Working Moms

The days have not been pleasant, but the memes have been nothing short of gold. A nation of children suddenly barred from their schools. Parents and guardians left analyzing Moodle, Google classroom, or pages of light grey workbook pages. Some set up makeshift classrooms in the dining room, others at the kitchen counter. Suddenly my J.K. Rowling inner monologue clues me onto one certainty – teachers everywhere are universally appreciated. As the first week crawled along like an 18-wheeler with the parking brake engaged, there was a small shift in the narrative I could see in my social media: pledges of a lack of parent-led teaching at home, and the world is now a classroom. I certainly have empathy for those...

As I crawl out of bed I spy my little one lost in a dream. A typical Christmas morning to follow it would seem. Reflections of Christmas lights dance across his face. To search for toys from Santa soon he will race. Visits from loved ones will bring joy throughout the day. Cookies and candies will be his favorite part I would say. Laughter and joy echo as everyone gathers around. But someone will be missing, it's me that won't be found. I wipe away a tear as I say goodbye. Yes, after years in healthcare, leaving on holidays still makes me cry. As I drive in the dark I place myself with the Lord. I must remember some children won't be home a Christmas more. Upon entering the doors you...

It had been a tough week. Even I didn't realize how much I was suffering from absolute mental exhaustion. Work and school and soccer and golf and dance and scouts and cross country and scheduling flu shots ....  All of it was fully underway. I had already had my typical Wednesday conversation with my husband: "Remember that tomorrow I'm placing the grocery pick-up order, so please cart the items you need." He and I are both forgetful, but like many mothers, I've adapted with better coping mechanisms. I've even tried letting things fall through the cracks, hoping they'd be caught or picked up by someone else. Here's a spoiler every mom sees coming: they weren't. I was growing frustrated by the...

For years, I have been a firm believer in taking what I like to call mental health days. With two kids and ever-increasing responsibilities at work and home, it is more important than ever for me to take that time. My mental health days are my self-care. What’s a mental health day? These are days that I choose ahead of time to do whatever I need to do for myself. Yes – I said it. I "selfishly" take time for me. I usually take one day every few months or after a particularly stressful period at work and/or home. My time is spent doing whatever I want to do – or nothing at all. My mental health days don’t all look...

Unless you are a complete introvert and don’t like to see or speak to people for extended lengths of time, working from home or being a remote employee can be a bit of a challenge. I’ve been a remote employee for 8 plus months. I’m still adjusting but wanted to give you some tips and tricks I follow to make the best of working from home. Have a dedicated workspace Make it YOUR workspace and find functional decor that will help you feel AMAZING each day when you sit down at your workspace. Get inspired by taking a look at these amazing home office ideas! I love shopping the organization and office supply aisles at Home Goods and Target for cute desk...