SubmitSport's MMA fighter gets the guillotin and pulls a win

I like watching MMA. I am a mere spectator of the sport, hooked by my boyfriend Mike Ludens who instructs Team SubmitSport in MMA in Walworth, Wisconsin (near Lake Geneva).

MMA is the most entertaining sport I have ever seen. Talk about taking it the limit. The players in MMA are some of the most dedicated, motivated, uncompromising professionals in sports today.

The thing about MMA that's completely thrilling is the pure heart, integrity, and respect the fighters have for the sport and each other. I am also learning that with MMA, it's not over 'til its over. The underdog can always rise up again. Never underestimate the looked-to-be beaten fighter; what looks like the last leg can often turn into a comeback, takedown, and a win.

That wasn't the case with Mike Luden's SubmitSport fighter Phil Zwieg. On the top of his game from the beginning he finished strong to the end. If you've never seen MMA in action take a peak at the video. If you are an MMA fan, you'll like this one.

How to manage groceries and kids at the same time.

How are you multi-tasking these days? With three young children, a busy professional life, and a personal one as well, juggling isn't a hobby, but an everyday occurence for me.

In an effort not to leave everything on the backburner, I have experimented with a few things to help make life manageable. One that I am constantly changing up is my grocery shopping.

Shopping with three children is not just an inconvenience, but it can also be an act of insanity. They don't like it and either do I. So I try to go on my lunch now from work, but that still means I bring my nearly 3 year old son with me. Not much fun.

Enter Peapod. The completely maintenance free alternative to the grocery store. The prices are higher than your local supermarket or Super Walmart, although you can use coupons. Peapod also runs specials and you can see how much you are spending as the groceries pile up in your cart.

The drivers have always been gracious when they came to my house and the delivery was right to my kitchen, making it a very convenient option. If you can stomache spending a bit more for your purchases, you might want to give them a try.

Now I see that Amazon.com has launched a grocery delivery service. Hmm....I might just have to check it out. Check back in for a review of their service.

Happy Monday and stress free shopping to you.

Selfish isn't such a dirty word

As a mom, you learn from others.  Friends, family, co-workers, magazines and media,that being selfish is not only unacceptable, it is illogical.  You are a parent, and as a parent, you will always come second.  Your kids always need to come first.



Oh, I subscribed to this logic, sometimes probably even playing the martyr card with statements like, "Moms aren't allowed to get sick", "My life is my children, I don't have another life".  



I was never disgruntled at my children for this.  I always feel very grateful to be a mom.  It is great to watch my young children grow and to receive their love.  I have always wanted to be a mom, and I would never turn back from this.



As far as subscribing to this "secret code", where you can't be selfish and you can't have your own life it's just not so. I am done buying into that club.  To not have a life outside of parenthood is just not healthy for myself or my kids.



I am not condoning becoming a bar fly or neglecting your children's needs.  Here's my deal:

• If I feel sick, I will rest, the house can wait.


• If I need some alone time, the kids can play quietly in another room for awhile.  It's o.k.


• If I want to have an adult dinner or go out to an adult event I will not feel guilty that I am not spending every breathing moment with my children.
  


• If my children do not eat all the food on their plates, I don't morph into a human garbage disposal.  I throw the leftovers in the garbage.


• If I want to plan a vacation outside of our family vacations that does not involve bringing children along, even if it is just a 2 or 3 day getaway, I am going to do it.
  


• If I want to buy a dress for myself and my kids have what they need, I am going to buy it.


• If adding on one more activity is going to send my family's schedule into commuting hell, with no downtime at home or just to lounge or for my kids to just be kids, then I am saying no.

Being a little selfish is akin to breathing your own oxygen.  A necessary and vital part of life for any parent, single, married, working or stay at home.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  If the "Moms for Martyrs" club comes knocking at your door, Smile pretty and just say "No".