Pro/Am Contests Blog

I’m sitting writing today to inform those that have supported me and sent kind words of motivation and encouragement that I’m not pursuing a pro card at the NPC Nationals in Dallas, Tx this month.

It was very much my aspiration and goal, but God had other things in mind this time around. I’ve truly learned the meaning of the phrase: “It’s not the destination, but the journey.” Six weeks out from the Nationals I had to have major oral surgery. My jaw was infected a week and a half before spreading to my throat. Painkillers and antibiotics were prescribed by my dentist before surgery was an option. Now you have to imagine my dilemma…

I was going for my pro card. I continued to train even on meds and through pain. This is not for praise, just the truth of the journey. If you truly want something bad enough, you do what it takes. The diagnosis was that all four of my wisdom teeth had to be removed. The bottom two were severely impacted. They had to cut into my nerves to extract both. I was not able to eat solid foods for 4 wks. I was tired of shakes and just the mere sight of another container of protein pudding was sickening.

But, Shortdog wanted a pro card. So he did whatever it took. Needless to say my condition suffered and it was extremely frustrating. I was tempted to just crawl up in a shell until next year, but what the hell would all that hard work have been for. So I checked my pride at the door and decided to compete in the Elite in North Carolina. My fourth place placing was not what I wanted or desired, but it brought me a sense of peace.

I know that I’m a destined bodybuilding pro. But to finish what I started was fulfilling. The trip allowed me to rest my body and mind. Those nice beds at the Marriott are the bomb. Room service was off the hook. Yes, I splurged while I was there. In closing I say, many will choose to judge you based upon their perception of your reality. Stay true to yourself and know the true measure of your reality. Thanks to all that have supported me in this journey.

Catch your breath because it’s not over yet. 2008 will be a completely different story.

God bless. Holla.

Shortdog