You all know me, you all know my heart, you know my loyalty lies within these pages. I have been here since late 2007 and from my first ABC, I was hooked.
I was chosen to intern back in 2010 and it was a whirlwind experience for me. It was such an honor to be chosen to intern because I was the first woman to be chosen and it completely blew my mind. Of course, whatever it took to show my appreciation, I was down. The craziness of the whole experience, forever changed me. Working with the fellas, getting to know more about the company and the generosity that was extended at every angle. One thing that sticks with me, is on that Sunday, we had a all met for breakfast and geared up for the final day. Sitting there among friends that I had known, new friends that I had met while working, the men that I have looked up to and learned so much from, was just an experience that I won't forget. The weekend was a blur, but I came home a new person, like a part of the team...
I was never expected to do anything more than give my best, work my hardest, do my thing, and be the best me that I can be. Being a part of something like this enabled me to do all of those things because it gave me a sense of belonging and pride. Being associated with Animal has pushed me to rise above and push beyond barriers that I never thought I'd break!!
I was chosen again in 2012 to intern, honored once again, I knew what I was in for... Or so I thought... The crowds, the rush, the craziness of the Cage had grown and surpassed the previous years... Busy from open to close, people standing 6 deep to buy product, people with VIP passes in hand standing in wait to get into The Cage... Wow... The constant hustle and bustle of the days is not for the weary, but I have learned that the chosen have always stepped up and never faltered. The experience of the weekend is mind blowing to say the least.
The people that I have met here have become my family for the simple fact that when I fell, they caught me, when I was down, they lifted me, when I feared, they give me strength, when I doubted myself, they give me confidence. I have always tried to extend myself to do whatever it is that they need because they have done for me. I could never do enough to repay them all, so I just try to pay it forward. If given the opportunity to intern again, you bet I would hold it as high of an honor as I ever have.
The Cage, the Forvm and those here have forever changed me. Over these years, I have trained and rested, lost and gained weight, been injured and recovered, suffered losses and gained prospective, graced the stage and experienced defeat, all with The Legion by my side. Whatever I can do to lend a hand, give back, spread the word, etc... I am your girl...
And one last thing...
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me..."
Oh, and...
PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP???
I really don't have "favorite" gym pics (while training) because I tend to make some awful faces....lmao
Originally Posted by Trebin
Hell fn yes I am in on this. Last year was the best time I have ever had at the cage. I live in town so there is no doubt I will be at the cage this year. I want to do it as it is an honor to help out and be side by side w/ the big dogs. I am really excited this year as I am a lot more versed in Animal and know a lot of the guys. I am also pretty excited to be able to lift with some of the pro's.
Since I joined this site I have made tremendous gains and I know that if I didn't have the support from Animal, the athletes and the users here that I would have probably quit a long time ago. But with dudes like Guns, Apollo, Shukin, Mattman, Sprint, Funky, Freighttrain, Madcat, Tark, Domichi, Blondie, Deanna, Solid Dreams, Wedge, Enforcer, P Diesel, House and especially Higa for taking me under his wing for strongman. Plus everyone else I truly wouldn't be where I am. This is more then a brand to me and is a way of life, I would really enjoy the op to intern at the cage again this year. Since I am local I am even available to help unload and set up the cage Thursday or whenever you guys get in town. I am also thinking of having some people out for dinner so let me know if anyone is interested. Here is a pic of me in all my shirts.
Man, with Pak celebrating an amazing 30 years, all the athletes that have been here, and the new ones that will be in the cage, who would want to miss this? I have been wanting to get to the cage for years but have been deployed for the it since before 2009! Retiring from service and being back in the states is my first real oppotunity to make it. I have been on here since 07, the begining! I have absolutely made some amazing friends, I dont want to leave anyone out so Ill just say, you know who you are! Your all family! Thats what this has become for me!
What a better way to get introduced to the cage than to intern? I cant think of any better way! And like I said, 30 years of Pak, all these great powerlifters that have been recently signed, and of course all the past Animals that have made the cage what it is, I have a feeling it is gonna be the best year yet!
I bleed Animal, and am beyond ready to finally meet all my brothers and sisters at the national event!
Originally Posted by deanna7272
Amen...
We all know where you're coming from C... I understand and welcome the fact that we will be having more and more people frequenting the Forvm over the next few months, but it seems to be that we start to have people start dusting off the pages of their threads, lovin' the label, and making themselves more visible but when the new year rolls around only to disappear by April or May when something else catches their interest... (( I also understand that people have "lives" outside the Forvm and I don't expect everyone to quit their jobs, take the kiddos to the sitter, and sit reading and interacting ALL day...lol ))
Your statement should be taken not to push people away, but to have them understand just what it means to the majority of us. There are many from miles and miles away that would give anything to be here and help (GUNS, for example) but aren't as fortunate as we are to have The Cage in our backyards, but that doesn't give anyone the right to come around, just because it's local.
I'm sure it's all seen by the powers that be ((don'tcha just LOVE that title??? lol)) and they see through it all and make quality selections (it's their image/product that is reinforced by our loyalty, right?)
With that being said... Bring on the entries, I am sure that we have some quality members that will step up to lend a hand!!!! Good luck to all!!!
Originally Posted by Nix0r
I would so love to be a part of this once again.
The Cage is one of the few things I can look forward to every year. A staple. Somewhere I know I will be. All that being said, I have an absolute blast every year. Over the past trips to The Cage, I've had to do it all: load / unload weight, work The Shop, make sure Rob had a constant flow of Rage coursing through his veins, run to downtown C-Bus in the rain to get supplies, curse vividly with G, Juggs, and T-Dirty while troubleshooting the live stream (this seems to be a yearly funbus) and hope the laptop microphone doesn't pick up said cursing.
But yeah, every year is always full of new experiences, seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and destroying Mr. Dead in eating competitions.
Yes, I am over 18... maybe not mentally but that depends on who you ask..
I am also staying in the same hotel as Nix and Phil and their crew (surprise!) so we will all be there early so no worries about time/place to stay/etc..
Now, as far as the ANIMAl shirt.. I will have to wait and post one when I get home. Don't have any on my work comp.
Haven't got to intern since my second year at the Arnold, but it was honestly the best experience I've had at the Arnold aside from pulling a PR of 675 in front of Ed Coan and Stan Efferding. The Arnold is my getaway and a vacation from the rest of the world every year. I agree with NIX that it's honestly one of the only things I truly look forward to. There's always something new and incredible and inspiring to see at the Cage and I Would love to intern again, but whoever gets picked... get ready! lol.. You will run and run and be on your feet and meet some great people on both sides of those big black barrels but either way, you will grow inside and out. I promise that
Fraternal order of the Animal- Super Hero
The Crew™
Saraigh
"You have to be willing to die by the sword even if you don't have one."- Brian Bosworth
"In chasing the impossible you often pass everyone else that is caught up trying to achieve the highest levels of what each of them deem to be possible."- Anonymous
You all know me, you all know my heart, you know my loyalty lies within these pages. I have been here since late 2007 and from my first ABC, I was hooked.
I was chosen to intern back in 2010 and it was a whirlwind experience for me. It was such an honor to be chosen to intern because I was the first woman to be chosen and it completely blew my mind. Of course, whatever it took to show my appreciation, I was down. The craziness of the whole experience, forever changed me. Working with the fellas, getting to know more about the company and the generosity that was extended at every angle. One thing that sticks with me, is on that Sunday, we had a all met for breakfast and geared up for the final day. Sitting there among friends that I had known, new friends that I had met while working, the men that I have looked up to and learned so much from, was just an experience that I won't forget. The weekend was a blur, but I came home a new person, like a part of the team...
I was never expected to do anything more than give my best, work my hardest, do my thing, and be the best me that I can be. Being a part of something like this enabled me to do all of those things because it gave me a sense of belonging and pride. Being associated with Animal has pushed me to rise above and push beyond barriers that I never thought I'd break!!
I was chosen again in 2012 to intern, honored once again, I knew what I was in for... Or so I thought... The crowds, the rush, the craziness of the Cage had grown and surpassed the previous years... Busy from open to close, people standing 6 deep to buy product, people with VIP passes in hand standing in wait to get into The Cage... Wow... The constant hustle and bustle of the days is not for the weary, but I have learned that the chosen have always stepped up and never faltered. The experience of the weekend is mind blowing to say the least.
The people that I have met here have become my family for the simple fact that when I fell, they caught me, when I was down, they lifted me, when I feared, they give me strength, when I doubted myself, they give me confidence. I have always tried to extend myself to do whatever it is that they need because they have done for me. I could never do enough to repay them all, so I just try to pay it forward. If given the opportunity to intern again, you bet I would hold it as high of an honor as I ever have.
The Cage, the Forvm and those here have forever changed me. Over these years, I have trained and rested, lost and gained weight, been injured and recovered, suffered losses and gained prospective, graced the stage and experienced defeat, all with The Legion by my side. Whatever I can do to lend a hand, give back, spread the word, etc... I am your girl...
And one last thing...
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me..."
Oh, and...
PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP???
I really don't have "favorite" gym pics (while training) because I tend to make some awful faces....lmao
Head intern nomination right here!
GUNS Journey GUNS Universal page Military Animals Forvm Rules
“Every time you stay out late; every time you sleep in; every time you miss a workout; every time you don’t give 100%… you make it that much easier for me to beat you.”
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” ~ Arnold
“The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that.” ~ Arnold
Awww.. thanks for the sentiment and I truly appreciate it... BUT geezy peezy, those are HUGE shoes to fill...lol Ghost is the man and has done a wonderful job keeping us all in line (which is not an easy task...lol) He is DEFINITELY going to be missed this year... Wait until you see the madness... It's beyond words... I don't know if anyone can actually imagine until they have been there...lol
I do appreciate the thought though... ;)
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
Let's see where to begin. Interning at the Cage is beyond special for me since it always seems to not only strengthen bonds with the other Animals but also it gives you the amazing opportunity to represent the company and its products. You're able to not only sell but also talk one on one with people who are either new to Animal or people who have been using the products for years and want to catch up on whats new. Last year i was able to talk with a few fellas that had been using Pak and Flex and were interested in using Stak and Test. Then there was this fella who has put on some sweet gains with MStak and was so pumped that he graduated to an XL.
It's also a blast seeing everyone line up and rush to get the LE gear and almost trample one another for the Cage shirt haha. Then once again bonding with everyone that is working with you. Chilling with THE Chase Browning or Christian Coronato; Arguing with Nix on who has the better lat spread; Making silly faces for Deanna's camera; It's insanely awesome and i can't miss it.
Every year gets bigger and better. It would be an absolute honor to represent again by Interning! Now for some sexy pics:
im not going to suger coat it guys.back in 07 i was in a really bad car crash i was in a wheel chair for a year doc said i mite not walk agin.a good freaind took me to arnold classic a lil after that and i got to see the cage for the first time it was like a big yellow kick to the face.i got that first yellow tee and the jornel.started taking my pak my flex my pump reading on hear and learnig and geting bigger.i dident go out and party i lost a lot of freainds but the only one that mattered to me was that guy on the can.6 years later an i still cant throw a can away just dont seam right. i guess wat im trying to get at is if i wasent for that moment at the cage i mite be a diferent person today .i finely got the balls to join this place and got the stones to ask to work the cage.its so much more than a brand to me it really is
im not going to suger coat it guys.back in 07 i was in a really bad car crash i was in a wheel chair for a year doc said i mite not walk agin.a good freaind took me to arnold classic a lil after that and i got to see the cage for the first time it was like a big yellow kick to the face.i got that first yellow tee and the jornel.started taking my pak my flex my pump reading on hear and learnig and geting bigger.i dident go out and party i lost a lot of freainds but the only one that mattered to me was that guy on the can.6 years later an i still cant throw a can away just dont seam right. i guess wat im trying to get at is if i wasent for that moment at the cage i mite be a diferent person today .i finely got the balls to join this place and got the stones to ask to work the cage.its so much more than a brand to me it really is
Glad you're here and glad your still "here"... . And I have to say.... I don't throw any of my stuff away either...lol. I have a hard time cutting shirts too, they all mean so much to me... ((I just bought the last 3 M squat til ya puke shirts, just so I can cut one...lol))
Good luck M...
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
I am going to withdraw my app to be an intern. With Shukin coming up to stay with me for the weekend we are going to make sure we hit all the strongman stuff and can hang in the cage all day.
Thnks man the only reason I cut the yellow one in the pic is bc I ropes the arm pit out benching lol thanks for the goodluck man
Ms... ;-)
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
My intentions were in the right place lol I knew which GUN* I was talking to! Haha
Hahaha, wasnt sure, it has happened already a few times! Definately looking forward to meeting "THE"!
GUNS Journey GUNS Universal page Military Animals Forvm Rules
“Every time you stay out late; every time you sleep in; every time you miss a workout; every time you don’t give 100%… you make it that much easier for me to beat you.”
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” ~ Arnold
“The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that.” ~ Arnold
Wish I was going to be in country this year....grrrrr
Me too... and I am sure I speak for the masses... Just won't be the same without ya...Who's gonna carry the chains?? To think out of all the freaks at the Expo, the Irish guy from Detroit always gets the WTF looks....lol
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
Guess I'll throw my hat in the ring. The Cage in itself is an amazing experience, but having the opportunity to intern is on another level. Working with the crew and being on the inside.. Crazy. Once you step on the other side of the black barrels, you see everything from a new perspective. Time no longer stands still and you aren't just soaking up the sights and sounds... you are living them.
I was first selected to be an intern at the Arnold in 2011. It was crazy. I stood watch over the VIP section, passing out VIP passes and shootin the shit with anyone who wanted to get a closer look inside the Cage. It was only my second Cage ever, and there I was thrown in the mix. Unreal experience. That same year I had the opportunity to intern in Vegas as well. The Cage in Vegas is a totally different ballgame. Its a little less crazy, so you have a lot more time to actually talk shop with fans/customers. It was great to get the chance to spread my knowledge of the brand and help people make informed decisions instead of throwing supplements in their faces. I mean that's what Animal is all about right? In 2012, I was selected to be a "Super Intern" along with a few other lucky guys. We had a blast. We worked the entire weekend in The Shop. Slingin supplements, shirts, and knowledge. We were very happy to be a part of Animal's first ever total sell out! If I remember right we were down to XXL's and few select supplements by Saturday evening, all which was then sold out by 1-2pm on Sunday. I was also blessed to be a part of the first ever Universal booth at the Olympia Expo in 2012, which is something that I am very proud of.
I hope that I can be a part of "The Crew" again this year. It is unreal. I look forward to it every year. Great times. Great people. Great atmosphere. After working with The Crew and other interns over the years, I would like to think I play a role in helping to make The Cage a success as do all of the interns.
Regardless, I will see you guys there!
As for my favorite picture. The House and I in Vegas at the National ABC at Gold's Flamingo. Shame it closed down.