Running … Out of Debt

"This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." --Earl Wilson, American journalist and gossip columnist

Husband posted that quote on his Facebook page the other day. Interesting, right? Makes you really think about the things that people put value on, and unfortunately, put first in their lives.

I love that Husband is on board with my Dave Ramsey obsessive new way of thinking. We’re six weeks into our Financial Peace University course and its truly changing the way we handle our money. Dave’s philosophies aren’t rocket science; in fact they’re extremely simple and straight forward. Cash rules. And, get this - don’t spend money you don’t have. Gasp! We’re such a debit driven society that the thought of actually saving money for something before you by it is almost unheard of. Oh, no we’ll just pay more for it afterwards, for the next 10-15 years.

While it’s hard to untangle the mess made from credit (some days running 18 miles seems easier) its definitely doable – and necessary. Just like training for a marathon you should set your goal, come up with a plan, realize it doesn’t happen overnight, then put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Yes, there’s a little sweat and sacrifice involved, but something tells me it’s truly sweet when you cross that finish line.

Winks & Smiles,

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Friday’s Confession: The Scale is Like a Bad Ex-Boyfriend

Friday’s confession …

That’s right, I said it. The scale is like a bad ex-boyfriend. You know the one that used to give you the runaround. Tell you sweet things then take them back. No, I’m really not jaded. Ahem. Let me explain …



Make sure to do something healthy today to take care of you.

Winks & Smiles,

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Good News and Bad News

Its great to see that eating clean and exercise is paying off. I’m definitely chipping away at those unwanted 17, and had a very positive week.

The good news: my pants don’t fit.

The bad news: I don’t have any pants.

Winks & Smiles,

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Motherhood Madness

There’s some days when I feel like I’ve got this motherhood thing on lockdown and I’m completely in control; and there’s some days that I wonder how did I get here and what the hell am I doing?

Real talk, folks.

Fortunately, when I have those I-have-absolutely-no-clue-what-to-do-moments I have a wonderful support system to give me guidance. This morning thank goodness one of my girls was there to talk me off the ledge and make me realize I’m not doing so bad; that I’m actually doing everything that I should be – that everyone has these moments and that I’m completely normal. Well, completely normal in this situation. Ahem.

School, grades, homework, attitudes, friends, play-dates, activities, did I mention attitudes, can be extremely overwhelming sometimes; but that’s just part of parenting.

When I let it out and bounce it off another mom somehow it makes it more manageable. How about you? When motherhood madness kicks in – especially on a Monday – how do you handle it? Moms on the edge everywhere want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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The Stress Factor Eliminated

I never thought I’d be so happy to say that I have a bone spur on the top of my left foot. Truth be told I’m not happy about the bone spur but I’m ecstatic that it’s not a stress fracture.

Phew!

I don’t mean to be dramatic folks, trust me, I’m extremely thankful that I wasn’t waiting on life-threatening results, but with that said the stress factor is gone and I will be back in the game after a week of rest, ice, and lots of ibuprofen; and that makes me feel like this …

A running princess in all her glory

Hell, I’m so excited I might go breakout my tiara right now.

Winks & Smiles,

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The Stress Factor

I must be hearing things. That’s what I thought when I heard the doctor tell me on Friday she thinks I have a stress fracture in my left foot.

Gasp!

Um, doesn’t she realize I have a marathon to run in 54 days?

Immediately the stress factor kicked in.

A week ago at the end of my 18 mile run I felt a dull twinge on the top of my foot. I didn’t think much of it. Hell, I just ran 18 miles, something is bound to twinge. During the week, I felt it more and more; and tried not to notice the swelling. By Friday, my sensible side kicked in – Husband told me to take my ass go to the doctor – so I did. She looked, touched and X-rayed my foot and told me she thinks it’s a stress fracture but wants the radiologist to confirm on Tuesday.

So I wait, impatiently, for Tuesday. I also have googled every form of stress fracture and painfully discovered this could take me out of the game for 6-8 weeks.

Double Gasp!

That would knockout my marathon and my entire fall tennis season.

Seriously?

I’m not trying to be dramatic, I know things could be much worse, but DAMN!

The culprit and my foot’s new favorite ice bag

You know I don’t know how to sit still, what in the world am I going to do for 6-8 weeks? Hmm, sounds like its time to start thinking up some good arm and ab workouts.

Winks & Smiles,

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Friday’s Confession: Attack of the Guiltless Splurge

Friday’s Confession …

I strayed from my clean-eating, seventeen-pounds plan and pretended that muffin tops are sexy when they’re really not for a brief moment this week. Oh, and I don’t feel guilty.

I’m back on track already. I’ve kissed the first three pounds goodbye and I’m sure that more have already disappeared. Too much obsession and restriction is not healthy and will ultimately lead to destruction (**insert wicked laugh here**).

Besides, I’m in for 18 miles in the morning. I’m quite sure that will handle my little guiltless splurge … and then some.

Winks & Smiles,

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I’m a Mominatrix

What? I’m a Mominatrix?

That’s right the fabulous, and original Mominatrix, is featuring me today over at The Imperfect Parent.

What are we dishing about?

Sex, of course!

Gasp!

Come on over to The Imperfect Parent and check it out.

Winks & Smiles,

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Out with the Old, In with the New – Sort of

Friday’s Confession …

I picked up this snazzy new garbage pail at the AJWright Blogger Shopping Challenge I went to on Wednesday (ooh, it was a blast – more coming in another post; and a giveaway – ahem!).

So, why is my old, broken, beat up garbage pail still sitting next to it?

GASP!

I know I’m busy but that’s just dumb. I need help people.

Winks & Smiles,

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3Gs: Good Humor, Good Times, Good Advice

When I say I ran all day long yesterday I mean it – literally. Ok, not actual running, although I did get three miles in, but I was on-the-go!

It started at an ice cream social sponsored by Good Humor and hosted by the fabulous Jennifer James of Mom Bloggers Club.

Jennifer and me

Don’t worry, I didn’t eat any ice cream – gasp!

But it looked absolutely delicious!

I did get to chat with some of my favorite local Atlanta bloggers and escape my usual Monday morning madness. Thanks, Good Humor!

After picking up the kids we headed to my mother’s house to celebrate my grandmother’s 87th birthday.

Isn’t she just fabulous?

G-Ma and my kids – I just LOVE her!

After dinner – yes, I skipped the cake – Husband and I had our first Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. Can I just say I’m so excited to make some changes? There’s so much valuable information in each session but one thing that really stood out this week was the quote, “Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Now they’re talking my language. (Did I really just write that?) Just like running, you have to take your time and build up your stamina. Marathon running doesn’t happen over night. Neither does getting out of debt and increasing your wealth. But, you do have to start to be able to cross the finish line. Taking that first step is hard but it’s the only way to make it happen. Then you have to be patient and take things in stride.

Good advice, right? Definitely easier said than done. Here’s hoping I can sprinkle some of my marathon mojo on my checkbook, too.

Winks & Smiles,

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‘Cause Muffin Tops Aren’t Sexy

My new mantra:

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I debated going out for my morning run.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost skipped my strength training session.

Hmm, muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I contemplated sipping on my beloved beer.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost shoveled seconds onto my plate.

Muffin tops aren't sexy.

And, yes, it works …

‘Cause muffin tops AREN’T sexy.

Winks & Smiles,

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Seventeen – It’s the Magic Number

Seventeen, that’s my new goal. Nope not miles, although I’ll be running those soon, I’m talking about pounds.

Seventeen.

There, I wrote it. For everyone to see.

Gasp!

It’s no secret that I’m very active and believe in a healthy lifestyle. It’s also no secret that I, like most of America, struggle with weight. Sure, I ride the pounds rollercoaster, too. I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go. I’ve been pretty fit and I’ve been, um, pretty fat. Ever since I developed an interest in getting healthy I normally stay at the lower end of the rollercoaster, but still haven’t broken through those last few pounds. For me, it’s seventeen of them.

I feel good, I get happy, and then I get lazy … and complacent. It’s hard work to finish off those stubborn pounds. Busting through the plateau is a bitch. But, I’m here to tell you it’s time to make a change. While I’m busy training for a marathon and tackling my debt I figure why not add one more goal to the list.

*insert blaring trumpets here*

I’m going to lose those pounds, one at time. Until. They. Are. No. More.

My motivation? The joy of knowing I can do what I set my mind to … and a really hot bikini.

Winks & Smiles,

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Atlanta’s Finest 5K: Running with Husband

Saturday Husband and I ran in the Atlanta Track Club’s annual Atlanta’ Finest 5K at Centennial Olympic Park.

About two weeks ago I got an e-mail that said, “quick sign us up.” Hmm, the last and only time Husband ran with me was for beer. This time it was because the corporation he works for was one of the sponsors; and because he wanted to run. I know he actually wanted to run because last year I ran it with some of his co-workers and he ever so supportively cheered us on from the sidelines. I’m sure he could’ve watched again but he chose to lace up his shoes and hit the road with the rest of us.

We started the race together, but I told him several times he didn’t have to stay with me. Yes, folks, Husband could run circles around is definitely faster than me. He decided to run the first two miles at my pace and said he would go on ahead for the last. There were two big hills in the third mile and neither of us wanted to burn out before them. When we crossed the second mile marker I pushed Husband on his way and cranked up my iPod. I decided to keep my steady pace and stayed aggressive with the hills.

I’m excited to say that it paid off. I PR’d the race finishing in 33:11, 26th out of 60 in my age group. Yes, that’s fast – for me. Husband finished in 31:23, but I’m sure he could’ve easily been under 30 if he wasn’t babysitting his wife. Next time, I’ll definitely encourage him to go for his.

Surprisingly, I only took a few pics.

Husband getting his music straight

Me ready to run

The finish line I was so happy to cross quickly

Sunday night Husband told me he found another race for us to do. Loving his interest I got excited until I saw THIS.

Gasp!

Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you, I'm a punk.

Hmm, what do you think? It might be my turn to cheer him on supportively from the sidelines.

Winks & Smiles,

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Destroying Debt

Friday’s Confession …

I killed two credit cards.

That’s right I cut them up … and off. I wish I could say that the debt is gone but I did make steps yesterday to stop it and even better lower my interest rates so there’s an end in sight.

I also decided that I should have financial peace – literally. I signed Husband and I up for money guru Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a 13-week program being offered through my church.

That’s right, folks. I’m. Not. Playin’.

I know you’ve heard the saying, “keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” For some reason those words stuck yesterday.

I confess, I killed two credit cards and I’m looking forward to taking out the rest.

Winks & Smiles,

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Ask Wifey Q&A: To Fuss or Not To Fuss?

Wifey's Q and A

Hi Wifey,

I was just turned on to your blog and I think it's fantastic. I have a question (obviously)! I've been married for 5 months and my husband's birthday is coming up. I want to do something special, creative, and on a budget. He recently commented that my family really celebrates Xmas and birthdays but that his did not so he's not expecting anything but dinner (which I do all the time). My sense is, he would really appreciate a true celebration but has grown accustomed to it not being a big deal. Any thoughts?

By the way he may or may not appreciate going out because he travels 4 to 5 days a week so he really values his time at home.

- Mrs. Birthday Boy

Dear Mrs. Birthday Boy

Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful and wild world of marriage! I’m a birthday lover and believe that everyone should have a cake and some fuss on their day so I might be a tad bit biased when I tell you to trust your senses and give your new hubby a true celebration. Dinner at home sounds like a good idea but make it extra special. Make his favorite meal, have his favorite drink, bake him a birthday cake (or buy one if you’re dangerous in the kitchen) dress yourself up like you’re going out on the town – do the things that you know HE will like. Remember this is his celebration not yours.

Because he’s not used to the fuss you might not want to go too overboard, but do enough to make him happy and set some new traditions for your new family – that would be you and him. Pay attention to his reaction so you know how to handle things moving forward and most importantly, let him know you love him and you’re happy he’s part of your life. My guess is that will be all the celebration he needs.

Winks & Smiles,

How about you? Do you and your husband celebrate special occasions the same way? Feel free to share your Wives Words ... 

The advice on this site is intended to be helpful, but is not meant to take the place of marital counseling, legal advice, financial advice or any other professional service. If you feel you need professional help, it is encouraged for you to get some.

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Back to School: One Week But Who’s Counting?

One week from today my kids start school again. It’s not like I’m counting the minutes or anything, ahem, but the thought of returning to our regular school-year routine is making me want to run around the house doing back flips delightful.

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer vacation and spending time with my children. As they get older each year I enjoy it more, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Truthful moment, I use every second of that school day to take care of work and family tasks; and I’m much more productive when they’re at school. But, as happy as I am to zip through the drop-off line in the morning I’m just as anxious to see their little faces step off of the school bus in the afternoon.

Who wouldn’t miss these little smiles for seven hours a day?

How about you? When does school start for your children? Are you excited or dreading the moment? Carpool-line Mamas want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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No, Really, I NEED My Beauty Sleep

The sign my 7 y.o. taped to her bedroom door - the heart is classic

And the one she taped to her bed above her head

She’s such her mother’s child. And, she's not even a teenager yet.

Winks & Smiles,

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Running in the Wild, Wild West

I’m still smiling from my wonderful trip out west to Utah for EVO ’10, The Evolution of Women in Social Media. Since I’m in training (I love saying that – it sounds so official) I had to get some runs in while I was there. I originally flew in early to take part in their 5K race but it was cancelled, so I decided to get up that morning and still get my run on.

I didn’t want to mess with the altitude on the first day so I found the Fitness Center

They had plenty of treadmills and Sportscenter on the flatscreen

I did my own 5K

My classic post run pic

After a couple of days I adjusted to the altitude and couldn’t dream of leaving Park City without a quick run through The Canyons.

Yup, I hit High Mountain Road

And saw this was the gorgeous view

And this

And this

I even saw a moose

Beautiful, right? It’s a far cry from running through my Atlanta suburb. Much more scenic, although, I did see someone get arrested on my 4.5 mile trek today, but, ahem, that’s a whole other post.

Winks & Smiles,

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Are You Maximizing Your Time?

As many of you may know I’m training for a marathon. Yes – gasp, 26.2 miles (can’t forget the .2). My kids think this is “really awesome” as long as it doesn’t disrupt their daily lives. Humph. That often boots my to-do list right out the door leaving me here …



How about you? Are you maximizing your time? What tricks do you use to get your things done? Time-cravin’ mamas want to know.

Winks & Smiles,

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Isn't She Lovely?

Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old

I never thought through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she

But isn't she lovely made from love

- Stevie Wonder

Husband played that song for me 7 years ago in the hospital room when my beautiful baby girl, Milan Nicole, was born. It’s the same song my mother said she used to play for me when I was little. And, it’s the same song that can still bring a smile to my face and tears to my eyes when I hear it.

Today is Milan’s birthday and I just can’t stop smiling. If you read my blog regularly you know that she’s a feisty one and just as smart as she can be. She’s dynamic, intelligent, funny, athletic, a leader and super sweet. She once told me she loves me more than Skittles. I mean really - it doesn’t get much better than that.

Yes, I could go on and on about my little princess but I won’t. I’ll share one of my favorite pics instead.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Mommy loves you …

Winks & Smiles,

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