It’s a new year already! Amazing how fast the time goes by. At this time last year, I was just back from working a wedding with my hubby (he’s a photographer, see avenidagarcia.com) down south and ready to hit my training hard. I had decided to compete after three years off and had a lot of work to do.

I’m the type of person who has a running list of goals. They include things like taking several courses I have my eye on, reading more books, blogging more (bluntbeauty.ca/blog), keeping my closet tidy, getting my bookkeeping paperwork in better order, creating and testing more new recipes, posting more makeup before-and-after photos of clients, and, most important, living life with balance. This year my fitness goals are similar to last year but I’d like to take my current physique to an even better place. I have specific areas where I’d like to see improvement: my shoulders and hamstrings, as well as abdominals. I plan to work hard for those gains. Since I don't gain muscle easily, I expect it to be a slow steady process.

So there it is, my 2013 fitness goal in writing: My Best Body Ever!

I love so many things about physique competitions. I love setting such intense fitness goals, I love training hard for those goals. I love stepping onstage, I love the glamour – the suits, heels, themewear, hair, and makeup – the crazy-dark tan, and too-white teeth. I love choosing my own music and working on my T-walk routine for SAF. I absolutely love coming up with designs for fabulous custom bikinis and amazing costumes. I love the day of the show with all the backstage chaos and the moments on the stage. I love answering questions about fitness. I love cooking up a storm. I love the great friends and the camaraderie.

However, although I love so much about competing, there are conflicting aspects of it that trouble me.

Holiday time brings treats. It seems to be inevitable. Parties, gifts, baking, treats and added calories are everywhere, and, in my opinion, part of holiday fun. The problem comes in overindulging. Like many things, too much of something can end up being not such a good thing. Did you know that the average North American person puts on approximately three to five pounds every year over the holidays? Did you also know that we almost never lose it? So take that three pounds and compound it over five years and you now have gained 15 pounds just from holiday time. Add in the rest of everyday life and you’ve got yourself some added weight to carry around.

So the show is over and all the mixed feelings that come along with it are floating around in my heart and mind. I re-read my last journal entry to remind myself that I can be really proud of where I am.