I’m Thankful
When you are on a strict and structured eating plan (and/or with someone who is!), it forces you to take the focus of Thanksgiving off of being all about food and more so about what the holiday really represents and being thankful for what we have. This year has been amazing for me and quite surreal at times. It started off with me making a big U-Turn in life and grabbing life by the horns; some scary but necessary decisions. I got sponsorship early on, had one incredible man advocating, supporting and encouraging me. He believed in me from the moment he saw and met me and never stops dreaming for me and for us. Yes, I am talking about my man and the love of my life, jphilips17 
I went on to have 3 top finishes at 3 big shows this year; the final show resulting in a pro card! Surreal, so surreal. I was blessed to be in Oxygen Magazine 4 different issues and Maximum Fitness for Men once. That first shoot in Toronto I’ll never forget, because it was my man that sacrificed so much for me to be there, although I didn’t know this until later…the whole experience brought tears of happiness to me. I moved 3,000 miles away to pursue a dream, to pursue my career where I knew I would thrive…where we knew WE would thrive. I am living my dream…thank God for giving me drive and passion and for never giving up. Thank God I took some risks this year and didn’t just choose to live "safely". I am so thank ful for my family and certainly for my friends…for real and true friends that will support me and be behind me no matter what…for those friends that are genuinely happy for all of my successes this year, and that have made me laugh (wannagetlean!) and find humor during any difficult times. This has been the most rewarding year of my life thus far,and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have had. I work with an amazing coach in Mike Davies, and an amazing training partner in Jason, as he continues to shape and build my body in the gym into the best Pro physique I can have.
I could go on and on, and that is truly the special thing about this holiday when we really take the time to focus on the GOOD in our lives. I have SO much that I am thankful for. This is an amazing industry, and the more we support and encourage and try to learn from one another, the more successful and blessed we all become!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
November 28, 2008 at 8:20 pm
You deserve it!! Congrats to all of your success!
November 28, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Wishing you more success in the upcoming yea!! Everything you have…you deserve! And it is so awesome of you to realize your blessings…I never take anyone or anything I have in life for granted! The best is yet to come for you girl!
November 28, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Thank you! And I so believe that, Lisa…the best really is yet to come, and that is what makes me so excited about life. I know it to be true. I love that you are a grateful person. I value that quality in people so incredibly much, and I’ve always sensed that in you. Focus on the positive and more positives always follow!
November 28, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I’m most Thankful for You and Jason. I think back at how we all came together((rannddoomm)), my first workout w/ you and how awesome I thought you were..then to our reunion and the drama that caused..(LOL still can’t get over that) Your show where you pretty much owned the stage if it weren’t for politics, would have won. That was just the beginning to the AMAZING things that would come later. I look back at everything and that was so much fun..Also living at your house for a few months w/ Champ :O) I miss that little guy
Thank you for being you!! Lots more laughs to come!!!:)
You deserve EVERYTHING that comes your way!!:) WOOO to Pro debut!!!
November 28, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Congrats on all of your success and for your blessings! You’ve trained so hard and deserve every bit of it all. What I like so much about reading this blog is that even with all you’ve accomplished, you are still humbled and you remember your blessings.
November 29, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Cat.. I believe people come in to our lives for distinct purposes. Clearly you have had the fortitude to keep your eyes open and trust your gut. You and Jason are a shining example of the positive , character building aspect of this lifestyle. I am truly blessed to have met you both and to learn from you. So, I can share in your feeling of gratitude, as I know the future is so bright for you both, and I am STOKED to be along for the ride!!
December 1, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Cat, that was beautiful! And your right, society has made us focus on food & not what this Holiday is truly about. You get it!! And ya know what? You deserve it! I am Thankful I met you & Jason and I look forward to watching you both succeed in this industry!
You two are gonna be HUGE!!!!