Two steps back, Four steps forward

We all come here for different reasons. Whether you read online blogs to escape or publish your own to engage, no doubt you have come across writers whose focus or voice is quite unique.

I write because that’s all I know. Oftentimes it seems as though I’m writing about things that are very personal and that I’m willing to share my every thought with anyone who happens upon this page.

Lately, though, I’ve had to take a second look at why I put my life out there like that. I have to take into consideration the other people in my life that are affected by, or who could be affected by, the words I write, the stories I share.

The last few weeks have been crazy, interesting and inspiring. I’ve had deep discussions with many wise and thoughtful individuals about life changing events that I just cannot write about – at least not yet. And it has been killing me.

On one hand, it feels like I am keeping a secret by not sharing everything. On the other, I know that there are special stories that take time to evolve and that once shared will be more rich for having that time to reflect on what has truly taken place.

Life takes us on unexpected journeys. We’re never given more than we can handle and the people who are placed in our path are here to teach us, guide us and push us to grow, challenge us to rise to our full potential.

Each and every one of you has given me strength to continue, inspired me to laugh at myself and encouraged me to store away these details and tidbits for a greater story that I know I will share, soon. I hope you stick around. The best is yet to come.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

She’s Having a Baby!

Bringing a new baby home for the first time can be stressful. Your life will certainly never be the same after becoming a mom for the first time and with all the items you need to make this transition easier on yourself and your little one, it’s no wonder that parents are finding themselves overwhelmed.

New products and gear are introduced all the time and things are much more sophisticated, hip and more secure than they were just seven years ago when I started shopping for baby products.

Jayneoni Moore is the expert at putting together fun, interactive and inspiring events for new and expecting moms and her latest event, She’s Having a Baby, will be another exciting reason to get together and celebrate motherhood and all things baby-related. I was pleased to work with her a few years back when she hosted the Boom Boom Room for new parents (at the time) Chris Noth and Tori Spelling.

Jayneoni asked me to speak at this weekend’s event and I am honored to be able to hare some insight with the moms in the crowd as well as on hand to answer questions about Surviving Early Parenthood and what it takes to Create the Family of Your Dreams and how technology and social media can enhance your family’s experience.

Tickets are $45 per person, although each and every guest will leave with a goodie bag overflowing with baby products from top brands. Proceeds from the event will go to First Book, an organization that provides new books to children in need.

Major sponsors, such as Fisher-Price, boon, giggle, tiny prints and more are participating in this year’s event and hoping to reach moms who want the best for their baby.

If you’re in Southern California and are a new or expecting mom, you won’t want to miss this fabulous event taking place Sunday, May 23rd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Celebrity appearances and guest speakers will be there throughout the day in between product demonstrations, a maternity fashion show, pampering for the moms and moms-to-be, and giveaways from many great sponsors. One lucky winner will take home an Orbit 2 Stroller so be sure to sign up for you and your friends or family who may be welcoming a new baby this year!

I hope to see you there!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Modern Family

Most fairy tales finish with a happy ending, but the story does still come to an end.

Our story, too, includes a happy ending, only it’s just the beginning to a new chapter.

I am thankful for your support and grateful for the advice, encouragement and insight you provided as I shared my story with you over the last several months, the one that Mr. Right has starred in with me – our adventure in this long-distance romance.

Our relationship works for so many reasons, although the distance and time spent apart isn’t working, which is why we have decided to finally (eventually) transition to a same-city partnership.

Partnerships, at least successful ones, don’t happen overnight. There are a great many details that must be discussed before we can move forward and put these plans into action.

That is what the next six months will be about. Our happily ever after is just around the corner and we know there are several ways to get there, we’re just taking our time in mapping out what the path before us will look like. What we know for sure is that Mr. Right will be moving here. We will finally be together.

I’m very excited. I’m both anxious and eager for Mr. Right to become a full-time member of our modern, blended little family. I’m overwhelmed at the idea and thrilled to have such an exciting adventure to look forward to.

Fifteen years in the making. It’s still very surreal but I keep pinching myself to remind me that this is no longer just a dream. It’s really happening!

Thank you for joining us on this journey. It’s been a fun, exciting ride and it’s only going to get better.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Saying Goodbye

My grandmother passed away early this morning. She is survived by seven children, thirteen grandkids and another thirteen great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).

Just last year, she and my Grandpa celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a family legacy that I am proud to share.

She was surrounded by love and had many visitors throughout each day over the past several months and I’m so grateful that I was able to see her and hug her a month ago.

On my quick visit with her, I complimented her on her fingernails, which were long and beautifully painted a bold red. The color suited her perfectly. She was sitting quietly when we arrived, wrapped in a colorful shawl that was handmade especially for her. She seemed at peace then and it warmed me to be in her presence even though I knew she was on the final lap of her journey here with us.

She is truly at peace now and although she will be missed, she will not be forgotten.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Broken Promises

Promises 2 Kids was founded nearly 30 years ago here in San Diego. The primary goal of this organization is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect and to provide San Diego County’s foster children with the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need to live a happy, healthy life.

I was invited to visit the Polinsky Children’s Center earlier this week, along with a few other bloggers from our area. The Polinsky Center is just one of the many programs behind Promises 2 Kids. The Polinsky Children’s Center is the only emergency facility in San Diego for abused or neglected children.

Viewing the facility and seeing many of the staff and children on campus was a touching experience, to say the least. Children are brought in due to abuse or neglect, and many end up staying in the foster care system for some time before they are adopted or before coming adults.

Promises 2 Kids also provides support to local child welfare agencies, and organizes and hosts an annual symposium and ongoing trainings for law enforcement, social workers and other first responders.

There are many ways to help Promises 2 Kids but if you are looking for a unique way to celebrate summer and raise money for a great cause, check out the private dinner and concert featuring Pat Benetar, taking place in La Jolla on June 2nd.

Donations are always welcome and are greatly appreciated.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

C is for Camaro

What could be better than a long weekend drive along the California Coast? I know! A weekend drive along the California Coast in an Imperial blue 2010 Chevy Camaro, with Mr. Right at my side!

That’s right. I will be picking up my boyfriend from the airport in the Camaro and we will head up North along the coast as we make our Memorial Day Weekend one that will truly be unforgettable in every way.

Stay tuned for photos, videos and a map route of all the awesome places we’ll visit along the way, up and down the coast.

Thanks to my wonderful friends at GM for letting us “use” the Camaro for the weekend. It’s a 2LT RS (Rally Sport model, which means it includes:

3.6 Litre, V-6 engine, 6-spd automatic
304 hp
leather
20-inch aluminum wheels
Blue tooth integration
USB port
29 mpg

I cannot wait!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

My mom can beat up your mom

Last week, my son and I walked into the L.A. Boxing gym near our house (the location in Rancho Penasquitos) for our first boxing class. We got there early to get our membership started.

The manager, Chris, gave us a tour of the facility, we checked out the boxing ring, treadmills, weight room and rows and rows of punching bags. Chris was kind enough to wrap my hands for me and got me ready for an hour of hard-core training. The instructors made me and my son feel very welcome and the music provided the perfect atmosphere to get through the workout without even looking at the clock.

My class started before my son’s so he watched as I started the vigorous routine of push-ups, running, jumping jacks, boxing and of course lifting with small weights.

When the children’s class started 15 minutes later, I was able to see my son in the mirror, as he began his own routine. I admired how focused he was the entire time, grinning like the Cheshire cat as he punched the instructor’s mitts and ducking and weaving along with the others.

We both had a great experience. My son had a blast, I worked up a sweat and we’re both looking forward to future classes. We will be going twice a week for the next month, boosting our energy and increasing our stamina, strength and confidence along the way.

I was incredibly sore the following day, but it was a good feeling, knowing that the one-hour routine worked every single muscle in my body, got my heart racing and left me feeling ready to kick some serious ass afterward.

The fact that my son can now beat me up is just one of the benefits of the class. The fact that we are both feeling more confident, in shape and getting fit for the summer is of course the greatest benefit of all. I didn’t weigh myself before our first session, but I have no doubt that after a full month of training, I will be much more prepared for bathing suit season.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home