Hello all! As I'm writing this, it's sleeting on top of the sleet that already fell yesterday. Yuck! This means I will be staying warm and cozy indoors and safe from the chaotic weather outdoors. I just finished up a great shoulder workout and I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow! I have a tendency to overdue it at times...

So, here goes the rant. Bear with me here. A few people I know personally have commented on the site and the somewhat "risque" images the site contains. My friends viewed the site and their first impressions on it was that it seemed like a soft porn site to them, and as I'm sure you all know, first impressions are huge. I just want to say that I in no way condone ANY pornographic material on this site. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being a part of the site. However, there are a few pictures on the site that do not depict athletic, fit women. They are simply pictures of skinny chicks that are only slightly covered. Because of this fact, I have been hesitant to show my family members the site that I am a part of. You have no idea how much I want to brag about being a part of this, but because of the content I must hold back my enthusiasm. I am a faithful Christian and do not believe that this type of material need to be a part of a site built on the premise of amateur fitness enthusiasts. I believe in the value of professionalism, and these suggestive images do not convey what I deem as worthy of this site. I'm sure I'm going to get burned for this, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I did not at least pour my heart out here about my feelings on what I feel is a very important issue. Additionally, for the women that took these photos, I wish that they would value themselves as proud women showing off their muscular physique, not in these provocative poses that suggest something else entirely. You are worth so much more than that!!! Now, I completely understand that sex sells, but there's something to be said for doing things the right way as well. Again, I'd love to hear any comments on this issue. Please, please respond if you agree or even if you disagree with me. All comments would be greatly appreciated :)

That's all I've got for today. Stay tuned!

Nyssa

Good morning all! Right now my thermometer is reading a frigid 5 degrees. Brrr! I absolutely hate cold weather. A warmer climate is definitely in my future. To top it all off, I've been dealing with a cold virus these past couple weeks. I NEVER get sick, so it's been rough for me to settle down and let myself heal. I suppose I'm not as invincible as I thought. On a positive note however, this down time gives me an opportunity to write, so I'm thankful for that.
It took some time, but the results of the poll on the bettybiceps.net site are looking up. I'm in the lead now, and let's keep those votes coming! I'm treating this as my personal election. I want to be your choice as the #1. I was so pleased to hear from Kevin, and he likes my idea of having an all out competition of events this year. We're making plans right now to shoot some new pics for the site also. Be sure to check back often for more updates and info to come.
I've got a lot of goals for this year that I want to accomplish. I want to compete in a fitness comp. I've wanted to do this for awhile, but I really want to take it seriously this time. I plan on running in as many races as I can get in. Ultimately, I want to run in a marathon. I believe this is a true test of one's physical as well as mental endurance. I also want to ride in a bike race. I haven't ridden in one since high school, so it'll be a fantastic challenge to take on. On a non-athletic note, getting into grad school will be a major accomplishment for me. I plan on becoming a psychologist. I hope to specialize in sports psychology. I like to say that sports is 20% physical and 80% mental. A person can do anything with the right mentality. This is how I live my life. I hope to inspire others in this way. One of my favorite quotes is from the late, great Jackie Robinson. He said, " A life is not important except the impact it has on others." We should all leave our mark on the world in a positive note and leave the world a little better than what we found it. Never take anything or anyone for granted, because we are never guaranteed another day.
So, there are many great things to come! Check back early and often for updates. Please, sign the guestbook and let me know you're out there. I like to think I'm not just writing to myself, lol. Since I'm kind of a quote nerd, here's one more to leave you with and, hopefully, make your day a little brighter:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Take care everyone,
Nyssa

What's up guys and gals! Thanks to all the posts while I was slaving through another long semester at MSU. It was stressful, but it all paid off. I am proud to say that I graduated in December with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology. Two degrees down, two to go! I'll be attending grad school in the fall. Now that undergrad is done, the hard stuff begins. I consider grad school sort of the "major leagues" of college (you know me I'm a baseball fan!). Wish me luck!!!

I had a great holiday this year. After a very spooky car trip down the icy, curvy roads into Arkansas, I finally made it home to see my family. I never get tired of going there. It's the same 'ole town, but it's comforting to know that something stays consistent in this land of ever changing chaos that we live around at times. I was fortunate enough to get some very very excellent christmas presents this year. I got the video game Rock Band, which I'm addicted to at this point. I received a new Schwinn bicycle that I have ridden practically everywhere. I rode it so far one day in very cold weather, and I almost killed myself making it back home!

I ended up running in three 5k races last year. My best time was 22:31. My goal is to make it in less than twenty minutes. I'm also planning on running in some 10k races and some bicycle races as well. Other than my cardio skills, I've also been hard at it with the weights. I'd love to be able to do a competition in Little Rock, Arkansas next August. My cousin competed in it, and did very well. My aunt was showing me the pictures that she took from the competition, and that psyched me up to want to compete. It'll be hard work, but I know I can do it.

As to this new poll that's out....WHAT?! You guys seriously think that I would lose to her? Ok, I'm always up for a challenge and a chance to prove myself. Better yet, I'd be willing to challenge any of these gals to curls, benchpress, running, pushups, etc. Let's make it an all over competition to test our true strength. Then, we will see who reigns supreme. C'mon ladies, let me know if you're up for it! Nuff said. So vote for me!

2009 is looking like a great year. Life is good. I'm always amazed at how much a difference a single year makes in a person's life. I don't make resolutions, but I do make life decisions. This year, it's all about making the most out of my life and enjoying all the little steps it takes to reach my lofty goals. I think too often people focus too much on the finish line, and don't enjoy the journey it takes to get there. We aren't ever guaranteed another day on this earth, so let's enjoy every day as if it were our last. Here's to a great 09!

Nyssa