The dust has settled...cough...cough! :)

Well guys, it's all over...

As most of you probably know, I didn't place nearly as well as I had hoped. I was in the 3rd callout and I think I placed an unofficial 16th (based on my name being first after #15 on the MD site). Not that it really matters though. LOL

As I stood up there on the diagonals I was initially disappointed, but as I reflected, I honestly began to feel ok with my placement. I thought about it, and realized I put 100% into my prep and came in looking my best ever. How could I possibly complain or be upset? If there were guys better than me that day, then they deserved to place higher. I felt good knowing I did the absolute best I could and I was satisfied with my achievements, regardless of my placing.

Of course there's always at least one take-away lesson from every 'failure' we experience in life, and I think we can garner a few big ones here:

1. Allowing YOU to be the only judge of yourself is all that's important in determining whether you were successful in your endeavor of choice. Don't let others' opinions dictate whether you are/were successful.

2. Remember that even though you may not reach your goal, you can always learn something from your 'failure' and improve based on the knowledge you gained from your experience. Also remember that 'failure' is a verb and NOT a noun. Just because you didn't reach a goal doesn't mean you're a failure - it only means you have an opportunity to try again!

And 3., (on a bodybuilding-specific level): I need to be a heavyweight for my height to try and move up in placements, as I'm just too darn tall for the light-heavies. (Boy I never thought I'd be saying I'm too tall!!! LOL)

I have a lot more to say that I'll post in the future and all in all, the weekend was a blast - I'll write more in the next post about it!

In Vegas!

Hey guys what's up?

We're in Vegas. We came out yesterday and I have two words - Murphy's Law. It all worked out in the end though. Here's how it went down:

Our first flight from DC to Chicago for our connection was canceled an hour before we got to the airport. After haggling with the United Air rep, they got us on an AA flight. Of course this meant we had to go to the back of the longest line in the entire airport and the departure time was approaching quickly. We barely made it onto that flight and were on our way to Chicago...

(Of course those dirty bastards confiscated my peanut butter when going through security though! Arrraaggghh!!!! Since when is peanut butter a liquid???)

We got to Chicago and had to haul arse across the airport back to the United terminal (at least I got some extra cardio right?!). Everything looked good until that point and we boarded the plane. Then we found out the pilots hadn't arrived yet but would be there in 20 minutes. No biggie. Well the 20 minutes turned into almost 2 hrs on the tarmac and then by the time they arrived we had to wait for thunderstorms and Air Force One was in the area so we had to wait for that too. Fun stuff!!!

Now of course all this wouldn't be that much of a big deal if weigh-in's weren't 6:30-8:00pm. We finally got airborne and arrived in Vegas at 6:30pm (close to 3 hrs later than expected). We got our luggage, hurried over to the rental car place (this part wasn't bad) and sped over to the hotel. We got there at 8:00pm, I ran in, and made weight at 197 lbs.

Whew!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little flat and my water intake got a little screwed up on the trip but overall things look great and I think tonight will be a lot of fun. My good friend Shaun Crump will be in my class so that'll be a blast if we both make the same callout.

I'll keep y'all posted! Wish me luck!!!!!!!

Ready to Do Battle

We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.

-- Winston Churchill

One Week Out from USAs!

Well guys - we made it. It's been a long road but we're finally here...

I'm one week out from USAs.

We carb depleted all last week to strip off that last bit of fat and make sure I can make weight, and we're starting to throw the carbs back in gradually starting today. I'm so excited to be able to eat carbs again I feel like I'm already off my diet! LOL.

As you can see from the pics I'm extremely stringy and depleted, but I think once I get some food in me and fill out things will come together nicely. Without a doubt, this will be my best combination of size and conditioning ever.

You never know who's going to show up on contest day, but I feel ready to stand next to anyone. I've done the work and in my mind I've already achieved my goal - to be in my best shape ever. Now it's time to relax, have some fun, and get 'er done!!!

There's Another Wojciechowski!

It's official...Rae and I got married!!! We did a small JP thing here in MD with my mom and my best buddy Steve and his wife Heather as witnesses.

It was really quick so we plan on doing a "real" ceremony for our friends and family Jan or Feb of next year in Mexico. We're still deciding on a location so if any of you have recommendations let me know. It'll probably be Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta or something along those lines.

She's even taking my last name! Crazy - I know! I told her I'd understand if she didn't want to since it's so long but she's all for it so what can I say? We have another Wojciechowski! She even had up a tank top made up that said "Mrs. Wojo" - it was hilarious!

Although it still feels and sounds weird to call her my wife, it's also a wonderful feeling knowing you've found someone who is honest, caring, supportive, and 100% behind you in whatever you do. I wish the same for all of you!

Rest in Peace...

It's been a rough couple days in the Wojciechowski household. Our English bulldog Jackson had to be put down Tuesday. He had severe internal GI issues that we (along with the vet), felt even with extremely invasive treatment and surgery, gave him minimal chances of recovery. Considering his age and the poor prognosis, we didn't see the point in selfishly prolonging any potential suffering he may be experiencing (or would from the required procedures) and let him go.

Although he's in doggy heaven right now, let events like this remind all of us of the fragility of life. You truly never know when it will be your turn or when someone you love will be suddenly taken from you.

With this in mind, it's important to fully appreciate and make the most of the time you have with someone while they're still here. Make sure they know how much you care for them and treat every moment as if it could be your last. Live and love without regret and once the pain of a loss subsides, you'll eventually be able to look back and smile from all the great memories and experiences you shared together.

As Promised...

As Jim Carrey would say...

"Smmoooooooookkkkkiiinnnnnnnnn'!"

Happy 4th of July!

What's up guys (and gals of course!)

I hope everyone is doing well today and enjoying their 4th of July - a day that represents the culmination of many hard-fought battles and subsequent victories our country has accomplished to eventually gain it's sovereignty.

While our country still has plenty of challenges to face both domestically and abroad, for not this day, none of us would be living in arguably the best country in the world.

It was a concerted effort by the people that lead to our independence. Soldiers, politicians, leaders, and people just like you and me all came together and united towards a common goal - freedom.

It is truly remarkable what can be accomplished when people align their interests and put aside their differences.

Please enjoy your day and take a moment to reflect on what this day means to you and the lessons it offers.

Until next time -

Stay strong, stay safe, and God bless -

Jason

Pictures part 3 of 3

Pictures - Part 2 of 3

Atlantic States/NYC Pictures - Part 1 of 3

Here's a few pics from the Atlantic States and the tourist stuff we did while in NYC.