Author Archives: yeagerturner

Sin City

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Sin City

Oct09-1I just returned from a six day excursion to Las Vegas.  Vegas is an experience in itself and like no other place on Earth.  Unless you’re a big gambler, the casinos can get old pretty easily but there are plenty of shows and sightseeing to be seen.  I’d been before, but this time I left with different thoughts.

Scary thought: While watching the news, they talked about a elderly couple that had been shot.  The man killed his wife then tried to kill himself.  They said it would be a homicide/suicide case – the FIFTH in the month of September.  Not 5th for the year or the decade, 5th in a month. Not a good statistic. (NV also has the highest divorce rate in the nation.)  I guess the saying “you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them” is true!

Smart thought: The next news story dealt with the schools of Sin City.  The kids were complaining that their classrooms were too hot.  (It was 97 degrees when I was there all week)  The PR person for the district was interviewed and said they just didn’t have enough money to afford appropriate air conditioning for all of the schools.  What?  Right after watching the news I walked down The Strip and marveled at all of the lights.  I could only imagine the electricity bill for the city.  Shouldn’t some of these hotels help provide air for the kiddies?  I’m just saying.

Zzzz thought: Vegas can mess up your sleep pattern. Being three hours behind is bad enough.  Then you go out to the clubs until 3-4am.  Here in Louisville that’s fine because you can sleep a couple of hours and get up.  But, when your body automatically wakes up at 6-7am (which is 3-4am Vegas time) your body is trying to wake up when it should be going to sleep.  I had to cover every single bit of light in the room, cover my head with a pillow and turn away from the window just to attempt to sleep a little longer.

Stomach thought:  Food is plentiful.  There is a buffet, discounted or splurge meal around every corner (sometimes all in one hotel).  We went to a buffet that had eight different stations (Italian, Mexican, American, Chinese etc….)  Now I normally wouldn’t eat crawfish, burritos, jumbalaya slice of pizza and sushi all on one plate but each item called my name.  Although I could barely walk, I also had to make room for chocolate cake and eclairs along with some ice cream.  Wow, I’m full just thinking about it!

Vegas is a great getaway, but it definitely takes at least a day to recuperate when you return to Louisville – Possibility City.  I’m not sure who turned off the heat in Louisville, but could we possibly turn it back on?

M.Y.  October 2009

A Fit Prayer

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A Fit Prayer

Sept09-4The big Fitness Nationals was this past weekend in New York City.  I’d been dedicated to training for the past eight weeks and was hoping to make a national presence.  I set a goal.  I wanted to get my Pro Card.  Throughout the entire process I kept God and prayer in my life.  I told God what I wanted to accomplish, but also acknowledged that in order for it to happen, it had to also be in his will.

Friday night was the judging of the routines.  There were 30 fitness women competing.  I became nervous as I saw people warming up and just prayed that I could be top five in my class.  (God, we’ve made it here to New York and tonight is the night for routines.  Watch over me as I perform and allow me to give a safe and entertaining performance).  I tried to stay focused and didn’t watch the other routines.  Then I (#17) took the stage.  I only messed up a little on one part but was able to save it.  Afterwards people in the audience said they liked my routine and had one of the strongest ones.

Saturday morning was the judging of the 2 piece suits.  Once again, the other competitors looked good.  (God, this is the final part of judging.  You know my goal.  If this is my time to turn pro, please guide me in that direction).  I noticed my butt was a little larger than the others, but felt I brought a great overall package.  Judging for the suits is done in groups.  The best are called to the stage first (I was called with that group).  Then the best is placed in the middle of the stage.  So, the farther out you are, the lower you most likely placed.  I was on the far left hand side of the stage which meant I probably placed 4th or 5th for that round.

Saturday night was the finals and awards.  All of the fitness women were introduced individually to walk on stage.  As we exited, we were told if we were in the top five.  When I walked off stage, the man looked at my number with a sad face and said, “Hmmm, #17. Congratulations, you’re top 5!”  I excitedly ran to change to get ready to perform my routine again. (Thank you Lord!)

Backstage as we warmed up, I realized that I wasn’t the only person praying.  Although God is on my side, I had to realize that God was on a lot of women’s side.  I prayed once again to God to let me have this moment to shine if he felt that this was my time.  The time for awards came.  5th place – someone else.  4th place – someone one.  That just left three of us.  The top two would receive their pro card!  3rd place – Michelle Yeager!  I was super excited about my placing, but hated that I was just one place away from turning professional.

I was able to talk to one of the judges afterwards and she let me see the score sheets.  I missed turning pro by only 4 points (which is very close).  I walked away from the show proud and with a smile.  I was excited for those that did turn pro and knew that I had nothing to be disappointed about (others backstage didn’t have the same attitude).  I honestly believe that my power in prayer helped keep me content throughout it all.  I know that God has a plan for me.  He showed me that the fitness stage is where I belong and let me place high enough to know that my moment is close.  He helped me stay focused for 8 weeks and let me know that he will always be there for me.  God also created great foods like pizza and chocolate that I now can enjoy (-:   God is good all time and all the time God is good.

M.Y.  September 2009

Juror Number 77547

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Juror Number 77547

Sept09-3The letter finally came my way.  I was summoned for jury duty.   My first day to report was August 31.  As the day got closer, I realized the significance.  I would be one of the jurors reporting to possibly sit on the Jason Stinson (PRP Coach) trial. There were at least 300 people in the jury waiting room.  Our orientation was decent but we were able to meet some of the judges.  The most personable and entertaining was recently elected Erica Lee Williams.  By 1:00pm, I was still sitting there bored.  Then they started calling numbers.  Over a 100.  We knew these were the people called for the Stinson case.  “77547″ That’s me!   I knew I wouldn’t be ultimately chosen since I worked directly with three of the assistant coaches soon after the incident happened to make sure they were fairly represented, but it was content to be part of the initial chosen.

The first day they only asked one question.  Our service was for two weeks, but the trial could take up to four.  They wanted to know who would have a scheduling conflict.  Some talked about out of town weddings or scheduled surgeries.   I raised my hand and stated I’d be in NYC this weekend and Las Vegas next weekend.  At the end of the afternoon, they dismissed 12 of the 120 jurors – including myself.

I reported back the next day, and once again my name was called as a potential juror.  This time a disabled woman was suing TARC for over $400,000 for falling while on board and breaking her femur.  I was one of the 15 jurors selected to hear the case.  The details: the bus was coming to a stop, the lady lost her balance, fell and broke her femur.  She says the driver slammed on the brakes.  The driver says she just simply lost her balance. Who was at fault – the lady or TARC?  After two days of hearing the case, we went behind closed doors.  I was elected the foreman (woman) of the group and we had a unanimous vote in favor of TARC in less than five minutes.

For the rest of the two weeks I was called for three more cases and was able to serve on two more.  Those two dealt with disability cases where they were trying to get a guardian to handle the personal and financial matters.  It was sad to hear what the people were going through, but good that other people cared enough about them to make sure they are properly assisted.

I actually enjoyed my term of jury duty.  I met a lot of different people from different backgrounds.  The judicial process is an interesting one and the cases heard in each courtroom vary widely.   I felt good to know you were making a difference.  The worst part for me was sitting in the jury waiting area.  I wasn’t there too much.  However, since they don’t want you to watch the news and be influenced by the media, they try to find a channel everyone can watch.  Being in fitness training, it didn’t help at all to have to sit and watch the Food Network!  The timing of jury duty was the perfect time for me to be away from work for two weeks and the next time the summons letter comes my way – I’ll have a better appreciation of what to expect.

M.Y. September 2009

No Carbs No Clue

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No Carbs, No Clue!

Sept09-2So I am once again getting ready for my next competition.   This one is the Fitness Nationals next weekend in New York City.  Still trying for that pro card so I can be a professional athlete.  I know it takes time and experience so I am trying to get as much exposure as possible.

Once again, the focus was getting my glutes down.  In other words, goodbye sexy black girl booty and hello cute white girl booty.  I wake up every morning, turn sideways and see if my curve has deflated any more.  I see the changes, but still have some way to go.  In order to try to decrease the fat faster, it was suggested that I give up all carbs every other day for the eight weeks I spend training.  When I say ALL carbs, I mean ALL carbs.  Carbs are the foods that give you energy.  They help keep you alert and moving.  Lack of carbs makes for lack of enthusiasm.  My bed/tv/and I have become very good friends. I’ve seen one too many Lifetime movies and re-runs of Project Runway and Real Housewives.

Lack of carbs also causes a lack of common sense.  One morning I was ready to take my supplements.  I opened the bottle.  Instead of pouring the supplements in my hand,   I poured the bottle of water in my hand.  (Not a good feeling first thing in the morning). I will ask you a question, get an answer and then ten minutes later not remember if I really asked the question or just thought about it.  Sarcasm is not allowed at a time like this.  Any jokes that I’d usually catch on it are now just not worth the effort in figuring out.

I miss my carbs oh so much.  A slice of supreme pizza for Za’s.  Some pasta from Macaroni Grill.  A burrito from Qdoba.  All the food from Dinner is Done.  Dessert from Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen.  Cheddar bisquits from Red Lobster.  Breakfast from anywhere.  Me and all of these foods will be reunited in just 10 days so I can be patient.

Just know, though, when you see people that are in great shape, there is a lot of sacrifice that comes with it.  I’ve missed a long of social gatherings either to rest or simply because all people there would be doing is eating.  I spend every morning doing cardio and every evening at the gym.  The way I look this week with 10% bodyfat is not the way I look throughout the year.  My weight is actually down to about 110 pounds, but by the time you see me at the end of the month (and after I stuff my face with the above mentioned foods) I would have probably gained at least 6-10 pounds back.

If you set a goal, you should dedicate yourself 100% to achieving that goal because you never know what blessings you could receive.  I’ll have that bag of Oreos real soon, but I have a fitness routine to rock out in NYC first!

M.Y. September 2009

Best Worst Concert

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The Best Worst Concert

Sept09-1Going to college in NC, I became a big fan of Luke and down south music.  Several years ago he came in concert the week of Derby.  I love his beats, especially “Scarred”  and knew I wouldn’t miss the show.

I arrived on time for the early evening weekday performance.  As I found a table by myself a guy (straight out of a rap video) walked up to me.  Grill full of gold and all.  I asked him his name, he said “Cujo”.  I told him I’m sure that’s not what his mother named him. His response, “Well, if you hang around me long enough, maybe you’ll find out my real name!”.  No thank you.

As the crowd started to arrive, I noticed a trend.  Ninety nine percent of the crowd were men.  The hours (plural) went by and there was still no Luke or any sign of him.  They asked from some female volunteers to go on stage.  The DJ played music and encouraged the women to strip for money.  At first the acted like they were embarrassed, but as soon as the music came on, they had no trouble participating.

I went toward the back of the room and found my original table.  Cujo walks back up to me and is looking around my feet.  I asked what is wrong and he doesn’t say anything.  I then look on the ground and see his grill lying there on the floor.  I say, “Is that what you’re looking for?”  He picks the grill off the floor, puts it right in his mouth and walks away.

Still no Luke.  The next musical interlude had a random guy from the audience run up on stage, grab a mic and start rapping.  After a couple of minutes, the cops came on stage and escorted him off.  As he tried to finish his song  (even while being dragged off) I looked closer and realized it was the guy I went with to Senior Prom.  Hmmm.

The next hour consisted of them playing a teaser of “It’s Your Birthday” and some woman getting on stage to show how well she could do the splits on a beer bottle.  By now it’s 1:00am and I am slowing starting to realize that I probably didn’t need to be there.  So, I walked to my car and had my own personal concert listening to Luke on CD.

M.Y.  September 2009

The Politics of It All

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The Politics Of It All

Aug09-4I recently found out about a job position that was going to be posted.  I actually was told about it almost a month before it was posted, but wasn’t supposed to find out.  With hearing of the opening, I was also told that the position was pretty much created and guaranteed to someone else.

Hearing about this bothered me greatly.  This is a position that I am more qualified for – there is no question about it.  So, instead of believing the rumor, I went directly to the person hiring and asked her if these comments were true. She was shocked at the information I heard, but said although the position would be posted, nobody’s name was attached to it.  She asked that I not say anything about the job until it was posted in order to not cause unnecessary drama amongst others.  So I said nothing.  I knew that if I decided to apply, I needed to respect her wishes.

Well, last Friday the job opening was announced.  Immediately others asked if I was going to apply for the position.  Soon after, though, they’d always say that they heard that the position was going to a less qualified and experienced person.  So I had a dilemma.  Do I put myself out there and prove that I am the best candidate for the position?  Or do I not even waste my time with the politics that it all has been promised in the favor of someone else.

I thought long and hard about what to do.  This would be a management position with a lot of potential to increase many of my skills.  Why should I give in to the situation without even trying?  So, I went on and applied. I took time to prepare answers to the questions I thought would be asked and collected documentation of the work I’ve done thus far to prove that I am the most qualified.

My interview was today.  I felt I did a great job and discussed how my skills could further enhance the organization. I walked out with my head held high and felt it would be up to them to prove that the other candidate had skills that could match mine.

And everything was fine, until an hour later when more people said “That’s horrible that the other person is going to get the job you deserve.”  Uggh!  I will not find out about the position until the middle of next week.  I am hoping that I will be given a fair chance (regardless of what others say) and would love to prove them all wrong.  I have prayed about the situation and know that if it’s meant to be my new opportunity, then I will be given that chance.   Time shall tell!

M.Y. August 2009