My Final Words From Atlantic Classics 2017
I've finally had some time to gather my thoughts. Last weekend was an absolutely incredible experience. The experience itself I cannot put into words. It's something that is unexplainable - hard work, dedication, sweat, tears, passion, doubt, fear, love, excitement, nerves, sacrifice, and so much more all come together in 1 single event.
First, this event couldn't be put on without the AMAZING organizers/volunteers. Heather LeBlanc and the others did a terrific job. It was my first Atlantic Classics with NBPFA and the organization of the event was flawless. Dealing with 250+ athletes I can only imagine is not easy. Thank you for all your hard work. The sponsors deserve a huge thank you as well. If it wasn't for them, there wouldn't be a show. Another huge thank you to the judges - they were troopers for judging such tight categories in a timely fashion. The venue, Casino NB, and the staff were amazing. Not once did I ever feel unsafe. There were security guards on site always willing to lend a helping hand. Thank you Casino NB. Secondly, the official photographers of the event. WOW is all I have to say. Paul Girvan's work is stunning and I'm excited to see Dave Pitts on stage photos. I can only imagine the pressure these guys had felt to capture the perfect moments for all of us. Thursday before competition, I also got some photos done by Alicia Campbell (the sneak peek photos are stunning). We shot the photos at Naturally Fit (THANK YOU for letting us use your awesome gym). Thank you to all the photographers for all that you do. Photos help all of us remember the experience. <3 And then the glam squad. Marlo Pierce was responsible for our tans and boy did her and her team every perform. Mel Cameron did my hair and I couldn't have been happier with it. My hair did not go flat which is an absolute miracle for my hair. My make up was done by Mylene LeBlanc. She did a stunning job ensuring that the make up would look fabulous under the stage lighting. She even touched up my make up prior to the evening show but in all honestly, it didn't need much touching up at all. The Beehive in Fredericton did my fingernails and toenails and treated me like a queen. Atlantic Academy did a wonderful job with my waxing. Sherry's originals custom made my suit and my coach Heather McCracken was a sweetheart and put the crystals on the suit. For everyone who helped put me together for the show THANK YOU. Thirdly, all the social media support. This one brings the tears to my eyes. Being back stage I didn't know anyone (except my coach). There were large teams who were hanging out with one another and many times I was alone. Don't get me wrong, I met some incredible ladies and was welcomed into their groups but they also had their own thing going on. But Backstage I felt like I had an army of people behind me instead of being alone. You better believe I read every single comment that was posted (unless it was long and sappy - I didn't want to cry so I saved those for Sunday). It meant the world to me. It really showed me the power of social media. I ended up making the paper because I shared my story - thank you for the write up in the paper. Additionally, some of you I have never met but you were supporting me like I was family. <3 That's what this is about and you better believe I would be supporting you and your dreams too. Thank you! Dreams do come true so go after yours. My posing lessons came from Julie Peterson and I cannot express how much I love this woman. She reminded me of me and helped me so much with learning how to pose and walk in 5" heels. By the time show day came I had felt confident in those shoes. In fact, I wore them for over an hour before I even stepped on stage. Her posing lessons were top notch - that's what happens when you're a pro. ;) A special thank you goes out to my one and only, Jeff. I'm at a loss for words when it comes to you. You've helped me in so many areas of my life - from my anxiety to my sad/depressed days to these last 16 weeks of cheering me on every single day. From helping me grocery shop, taking progress pictures, being my personal psychologist when I had doubts, to everything else in between. You're my rock. And you're always there to support me no matter what I choose to do with my life. I truly believe that your love for me is unconditional just like my love for you is unconditional. Thank you! And then there is my coach, Heather McCracken. I know I have thanked you 1000 times. I promise this is the last one. ;) When I first messaged you to compete you believed in me 110%. You told me that if I worked and followed and trusted the process I would be able to rock that tiny bikini with confidence. 16 weeks out, I had major doubts in myself but I trusted what you said and kept my eyes on the end goal. You encouraged me every single week but more importantly you cared for me. I wasn't just a client but a friend. You made prep an enjoyable process for me - pure natural hard work. No pills or gimmicks - instead it was whole foods (along with protein shakes - the only "supplement" I took if you even want to call it a supplement) and a whole lot of sweat. I 100% believe that my experience could have been very different with another coach. Thank you for sharing the love of this sport with me. Not only do I have Heather to thank but I also have to thank my fellow team mate Melissa who came down for the show! Girl, who would have ever known that we would be doing this together. From school mates to team mates, I'm so happy it's you that I was able to share this experience with and I cannot wait to be by your side in July! I'm so excited to see you walk on stage. I've always admired and looked up to you growing up and honestly that hasn't changed. You have that determination to achieve great things and I love surrounding myself with people like yourself. The YMCA in Fredericton (south side) were a huge part of my journey. The members and staff cheered me on every workout and were always asking me about my weekly progress. They cared for me and were really part of this journey with me...every step of the way. I couldn't ask for a better facilities to train. I must say I was BLOWN away by everyone who came to the event to support me - Allison, Jeff, Heather, Melissa, Carol, Tom, Becca & Andy (thank you for the stay at Perswayze's Estate), Joe, Steph, Melanie, Mireille, Sylvie! My heart was filled and I cannot thank all of you enough for your support and cheering you did for me. You were all my #1 fans that night. Speaking of cheering, I couldn't believe how many of you tuned into the live event - WOW! Honestly, I think I heard some of you cheering for me as well. ;) Again, the support helped me so much. Finally, I want to thank my family. They have always been there to support me no matter what I do and this was no different. They took an interest in this process and were not afraid to ask questions. Sometimes they didn't really understand what was going on...especially at Easter when I was eating my pre-planned meal and they were sitting there eating Easter dinner but they still provided me with support. I'm very lucky to have a family that supports me and cheers me on like they do. THANK YOU...especially to my mom. As much as she is proud of me I would bet I am more proud of her. She's my superhero. <3
