The New Normal, Just Isn't

I was lying down with my s/o taking a break from my in between sessions (of trainings, you dirty dirty readers lol) when the soft sounds of the calming ocean waves and the echoes of seagulls flying about along with the buzzing of "Jingle Bells" began to play. It is the ring of my cell phone. Yes, the vibrations of "Jingle Bells" together with seagulls calling to the each other above the ocean is my ringtone. Do not judge me. Cast ye the first stone, ye without quirks.... Anyway, unwillingly, I get up and I answer the phone. It was an unexpected call from my hairdresser. Last year, or maybe the year before, I think it was the year before... I agreed to participate in a hair show for her

(This was 2 yrs ago, 

some of you may remember

 the pic, or maybe you were there) 

and she is making moves to do it again! As happy as I am for her, I had to decline my participation this year. The truth is, I have trainings during that time and there's no such thing as "time-off." Everyday counts. Every session counts. What I learn one day, will affect my performance in the other. I don't even think you understand the "importance" of what I am writing to you. Also, I think it can be agreed that my lack of hesitation to decline truly shows how things has changed for me within the past 11 months. Ah, yes. It was two years ago I did the show. Last year... I don't remember... Point is! everyone is getting ready for Superbowl - SUPERBOWL!!! Last year I made plans to be at a Superbowl party with some friends and I don't think she did the show last year. So yes, there are Superbowl plans and fashion show plans - they sound different but in retrospect, they're both parties just for different reasons. This year, any party is only a thought.

Ah Marlon, Ah Man

I must say that turning from 'I'm going to be one of the world's top models' to "I'm going to be a UFC champion" was the number one eyebrow raiser in 2013 for most of my family and friends. I've heard comments from, "But what about your face?" to "Have you lost your mind?!?" and sometimes I get the pleasant one, two knock out with both questions in a run-on statement. Note, I said statement, not an actual question. Occasionally, I'd get the respect of, "That's awesome!" and "I think you should do it." You can't imagine the reactions I got after I posted about getting my lip bruised back in October.

But the guy was bigger. My lips got touched by my head gear. Honestly, it was nothing. You learn to take a hit. But Life does happen, and my Dimkas was born (that's my little cousin) about two days after that trial session and I just went head over heels about him. My cousin had her baby a little early and I do try to take my God-Mommy responsibilities seriously. Anyway. I tend to digress. I went through half of a year documenting my journey of transition last year until I realized that my Professor strategically asked me not to by just telling me that I couldn't film any of the "good stuff." I was cleared to record all the workouts and personal statements but none of the actual hands on, gloves for hands movements. I'm happy to announce that after one year, I have been given permission to resume filming; as of today, actually. To be honest though, I'm not sure if I will. It is now 2014 and my goals have been pushed to new levels. My focus went from searching for who I am to just knowing who I actually am. I regret nothing and yes, I am still going to be a champion. You just watch.