I want wish everyone a Happy New Year! I can't believe how fast the last year has flown by. I can truly say that I am grateful for all that I recieved in 2008, the good and the bad! I tried to remember what my new years resolution was last year, so I wouldn't make the same one...

but the truth is, I never make one single new years resolution. I try to make a little resolution everyday, really. Sometimes it will be to drink more water, recycle, start a new work out program, write old friends often, focus on the positive, take more risks, or not shop as much. Usually by about 3 pm each day, it gets off track at Macy's...but I always get right back on:) 

One thing I have really learned in the past year of "Divahood" in the WWE, and a resolution which I consider my motto, is to focus on consistency and not perfection. Nothing is ever achieved overnight. Not a diet, a lifestyle change, a relationship overhaul...nothing. It takes time and energy and effort each and every day to see small changes equal big results. (Unless you are 3-g like myself and overall perfect!)

I meet people all the time who ask me what it takes to make it to the WWE, or how they can become a Diva. I find that the answer they are looking for, is not one I am capable of giving. Most people don't really want the truth. (Don't ever tell a woman she looks fat even if she asks you to tell the truth!)

Accomplishing my goal of being a diva was not something I just woke up and was...it took me years and years of keeping my eye on the prize. Never giving up, either. Believing in something  that moved me everyday to wake up and want to fight...seeing a goal through till the end. Doing whatever it takes. 

While visiting my family in Calgary, Canada for the holidays, I fell upon an old photo album of pictures I hadn't seen in years. I had forgotten so much  of my past getting wrapped up in the momentum of my everyday life now. I looked back on going to the zoo with my dad and sisters, as a little girl and riding an elephant named Peggy, a go-cart party my mom and dad threw for my 12th birthday, my sister Jenni and I at our old junior high with way too much make up on, old memories where my family was so happy and united under the chandaliers in the Hart House for our weekly Sunday dinners. 

In these pictures, which were really little, individual stories of my life,  I saw the faces of friends and family that have come and gone...and I wish that they were still here today.  I hadn't forgotten about them, but tucked them away into my memory so I wouldn't be reminded of how hard it was to let them go. These people I have lost put things in perspective for me that our lives are more fragile than we know and to make each day count. 

While considering what my goals should be for 2009, I came to the conclusion that for me to really move forward, I had to revisit my past, too. I had to remind myself of how much I have achieved, and how exciting it is going to be to keep climbing the top. When I write my autobiography, I can't wait to say I defeated all the odds. The twists and turns will make for a great story of my life.

The best moments are right in front of us, right now. 2009 is the year of living for the moment and on the edge...coloring outside all the lines.

In less than two weeks, WWE is heading to the Air Canada Center for a huge show. It includes Raw, Smackdown and ECW. I have been fortunate enough to get a little taste of Toronto, before the big showdown.

This past week, I was happy to be a part of many different charities in Toronto,  while promoting our supershow that will be held on December 22nd. The charities we supported were the Special Olympics and the other being the Food Bank in Toronto.

The Special Olympics made me see that no matter how different people are, we are all the same, really. These special athletes, showed heart and desire like no other. Edge and I were kept on our toes while being embraced and challenged by the competitors in Toronto. While Edge played floor hockey with them, I was the coach of our team. I had to call a few time outs, and threatened to compete in high heels. A diva will do what is takes!

While spending time with the athletes, I realized that these Olympians are some of WWE's biggest supporters and knew every detail about our wrestling careers. It made me happy to see how loved we are. In return,  I found inspiration in these people, that I truly consider heroes. I have even been keeping in touch with Zane, the Athlete of the year.

At the food bank, Edge, myself and Rocky Johnson helped sort food into boxes. I had to help Edge get the right cans in the right boxes! Condensed milk does not go in the same box as canned sardines. Edge had the nerve to call me bossy! I just know how to get the job done:)

We also made our supporters aware that on Dec 22, in Toronto's Air Canada Center, we are encouraging fans to contribute in the same way that we do. What you can do to help is to bring a can with you and drop it off at our show for the food bank. It can really help people during this time of year...and I will be the first to say that you get what you give by giving back! It's good karma.

I get so excited to go back to Canada, as it is where my roots are. I am also curious to see if Trish Stratus makes an appearance at the upcoming show, as she does live in the area.

It was only a few weeks ago that Trish had called the Glamazon and myself out on talking "smack" about her. Interesting. I usually try to keep the locker room gossip and bad mouthing to a minimum.  (I like to leave useless drama to the other diva's in the locker room like Maria, Michelle and the Bella's) Anything that is worth fighting about, we can take in the ring... And anything I need to say to Trish, I can say to her face.

I actually am coming out in the open to say that from the very beginning of my career; from when I first stepped foot in the dungeon, I always had a dream of wrestling Trish Stratus. I kept that vision with me for years. What a perfect opponent Trish would have made to test me to my limits. As a fighter, I look for this in my opponents all the time. We have similar parallels, too. Both of us being fierce, aggressive, driven and Canadian. Even my family, has a deep respect for Trish Stratus.

It dissapointed me that she retired when I signed with WWE...and actually, I resented her for haulting what could have been one of WWE's  most monumental women's matches.

I do believe that Trish, being a 7 time Women's Champion, could have made history in the ring with me.  I would have gladly brought the dungeon to her and made her show her guts! I think she would have driven me to test my own personal limits. Everything I learned about survival, from the Dungeon to Japan, would mean something when we finally faced off.

 Trish chose to never let that moment see the light of day. Kind of selfish of Stratus in my opionion...but I can see why she may have had reservations about fighting me...because she had to preserve her legacy. It's totally understandable, yet it doesn't make it right.

No hard feelings, though.  I am not going to embrace her with open arms if I see her in Toronto.  I am sure the Glamazon would agree!

That's a little food for thought.

Until next time, the Neidhart's wish you a safe and happy holiday. Tis the season for giving and fighting! Yeah, baby!

Natalya

Dreams are extremely important. You can't do it unless you imagine it.   -George Lucas

It has been way too long since I have reached out to Universe. The last few weeks have taken me around the world and back in time for Thanksgiving!

My favorite part of being a Diva is getting the chance to see the world, doing what I love. Being a Diva is more than a passion to me...being in the ring and performing is a part of who I am and what makes me tick.

This past European tour was simply amazing. It was not only one of our most successful tours ever, but it allowed me to grow and continue to define who I am personally and professionally. Our European fans poured their hearts out and we gave it right back to them.

In Nice, France, you guys were on fire.  I couldn't hear myself think. After squaring off against Michelle and Maria, what better way to cool off then to jump in the Meditteranean on a whim with my partner, the French Poodle, Maryse? She couldn't keep up with me, but I enjoyed the company and the competition:) That swim off of the French Riviera set the tone for the rest of the tour to be spontaneous and wild...

We soon found ourselves in Belgium, Luxembourg and Wales...And I have to say the shopping in Nottingham and London was fabulous. I bought a beautiful pair of wrestling boots, which I broke in nicely during the tour on Maria and Michelle! :) Ouch!!

I even made time to see the Berlin Wall, or what was left of it. It felt surreal to be standing right where so much history was made. It wasn't long ago, that the wall was up and Germany was war torn and divided. It reminds me of how thankful I am for my freedom, too.

The last few nights of our tour saw us in Germany.  Our fans here are electric...and I have to say that some of our most loyal, yet sophisiticated followers remain in Germany. It was also cool to perform in the same building that my dad and uncles made memories in so many years ago.

I left Europe feeling fulfilled. More than anything, the people from every city we entertained in, showed us respect. It wasn't just about good and evil; but as a strong, fiery competitor, I felt appreciated by people that share my same love. It made me want to be better and better.

 As for Thanksgiving this week, I am spending it with my family. It should be a nice, aggressive affair! We don't mind a food fight every now and then, either. That's how the Neidharts roll...yeah, baby!

After two weeks of battle, I am grateful to have made it home in one piece...and I realize how lucky I am to be able to touch my dream. I couldn't be more thankful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Natalya

With Smackdown and Halloween being less than a day away, the Divas have had more than our share of playing dress up and indulging in the finest tricks and treats!

While there were no bonfires or ghost stories at this past Cyber Sunday, The Divas from Raw, Smackdown and ECW came together to embrace the fantasy of Halloween. We proved that there is no fun in competition without a good,old fashioned catfight!

Congratulations, Mickie...but in my humble opionion, you deserved to be arrested for your ensemble... and I had just the Swarovski handcuffs to do it!

The Divas really went all out this year and there were a few costumes that entertained me thoroughly. I especially loved how Victoria was a banana because she dared to be different! It was a bizarre costume but she has all the personality in the world to pull it off. Would you expect anything different from Maryse, the French Poodle, herself? Ofcourse not. I am surprised that Maria, being a bunny didn't dress her dog, Gemini, up as a carrot...a little food for thought! Gemini knows to keep is distance from me, because I have no patience for mutts. Bri Bella looked like a helpless ferret  in her Cleopatra costume. The snake on her head symbolized a snake in the grass...hmmmm! She's not as sneaky as she thinks.

Besides just Halloween, it's been a while since I last wrote to you all. In my latest travels up and down the roads of the United States, I I have enjoyed the bright lights and beauty everywhere. It was just the other day I was in Las Vegas riding the rollercoaster "New York, New York" and climbing up the turnbuckle for a pair of fuzzy dice. I couldn't believe all the slot machines in Las Vegas and how intriguing and flamboyant the people there are. Makes me want to live life on the edge a little more...not that I don't already.

This past week we wrestled and entertained in beautiful Pheonix, Arizona and San Diego, California driving along the desert and soaking up the California sun. We were just a a stones throw away from Mexico and I enjoyed driving past the sand dunes and tasting authentic Mexican cuisine. I woke up early one morning for a run along a San Diego pier and I watched and listened to the seals sing.

Next week, we set sail on another journey. A two week European tour, spanning from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Whales, England, Switzerland and Gemany. I look forward to sharing all of my adventures with the 'Universe.'  I hope you enjoy Smackdown on Friday...and take it easy on the candy! Yeah, baby:) 

"The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing."  -Marais Aurelius

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and would make neon lights seem dim! I have travelled to six different countries and done it all in high heels and lipgloss! There's also big change around the corner, too...

This Friday, October 3rd, is a monumental night for the blue and white.  I am very much looking forward to the premiere of Smackdown on My Network TV. It should be an action packed evening, filled with our brightest lights from Raw, Smackdown and ECW. Change is good, and with a new network comes a fresh start...a bold canvas for us to paint....fight on!

I have just gotten back from our overseas tour that started in Portugal. We wrestled our way to Spain, Austria and Germany. What a ride! Every night was different and it was refreshing to experience varied  volumes of energy within each country. From the historical statues and churches I saw in Lisbon to the modern architecture displayed in Munich, I was happy to sleep less than three hours a night just so I could take it all in. I was even able to touch the ocean in Spain, which reminded me how far away from home I really was.

While overseas, I teamed up with the French Poodle, Maryse, and we formed a fierce connection of power, pride and prestige.  We squared off against Maria and Michelle and gave them a run for their money. Just because those two wore matching outfits, didn't mean they were any match for us! Michelle flew high with her Wings of Love, but  around the bend was a Hart Attack of Canadian fury.

While the Spanish are fiery and passionate, the Austrian and Germans are sophisticated and intense. Each night, I wanted to not only entertain, but wrestle harder than I ever have before. They say that WWE has gone HD, but so has Natalya...achtung, baby!

Same goes with Brie, who tried to stand nose to nose with myself and my BFF Victoria last week on Smackdown. Little Breezy learned that slapping me in the face would ignite a fire that has yet to be put out. 

The flames of my opponents have only increased my appetite, my energy, my defiance and most of all, my desire to bring the dungeon to you.

"Life has more imagination than we carry in our dreams."  Mark Helprin