The Most Magical Place on Earth

Yes - we've finally made it to Walt Disney World!

It took a little convincing, since my husband wasn't completely sold on the idea (he didn't know what he was missing!) and because my daughter has a fear of mascot and characters.

I think we can all agree that we will be going back again!

While we were there I enjoyed a Dole Whip float- it was fantastic! Too bad they are usually only available at one place in the Magic Kingdom. I could have easily enjoyed one of these daily!!

When we went to Epcot, there were special stands throughout the World Showcase because of the Flower Show -- so bonus! I got to enjoy a Dole whip with Coconut Rum! Hey, it was 5 o'clock somewhere!

My kids didn't love the pineapple ice cream as much - what?! - but they did enjoy a nice, big slushie with a mountain of whipped cream. Note: My daughter treated her mouse ears like a uniform and wore them every day that we went to a Disney destination. It was so cute!

While we were there, we also got a super special, "backstage" tour of the aquarium that is part of the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. Talk about being in the right place and getting noticed! We got taken to the top level of the aquarium and got to meet the trainers and the kids got to feel a wet suit and see all the training gear! It was definitely something that added to the trip for sure!

I cannot wait to go back! I wish we lived closer so it was a possible yearly trip, but I'll plan for 2016!

Remember to take the time to enjoy your family, whether you're at the most magical place on Earth, or sitting on your couch! <3

-A

Facebook.... The Fairytale that never was.

Warning, this post is going to be a bit snarky.

But, honestly, I'm just trying to be real. Why is it that people try to project a perfect life on Facebook? You know the type, those that you know are struggling yet post statuses gushing about how wonderful and perfect their life (relationship, job, etc) is going. I don't get it. Does this come along with the age of connectivity, where people can scrutinize every inch of your life? Is that why people create their own Fairytales?

Now, I'm not perfect... but I love to share inspirational or funny things. I like to make comments pertaining to how awesome I am, I like to share funny things about my love for bacon. Sometimes I share about how my kids make me crazy, or about a good day I am having. I'm all over the place -- just like if you talk to me face to face or on the phone. That's me.

What I find interesting is how some people ONLY post when they get new things and want to brag, or when things are going badly they proclaim how wonderful their life is. Sure, no one wants to air their dirty laundry all over Facebook (or do they? There's a lot of that going on too!) but why make it all gumdrops and rainbows?

I wish I could challenge everyone to be REAL. Just for a day. Share your passion, share your humor, share YOU - the real you, not the one hiding behind the screen trying to create something that doesn't exist.

-A

Be the change...

I was just looking over my 2014 bucket list and in the career section, I had written "Step out of my comfort zone more" or something along those lines.

The funny thing is, I have stepped out of my comfort zone so much that I think I can cross that off - it's almost like it snuck up on me when I wasn't realizing it. I often find myself saying "this is so NOT me" but really, I think I need to start saying "This is the NEW me".

When I look back on the past year, I realize I have had a great deal of professional growth. My network has expanded more than I could have ever imagined and my new position has me interacting with people at higher levels than ever possible in my old position and it's NORMAL.

It's almost like I just looked at that list and laughed a bit because my comfort zone has changed so much that I'm not even sure what is out of my comfort zone anymore.

I always hear people say "Be the change you wish to see" and for once I think that I have done it -- I am the change, and I'm loving every minute.

So, what change are you going to be?

-A

A more "Paleo" lifestyle?

I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.
I was never a "skinny" kid, I was always a chubby kid - but I was never as overweight as I am now.
Since my son was born in 2010, I never got back to pre-baby size and actually yo-yoed quite a bit, getting within 20 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight and then ballooning back up, gaining 25 lbs from that point.

For me, I know that tracking my diet is key, along with more intense exercise, but I've failed miserably at sticking to it. Even last year, walking 20+ miles a week in preparation for my 60-mile, 3-Day walk, I didn't lose - because, while I was exercising, it wasn't very intense and my eating habits were not all that healthy.

I did well a few years back when I cut back on carbs. No, I didn't eliminate them or do an Atkins-style diet, I simply tried to cut out sugars and unneeded carbs most days of the week. I felt better, I lost weight and I noticed that I snacked less because the foods I ate weren't simply "fillers".

Like most, carbs are my kryptonite. So I've been debating lately whether or not to try to incorporate more of a "Paleo" lifestyle. In all honesty, I'm not looking at is as a quick fix, or even a diet for that matter. I'm actually just thinking that my whole family could benefit if we start eating less processed junk and more real foods.

So, last night I pinned a TON of Paleo recipes, guides, etc. I think I'll give it a shot, even if it's a slow, phased-in process. My biggest struggle will be replacing rice, potatoes and pasta for everyone. I'm a veggie lover, but the kids and husband aren't as gung-ho about using cauliflower as a potato substitute or spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute. But, I can try - if they don't like it, I'm sure some grains and starches won't be horrible (for them), but if we can build our meals to incorporate more roasted vegetables, fruits and meats, I think it will benefit us all in the long run.


-A

Starting over; the 2014 Bucket List

I was inspired by a friend who recently started a blog and told me about making a 2014 bucket list for different areas of your life.

I love this idea, I think it's a great way to challenge yourself and also keep track of happenings throughout the year. So here I am, I'm back to my blog and I'm putting my list out there for everyone to see (or anyone who stumbles across my abandoned blog!).

Fitness
1.Focus on healthy eating and portion control.
2. Start and finish the couch to 5k program
4. Complete a 5k
5. Complete the 24 week SGK training program, as close to program mileage as possible.
6. Complete the Philly SGK 3-Day and try to walk as much as possible, farther than last year (Last year = approx. 47 miles)

Family
1. Be more patient
2. Go to the shore at least once this summer
3. Go out for more family walks/trips to the park
4. Spend more one on one time with each of the kids
5. Do more arts and crafts with the kids
6. Take the kids to Disney and just enjoy it – no stressing, no rushing.
7. Go to at least one Phillies game this year – try for a Kids Run the Bases event.
8. Learn to disconnect; no computer/phone at least one night per week.

Career
1. Work harder to step out of my comfort zone.
2. Network more.
3. Learn more about Immuno-Oncology
4. Learn to disconnect from work on weekends/time off.

Personal
1. Read a book a month/average 12 books
2. Improve my knitting
3. Improve my style (clothes, makeup) by learning to blend colors better
4. Crochet more for myself and my family
5. Expand my Scentsy circles

Financial
1. Pay off the 4Runner.
2. Do the 52 week savings jar (at least until October – use for Christmas shopping)
3. Pay down debt
4. Budget better, and stick within the budget
5. Spend less on coffee & soda


So, there it is. The categories are in no special order. I hope to come back monthly, or at least quarterly, and update what I've done or what I'm working on! Care to share your bucket list? Leave a comment with a link to yours!

-A

It's been quite a while

Well, blogging definitely didn't stay on my list of "musts" while thing got busy. Sorry 'bout that!

In the past few months, I've been a part of an amazing journey. Along with 11 other women, Sofia's Angels, we walked the Boston Susan G Komen 3-Day, 60 mile walk for breast cancer. When I decided to sign up for the walk, and the huge feat of fundraising $2300 in order to participate, I never would have imagined what a life-changing event it would be.

I've had a chance to get to know my teammates over the past year through Facebook, texts messages, etc but coming together really formed a bond that has exceeded all my expectations.

The journey was amazing through sweat, tears and some blisters (luckily none for me) we have truly formed a sisterhood. We were all brought together in memory of Sofia, the mother of our team captain. In her memory we bonded, we walked, we raised awareness and we opened our hearts. I will forever be grateful that I was a part of it.

Sadly, the SGK walk will not be held in Boston next year - but our team has spread to other locations. Not even a week after the walk, I had already registered to walk Philadelphia. That my home turf, yet the areas we will walk will be new to me!!

I cannot wait to make more memories over the next year, and meet new people as our team expands!

Already a hiatus

When I started this blog, I thought I would take a different approach. I would post when I could but try not to make myself feel like I needed to post all the time.

Well, I just looked and realized that after 4 initial blog posts, I've taken nearly 2 months off!

It has been a crazy two months, an entire softball season has come and gone - my little slugger really enjoyed it and will be playing Fall Ball in Sept/Oct and she will be finishing Kindergarten in less than 2 weeks.

Time really does fly! My husband seems to be really enjoying his new job and my son is showing more & more personality every day... the fun Threes where we want to pull out hair out because he's just difficult!

I'm also now only 7 weeks away from one of the biggest things I've done in my life - the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. I cannot wait to go to Boston to walk with my amazing team, trekking 60 miles over the course of 3 days. To meet fighters, survivors and loved ones who are walking in memory of those who have lost their battles. I cannot wait to finally meet all of the ladies on my team - I know it will be such a bonding experience. We will laugh together, cry together, deal with blisters together... make memories that will last a lifetime.

A tiny Mommy victory?

Some days, okay – MOST days, I feel like a failure as a parent. Or in the least, that I’ve failed my kids or my husband in some way. I guess that’s what “mommy guilt” is all about, right?

Most days I feel that I stay at work too long, interact with the kids too little, and just plain don’t do all those super-fun, great, amazing things that most stay at home moms do. I’m just not that put together when it comes to my home life. Maybe it is because I use up all that energy at work that when I get home I’m simply exhausted, especially on the days that I need to rush from work to daycare because my husband is already at work for the night. I guess it’s just a combination of many things – with my workload that was crazy for a few months, a schedule opposite of my husband’s at least a few days a week, and until recently, schoolwork hanging over my head as I was working towards my MBA. Lately, my load has lightened since work isn't as crazy and I am finished with school, but I still feel exhausted.

At any rate, I feel like I should be doing more arts & crafts, taking more trips to the park and initiating more play dates for the kids. I also should do more around the house and just be more productive in general. My husband and I often joke that we have switched roles in our family, because for the past few years he was a (mostly) stay at home dad. He did the laundry, cleaned the bathrooms and even started cooking dinner most nights.

Now he’s back to work full-time (but still home twice during the week with the kids due to his schedule) and things have to shift a bit more and most days, I feel like I just don’t make the progress I should.

Then there are days like today. There was 10am softball practice, followed by a much needed coffee run. I didn’t get my workout in and thought we were going to have a “movie day” because I wasn’t feeling that great.

Well, things took a turn for the better and while the kids did their little crafts and played for a while, I did lots of laundry (you’re welcome hubby!), cleaned up in the kitchen, baked homemade bread which then turned into homemade French toast sticks with a delicious banana compote, I made progress on a baby blanket that I had an order for and now I’m about to tackle the project that I’ve been putting off: cleaning out and organizing our desk.

While that may not seem like much, I feel so accomplished. I’m especially proud of the French toast sticks because it was a very delicious “breakfast for dinner” night! I don’t think I’ve raised my voice once today and everyone seems to be getting along fine. Now I’m just waiting for my husband to call and tell me he’s leaving work so I can make him some hot & fresh French toast (his favorite), minus the banana compote because he’s a little crazy and thinks bananas are disgusting.

Losing Teeth

Recently my daughter has started losing teeth.
Honestly, I don't remember it being this gross when I was a kid. Maybe that's because I was too excited for the tooth fairy and to come and I was the wiggler, not the tooth-puller.

You know, teeth don't just magically fall out. They wiggle and loosen until there's that one last piece stuck in your gums. That's when mom or dad, also know as the tooth-puller, needs to help it out. For some reason, I am the parent that is the tooth-puller. My husband said it's because his fingers are too big to get the teeth -- whatever the reason, I don't like it.

I didn't remember that losing teeth could be so bloody. I don't like having chunks of gums stuck to the newly extracted tooth, or having to clean out the hole left behind from said extraction. Also, in the process of getting ready to lose teeth, your mouth apparently changes. I started noticing a gap between my daughter's two front teeth and the adjacent teeth. Now that she's lost one of those teeth, she looks completely silly. I'm sure the next tooth won't be far behind.

Now, while I think this so kind of gross, my daughter is thrilled. The tooth fairy has visited twice now and she knows another tooth is not too far behind. She even requested that I take a picture with my phone to send to her grandparents, then she asked if I could put it on Facebook. *Sigh* She's really growing up.

Here's a peek at the notorious cell phone picture - it's not the best quality, but it gives you a visual of what I've been describing:

Lessons from the Playground

Today I had the joy of taking my kids to the playground and meeting up with a friend and her kids. It was such a great time being able to actually have an outside play date for once, that we rejoiced in the sun.

The best part of this particular play date is that my two children and the older child of my friend were able to run free and play, since we had strategically placed ourselves on a blanket near the entrance/exit of the play area. The baby was all smiles and cuddles and was very content sitting with us. This was perfect because it gave us time to relax and chat about all sorts of things, and to do some great people watching.

While we were there, I learned a few lessons:
1. I will never fit in with the trendy moms who prefer to wear 4 inch wedges to chase their little ones around the busy playground. I'd chose my comfy sneakers, or soon flip flops, any day over breaking an ankle in those types of killer shoes. In my opinion, there is a time and place for those hoes and it makes no sense to wear them to the playground unless you're trying to impress someone. Obviously I wasn't!

2. Even though I will never again be pregnant, I envy those pregnant women who look great. You know the ones, the women who have that perfectly pronounced belly that shows they are obviously pregnant and don't look like the beached whale I did during both of my pregnancies. Oh, and the women who actually have the energy to chase their kids around the playground while obviously pregnant with the next little one.

3. It is perfectly acceptable to have a full fledged conversation about beer while sitting at the playground. After all, we weren't drinking it right there!

4. It's finally sunny springtime. That means we need sunscreen. Oops.

I'm sure I will learn something new every time we go to the playground... I have a feeling it is going to be an interesting summer and I am really looking forward to it. It's so nice to be able to sit and enjoy the company I'm keeping while the kids can run and play and enjoy being kids!!

- A

A Clean Slate

Hello There, How are you doing today?
Me, I'm doing pretty well. Exhausted, but doing well.

I've decided to start over with my blogging adventure after my previous attempts have been seemingly abandoned. I even went so far as to delete all my old entries in a way to really start over. I'm still contemplating a name change for my blog, so don't be alarmed if that comes in time.

This time around, I'd love to share a glimpse into my every day life, the wonderful and not-so-wonderful things that are going on. The real picture, not the rainbows and gumdrops view that most people like to portray in a blog. Now, don't get me wrong, I won't be down in the dumps all the time, but every once in a while, you might get a reminder that life is not perfect and you shouldn't pretend that it is!

Life is hectic, it is crazy but amazing, and most of all: Life is what you make of it.

I saw a great quote in the bathroom at my kids' daycare yesterday. I actually think I may print it up, have them doodle some awesome designs on it and hang it in my cubicle at work as a daily reminder. That quote was "Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn". I'm not sure who the source of that quote was, but I'd love to thank them for that reminder. Start your day with a smile and the hope that your day be uplifting!

-A