FAQs

What does MFP stand for?

Mr. Fussy Pants

Is he really fussy all the time?

I exaggerate a little bit.  But he can be really fussy.  That is because he works a lot.  And we are raising three boys who are quite active and intense.  And because our monthly mortgage payment is exorbitant.  And because we don’t have family nearby to give us a breather.  I run.  He fusses.

Why don’t you try to get him fixed?

Well, I have tried.  He can’t help his personality, apparently.  He wasn’t so fussy back when we went out to restaurants, saw bands, drank beer and paid $800 a month for our apartment.

Is this a mom blog or a running blog?  I’m confused!

Yeah, me too.  Just pick one.

Why don’t you post pictures of yourself everyday like most bloggers?

I couldn’t live with myself.  And I don’t think you want to see me everyday either.  Seriously.

Why don’t you race very often?

Because I spend my race money on tube socks for the boys and food to fill their bellies.  I would actually race every weekend if I could afford it.

How long have you been running?

Since the days when I beat every boy in the neighborhood in foot races around the block.  When they got testosterone and started passing me I was really pissed.

Do you have a Southern accent because you grew up in the South?

Nope. Not at all.  I learned to hide my accent so people wouldn’t think I was stupid.  I regret it a little bit.  But after a few beers or a conversation with my mama it comes back quite easily.

How long have you been a vegetarian?

Since I was 17 and threw up a turkey sandwich.

What made you decide to stay home with your boys?  Didn’t you like your job?

I was working in high-tech P.R.  I liked my job, but I liked my baby more.  Plus, that was when our rent was only $800 and MFP wasn’t fussy yet.  It made sense at the time.

What are you referring to when you talk about how much your life changed following the recession?

MFP lost his job.  We had no income for 6 months and I hadn’t worked for 15 years so I was no help either.  We had just bought a new house.  It was the worst year of my life.  Hands down.

What is your one regret about how your blog is evolving?

Honestly I wish I had kept it a secret so that I could be myself a bit more.  I get taken to task by family members if I push the envelope with my language or my opinions.  Oh well.

How do you run so many miles each week?

Well, my house is a mess most of the time.  A clean mess because mold and smells freak me out.  I built up my mileage very gradually over a few years.   I was very careful about taking it slowly.  I built up tolerance to still taking care of my daily chores while exhausted.

What do you do to make money and how do you spend it?

I do freelance work, sometimes in P.R., sometimes just writing.  Otherwise I save the few bucks I make from this blog so that I can buy myself new running shoes.

Do you regret staying home with your kids after what happened with the recession?

Yeah, I wish I could put them in more activities and that I could take some of the weight off of MFP.  But honestly he’s had over 20 years to build his career so he’s clearly got a huge advantage over me in the money-making department.

And I really think that one day they will think of their time at home with me as a huge boon in their lives.  At least I’m crossing my fingers.

Feel free to leave burning questions in the comments section!