you wish. So if you are someone that doesn’t wanna let everyone know that you’re self-conscious about your body or you may just want to keep your secret workouts on the low, what a great way to still stay informed!

There are a couple of other places on CRAIGSLIST.ORG that are great for people interested in the world of fitness. For example, under their “Community” heading there are links to local activities, volunteer opportunities and classes being offered. Also, under this “Services” heading, there are links to local lessons or therapeutic businesses.

AND IT’S ALL LOCAL… THAT IS, IF U WANT IT TO BE….

CRAIGSLIST.ORG has the great option of cutting out all the extra stuff that doesn’t pertain to you. You have the option of just searching for stuff in your area. Now, it can’t get any better than that!

I think that CRAIGSLIST.ORG relates to this blog because, of course, my blog is about fitness! And CRAIGSLIST.ORG finds that to be significant. It seems important to both our websites that people continue to be health and maintain active lifestyles. CRAIGSLIST.ORG promotes that by providing options to people in the Hampton Roads area under the umbrella of fitness.

As far as flickr is concerned, unfortunately there is not a huge reliance on the use of images on CRAIGSLIST.ORG, especially under the discussion forum. However, there is a lot of reference to how things look, like certain machines or particular body types. I think that CRAIGSLIST.ORG could definitely benefit from more of a partnership with flickr, especially on the discussion forum. For fitness beginners, it would really help to have a visual to pair with the text written.

Google maps is so great because it provides much more information about how to get to a particular place that just giving verbal directions could give. It provides businesses and streets around the location as well as large or small views of the location. Although CRAIGSLIST.ORG does not really incorporate Google maps into their website, I think it could really be enriched by doing so because especially on the discussion board, there is a huge talk about places that can help someone on a fitness journey. Adding a point to a Google map could again provide a greater visual for a person and makes conversation more realistic for those involved.

Due to having learned about CRAIGSLIST.ORG, I definitelt feel like I can use this information to enrich my own blog. I believe that there is a power in incorporating you, as the reader, into my blog more, because I care about your opinion! Plus, the more information we share with each other, the more we learn. Therefore, I think that this blog should be more interactive,

I feel like I have sort of acheived that goal; I have several posts with you comments under them. However, I would prefer more feedback from the readers and more of an interactive environment between myself and the others reading this blog.

Overall, I believe that CRAIGSLIST.ORG really enriches the content that we have discussed on my blog because it provides a much more interactive medium for people to discuss health and fitness. Even though my blog allows you to post a comment after each post, it’s not that conversational tone that a discussion forum can provide. Also, CRAIGSLIST.ORG allows people to post all different sorts of happenings in the community, instead of just relying on one person’s blog posts. This just makes for a much more interactive experience and provides a more warm and friendly atmosphere for CRAIGSLIST.ORG’s users.

To visit this really cool website, go to http://norfolk.craigslist.org/.

Hope that this really helps someone!

-Ash :-)

Evaluation of the Semester

Wow.... What a fascinating course!

I have never been so exposed to different types of technology in an educational setting. I thought it was awesome, and will really help me to develop my skills as a journalist.

Blogging was a little difficult to figure out; it seemed simple at first but easily got confusing when we had to add gadgets and maps and links..... OH MY!!!! LOL but I learned so much about a subject I knew nothing about, so i really enjoyed the experience.

Learning how to configure my map was a tad bit hard, too. Even though there are only a few different buttons to push, you gotta know what you're doing! After you figure it out, you're good to go, but before that.... You're in trouble! I've gotten the hang of it though and feel really accomplished!

Finally, I was glad to be exposed to flickr. I had heard a lot about it, but had no idea what it entailed. I was glad to learn how it worked and more about the concept. Even though I mistakingly lost access to my flick account :-(, it was cool for the time being.

My classmate also helped to enrich my technological learning experience. They have helped me to understand certain things and introduced me to different forms of technology I never even knew existed! I loved the interactivity of the course.

Overall, I think the course was very well-rounded. We did presentations, had guest speakers, and worked in groups. It was a great way to learn about technology and teach each other at the same time. I would definitely recommend this class to others and probably would take it again.

How thin is too thin?

One issue that has caused much controversy recently is the appearance of a very thin beauty pageant contestant for Miss Universe Australia. Her name is Stephanie Naumoska, and while the 19-year-old beauty queen is beautiful, she is RAIL thin. Her pictures are up at the top of this post.

The reason why this i such a big issue is because the pageant, like all other, promote health and fitness. Many fear that Naumoska took this too an extreme.

Naumoska is 5-foot-11 and weighs only 108 lbs. Her body mass index is only 15.1 (the BMI for malnourishment is 18). Australian health professionals feel she needs to get immediate help.

Make the judgement for yourself.

It's a Rec!!!

Ah.... I remember my days as a little high school student, looking for something to do after school.... What did some of us find interesting?
Yes, the rec center! You could do so many things there... Although most of the girls I know just went there to watch the boys LOL!
Nonetheless, looking back on a facility like that, it really was a great concept for grade school students and well as members of the community. One particular center I want to highlight is the Rivercrest Community Center.
Located in Chesapeake, VA, the Rivercrest Community Center was down the street from my house and school, and a really great building. I remember it like it was yesterday...
Walking in to the front door, you're greeted by the front desk- where you pay to use the center LOL! Off to the left was a very small room for workout purposes (it made sense though, because that's not the main point of a rec center). On your right was the game room- a pool table mostly! HAHA but there were snack machines too, so that's all that mattered! Around the corner you'd find additional offices, bathrooms, and rooms available for rent. But behind the door to the left on front desk was the main attraction- the gym! it was huge, and very well kept. This is where the people gahered. Girsl watched the guys, some girls played, and folks had a good ol' time! That's what I remember about the rec center... Just good memories!
After high school I tried to work out there, but I think it was in my mind that I always had to look cute when I went so I never got anything accomplished! HAHA I had to go somewhere with no memories.... and less cute boys!!!!!
The Rivercrest Community Center is my rec. What's yours?

What's Your Lifestyle?

I chose to write today about a phenomenal center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center called the "Lifestyle Center". It's a unique addition to the hospital with a very defined purpose: to improve "the health of the community through education, screenings and fitness programming". It's been around for over 20 years now and has a nationally certified cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program and outpatient diabetes program.
However, I think my favorite part about the facility is its fitness opportunities. The Lifestyle Center has a fitness section reserved for senior citizens, provides group fitness classes, personal training, and post rehabilitation.
I'm most impressed with the Lifestyle Center because of it's attention to those who really need it- seniors and patients. Unfortunately, there are limited fitness facilities for either of those groups, so the Lifestyle Center is a wonderful asset to the hospital. The facility itself is very nice, and large enough to include a separate office space and rooms for events.
The Lifestyle Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. I'm impressed.

Follow My Preparation- The Slacker Edition

Yeah, so..... I'm sad guys.
Basically, here's the deal.... I fell off.
I was going to the gym REALLY REALLY good, and then.... I lost it.
I don't know... I think it fell somewhere around the beginning of the month when I began to schedule a lot of meetings and stuff in the morning. Then I was going straight to school, or had homework... Ah, you know the excuses.
Anyway, I haven't been to the gym in a few days. I NEED SOME INSPIRATION! Any suggestions?
One thing that has helped me in the past is to look at previous pictures of me in a swimsuit. Sometimes, that's motivating. Wanna see 'em? Okay... They're at the top of this post! LOL! The first one is from 2006, then 2007, and 2008. Haven't taken on this year yet. Hopefully there will be improvement.
Wadaya think of my pics? Am I improving.... Or getting worse? Let me know! Thanks!

WHY!!!!!!!?????!!!!!!

As many of us are WELL aware, it's pretty difficult to work out. I mean, yeah, you can do it a few times constantly, but excuses always arise. "Oh I need to rest" or, "Oh there's just so much else to do today".... BLAH BLAH BLAH. I have to admit, I'm quite guilty of it myself. Truth is, I've been trying to get into the work-out mode for the last three years of my life and STILL haven't truly caught the bug!!!
But, I have learned a thing or two about what works best for me as a "gym freshman". Here's what I now know to be true... Well, at least for me.
In my Public Journalism class, we discussed writings by authors Gibbs & Warhover that introduced to us the 5 W's of journalism. It's something that many of us become familiar with early in life, but it was fascinating to learn how significant it was to journalism today. Here they are.. SAY THEM WITH ME-
Who, What, When, Where, and- you guessed it- WHICH!
No, I'm just kidding. It's Why of course!
Anyway, Gibbs & Warhover go on to explain that a good journalist will define each of these five things before going any further with a particular story. It's information your readers HAVE to know.
Well, for this particular post, I'm going to go into detail about WHY some gyms just haven't worked out for me. Or, at least I think this is why....
*****
Ok, so I used to have a membership at Gold's Gym. And don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT facility! We all know that. But here are the top three reasons WHY Gold's Gym didn't work out for me.
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. It was too far away! For someone who is really trying hard to constantly go to the gym, proximity can be your easiest excuse. I had to find a gym that was no more than 10 minutes away on a bad day... That way, I really couldn't rant and rave about the stress of getting there.
2. SIZE DOES MATTER. Initially, I thought "The bigger the gym, the better". However, what I've realized is that a big gym is intimidating. Usually big gyms come with big, buff people that are pretty much where you wanna be. It's very frustrating to watch them do laps around you on the treadmill or life 40-pound weights with their pinky. Gym Freshmen should find a place that's a little more intimate... That way, they don't have to feel like they're competing with anyone else.
3. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING. Have you ever walked into a gym and thought, "........" Yeah, me too! Every machine looks the same, every machine looks different. And truly, Each person doesn't need each machine and each person will use each machine differently. Every person has their own fitness formula. But without an expert to put that together for you, you can easily waste your time at the gym. And without hundreds of dollars to spend per month, you can't get a personal trainer. My advice, again, is to find a smaller gym, preferably one that has just opened. Usually in that case, the trainers don't have a million clients and will probably be willing to put together a workout plan for you even on a general membership. So, you get the formula, but you keep your dough!
****
Ok, so that's my advice. Hope it helps someone! I'm still learning, so the more I learn the more I'll share!
Until then, enjoy the images at the top of my post, courtesy of the internet!!!! (Until I get my flickr account back up and running... Hehe)

GET THE EDGE!!!!

Located at 601B Innovation Dr. in the Oakbrooke Commons Business Park Chesapeake, Edge Personal Fitness prides itself on getting "The Edge You Need" and "The Support You Deserve"! With convenient hours seven days a week, members can rest assure that Edge trainers are vested in their success. At Edge, safe and effective techniques from several exercise disciplines are utilized and the trainers are fun and engaging to work with.

EDGE Certified Personal Trainer, Bryan Cunningham, believes that fitness is just as mental as it is physical. "Take an idea..." he said. "Apply sound research and tested strategies; add desire to turn that idea into a reality! Next look to those who have applied the ideals you want and need to develop, and finally enjoy every minute of the journey... Now you have an EDGE!"

Along with Brian, Diane Shelor is also a trainer at the facility. Edge specializes in weight loss, flexibility, stamina, strength and function, and post rehabilitation. Life Fitness cardio, functional training, and Hammer Strength resistance training equipment are available to members. Several training packages are provided to fit the needs of different economic situations, busy lifestyles, and degrees of personal attention. The studio also sells nutritious options for the "member on the go", such as Myoplex Supplement Shakes.

Other perks to the gym include flat screen tv's, separate men and women's changing romos and showers, and massage therapy options. And at just $38.00 for the first 200 members, it remains extremely affordable.

Edge Personal Fitness Studio, Chesapeake's premier fitness training facility, is worth checking out regardless of one's fitness status. For more information about The Edge, visit their website by clicking here.

My flickr account also provides pictures I personally took of the facility. Click here to view them (COMING SOON).

For directions to The Edge, check out the map below!


View Edge Personal Fitness Studio in a larger map

THE EDGE: Your new one-stop shop for fitness!!!

Follow My Preparation!

Hey guys!
After winning Miss Chesapeake, I am now preparing to compete for Miss Virginia! YAY!
I am very excited, but it is a lot of hard work. One of the hardest competitions to prepare for is... you guessed it... SWIMSUIT! So the first thing I have done is changed my diet to start eating a little more healthy.
Initially, I was pretty much eating anything I wanted (BAD). Now, I have cut out the Starbuck's and Taco Bell for more health alternatives. Here's my plan so far
Breakfast: Turkey bacon, brown eggs, toast, and/or oatmeal
Lunch: Turkey/ham wheat wrap w/ pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spicy mustard
Dinner: baked chicken, broccoli, etc.
Snacks: jello, popcorn, yogurt
Alright, let's see what happens! I just started hardcore this week. I'll update ya!
(By the way, that is NOT me in the photo! Just an example of what I'm trying to accomplish here!!!!)
-Ash:-)

Miss Chesapeake 2009 Pictures!!!

Ok, here ya go.. photos from Miss Chesapeake 2009! ENJOY!!!!!

Fitness: Interviews from Three Very Different People

A few days ago, I interviewed three different people about their opinion of health and fitness as related to their personal lifestyles. I tried to find three totally different opinions of fitness. Here are the people I found: a physical therapy major, and culinary arts graduate, and a high school basketball player. They may not seem very different, but they kinda are. Take a look at their answers to my questions.
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The first person I interviewed is the physical therapy major; his name is Cameron.

Me: How long have you been interested in physical therapy?
Cameron: it's been a fascination of mine for quite a long time now. I used to play lots of sports, including basketball and football. But when I was a high school freshman I was playing a football game and my knee was injured. It took a physical therapist to get me back on my feet. I was never able to get back into the game, but I'm able to walk now. That's what really got me into physical therapy.
Me: Do you think health and fitness is important in a person's everyday lifestyle?
Cameron: Yes. If I hadn't been healthy and physically fit, my physical therapist says I would've never healed as quickly as I did. I think it's really important for people to eat right and exercise.
Me: What does you diet consist of?
Cameron: I have to admit, it's not perfect, especially living on a college student's salary! So sometimes I throw some bad stuff in there. But I eat a lot of cereal and plenty of lean meats for protein. Drink a lot of milk. Stuff like that.
Me: Do you exercise?
Cameron: Yes! In fact, every night before I go to bed, I do crunches and push ups regardless of whether or not I'm not able to work out during the day. I also play intramural basketball to keep me in shape.
Me: Would you recommend playing sports to stay in shape?
Cameron: Not necessarily. I think people can stay in shape without doing sports. It all depends on what your exercise preference is. Whatever you do to stay in shape, do what you gotta do! As long as you're doing something!
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The next person that I interviewed is the culinary arts graduate; her name is Giovanni. I decided to interview her to get a feel for how contemporary culinary artists felt about incorporating health into their dishes.

Me: How long have you been cooking?
Giovanni: I have been cooking ever since I ca remember. My father is a cook, so he brought me into the "family business".
Me: Before you studies culinary art, did you think about health when cooking?
Giovanni: Not really! I was a lot more worried about taste to be honest with you. In fact, I still am! But back then, I never even thought about it. I was brought up cooking Soul Food, which is notorious for being unhealthy! Nonetheless, I love it and it was hard to consider health issues when I began tostudy culinary arts because it meant cutting most of this food out!
Me: How did things change when you began to study culinary arts?
Giovanni: It changed a lot. It made me think about the effects of continuing to eat unhealthy food- high blood pressure, diabetes, and even death. I was happy to learn though that I can still cook a lot of my food without sacrificing the tase. For example, using Splanda instead of sugar. It still tastes pretty much the same! Just more expensive...
Me: Have you changed the proportions of food that you serve after studying culinary arts?
Giovanni: Definitely. I have learned that sometimes you don't have to take your facorte foods altogether out of your diet. Sometimes it's just about eating them in moderation. Like instead of eating a whole piece of steak, I'll cut it in half. If I'm still hungry I can always come back. But if I have the whole piece of steak on my plate I feel compelled to eat it. So cutting it in half helps me take better control of my hunger.
Me: How much Soul Food have you cut out of your cooking?
Giovanni: I'll be honest, not much! I still cook a lot of the old faves, but I'm a lot more conscious about the ingredients. I cook a lot for family and friends, and I would hate for my food to be the reason they have health issues later.
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The last person I interviewed plays JV high school basketball; his name is Shelton. What makes hi interesting is that this is his first year playing a sport in about five years. So he's kinds going from 0 to 60 pretty quickly. Let's see what he had to say:

Me: What made you wanna play basketball for your high school?
Shelton: Well, I've been dating someone for about a year now, and she plays basketball. She kinda inspired me to get back into the game.
Me: Has it been hard getting back into basketball?
Shelton: Yeah. I used to play whan I was younger; I played football and baseball too. All rec. But I stopped for a long time, so to come back into it randomly was a little hard.I gained weight and wasn't eating too healthy. So it was pretty tough.
Me: What hurdles did you have to overcome getting back into sports?
Shelton: I had to start eating healthier and exercising a lot more. When you play ball it's constant running up and down the court. So if you're not eating right and in shape, you'll get tired immediately.
Me: How did you change your exercise and diet plans?
Shelton: I have to work out with the team and everything, that's not an option! But I also try to do some running and weight lifting on my own. I also try to eat a lot of chicken and fish, vegetables... More protein than just a lot of fat.
Me: Do you think playing basketball again has helped you to become more healthy?
Shelton: You have to become more healthy to play. End of story. Otherwise, you'll never get in the game. Since it's my first year, I haven't got in much but I still gotta be ready at any time to get in. Can't be huffing and puffing up and down the court. Gotta change your lifestyle if you wanna play.
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Three different people, three different backgrounds. Somehow, though, they all agree that health and fitness is important. Hmm, something to think about.

Ash:-)

Miss Chesapeake 2009

In my class, we were instructed to attend an event that pertained to our individual theme. Mine is fitness, and so I decided to blog about the Miss Chesapeake 2009 pageant- an event that I actually participated in. The reason why it pertains to my theme is because, as many people know, the Miss America Organization includes a swimsuit competition. In that competition, the judges are told to look for a girl's overall fitness and evidence of a healthy lifestyle. It is important for a girl to be physically fit in order to have a chance at winning the local, state, or national title.

The other phases of competition are interview, talent, evening wear, and onstage question. However, the swimsuit competition is one of the hardest to perform well because it's the one phase you cannot fake! You have to have a good diet and work out for at least several months prior to the pageant in order to make a good impression on the judges. It signifies dedication and lots of hard work. It's for people who are very serious about their health, fitness, and winning a local title.
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures from the actual swimsuit competition, but maybe I'll be able to find someone who took pictures then. Anyway, there are some photos below in a nice little slide show. So enjoy!

Oh, by the way... I WON!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Ash:-)

How to Win a Swimsuit Competition: What I've Tried to Do Over the Last 3 Years!

I've been competing under the Miss America Organization for a while now, and over the years I think I've pretty much narrowed down what it take to be successful at the swimsuit competition (now, if I can just get my body to coincide with my brain!!!!!)


OK.... Everyone should know that the swimsuit competition is the time where the judges get to see how well each contestant has maintained a very healthy lifestyle and exercise schedule. They are overall looking for poise, grace, fitness and a great attitude.

Here's what every pageant girl should do to get ready for the swimsuit competiton:

• DIET. It is essential that you constantly eat the right foods and drink lots of water each day (accept a few days before the pageant. You don't wanna look bloated!) Stay away from sodas and sweets.... acne is a no-no!!! But we all know what's good for us, and it's not just celery and carrots. Chicken, turkey, fish, and tons of other foods are good for you. And remember, just about anything is good in moderation! Watch your diet, and the first step to winning swimsuit is underway.


• YOUR PERSONAL BEST. A lot of people assume that you have to be thin to win the swimsuit competition. Totally not true! Very few people are actually born thin, but anybody can be healthy! Judges are more so looking for muscle tone versus thinness in swimsuit. Think about it this way: being thin could just mean you have a high metabolism. It doesn't mean you're in shape. However, muscle tone shows work; it shows a constant dedication to a fit lifestyle. Work very heavily on abs (ex. crunches) and legs (ex. squates) ... these are focal points for the judges. If those parts are toned, you're good to go!


• FIRM BUT FEMININE. Ok, don't go too overboard! Although you wanna be fit, you don't wanna lose your girlish look. Look at toned movie stars for example- they obviously work out, but they don't have man-muscles! Remember, you are still going for Miss America, so you have to relate to women mentally and PHYSICALLY. You can still do exercises for your bust (ex. push ups), but don't overdo it.

• (SPRAY) TANNING. I tan too, and I'm black! Tanning is not just a way to achieve a more galmorous skin tone, but it can also make your body look more defined if done in the right way. It's all about contouring: spraying in some places a tad bit heavier than others. Now, I say spray tanning because it's the safest way to get a great tan and still protect your skin fron harmful UV rays. Now, for dark-skinned girls such as myself, tanning is also helpful for evening out a skin tone. My skin is discolored slightly on my legs, and tanning is like puttin makeup all over your body to even it out. And it does not make you darker (if you pick out the right color).


• STRUT. I've seen competitions in which a girl wasn't that physically fit, didn't eat right, and still won swimsuit! Why? Because she struts her stuff! She is confident and has an amazing walk, and the judges just eat it up! Now, I doubt this girl just walked on stage and fell into amazing confidence. NO! She practiced and practiced and practiced to perfect her walk while making it appear natural at the same time. I have heard several times that the swimsuit competition, contrary to popular belief, is won from the neck up. Therefore, if you believe you're hot, everyone else will believe it too. It'll come through in your eyes and in your smile. You'll be a shoe-in to catch the award!

And remember, even if you're not competing in a swimsuit competition, this is advice you can take with you in daily life. Be healthy, be fit, and be confident!


Well, that's about all I know... Hope that helped someone!

Ash:-)

Becoming Miss....?

I'll tell ya, it's not the easiest thing in the world!
I found myself talking with my good friend about competing in an upcoming pageant; she asked me what exactly she needed to do to get ready. The conversation went a little like this:

"Well, girl.. I HOPE you have been watching the news AND reading the newspaper... and do you have an opinion on the what the President should do about the economy and the war? You'll probably have to answer those questions. Think about what you want the judges to know before you walk into the interview room; write it down and go over it before you walk in. Oh, and by the way... What is your platform going to be? It has to be something meaningful to you; please don't pick anything random. And you need to think about how you're going to PROMOTE that platform as well. You can't just pick something and be done. It's all about community service! And girl, have you been working out? You have to get to the gym! if you can't make it to the gym, at least try to run a few times a week... It's really important because you don't want random things showing on stage! What's your talent by the way? Can you sing? Dance? Play piano?... Okay, you should probably pick a complicated piece to get more points, but it can't be too long, because you only have a minute and a half. You don't wanna go over because then you could be penalized. So you're basically gonna need an interview suit or dress, swimsuit, talent dress, and evening gown... Oh, and an opening number dress. Make sure it's cute... you're not judged technically, but you're always being watched! Oh, and you need to get pictures taken, and they have to be really nice. But make sure they don't look too overdone, because you want to look natural. Do you know how to do hair and makeup? You should probably work on that because you probably won't be allowed to have hair and makeup artists backstage...
But anyway girl, that's about it. Any questions???????"

The funny thing is I'm sure that I've left a lot out of that description. HAHA! Over the years I have learned that once you know what to do, you're good to go. But those first couple of pageants... Let's just call them a "learning experience"!

I'm very thankful for all of those that have helped me to understand the world of pageants, and hope I can make them proud this year as I compete again in the journey to become Miss Virginia, and maybe even Miss America.

It's a demanding job, but somebody's gotta do it!

-Ash:-)

Where in the World is....?

So.....

ODU is known for many things, including student activities, academics, and sports (SO EXCITED ABOUT FOOTBALL STARTING IN THE FALL!!!) But anyway... One little known beautiful fact about ODU is its position overlooking the majestic Elizabeth River. Why do I say it's little known?... Because I'm a junior and I'm just finding out about it! HAHA!

The position is in the WAY back of campus, and unless you get out that way you won't know about it. However, in one of my classes we had a "scavenger hunt" where each student wrote down clues about different sites on campus. I ended up finding the Elizabeth River Boardwalk. I didn't think I would be too fascinated by what I saw, but I was.

It was probalby about 40 degrees outside, and I had class in about 15 mionutes so I wasn't really interested in taking in the atmosphere. However, when I got there, I just could not help myself. The environment was so serene... I felt peaceful and happy immediately. I got closer to the water and took in the beautiful sounds of the waves. It was absolutely amazing.

After having something like an inner-body revolution there for a sec, I snapped back into it and relized that I needed to get to class. So I did! But I won't forget the Elizabeth River boardwalk is there. ODU can get stressul, not including work and extracurricular activities. It would be nice to get back to the water when I have a little time to uh, relax.... Whatever THAT is!

-Ash:-)

Lose Weight America!

Hello, people! I hope all is well.

Listen, I was surfing the web and found a very fascinating blog post written today... It's about a young man who lost a significant amount of weight and can now fit into his middle school clothing! I found this to be a wonderful story because I myself get very serious when it comes to health and fitness. Ever since I became a part of the Miss America Organization, I have become extremely adamant about eating right and staying in shape. Now, I may not be where I want to be, but over the years I have lost a lot of weight and feel so much more confident about myself. I must admit that reading this guy's blog post gives me hope to keep on going. Check it out:

My wife thought I should do a post with this picture of me in my 8th grade graduation sweatshirt. That’s right, I am actually wearing a shirt that fit me about 20 years ago.
I like to put it on when I am feeling fat or bad about myself and my weight loss efforts. It is good for us to have things like this that can remind us beyond any shadow of a doubt that we have accomplished a huge thing. This shirt does that for me. It is amazing that I can wear this shirt.
What do you use? Before and after pics are great too. If you are just starting, take some. I know that you don’t want to take any, but when you lose that weight and you feel like you look the same as you did before; those pics will come in handy. We need concrete proof sometimes. We have an uncanny ability to forget where we have come from. This is one reason why I think I and so many others revert back to our old ways. We don’t believe the changes that we have made, we think they are not real “for us”. Even when you look at this blog, you might think that it is so real for me, but when I look at your blogs it seems more real for you and not so much for me. That probably didn’t make sense. Anyway, have a good day everyone.
Oh yeah, try and remember today how far you have come. Whether it is 10 lbs., 50 lbs., 100 lbs., or 200 lbs., we have all made a difference in our lives. For ourselves, for our families.

Gosh, that makes me emotional. And yeah, that's his picture beside the italic words of love!. AND THAT'S ME ON THE TOP LEFT! You won't believe how big I used to be.... I won't post that :-) But I do love how this guy mentions that we need PROOF of the changes we have made in life so we never forget. Even when our minds take us back to where we used to be, we have to provide an escape route to where our minds SHOULD be. That photo is mine. His photo is his.

WHAT'S YOURS?

-Ash:-)

State of the Ashley

It has DEFINITELY been quite a while since I have updated my blog.... 5 months to be exact. To be honest, the only reason why is because LIFE HAS NOT SLOWED DOWN. I just haven't had the time! As soon as school started, I took off! Classes, pageants, music, etc., etc., etc.... It feels a little starnge to even have time to sit down and get back to normal life.
Well, what has happened since the last time we've talked? Well, September was pretty smooth... Just getting back into the swing of school and excited about beginning my junior year (that much closer to graduation!). I got back to working during the day as a group exercise instructor, and moonlighting as a musician :-). However, much of my free time was devoted to the Queen of PINK, which would be taking place in October. I wasn't quite biting my fingernails yet, but boy was I close!
Then, October hit me. Like a brick. The first weekend in October was the Queen of PINK orientation (a pageant that I direct), as well as one of my best friend's birthday. It wore me out picking up gifts for my firiend and the PINK contestants, making sure there was adequate food of the orientation, copying pages to hand out and hoping that all of my committee members would show up! It ended as a fun experience, but it took some energy getting there! The next couple of weeks were absolutely horrendous! I had late nights and early mornings for about 14 days! Geez Loiuse... Who knew that so much planning went into the successful production of a pageant? Yet, it all paid off, and the Queen of PINK Pageant went out without a hitch on October 24. The event raised over $3,000 for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, and I could finally go to sleep! Well, I thought...
November and December were a complete and total blur. I remember there may have been a holiday or two in there, but that was it :-). Between family gatherings, exams AND work, I was a walking zombie. If I never saw another plate of turkey again, it would be too soon.
Well, finally, I made it to the New Year! I brought it in with a vivacious church cermeony and then breakfast with family and friends. But personally, I brought it in with a new attitude (and a new car to go along with it! YAY!). I was tired of putting my own wants and desires aside because others did not approve of them. I was ready to experience life, Ashley style. I mean, so what if nobody thinks I'm cool? I'll buy a puppy!!! They're pretty loyal... HAHA!
The whole point is that when you lose sight of who you are, you lose sight of your purpose for being here. You lose sight of what the past can tell you in order to assist you in your future. You lose sight of what makes life fun! Very few things in this world should be boring, especially if I have anything to do with it!
Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest... WHEW!!! Goodbye for now, but if I were you, I would keep your eyes on Ashley. You may not be expecting what you see next.

TA-TA!

-Ash:-)