Tough week brings solid results....

This week was a tough one for me and my family.  It started out as a nice trip to Florida with my wife and daughter to see my grandmother, parents, and brother.  Shortly after we arrived my grandmother needed to go to the hospital and was kept there for the remainder of  the trip.  She had some spontaneous bleeding in her head and it needed to be drained.  Well, this obviously put a lot of mental stress on all of us (especially since my grandfather had passed away almost exactly a year ago), but the surgery went without a problem and my grandmother is now recovering.  It may be an understatement to say that this is a huge relief on my family and I.

Outside of the problems with my grandmother this was the first time that I have traveled while dieting for the show.  I brought my whey protein, protein bars, chicken, Baked Lays, and Oatmeal.  While down in Florida I did go out to eat twice.  I went to breakfast at IHOP and order a simple and fit meal (harvest & grain pancakes with two eggs), and then went out to a seafood restaurant and ordered some seared tuna and sushi.  All in all, I would say I had a fairly successful trip diet wise.  Although, I didn't train at all down there, I'm back at it now and haven't skipped a beat.  This week has brought new lows on the scale and new highs in the weight room.

Overall, my first big struggle in the prep was a success.  My grandmother is okay for now, and my diet didn't stray too far from the path!

Another day down...

Yesterday was a good day.  My daughter was in a great mood all day, I hit my macros right on, did a great shoulder & arms workout, and had some good relaxation time with the wife.  Upon waking this morning the scale didn't cooperate, but such is life.  All I can do is keep doing what I am supposed to be doing, and the results will come.  Today I will be doing some cardio, and spending some time with the wife and kiddo.  Tomorrow it is back to the ole grind of work!

Just a little something about me...

  I am a happily married man of over six years, we are also the proud parents of a one year old beautiful baby girl.  I served five years in the United States Marine Corps, and I loved it.  Being a Marine is something that I will always be proud of; and it is something that no one will ever be able to take away from me.  I separated from the Marine Corps in January of 2008, and I have been working as an air traffic controller for the Department of Defense ever since.

  Ok, so... most of my life I have had a love for bodybuilding.  My older brother competed in two shows when he was a teenager, and I always wanted to compete myself.  Well, getting out of the Marines and becoming a father haven't done wonders for my physique.  Well, on December 4th of last year I contacted the wonderful people at 3D Muscle Journey and enlisted their assistance in making my body one that is stage worthy.  I have lost about 17 pounds so far, and I am steadily reaching my goal of stepping onto a bodybuilding stage.

  This blog will be a look into the journey I am taking from all angles.  I will log my diet struggles, weight training, possibly post some videos of the show when the time comes.  I want this to be more than just a training blog, this will touch on the personal side of the journey as well.  How this affects my wife and daughter, and my job.  This will be my attempt to show how I make my life a symmetrical blend of bodybuilding, family, and work.

  I am planning on competing in the INBF Southeast Championship in Macon, GA on July 23.  The weeks are flying by and I need to get to work!