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Archive for the ‘Motherhood’ Category

Etiquette… Winning Battles and Losing Wars

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

So I’ve decided that this summer, I’m turning a new leaf, and I’m gonna try and not sweat the small stuff as much. I’ve decided that when it comes to etiquette, a big thing for me, winning battles and losing wars is not the way to go.

Last week, my hubby and I went to see Carlos Santana in concert. I know what you’re thinking… how old is this girl, Erica? I’m only 35, but am a bit of an old soul when it comes to music. I’ve seen The Beach Boys, Tony Bennett and Marvin Hamlisch, all in concert, and I’m embarrassed to say, I think I was even in my twenties (not thirties)  at the time. And I went on my own free will, yes. To this day, Marvin Hamlisch remains the best concert I’ve ever seen. Oh lord. Keep reading…

tony bennett

Anyhow, after the concert, we went for some Starbucks decaf Frappucinos and sat outside. It was during our extreme heat wave, and it was a beautiful night. Now my husband, God bless him, can be quite the romantic and chivalrous type. Truly.  But, he’s not very strong on car door openings… like hardly ever! I always remind him… “It’s nice if you open the door for your wife.” He always laughs, “Honey, I’m already on this side. Can’t you open the door yourself?” Anyhow, that night, after leaving Starbucks, he… DRUMROLL… OPENED THE DOOR FOR ME. I didn’t say anything, but he was being EXTRA nice. I knew the reason… and I’m sure you do too. Etiquette in exchange for sex. So I figured, instead of getting all upset over the fact that his etiquette improved just so he could get laid, I let it slide.

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Mommy Wars

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

By Guest Blogger Shannon Henrici

mommy wars

I was reading another woman’s blog the other day and I was struck by the negative comments that flooded her blog site. I couldn’t believe all the passed judgments, and the harsh words. But then, I began to think of all of the times I have quietly passed judgment on other moms. I was a little ashamed of myself and thought, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

I thought of the old childhood saying, “When you point your finger at someone, three are pointing back at you.” I know that I am not perfect. I have to remember that other moms are not perfect. We are all just learning as we go. How many times have you heard judgmental words from another mother, “Can you believe she put him in daycare 6 weeks after she gave birth?”  Or  “My child would never act like THAT!”  Besides, by which standards are we comparing other people?  Our standards?  Society’s standards?  Which child is perfect?  Which mother is perfect?

And there are so many topics that divide women today; working vs. staying at home, to vaccinate vs. to not, breastfeeding vs. formula, and list goes on. I find more than ever, instead of coming together to support one another, we are seeing quite a bit of these “Mommy Wars.”

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Getting Silly!

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

So, I figured today I’d lighten the mood around here. All the Blog posts I have been reading and writing lately have been a little heavy. But that’s just what life is… a series of movements, one happening at a time. With all of life’s challenges, or with your children graduating and trying to guide them in the right direction, or going off to camp, or trying to get through tough economic times, or getting unstuck in your life, or just trying to juggle it all, I am reserving today’s post to laugh and be silly. Cuz I think that many of us often take ourselves WAY too seriously, and well, today you won’t! I am guilty of it, we’re all guilty of it. Today I want to uncage the silliness in all of us. I’m declaring today, GET SILLY DAY!

being silly

My son snapping me yawning! Hot!!

So in a world that rates people on financial worth, social status, job description, your degree of expertise, today you’re gonna find your funny-bone. In a world where meats and sunscreens are being recalled for killing us, today you’re gonna laugh. In a world where you might feel like you’re sitting in a bowl of cherry pits, today you’re gonna take a mental break. And finally, in a world where you blow things out of proportion and agonize over the small stuff, today, screw that shit!

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What Your Children Will Teach You

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

By Guest Blogger Signe Whitson

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

–Buddhist proverb

As a mom, I am always on the lookout for teachable moments.  I’m sure my kids will moan and groan in their teenage years about how “everything with Mom has to be a ‘thing’” but I can’t help myself; I’m a processor and I like to think that helping my kids think through everyday events will fortify them with valuable life lessons.

what i learned from my children

Over the years, I do believe I have taught my children some great lessons about such things as the importance of kindness, our responsibility to protect the Earth, and the power of love.  What is more profound, however, are the lessons my children have taught ME.  Far beyond anything I have learned in high school, college, graduate school, or any of my experiences in between, my children have taught me lessons about how to really live.

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There Is No Better Time Than NOW To Take The Plunge…

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Into an endless sea of opportunity!

I have a few questions for you:

  • Do you wake up Monday morning and wish it were Friday already?
  • Do you feel unsatisfied with your current job and wish you had more flexibility?
  • Are you tired of getting a paycheck for doing something you hate?
  • Are you a stay-at-home mom who is antsy to finally do something for herself?
  • Are you a professional who is looking to change career paths entirely?
  • Are you burning out in the corporate world?
  • Have you ever thought of turning your hobby into a career?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you just may be ready to get off the fence and START YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

start your own business

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Wordless Wednesday – Sorta…

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

VALUE TO VALUE

What do you think? Did something click for you?

xoxEDxox

The Wooden Bowl

Monday, June 21st, 2010

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year
-old grandson.
The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
‘We must do something about father,’ said the son.

‘I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.’

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

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