mommy

Single Mom Chronicles: Mommy Brain on Overload!

Nov 10, 2014

Do you have days when your brain is just fried? When I juggle the daily schedule that includes work, making dinner, packing lunches, homework, work at home, and bedtime (which is usually too late). This is the night when my energetic DD has the most energy and wants to give me the extended version of her day in the life of a 2nd grader. When I hit the front door I only want my Pjs, a little peace and quiet, glass of red wine before our evening starts. Sometimes I go into my room and lock the door as I change out of my work clothes. On some evenings I find myself locking myself in my bathroom to sit for some peace and quiet. Guess what I forget to lock the door and that’s when my DD knocks on the door and all I hear is………. I never got this when I was a kid but I so get it now. Life in the Mommy Lane. Where do you go for peace and quiet?

Single Mom Chronicles: When Did You Realize You Were a Mom?

Nov 3, 2014

When did you realize you were a mom? As a mom I am sometimes out and hear other kids calling mommy, I turn around! I grin because I realize my kids are not with me. It is just something instinctive about the word “mommy”. It is as if we are on command. When my 7yo DD, fractured her left elbow last year. We were pros at this point, who fractures both elbows within 4 months of one another. I picked her up from camp and immediately took her to Children’s Hospital er. After the series of x-rays she was instructed to not eat or drink since they were unsure if she required surgery. I remember when the registration came in to verify all of our information. She was a mom with an older child(actually an adult) and her youngest. We had a lot of conversation on having an age difference between our first-born and youngest child. Her personality definitely fit her position in the registration process. She was extremely personable and wanted to make sure we were taken care of while we waited for the doctors and nurses. I guess she realized we were there for a few hours already. She asked if I needed anything to eat, I quickly responded NO. My response made her quickly realize since my DD was unable to eat I was not going to think of having anything. We both laughed when she said “oh she can’t eat so you’re not eating, that’s being a mom”.

Her statement hit me like a ton of bricks. It is not our labor/delivery journey that validates being a mom. It extends far beyond their born day. They hear our voice for 9 + months so it is only natural that they cling to our chest shortly after birth. Then they learn the scent of our breath, body and that warmth we provide through our million of cuddle moments. I truly realized when the clerk as hungry as I felt there was no way I would grab a bite if my DD was unable to eat. We protect and preserve when we have to for our kids not matter the circumstances. Every breath, feeling of heartburn, hiccup, moment of gas, meal, emotion, thought we have during pregnancy is for them! This is a special love we will never experience from another source.

Do You Feel Empowered? Doing What I Love!

Feb 27, 2013

Source: pinterest.com via Pinsbook on Pinterest

Empowered According to Websters, empowered means to promote the self-actualization or influence of. I have learned in the workplace after a workshop to spend time doing self-reflection. Do we really spend time searching within ourselves? As a blogger, I am definitely promoting not only myself but I also have the ability to influence others to either follow you, request you as a friend, or promote campaigns, reviews or network. As a mom I think one of the biggest challenges is to find a great balance between work and family. I feel most of my time is spent during my 40 hour at work and time at home is on full speed ahead once I hit the door. Is there a normal weeknight? My weeknight is filled with homework, dinner, chatting, bedtime ritual and then mommy-time. I try to spend the final hours of the night doing what I love. I feel empowered when I am able to do what I love!

I think it is so important to seek a balance that provides the flexibility and encouragement to feel empowered. As a mommy of two, I now know what it means to make sacrifices for my well-being. It is so empowering to ask for what you need to make the balance fit between work and family. I have learned that asking for what you want is the best way to achieve a sense of empowerment. You may be genuinely surprised with the outcome.

Do you feel empowered? Are you doing what you love? If so, please share!

OCEAN CLUB HOTEL, CAPE MAY, NJ

Nov 28, 2012

photo credit: capemayoceanclubhotel.com

For my birthday weekend I wanted to find somewhere that was within driving distance from the city. Cape May, NJ is a very nice beach town that is about 75 miles ( 1 hr 45mins ) from Philadelphia and I have only visited with the kids. During the Fall, I thought it would be the perfect hideaway for much needed mommy R&R. The city is filled with numerous B&Bs but those are bit invasive when you just want to get some R&R.

After multiple searches I found the Ocean Club Hotel, this property offers a number of room options. I decided on an ocean side view room with a King size bed. Once I arrived, the hotel is located on Beach Avenue which is in close proximity to restaurants and the beach is directly across the street. It offers a tiki bar, outdoor pool (wrong season), quaint restaurant and spa services ( a bit pricey). The room offered a nice view however it was very simplistic. No bathtub just a shower and a no minibar. The room was equipped with air and heat but it was difficult to keep it regulated long term as the room went from too warm to too cool. Overall, the room was soundproof so it was easy to get a good night’s sleep and quick nap in the afternoon.

After reviewing some of the other room selections, I think the best room to book is the penthouse suite. I think for the room rate better deals are available in Baltimore or Washington via SniqueAway or Groupon Getaways.