The magical answer to parenting a teenager is…

Jan 17, 2013 by

I have no idea.

This is a post about teenagers (as a generalization). Maybe some of you think you don’t have to read this because your kids are little and not quite teenagers yet. I think parents of little kids are the ones that need to read this.

Since the beginning of time, the teenage years are that unavoidable and fearful time for parents when your children are stuck in this stage of immature maturity.

It’s the age when kids think they are smart enough and old enough to make their own decisions and find complete disregard for the parental units and their “old school” rules and ideas.  But as adults, we realize how completely ill-prepared they are for such “adult” responsibilities and decisions.

I have a few teenagers in my life and even sort of-kinda-raising 2 as a pseudo-step-parent. (That’s a long explanation for another day).  Read more...

passing ships

Jan 3, 2013 by

Juggling work and kids can be slightly stressful but we always try to find ways to make the parenting partnership work in our favor.

What about when you work totally different schedules?

Like ships passing in the night.

My parents had a relationship like that for years when they both traveled. They would leave sticky notes on bathroom mirrors when they wouldn’t see each other for days, sometimes weeks. They made it work.

Now, my wife and I are somewhat in the same routine.

I am working close to home in an 8 am – 6 pm M-F job. We are excited that after almost 8 years of long commutes, I now can be door-to-door in 6 minutes. When I was unemployed, Lo took a retail job with great family benefits. She loves the job and we need her to keep it due to the benefits and the income. With the boys not year in school full-time, she can’t work the day shift. So, she works “nights.”  Read more...

Things I learned as unemployed mom

Oct 7, 2012 by

For my first post back after my hiatus, I thought it was most relevant to talk about what I learned during my little time away from blogger land.

First of all, we have all learned that no matter how much you plan or have strategies for running your home, trying to have children or raising your children, nothing works out as you “planned.”

But we sometimes need to learn lessons on how to handle those unplanned shifts with grace, or at least just not completely losing our marbles.

When Lo (my partner of 12+ years) and I decided to have children, it seemed pretty clear that we may have roles that were somewhat defined. I had “the job” and she was great at the “home stuff.” How archaic and “Leave it to Beaver,” right?  Read more...

40 Or So Things I Have Learned In 40 Years

Sep 13, 2012 by

  1. Celebrate your inner quirkiness! Don’t apologize for who you are. People respect authenticity and it’s OK if you’re an acquired taste.
  2. We plan, God laughs. Once you acknowledge you’re not in control, it’s easier to adapt.
  3. Dream big and live every day as if it is your last.  Don’t postpone joy or bother with regrets.
  4. When thinking about having a child, buying a home, or going on a dream vacation it will never seem like it’s the right time or you have enough money.  You just have to take the leap and do it!
  5. Find activities you enjoy doing with your partner.  It will get you through tough times, not in the mood times, post partum times, and more.
  6. Your friends can be your family.  My friends certainly are.
  7. Don’t let people walk all over you. It doesn’t matter who they are. If someone isn’t kind to you, draw a line in the sand.  Certain behaviors are simply not acceptable.

40 Years of Learnin’

Sep 12, 2012 by

  1. When your dad walks into the room and asks you to trade seats with him AND HE’S STANDING UP, don’t do it.  I was well into my twenties before I realized what a raw deal I was getting.
  2. Once you have kids, having a dog is often better than having a Dyson.
  3. Have a relationship with your parents where you can Say Anything to them.  Yeah, I was just like Diane Court in that movie (except for the whole “trapped in the body of a game show hostess” thing).
  4. Floss.
  5. Be the person you want your kids to be.  This is harder than it sounds.
  6. You will end up being more like your parents than you wanted to be.  I’m sorry.
  7. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, only now it’s you.
  8. You’ll see your best and worst qualities mirrored by your kids.  Embrace them both.

31 Things I’ve Learned in 31 Years

Sep 11, 2012 by

 Read more...

  1. There is so much you can learn about life by really listening to your grandparents when they speak.
  2. It’s okay to still not know what you want to be when you grow up.
  3. Don’t automatically say “yes” when asked to do something. Pause to consider what’s being asked of you, even if it means not giving an answer right away.
  4. Always tip 20 percent. People make their lives off of this, not the hourly wage they get on top of it.
  5. It’s exhausting to compare yourself to other people.
  6. It’s much easier to add layers when cold then remove layers when hot.
  7. Money can’t buy good taste.
  8. Just because I’m an introvert doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say.
  9. A good cup of coffee can instantly improve your mood.
  10. There’s never a perfect time. Just do it.
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