this mom's life

Absolutely nowhere have I found where it says being a mom would be easy. Instead there are books, magazines and websites devoted to making the tough parts bearable. And there are tough parts; headaches and struggles to feel adequate at this job most of us chose to do. For me it was a definite choice. A choice to spend every waking moment caring for and teaching a completely helpless, growing human being. A choice to be, for the first few years at least, the sole repository of knowledge and learning. A choice to have everything I say taken for truth, for good or ill. And to have everything I say repeated back for all to hear at the worst possible moments. But it's been a choice that I am forever grateful I decided to make. For every parenting failure where I've neglected to keep my cool over spilled milk, there are an equal number of spontaneous hugs with chubby little arms thrown around my neck. 

beginning my weight loss journey

There have been very few times in my life when I felt I was the weight I wanted to be. In high school I danced every day and didn't know how in shape I was and wouldn't have believed you if you told me. Then college started and so did the weight gain. I wasn't dancing anymore and all day spent at a desk was taking its toll. Then my final year of college I started working out with a friend who was a personal trainer. I got into the best shape I've ever been in. Working out four days a week for two hours created a leaner shape that I loved. Then I got married and packed on the pounds. 

an adventure

Yesterday we had an adventure. Jason had the day off so we decided to get out and visit the new outlet mall that's only six miles from home. It was unusually cool and overcast (unusual considering the day before I was wearing shorts) so we grabbed our coats, packed up the stroller and headed out. And we no sooner parked than it started to rain. Hard. A torrent of rain. At the outdoor mall. 

do unto others

I read this essay recently from the Power of Moms website. Do Unto Others is an insightful look at asking for and accepting help. I know that, most times, my first instinct is to avoid help from others. Particularly as a mom. I want to seem confident and collected even when things are falling apart. Especially then.

on budgeting better

It makes me cringe how disorganized my budget has become. I'd never let my house, my child or my hair become this untidy. Yet I somehow ignored my budget problem until it has permanent bed-head and spinach stuck in its teeth. What a mess! Luckily, I'm not the only person who has let their finances run amok. There are websites, books and self-help pros just waiting to help me. Also luckily, my budget isn't that far gone that it needs professional help. Yet.