Amanda Dunbar...
Wins the LHW class and Overall at the USA's!!
She Is Now An IFBB PRO!!
Way to Go Amanda, You Are Stunning!!!
Wins the LHW class and Overall at the USA's!!
She Is Now An IFBB PRO!!
Way to Go Amanda, You Are Stunning!!!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
All The Best To Elena
and Amanda At The USA's!!!
One of the biggest national NPC shows is taking place this weekend in las Vegas..the USA's! There are so many incredible athletes competing in this show..it may end up being bigger than nationals this year:))
This competition is also one of the 4 (The Masters Nationals for the first time gave out a pro Card ...to Robbin Parker last weekend) that female bodybuilders can earn a pro card. Only the overall winner earns pro status..that's one card at each show to give out. These 4 shows are;
The USA's, Nationals, Masters Nationals and Team Universe (Team U. is the only drug tested national show).
I am posting pics of the two girls competing this weekend that I have had contact with in the past and find to be quite inspiring; Elena's full time job and running the New Jersey NPC website and Amanda's full time school comittment and clinical hours in the hospital. These women know how to push to get it all done, and they know how to juggle...I know it all too well!
It's easy to have nothing else in your life to focus on but competing, but when you hold down a job, school, have children and soo many other things going on...well, it's a different level of committment! These are also two athletes I believe will earn great placings at this show.
My pic without question for this year's USA overall winner and pro is Ms. Elena Seiple!
You have earned it E!!!!
A few pics below:)
and Amanda At The USA's!!!
One of the biggest national NPC shows is taking place this weekend in las Vegas..the USA's! There are so many incredible athletes competing in this show..it may end up being bigger than nationals this year:))
This competition is also one of the 4 (The Masters Nationals for the first time gave out a pro Card ...to Robbin Parker last weekend) that female bodybuilders can earn a pro card. Only the overall winner earns pro status..that's one card at each show to give out. These 4 shows are;
The USA's, Nationals, Masters Nationals and Team Universe (Team U. is the only drug tested national show).
I am posting pics of the two girls competing this weekend that I have had contact with in the past and find to be quite inspiring; Elena's full time job and running the New Jersey NPC website and Amanda's full time school comittment and clinical hours in the hospital. These women know how to push to get it all done, and they know how to juggle...I know it all too well!
It's easy to have nothing else in your life to focus on but competing, but when you hold down a job, school, have children and soo many other things going on...well, it's a different level of committment! These are also two athletes I believe will earn great placings at this show.
My pic without question for this year's USA overall winner and pro is Ms. Elena Seiple!
You have earned it E!!!!
A few pics below:)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Quote For Today...
"Human relationships always help us to carry on, because they always presuppose further developments, a future…"
— Albert Camus
"Human relationships always help us to carry on, because they always presuppose further developments, a future…"
— Albert Camus
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Denzel Washington Visits
Brook Army Medical Center:
I don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center, in SanAntonio,Texas (BAMC) the other day.
This is where soldiers that have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the States, especially burn victims.
They have buildings there called FisherHouses. The Fisher House is a hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the hospital.
BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base but as you can imagine, they are almost completely filled most of the time.
While DenzelWashington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the FisherHouses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his check book out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot.
The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.
So I am passing this on to all of you:))
Jen;)
Brook Army Medical Center:
I don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center, in SanAntonio,Texas (BAMC) the other day.
This is where soldiers that have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the States, especially burn victims.
They have buildings there called FisherHouses. The Fisher House is a hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the hospital.
BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base but as you can imagine, they are almost completely filled most of the time.
While DenzelWashington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the FisherHouses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his check book out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot.
The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.
So I am passing this on to all of you:))
Jen;)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Quotes For Today...Monday!
"Let us realize that:
The privilege to work is a gift,
the power to work is a blessing,
the love of work is success!"
-David O. McKay
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one
when he discovers that someone else believes in him
and is willing to trust him.
~~Ralph Waldo Emerson "
"Let us realize that:
The privilege to work is a gift,
the power to work is a blessing,
the love of work is success!"
-David O. McKay
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one
when he discovers that someone else believes in him
and is willing to trust him.
~~Ralph Waldo Emerson "
Sunday, July 24, 2005
CONGRATS...To Chuck Sanow & Robbin Parker!
The National Men's & Women's Master's Overall Winners
and New IFBB Pro's!!
(pics in my members journal.)
The National Men's & Women's Master's Overall Winners
and New IFBB Pro's!!
(pics in my members journal.)
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
The Road Not Taken..By Robert Frost
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Monday, July 18, 2005
"Super Size She" - The Joanna Thomas Story on TLC...
I just finished watching the documentary IFBB Pro Joanna Thomas did with TLC a while back. I was on a weekend family vacation when it aired - Thank you to Kim B. for giving me a copy to see it;) www.pradelproductions.com
I have a few things to share after watching it;
From the beginning I found myself relating to many aspects of her drive, determination, view of her bodybuilding as art in the human form, and the rigors of training and dieting..... but there was also a lot that is so different for me. The things I found to be different are also the things that I believe will allow me to be successful in my athletic pursuits but also my
"life-long" pursuits.
I was moved to tears several times as I saw her will to "be the best" weigh heavy on her parents' faces. This sport is one that effects everyone around the athlete...I suppose at a certain level this is true of all sports/athletes.
I think what made me appreciate my own decisions the most, while watching this documentary, was looking at my choices; to remain natural, to have a family first, and allow my professional career and bodybuilding career to transform and develope, while still balencing my family life- with my husband and family's help of course;).
Most Professional and national level female bodybuilders who go to the top of the sport don't have children ...I believe "Jeannie Paparone" is the only IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder at present who has a son about 6 years old. I appoligize if I have forgotten anyone!
The drive to be the best "you" is a unnanimous similarity between all female bodybuilders I think, but some are willing to risk everything to get where they want to be... while others are not willing to risk the price.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in yourself and your "goal" when preparing for competition. It is another even greater challenge, in my opinion, to "throw on the breaks" and give yourself a reality check as you progress through the process.
Attempting to balence the extreems of competing with reality is quite a challenge!
My hope for the sport of women's bodybuilding is that it transforms into something respected and inspiring to both men and women- and also attainable to female athletes who also want to maintain their health and femininity by remaining Steroid free. The way things have been..the Olympia stage is not possible without them. I think the popularity of the sport will return if the drugs are, by choice, disguarded and the athletes embrace the best they can be, without the drugs...but the judging needs to reflect this change or it will never happen.
I think the 20% reduction in muscularity that was mandated into the woman's judging criteria was an attempt at cleaning up the sport of the drug use.
It was a very interperative attempt and difficult to determine, but an attempt non the less.
The NPC has recieved a lot of critism but my opinion is..they are making an attempt to change things...there still is soo much more that needs to be done in the marketing dept. but "baby steps" may just be the way to go.
Over the weekend I recieved the flyers and posters for the natural NPC competition I will be guest posing at November 12th. This flyer for the first time is marketing woman's bodybuilding...and I am so honored and proud to be part of that!
Never in the history of the Rockford Natural, that I am aware of, has the flyer had a female bodybuilder versus a figure competitor on the inside cover of the registration form..or a female bodybuilder guest posing that I am aware of!
I commend Kevin Noble for taking the chance with me;) and for stepping up to the plate to market woman's bodybuilding...Kevin I thank you!
www.kevinnoble.com
The site will be updated soon to include a photograph of Dave Riley and I ..we will both be guest posing for the show in Novemeber!!:)
More of my thoughts on "Super Size She" in my members journal tonight;)
Jen:)
I just finished watching the documentary IFBB Pro Joanna Thomas did with TLC a while back. I was on a weekend family vacation when it aired - Thank you to Kim B. for giving me a copy to see it;) www.pradelproductions.com
I have a few things to share after watching it;
From the beginning I found myself relating to many aspects of her drive, determination, view of her bodybuilding as art in the human form, and the rigors of training and dieting..... but there was also a lot that is so different for me. The things I found to be different are also the things that I believe will allow me to be successful in my athletic pursuits but also my
"life-long" pursuits.
I was moved to tears several times as I saw her will to "be the best" weigh heavy on her parents' faces. This sport is one that effects everyone around the athlete...I suppose at a certain level this is true of all sports/athletes.
I think what made me appreciate my own decisions the most, while watching this documentary, was looking at my choices; to remain natural, to have a family first, and allow my professional career and bodybuilding career to transform and develope, while still balencing my family life- with my husband and family's help of course;).
Most Professional and national level female bodybuilders who go to the top of the sport don't have children ...I believe "Jeannie Paparone" is the only IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder at present who has a son about 6 years old. I appoligize if I have forgotten anyone!
The drive to be the best "you" is a unnanimous similarity between all female bodybuilders I think, but some are willing to risk everything to get where they want to be... while others are not willing to risk the price.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in yourself and your "goal" when preparing for competition. It is another even greater challenge, in my opinion, to "throw on the breaks" and give yourself a reality check as you progress through the process.
Attempting to balence the extreems of competing with reality is quite a challenge!
My hope for the sport of women's bodybuilding is that it transforms into something respected and inspiring to both men and women- and also attainable to female athletes who also want to maintain their health and femininity by remaining Steroid free. The way things have been..the Olympia stage is not possible without them. I think the popularity of the sport will return if the drugs are, by choice, disguarded and the athletes embrace the best they can be, without the drugs...but the judging needs to reflect this change or it will never happen.
I think the 20% reduction in muscularity that was mandated into the woman's judging criteria was an attempt at cleaning up the sport of the drug use.
It was a very interperative attempt and difficult to determine, but an attempt non the less.
The NPC has recieved a lot of critism but my opinion is..they are making an attempt to change things...there still is soo much more that needs to be done in the marketing dept. but "baby steps" may just be the way to go.
Over the weekend I recieved the flyers and posters for the natural NPC competition I will be guest posing at November 12th. This flyer for the first time is marketing woman's bodybuilding...and I am so honored and proud to be part of that!
Never in the history of the Rockford Natural, that I am aware of, has the flyer had a female bodybuilder versus a figure competitor on the inside cover of the registration form..or a female bodybuilder guest posing that I am aware of!
I commend Kevin Noble for taking the chance with me;) and for stepping up to the plate to market woman's bodybuilding...Kevin I thank you!
www.kevinnoble.com
The site will be updated soon to include a photograph of Dave Riley and I ..we will both be guest posing for the show in Novemeber!!:)
More of my thoughts on "Super Size She" in my members journal tonight;)
Jen:)
Friday, July 15, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
Quote for today...
"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the right to be free."
— Charles Evans Hughes
"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the right to be free."
— Charles Evans Hughes
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Such A Crazy Weekend!!
I'm ready to just run far, far away! Just kidding- but this weekend I sure had fantasies as Wade dumped the entire box of Cherrios on the floor- as I tried to get us out of the house for a family picnic - and then stuffed my blush brush down the drain while I cleaned up the Cherrios..not to mention the juice he then spilled on the floor from the cooler!
Ahhh terrible two's...
how do any of us ever make it through this stage??
Faith, Hope and the ability to just let everything be a mess I think??
The last few days..the last week has been really hectic...
My camera died out from over use:( So it will be a while before I can afford a new one..so no new pics for a while. I sure did make good use out of it for the 2 years I had it though:)
Got to run..I need to help out down at the waterfights..
My fireman hubby is part of today...Go Michael!
The fiereworks in our town were amazing as always last night..the BEST we've ever seen..we both agree on that for sure!
That was an interresting event too...Wade had too many treats at the picnic I think, because during the fireworks he made a nasty mess in his diaper and it ended up more down his leg and all over my arm, and pants then in his diaper...
Ahh the badge of motherhood...oh the stories forming to share, when he gets older!
Jen:)
I'm ready to just run far, far away! Just kidding- but this weekend I sure had fantasies as Wade dumped the entire box of Cherrios on the floor- as I tried to get us out of the house for a family picnic - and then stuffed my blush brush down the drain while I cleaned up the Cherrios..not to mention the juice he then spilled on the floor from the cooler!
Ahhh terrible two's...
how do any of us ever make it through this stage??
Faith, Hope and the ability to just let everything be a mess I think??
The last few days..the last week has been really hectic...
My camera died out from over use:( So it will be a while before I can afford a new one..so no new pics for a while. I sure did make good use out of it for the 2 years I had it though:)
Got to run..I need to help out down at the waterfights..
My fireman hubby is part of today...Go Michael!
The fiereworks in our town were amazing as always last night..the BEST we've ever seen..we both agree on that for sure!
That was an interresting event too...Wade had too many treats at the picnic I think, because during the fireworks he made a nasty mess in his diaper and it ended up more down his leg and all over my arm, and pants then in his diaper...
Ahh the badge of motherhood...oh the stories forming to share, when he gets older!
Jen:)
Friday, July 08, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Beaming With Pride...For Alyssa!!
I am so proud of my daughter! At the beginning of the summer she and I set out 4 goals to achomplish this summer for her;
#1- Go down the water slide at the pool
#2- Do a flip-flop on her own
#3- Ride her bike without training wheels
#4- Reading fluently
Well, guess what..she has made number 1-3 so far and is working her way to number 4!! The waterslide was just the beginning of her confidence building this summer...it all started there:) Last night I took her to the middle school parking lot and took the training wheels off..for that "big moment":) This was something I had put off doing for a long time since we moved here 3 years ago. We live in a very hilly area and I just constantly put it off because we were doing so many other things...so I knew I needed to help her do this over the summer.
As I jogged beside her holding the back of the seat and then listening to her say.."let go mommy"- "let go" as I stood there watching her peddle away in front of me...my voice trailing behind her..I said " I already did!" She looked back and then started laughing...the smile on her face was just unexplainable...it's one of those kodac moments that's too special to take a picture of because you would miss it!
I stood there wanting to help her get those pedals started, knowing full well she needed to struggle to do it all on her own. So I stood there and watched, and waited, as she tried and failed and then tried and got frustrated, and then she got it!!
As she peddled toward me over and over and then had me stand in various places as she rode to me...I couldn't help but feel the magic of the moment..it would never come again and the look in her eyes of pride was what I felt on that stage April 2nd, as I won my first overall...she was feeling it now! And it was BEAUTIFUL to watch!
She threw away the training wheels at the video store and then when we got home she wanted to try out the bigger bike that she is just about ready for, and really fits her much better. She circled in the grass and laughed at what she could do.
Much more about the past few weeks posted to my members journal...
Have a great night everyone!
Jen;)
I am so proud of my daughter! At the beginning of the summer she and I set out 4 goals to achomplish this summer for her;
#1- Go down the water slide at the pool
#2- Do a flip-flop on her own
#3- Ride her bike without training wheels
#4- Reading fluently
Well, guess what..she has made number 1-3 so far and is working her way to number 4!! The waterslide was just the beginning of her confidence building this summer...it all started there:) Last night I took her to the middle school parking lot and took the training wheels off..for that "big moment":) This was something I had put off doing for a long time since we moved here 3 years ago. We live in a very hilly area and I just constantly put it off because we were doing so many other things...so I knew I needed to help her do this over the summer.
As I jogged beside her holding the back of the seat and then listening to her say.."let go mommy"- "let go" as I stood there watching her peddle away in front of me...my voice trailing behind her..I said " I already did!" She looked back and then started laughing...the smile on her face was just unexplainable...it's one of those kodac moments that's too special to take a picture of because you would miss it!
I stood there wanting to help her get those pedals started, knowing full well she needed to struggle to do it all on her own. So I stood there and watched, and waited, as she tried and failed and then tried and got frustrated, and then she got it!!
As she peddled toward me over and over and then had me stand in various places as she rode to me...I couldn't help but feel the magic of the moment..it would never come again and the look in her eyes of pride was what I felt on that stage April 2nd, as I won my first overall...she was feeling it now! And it was BEAUTIFUL to watch!
She threw away the training wheels at the video store and then when we got home she wanted to try out the bigger bike that she is just about ready for, and really fits her much better. She circled in the grass and laughed at what she could do.
Much more about the past few weeks posted to my members journal...
Have a great night everyone!
Jen;)
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Quote For Today...
"Everything that matters in our intellectual and moral life
begins with an individual confronting his own mind and conscience in a room by himself."
— Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
"Everything that matters in our intellectual and moral life
begins with an individual confronting his own mind and conscience in a room by himself."
— Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Look Who's On The Cover...
www.femflex.com
And Here Are Just A Few Of The Pics From The Photoshoot I Did With Them At Jr. Nationals...
http://www.femflex.com/members/picthumb/20050627jenniferabrams/index00.htm
www.femflex.com
And Here Are Just A Few Of The Pics From The Photoshoot I Did With Them At Jr. Nationals...
http://www.femflex.com/members/picthumb/20050627jenniferabrams/index00.htm
About Me
- Name: Jen:)
- Location: Ilinois, United States
I am a mother, wife, personal trainer and competitive athlete. I strive to be the best I can without compromising what is most important in life- My health and the people I love!
Previous Posts
- Another stepping stone...so proud of you Kim!!
- My client Kim, two weeks out from her next compet...
- Ryan's first 4th of July!
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- May 19th, 2012- NPC Grand Prix Natural Outstanding...
- April 7th, 2012- NPC Davenport, Iowa My client Mal...
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