My 2020 Intentions

January 3, 2020

I know, it is no longer New Year’s eve or day. And with that, I also understand that resolutions and self-proclamations of what the changing year means to me or what I will set forth practicing are now a few days late.

Given the content of this post, you may think it was intentional for me to share these thoughts with you after the fact, but I can assure you that it was not the case.

The reality is, it actually makes me quite sad to see the pressure we put on ourselves just because it is a new year.

Yes, the new year can symbolize a fresh start and clean slate, but it can also create extreme strain to make ourselves better for the wrong reasons. And that stresses me out more than not having a resolution.

Speaking of resolutions, I don’t have one, and I have not practiced having one for many years. Instead, my perspective has shifted on setting intentions. Gone are the days of creating a resolution for the sake of one and failing miserably by mid-January. I like intentions because they are by definition a plan. Things will change, just as plans do. The idea is that I will focus on change in a kind and loving way, which allows me the grace in case I fail along the way.

This year my intentions are as follows:

Be kinder. Maybe it is picking up a coffee for the person next to me in line, or in the manner in which I communicate with my children. It could be taking a moment and making a conscious effort to comment positively on a post someone shared on their social media or trying to practice empathy when dealing with others.

Listen to the God whispers. Have you ever had a nagging to do something for a stranger? Or possibly compliment the person sitting next to you at an appointment? Or maybe there is a constant calling that keeps you awake at night or may even be the thing that nudges you out of bed each morning. I call these God whispers and I want to make an effort to listen intently and act responsibly.

Simplify. We accumulate stuff in all aspects of our life. My closets are full of things. I have old purses that need to be cleaned. My email has over 300+ unread emails. I follow way too many people on my social media that don’t bring value or joy to my day. All of this stuff is unnecessary noise. I want to clear the clutter and strip myself of all the junk that weighs me down.

Stop putting myself last. How can we be our best to others if we are not our best for ourselves? I say this intent with the least amount of selfishness one possibly can. I need to start listening to my body and relax when it calls me to. I need to start feeling my emotions and taking a moment to breathe and meditate when I feel overwhelmed. I need to make my passions more of a priority so I can experience the joys that make me happy. I need to allow myself the grace to feel like I am as important as those I care for.

Start living. I know that sounds strange to read because it felt odd to write but ever since becoming a mom all I have done is go, go, go. For years I have been on the move, bouncing from one thing to the next, feeling the need to accomplish a task and then set my mind on what is next. I want to slow down and live. I need to stop cramming my life into the weekends which makes them extra busy and crazy. I want to put the phone down, slow down, and focus my head and attention to the present, living in the moment, and enjoying the beauty of life.

May God bless you all in 2020, and may you each take a moment to embrace this natural season of change with less pressure and more grace.

PS – The Coffee Is Cold

August 12, 2018

The last two weekend mornings I have rolled quietly out of bed in the early hours, adjusted the curtains so no sign of approaching sunrise sunshine can peek in and reveal the call of the morning, tippy-toed out of the room, and pulled the bedroom door closed. Why? Because for some time our three-year-old has been failing the “sleep in your own bed” nightly quiz and finding her way to our bed sometime between the welcoming hours of oh say – 2 or 3 am, each night.

This results in me tossing and turning and bracing myself for impact as I cuddle against the edge of our queen sized bed. I am not sleeping. And, with my growing pregnant belly, I am forced to get creative in how I find comfort.

So when 6 am rolls around, I have had it. I am spent. And my only saving grace is the thought of a hot cup of coffee, and some quiet alone time while Logan and Nathan sleep.

People, so far this weekend I am 0 for 2. I swear my toddler has a built-in magnet that connects her to my body or some weird internal radar that alerts her when I have exited the bed, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays. Yes, on those days the radar is particularly so strong. What I want to know is who the heck turns it on during weekends, because weekdays, she could give two cares less if her peaceful sleep is interrupting my need to get out the door and to work on time.

Both attempts this weekend for some alone time have included a successful cup of coffee being brewed. I have indeed cozied into the couch and took advantage of On Demand, to catch up on any TV show that does not include the words Mickey Mouse, Doc McStuffins, PJ Masks, or Fancy Nancy, but just as I settle in, I hear footsteps and the door open and the whine begin.

Usually, her first words are “get me some milk” or “turn on a girl’s show.” Good morning to you too, precious one. And from there the demands continue and pile up.

This morning within 30 minutes and all before 7 am, I had already canceled my On Demand, found a “girl” TV show, made her a cup of milk, put in a movie since the TV show was not quite jiving. There was a baby doll that needed dressed, a baby’s hair that needed to be combed, I got yelled at for tossing the baby on the couch and being miserable (I was). We cried because she wanted me to stop drinking my coffee to make “Daddy one” (even though Daddy was still sleeping). Bitter? Maybe. We needed a blanket. We cried for a popsicle. We settled for blueberries. We asked what our plans were. We spilled the blueberries all over the couch.

No wonder we feel depleted some days before the sun.

I love this little girl with my whole heart and soul. She brings me joy and fulfillment and every ounce of happiness one could, but for the love of all things magical, this tired Momma could use a Mommy timeout or break, or just an hour alone in the grocery store today. Anyone else picking up what I am putting down? Empathy please.

Cue the sappy violin music.

PS – Coffee turned cold.

Loves Of Our Lives

February 14, 2018

I do not remember the day I fell in love with you, Mom and Dad. I guess that is what it is like when you are a child. You enter this life with complete reliance and trust. Strangers hands that God placed you in. You have no say in where you landed, but you instead, just land, and by the grace of God I landed in two sets of hands of a mother and a father who gave me a privileged life. Not in the sense of money or things (although I know, having a child myself, children cost a great deal of money and I never went without), but more a privilege to be in a loving, healthy home. A true gift of present parents who not only sacrificed in their own ways to give me and my siblings a life that was kind, but were so involved in our lives, we never had to question if our parents would show up. In fact, I never knew such a worry in life, because they always showed up.

And, because of all of this, my mother and father are natural loves in my life. It was never a love I had to fight for or stress over. Instead, it was an easy, steady, and constant love that has shaped and carried me through my life.

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Mornings in my Rearview Mirror

February 3, 2018

Can we talk about mornings? Ya, know what I am talking about? Shit show mornings. Sorry for the curse (not sorry). Mornings when you have to get out the door and be at your office job by 8 am, and you got kid(s) – well I am not joking, it is a shit show. Sometimes I exclaim “I have worked a full day before I even start my ‘workday’.” Why? Well, because I am exhausted mentally and physically from mom life and adulting. I am pretty sure I do more from 6 am to 8 am than any other two-hour span all day.

Coffee. Bottle. No, actually I need to clean a dirty bottle, so my daughter has a bottle. Shower. Laundry load switcharoo. Throw a toddler in the shower. Well, don’t throw her. Find papers from work that said toddler relocated somewhere in the house (usually her shopping cart, along with a potato from three weeks ago). Fix hubby a coffee. He drinks it cold. I drink mine cold. Get ready the best possible way I can. Dry a wet toddler who got out of the shower and is crying she is cold from the bathroom. Pack toddler bag. Pack my lunch. Locate car keys, after getting locked out of the house in the cold. – You get it!

So, when we finally, yes FINALLY, get ourselves in the car to head out the door, sweat pouring from my face and down my neck even in sub-zero degree temperatures, I find myself sighing heavy and wanting to crank up the radio and drown life out.

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0 to 10 Parenting Scale

October 24, 2015

You know when you go to the doctor’s office and they ask you, “On a scale from 0 to 10, what is your pain tolerance?”

When my water broke with Baby Lo, we rushed to the Emergency Room. “Level 3!” I declared and it was mostly that high due to nerves. I just felt like I peed my pants over and over but there were no contractions yet. I actually remember at one point thinking, “Maybe I will be one of those women who has a great pain tolerance for labor.” HaHa, oh silly girl. Then the pitocin kicked in and I smiled and told the nurse, “Okay, I think I am a 6.” An hour later, I rocked myself in an upright fetal position and exclaimed, “I am an 8.” I know, I am bad ass. Actually, then the kind anesthesiologist made his appearance and knocked me back down to a 2 before I ever had a chance to make it to 10. Thank you, kind sir.

So, why am I sharing this with you?

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Wednesday Wisdom

August 19, 2015

Wednesday Wisdom back at ya! I started thinking about this reoccurring post theme and I realized to some of you I may seem like I am trying to tote myself as some mindful human being who walks around giving advice like a martyr. I am not. Honestly, the origin of my Wednesday Wisdom post series came out of pure therapy for me. You see I am a words kind of gal. My love language is Words of Affirmation. So, it is only fitting that when I need a boast in energy, confidence or confirmation that all will be okay, I turn to words.

When I get down on myself, stressed and frustrated I always find myself on Pinterest, thumbs ferociously searching for a quote, a sign, a line or two that make me sigh in relief and even on occasion, cry in hope or exhaustion. My only intent with Wednesday Wisdom is to share with you what I have found inspiring throughout the week.

I don’t know why I am explaining myself. This is my here blog, I do what I want. But, you will also find as you read along with me and my life journeys I tend to put weight on what others think. It truly is a terrible trait.

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No Bake Cookies

August 16, 2015

I am not a baker. I wish I was.

I am pretty sure I scrambled eggs in a cake once as I added the hot butter. And, I work too fast, which means I sometimes mix up the directions. “Oh, 1 cup of flour not 2!” In my defense, the ingredient below was 2 tsp of Baking Soda. Minor mix-ups, I tell ya.

One thing I can promise is that my No Bake Cookie recipe is easy and delicious. Plus, if this hot mess of a baker can achieve cookie success, you are golden.

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You Will Always Be My Baby

July 31, 2015

You little lady, you rocked my world 13 years ago.

Finding out Mom was pregnant, well let me tell you… that was just so embarrassing. I remember the day she told me like it was yesterday. “I am pregnant,” she declared, with a smile on her face. Although, there was a definite nervousness too, as if she knew telling me could go one of two ways. Terribly good or terribly bad. I am so sorry to say, it went the latter.
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Easy Peasy Caprese

July 30, 2015

The weekend is approaching folks! You know what that means… get yo’ food on. Well it does for me anyway. Ahh, I missed my calling… a restaurant critic would have suited me just fine.

If you are like me and the rest of the East Coast, you know it is hot as all get-up. I am opting for a popsicle or two for dinner. Bring on the banana flavored! And, the naturally cold-blooded body of mine is all like, “why are you not shivering and what is this thing you call sweat?”

Therefore, while Baby Lo and I stick to each other the last thing I want to do in the evening is turn on the oven or stand behind a stove. I mean, please! So, I convinced Nathan that one of our favorite appetizers would totally be an acceptable side dish to our BLT’s. Because again, I am not making myself more miserable in this heat and he knows I would be completely okay with a Popsicle for dinner, so he goes along.

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Shrimp Salad Sandwich

July 20, 2015

Loyal readers, you know me by now. I am a simple girl just trying to get by.

New readers, oh, hello! Thanks for joining my party. I am a new mommy, wife and full-time business professional. Basically, I am just like your wife, your sister, your friend, heck, I am like a lot of woman out there who seem to stack on more and more responsibilities as the years go by, forgetting that our days are not getting longer. Well, in essence they are but we still are dealing with 24 hours, people. Quit adding to your plate!

I am part of a club, a club of really tired Momma’s! The RTM Club. There, I stake claim to the name. So, what I deal with is real life issues such as stress and demand and hungry bellies. See, I can deal with the stress and demand and actually try my very best to remedy a solution but damn you, hungry bellies, you never go away.

So, back to the RTM Club, we like to find ways to eliminate processes without sacrificing quality. Am I right, RTM’s?

This here is a recipe that does just that. I whipped this up while unloading groceries, feeding a baby some sweet potatoes and packing a bag for a little evening pool dip. See? You will love me and this recipe!

Shrimp Salad Sandwich:
Serves 2

1 Lb of Shrimp (I get mine steamed and seasoned at the market to save time!)
2 Stalks of Celery – Finely Diced
1/4 Cup of Mayo
Lemon Juice to taste
Old Bay to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Cup of Lettuce
2 Croissants

As mentioned above, if you can get your market to steam and season your shrimp for you, do it, as it will save you so much time in the kitchen! Peel and chop the shrimp and set aside. Dice two celery stalks and add to bowl. Add 1/4 of a cup of Mayo and then continue to add more Mayo by the spoon if this does not fit your desired consistency and flavor. HERE is where you store the mixture in the refrigerator so you can feed and change your baby and head to the pool. Not down with that? Skip ahead. Add the juice of about a half a lemon and stir. Season the mixture with Old Bay, salt and pepper. To assemble sandwich add a layer of mayo to one side of a croissant, add a spoonful of mixture, a handful of lettuce and the croissant half.

Serve alongside an ear of corn and savor the flavors of sweet summertime!

Seriously, this dish is so easy, I even had time to make a simple strawberry shortcake for dessert. Four ingredients: Strawberries, Honey (for sweetening and to pull the juices), Sara Lee Pound Cake and Cool Whip.

I am not a Saint, nor mother or wife of the year, but I swear my husband wanted to know what alien possessed his wife’s body to make such a dinner from start to finish. Raise your forks, RTM’s, this one is for you. Enjoy!

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