2015

Happy New Year everyone!  What is your resolution?  Do you make a list of resolutions or do you just have one?  Every year I try to make a list and this year I wrote my list in my 2015 planner.  I carry my yearly planner wherever I go and plan on using this method as my way to see what I am vs. not achieving throughout the year.  This easy to access list will be a constant reminder about my goals because (as we all know) it is difficult to turn over a new leaf.  Old habits are hard to break, right?

Instead of writing down my entire list, I can tell you that I plan on living a more simple life.  I can't say that I am obsessed with social media, but sometimes I find myself scrolling when I should be doing something significant such as reading.  

Speaking of that beautiful word, I read a book called Purpose Driven Life.  As I was reading this book, I found myself writing down so many valid life lessons that I think we should all strive for.  And what a perfect time to share it all with you since we have entered a new year!  This list struck a chord with me and perhaps will do the same for you. Enjoy!

1.  Don't allow your past to control your future.  

2.  Don't spend your life running from regret.

3.  Many people are driven by resentment or anger.  Clamming up and internalizing or blowing up is not good.  Those from the past continue to hurt you because you hold on to the pain through resentment.  Learn from it and move on!

4.  Many people are driven by fear.  Don't miss out on great opportunities to venture out.

5.  Many people are driven by materialism.  Possessions only provide temporary happiness because these "things" don't change.  We become bored and want bigger and better versions.  Self worth and net worth is not the same.  The most valuable things in life are not things.

6.  Many people are driven by the need of approval. If you follow a crowd you will get lost in it.  Don't try to please everyone. 

7.  Knowing your purpose of life gives meaning to your life.  You need hope to cope.

8.  Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.  Don't do too much.  A pretentious life is an empty life.  A plain and simple life is a full life.  

9.  Knowing your purpose focuses your life.  Do little, stay focused, concentrate only on what is truly important. 

10. Knowing your purpose will motivate you and prepare you for eternity.  

*This book is based on Christian faith.  I was baptized and raised Lutheran, but my son was baptized Catholic.  To me, I think there is power in every religion and I can't say I am just one.  I am just a believer.  The reason why I am sharing this is because I think church can be a positive fresh start for all of us.  One priority on my 2015 list is to attend church more because sometimes we just need to believe in something/feel good when there is so much negativity in the world.

XOXO

One Tree Hill

I will be the first one to admit that the television shows I choose to watch are what others would probably classify as weak.  I don't watch anything that is intellectually stimulating, unlike my husband who is intrigued by the History Channel or any of those crime shows that keep him guessing throughout an episode.  The shows I fall hard for like this one or One Tree Hill, remains in my mind even years after the series finale.

Last year, a co-worker of mine expressed her fondness of the show One Tree Hill.  I remember loving the show and never missing an episode, but stopped watching it because I became to tied up in a web that we call life. So I seized the opportunity and borrowed all nine seasons from her.  It took me about a  year to watch every season and during many late nights, I found myself sitting on the couch, thinking.  Thinking of the fact that this show has seriously some of the most amazing quotes, the BEST music, and the main character's gift with words could easily be idolized by any person who has ever kept a journal.  Needless to say, all the above really tugged at my heartstrings.

I finished the last season a few weeks ago and wrote down one of the very last quotes said by one of the main characters named Haley.

"Human beings are ambitious.  We spend so much time wanting, pursuing, wishing. For the most part that's okay.  Ambition is good. Chasing things with integrity is good. Dreaming. As long as the chase doesn't diminish what we already have.  The goodness we take for granted, the people we take for granted, the lives we take for granted.  My life is good."  ~One Tree Hill 

I love quotes and will continue to share.   Stay tuned! 

Celebrating in Brooklyn

As we are preparing for Katrina's Chicago wedding, I can't help but post a few pics of her NY wedding.  She didn't want the typical wedding with hundreds of guests, so she opted for a smaller venue.  She also looked for something that was budget friendly and when the special day arrived my sister-in-law had such a beautiful, garden themed wedding. 

I'm a sucker for detail, but I honestly feel like these pictures don't need any words:

Heels? Flats?......Or Both?

(Dirty Turtle chair in Wisconsin)

What kind of mom are you?

As for me, I can tell you one thing about myself: I love big.
When I love someone or something- I love it with all my might and (even though I am horrible at managing my time) I try to invest as much as I can into what or who I love. 

With that being said, one of my top priorities has always been showing my family and friends how much I love them.  I try my best to keep these people active in my life despite how crazy busy life can be!  But there is always negativity that surrounds something good.  I can sense some are surprised at the fact I still occasionally go out at times sans my child.  I guess to some, people think mothers should only be surrounded by their families 24/7.

That works for some, but not all.  To each it's own, right?  I don't ask the mothers (who choose an opposite schedule from me) why they don't pencil in more girl time.  Some mothers choose to see their friends only when playdates are involved and a girls night out is a chapter in their lives that has come to an end. 

Not for me.

Not that I need to explain myself but I want to.  My husband works long hours during the work week and on some Saturdays.  I try not to vent about this because I know he is working hard for all of our futures.  He also has a difficult time sitting still on the weekends when he is not at work.  He loves to work on projects around the house. (Thanks to him, we have a finished basement!)  I, on the other hand, have the MUCH less complicated work schedule.  I am home by 3:00 which thankfully enables me to have a lot of one on one time with my son before bedtime and I also take the weekend shift when Tom is engrossed with a DIY project or work.  So when an opprotunity arises and I am able to have a little alone time, I take it!  Does that make me a bad mother because my child is not always with me?

I can clearly recall always having a close relationship with my single mother who held a full-time job. At a very young age, I understood her way of escaping the daily grind was a night out dancing with my aunt. (Even in her 50's!!) This occurred every once in a while and I find that this lifestyle reduces stress. When I am with my friends or sisters we love to talk, have a few drinks, and reminisce.  Laughter and smiling constantly is a given.  Afterward, I find myself coming back refreshed and any stress that I've been carrying has been lifted. 

I love Jake more than anything or anyone. But I made a promise to myself not to change too much when I became a mother.  Yes, of course, soooooo much changes, but I knew that because I am big on love-the people in my life will stay in my life and intermittent outings will continue.

I know my limits.

(Thank you Joanna for our (five hour?) lunch at the Clubhouse where we talked about our much needed release and I hope you are having fun in Puerto Rico.  I understand and I'm so glad you "get me" too!)

Another Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy.  As the Facebook friend requests continue to pour in from my fellow eighth grade students, I can't believe my time with them has come to an end.  I feel sad.  I feel blessed.  I feel grateful. I feel like my job is a gift at times.

Before the school year ended, I had a discussion with another teacher about being "friends" with the students. Apparently, some teachers see my positivity as a negative. (Rest assured, I'm not friends with any of my students and I will not allow them to become part of my social networking world.)  I care for my students, crack occasional jokes, provide advice, and try to guide them in a positive direction.  I guess that's a bad thing to some because unfortunately some teachers see it as only a job. They don't care if they leave a mark. Sometimes they can be quick to disregard the students and they tend to classify them as a group, rather than as individuals. They allow their students to enter and leave the classroom like an unknown crowd using a revolving door and they most likely never think of them again.

I'm different. I try to get to know each and everyone of them.  I'm with these students for nine months out of the year for two consecutive years. And then just like that- poof, it's over!  They are gone.  Entering a world without your guidance.  And all I can do is hope for the best.  Hope they won't forget what I taught them.  Hope they won't forget my advice and make the right decisions.  I have two years to change them and when they walk on that stage it's a happy time for the both of us.  They are ecstatic  because they officially graduated and are off to high school!  As for me, I'm happy because I know I gave it my all.

When I read their goodbye letters, I couldn't help but tear up at times.  This is MY moment of reflection and this is when I feel extremely blessed knowing teachers really can make a difference.  Below are some of their words written to me:

The way you helped me for high school and prepared me for it is a really loving and caring thing you did for me.  But the question I keep on asking myself is why me. ~Ramon

You changed my personality a lot.  I used to feel alone and that my work isn't worth anything.  That if I wouldn't have been alive, everything would be the same or even better, but you taught me to believe in myself and to think that I have a meaning in life. ~Fabian

When my parents didn't believe in me, you did. ~Selenne

Sometimes it just takes one person to change another.  ~Rogelio

Sometimes I just came to school for this class.  ~Zadkiel

Your words made me grow up.  You're more than a teacher.  I look up to you.  ~Yesenia

If my rap career doesn't work out, I want to be an LA teacher like you. ~Omar

To be honest there was nothing I didn't like about this class. Every morning waking up, I looked forward to this class. Out of all the teachers, I will miss you the most.  You have a great personality but are strict when needed.  There won't be a teacher as cool as you and if there is, I won't be as close with that teacher.  ~Luis

You changed my life by helping me write better and express my feelings.  I always thought I would be made fun of.  You are the only teacher who understands where I come from and talks about our futures. ~Edgar

You made me want to be as cool as you.  You are different from other teachers.  You snap on us, joke with us, and give us life lessons and tips.  You also eat a lot for a small person.  ~Stephanie

Your son will grow up to be someone amazing because you are. ~Georgina

I think you were the only teacher who helped students with their problems. ~Santos

You light up student's faces.  I wasn't nice to people before but now I am.  And it's all because of you.~America

Our talk has helped me out a lot.  You made me realize people do care and want me to do okay with my life.  I never talked to any teacher like that.  You are my hero. ~Tania

Nobody in my life has ever treated me with respect and believed in me. ~Vrian

I wish I could show you how grateful I am that you came into my life.  You made things so much easier. ~Yerania

I never encountered a person who believed in me. You loved us like your own. Thanks for reviving my self confidence. ~Angie

You made me realize not everything in life will be handed to you.  You have to work hard. ~Leslie

Take care of Jake and lay of the hot wings.  Eat healthy. Jake is lucky to have a tremendous role model in his life. ~Eve Molly

You taught me to be myself, not a follower. ~Floribel

You taught us not only about Language Arts, but life.  It takes a lot for a person to do such a thing. ~Monserat

You changed my point of view of school.  It could be okay if I have a teacher like you. ~Eddie

Just coming to school and seeing how positive you are made me forget about my problems. ~Josafat

Being an adult is boring when you make it boring.  Life is what you make of it.  You taught us this. ~Shantez

I wouldn't change one thing about your class. ~Emilio

Some of my entries I read I can't believe I wrote something like that. ~Cassandra

Your heart is made of gold and anyone who tells you different is jealous of you. ~Samantha

Thanks for being a goofball and brightening our day. ~Juanita

You changed all of our attitudes and that is not an easy task. You conquered all of this by yourself which is a huge milestone. ~Joshua


*** These letters made me look at saying goodbye from a completely different angle.  Saying goodbye doesn't always have to be a sad moment.  Consider it an experience that you learned from.  ~Mrs. K. 

Why Blog?

It's been awhile since I've wrote.  I can blame it on motherhood, my job, etc. But the fact of the matter is, I think it's been a combination of two things.  First one: I'm busy.  So therefore, I disregard anything that is more of a want, not a need.  I have a tendency to turn my back on things that require some type of motivation.  Whether it's working out, eating right, or in this case: writing.

Second reason: to be quite honest, the world of blogging has changed for me.  The blogs that I follow seem to all want to achieve the same goal. And that goal is: to create a crowd.  I run over the photographs that they post and the words pin me pops up.  People want to be followed, and if that's their thing, I'm not here to criticize. To each their own, right? These bloggers are doing what they love, but truthfully, this recent shift has left me questioning my blog.   Should I follow the trend?  Is my blog looking ancient to others?  But then I realized what I still love about blogs and what I still enjoy about mine. 

I created this tiny little space, a mere glimpse into my life, and that's what I still adore about other blogs.  I love that I can read about personal experiences, simple musings, and comment on topics that have some kind of substance. That's life. It's what I can relate to.  

My favorite writer has held on to the "old way" of blogging. The old way, to me, is sort of like an open diary.  Only with this "diary"- you don't mind if someone else reads it.  And you're doing it for yourself and you're not seeking any type of gain.  So, I've decided, I'm forever sticking to the old way as well.

Because let's face it.  Despite the fact I have created this, I am a pretty private person.  I only tell a select few everything/anything about me.  I never wanted 1,000+ followers on Facebook or my current obsession which is Instagram.  I'm a fan of lower numbers and don't care how many likes a photo receives. I post things for me, for my family, and for my closest friends to see. And that's the sole purpose of this blog.  I write here for myself and when I created this space, I shared it and continue to share it with a very small number of individuals.  To me, blogs are a personal space, and that space should be personal, right?!  So I'm keeping things the way they are. 

Well, not exactly.
I won't wait another seven months to write again. :)

On Movement

"Downtown. Lights on buildings and everything that makes you wonder."

-Stephen Chbosky, "Perks of Being a Wallflower"

For some, clarity can occur when your mind and body feel somewhat of a disconnect from the everyday grind.  Whether you're on vacation or somewhere local, in that moment--answers to your questions begin to flood your mind and everything seems to fit together so easily...... Like pieces of a puzzle.  Clarity.  For me, I've recently discovered it occurs the most during motion.  

Whether I'm in a car, plane, or train--most of my thoughts occur during some form of movement.    During my drive to work, or on my way home, multiple images are flying through my mind when I hear a favorite song. But what I find myself doing the most during this time is creating.  Creating ideas that I want to happen.  Some ideas are big, others are small.  Heck, I have this horrible habit of changing my lesson plans on my way to work because I think of something different.  Is this normal?  Maybe it's just the writer in me....  

Either way, one thing is for sure: it's the brief break from the everyday that brings me to an entirely different level of thinking.  

I'm curious, what gets your wheel spinning?

Back to Reality

Sad to report, but all good times must come to an end.  On our last day, Tom and I spent the morning alongside the pool.  A pool day wouldn't be complete without acting like a child...We started a swimming competition against one another-like we were part of the Olympics or something.
Yep. True story.
(I beat him in the backstroke for the record!)  :)

After checking out of the hotel, we drove to a nearby Pier and ate at a cute little "shack" called the Yardarm Restaurant:

Tom and I frequently discussed if we should bring Jake or not.  We decided last minute to go by ourselves.  In my opinion, it is crucial to do this whenever the opportunity arises.  It was hands down a much needed vacation that left me feeling like a new individual.  Memories were created and there were times I laughed until my stomach ached.  We had our moments of feeling like a kid without a kid.  

Moral: Explore different destinations-even the unpopular ones!  

Vacation Part III

Day three:

Buffet again! Then Tom departed for a round of golf and I took this opportunity for some quality all about me time.  My relaxing day began with a massage and thoroughly enjoying all of the amenities the spa had to offer.  Afterward, I walked around the resort with a pina colada in hand, and captured the scenery:

I couldn't get over the massive trees:

Then I wrote in my journal (pictured below) because being around peace and harmony all day long can really put things into a different perspective:

After a brief entry and a vast array of photos, I became intrigued about the hotel and wanted to learn about the history.  To my surprise, part of the hotel was used as a hospital during the Civil War and as a training base during World War II-read all about it here.  The hotel magazine and this PDF stated people with political power, famous singers, and athletes have stayed at the hotel.  Looks like our destination isn't so mundane after all!

For lunch, we went to the Oyster House for some more (yes, you guessed it!) oysters and scrumptious seafood. Then it was off for a quick shopping trip in downtown Fairhope-which reminded me so much of Santa Rosa, California.

The remainder of our day was spent at the pool and beach and then it was off to the Wash House Restaurant for one seriously amazing steak dinner.  The place was deceiving from the outside, but the interior was so cute:

Oh, how I love vacations.........and food!!

XO

Vacation Part II

Good morning to me!  

Without a doubt, I would love to wake up to a view like this one every morning:

I'm officially WIDE awake because Tom suggested a short run along the bay and a quick workout at the gym.   So much for the word vacation....

However, running along the bay, looking at the morning horizon, and listening to Ray LaMontagne's song, "Within You" made my workout feel like anything but a workout.  If I had this motionless view to anticipate every morning, running would be much more likable:

Apparently, a quick run and climbing a few steps, can make anyone feel like Rocky:

:)

After one of the most amazing breakfast buffets, we hopped into our super "rad" car (yes, I'm laughing), and headed to the Gulf Shores beach:

During lunch, I ordered oysters again and forced Tom to break (not one, but all of) my crab legs.  In that moment, we reminisced about our younger years and the experiences we had on family trips.  I couldn't help but think, since we now have a foundation (a family of three), we will be building our own countless memories on different vacations for Jake to recollect. 

We drove into downtown Fairhope, had dinner at a little pizza joint that played Frank Sinatra and other songs like Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World".

Absolute perfection!

Some scheduled me time tomorrow!

Vacation Part I

No matter how big or small a topic can be, I love having this little writing space because it enables me to look back and remember every little detail.  I've been slacking on writing, however the important part is-I'm progressing (very slowly) with my hobby again and starting simple.  My writing topic today is about a recent vacation my husband and I decided to take on a whim.  Not appealing?  Well like I stated above, I want to remember all of the tiny details and lately friends have been asking to see pictures and they want to know what we chose to do on a daily basis.

Tom and I have visited various countries and states and love nothing more than a break from the norm.  Together we have created lifelong memories on vacation. Most, as we recall, just downright hilarious! 

We decided we needed a getaway close to home and some guys from work suggested Alabama to Tom.  "Alabama?? Really?" was my initial response.  (It's not everyday you hear about people heading there), but I'm all for going somewhere new and absolutely heart the south, so I decided to give it a go.  Besides EVERY vacation brings something new to the table.....

Well, it started off with me being "interrogated" at the airport.  Out of all the people flying out of Midway, I was stopped by TSA (before entering security!) and asked to provide my license and boarding pass.  For those who know me, do I really look like I can cause any harm?!  Then, I proceeded through security and was yelled at for placing my bag down too quickly. Really?!  I must say Tom enjoyed every minute of this and had this permanent smirk on his face.  I'm always up for a good laugh and when life hands you lemons...head to the bar!  

(Hmmm...I just made that up, maybe I should make that slogan a sign!)

We had a few laughs at the airport bar about my experience, boarded the plane, and (our luck) we had a pilot that told jokes to his crew and passengers before takeoff. One joke stuck with me because I'm a White Sox fan.  I'll get into that later...

We rented a SUV and thought we would have a SUV.  Turns out, an Enterprise representative said, "We only have a Dodge Ram or Challenger." The minute I saw the Challenger, I immediately thought of the movie Dukes of Hazzard.  Tom was smiling like a little kid on Christmas, so I knew I would be stuck with this teenage machine.

A quick summary of our first day:

After check-in, we went out to dinner and I immediately ordered oysters with my drink.  I became obsessed after our first experience devouring oysters in Puerto Rico.  After eating amazing seafood, we managed to go to all of the bars located at our resort.  We started off at the poolside lounge, and as I sipped "The Patriot" special, I watched the sunset and snapped these pics that make me want to close my eyes and return:

I ordered another dinner for myself (true story-nothing like a Bison burger at midnight!)  Then we sat on a swing by the bay and talked and then located a seat by a fire pit and talked some more:

Around 1am, there was a "serious" game of golf in the dark.  In case you are wondering, I won! (Could be because I drank less, but I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing that.)  Hard to view, but here's my proof:

Eventually, we made our way back to our room, only to be locked out because of our demagnetized key card.  Only us.

Pilot joke:  A kid tells the courtroom he doesn't want to live with his mom or dad because they beat him.  Judge then questions kid and asks him who he wants to live with.  Kid says I want to live with the Chicago Cubs because they don't beat anyone! :)

On to day two...stay tuned!

What I would tell my 15 year old self...

(Pic: Yahoo Images)

...high school is nothing like the movies. You'll never met a Jake Ryan look alike.

...the friends you have your senior year will remain your best friends for the rest of your life. (With a few additions along the way.)

...being popular means absolutely nothing.

...focus more on school and less on things that really don't matter.

...you will break a heart, and then have yours broken.

...don't hate yourself for not going away to college.  You will have more fun at home creating lifelong memories with your friends (than someone who actually DID go away). 

...the guy who you almost push away (because of a recent heartbreak) ends up being the one you marry.

...anytime the possibility of vacation arises, always seize the opportunity, because you'll end up saying (for years after) "remember when we went here..." and you'll just smile and cherish those memories forever. 

...your love for writing will help you in the future when you become a teacher.

...you'll encounter a doctor telling you that you have heart failure, and it won't stop you from achieving your goal of starting a family.

...you'll make a promise to yourself to never become dull or boring when your a mom and you totally fulfill your promise.

...and finally, when your 34, you will LOVE your curly hair and appreciate having options.

**I got this idea from another blogger, so I can't take the credit.  However, I thought this was such an interesting way to reflect on my past and life today.

Dear Jake, (5-8 Months)

You have kept mommy pretty busy, but I love this phase because you are smiling and so much more active!

On November 13th, you discovered your voice and kept screaming (for pure enjoyment) followed by smiles.

You love blowing bubbles!

On November 19th, you started sleeping until 5am and eventually transitioned to the 6am mark (THANK YOU! Mommy and Daddy needed this extra hour!)

On November 29th, you rolled on to your stomach!

You love to kick when we are changing your diaper.

When we put you in your jumperoo, daddy and I couldn't stop laughing. Your feet looked like you were auditioning for Lord of the Dance.

When I'm holding you, you have the tendency to lean on the way to the side to see my patterned socks! :)

Then mommy was on her winter break from work, and witnessed two milestones:
One was on January 2nd at Auntie Vasavi's house--she located your first tooth!!
The other, was on January 6th, when you rolled from your stomach to your back. (Mommy was just telling Auntie Vasavi that you would occasionally roll back but not always.)  You must have been listening and thought, "I'll show you what I can do!"

On January 14th, you tried your first baby food.  We have the video to prove it! :)

Two little adorable habits that you have:
You sleep on your side with your tiny feet against the bumper and you place your little hands on the edge of the table attached to your high chair while your being fed.  Such a nice eater, showing early table manners!  :)

Your first word was dada, but then you said mama soon after that, but now your back to saying dada.

As of today, you have six teeth!

You love moving your hands up and down while you are drinking your milk.

You cry sometimes the first five minutes upon meeting someone new.  (You like peace and quiet like mommy and have a hard time trusting others.)  LOL!

You act like you have a pair of glasses on and you move your head upward while looking down and pout your lips while you are concentrating.

You stretch your arms out to the side and it looks like your hands are trying to grab something.  You do this when you're really excited and want to say or do something.

When I say "sockies off" and take your socks off, you just crack up and something so small completely warms my heart.

And the fun continues....

Love you boo-boo!

Mommy (& Daddy)

Blissful Week at Work

(Photo: Yahoo Images)

Three different days:

1.  Best email I have ever received...please read below:

Good morning. I just wanted to take a minute to share a really heartwarming positive referral that I received from Ms. Stange regarding a student from your homeroom:

Brian (412) and Joshua (430) received a positive referral from Ms. Stange for this wonderful act of compassion, responsibility and courage: “This boy and a few others saw some extreme bullying on the street; three 8^th grade boys who continually bullied another student during the past few days. Joshua and Brian and a few others asked the victim if he would like to walk with them so he will be with other students and maybe not get bullied anymore. The group of students then walked several blocks out of their way to make sure he was safe. He and the students that helped the bullied boy returned to school after 3 p.m. to report the bullying”.

I almost cried when I read this email about Joshua in my homeroom because it is the most touching email I have ever received.  Joshua told me he was once a victim of bullying and will not tolerate seeing others bullied.  I commended him for being so responsible, mature, and a role model to others who witness these acts of cruelty.

2.  I was one on one testing one of my students named Oscar.  He kept on answering the next question before I even stated the question.  Amazed, I asked him jokingly, "Are you a psychic?" He smiled and told me yes and wanted me to ask him any question. First one that came to my mind was the number of children I will have. (Strange I know, but it really was the first question that I thought of.) He replied,  "Only one."  It was what he said after that made me smile. He said, "Why do you want more kids Mrs. K. when you have all of us? " Huge smile from me. End of our conversation.

3.  I was talking to my students about an upcoming event at our school. I quickly summarized the details of career day and mentioned sometimes I think about receiving a masters degree.   One of my students named Luis said loudly, "No, Mrs. K. you can't do that because you wouldn't be here and we'll miss you because you are the coolest teacher."  

Times like these, I think damn I really do love my job.  It's going to be a tough gig to walk away from.  Maybe one more year....

Reflection Part Two

(Photo: Pinterest)

So I created this long list that I planned on sharing that consisted of all of my 2013 resolutions.  I planned on sharing the list but along the way I experienced a bump in the road.  Actually, to be more exact, a major pothole!  My mom had to have heart surgery and since her surgery I've been lost in my thoughts.  Do I spend a lot of time with her? ... And let's stop there because the rest of my thoughts are pretty personal.

Truth is many resolutions that are made suck! :) Ohhhh how good it feels to be blunt!  Most resolutions that we make really don't matter.  Well at least mine anyway. What matters in life is the people in your life.  I've come to realize that people don't see their parents as much as they should. Or the time together is not valued as much as it should be.  I can recall many times I have said goodbye to my mom, gave her a quick hug, and then I'm on my way.

So instead of my long 2013 list, I'm going with what is truly important.  My new resolution is to spend more time with my parents.  Especially my mom who lives alone.  Today I stopped by and gave her a kiss on her cheek before I left and told her I loved her.   I made plans with her tomorrow to take her shopping after work, and she is coming over on Sunday because my husband wants to cook for her.  

Look at my post from last year and read number 28.

So far, I think I'm off to a pretty good start....

Reflection Part One

(Photo: Bing Images)

Motherhood. By far, my biggest achievement of the year! To be even more accurate, my entire life!

A lot of people are asking me how I'm balancing motherhood and my career.  Let's be honest here.  I bounce back and forth constantly with being a SAHM or a teacher. I miss him when I'm at work and constantly stare at his picture on my desk.  However, this gigantic transition has been pretty smooth because I have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes care of him and us.  I also have a job that allows me to be home early enough to spend quality time with him.

I am now a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, and teacher. I am trying to balance it all and yet still find time for me. Not an easy task, but worth every second. It has been a beautiful year.

My sister has two children and is currently taking courses to pursue a second masters.  She mentioned the fact that I need to give up something.  I chose technology.  I'm not on the phone much anymore, Facebook for a quick check, even my blog is suffering! Sigh.

Back to my focus, my reason for writing this. My title is Reflection and I am reflecting on what I have learned so far about motherhood. (Hopefully I don't sound too harsh!)

1.  It's important not to forget about yourself. You still need some days and/or nights without the baby. What happened to the pictures of your world (ie: friends) before the baby? I try to have nights out with my husband, family, or friends without taking Jake.  I love my son with my whole heart, but this still needs to happen every once in awhile.

2. Working doesn't make anyone any less of a mother.  Don't feel guilty if you need or want to go back to work.  There are perks to being at work believe it or not.  A social worker at my school mentioned she enjoys her 40 minute lunch breaks and bathroom breaks without interruptions! (lol)

3. Ignore those that don't agree with you not breastfeeding.  Congrats to all the mothers who accomplished breastfeeding.  It takes a lot of time and dedication.  However, you don't know why that mother is not breastfeeding.  Perhaps it was an easy decision or there was a problem or complication.  If you see a bottle of formula RELAX, the baby is still receiving good nutrition. 

4. Ignore the milestones that other children have.  I can't stand comparisons.  Take a moment to compare yourself with someone that is in your life.  Notices the differences?  We are all meant to be different.  Look different, act different, etc. Life would be incredibly boring if we were all the same. Same concept with babies. Differences should be embraced not judged.

5. Ignore the "perfect babies"!! So a baby is meeting his or her milestones, never cries, always smiles, sleeps through the night pretty much since birth, and so on. We have all met "those" before. Well I think when your kid turns 18 and is still considered perfect, then I'll high five you! :)

(One of my nephew's had to sleep in a car seat for months after birth because his acid reflux was so bad and another nephew of mine constantly cried.  Both are now amazing young men who have made some impressive decisions in their lives.)

6. Best advice given to me: Do what you feel is best and when you're ready to do it.  If you're not ready to take your baby out to the store solo, it's okay, TRUST ME!  I had a c-section (6 weeks to recover!) and a husband who works a lot of hours and I truly didn't feel comfortable with doing this.  I now live by those words given to me. Ignore what others think....... 

I love my son and that's all that matters.

Stocking Ideas

(Photo: Pinterest)

Christmas is around the corner!  What are you asking for this year?  Is it just me, or are a lot of adult Christmas stockings neglected??   Maybe it's just mine?! 

As a kid, I could always rely on some small gift(s) in my stocking.  As an adult, my stocking simply became nothing more than a decoration for our fireplace.
Well it's time to bring the tradition back to life! I'm asking my husband for some goodies in my stocking this year. My stocking will no longer be for decoration use only! :)

If you're thinking your stocking needs some TLC this year, here's several of my favorite products that can make for some great stocking stuffers:

1.    Alien Perfume- strange name, but I've received a lot of compliments.  I've been using this for years, an oldie but goodie in my book. 

2.  Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant-my absolute favorite.  The scent is heavenly!

3. Diorshow Mascara-hands down the best mascara out there.  Pair it with the Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer=amazing!

4. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body lotion-a lifesaver during these cold, dry winter months. 

5. EOS lip balm-odd shape, but comes in many different flavors.  Try the sweet mint, it's my fave.

Or if you feel like you've been extra nice this year and not naughty, ask "Santa" for something like a wallet. I recently purchased this Kate Spade wallet.  (What can I say? I'm a sucker for polka dots!)

Any ideas for my stocking?  Any products out there that you adore?

"My Auntie from NY is in...

...and she took all of these adorable pictures of me."

Thanks Katrina-we all missed you!

Hot Chocolate 5K

So I... didn't train as much as I should have for this race.
So I...don't really exercise. That includes running. Sad, I know.

So I ...ate donuts, sweets, (thank you teachers lounge)
and leftover Halloween candy the entire week before the race.

So I... decided to "let loose" at my cousin's daughter's benefit the night before.

What really matters about this race is the fact I have a friend that wouldn't leave my side.

We almost missed the race, ran (like the people in the airport scene in the movie Home Alone) to get to the race, joined a random corral last minute, and danced to Gangnam Style at the starting line. 

Once we began the race, she ran next to me and kept encouraging me to continue. (If it wasn't for her, I probably would've stopped about 10 times!)  Joanna ran a half marathon so trust me when I say a 5K is a warm up for her!

With Thanksgiving around the corner....I am thankful to have such an amazing friend in my life.

PS:

Did I mention how fun she is?  She took this pic w/me even though she didn't break a sweat.

Love you Jo!