What in the World is She Up to Now?

I've got a few NEW things in the works and I'm going to need to disappear for a couple days to get them all handled - yikes! 

I'm working on a NEW event that I'll be announcing later this month. All I can say now is get your running shoes ready, a wine glass ... and an overnight bag - gasp!

I'm also working on a NEW look ... for my my blog, of course. I'm in the process of sprucing things up around here and look forward to unveiling my new digs shortly.

And, finally, I'm working on setting some NEW goals. I reached my birthday goal and I'm motivated to keep on going.

While I'm gone I'll become a Warrior. I never thought I'd be so excited to get dirty. Ahem. It'll only be a few days, but in case you'd like to follow me I'm ALWAYS on Twitter at @AskWifey and on facebook at Run Wifey Run.

See you in a few ...

Winks & Smiles,

Double Duty: Celebrating Mother's Day & My Anniversary

Yes, I'm literally managing marriage and motherhood today, ahem; not only is it Mother's Day but it's my 12th wedding anniversary, too.

Me, my mother, and my sister

Happy Mother's Day and much love to my WONDERFUL mother and all of you lovely Moms! May you be celebrated and appreciated for all of the crap you put up with great things you do!

A clip from our wedding on TLC's "A Wedding Story"

Happy Anniversary to my FAVORITE (and only) Husband! I love you even more than the day you put a ring on my finger. Hmm, how many years do you have to be married to get another one? Just kidding. Sort of.

Winks & Smiles,



Project Me Recap: Before and AFTER Picture and Stats

In January I started Project Me and set a Birthday Goal to rock a bikini on my birthday. I’m beyond thrilled that I stayed committed and entered my 40’s more fit than my 30’s … and even my 20’s.

Here are my pics and stats:

My Before picture – Yikes!

My BEFORE Stats, 1/1/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 195.5
Arm: 13 inches
Chest: 40 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Stomach: 39 & ½ inches
Hips: 44 inches
Thigh: 24 & ½ inches

My after picture – Yay!

My AFTER Stats, 4/28/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 170.5
Arm: 12 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Waist: 31 inches
Stomach: 35 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Thigh: 23 inches

I lost a total of 25 pounds; 19 inches; moved 3 notches on my belt and dropped 2 clothing sizes (I went from a 16 to a 12).

While I’m celebrating my accomplishments, I really shouldn't call this an "AFTER" picture because Project Me is not over. My body still has some work left to do. I feel another goal coming on. I’m motivated to continue my quest to be healthy and happy and there’s nothing like a looming deadline to keep your ass you moving.

Hmm, I think that bikini would look even better with a six-pack …

Winks & Smiles,

Soirees, Surprises & Cupcakes

Let me be honest right now, there was no running this weekend. Gasp! But, after TWO birthday soirees, a little wine, pasta, a few beers, and the most DELICIOUS little cupcakes ever made a run is definitely in order.

It all started when Husband told me we had to go out at 5 p.m. on Saturday night when my birthday celebration wasn’t scheduled to start until 9 p.m. Hmm. Yup he was up to something. We drove downtown and end up here.

Love the swanky W hotel – my new home for the night. (Thanks Mom, for keeping the kids *winks*)

After checking in he whisked me away again and didn’t tell me where we were going. We pulled into Atlantic Station where I assumed we were going for dinner – until he broke out a blindfold. Yikes! Cautiously playing along, I let him lead me into a building … onto an elevator … and outside onto a patio where I heard 20 of my family and friends shout, “SURPRISE!”

My dear friend Shameeka, The Broke Socialite, hosted this lovely surprise soiree at The Atlantic Residences. I’ve never had a surprise party so I couldn’t stop smiling.

Husband and Me

Me and my sister, Nicole

My Mama and my Auntie Kristi

My Dad and his Daughters

The Gals: Christie, Yvette and Shameeka

The Guys: Eric, Napoleon and my cousin, Rick

Around 9:30 p.m. We left party number one to head over to Shout for party number two. Husband and I made a quick change and were ready to get our dance on. We had a private cabana on the top level of the club and partied under the stars. Too. Damn. Cool. Big hugs to my favorite (and only) sister, Nicole, to Husband and to my Dad for hooking up such a wonderful celebration.

We ate ... (OMG!)

We partied ... (Yes, we got our groove on!)

We posed ... (Nicole, Wanda and I spent two weeks together overseas filming the Travel Channel's "Great Cruises: Why Not the Mediterranean?" The Atlanta Girls reunite!)

And we played ... (The camera got us doing our best Tiger faces!)

So I didn’t run and I didn’t really eat right, ahem, but I had the most FABULOUS 40th birthday. For real. Don’t worry, my running shoes are back on and clean eating restored because that bikini cost too damn much to only wear once.

Winks & Smiles,

Meet My Lovely New Running Partner, Lola

Isn't she LOVELY?

Yes, I'm head over heels for my lovely new running partner, Lola. I've wanted a Garmin for the past year, but my kids also like to be clothed and fed so I displayed some patience and waited for the opportune time to let Husband know exactly what I wanted hope for one.

As usual, Husband came through - he's such a keeper - and surprised me on my birthday with Lola. We ran together for the first time this morning and it was pure bliss. I have so much to learn about her (who knew she'd be so complex) but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship - she vowed to keep me on pace and I vowed to keep her charged.

Winks & Smiles,

Happy Bikini Day to Me

At the beginning of the year I decided that I would CELEBRATE turning 40 - not dread it. It's a momentous birthday and I'm looking forward to all the wonderful things this next chapter of my life will bring.

I set a goal to be healthier and happier; and oh, yeah ... to rock a bikini.

I came. I saw. I conquered.

Winks & Smiles,

Putting YOU First

That’s right, I said it. Gasp! Put YOU first.

Oh my gosh, what kind of mother am I? I believe in making sure that I am healthy and happy so that I can raise healthy and happy kids. Yes, I’m being sarcastic, but in all seriousness it took me years to understand how important that is. As wives and mothers we so often put ourselves last and many times end up frustrated, cranky and the “f-word,” fat.

Oh no, I said "fat," too.

You can read what else I had to say on today's post, Finding Time for Fitness: Putting YOU First, over at My Atlanta Moms. Come on by, it's not just for us Georgia Peaches, we ALL need to top our lists.

Winks & Smiles,

Wifesaver Tip #141: Add an EXTRA Hour to Your Day

Last Friday I bitched complained about not having enough time. Today I did something about it.

I added an extra hour to my day. No, there are not 25 hours in my day now; I simply decided to reclaim one that wasn’t being used properly. Time is precious and if we don’t choose wisely how to spend it we’ll end up stressed, depressed and left behind.

Last night I went to bed a little earlier than usual so I could wake up at 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. I had an entire hour to myself. There was no one calling “mama” or asking me to do anything for them. Even the dog was sleep. It felt great to get up and have a jump on my day; and I’m looking forward to rising early again tomorrow.

What could you do with an EXTRA hour?

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession: I need more TIME

Friday's Confession: I need more TIME.

There are not enough hours in the day. I KNOW you folks can relate. Here's a snapshot of what my day looked like yesterday.

Me, after I dropped the kids off getting ready for my morning run. I've got my serious game face on!

After my run, my Nina (pronounced Nine-uh, like San Fran 49ners - yes, Husband went there), wanted to go out, too.

Then I kicked out a blog post, visited a few and got some freelance work done. I'm constantly on my computer so imagine this picture popping up after ever other one.

Had to do a little shopping trip to Super Target. For some strange reason my family seems to love it when I grocery shop. Go figure, they like to eat. 

After picking up the kids and knocking out homework I managed to squeeze in 30 minutes of Plyometrics. Got to love those swing kicks!

Next it was off to coach my little sunshine and 11 other 7-year-olds through a highly competetive softball game. We lost 13-12 but the girls gave a valiant effort.

Let's see, I left out about a million other things like cooking (yes, we did eat yesterday), washing clothes, and all that little fun stuff that adds up. I also didn't get to several things on my to do list which left me frustrated and wanting more TIME. I'm a big believer in scheduling, but I think I need to be a little more realistic about how much one person can do in one day.

Am I the only one who turns around and the day is over? I need more time ... or a wife.

Winks & Smiles,

Two Weeks Until My Birthday Goal: What the Hell Was I Thinking?

In two weeks I'll be 40. I’m happy about that. Seriously. I feel good about my first 40 years and I’m excited about making the next 40 even better.

I’m so happy that 3 & ½ months ago I posted this picture on my blog and said I would rock a bikini on my birthday. Gasp! What the hell was I thinking?

Clearly, I was still drinking beer at that point. Ahem.

Actually, I can tell you what I was thinking. I was motivated to change my life; to reach a goal that I’ve always wanted to achieve but have yet to stay committed to. Husband suggested that I share it on my blog to hold myself accountable and to hopefully inspire someone else to go for their goals, too. I’d like to believe that both of those things are happening.

What am I thinking now?

That this was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Then I think I am going to crush this goal and be fabulous in a bikini. Then I switch back to what if it doesn’t happen. Then I normally end up thinking I feel great, I’m getting healthier and I absolutely can and will do this. I make sure to end my conversation with myself (What? You mean you don’t talk to yourself?) on a positive note, because if I don’t believe it can happen, it won’t.

So much of being successful relies on your thoughts. It’s OK to have doubts, everyone does, just don’t ever let them take over.

I'm off to go workout. I've got a goal I need to CRUSH ...

Winks & Smiles,

Wordless Wednesday: Running ... Out of Gas

I spent the better half of my morning RUNNING around after these damn tennis balls and now my legs are shot. Dead. I'm completely out of gas. I'm guessing I got in at least 3 miles. Yup, I'm going with that. (Disclaimer: This post is technically still a Wordless Wednesday post since all the words are in the photo caption. Yes, I just made that up.)

Winks & Smiles,

Plateaus Suck: Three Ways to Push Past Them

I’ve been battling the same plateau for the past few years. Yes, years. Whenever I would attempt to lose weight I could shave off 10 pounds and then I would find myself stuck. I’d keep it off for awhile, get frustrated, gain it back then start the whole vicious cycle over again. Well, I’m happy to say I stepped on the scale this weekend out of curiosity – my goal is not a number, well sort of, it’s a TWO piece bikini – and I was ecstatic to see that I plowed right through that plateau.

Getting stuck happens to the best of us, but armed with the right tools we can all get things moving again. Here are three ways I pushed past my plateau:

CHANGE Something Up. For me it was food. I THOUGHT I was already eating really healthy but once I made a commitment to eat clean for 28 days I discovered that extra unnecessary calories and processed foods were keeping me from reaching my goals. Examine your diet or workout and switch some things up; and see what a difference it can make.

Watch Out for the WEEKENDS. “Well, I ate clean all week, so a keg of beer and a large pepperoni pizza is fine right?” Um, NO! It’s easy to undo all of the hard work you put in during the week if you splurge all weekend. Those calories add up quickly so enjoy a treat but don’t over do it.

Keep Your Eyes on the PRIZE. Literally. I keep my goal in front of my face. My clean eating book stays on my kitchen counter right next to my Runner’s World and Oxygen magazines. Staying focused and determined will help you when times are tough and you don’t seem to be making any progress.

While I haven’t reached my birthday goal yet, pushing past this plateau has given me an extra boost of motivation and confidence to battle the next one. I bet YOU can do it, too.

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession: Lights, Camera, Secrets

Friday's Confession ... I've been keeping a secret.

GASP!

And, I still can't tell yet.

Double GASP!

But, I will on Tuesday morning when I'm a guest on ...

My Atlanta folks, please tune in during the 8 a.m. hour of Fox 5's Good Day Atlanta this Tuesday, April 12. I will make sure to post the video here for everyone else.

*Insert big sigh of relief here*

I'm so glad its almost time. I'm ready to share the fun.

Winks & Smiles,

Marathon #2: Let the Training Begin

I never in my wildest dreams thought there would ever be a marathon #1, let alone a marathon #2. Yikes! I’m super excited to start training for the Chicago Marathon and couldn’t wait for the kickoff run with Get Fit Atlanta this past Saturday morning. The good folks at Get Fit got me through my first 26.2 and I’m counting on them for the next one.

My early morning pre-run pic. Cheese!

They’re having sign-up runs all month so we officially don’t start training for a few more weeks, but it still felt good to get back out there with everybody.

My former pace group coach, Barbara (r), and her speedy companions.

Me and my new yellow coach, Karen, after running 3 miles.

I was a bit torn between moving up to the next pace group or staying where I am. While I plan on getting faster, I also plan on doing the Galloway run/walk method for the marathon, and the faster pace group doesn’t do it. I like to run the shorter distances and use the run/walk for longer ones. I just simply enjoy it better and to me that’s what’s most important. Fortunately, I have the flexibility of mixing it up and going back and forth between the groups – as long as I can keep up. Gasp!

Speaking of keeping up, I missed my morning run today due to an on-camera interview I had for an exciting new project I’m working on. Shh, it’s a secret that I can’t wait to share soon. I’m off to catch up on my workout. Twenty-three days until my birthday goal, not that I’m counting or anything. Ahem.

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession ... I Quit.

Friday's Confession ... I Quit.

Frustrated doesn't describe it. I'm done with eating right (pass the BEER), running (my legs are TIRED), and blogging (I just don't have anything else to WRITE). If I had a full-time job I'd QUIT that, too!

Um, yes you know its coming ...

APRIL FOOLS!

Seriously, I'm know y'all didn't really fall for that. Quit is just NOT in my vocabulary, maybe "change in plans" but not QUIT - especially after seeing "My Run" last night.  Talk about determination. It wasn't so much about running - he wasn't a runner or an athlete - but more about love, dedication, awareness, passion, and did I mention determination? This man ran 75 marathons in 75 days and never quit.



The movie had a special showing in theaters last night. I'm not sure when it will be released but I definitely recommend seeing it. It's motivation at its best.

Winks & Smiles,

Lucky Number 28

That’s right. I’m calling in the big guns.

Yesterday I decided to pick up Tosca Reno’s new book, The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped, to help guide me down the final stretch to my birthday goal. I like to pull information and inspiration from many sources and I can ALWAYS count on Tosca for a little of both.

I had no idea when I picked up the book that it’s a 28 day plan. Coincidence? I think not. Yup, I’m 28 days away from my birthday – on April 28. I should so play the lotto.

So, I spent the better part of last night combing through the book and put it down even more dedicated to slipping into that bikini on my birthday, but most importantly, committed to 28 days of strict cleaning eating (yup the beer is on ice for the home stretch – gasp) that will lead to a healthier lifestyle for 40 and beyond.

Thank goodness for me that means 5-6 meals a day (I like to eat, ahem) filled with foods that’ll revitalize my body and give me lots of energy. I need that now more than ever since the running group I train with is having its kick-off this Saturday. Marathon training, anyone?

I’m excited to start training for Chicago and I’ve been longing for those LONG Saturday morning runs. I’m counting on the discipline I learned from running to help me survive carry me through the next 28 days.

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession: I'm a Warrior

Friday's Confession ... I'm a Warrior. Well, not yet but I will be once I run in the Warrior Dash on May 15, in Mountain City, Georgia.

I signed Husband and I up yesterday and I'm actually looking forward to it. I used to be a punk scaredy-cat before I ran a marathon and discovered I can do WAY more than I ever thought. Now, at Husband's request I will be trekking through mud and hurdling fire which is fine, ahem, as long as there's an ice-cold beer waiting for me at the end.



Make that TWO beers and some new shoes.

Winks & Smiles,

Women in the World: INSPIRED

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending Newsweek & The Daily Beast’s Women in the World Summit: Stories + Solutions. I was invited and hosted by The Coca-Cola Company, a Leadership Sponsor for the event.

For three days I sat intently in New York City’s Hudson Theater and listened to an amazing array of women come from all across the globe to share stories of hardship, pain, joy, determination, triumph, defeat, success and their desire to make this world a better place for every woman.

There were high profile dignitaries and celebrities like President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Madeleine Albright, Barbara Walters, Christine Amanpour, Charlie Rose and Ashley Judd. Equally as vital to the conference were women with unrecognizable names but immeasurable contributions to the betterment of our society. Learning about the different obstacles that women face in many parts of the world; the human rights that are still lacking; and most importantly about some of the brave women who are stepping forward to make changes left me INSPIRED.

Inspired to pay more attention to life outside my immediate world.

Inspired to become more active in my community as well as on a global front.

Inspired to strive harder for greatness in everything that I do.

Ashley Judd and panelists passionately discuss trafficking of girls in the United States



The Twitter stream for their hashtag #WIW2011

Sec. of State Clinton and Summit host Tina Brown with several of the speakers

Need a little inspiration? I encourage you to visit the Women in the World website. The videos and stories will amaze you.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: My travel and accommodations were provided by The Coca-Cola Company. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.