I was tagged by Heather, so here I go…

Rules:
1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 Random Things About Me
1. I hitchhiked from PA to FL when I was 17.
2. I used to be a Mt Dew addict.
3. I like to drive fast.
4. I fear ducks.
5. I was kicked out of Brownies as a little girl.
6. I flunked nap time in kindergarten. (too much to do and see at 4 to sleep!)
7. My biological mother doesn’t speak to me. (her loss)
8. I tried out for the original American Gladiators show back in early 90′s
9. I can drive a stick shift.
10. I fear rollercoasters (but did go on them with my daughter in Feb. 2010 when we stayed at The Polynesian Resort at Disney
11. I hate lima beans.

Heather’s Questions for me to answer:

1.) How long should you be engaged before you get married?
Wow inappropriate question for me since I stupidly got married on a whim at 18 and am not looking at getting engaged much less married anytime soon
Drawing a blank on this

2.) Must read book?
The Bible

3.) Biggest pet peeve?
Lying & people who don’t know how to drive

4.) What is your dream job?
This one is easy..I posted about it on my bday…own & operate my eco friendly sustainable health/yoga/balance resort.

5.) crushed ice or cubed?
neither

6.) Have you ever met anyone famous?
Hulk Hogan waaaaaaaaaay back in 1991

7.) Favorite summer Olympic sport to watch?
I don’t watch the Olympics

8.) Salty or sweet?
Sweet

9.) Would you rather have an encounter with a bear or a mountain lion? Why?
Bear..already been there done that on hiking trip as kid

10.) What was your favorite birthday party as a child?
Didn’t have birthday party (yea I know I’m 44 and no party-think I’ll throw myself a big bash sometime)
Does my 1st count? it was me and a piece of cake

11.) What size bed do you sleep in?
full size

My 11 questions for those I’m tagging:
1. Juice? Coffee? or Tea?
2. What’s your favorite food?
3. Do you have any hidden talents?
4. Have you ever hitch-hiked?
5. What’s your favorite workout program?
6. Do you experience road rage or just drive in peace?
7. Favorite place to vacation?
8. Are you spontaneous or like a schedule?
9. Meat eater? vegetarian? vegan?
10. Pets?
11. Makeup? or natural?

I’m Tagging:
Kymberly, Alexandra, Carla, Kris, Courtney, Lisa, Michael, Sara, Sarah, Madeline and Theodora

Question of the day
Answer one of the above questions in the comments!

This week blew by…
not sure where it went!
Started the week off admitting I gained weight & starting a juice fast to cleanse & regroup my thoughts.

Making a variety of juices = yummmy!

Announced Fit Feb Challenge!

Accountability challenge in exercise, eating, drinking water and tracking all food/beverage intake along with workouts.
Have some excellent sponsors too: SparklySoul.com, Whale Tails Chips, AgeForce, Body Minder and FitBodyConsultant.com

Started reviewing the Body Media unit, more on that in the future.

Really rocked it on my bike!

luv’ the Omron HR-210 Monitor

Took the leap and tried a chia drink.
Something up til now just seem icky about drinking chia but it’s actually good and not creepy like I thought it would be!
Fear conquered!

Still reviewing Booty Camp Fitness

This week I’ll have reviews of my Teeki yoga pants and Skidders socks up here.

Monday, I’ll check in on the weight loss and mental/physical status of my juice fasting.

Who knows what the rest of the week will hold.

Meanwhile, enjoy the weekend.
Remember to drink your H2O!
Even Chico knows when his body needs it, so surely we’re smarter than dogs right?

Question of the week
What are you doing this weekend?

Taking the day off
Just a few random thoughts for Saturday…

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Question of the day
What are YOU doing this weekend?

Well, today I’m 44…
yep, I’m that old.

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Hmmmm, only problem with that thought is….
nothing major like awesome birthday stuff happens on my birthday *sigh*

It’s just another day…
no party
no friends (IRL that is)
Though I do get a card from my dad & step, and my ex’s mom who has become my mom (since mine disowned me & hasnt spoken to me for over 14 months..her loss!) and later I have to help Christa’s uncle so we’ll hang with them later for my bday.
I started getting Happy Birthday texts and DM’s and posts on Facebook last night and that really cheered me up.
I got a morning bday wish on Twitter and K+ to go with it!
While typing this, have a wall full of “happy birthday” which is cool because in reality all my online friends are my family and I love you ALL!

One of these days I’ll have a party
complete with cake (that I didn’t make myself), presents, friends…
Shoot, Santa bypassed me for Christmas so why should today be any different.

I’ve been in South Florida for more than half my life (moved here when I was 17) and damn, time flies!
Kinda kicking myself in the butt for not being further (more successful) in life than I am.
I think I’ve kinda lost the last 14 or so years…just coasting through life….kinda surviving but not thriving.

And here are a few birthday confessions, few bits of advice, few thoughts to inspire…
*disclaimer*
Video was shot last night so it was the eve of my bday at the time…today is in fact my bday…officially at something like 510 pm EST or something like that, dont really remember.

In the meanwhile, I have been contemplating things lately and am working on some new projects…goals…aspirations…dreams…
Ironically (or maybe not)…perhaps it’s just typical Tara…
Two of my big goals are complete opposites of each other.

One…
Get a refurbished VW Van and travel the US for a year or so

Two…
buy 4-5 acres of land, build a totally sustainable home complete with roof top garden, sun deck, yoga deck, beach entry salt water pool, water features and nearby build multiple units as a retreat/resort/B&B type of place with a larger beach entry pool, labyrinth, gardens, water features, yoga building….well you get the idea!
And, all I need is about $4-5Million, maybe $6 for the complete project.

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OR, option 3…
do one…then when I return…do two.
and whatever else life has for me…

Happy Birthday to me!
now to go find a cake and blow out some candles so maybe one of my wishes will come true

Question of the week?
What’s your favorite kind of cake?

Sticking with the T Tuesday theme…Twitter it is!
No lions, tigers and bears oh my! here
More like Twitter, hashtags, tribes, support and challenges oh my!

Some may think that Twitter is a waste of time, some may still not grasp what it’s all about.
But, reality is a lot can be done on Twitter…
From tweeting with friends, to brand awareness, and for support & motivation.

The fitness tribe uses Twitter for moral support and challenges (some good hashtags to follow are #fitfluential, #fitblog, #mamavation, #fitness, #fitstudio, #livewellnow #wellnesschat and fairly new is #befitchat)
Runners have #runchat and when there are big marathons, 5Ks and half marathons (#rundisney is one, #BostonMarathon, #RWNYC was used for the most recent New York City Marathon) you’ll find people tweeting support to those running.

Some use Twitter for challenges.
I recently made use of #fitfor2012 for a Fit for 2012 Challenge and now using #justdoitjanuary for the Just Do It January Challenge.

Mamavation runs lots of #2weekchallenge that you can find on Twitter as well as their site.

These help people stay focused, motivated, gives me them quick daily reminders and keeps them on task!
Many people lack a face to face in person connection with others who share the same interests, goals, aspirations…
this could be because of location, time constraints, etc.
It’s easy and takes seconds to shoot out 140 characters and get the support, motivation you need almost instantly via Twitter.

Companies and brands use social media managers or employees to tackle the responsibility in communicating and building relationships with their target market.

Others use Twitter for parties to promote their product or brand.

The uses for Twitter are endless and cover an expansive area in a miniscule amount of time.

Here’s quick visual of when people use Twitter the most!

by Lemon.ly via

Question of the day
What do you use Twitter for?

I wasn’t going to do this but here I am…
Honestly 2011 has been a roller coaster ride and I want off!

At first I was thinking that nothing spectacular happened during 2011…
I did not reach my goals…
Am I going to set new ones for 2012? Honestly, I don’t know…
Honestly, at this very moment in time I just want to survive 2012 and I’ll be ok with that.

But, then I started thinking and I have accomplished and experienced some good stuff this past year.
Though, not what I had planned on nor expected.

January 2011–
My daughter turned 15 and sadly had to have oral surgery…even more sad is the fact that she has to have MORE oral surgery on 1/6 just two days prior to her 16th bday (thus the reason I’m not thrilled with how 2012 is starting…can we say deja vu)
I turned 43, just another day…

February 2011 —
I did not run in the 5K I was supposed to have.
My daughter and I went to Disney and stayed at the Polynesian Resort and had a blast.

March 2011 –
Nothing spectacular comes to mind

April 2011 –
Pretty sure this month was uneventful as well

May 2011 –
Honestly don’t recall anything outstanding about May either…
sold some sites, did Rev Abs and other stuff

June 2011 –

Escaped to the sea wall in St. Augustine at the Castillo de San Marco

My daughters brother (ex’s youngest son) gets married in St. Augustine, FL

July 2011 –
Did a lot of product reviews, did some social media work for Paul Bange Roofing

August 2011 –
My daughter returned to public high school after being home schooled last year.
Surprise, my son’s girlfriend has a baby girl (yea I’m a grandma but don’t hardly see her)

September 2011 –
I think it was in September, became part a FitFluential Ambassador
Worked on lots of reviews & other stuff

October 2011 –
I think I intentionally block out October…
got to Miami Oct 1985 and I think I just tune out this whole month.

November 2011 –
I did not run in the 5K I was supposed to.
My dad and step mother came to visit for a week from PA.
Thanksgiving was just another day.
Launched Fit For 2012 Challenge

December 2011 –
Christmas was low key and Santa SUCKS if he even exists–he got me NOTHING!
Signed up with Krysalis Fit as a consultant selling fitness gear & clothing online and at home parties.
One of my not so smart moves of the year would be frost bite on my back (yes in FL)

Received some compliments and inquiries for more challenges…

thus…launched Just Do It January Challenge

Just opened WillWearYourAd.com

I sadly gained weight…was on track until October then I let stuff get to me and gained some back.
So I did not meet my goal weight.

I did not run like I had wanted to (compliments of ankle, knee, back, hip, nerve issues) wow sounds like I’m falling apart.

Then we have 2012…
starting off with daughters oral surgery (again) and few other things going on that I’d prefer not be happening…
not exactly the way I’d like to bring in a new year…
*sigh*

So, right this second I’m not making any goals other than to survive.
After I get through January then perhaps I’ll have some loftier goals.

How was YOUR 2011?
Any plans/goals for 2012?

I’ve launched a new business…
a new division sprouting from WillPostForYou.com
Now comes…
WillWearYourAd.com

If you want your business to be seen and promoted in unique ways, WillWearYourAd.com offers just that.
Offering a variety of services from wearing your ad on a tee shirt and promoting via YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Yelp and other Social Media platforms to having Wearers place signs on their cars, as well as having Monthly & Weekly Sponsors.

It’s a fun unique way to get you and your business noticed.
If you have any questions, feel free to email info@willwearyourad.com

Visit online at willwearyourad.com
Follow on @willwearyourad on Twitter
Like on WillWearYourAd on Facebook
And add to your circles on Google+

Would you get a Tummy Tuck also known as Abdominoplasty?
I know prior to the emergency c-section I had in 1996 I had a flat stomach.
Now, not so much…partially from weight gain, but even with all the planks, burpees, Rev Abs, etc. I still have a pooch over the c-section scar.

Would I consider a tummy tuck myself?
hmmmmm loaded question but probably yes…IF I weren’t so afraid of surgeries, doctors, blood, goop and scars.

During a tummy tuck, loose flabby droopy skin and excess fat are removed and muscles are stretched and tightened to give the patient a flatter tummy.

Just a few of the benefits of getting a tummy tuck:
– A tummy tuck can help get rid of a stubborn belly bulge that has been impossible to remove through diet and exercise.
– A tummy tuck can streamline & sculpt the midsection.
– Get a boost of self-confidence: Some who’ve had the procedure done, say that they experience an improved attitude about themselves, as well as more confidence and better outlook in general because of how they look.

I know I may get bashed a bit from other fitness friends of mine but then again I do know a few runners and trainers who have gone through with the procedure.
Would I?
Probably…like I said, if it weren’t for the fear of dr’s, blood, scars factor (and the money factor) yes I probably would.
Does that mean I want to cheat to get the body I want?
I don’t know.
All I know is I’m still working on my lower ab area and not seeing much improvement.
*sigh*

There are different types of tummy tucks, so if anyone was seriously considering doing one, they should consult with a few physicians and get all the information they can regarding different procedures, risks, advantages, costs, etc.

Apparently people do get tummy tucks and by the numbers.
Though 2010 had less than 2007…economy? or?
But, it’s apparent (at least in 2007) that there were a large number of people having this procedure done.

Would YOU consider a tummy tuck?
Have you had one and want to chime in?

This must be the week for me and my car!
Anyone who reads this blog and follows me knows that I am not afraid to use my blog or Social Media to rant and get companies attention when things go wrong (as was the case earlier this week)
But, I’m also not afraid to use it to rave about people, businesses, etc.
And, that’s what I’m doing here regarding Bryan Wilson, manager of the Bennett Auto Supply (store 15) at 9055 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL and his Assistant Sales Manager, Ivan Rodriguez..both outgoing gentlemen who truly value their customers.

I’ve been going to this particular Bennett Auto Supply for years & years now and just had to give a shout out since it’s one of very few places I consistently go…
which means I’m treated right there and the customer service rocks (otherwise I wouldn’t still be doing business there as y’all know!)

Bryan is always outgoing, helpful and friendly.
You can also tell the other employees there respect him and they work as a big family.
Bryan and all of the counter sales people go out of their way to say hi and are courteous, polite and take the time to explain things and help their customers.

On this particular occasion I went in to get my battery checked.

When you walk in, the store is immaculate (which is hard to maintain seeing how it’s an automotive supply store!)
But check out how shiny those floors are.

Everything is organized and easy to find (and IF I can’t find something, there’s always someone nice and pleasant to ask for help)

In a time where most businesses, managers, sales people simply don’t care about their customers or quality service it’s always refreshing to do business with those who do appreciate & respect their customers and are attentive, friendly and serve you with a smile (and a genuine one at that, not some fake grin).

Bryan Wilson makes Store #15 a place I enjoy doing business with and will continue to do so as long as he’s there…
because as you, my readers, know I do not like change nor dealing with people I don’t know, trust and like.
I can easily refer anyone to this store and know that they’ll be satisfied with the service, because like I said in all the years I’ve been going there I’ve never had any issues and still frequent the store multiple times a month (ok so what can I say, I like automotive stuff…you’ll find me here more than you’ll find me at Macy’s or somewhere like that and not picking on Macy’s it was just the first girly richy rich store that came to mind).

So, once again a huge shout out to Bryan for making Bennett Auto Store 15 what it is…
a pleasure to do business with!

As you may have seen from yesterday’s post I had a huge fail at Tire Kingdom.

Last night I received a phone call from Mr Mike Ore who immediately worked at resolving the issue(s).
This morning I was at Tire Kingdom at 2600 Pine Island Road, Cooper City FL 33024 to have everything taken care of.

Philip Tomarchio, the Manager was more than attentive and ready for me when I got there.

He had two new tires for me already staged and ready to be put on my good ole’ Scion.
Philip was uber friendly and asked me what all he could do to make me happy!
That’s a loaded question after yesterday.
But, he graciously took care of everything…

I now have two brand spanking new tires on my car, the alignment was done, the maintenance required light is reset and I’m back to mph instead of kph!
He even checked all the fluids, filters, belts, etc. which I do myself so knew those were okay but was refreshing to see that he went above and beyond to even check those items.
He even let me know that my battery is in need of replacing (which is under warranty at Bennett Auto Supply so I’ll go swap that out) but he let me know and didn’t try to sell me on that, knowing I had warranty elsewhere! Pleasant experience!

All done with a smile, great personality and repeatedly came to the waiting area to update me on status of car as it was in the works.

Mike Ore and Philip Tomarchio have renewed my faith in Tire Kingdom (and I will be going to the Pine Island Rd. Tire Kingdom for my wheel rotation, tire needs, etc.)
They also realized the importance of responding to customers in a timely fashion and resolving issues!
Props to both of these gentlemen.
And, glad to see that there are still some people who understand the power of good customer service, Social Media and making things right.