So here's the real truth....as my travel #misadventures have increased, so have the frequently asked questions.   I thought I'd answer them in a public format because frankly, I'm beginning to sound like an automated answering service.  I'm too old, and my voice is not pleasing for most of humankind.  These are questions that seem to chase me as a mom...from other moms.  So let's cut to the chase and cease the inquiring minds.  Here we go:

Q:  HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL?

A:  Every. Single. Day.  Just kidding!  The truth is I travel more than a lot of moms; mostly on weekends.  I do this because it's part of my J-O-B, and that job is my CHOICE.  The honest truth is that we limit our traveling events to no more than twice a month.  We don't travel at all during some months.  There is no set schedule, just parameters around what we won't do...and we won't travel more than twice a month.  But when you guys see our travel schedule, it looks a lot more grueling than it really is (so stop peering at me over your reading glasses).  Does this cause me to miss some very important events or gatherings?  Yes.  And it makes me sad, at times...but there's a sacrifice that comes with every choice whether that's sacrificing to stay at home with your kids, joining the military or starting a business.  I'm okay.  You're okay.  Okay?

Q:  WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

A:  I looked into kid kennels.  Interestingly enough, they don't exist.  (If someone wants a business idea...there you go.)  So when I travel, I prefer more traditional methods in the form of:  MY HUSBAND.  Call me a strategist, call me revolutionary...I realize this is a radical solution given my southern-belle culture.  Look, it works for us.  My husband is a kind creature, and believe it or not...my kids love him just like they love me!  There may be an opportunity one day for us to all travel together, but for now the training weekends are handled by the man they call daddy, who also happens to have 50% ownership of our offspring.

Q:  DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL?

A:  AH!  I'm onto you.  Like a CIA agent, I'm reading between the lines and what you're really asking is "do you miss your family when you travel?"  The answer: NO . (Gasp!  WHAT?!  I know.  I'm a terrible mother.)   I tested ENTJ on the Myers-Briggs, so "emotions" aren't actually a big part of my daily living, and I don't think in terms of missing people, affectionately hugging puppies, or carrying Kleenex into movies.  Look, I love my job as though it were my fourth child.  And much like a girls' trip, couples retreat or scrapbook weekend, I love REFIT® Training Weekends.  I'd be lying to you all if I said I parted my family with tears and fears.  I don't.  I hop on a plane with two of my best friends and two incredibly fun business partners...and we wheels-up with a big "Yippppeeeeee!"  Believe me if I didn't love my job, it certainly wouldn't justify leaving my DNA on weekends.

Q:  HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL?

A:  (Read: tell me about your failures with such a grueling work schedule.) Ok.  I fail all the time.  Like a lot.  I live in managed chaos, and I have a pretty big secret weapon:  ASSISTANTS.  Plural, people.  Don't miss that...assistantS.  I have 2-3 amazing girls who keep my life running smoothly:  grocery shopping, dinner prep, kid taxi, babysitting, house cleaning, errands, foot rubs (just kidding).  Katie, Jessa and Emily get public props here because they absolutely help keep my ship running.  I am forever grateful to these girls...and of course, my husband, who allows me to write these checks each month through gritted teeth which he presents as a smile. : )  Also, I don't cook.  I have an amazing kitchen, and I am a great "food preparer"...but I don't really like actually cook.  In Jesus name, Amen.

So there you go.  All your deepest questions unlocked and loaded.  I realize my lifestyle and job requirements aren't for most.  I spent 10 years growing babies for mankind within the four walls of my home, and I'll never regret the sacrifice.  But I'm also really, really happy to be part of a start-up business that brings me immense opportunity, unlimited creative outlets, and uninhibited joy.  You may not understand or even agree with the lifestyle I lead, but hear me say:  I'm kinda in the middle of a pretty cool REVolution, and that keeps me moving forward in managed chaos with a smile on my face.

XXOO, Angela