Featured WIRL of the Moment

Reality – What It’s Really Like

Reality – What It’s Really Like

This post is part of a series titled, “A-B-Cs – What It’s Really Like”. Each week a new letter and its word will be revealed. Each word’s explanation will illustrate significant personal meaning, application and ultimately demonstrate, What It’s Really Like… Back in 1998 MTV debuted the reality TV s... Read More »

Previously Featured WIRLs

Why I Love to Workout | WIRL Project

Why I Love to Workout

This topic is near and dear to me. As a kid I was never an athlete. Didn’t like team sports. Couldn’t run, jump or catch. Finally in my 20’s I started working out like Jane Fonda. Aerobic classes were much more my style. I was modeling at the time and knew if I was to continue doing swimsuit work I’d better find something to keep the “bottom line” in place! As t... Read More »

WIRL Challenge Wednesday

WIRL Challenge Wednesday: What is Blogging Really Like?

What is Blogging REALLY Like? Prompt: We want to hear from Bloggers! Tell us what blogging is REALLY Like! We’re looking for the nitty gritty, behind the scenes action that everyone wants to know, but nobody talks about. Due 5/24 5:00 EST Use the Category “WIRL Challenge” and Tag “WIRL Blogging”. You may contribute as a member, guest, or anonymously.   Thoughts t... Read More »

Left Shy Self At Home | WIRL Project

How to Become Financially Independent

  Retirement is a concept that continues to experience transitions. Becoming financially independent is difficult, but it is also possible. Historically, only 5% of people are able to retire and maintain financial independence. Most have never created a financial plan. A plan is critical for achieving your financial goals. “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dar... Read More »

Work Life Balance

One Successful Couple

I met Hugo and Gert Ehlers in late 1994. I quickly discovered they were hard working people. Hugo worked at a steel factory and Gert taught physical education at a public school. Their two kids were already grown and living in different parts of the country. The Ehlers were always very careful with their money, dedicated savers, and good investors. They went to church each Sunday and were always i... Read More »

Fergie & the Fire (2014)

Fergie & the Fire (2014)

Today started like any other day. I took the kids to school, came home, and had my first workout in almost 3 months. After my trainer left, I sat down and 90 seconds later, my phone rang. “Hi, Kate – this is Kellan’s teacher.” “Uh-oh…. what did he do THIS time…?” “The school has been evacuated, and all the children are being held at (blank). Please come get him as soon as you can.” “What about my ... Read More »

My First BlogU | WIRL Project

My First Blog University Experience

I had no idea what to expect and tried to hold no expectations lest they be the wrong sort. I wanted a pure, completely real experience. And there I was. BLOG U 2015 Land of the bloggers. The bigs, the littles, and all the in betweens. Honest to God I had no idea of what to expect. I just know I needed – no – WANTED to learn more. And how much there is to learn. “Oh. My. God. I’m so out of my leag... Read More »

I Don’t Want To Be A Champion For Abused Women

I’m doing a challenge to blog every day in May. Today’s prompt is “The story of your life in 250 words or less.” I don’t know how to fit 33 years into 250 words, but here goes: I grew up a poor black child….. no wait, that was Steve Martin in The Jerk. Okay okay. I can try to be serious for like five minutes. I’ve never been good at talking about my life. Confusing, I know, because I blog, but I b... Read More »

Middle School Blog U | WIRL Project

We REALLY Were Awesome In Middle School: BlogU 15

Last weekend I had one of those Experiences-of-a-Lifetime-You-Will-Never-Forget. That’s perfect because I don’t want to forget it. Ever. After a year’s worth of endless behind the scenes planning and four days worth of running like a mad woman lifting boxes heavier than my Jillian Michael DVD-trained muscles should ever be allowed, WE DID IT. We pulled off an amazing Blog U 2015 Conference. It was... Read More »