This episode was a LOOOONG time coming, as you know I live the traveling-for-work spouse life weekly, and have adapted and found ways to help myself, as well as my spouse helping to set us up for success.

I knew from the start, I HAD to have my friend Erin Watson on the podcast, especially for this topic, even though I know we could chat on several, so keep a look out, she will likely be back. 

I won't give too much a way, but Erin's husband is currently deployed for months at a time, and she has a full time job and 3 boys....while she may not agree that she is in fact Wonder Woman (she has my vote), the tips and stories she shares can really inspire you and also if you happen to be new to the sisterhood ,it will be a big help, OR if you have a partner traveling for any reason and may be feeling anxious or worried on how to do all the things, or looking for a few tips/hacks to help yourself out

(the cool thing about starting your own podcast, is that you don't have to worry about run on sentences... :)

Anyway- this is a great episode and we could've gone on all night, but we know as solo parents some nights, that after bedtime time is PRECIOUS... if you are in this boat you are not alone!! 

Thanks for listening and you can always send me feedback on instagram at @wearrowonpodcast  

Sometimes, we just need to get it all out on paper.
Our wants/needs/hopes/dreams, and let it be known that we have PLANS.

Our gym (BurnBootcampTally) started this tradition, and I loved it so much, I had to share with you.
You can easily recreate this activity yourself and even if you THINK it's cheesy, I promise it's so powerful.

Let me know if you do it! I would love to hear your feedback on how it went!

Reminder: Your hopes, dreams and feelings matter, and it is never too late to set a new goal or start a new habit. 

xx, ash

You heard it right- this episode is all about DISNEY, and my newbie voyage after probably a decade+ removed, and adding a 5yr old and 2.5 yr old to the adventure!

As you probably know,  A LOT has changed to how Disney operates, due to changes in technology (the app is great!), fast pass/genie, and waiting in line to see your favorite characters.

I was on the mom Disney facebook groups, and while helpful, I also felt overwhelmed hearing all about every individual's trip and how some people made it seem like you had to practically have a phD to have a fun-filled day at Disney.

Happy to report that is not the case, and I have to give most of the credit to Amy Mitchell ([email protected] ), who I know personally, but who also works with them parks and travel in general and she was AMAZING at watering it down so I could digest easier, and helping me relax....it's just Disney, and it should be fun!! 

I just wanted to share things that helped/worked and others that maybe could've been improved upon, just in case you are ever ready to take the trip yourself, or add to what you already know to help improve it next time.

Feel free to share with all you Disney loving friends, and also comment if you have other tips, that I missed!

Thanks for listening- it means so much!
xx Ash

The holidays bring joy and fun, but can also bring big time stress and anxiety, especially as we get older and begin forming our own families.
There is definitely an art to balancing things, and while compromise is welcome and appreciated, it's also okay to say "no", if that certain event/tradition no longer serves you or your crew.

I am still on my  journey in beginning to create my little families typical traditions, but I'm sharing my favorite 5 tips, on how we've managed to rid ourselves of some of the stress and obligations, in a way that also doesn't burn bridges or leaves people feeling like the Grinch just pushed all the presents off of that big hill :) 

While this episode is coming to you WAY after the holidays, hopefully you can make some tentative plans in your brain (or note in your phone) for next year so you can be prepared to actually get to do what YOU want, and not feeling like you have to say yes to everything and drag your kiddos to 25 events in one weekend :)

I'd love to hear your favorite tips, also!--- DMS always open @we_arrow_on_podcast

Thanks for the listen!
xx, ash

Lordy Lordy, I'm turning 4-0!

I'm so glad 40 has a better, more positive rep, than when we were younger, but it can still mess with your mind, if we're not careful.
I'm sharing some tips from my year leading up to this milestone, so you can hopefully view your next bday in a brighter light, no matter what number that is.

I'm always open to feedback, so feel free to DM me @we_arrow_on_podcast, and please pass it on to a friend or family member who could use some of these vibes!

Thanks as always for listening to me ramble!

xx Ash

Wow, SO much goodness in one episode!

Laurie Cox is a Physical Education Teacher (Coach Cox), with a career spanning 36 years in Leon County Schools.  While she came to education through a little help and encouragement from Mom (why are they always right???), there were too many hints and experiences along the way to prove this was indeed her path and one of her great passions of her life.

Laurie shares a few crazy stories, fun memories, and great advice for young people, as well as those interested in the field of education.

After 36 years, you might think she would be on a beach somewhere, but not so much, or just yet.  Laurie is running for Leon County school Board!  
To find out more about her platform, you can check out https://www.laurielawsoncox4schoolboard.com/

How to vote:

WHEN: starting 8/13 through 8/21 is early voting, 8/23 final day to vote
WHERE: court house, Northeast Library, or at your precinct (8/23 only)


Thanks so much for listening! I hope you were inspired and also had fun with us!

xo, Ash

Friendships as a an adult can be .......different, amiright?
Distance, life phases, a variety of things can make connecting, even just a phone call, a little wonky.

The time it takes to form a brand new friendships, can be hard to find with work, family, hobbies also all vying for attention and a piece of your 24hr day. 
 Is it worth it, YES.
Will it always be as easy as it was in high school or college? No.

What can we do?

-Be understanding with the friends we do have, if distance or life phases/situational issues come up--- true friends are always there, even if it's been a while.
- Be OPEN to the new friends surrounding you...they may  not be the same as your BFF from 5th grade, but give it time- it will take longer in most cases to build that strong foundation.   I mention a trick I learned following @ameskiefer  --- if your kids preschool has mail boxes for each kiddo--- it is NOT creepy to drop a note to a kiddo your child keeps talking about.... who knows where it could lead, and people think it is SO thoughtful.

More on the podcast- I hope you will gain some insight, and also know you are not alone, if you have every struggled in the friendship category.  Also know, it won't be like this forever!


Thanks so much for listening, and as always tag me if you do!

xx ash

Holy Moly-- the quote "I love the woman I've become, because I've fought to become her", has been on my brain and heart for a few weeks now, and I knew I had some things to say, and hopefully ADD to your life/outlook.

There are days/weeks/months...sometimes YEARS, where it can feel like a legit FIGHT to get to where you want to go...job wise, relationship wise, health wise.....there will be road blocks and times where growth just isn't as fast as we'd like.

In this episode, I let you know where I struggle, and what I'm LEARNING (not mastered yet) to do about it, as I continue down this road of life.

Also for me, I am always ready for a new challenge, or a way to change up my routine (Enneagram 7s, unite!), so I don't really have a final end goal woman, I want to be-- but one who is always pushing herself in different areas to bend and stretch and GROW, and see what all I can learn and do in the time I have here.

If you know someone else who may be in a struggle period, or a valley of life...send this their way!

Thanks so much for listening!!  Don't forget to tag @we_arrow_on_podcast, if you listen!

xo, ash

Timelines can be great, and they can also really WASTE the time that we have to live, if we put extra pressure on ourselves to reach certain milestones by certain ages (mainly talking weddings and babies, here- because those things just CAN'T be willed into happening or forced-- if we want them to be right and good for us).

I'm all about goals and thinking ahead, but when it comes to meeting a partner or having a family (however that may come to be), I know I for sure wasted some good times in my life worrying if I would get married by 30...40?...  when in reality, if the worse case scenario was that I NEVER did, it would've been okay, too.  

I think anyone can find nuggets in this week's episode, but ESPECIALLY if you are single or any "in-waiting" period or gray area of life....if you aren't that person, but know someone who could use a pick me up talk on the topic, it would be so awesome if you could send them the link to check it out!

As always- send me all the feedback, and thanks ever-so-much for taking time to listen!

xo, Ash

It's an emotionally charged one, this week, friends and also comes with a TRIGGER WARNING for traumatic birth, and/or for anyone who may be currently pregnant, and to whom this could be upsetting to.  While our story ended positively, and with a healthy baby, I know this is not always the case.

I debated sharing these stories here, but then remembered how thankful I was when I was experiencing unexplained infertility, and so many women were talking more openly about it.  This is the same with miscarriages, and traumatic births- these things are hard to talk about, but so helpful not only to those going through to heal and connect, but to those who may cross one of those bridges later, and will need someone who really understands.

It was eye-opening to me also, how different each birth really is, and looking back I was probably naive to assume the second one would be easier/faster, after already having been through.  You just never know, and there is a lot you don't have control over, which can be hard for some of us (cough cough, myself ;)  

Thank you for listening, and as always, you can send me feedback at @we_arrow_on_podcast

xx, Ash