Christmas is just around the corner! And while most normal reactions would probably be something along the lines of “I can’t believe Christmas is already here,” I can’t help but think, “Our last home game of the 2011 regular season is coming up!”

This football season has been full of so many wonderful firsts for me, and I am saddened to see it coming to an end so quickly. It seems like only yesterday I was a Training Camp Candidate, frazzled and frantic as I awaited my DCC fate. Then in one sudden swoop, I was preparing to cheer at Monday Night Football games and Enrique Iglesias halftime shows!

As a Rookie, I have learned that there is no amount of field practice, dance repetition or yard-line memorization that can prepare you for the rush that you get stepping onto the turf in the iconic star-spangled uniform and performing for America’s Team. And as we prepare for our last home game of the regular season – complete with a Bieber fever medley Holiday Halftime extravaganza – I still struggle to contain my emotions on the field, and find myself holding back tears of joy and personal accomplishment throughout the games.

This holiday season I am humbly thankful for the friends and memories I have made thus far, both on and off the field. From chowing down on ribs for CMT’s Top Secret Recipe (we were terrified of getting BBQ sauce on our uniforms!), to celebrating a very special day for chronically-ill children and their families at the Kidd’s Kids Disney World Sendoff (growing up listening to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning added extra excitement!), to donning creepy masks and dancing backward to Thriller for Halloween Halftime (you wouldn’t know it, but my mask broke just minutes before we hit the field! With the help of my teammates, I was able to fix it and evade a major panic attack), all in all, I couldn’t pick just one favorite moment!

With seven regular-season home games under my star-studded belt, I’m starting to get the hang of the game-day routine. Early 6 a.m. call times, lengthy five minute halftime routines, grueling four hour practices, three action-packed-hour football games and two tryout attempts doesn’t end with a partridge in a pear tree … but it does make for one very happy DCC!

I look forward to spending Christmas Eve supporting the ‘Boys in our eighth and final home game of the 2011 regular season!

Were you named after anyone?
I was not named after anyone, but my mom made up the spelling to my middle name (Nycole). My grandmother wasn’t too pleased at first because it didn’t properly sound out “Nicole,” so my parents decided to pronounce it phonetically, with an emphasis on the ‘Y.’ Oh, and I am also not related to Tex Schramm, although my dad did meet him once, and Tex told him that our family must’ve “dropped an ‘M’ somewhere!”

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
My favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip. But it HAS to be the green kind with the chocolate flakes. Not chips!

What shoes from your collection do you wear the most?
Out of my current shoe collection, the ones that get the most wear are a pair of flip-flop flats that are dressy enough to wear to work, but comfy and casual enough to wear when I’m out and about. And you’d never know they were only 10 dollars!

What is your favorite fast-food chain?
My favorite fast food chain is Taco Bell. My typical order? Chicken quesadilla, cheesy gordita crunch, a crunch-wrap supreme, side of queso, side of sour cream. But only on cheat days.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I have been told that I can imitate people and voices really well, but don’t ask me on the spot because then I probably couldn’t do it.

What is the last thing that made you laugh?
The last thing that made me laugh was probably something that one of my sisters said. I have the most entertaining family.

What is the last thing that made you cry?
The last thing that made me cry was the last home game, right after we finish our pregame performance to “Thunderstruck” and we’re all lined up in the Miller Lite Club about to do player intros. It gets me every time.

Red or pink?
Pink!

Do you collect anything?
I collect hair products. I am a connoisseur of hairspray. I never leave the house without it.

Apple juice or orange juice?
I don’t particularly care for either, I prefer coffee and water with my breakfast.

Sweet tea or soda?
Neither, regular tea.

Have you ever been addicted to any video game, computer game or phone game?
I am undefeated in Mario Kart (but I have to be Yoshi, and only on Nintendo 64. I keep it old school.) I absolutely love Dance Dance Revolution, and I am the Guitar Hero (did I mention I used to be a nanny? So it was all in the job description!).

Do you have any pets? 
I have a Pit mix named Brewsky and a Shepherd mutt named Lacie. And, my family recently took in another rescue Pit mix and we named him Tex. They are all sweet as can be and wouldn’t hurt a fly. And they all think they’re tiny lap dogs.

What kind of sandwich did you take to school as a child?
I don’t remember what kind of sandwich I took. All I remember is having a Spiderman lunchbox and getting teased by all my classmates for having a “boy’s” lunchbox. So from then on I made my mom pack my lunch in a brown paper bag.

Who is your all time favorite band?
My all time favorite band is Something Corporate.

Have you ever been out of the country? If so, where?
I went to Italy a few years ago and traveled to Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice and Pisa. It was one of the most beautiful and incredible experiences of my life. I’ve also cruised to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Ah, paradise!

Would you rather watch a scary movie or an action movie? 
Depends on the mood!

Comedy or romantic movie?
Comedy always. I love all things Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.

Do you have any bad habits?
I have a really bad habit of hitting the snooze button one too many times.

Are you clean or messy?
I go through phases of being really clean and really messy. I can be quite messy at times, but I prefer to call it an organized mess.

What was your high school’s mascot?
Wolves! Go P West!

What was your childhood dream job?
When I was a child I wanted to be a bird because I wanted to be able to fly. Apparently I had a wild imagination because I actually thought it was possible.

Are you a morning or night person?
I am a total night owl, but I wish more than anything that I could be a morning person. I have never not hit the snooze button at least once, and don’t talk to me until I get my coffee.

If you HAD to change your name, what would it be?
When I was in the second grade, I told my teacher that my mom changed my name to Tracy because I really wanted that name for some odd reason. I even wrote it on all my school papers and in my diary. But I prefer “boy” names for girls, so today I would probably choose something like Taylor or Jordan, and I love the name Cameo. It was the name of an adorable little girl I used to nanny and it grew on me.

What was your favorite TV show as a child?
My favorite TV show growing up was Saved by the Bell (the original class, and not the college years). I have a lot of the episodes recorded on a VHS.

What is your favorite TV show now?
My favorite TV show today is It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

What are three things that most people don’t know about you?
1. I’m a lefty
2. I suffered from a broken back at the ripe young age of 14, and had to learn how to walk all over again.
3. I am one of four girls in my family. My dad is so lucky!

‘Twas the night before tryouts and all thru the metroplex,
Not a finalist was stirring, not even a vet!
The costumes for solos are all hung with care,
In hopes that the number is called that they wear.

The dancers are nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of kicklines repeat in their heads.
And Kelli and Judy with their notes and their scores,
Tomorrow the judges will surely take more!

When out on the field there arose such commotion,
As girls dance on the star with so much emotion.
Down to the splits they flew like a flash,
Performing the kickline, like it could be their last.

The judges way up in the stands watch below,
When they find the right girl for the uniform, they’ll know!
When, what to their watchful eyes should appear,
But so many talented girls, so sincere.

With a couple of girls that you surely won’t forget,
You know in a moment they must be a vet!
So lively and pretty when they cheer at a game,
They’re America’s Sweethearts and you know them by name!

“Now Cassie! now, Jackie! now, Lauren! now, Syndey!
On Meagan! On, Mia! On Melissa and Whitney!
To the top of the star! To the 50 yard line!
Now dance! Perform! Show them how you shine!”

And then in a twinkling you see on the field,
So much passion and precision in the stadium filled!
As they draw down their heads and watch down below,
The judges surely are in for a show!

They’re all dressed in Nike with big Bed Head hair,
Hoping to earn back the Luccheses they wear.
They dance with such grace in all perfect form,
‘Cause the vets want to earn back their uniform.

The judges are certainly in for a task,
Selecting the girls that will fight to last.
They go over the finalists with deliberation,
Giving each and every girl equal consideration.

After hours and hours and hundreds that dance,
They’ve narrowed it down to those with a chance.
And finally Kelli and Judy agree,
They’ve picked out the hopefuls to become DCC!

As they enter the room and stand before all,
Everyone draws quiet and stares up in awe.
And one by one Kelli goes down the list,
Calling the names of the girls that they picked.

As each girl is called they hold back a scream,
They’ve come one step closer to making the team!
But Kelli and Judy both certainly know,
Just how much work is still left to go.

Training Camp is next, no if ands or buts,
If you don’t work your hardest, you just might get cut!
“So let it be known,” Kelli says with honest might,
“Congratulations to all! Now get ready to fight!!”

As I’m pulling into Valley Ranch for what must be at least the 600^th time over the past three years, I get an overwhelming rush of nerves and butterflies. While it’s totally normal to have these feelings every time you step into the DCC Studio (yes, every single time. In fact, I would argue it’s cause for concern if you were completely relaxed going in!), this sensation was particularly overcoming. For this was the first official practice of Training Camp.

I’ve experienced Training Camp a time or two. Well, technically three. I’ve been a Training Camp Candidate twice, having been cut on the last night of camp my first go-round. But I persevered, returned and made the team after my second try. Now I’m going into my third season as a DCC and beginning my fourth Training Camp. You’d think it would be as easy as pie at this point; jump splits, 30-plus dance routines, kick line … piece of cake, right? Ha, hardly. Nothing about being internationally acclaimed is a cakewalk.

Training Camp is no bake sale.

While it is certainly different going into Training Camp as a DCC compared to a TCC, the amount of work (and sometimes nerves) is still the same. It’s only shifted. We learned the dances, but now we need to perform and sell it. We know all the rules, and now we have to exemplify them. We are aware of the prominence that comes with the uniform, now we are expected to uphold it. We know the legacy and tradition, we want to continue it. And there is always the notion that no position on the team is ever guaranteed.

But that is what makes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders world-renown. The standard of excellence is not forgiven to anyone. Whether you are going into your seventh season as one of America’s Sweethearts or pursuing the famed 15 stars for the first time, the expectations are to be nothing less. As a rookie, dedication, ethics and responsibility are instilled instantly. As a veteran, complacency, assumptions and exceptions are never pondered. You are who your rookies become. It is this mentality that keeps the team in top form, and Training Camp is where the groundwork is laid. Oh, and not to mention the weeks and months of kicking, stretching, dancing, dieting, training … you get the idea! Who needs lounging and carbs? This is Training Camp!

Yet, the experience creates a bond bigger than sisterhood. It’s almost ironic how you’ll look back at all the hard work and realize that you made the best memories and had some of the greatest times ever throughout the experience of Training Camp. I wouldn’t trade all the sweat, tears and cheers for a cakewalk.

Funny how that works.

So whether you’re viewing it on television as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team fan or witnessing it first hand as a DCC hopeful, when Kelli approaches that podium in the always anticipated first meeting at the beginning of Training Camp, and she says with a beaming smile and excited expression, “Welcome to Training Camp!” We can all only imagine what is in store!

When you hear the words “challenge” and “fit foods,” they probably don’t evoke warm fuzzy feelings. However, when I was approached by Kelli and Judy at the beginning of training camp to try the My Fit Foods 21 Day Challenge, I was ecstatic. Albeit for reasons I’m not too proud of (think yo-yo diets and down time), I welcomed the opportunity to try the My Fit Foods Challenge.

Scenario: Enter the mind of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in that moment she is rushing out the door for rehearsal, oftentimes coming from work or school, and it would probably go something like this: “Did I grab my poms? What issued attire are we wearing tonight? I hope I packed the right one! Do I have extra tights with me? It’s 5:00, I bet traffic is bad. I wonder if we need boots tonight. I should probably bring them just in case. I hope they’re already in my car. It’s rush hour, traffic is definitely going to be bad.”

And then the last thing that crosses our mind, “What can I grab to eat really quickly?!”

Anyone can relate to this scenario. OK, so you’re probably not rushing to get to a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading rehearsal, but my point is, everyone has a schedule, whether it’s work, school, or appointments. And true, you’re not grabbing pom-poms as you rush out the door, so they’ll be proverbial for a briefcase or textbooks. Regardless, we are all familiar with that “rushing out the door” feeling, and the “I don’t have time to make something to eat” problem.

There are usually one of two options. Either grab something small and snacky from the pantry (i.e. energy bar, almonds, fruit) or drive through somewhere (fast, convenient, but healthy not so much). Both of these pose problems because small and snacky won’t sustain for long enduring practices (or business meetings or school lectures), leaving us famished and not mentally sharp. And fast food, well, have you seen the McDonald’s documentary Super Size Me? (Or better yet, have you seen our uniforms?)

Enter My Fit Foods.

Imagine a place that has a vast variety of foods, from American to Mexican to Italian, endless meal options, except every recipe is not only good for you, it’s also made to help you lose weight. This is the concept of My Fit Foods. It’s chef-prepared REAL food, made healthfully and perfectly proportioned to give you exactly everything you need. But most importantly, it’s fast and convenient. Think dining quality homemade meals, but with no hassle, thought or preparation. Just pop it in the microwave for a minute and voila!

Now, visualize a diet that’s built around eating, not restricting. Take a plan that does absolutely all the work for you, and a personal consultant just a text or phone call away with you every pound of the way. Your meals are customized to your taste preferences and tailored to accommodate busy schedules. This is the idea behind their Challenge, which is actually anything but challenging, because everything is practically handed to you on a silver platter. (In fact, swap the silver platter for a convenient, microwave safe piece of Tupperware, and this idiom is literal!)

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. Well, the My Fit Foods 21 Day Challenge forms a healthy lifestyle habit. Its meal plan is designed to lose weight and boost metabolism for the long haul, not just a quick-fix diet fad. They provide the food, the tools and the people to get you there; all you need is the motivation to get started.

The meal varieties are endless and delicious, so you’re never bored and NEVER hungry. In fact, I felt the opposite, as My Fit Foods had me eating around the clock. The plan is designed around portion control, eating often, so you’re energized and satisfied throughout the day, never full or sluggish. It practically felt like Christmas morning every time I went to the fridge, as I would pop the lid off the Fit Foods meal container like a child would rip the bow off a present, eyes wide and gleaming with excitement, thinking to myself, “What yummy recipe do I get to try next?” This is a type of challenge I like to accept!

By the end of it I was lighter (about eight pounds to be exact!), toned, energized and, most importantly, reprogrammed and educated on what, when and how to eat, so that I was never hungry, sluggish or confused about food.

I want to give a big Texas-sized THANK YOU to My Fit Foods for challenging me to better myself. Now, I challenge YOU to challenge yourself to make My Fit Foods part of your better lifestyle!