Closure: Luxury Car - Low Budget Service

It's been two months since the car saga began. I had no idea it would drag out for this long.

After researching, making phone calls, sending emails that went unanswered, and non-stop documentation, my car is back in my driveway. Working. 

The dealerships involved didn't bet on me taking it this far. Their strategy is to 1) ignore you 2) wear you down. What they didn't realize is that I pick my battles wisely. And then fight until the end. 

We'll demand to speak to a supervisor when we get cold fries in the drive-thru, but when there's a bigger issue - one really worth our time and energy - we'll throw our hands in the air and walk away. This is how corporations win and continue to get away with unethical and unfair business practices. 

I never asked either dealership to repair my car. I only wanted a key to the trunk so I could get the mechanical issue resolved. Jaguar Houston North finally stepped up and did their part, but unfortunately, Austin Jaguar needed a nudge from the executive team at the corporate office. 

So the car that was deemed "too much of a liability and beyond repair" is back on the road again...at Jaguar's expense of course. The knowledge AND resilience I've gained as a result of this experience: priceless. 

Thank you for all of your support throughout this emotionally draining ordeal. I'm even going to shout out the haters who emailed saying, "You're driving a Jag..why are you complaining?" Don't forget - there's a story behind how I got the Jag. Thank you kindly. 

If you feel like a company has done you wrong, you have the right to do something about it. Be relentless in your efforts to get the wrong doing corrected. 

I'm here to help you any way I can. 

Seek Care First

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 15,500 women will die from ovarian cancer. It ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. This staggering number increases when you factor in other forms of reproductive cancer. 

I remember going for an annual exam in the early 90's and being told my results were abnormal. After a second exam, it was determined that no cancerous cells were present, but the mere thought of it paralyzed me with fear. 

This short video will introduce you to Marianne's family and her story:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

The 2012 National Race to End Women's Cancer is on November 4th. The race will begin and end at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street in Washington, DC. If you are in the area, please consider participating. 

For race details and ways to sponsor the event, visit The National Race to End Cancer website. 

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology's (SGO) vision is to eradicate gynecologic cancers. Now in its 43rd year, the Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer continues to be the Society's flagship event. My hometown of Austin, TX, welcomes the entire team with open arms to the 2012 meeting on March 24-27.

More innovation and more funding lays the foundation for more positive outcomes.

Special Note: Hugs and love to my dear friend, Chrissy Stanojev, for bringing this cause to our attention and raising awareness. She has played a key role in this year's event by volunteering her time and producing an exceptionally moving public service announcement.

Have you or someone you know been impacted by cancer?

The Unusual Parent

I have a crush on Warren Buffett. And Jay-Z. 

I know they look nothing alike and come from two completely different worlds, but that's beside the point. Close your mouth and stop judging. I'll explain...the Warren Buffet part. Perhaps Jay-Z at a later date. 

Part of my Tuesday night routine involves watching 60 Minutes on CNBC (and no - you still aren't allowed to judge!). I sat in front of the tv the night Warren's interview aired and listened intently as he carried on a conversation with Lesley Stahl. I knew at some point he'd laugh that cute little chuckle of his and I didn't want to miss it. That and all of his wisdom. 

Lesley asked how he felt about his kids not having a college degree and Warren responded jokingly saying if you combine his three kids' college hours, they'd end up with one degree between them. He went on to say he instilled in his children to do what made them happy. Even if it meant not getting a formal education. Lesley remarked that his approach was somewhat of "unusual parenting". 

It's no secret Warren and I are both frugal to the core, but this parenting style is something else we have in common.

The Girl is graduating high school in a couple of months and recently told me going to nursing school is no longer her first choice. She wants to go to cosmetology school instead. Doesn't surprise me one bit because she's always been extremely creative and artsy. From teaching herself how to do cornrows at about five years of age to showcasing her DIY nail art as of late. 

After we talked she explained that becoming a nurse wasn't totally out of the picture. She said it made more sense to go to cosmetology school first and if she didn't like a career as a hairstylist, she could always go back to nursing school while she was still young. She didn't want to get "old" and regret not giving cosmetology a try.

I can't count the number of conversations I've had with adults who pursued a field because it was what their parents wanted or expected them to do. What my children choose to do does not validate me as a parent. Forcing kids to live your dreams is so unfair. 

I'm happy for The Girl and proud to be her mommy (she still calls me that). Despite the many times I've told her no these past eighteen years, she's managed to grasp the values I've worked so hard to instill in her. 

Niche Blogging: Does it Really Pay?

When I reviewed Holly's eBook, I let the cat out of the bag and told you I'm working on another blog. Since January I've been behind the scenes planning, researching, and developing content. I'm shooting for an official launch date in April and it looks like I'm going to make it. 

It's not uncommon for bloggers to have more than one blog. Particularly those who blog for a living. It makes total sense if you're looking at blogging as a business. Multiple blogs equals multiple streams of income. I'd been going back and forth with starting another blog, but reading Can You Make (real) Money Blogging? got me to take action.

I can't speak for everyone, but here's why this new project works for me:

• No Niche: This blog doesn't have one. I enjoy being able to write about whatever I want to write about on any given day. But with everything I've read from folks who are successfully monetizing their blogs, their first piece of advice is to find a niche. I asked myself three questions: (1) What could I write about without getting bored?  (2) Is this topic something I can expand upon in the future? (3) Since there are a gazillion people blogging about this subject, how can I make my blog different? One blogger suggested staying away from over-saturated niches. I say, if you can bring something unique to the table - add value to what exists and fill a void - go for it. No two blogs are the same. 
• Experimenting with Risks: I'm a risk taker. No doubt about it. The new blog will be somewhat of an experiment for me. I'm putting the niche advice to the test AND opening myself up to alot more criticism in the process. There's a love-hate relationship with bloggers in this particular arena and it gets worse when you're paid. The sellout factor increases dramatically. Those who blog for fun simply can't understand why you're accepting compensation and they don't have a problem voicing their opinions. You get to be a part of the experiment. I'm going to share what I'm doing and take you with me on the money making journey. I'm sure there'll be lots of lessons learned along the way. 
• Positioning for Long-Term Goals: While making money with this blog is high on my list of priorities, the blog will serve another purpose. By focusing on this one area and sharing my expertise (yes, I just sinned by calling myself an expert), this will give me the opportunity for more media exposure. I haven't stopped chasing the tv personality dream and I won't stop until I get there. 

When I go live, you'll hear about it first - right here. Thank you for giving me a platform and challenging me to evolve.

Oh yeah...if you have any advice, I'd love to hear it and if I can answer any questions - let me know!

From Flab to Almost Fab - Wall Squats

If you missed the initial From Flab to Almost Fab post, CLICK HERE to get up to speed.

February's challenge is over. I didn't win. That's ok..I improved. My wall squat percentage increased by 42%.

When Bonni texts me to give an update on my progress, I just sit there and stare at my phone for a minute. Like - really?! Does she know I only got off my ass (insert # less than 3) times this week and did my exercise routines?! Is she completely clueless to the fact that I counted putting away groceries as a day's worth of cardio?!

And then my brain switches gears and I start to think, Wow - what if I exercised five days a week like she suggested? How much stronger would I be right now?

Here's the bottom line: I don't want to run a marathon...at least right now. My only focus is improving - consistently. And I'm doing that. I don't have to break any records and win every challenge in the process. I'm staying committed to my initial goal. Being more active now than I have in the past. I'm leaving the over-achieving hype on the sidelines. 

But I can't help but ask one last question -  Could I have lost the five pounds I wasn't trying to lose if I had done absolutely nothing at all?!

For March, it's all about the V-Crunch. This articulate young man with a nice pair of shoulders was kind enough to make an internet how-to video!

Where do you stand with your wellness goals? Did you participate in the wall squat challenge?

'Blogging Success': the eBook

If you're new around these parts, you may not know I've been a guest blogger for Holly Hanna over at The Work at Home Woman since January 2010. Has it really been two years already?!

Holly launched her blog in 2009 and recently published her first eBook. When she asked if I'd be interested in reading it and sharing my thoughts about it with you, I seized  the opportunity. Immediately!

Blogging Success: Tips for Creating Content, Getting Traffic and Monetizing Your Blog is loaded with resources and sprinkled with Holly's personal blogging story. 

Who would get the most out of this book:

This is the ideal book for a beginner and/or intermediate blogger. Someone who has started the process, but  could benefit from avoiding costly mistakes along their blogging journey. Holly does a great job of setting realistic expectations when it comes to growing your audience and becoming a paid blogger. Something I think the blogosphere could always use more of.

If you're like me and have been blogging for a few years, Blogging Success has takeaways for you too. I walked away knowing I haven't taken advantage of all the different FREE ways I could be driving traffic to my blog. Holly introduced me to online resources I never knew existed.

What would've enhanced this book:

As someone who's looking to build a business around blogging, I would've liked to see more in depth information on the how-to's of monetizing. Holly did, however, stress the importance of having multiple income streams. This is of particular interest to me, as I'm in the process of launching another blog - one with a specific niche.

With all of the content packed into these 44 pages, it would be damn near impossible to cover everything. My advice for Holly is to write a second eBook devoted strictly to blog monetization. This is the stuff bloggers crave! Blogging Success lays the foundation to build upon.

How am I going to use this book:

I printed one hard copy (per the Copyright Notice) and I'll create an action guide specific to my blogging goals using the resources and insight Holly provided. As with any other professional development tool, you won't reap the full benefits unless you're willing to do the work. I'm going to read this book more than once. That's the best way to take advantage of all it has to offer.

For a limited time, you can save $10 by using promo code THANKS. Pick up your copy of Blogging Success: Tips for Creating Content, Getting Traffic and Monetizing Your Blog by clicking on the link.

Each one of us has our own unique way of digesting information, so I'd love to hear your thoughts about it.


Disclosure: Holly provided me with a complimentary copy of this eBook for the purposes of conducting this review. I received no form of monetary compensation. This post does not contain affiliate links and the opinions expressed are solely my own.