Have you been to the gym this Christmas yet?

I love this time of year, i get to head to the gym and take it at a really relaxed pace; well the sessions are still as intensive as ever, but I usually throw in a couple of extra bits and pieces for a giggle...or to see who out of Glamazon and I will hurl first...no techni-color thus far, but the year ain't done yet right? 


We have had an addition, in Lolly Mack for the sessions the past couple of days, half our luck, the Rokettes have been out in force at Doherty's Gym CITY, its been awesome. Plenty of giggles, grunting and some serious PB's all round too.


So with the new year pending, the weeks ticking by at a rather alarming rate, I know that Fit-X and the GNC figure Pro will be here in the blink-of-an-eye. The break has allowed me to assess training and dietary plans, not only for myself but the other Rokettes too. I am super pleased to report...all is stable and as it should be on the western front. 11 weeks out and we are all cruising, leaner, stronger, happy and all super focused and on track physically, psychologically and that really is the most important thing. there have been a few hiccups along the way- I have just moved house, yes folks for the second time this year....and its the last time for a while! So a little irritating to maintaining a workable routine, but hey, that's what life does sometimes, you just have to roll over the bumps as relaxed as you can cause if you hit the bumps hard they hurt...


So with plans for the next 11 weeks firmly in place for training, dieting and soon touring with the fit-camps I am so excited about the start of 2011. I urge you to set some plans that excite you too. That really is the best motivation you can have, getting excited about a goal, project or event. the next important component to that is actually actioning it...but every journey starts with a single step...so take that and you will be on your way.


Be well.xxPR

Jenis Selingkuh Non Fisik yang Tidak Anda Sadari

Mendengar kata selingkuh, apakah Anda langsung berpikiran tentang seks? Atau berhubungan seks diam-diam di belakang pasangan. Padahal, selingkuh lebih dalam dari itu. Hanya dengan mempunyai niat untuk “menyembunyikan” saja ternyata Anda sudah diposisikan selingkuh. Di bawah ini beberapa tanda “menyembunyikan” yang bisa dijadikan acuan untuk melihat apakah Anda sedang membangun jembatan perselingkuhan.

Apakah Anda dalam posisi mempunyai istri/suami seorang yang posesif. Kemudian mendorong Anda untuk menyembunyikan “pertemanan” dengan lawan jenis alasannya takut dilarang?

Maaf, tapi dalam hal ini Anda sangat bisa diposisikan selingkuh. Walaupun tak ada kontak fisik atau hubungan spesial diantara Anda dan teman itu. Tapi secara tak langsung daerah abu-abu telah terbentuk. Kerahasian itu lama kelamaan akan membuat Anda nyaman dan muncullah sebuah penghianatan. Jadi jujurlah pada pasangan.
Mengunjungi “shat room atau cyber sex”
Anda secara teratur mengunjungi sebuah chat room untuk sekedar berbicara dengan wanita/pria yang menurut Anda menggoda. Atau mungkin beberapa kali melakukan cyber sex dengan lawan jenis lain. Kemudian Anda berpikir kalau itu tak masalah. Sebab Anda sebenarnya tak mengenal dan tak pernah bertemu dengannya?

Anda sangat salah. Ini sangat bisa menjadi masalah karena pertama, Anda menyembunyikan ini dari pasangan. Kedua, Anda telah berbagi perilaku seksual dengan orang lain. Secepatnya hentikan jenis hubungan seperti ini agar terhindar dari masalah yang lebih besar.
Pertemuan diam-diam dengan “mantan”
Yang terakhir ini mungkin Anda pikir adalah hal yang baik dalam menjaga pertemanan atau silahturahmi. Dengan berpikir satu sama lain tak tertarik lagi. Kemudian sering bertemu untuk sekedar minum kopi selepas kerja.
Ini sangat bisa dikatakan Anda tengah membangun jembatan perselingkuhan. Pertama, Anda menyembunyikannya dari pasangan. Kedua, hal tersembunyi ini akan semakin nikmat Anda jalani.

Counting down to Santa

Have you checked out of work, checked out of gym, checked out of life? STOP!

Just because you are winding down to your much needed and I am sure well earn't holiday break, does not mean that your body needs to suffer the effects of over-indulgence and lack of physical exertion. 

We are designed to move and be active everyday, we function optimally mentally and emotionally when we have a balanced level of exercise incorporated into our daily routine, so rather than simply 'stopping', why not try 'doing' something different this holiday. Have you ever gone rock climbing? Pole dancing? Yoga? Pilates? or maybe learnt to surf or played golf? Perhaps a game of SKIRMISH is more your thing, what ever flicks your switch, make sure that this year, you change your boring Christmas routine. You might even learn something new that you really enjoy....what better gift can you get than learning something new about yourself and finding enjoyment from the most unlikely of places.

I for one, along with all the Rokettes are firmly focused on the March goal and will be seeing in the new year in true style, throwing weights around Doherty's Gym CITY and pounding out some seriously taxing sand based cardio sessions. I cant wait, I love holiday training. 

So set yourself some challenges this festive season, gorging is OUT and gorgeous is IN. So be kind to your body- let it move as it was meant to. That really is the BEST stress relief you can get.

Foto Lindsay Lohan Bikini bergaris hitam putih

Sasha Grey Telanjang

Foto SPG Cantik Auto Show

Foto-foto Hot Heidi Klum

Foto Ngoc Trinh Hot

~Unless you are willing to drench yourself in your work beyond the capacity of the average man, you are just not cut out for positions at the top. ~

....but with hard work and consistent effort you will be ready for anything that comes your way and in the best mental and physical condition to manage any challenge with dignity

New Challenges and new goals for Pocket Rocket

Well it has been nearly 2 weeks since the best news i have had all year, and the most exciting announcement could be made. I am an IFBB Pro Figure athlete and I will be debuting in my home town of Melbourne on March 12-14th at the GNC Livewell Pro Figure Show, at Tony Doherty's FIT X event.

So after some minor surgery and a little recovery time for the stitches to do their thing, I am pleased to say that i have

hot the cardio again and today was the first day in 11 days that i could actually lift a weight (albeit a light one). I can confirm that i do not do well not training, and for me training is not about the physical benefits (although who could deny that these are always welcome and pretty fantastic), but for me it is my sanity and my stress relief. Not that i get too stressed by much these days, but do feel so much happier after hauling some iron around the gym. i think for most girls the powerful feeling you get in achieving PB's on your weights program is a pretty unbeatable feeling. So although the body probably did benefit from the rest, I sure am glad to be back.

So what is planned now?

I will be taking the BodyOverhaul Camps to Western Australia as well as appearing with Underworld Active Wear and Juice Plus+ at the WAFIC event in Perth.

The Rokettes will be out in force at the FIT-X event, and all have been pushing hard in their goal achievement, I am really proud of the results they are producing and there does not seem to be much stopping them, they are all on a mission to be the best they can on that stage. You are all looking fantastic girls, keep it up! Also, welcome to the new Rokettes particularly the ones interstate, this is going to be a great year for you all.

*A note to all competitors, no matter where you train, you are invited to attend the special posing and training session on Saturdays with me. I will personally coach you to present your best form on stage with presentation tips and posing tricks that will help you shine.

The new year is rolling round so fast, I hope you will all take time before the craziness of Christmas sweeps you up, to think about what you have gained, lost and achieved this year. what would you do different? What would you repeat? To anyone who has dreamed of being, doing, achieving something more for themselves my advice to you is go for it with every fiber of your being, believe in your ability and educate yourself on every aspect of how you can make yourself great. Ignore the negativity that will come at you. In fact use it as confirmation that you are on the right track and that you are making progress. Never ever give in and above all love passionately what you do, because with passion you can endure many hardships and pain. Make your life magical, because it is your life to be lived by your design.

Take a look at the training section, I have new pans up just to help you spice up the end of 2010. Have a great week and dream big.

"Inilah Tips Beli Barang Murah di Batam"

Pulau Batam terkenal di mata masyarakat dengan barang-barang berharga murahnya. Mulai dari produk elektronik, produk fesyen, hingga makanan ringan. Namun, jika kita tidak memiliki strategi berbelanja khusus, harga yang kita dapatkan tidak akan jauh berbeda dibanding kota-kota lainnya.

Yudi, warga Batam yang telah sekitar 15 tahun menjadi supir dari perusahaan penyewaan mobil di kota ini memberikan tips-tips agar kita bisa berbelanja dengan harga murah.

Pertama, sebelum membeli kita harus mengetahui harga asli suatu barang di kota lain, misalnya Jakarta. Ini penting, terutama saat kita hendak membeli produk elektronik.

"Misalnya beli kamera, lihat dulu di Jakarta berapa harga kameranya. Terus kalau yang dagang nawarinnya dengan harga sama dengan yang di Jakarta atau nggak beda jauh, bilang saja begini, di Jakarta saja harganya sekian, masa mau kasih harga sama," ungkap Yudi.

Cara ini dianggap sebagai cara tawar menawar paling efektif, karena kita bisa mendapatkan barang resmi dengan harga jauh dibawah harga pasaran.

Kedua, saat kita menawar suatu barang, perlihatkan kalau kita serius membeli dan punya uang, bukan sekedar iseng. "Orang sini kalau yang beli serius pasti dikasih harga bagus, tapi kalau cuma iseng-iseng enggak bakalan mau turun banyak dia. Yang penting jangan kelihatan butuh banget," ujar Yudi.

Tips ketiga adalah tanya dengan seksama kualitas barang yang akan dibeli. Biasanya, untuk produk elektronik terdapat tiga jenis barang: asli dan resmi, rekondisi, dan ilegal alias selundupan. Jangan sampai kita membeli dengan harga yang seharusnya menjadi harga barang resmi tapi mendapatkan barang rekondisi.

Umumnya di toko-toko besar, pedagang akan menjelaskan dengan seksama mengenai barang dagangannya.

Keempat, kita perlu tahu tempat pusat penjualan suatu barang, misalnya jika ingin mencari elektronik pergilah ke Lucky Plaza di kawasan Nagoya, Batam. Jika ingin mencari barang-barang fesyen pergilah ke Nagoya Hills di kawasan yang sama. Dan jika ingin mencari makanan-makanan kecil luar negeri pergilah ke Plaza Top 100 Penuin di kawasan Penuin, Batam.

"Di tempat lain sih juga ada, tapi kualitas dan harganya enggak bisa dijamin," ungkap Yudi.

Kelima, jangan membeli produk dengan tipe paling baru. Usahakan agar kita membeli produk yang sudah beberapa bulan keluar di pasar. "Kalau tipe-tipe yang baru keluar bedanya enggak terlalu banyak, apalagi untuk barang elektronik," ujar Yudi.

Keenam, usahakan mengajak seseorang yang kita percaya untuk mengantar ke toko karena ada beberapa toko di Batam yang nakal. "Takutnya kalau jalan sendiri ditipu, jadi lebih baik bawa orang sini," tutur Yudi.

Soal benar tidaknya tips itu, silakan coba sendiri. Di luar itu jangan lupa, kepintaran seseorang menawar jauh lebih menentukan.

Back to reality and Dohertys Gym CITY

Well we are into a new week, I have carbs in my diet again and some semblance of a brain-a point which many may beg to differ on sometimes. After a mammoth competition season that has seen a few thousand air miles racked up with Virgin Australia/Blue (love these guys), I am so very happy to say that I am back home & in the gym, training seriously again. (Oh, Dohertys how we missed you...)

After a hectic national championships, I returned on the last flight back to Melbourne, Sunday night, to a chilling 9 degrees-what is with that?- Despite the cold, it was nice to finally be home and ready to kick off the last weeks of 2010 with an increased training intensity, not only for myself but for all my wonderful crew too. I know they will hate me for saying it, but a month of no Pocket Rocket is simply far too long a holiday in my books.

I am soo excited about the new training packages and online portals for purchasing programs (a facebook store and PRP has some great new items for you), new store items ranging from services, books, plans, accessories and apparel, pictures and soooo much more. With Team JP-POCKET ROCKET kicking goals, I am so excited to say that we will be having nutrition seminars and events on a regular basis in Melbourne. Soon also, to be held around Perth and Queensland, even more exciting are the guest speakers we have lined up to share their knowledge (cant say just yet but players from the major codes and some sporting stars will be making an appearance). There will also be Wellness Retreats for all you over worked, over stressed people who need to escape and recharge those batteries.

*For anyone who wants to know more about these events and also how to be a part of this dynamic and growing team I urge you to shoot me a contact asap, spots fill fast and you dont want to be left out in the COLD.

Glamazon and I have new training planned. After some super fantastic personal athletic results in 2010 I am keen to keep the body on track for an even better 2011. Progress is an on-going and ever evolving aspect of this sport and life, so progress we shall. Adapt, progress and improve. So stay tuned for some interesting training updates and challenges both mentally and physically being set and achieved.

Ready to hit my first spin session in nearly 6 weeks tomorrow morning, I wish everyone the best week, super charged training sessions...remember if you are not going anywhere fast, perhaps it is time to reassess your direction and adapt accordingly...the choice is always yours, so choose your choice wisely and commit fully to the actions required.

xx

Snails & Market Tales

French restaurants always fill me with a sense of trepidation...creamy sauces, richly garnished miniature portions of everything and sweet selections that make even the sourest of palettes cry in divine agony at the choice. So when I was informed that for the final dinner with our wonderfully accommodating and gracious hosts (Glamazon's Aunt and Uncle), was going to be French, I will admit to a gut knotting wave of terror sweeping over me. I will say now, for the record, i had nothing to fear. This was French as I like it...CLEAN! I had to have snails to start, after all when in Rome...and they did not have frogs legs on offer, so Snails it was (and they were really, really good!). Fish for mains and a sneaky taste of Glamazon's dessert and we were done.
Sadly we did not get to see the cellar of the this, the largest in Latin America boasting a wide variety of global wines including some of our very special Victorian varieties.

So to MARKET, to MARKET we went the following day. What a spectacular and vibrant way to spend a few hours. Silver, food, homewares, figurines,paper flowers all hand made...anything you could imagine and many things you never would have (a figure carved our of the top of a match head, so small you needed a magnifying glass to see the details). The highlight of all this wonderous oddness...the fortune telling finch who chose my fortune upon command from his master and after this little bird gave me some careful consideration here is what the fortune said:"The oracle says that your future will be brilliant....you are ambitious and work hard and will set yourself up in business...you will meet kind and honest people who will make journeys with you that prove most worthwhile..."So there you have it, direct from the insightful 'oracle-bird', too cute for words.
With a final Starbucks quadruple shot espresso (the only way you could actually get a decent Ozzie standard coffee hit). We bade farewell to Mexico I paid $100 in excess baggage (damn shoes)and began the 15hours haul back to Melbourne.

What a wonderful trip, amazing competition results (the official placings came in as 8th in the World, OMG), what gorgeous new friends were made. As well as a newly discovered thirst to see even more of this unique part of the world. On my personal development agenda, learning Spanish, which I plan to be quite adept at this time next year.

So, as we landed in Melbourne this morning at 5am to be greeted by a balmy 17 degrees outside, I welcomed in another year as both older and wiser and certainly fitter (which is always my goal)...33 and proud to say happy, fulfilled and super excited about just what gems the next 12 months will hold for me. In an attempt to beat the jet lag I have been able to stay awake all day. I have trained, I have blogged and I am now I am very flogged and very ready to sleep, for the first time in 3 weeks, in my own bed. Oh the bliss!

"dulces sueños a todos, buenas noches" -sweet dreams to you all, good night xxxxxxx

Aztec Pirimides & too many shoes....

With the finals days of our Mexico stay flying by, Glamazon and I are filling as much of our time soaking in the local scene as we can.
Yesterday, was a trip to the Aztec Pirimedes (yes i did spell that correctly...lol) monuments to the Sun and Moon and about 40min out of the city center. After the chaotic traffic and the constant noise, this area was peaceful and quite magical. We climbed the huge structure of stones, each having been layed by hand so many thousands of years ago. It is believed the site dates from A.D 1100, the fact that every single stone was set, cut and moved by hand, still blows my mind. That at a similar time in history, mirror images of these structures were being constructed by unrelated groups of peoples thousands of miles away in Egypt is also quite amazing.

The whole area, looking out from the vantage point of the pirimedes peak, was so much greener than i imagined it would be. A flat basin surrounded by some active and some dormant volcanic mountains. Quite a stunning scene to behold and you can see why the Aztecs chose such a spot to honor their Gods.

Tourism is of course a big part of the modern Mexican´s way of earning a living and there were plenty of stalls at the base of the runis to pick up trinkets. Which we of course did.

Probably one of the most interesting expereinces I take with me from this day was just how the altitude effected most of the people there, you really had to take your time going to the top of the steep ruins and I nearly lost a lung a couple of times. Felt like i had run a marathon after too, gees did we get hungrey.So, lunch was back in Mexico City overlooking the Cathedral and Parliment House at a rooftop resturant that was so stunning. Classical spanish guitar playing in the background, smells of barbequed beef coming from the open grill and my eyes streaming from having just bitten into what i thought was avocado but was actually the hottest green chilli on the planet....perfecto!..lol...(*note to self: Sara, in Mexico you simply MUST proceed with caution when it comes to food, OK!)

Thats why the shoes, i will blame it on the chilli. Glamazon and I took a trip around the shops and yes I ended up buying 5 pairs of shoes. I have no excuses other than I am a girl, they were really cheap, very cute and oh who am i kidding...I had a great afternoon. In fact, it was a super touristy and very lovely day.

The rest of the trip is looking full too,on Saturday we go to market, where many of the locals buy and sell their wares, cant wait. A relaxing day at a Spa here in the trendy and fashionable Palenco and of course training everyday has not stopped. The weather has been perfect too, we really could not have wished for a better close to our stay....
Hasta Manana...Adios..xx

Top Ten & a bout of food poisoning

(arrivals in Mexico, first Mexican Starbucks coffee, hmmmmm)

What a whirlwind the last week has been. Mexico is a city of vibrant personalities, colour and bustling activity. I must say I love this place, Palanco, where I am stayng is just beautiful, chique and the people here are so glamorous and elegant. To say there is a great deal of money here is an under statement. By complete contrast, where the competiton was held, was probably more in line with the cliched view of Mexico; very industrial, poorer and simpler. But what an experience the competiton was.(caged Toocan, near Fiesta Inn)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010- Over 200 competitors from approximately 30 nations across the globe were represented at the championships. I was dropped off by Glamazon at the Fiesta Inn Hotel on the Thursday, photo ID in hand and ready to take the next couple of days easy as we depleated down into the show. The registration was organised chaos on the friday night. (Pocket and some of Team Mexico, who had a ball with the entire event, VIVA MEXICO!)

We all had to get into our bikinis and show their cut and our shoes to the many officials on hand, to be checked to ensure they were regualton height and non-platform and the biinis were not too skimpy....the majority of us (yes me included) were told that our shoes were incorrect and the we had to buy a pair before were were allowed on stage...so the day of the show, I was to be found trapsing around the local mall trying to find black high heels in my size...no mean feat in great circumstances, let alone where no one speaks english and you have non-standard shoes size....but I came away a winner. My new friends, Alan and Anable Rodregez from Tijuana were the main reason I actually got the correct shoes, without their interpreting I would have been in big trouble. (Pocket and Anabel)
So we get the the show, prejudging was in black bikinis; backstage girls were lining up to go on and being weeded out for wrong bikinis and shoes right to the last moment, incorrect jewelery and hair accessories too. But we fnally got on stage and the deliberations by the judges were long and quite intensive, complete contrast to the Arnolds speed judging experience. I got into the fourth call out, what a relief. Then we were off stage, the top 15 were asked back out in our one pieces and the process was repeated with callouts. From here the top 6 were called back to the finals the following day. Sadly I did not get through to the top 6 to wear my bling bikini, but Top 10 was certainly a very amazing achevement for the unknown Aussie competitor. I was amazed that many of the girls were old hands at this competition and most were very well known to the judges and each other.

The bodies on display, when I actually got to see the finals were amazing. Standards were exceptionally high and all winners were drug tested too to WADA standards; so often I hear the IFBB refered to by usually the 'natural federations and competitors' as the 'drug' federation. Well, this proves their statements and negativty as completely wrong. This was a World Championships show and I witness first hand their strict drug policy played out, which was very comforting to see.

So the winners were announced and the event was done. We all headed back to the hotel changed and headed via bus to the resturant where the farewell dinner was held. A canteena style eatery with a live band that played latino music all night. Everyone Salsad (yes I learnt to Salsa for th first time)between courses -which was a very novel idea, you eat and dance and eat and dance, great! Many of the Russian, Czech, Polish team members got stuck into the Tequilla.....oh what a mess that turned out to be, the Mexicans get loud and hyped up on tequilla, the Russians and Czechs just got cranky, and then spewed on the bus on the way home...nasty! But quite funny none-the-less. Oh and ladies, have to say f you want to see a gentlemen then latino men have manners in vast quantity; I have never expereinced being asked to dance and then escorted back to my seat with a polite 'thankyou senorita', my goodness, I nearly fell over!

(Local Law Inforcement; I interupted their breakfast for the pic which they scoffed down off the bonnet of their 4WD)

(Mexico, Venezuela & Australia pre farewell dinner)
(team Mexico and Australia)

(Overall Bodyfitness winner and Pocket)



So, no tequilla for me, it is OCSOBER after all. But I may as well have gotten blind becasue I was drivng the porcilain bus by 3am and didnt stop for a good 12 hours. Nothing like throwing any bit of fluid and food after you have been depleted from a show huh? Dont know what I ate, but it did not agree with me at all. I can now say I have had most of the Mexican expereince. I do feel a darn sight better today, have ventured to the shops and seen a bit of the local scene this morning, after a decent shot of starbucks coffee of course.

So I have 1 week left here and will be updating more reularly from now on. So stay tuned...xxxx

L.A-Las Vegas-Mexico City

Wed 22nd:.
What a brilliant bunch at Virgin Australia! Of all the long distance flights ever done, I have to say that this was probably the most pleasant, comfortable and the onboard team were by far the lovliest crew ever. After 13hours in the air, we arrived at LAX pretty fresh and unphased, which is unheard of.
Thur 23rd:
A night in a hotel at the airport before catching a very early(up at 430am) flight to Las Vegas.The realisation that we had hit USA soil still not quite sunken in yet. That didn't happen until we were settled in Las Vegas and breathed a big collective 'ah we made it'. The leg to sin city, was short and sweet, 40min in the air to be exact and on to our hotel, The Orleans; host hotel and venue for the 'MR Olympia 2010'. Seeing all the very big guys and girls roaming in packs around the lobby was an amazing sight. We even sighted a couple of the pro athletes as we checked in, much to our glee. Once settled we hit the buffet for the chicken, salad and pretty much anything else you could ask for, which of course we abstained from, a task that was surprisingly easy considering the amount of fried food that was on offer....then off to the gym for the first of 3 workouts that day....the energy and excitement in the air was kinda super-electric, everyone buzzing about their top-tip for the title-was it going to be Phil Heath, Jay Culter or a random....the choice always came back to LV local, JC.
Well, no girls trip to Sin City would have been complete without 2 very,very critical things-shopping and hot men. This trip certainly didn't disappoint as we had our fill of both. I finally got to experience the famed Las Vegas outlet shopping, and OMG! If that was outlet shopping then forget the 'real' shopping, i will happily be content with the plush surroundings, super freindly and very helpful staff, awesome prices and layout that made it a very pleasant expereince indeed. My cap collection is now complete is all i will say, oh and to all who know how i have a bit of a weakness for anything bling, well yes that was satisfied too.

Oh, almost forgot, the hot men....apart from more meat wandering round the Orleans hotel than a ranch in Texas, Glamazon and I were treated to a very special experience as guests of honor.'Saffhaire Club', male review. Picked up by limo outside the Orleans Hotel and driven to the venue, we were entertained by a bevy of buff, built and very beautiful boys for the evening. All were true gentlemen, had interesting stories about living and working in Las Vegas to tell and really know how to put on a show in true Las Vegas style. Of special mention, Rico, who organised the evening,wh made us feel so incredibly welcome. Aj who kept the night rolling smoothly with his MC-ing skills and f course the whole team really made it a heap of fun & just a little bit naughty...both Glamazon and I can now rest easy knowing we have actually participated onstage in a Las Vegas show (lol).

The night before the unveiling of the worlds most honed and perfected bodies, spectators were granted the rare treat of 'Meeting the Olympians' was a wonderful opportunity to have some 'face time' with the people that have inspired the careers and aspirations of so many. For me, meeting Adela (who went on to make history by winning her 5th Fitness Olympia title this year)Garcia was a great moment. Nicole Wilkins-Lee was just as pretty in person as her photo's, Heather Mae French was a delightfully positive and bubbly lady, a little chickie like me, she really was so awesome t chat to and really loved her time 'downunder' earlier in the year. Jay Cutler was the man of the hour(and went on to take the O title), his legion of fans were out in force to wish him their biggest support, the line to see him was 3 deep and the length of the very vast room, it would have taken well over an hour to meet him. In chatting to all the figure girls above, as well as Cheryl Brown, the super sweet Dexter Jackson, Tony Freeman...I have been amazed at just how appreciative they all were that people had come to meet them and how privilaged they all were to be at the show. I asked Heather Mae French how they all coped being so depleted the day before their stage time and meeting new people and the bustling crowds, her response delighted me...'without the fans we wouldn't have a show, its because of all of you that we get to do what we love, so any chance to actually meet you gives me energy and makes me happy...i love it'....


Fri 24th:
After 2 photoshoots early (the results of which I cannot wait to see-Chaz Photography was at his creative best again and after 4 hrs i had no more outfits to wear), Glamazon and I headed off to catch the last of the O-Expo. After the wildness of the Arnolds in March, I must say I was a little underwhelmed. All the usual supplement exhibitors were there, but the stands were smaller and other than a few groups gathered around their favourite sponsored pro's, there was not really that much going on.
So we headed back to the hotel for a gym session, feed and then headed to the womens finals. The Bikini division was great and I can certainly see why they have included this into the lineup for the girls. A very, very good addition;achievable bodies for the girls coming into the sport and a firm favourite already with the audience...Sonya Gonzalez, former figure athlete, took Bikini honors with a smaller and neater package than her figure days. For a smaller framed girl I certainly think this was a great move for her, she looked amazing. On the whole the bikini girls were very, very slim and had a 'diva-licious' attitude to their stage personas which fitted well with the Las Vegas razzle. Iris Kyle took MS. Olympia, a great win but she was given a run for her money from a couple of the other girls who presented amazing form. As mentioned Fitness went to the lovley Adela Garcia, specatacular and deseved.
Sat 25th:
Onto our final destination, Mexico City. Where the first 15days will be whiled away in a carb depleted blur as i lead into my show. Glamazon organised accmodation for the days around the show at the prestigious 'Presidente Intercontinental Hotel'. Literally the prefered choice of presidents, rockstars and now Aussie Figure chicks (lol). This has to be the MOST gorgeous hotel i have ever stayed in. I am staying at the competition host hotel near the convention center in Mexico for the World Championships, head there on Thursday but for now, I am on the 31st floor overlooking the stunning sparkling blanket of lights that are Mexico City, I feel on top of the world and so very,very lucky.
One aspect we had not considered was the altitude here; Mexico City is situated over 2.250 meters (7,400 feet) above sea level and watched over by two mighty volcanoes. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with temple ruins from the Inca's (which we will be checking out after the comps). So I must confess, I dont know if the fatigue and breathing difficulty is due to the depletion or the altitude, but either way its been interesting a couple of times-dizzy spell anyone?

So as I take leave of you peeps, thanks for sticking with the rather long post. The depletion is in full swing, I am all set with eggs and chicken after a shopping and cooking trip today. Drinking bottle water like a crazy person and testing out my crude spanish on anyone who is kind enough to be patient with me-and that is everyone, they are all soooo incredibly polite and sweet here...and glamorous too, the men and women are very chiche...I must confess to total nievity in my image of what i was to expect from Mexico City, other than being big and populated by 30million people, for want of seeming rude I had images of the people that closer resembled the characters of movies-farmers, labour workers. I have been humbly set straight on this idea and rightly so. A wnderful city and so full of life and culture, I cannot wait to experience some of it after the show.

4 days to go and all is well, the lack of stress, ease of the travel and the laughs that have been had have made this one of the most pleasant and fantastic expereices in preparing for a show I have had the privilage, to have. Meeting the other competitors on Thursday is going to be just another highlight in an already special trip.I feel so blessed to be a part of this sport......xx

Strathcone Brownlow Breakfast

An early start for Pocket Rocket this morning. With 3 days until Glamazon and I fly out, I was treated to a portion of the Grand Final festivities, despite not being in Melbourne for the event itself. As an OCSOBER ambassador, Life Education invited me to attend the annual Strathcone Girls Grammar Brownlow Breakfast.This annual event has turned into quite a prestigious aspect to the Grand final week festivities and we were treated to a number of inspirational speakers. Held at Ethiad Stadium, I had the honor of meeting Terry Wallace and yes, I even got to hold the PREMIERSHIP CUP!
I am now in the stages of training and dieting, cardio before hitting the 15hr flight to USA. I am very much looking forward to the first leg of the trip, Las Vegas and the Olympia. I have a couple of photo-shoots booked in and I am very happy I get to work with the super awesome 'Chaz Photographics' again, who has worked with some of USA and Australasia's top fitness models.
With the days whipping by, stay tuned as we get closer to the World Champs, Mexico. Remember too folks, to lend support as I go SOBER FOR OCTOBER-sponsor me and join up yourself for this beneficial fundraising and health event.
xx

A little light Motivation for HUMP DAY!

7 days till its up and away; I had a wickedly tricky day yesterday, yes depletion brain had set in well and truly. But today as the pattern goes, was soooo much better. A fantastic session, of some new, challenging and at times down right acrobatic functional exercises with DL Optima Group Fitness GURU. Got the energy fire burning bright again, to the horror of a few of my clients...(sorry guys, but you know you love it).

I invite any and all to head to 'Re-creation South Melbourne' for the 9am Spin class, this Sunday. This will be my last outing before Glamazon and I leave, so join me for the killer session, we can all get toasted legs together.

I had to share a quote, sent to me by the lovely Joanna, its gold. As summer approaches, and i hope many of you have signed up already for the Summer Body Sizzle Incentive which if you have not, you have 6 days left to get your FREE 4 week Nutrition Planner direct from moi

...so, to keep you motivated through HUMP DAY into the weekend....."are you ready for your mission? Get into the action and remember that if you stand confident under fire, the bullets won't harm you. The Game is on. It is time for you to make your move..."

You know your move, as I know mine, so to goals realised peeps...lets do this THANG!

xx

PICS: BLUSH PHOTOGRAPHY, JUICE PLUS+

Inspired

I often hear the most interesting, lame and down right extravagant of excuses as to why NOT to achieve, accomplish or act. Like with so many things in this life, the desire can be there, but the bridge between desire and action can be shaky at best. This morning I saw more determination and 'go-get-em' eagerness in a group of people who probably have more reason to rest on excuses than most.

I was proud to take the warmup for the very first, SCOPE Walk for the Disabled event at Federation Square. Melbourne, true to form was pretty chilly and windy, but they were there ready to rock and roll(literally). Scope does amazing things in caring for, encouraging and educating both the disabled and their carers. In talking to the staff from Scope, I learned just how much this organisation does to bring independence to disabled individuals in our community. The rewards of which I saw today, confident and truly remarkable people that live by the 'no excuses' motto every day of their lives. It was a pleasure seeing you all there and no matter how hard any diet, training session or day is I hope that we all take even a little insight and inspiration from your strength and determined approach to life....

12 Days to the O...RESULTS ARE IN!

Friday night and as any competitor will know, the usual routine is something like this: Cardio,eat a mini meal and plenty of rest, cooking chicken/fish. Well that's been my general Friday fun for a while now...as with most things in life, prioritising and focusing ones energies are key components to personal success. I don't like to use the word sacrifice, because really if achieving a goal is important enough, you sacrifice nothing. To sacrifice denotes a lack of choice and in this game as in so many things in life, everyone has a choice.

I would like to share with you something I received from a friend, John Pilato:
"There is a cause-and-effect relationship between your actions and the rewards that accrue to you. When you put more of yourself into your career, your personal relationships, your religious faith, and any other aspect of your life, you get more out of it.
If your ambitions are greater than simply "getting by" in life, you will never be truly happy with your company, your job, or yourself unless you do your best every day. Your harshest critic and your toughest competitor should be you."

This week, no truer words were spoken, I had set my own personal bar to step on stage this year 2% leaner than in march and ideally with an increase of 0.5-1kg lean mass. My Dexa Scan results set me on a very happy path this week. Riddled with anxiety and doubt, hoping that the changes i had made to my preparation process had not cost me the very things I have been working so darn hard to achieve-muscle mass namely- I got a very true sense of the feeling my clients get every time I pull out my tape measure..'was all the cardio this past 4 weeks enough? did I diet hard enough, have I taken my calories low enough, or are they too low? Are the weights I am lifting heavy enough to maintain lean tissue?....oh...talk about doing your own head in....but all is well, 6%BF, lean tissue up a tad from last test and happy days with 21 days until STAGE TIME. Euphoric relief would begin to describe the feeling.(lol)

So with that happy news, to more....I have recently joined the Team JP, Foundational Nutrition advocates and group of athletes and professionals. In light of my view that chemicals and preservatives should be avoided at all costs in your supplementation and diet I am so pleased to have discovered this amazing product. Training and dieting as I do, the things that are most important are my immune system and my recovery and having readily absorbed nutrients are key to these vital systems being supported. If you want to find out more about these nutrition basics

So a busy weekend awaits of training(I have a functional session with 'Optima Group Fitness, Functional Trainer, David Lancaster- who has promised to kick my decreasing arse around the gym. A much needed massage to put me back together again and on Sunday I am honored to say I will be running the warmup for the SCOPE walk for the Disabled-WALK WITH ME EVENT. 10am start time at Federation Square, I hope you will all come along to support this very worthy cause.

Have a fit, fun and happy weekend everyone and keep your personal bulls eye in firm sight, because with perseverance you will hit it and hit it hard!
xxpocket

17 days till Viva Las Vegas

As I was reminded by Glamazon this morning after one of the more gruelling spin classes we have done on a Sunday, '17 days to go'. I have been so focused on the day to day grind of cardio, calorie counting,food prep,weight training and chucking in some work on top (lol), that the days have slipped by and here we are.... So many people have been asking if I am excited about the pending trip and to be honest, right now I have hardly thought about the event in terms of how I feel about going. It has all been about the process of the lead up. Knowing me, when I actually sit on the plane about to take off, that is when the reality will set in, but for now its just business as usual and crank it all the way to the end.

So with all my bikinis in hand, flights, accomodation and even a photo shoot booked. Some work to do in Las Vegas for the wonderful 'IRONMAN Magazine' and 'Women's Health & Fitness', plus the Mexico leg of the trip under control, I feel as ready as one can be. I have been working so hard with my training and with the super cool and supportive Glamazon heading over with me I feel ready to take on the international challenge for a second time this year.

I have always maintained that every single show I have ever done, and after 6 years of competition, there have been a few, it is always a different experience. No preparation ever repeats itself in outcome, expectation nor delivery. There are of course the things you work out along the way that work for yourself and the things that don't, but often little nuances can alter each time. This World Championship preparation has been one of the more intensive experiences. It has tested my inner strength and mental strength on more than one occasion and has proven to me tenfold, that no matter what external pressures or constraints exist the only person who really has any control on the outcome is ME. When you allow your focus and attention to be drawn to any negative influences around you, you have lost before you even begin. So many it seems are ready to fold when things get really tough, to give in because it seems the easiest option, ready to skulk away to a dark corner and curl into a ball until the pressure passes. Life can lead you on a merry dance at times, something I have certainly learnt is that just when you think you have it all figured out, you will get a curve ball and how you deal with the curve ball will determine if you get a wild, cool experience that leads to more wild, cool experiences or if the curve ball throws you completely off the track you were on, grazes your knees and covers you in dust. I hope that like me, you dont do dust and grazed knees very well, but rather hang on for dear life and hurl that ball with all your strength from whence it came....cause really, that is the game, isn't it? Throwing that ball right back and seeing what happens is your part of engaging in the game. If you don't, then where is the fun in that?

So, Las Vegas and Mexico, I am throwing you the ball, please make the return exciting, challenging and above all an experience. I am ready for a cool and wild ride with loads of positivity and engaging people to meet along the way...Glamazon's on track and on board too....SO BRING IT!

Cara Mendapat Malam Lailatul Qadar

Lailatul Qodr adalah salah satu malam pada Bulan Ramadhan yang memiliki keutamaan yang sangat besar. Lalu bagaimana cara mendapatkan keutamaan tersebut?

Pertama: Imani adanya dan keutamaannya sesuai berita yang shohih yang sampai kepada kita. Dengan mengimaninya saja akan mendapatkan pahala, disamping itu juga dapat memotivasi kita untuk lebih bersemangat.

Lailatul Qadar merupakan malam yang sangat indah, penuh ketenangan, kesejahteraan, keselamatan, kedamaian dan keberkahan.

Menurut para ulama, Lailatul Qadar bisa berarti Malam Kemuliaan. Bisa juga dinamakan demikian karena pada malam tersebut turun kitab yang mulia, turun rahmat dan turun malaikat yang mulia.


ِإِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ (١) “Sesungguhnya Kami telah menurunkannya (Al Quran) pada malam kemuliaan.

Lailatul Qadar juga bisa berarti malam yang penuh sesak karena ketika itu banyak malaikat turun ke dunia. Pada malam inilah, banyak para malaikat yang turun ke bumi, termasuk malaikat yang paling utama yaitu Jibril -’alaihissalaam-.

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ (٤ Pada malam itu turun malaikat-malaikat dan Malaikat Jibril dengan izin Rabb-nya untuk mengatur segala urusan.

“Lailatul Qadar itu pada malam 27 atau 29, sungguh Malaikat yg turun pd saat itu ke bumi lebih banyak dari jumlah batu kerikil.” (HR Thayalisi dlm Musnad-nya no. 2545; juga Ahmad II/519; dan Ibnu Khuzaimah dlm shahih-nya II/223)

Bisa juga berarti malam penetapan takdir / qodar.

فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِي(٤)أَمْرًا مِنْ عِنْدِنَ

Pada malam itu dijelaskan segala urusan yang penuh hikmah, (yaitu) urusan yang besar dari sisi kami.

(QS. Ad Dukhaan)

Pada malam ini, segala urusan yang penuh hikmah dirinci, maksudnya segala kejadian selama setahun ke depan ditentukan dengan izin Allah yang Maha Kuasa dan Maha Bijaksana. Penentuan takdir pada malam tersebut adalah penentuan takdir tahunan.

Malam itu penuh keselamatan, kedamaian dan keberkahan.

سَلامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ Malam itu (penuh) keselamatan hingga terbit fajar.

(QS. Al Qadr)

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ “Sesungguhnya Kami menurunkannya pada suatu malam yang diberkahi

(QS. Ad Dukhaan)

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ (٢)لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ (٣ Dan tahukah kamu apakah malam kemuliaan itu? Malam kemuliaan itu lebih baik dari seribu bulan. (QS. Al Qadr)

Menakjubkan, malam tersebut lebih baik daripada seribu bulan yaitu sekitar 83 tahun.

(Untuk Makna Nama Lailatul Qodr, Periksa Zaadul Maysir, 6/177, Ibnul Jauziy, Mawqi’ At Tafaasir, Asy Syamilah).

Kedua: Beribadah sesuai dengan yang dicontohkan oleh Nabi.

Sholat

Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda.

مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيْمَانًا وَ احْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ له مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

“Artinya : Barang siapa berdiri (shalat) pada malam Lailatul Qadar dengan penuh keimanan dan mengharap pahala dari Allah, maka diampuni dosa-dosanya yang telah lalu” [Hadits Riwayat Bukhari 4/217 dan Muslim 759]

Do’a

Disunnahkan untuk memperbanyak do’a pada malam tersebut.

Tirmidzi, Ibnu Majah dan selainnya meriwayatkan dari Ummul Mukminin ‘Aisyah radliallahu ‘anha, beliau berkata,

قلت يا رسول الله أرأيت إن علمت أي ليلة ليلة القدر ما أقول فيها ؟ قال قولي اللهم إنك عفو كريم تحب العفو فاعف عني

Aku berkata kepada Rasulullah, “Wahai Rasulullah, apabila aku mengetahui waktu malam Al Qadr, apakah yang mesti aku ucapkan pada saat itu?” Beliau menjawab, “Katakanlah,

اَ للّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنيِّ

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul ‘afwa, fa’fu’anni

(Yaa Allah sesungguhnya engkau Maha pemberi ampunan, suka memberi pengampunan, maka ampunilah diriku ini).”

(HR. Tirmidzi nomor 3513, Ibnu Majah nomor 3850 dan dishahihkan oleh Al Albani rahimahullahShahih Ibnu Majah nomor 3105) dalam

Seorang Ulama berkata: Barang siapa yang bersungguh-sungguh mengerjakan ibadah di malam tersebut seperti shalat /qiyamullail, membaca qur`an, berdoa, berdzikir dan mengerjakan amalan-amalan baik lainnya akan mendapatkannya dan memperoleh keuntungan yang telah Allah janjikan bagi orang-orang yang menghidupkan malam tersebut jika dia mengerjakannya dengan mengimani dan mengharapkan pahalanya (-red.- ikhlash karena Allah / mengharap pahala/ridho Allah bukan karena selain Allah).