As a young girl I always knew I didn't want to grow up and become a typical conservative, suburban housewife with a bunch kids and the white picket fence. Nor was I motivated or encouraged to go to college to become a doctor, lawyer, or some other type of "respectable professional."

No To Me growing up meant that I could do anything I wanted to do. I could make my own rules. Design my life anyway I wanted it. Live my dreams. After all, my mother always told Me "Death is the ultimate reality. Life is nothing but a dream so dear daughter you may as well dream a great dream and you'll live it!"

The passing of time has proven to me that Mom was right...I dreamed about living a life filled with glamour, sexual excitement, emotional and intellectual fulfillment and to possess a body that would represent My high standard for personal excellence. My dreams have all become my reality. Not many people I know can say they live their dreams. My life rocks!

In so far as my body is concerned I have achieved international acclaim as a champion bodybuilder and I have been featured frequently in all the most popular fitness magazines including FLEX, Muscle Mag International, Ironman, Muscle & Fitness, Muscular Development, Women's Physique World and Muscle Elegance to name just a few. I am also a featured athlete in the books "The Women: Photographs Of The Top Female Bodybuilders" and "Modern Amazons" (both by famed physique photographer Bill Dobbins).

In addition to building the body I dreamed of as a young girl I have also created a lifestyle that is the envy of many of my friends and acquaintances. I don't have a "vanilla world" job but instead make my living by flexing my muscles for photographers, fans and admirers and playing dress-up. Life is great - I am living my dreams!

School Background (degrees, schools, etc, etc): I guess you can say I've got brains and brawn! I studied business and health sciences I graduated with honors and an Associate of Arts Degree. Athletic Background/Achievements:

• 1989 Tournament Of Champions Overall (My 1st Contest!)
• 1990 North American Championships - 6th Heavyweight
• 1990 USA Championships - 10th Heavyweight
• 1992 Orange County Muscle Classic - Overall
• 1992 California State Championships - Overall
• 1992 North American Championships - 2nd Heavyweight
• 1994 North American Championships - 2nd Heavyweight
• 1997 Muscle Mania World Championships - Overall

How long have you been lifting? What got you started?
I began training with weights in 1978. I joined a local gym after graduating from high school just to stay active and prevent weight gain. By a stroke of fate, I met a woman at the gym who was into lifting heavy weights (ironically her name was Janet Strong!) and she suggested that I train heavy too. Fortunately, I thought she had a great body and figured, "Hey, if weight training can make me look that hot too, I'll certainly give it a try." Thank you, Janet. THANK YOU!

What are your future goals in athletics and weight lifting?
As a maturing recreational athlete it is my desire to brand my image as a fitness role model for men and women over the age of forty.

What empowers/motivates you as an athlete?
I am motivated as an athlete by my passion to challenge myself to be my personal best mentally and physically.

How do you feel about the increasing trend of more and more women lifting weights and changing traditionally male domains by breaking past stereotypes?
I feel the recent trend of more and more women asserting themselves in "male dominated" roles and activities such as weight training is a positive indicator that women are breaking free from culturally and socially institutionalized stereotypes. Freedom of expression...it's a beautiful thing!

How do people react to you lifting weights and/or being muscular?
The reactions I have received have been varied. During the peak of my athletic training and competitive career most people reacted with either total awe or complete disapproval toward my extremely lean, muscular physique. Since I have retired and detrained to a less massive version of my previous competitive physique and the general public is more accepting of muscular women I am frequently approached by men and women of all ages with respect, reverence and appreciation. Especially when I make it known that I am well into my forties!

Were you always strong, even as a child? Do strength and fitness come natural to you or is it mostly hard work?
I don't really recall any sense of feeling unusually strong as a young girl but I can recall that I readily took to athletics. However, it wasn't until I was introduced to the sport of bodybuilding that my potential as an athlete was realized. That's when the hard work began...twenty plus years of it!

Has lifting had a positive impact on your life and how?
YES!!! My desire to develop my body to its fullest potential required that I also develop various mental skills such as visualization, goal setting, discipline, belief in positive outcomes, etc., etc. Consequently, athletic training prepared my mind for competition on the stage and in life.