Michael's Sports Pub & Grill (in Orange County, California)
15192 Goldenwest Street
Westminster, CA  92683
714-373-5665
http://profiles.ocregister.com/michaels-sports-pub-grill

Michael's has a great menu, a lot of TV's (just in case you want to catch a glimpse of any other games going on that night), and also pool tables.

So please join us for all the fun, food, and festivities!  If the American Gladiators competition isn't really your thing, it will at least be amusing to hear the cheesy comments that can come out of my mouth when I can't think of anything else to say on TV, hee hee!

-Venus

As I watched TV last night, I was reminded of the struggles I've faced in my life...the "mountains" I've climbed.  Straight to the top.  Upon reflection, I chuckle at this idea, because the path toward achieving each of my goals has been anything but straight.  Hurdles and sideswipes, rocks and choppy waters, some expected and many surprising, have kept my journey challenging and certainly interesting.

Straight to the top.  I suppose that's how I look at life, however.  We would all be quite lucky to accomplish everything we set out to do without facing any adversity.  The chances of this, unfortunately, are highly unlikely.  There will always be obstacles of some kind.  But if we just stay focused on our goal and never lose sight of it, we can make a stronger stand against forces that may try to knock us off our path.  And should we be pushed off course a bit, it becomes much easier to forge ahead as long as our goal remains in our sight.

So I'll continue to go at life with enthusiasm and determination.  Straight to the top!  No matter how tortuous the path may actually become, reaching the top will feel ohhhh so AWESOME!!!!

Here are a few shots from my recent trip to Miami.  I was there to compete in my first fitness competition of the season.  While I didn't win, I was happy with my performance and look forward to making improvements as the season progresses.  Meanwhile, as you can see in the pics, I had a lot of fun hanging out with friends and being back in my old stompin' grounds!  Perhaps I'll return to South Beach later this year.

Perhaps some of you would like to check out the next fitness contest I'll be competing in --

I could really use your support!  Please vote for me in the FAME Swimsuit Model Contest. 

Go to this link and click on "Vote for me"

www.FAMEevent.com/contest/vote.asp?userID=14438&contestID=1

You can vote once per day.  So keep those votes coming!  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!

-------------------------------------

May 23, 2006

Well, the winners of the FAME Swimsuit Model contest have been announced.  The results are posted at http://www.FAMEevent.com

Although I didn't win, I do appreciate everyone who took the time out to vote for me. You are all truly awesome!!

Thanks again!!

-Venus
 http://www.DrVenus.com

Well...ya know it had to happen.  That's right.  I'm injured again.  Seems like every year I have to train for my fitness competitions while trying to rehab from some type of injury.  This time, I re-injured my neck.  In an attempt to learn some gymnastic elements to add to my new fitness routine, I landed on my hand while trying to perform a handstand.  Actually, I consider myself VERY lucky to not have sustained more serious injury.  I just have a cervical strain...but right now, it --REALLY-- hurts.  Good thing I know a good rehab doc (wink, wink).

Ahhh.  Such is life.  It's the challenges and obstacles along the way that make finally achieving success that much more gratifying.  I'm still aiming to make this year my best competitive season yet!

What an exciting weekend!  Having placed in the Top 3 in the Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach competition, I had the honor of presenting the trophies to the winning Grand Prix drivers.  I also had a few moments to speak to the Grand Marshal of this year's Grand Prix, John Elway.  Being a huge KC Chiefs fan, I explained to him that he broke my heart MANY times.  Also got to meet Paul Newman.  Here are a few pics of the festivities...next time, I'll definitely have to run away MUCH FASTER when the champagne starts spraying!  A warning to all -- avoid getting champagne in your eye.

Alex Tagliani sprays champagne on me at Victory Circle.                    Taping a promo for NBC.

Top 3 - Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.                      Meeting Paul Newman.

Yeah...life can throw you for a loop sometimes...but I don't really think your destiny is totally out of your control.  Truth is, I believe destiny is more a matter of choice, rather than chance.

So, after taking a little bit of a break after my first contest of the year, I'm making the choice to get back on track.  I'm trying out a new diet and training regimen, and I think it's going to be a good way to go.  I was actually feeling very low on energy leading up to my contest a few weeks ago.  I was quite lucky to have qualified for the USA's in that competition.  I definitely think it's time to change things up and come out much stronger when I step out onto the contest stage again in the next few months.

I also started taking yoga this weekend.  Physically, I'm hoping that by increasing my flexibility, I can prevent the injuries which seem to plague me every contest season.  Mentally, I'm finding that yoga is great for achieving just a bit more peace and focus in my crazy, busy life.

Speaking of crazy...March Madness has arrived!  YEEEAAAAHHHHH!  Go Jayhawks!  Talk about controlling your destiny.  Every team going to The Big Dance has a chance to win the championship.  It's gonna be awesome, baby!

Feeling somewhat pensive today.  Here are a few words which reflect my thoughts...

"I can't control my destiny.  I trust my soul.  My only goal is just to be."

"Forget regret or life is yours to miss.  No other road, no other way.
No day but today"