Do You Suffer From One-More-Itis

A common complaint moms have is that there is never enough hours in the day. We also complain that we never have enough “me” time. One reason we may not be able to finish everything on our to-do list or snag a little me time is a little disease I like to call one-more-itis. One-more-itis is very common. I suffer from one-more-itis and I bet some of you do too. Or at least know someone who does. The disease compels moms to continuously do one more. It could be one more load of laundry or one more quick phone call … Continue reading →

The World of Harry Potter

I’ve never been a Harry Potter fan. No disrespect to Ms. Rowling. When the HP craze hit the U.S. I figured I was simply too old to get hooked on childish fantasy. Plus, I didn’t have kids so I figured why bother. Over the years as the craze heated up and once I became a mom I still didn’t quite get it. Tyler never expressed any interest in HP so again I figured why bother. Until recently. Perhaps it was the release of the final HP book and all of the media attention surrounding it but Tyler has expressed an … Continue reading →

Tips To Recharge Your Batteries

One of the things that amazes me about being a parent, especially the parent of a young child, is how draining it can be. When Tyler was born I expected the early years to drain me of energy but I figured as he aged and was able to do more for himself I would once again have the energy I had in my pre-baby days. NOT! It really does not get much better. Not only do you have your needs to take care of but the needs of a small walking, talking human. The past few months I have been … Continue reading →

Taking Vacations Without the Kids

Yesterday I wrote about day tripping in your own town. Spending time with your kids is great but what about taking a trip without the little ones. Many parents would like to but feel guilty about wanting to have some time away from the little ones. If you’re one of those parents, have no fear, there are ways you can have a little R and R without the kids and not feel guilty about doing it. The current issue of LifeScript Healthy Advantage newsletter offers several ways to lessen the guilt. Here are some that I particularly like: (1) Gift-A-Day- … Continue reading →

Taking a Vacation Before the Summer Break

As parents, we sometimes have a hard time taking a break without feeling guilty. With school ending this week, I decided I would take a vacation and prepare myself for a busy summer. Not a full-time vacation just a few hours off in the morning and a light writing schedule. I figured this week I would drop Tyler off at school and instead of taking my morning walk and then commencing with my work, I would drop him off and then take a two-hour nap. Then get up and work for two hours, have lunch and chill. I figured it … Continue reading →

Spring Break- Not Just for the Kids

Spring Break is here and the kids are home from school this week. It’s a bittersweet time for me. Sure, I’m excited about not having to wake up at 6:30 (I’m not a morning person!) but the problem remains what to do with Tyler doing this time. Working from home has definite advantages. During breaks and early dismissals, I don’t have to worry about missing work or finding other alternatives for Tyler. It also means that I have to try to work with him hanging around my neck (sometimes literally). Although he can certainly amuse himself and understands that this … Continue reading →

“Me” Time

Sometimes the answers we seek are literally right in front of us. As parents we often talk about not getting enough “me” time. However, there is a way and it’s really quite simple. What you have to do is take out a calendar or day planner and schedule time for yourself. That’s right, make a date with yourself. You’re equally as important as any activity or appointment aren’t you? Nod your head “yes”. I had read on several separate occasions that you should schedule exercise into your day. That you should actually write it down as an appointment. Why not … Continue reading →

The Sanity Walk

I am not a huge, avid exercising sort of person. However, I am completely dedicated to my walks. The reality is, though, that walking emerged more as a way to stay sane and re-group as a parent than it did as any way of getting in a little daily movement. When my three kids were quite small, I could fit them all in the Red Flyer wagon and we could go for a walk around the neighborhood. The physical exertion of pulling the three of them and the fresh air tended to break up any sort of “funk” we were … Continue reading →

Sneaking “Me” Time Into Your Day

Many moms wonder how they can sneak a bit of “me” time into their busy day. For me, I find most days to be a juggling act. I cringe when people say that it should be easier for me since I “don’t work”. It’s sad that some people think the life of a writer is all glitz and glamour and we’re sitting around in our pajamas all day, sipping coffee and reading steamy romance novels. Or watching Oprah. Okay, I do work in my pajamas from time to time, but that’s not the point. I probably “work” more hours than … Continue reading →

The Therapeutic Power of Coloring Books

We haven’t yet outgrown coloring books around here. Recently I realized the torch has been passed when my eldest daughter came home with several new books to add to our household collection. Up until now, it has always been me keeping the crayons, colored pencils and gel pens in order and providing a periodic fresh supply of inexpensive coloring books. Coloring books have never really been about arts and crafts in our family, but more of a stress-reducer, relaxation or settling tool. Something to do when a person has worries or troubles or feels a little “off” or out of … Continue reading →