Thanks to Chris for a great question! My love of bodybuilding came when I got an opportunity to see some of my sports heroes up close. I had always been really REALLY skinny in high school (maybe too skinny!). But, I was fortunate enough to win tickets to a Cardinals game in the Homer's Landing section of Busch Stadium, right above the bullpen area. I was in awe of their athleticism and their physique as they took batting practice and warm up drills. It was in that moment that I decided that I wanted to better myself. I didn't just want to be skinny, I wanted to be in top shape!!! I was sick and tired of just being another skinny pretty girl. Those are a dime a dozen. I wanted to be more than that.

I was in my freshman year of college, 18 years old. I bought some weights and a home gym and somehow fitted it in my small room at my parents house. I worked out every morning before I went to school. Slowly, I began seeing results. Some people in my class even commented on how buff I was getting! That , more than anything, pumped me up and gave me more enthusiasm to keep going at it.

I fell more in love with love bodybuilding the more and more I researched it, and it grew to be a passion of mine. Bodybuilding gives me confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. I love the way it makes me feel, and the challenges it brings. I look forward to what the future holds for me, and I embrace each day, feeling fortunate to be where I am and who I am today.

Keep those questions coming! Until then, be sure and cheer on my Cardinals. They're playing a set with the Brewers, and they can make up some ground on the wild card spot if they can sweep them!!! Go Cards! Later gator!

Nyssa

I'm back and better than ever after a little R&R. I went down to my homestate of Arkansas to visit the family and get a little peace and quiet. It's back to reality now though! I had a good time. It's always great to go home every now and then.

I'm currently training to run a 10K race here in town. The race is in November, and I'm in it to win it! My age class will be the 20-24 year old range, so I think I've got a pretty good shot at it. There's prize money involved, but, even if there weren't, I still would want to win! I'll keep you guys up to date with my progress. Right now, I'm doing a LOT of running in the mornings and weights in the evenings.

I apologize for the email problems for those of you trying to email me. There's apparently a glich that I will do my best to fix. Until then, keep those comments coming in the guest book section! I love reading them! I just want to say another big thank you to all the responses I've gotten so far. I'm a huge Beach Boys fan, and I laughed so hard when I read the post about the Beach Boys song! Actually, when I was a baby, my parents took me to a Beach Boys concert. I wish I could remember it! But, growing up I listened to them a lot, because my parents were such big fans, and I became one too. I'm picking up good vibrations!

For those of you interested in what supplements I take, I keep it simple. I take a whey protein shake, a muliti vitamin, extra vitamin c, fish oil caps, and a LOT of food. That's it! I've always believed good food sources top supplements any day. I think people get too caught up in the whole supplements thing. My motto is "KISS" (Keep It Simple Stupid, lol!)

Have a great day everyone! And go Cardinals!
Nyssa

Well, they say 8 is a lucky number so this was definitely a lucky day! Today was gorgeous out, so after I got off work, I took my bike out for a stroll and enjoyed the cool weather. I always like the attention I get while I'm on it, BUT... there was one person today that thought they'd show off by passing me in a no passing zone. Turns out there were cars coming in the other lane, so they jolted back over into my lane. Luckily I had slowed down enough for them to get in front of me. Yeah, that was a little scary, lol. People PLEASE be careful. I can't believe someone would risk their life like that for something so stupid.

Today was shoulder day. I did about 45 minutes worth of weight lifting. I shoulda done some cardio too, but, to tell you the truth, I just didn't feel like it, lol! For some reason, my deltoids grow faster than the rest of my arms. I wish my biceps grew as quick! Oh well, perfection takes time.

A big hello to Paul too! Thanks for your question. Honestly, I never have arm wrestled before! Even without the experience factor, I feel strong enough to hold my own in the arm wrestling comp. Only thing is, I'm sure most of these other gals have me beat as far as weightwise, and that definitely plays a factor. Nothing intimidates me though. So, I say bring it on!!!

Time for this girl to get some shut eye. Goodnight all!

Nyssa Curtis

Good evening everyone,

I'm finally getting a chance to kick back and relax, so I'm enjoying the Cardinals game tonight. I just watched Albert hit a grand slam wayyy out. To top it off, Ryan Ludwick hit a homer right after Albert! Back to back! Gotta love it! This weekend is going to be pure bliss for me because the Cards are playing the Cubs, which always makes for a great ballgame. Can't wait!!!

Ok, enough of my baseball rant. My workouts have been awesome this week. I love when I push myself to the point where I feel like my muscles are about to explode! I can actually feel myself getting stronger and stronger every week. At least once a day at work I will get the question, " Do you work out?" HA! I want to joke with them and say, "No I eat donuts all day", but I gotta be nice. It's very flattering to get noticed like that though.

Don't be shy everyone! E-mail or leave a comment on the site! I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Nyssa Curtis