Powermommy Nation

The Gift of a Natural Latex Mattress

Now, I know what that you are thinking, “Where would I get that type of income?” Properly, think about it like this: you may come into some funds someday, and if/when you do, wouldn’t you desire to spread your influence with a natural latex mattress, because the gift of beneficial sleep is priceless? Even when you do not consider you’ll come into a lot of revenue someday, you can just use your federal and state tax returns to supply that natural latex mattress gift.

So you aren’t just going to give any Tom, Dick, or Harrya natural latex mattress at no cost. Obviously you wouldn’t. You almost certainly would only do a thing like that for the spouse (hey you benefit, too!) or 1 of the children. What kind of gift will be as meaningful and enable them remember you additional than a natural latex mattress. Speak about a dynamite gift! Whoever sleeps on it will bear in mind you daily. Your memory will by no means leave them mainly because an organic latex mattress lasts for 20 years or longer. Even following that they’ll probably go out and obtain a different one considering that they loved the natural latex mattress you gave them so much.

You might be quite possibly asking yourself at this point why does the mattress must be a natural latex mattress? Properly, natural so your loved 1 doesn’t have any allergic reaction to it. That would be terrible wouldn’t it? Also natural to send them a message which you care regarding the environment. Along with a natural latex mattress also simply because it truly is biodegradable and incredibly durable. A natural latex mattress will give your benefactor lots of sleeping mileage.

A lot of of us would like to have an influence and change our lives and others’ lives for the far better. We are able to do just that by giving our children a natural latex mattress to sleep on. By undertaking this we’re not going to expose them to dangerous petrochemicals like those applied in synthetic latex. We also could possibly have the ability to spare them the harmful effects of insomnia and restless sleep. If we care in regards to the education of our children, we know that we ought to feed them nutritiously, but also ensure that they get beneficial sleep so their thoughts is usually alert and rested for their school day and studies.

When you ever wanted to be somebody’s preferred uncle, cousin, brother, sister, aunt, grandma, grandpa, or whatever, just surprise them with a natural latex mattress and watch their countenance just beam. Then following a week of sleeping on it, watch as they also appear like they’re less stressed and like they have just had a tune up.

Gymnastic Trampolines – Safe or Not?

Gymnastic trampolines can be very useful for gymnastics training. It is a very useful tool to improve a child’s gymnastic abilities. However, there are those who say that the use of any trampoline is dangerous. And because of this, a lot of parents and coaches forbid their children to use a trampoline afraid that they may be injured. Even the American Academy for Pediatrics is against the use of trampolines for whatever purpose. This may be true but it doesn’t mean that this is true for all cases. With proper training and guidance, this may prove to be an effective tool for the success of a gymnast.

When used properly and if you follow the instructions, then there’s no danger in using gymnastic trampolines. It may be even more effective in gymnastics training compared to other equipment. Just make sure it is of good quality and that safety measures are taken. Being able to do tumbling moves is one of the skills that a good gymnast must possess. And the use of a trampoline can help a gymnast perform a perfect tumbling move. It may even be easier to do it in a trampoline compared to doing it in a tumbling mat as it is easier to do tumbling in the air. Even some coaches believe this is true. They believe that gymnast learn much faster with a trampoline than on a mat. Tumbling on a hard mat may even result to injuries. This may be just what you need for you to be able to qualify for major competitions.

Training with the best gymnastic trampoline can also help a gymnast gain confidence. Training could even be more fun for them. It wouldn’t even seem like they are training as they are enjoying at the same time. This may even motivate them to train more.

If you plan to buy gymnastic trampoline, make sure to do your research. Safety should not be taken lightly so make sure to buy a good quality trampoline. Remember to buy only with trusted brands. The safety of the trampoline depends on the quality of the product. When using this, you need to be careful and follow instructions to ensure your safety. It would also be wise to compare various products from various manufacturers to find the best one that will suit the needs of the gymnast. This may be the tool that can help you get that gold medal.

Improve your car performance using the Actron CP9575L obdii scanner

Actron CP9575LOne of the problems that most commonly plagues motorists and car enthusiasts nowadays, is the dreaded “check engine” warning light, which can be found on all modern cars!

The reason for that, is the fact that it can come on due to a very wide range of problems and reasons, which range from simple ones that one can easily fix by himself, to very serious ones that need to be immediately fixed by a mechanic, in order to avoid a catastrophic engine failure, or something like that.

The problem is that regardless on how well versed in the inner working of cars you may be, you’ll dtill have to visit a professional car mechanic if you want to find out exactly why the “check engine” light got turned on!

Well, I have some very good news for you! Because of  significant advances in technology, you will no longer have to take a trip to the mechanic every time that light comes on! You see all he will do in order to get a diagnosis on your car, is connect a device called car scanner to a special port on its CPU!

That’s because all car models built from 1996 onwards, and even some older ones, come equipped with a special system called OBD2! Using this system, their CPU creates ans stores in its memory special codes every time one of the car’s components malfunctions, in order to facilitate a quick and easy diagnosis!

Up until recently, auto scanners were exclusively available to professional car mechanics, but now they have become so affordable and easy to use, that pretty much anyone can own and use one! In this review, we’ll take a look at the Actron CP9575L Auto Scanner, one of the most popular and best car code reader devices on the market

ActronCP9575LDescription

Actron CP9575LThe brand new Actron CP9575l is state of the art car diagnostic tool that is fully compatible with all car models built from 1996 onwards! This is because all those cars are required by law to feature the OBD-II diagnostic system and protocol.

The Actron CP9575L is more than a simple OBDII code reader though! It is essentially a very affordable, professional grade car diagnostic tool that is currently being used in countless professional car repair shops all over the country, but it’s so easy to use that it can be owned and operated by practically anyone!

This amazing obdii scanner is also fully compatible with cars using the CAN diagnostic which means that you will be able to perform a very thorough scan to every diagnostic system and subsystem found in your car, in order to get the most complete and clear image of your car’s condition possible!

And what’s really awesome is just how simple this process is! All you’ll have to do is plug the CP9575L Actron in the special port  found on your car’s CPU, which is usually located right under the dashboard!

Also, it is so compact and lightweight that it can easily fit in the palm of your hand, allowing you to easily carry it with you everywhere you go!

Finally, because it’s powered through its connection to the car, you will never have to buy any batteries for it!

 

FeaturesoftheActronCP9575Lcardiagnosticscanner

  • The amazing Actron CP9575L car diagnostic scanner can very quickly and easily display live engine data on its very large and easy to read screen! It will also provide you with on screen definitions for  ODB-II codes, as well as generic and manufacturer specific ones!
  • Once you have found out what the reason behind your “check engine” light coming on was, you can use the Actron CP9575L OBD2 code reader to turn it off!
  • The CP9575L Actron Trilingual Car Diagnostic Reader can also provide you with the ability to freeze frame data, in order to determine what the exact conditions where at the very moment that the “check engine” light was activated!
  • You can also use the Actron CP9575L to perform your own emissions status tests, in order to make sure that your car meets the standards imposed by each state and that it will past the state emissions tests!
  • It also features an ODB-II Drive Cycle Mode, which will help you to easily keep track of all the fixes in your vehicle.
  • You can easily update its definitions database and operating system via the web, by using its USB port!
  • All the menus and documentation of the Actron CP9575L are available in three different languages!

 

ActronCP9575LProsandCons

Pros

  1. Really easy to use!
  2. It can retrieve all OBDII software codes!
  3. It’s compatible with the CAN protocols!
  4. You can use it to get data on your emissions!
  5. It has a Freeze Frame Data function, allowing you to pinpoint the cause of each problem easily!
  6. It can be easily updated via the net!
  7. All menus and documentation come in three languages!

Cons

  1. The chord may be a bit short for use with some models.
  2. The keys are a bit hard to press and not too “springy”.

How To Properly Clean Your Toilet

Cleaning toilets can be quite difficult if you don’t know how to properly do it. There are lot of ways on how to clean the toilet bowl, other people uses chemicals and others uses homemade products, like they will create their own toilet cleaning agent. By using this products it helps you easily clean the toilet, since they consist a lot of ingredients that will do a chemical reaction to the bowl. It also makes the toilet free from any bacteria or molds and maintains it clean like a brand new good looking toilet.

But, there are recommended products that will effectively helps you clean your toilet. One of them is the Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner, this cleaner will help you remove tough stains easily, kills and eliminates 99.9% of harmful viruses or bacteria and destroys toilet bowl rings, also it will not harm your plumbing or any septic systems in your bathroom.

The Lysol toilet bowl cleaner also coats the bowl above and below the waterline, it has an angled bottle that targets the areas of the best flushing toilet which is very hard to reach. This will provide your toilet bowl looks clean, deodorized bad odor and disinfects any bacteria. Most customers are satisfied in this product and they are very happy, since it helps them to do the job easier and stress free. Customers said that they just pour the cleaner on the toilet bowl, then leave it for 20 minutes and after that they will just rinse the toilet, after that they have a good looking toilet that looks like a brand new.

Also, there are other chemicals that can help in maintaining the performance and durability of the toilet. You should not only focus in cleaning your toilet bowl but you need to consider also the maintenance of the toilet. There is a specific toilet product that properly maintains your septic system and helps on how to operate it effectively, this is called the RID-X Septic System Treatment check it here.

This chemical powder will allow the septic system to maintain a free flowing system, it is scientifically formulated with special bacteria and enzymes to digest household waste. By adding this product every month, you can help prevent septic backups and prolong the life of your system. Also, this formula contains no harmful chemicals and is completely safe for your pipes and septic system.

We have lot of ways to consider on how to clean the toilet properly and easily, each of us has its own style and techniques on how to clean it efficiently. It really depends on us if we will do it in an easiest way or the hard way, but still you will be the one to decide on what you will going to use and how you will clean the toilet.

Lineman’s Football Gloves

The big men who work in the trenches don’t make fingertip catches. Some guys go years without ever touching the ball at all. The football gloves that are made for linemen serve a completely different purpose that the gloves that we usually review.

lineman football gloves

Lineman football gloves

But you will almost never see a big guy who is battling at the line with bare hands. The number one reason they are wearing these gloves is for protection. A lineman’s glove has to be able to protect their hands from getting crushed or their skin from being torn.

It would be very hard to create a glove that made it possible for someone’s hand to survive a direct blow between two helmets. If that happens, there will be broken bones. That is just one of the inherent dangers of playing football. Pay attention to the old football players who are covering your favorite team on Saturday or Sunday and notice the mangled hands holding those microphones. Their fingers point in unnatural directions and their knuckles are swollen and huge. No wonder they make Super Bowl rings so big. They have to fit over the busted digits of these warriors.

It goes without saying that anyone playing tackle football today should get a good pair of gloves if they are on the line. It just makes sense.

Gloves made for lineman will feature a padded cover for the back of the hand for protection. Check our buying guide on best indoor soccer shoes.

And even though their primary purpose isn’t handling the ball, most gloves still have a tacky palm and fingers.  If you think about it, it makes sense.  Even though it is a penalty to hold, most players are grabbing each other constantly.  If you are on the defense and you reach out and only get a few fingers on a running back you don’t want that small piece of jersey to slip through your fingers.  Even if you can’t grab on you might stick just enough to make the player with the ball think about making a move which might lead them to drop the ball. Then you want a good grip if that rare opportunity comes up for you to scoop up the ball and make a break for the end zone.

What does courtesy mean?

What does courtesy mean? It means to be excellent in your social conduct and mannerisms. 

Noun: -overcourtesy

Sentence Examples: –

  •         It is common courtesy for the people in India to touch the feet of their elders.
  •         There is absolutely no sense of courtesy amongst the youngsters of today; they have forgotten all the values that would have otherwise served them a lot of purpose.
  •         It comes to common knowledge and courtesy that is going to enable a person to get out of a sticky situation; it is not always handled by a smart person, but rather a person that is comfortable in his own skin.
  •         Whenever there is a song being played on the radio, it is common courtesy for you to listen to it rather than keep singing when you have a lot of people along with you on the ride.

·         Whenever you receive some sort of gift, be it for your birthday or your wedding anniversary, it is common courtesy to thank that person and extend greetings to him or her.  http://sentencehouse.com/courtesy/

Purchasing a artificial Christmas tree

In recent times, people have taken a fancy towards purchasing artificial Christmas trees will stop they have become quite popular as they are more realistic nowadays. The artificial Christmas

trees are not a new phenomenon, but they have been around for quite a while. However, with the latest technology, they have become more realistic -looking and also pretty affordable for the person that does not have the time as well as the desire to purchase a real tree and support deforestation. Going for the artificial trees not only provides your house with a warm feeling of Christmas, but it also does a lot of good to spread the holiday cheer to people visiting your house. Check our buying guide on best collapsible folding wagons

Since its early inception, the artificial Christmas trees have come a long way. Previously, it was cheesy looking and did not have what it takes to get people to purchase it. It was more like only the people that were protective about the environment purchasing the artificial Christmas trees. However, with some of the best artificial Christmas trees out in the market, people have now been able to purchase such products without any possible problems in the exterior or interior of the product in question.check our guide on best deadbolt locks

Moreover, the artificial Christmas trees have a plea to the people, so much so that they aren’t very messy. Therefore, with using the artificial Christmas trees in your house, you would not have any kind of chances of getting needles all across the floor, and spending a lot of time using the vacuum to clean it out. Purchasing the best artificial Christmas trees ensure that you require absolutely no maintenance whatsoever, and you will simply be able to use the artificial Christmas trees at your own leisure. Overall, the artificial Christmas trees bring a certain amount of celebration and joy to the holiday season.

The Power of Starting Your Own Business with Karla Trotman

How many excuses have you made not to start your business? Do you feel stuck?  Well it is time to get unstuck and take the first steps!

Listen to my chat with

Karla Trotman, CEO of Bellybutton Boutique

Listen on-line:  Start Your Own Business

 

Karla Trotman is a  third generation entrepreneur.  She is the owner and CEO of Babybutton Boutique an online store that specializes in the comfort and support of pre and postnatal women.   She is a sought after speaker in the greater Philadelphia area.  The amazing thing about Karla is that she started her business while working full time in her fathers business. Don’t miss her story!

Learn more about Karla: About Me

Follow Karla on Twitter: Bellybutton Boutique

Check out Karla’s store: Bellybutton Boutique

10 Ways to Act Like an Owner

Regardless of your level in the company, you are an owner.  The company does not thrive or fail at the hands of the leadership team alone.  It takes the effort of every owner in the company to move it forward.  While the progress may seem minimal from your viewpoint, you are an essential part of what will make the company great.

Everyday when you enter your workplace, act like an owner.  Here are 10 quick things you can do to start acting like an owner today!

  1. Pay attention to the details of the day to day operations of your department.
  2. Have an insatiable thirst for a better way.
  3. Ask why.  Employees know how, but owners know why.
  4. Don’t just arrive on time, come in early. This is the only way to properly prepare for the day ahead.
  5. Be passionate about the level of excellence you provide to your customers; both internal and external.
  6. Know your business. What is happening in the market?  What sets your company apart from other companies?
  7. Treat all people with respect. Especially the cleaning and maintenance people.  They have a hard job!
  8. Take pride in your workspace. Keep it neat.
  9. Review company goals and objectives and make sure that every action you take is getting the company closer to exceeding the goal.
  10. Most importantly, STOP COMPLAINING! If you don’t like the way things are going, be part of the solution.

One Way, My Way

Days before a big presentation I forwarded my PowerPoint presentation to my new boss for review.  I’d spent countless hours organizing the content for my presentation and double checking for spelling and grammatical errors.  Within ten minutes I received a response to my submission. “Content looks fantastic! The template you selected is a little dry for my taste and way to feminine.

I took the liberty of updating the template to one more appropriate.  Additionally, your theme “Partnering for Perfection” is too feminine. I have updated it to “Race to the Finish.”  I slowly clicked on the link containing my “new and improved” presentation.  Gasp! He used a race car template. I shook my head.  I am presenting to a room full of female executives with a race car template with a cheesy theme. Great.

Because my boss was the self proclaimed “PowerPoint King” and “Marketing Guru”, I dare not challenge him on this lame brain idea.  I got on a plane, flew to the west coast and delivered my slides.  When I finished, the Senior Vice President shook my hand and said, “This is going to be a great partnership.”  I chuckled inside thinking, “The flippin race car theme worked! Who knew?”

Later our client took me out to dinner.  Right before dessert, the same Senior Vice President who shook my hand earlier said, “I have to ask you, what the heck were you thinking with that race car theme? That was so not like you. Not your style at all.”  I looked back at the dessert menu and then at her. “Thought I would try something new.”  She smiled. “Well, you are lucky I like you.  With a theme like that you should not have gotten our business.”  Without hesitation the Vice President of Sales chimed in, “Come on! Spill it! Your boss revised your original presentation! Right?”  I shook my head no.  She said, “Yea right! I have known you for some time. That my dear was not your work. Next time stick to your guns. I am sure your original presentation would have closed the deal.  That presentation was way too masculine.”

The moral of the story?  Just because you are the leader does not mean you are right. Have faith in your team.  Let their creative juices flow.  If your team knows that you will always shoot down their ideas or simply change them to reflect your style, they may stop coming up with new ideas.  Remember why you hired them and utilize their talents.

If you are the employee who constantly gets your work edited or your ideas shot down, take the time to meet with your boss to fully explain your logic.  While you may not always be right, you do have some pretty good ideas from time to time. Let your light shine!

Dare to Dream: My Thoughts on Won’t Back Down

Won’t Back Down elevates the awareness level of the disparity of education available to students living in low income areas when compared to students in the same grades in better neighborhoods.

Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Jaime Fitzpatrick, a single mother who is determined to get a better education for her daughter.  As a mother I could relate to Jaime and the battle she chose to fight.  When questioned about her motivation, she says that she refuses to fail her daughter by not getting her the education she deserves.

This mom viewed her daughters education as her responsibility and she refused to give up.  Her character reminded me that when it comes to my kids education, I can never settle for what I am told. I can’t and won’t back down.

Viola Davis plays Nona Alberts, a teacher at the school who is experiencing her own personal challenges but joins the battle to get better education for the kids. She risks her job, her relationships and her character by joining the fight. Although she wanted to give up many times, she stuck with it until the end.

As I sat in the audience, I was moved to tears.  My tears were not due to the challenges each mother faced while trying to get a better education for the children.  I was touched by the fact that two women united for a cause.  These women had completely different backgrounds and never let that distract them.  I was empowered as a woman at the thought of what we could accomplish when we stick together.

Between the election, various sound bytes and covers of national magazines asking if we (moms) are mom enough; women have been put in a position to choose sides.  We have been put in a position to judge one another. This movie is a strong reminder that there is strength in unity. In this movie an entire movement started with just two women.  Because of their commitment to each other and to their cause, they were able to pull in more women.

I suggest that you take the time to see Won’t Back Down, it comes out on September 28th.   It will warm your soul and challenge you to find another woman and a cause to support. Special thank you to Essence Magazine for providing an opportunity for me to see this empowering movie.

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the movie, “What are you going to do with your one life?”

Cute and Comfortable Holiday Shopping

The Holiday shopping season is upon us.  The key to making shopping as tolerable as possible is being comfortable and cute.  Comfort allows for you to spend as much time as you wish shopping. Being cute makes you feel good while you shop.

Key Pieces:

1.  Over-sized Sweater:  Keeps you warm and allows you to breath easy. Depending on the weather you may be able to forego a coat.

2.  Leggings: Ease of movement.  Leggings are breathable and stretchy. That alone makes them a go to piece for shopping wear.

3.   Riding Boots:  Comfortable footwear for long periods of walking.  Nothing says I am ready to shop like riding boots.

4.  Large Handbag: Store snacks, lip balm, hand sanitizer, aspirin and much more.  You can also put smaller gifts in here as you continue to shop.

 

3 Steps to Survive Summer Chore Syndrome

Hello summer! Boy have I missed you! Welcome back flip flops, maxi-dresses and dips in the pool!   What is un welcomed is the break in the systems I use to keep my house running smoothly.  If your family is anything like my family, these next few weeks will be spent adjusting to the “freedom” that summer brings.

One of the things that may be hard to manage between all the freedoms is the ability to keep the chores of the house in order.  Let’s face it, kids hate chores and hate them even more in the summer.  Never fear!  Managing the chores in your house can be as easy as 1-2-3!

 

  1.  Develop a revised chore chart (or start a chore chart) to distribute chores appropriately by age and equally.  Make community areas everyone’s responsibility since those areas will probably be the hardest to keep clean.
  2. Attach a reward system to the chore chart.  Most parents may opt for monetary rewards because they are quick and easy.  You can also extend extra time for activities as a reward.  For example, ½ hour earned at the pool for every day the chores are properly done.  Or you can use a cumulative reward system.  If chores are done every day of the week, the family will go to the beach.
  3. Have fun and be flexible with it!  Kids hate chores because we nag about them.  With this system simply remind the child about what they are missing out on if their chores are not done.  Add in surprises like making Sundaes or movie night when the kids have been consistent.  In the spirit of fun, make sure you verbally acknowledge the completion of the chores.  Let the kids know that you appreciate them keeping the house clean.

**If you know that your child is overscheduled on a particular day, adjust the chart and assign the chore to someone else for the week.

Summer does not have to be the end of your tidy house.  Implement these easy steps and enjoy the freedoms of summer.

No Snot on the Jacket

This past Saturday I decided to take a few precious moments with both of my favorite girls; my best friend Key and my daughter Lauryn.  We decided to use our time together enjoying our favorite past time, SHOPPING!!!Image result for No Snot on the Jacket

This feisty trio charged the doors of the local Marshalls in search of some hot clothing for spring break in Florida.  Ten paces into the store and my eyes met the most fabulous jacket I have ever seen!  She was pink with exquisite detailed black buttons.  I heard her whisper, “You know you want me!” I gently caressed her strong yet soft fabric leaned in and said, “I do want you, I really, really want you!”  The entire store stopped as I took her off the hanger and slowly slid my arms in her sleeves. I twirled around and squealed with delight in the mirror. She fit!  We were meant to be!  I rushed to the register elated with my purchase.

 

Monday morning I decided to wear my new friend to the office as I activated Powermommy Mode!  Nothing like a new jacket with detailed tailoring to encourage me to make power moves and decisions.  At the end of my day I packed my laptop, put on my sunglasses and headed home.

 

The hubby and five of the children were prepping to make the long, snack eating, rest stop ridden drive from Philly to Florida.  I fixed dinner and packed the youngest children’s bags. I was looking forward to a little peace and quiet.  I visualized evenings filled with eating ice cream out of the container watching Bravo or Lifetime. I smiled.

 

Like sharp nails on a chalkboard my fantasy was interrupted with a ear curdling scream from the kid filled SUV in front of my house.

 

After fitting four of the five kids, their luggage, laptops, smart phones and equally smart mouths in the car, my youngest made his attempt to join.  His laptop fell out of the car onto his toe.  Boy was he screaming.
 I called from the door, “Come here baby!”  I was thinking, “Please don’t be broken! PLEASE!!!” Broken would mean a trip to the hospital and either a delayed departure for the hubby and the gang or the little on being left behind. He limped whimpering with each step. I examined the toe. “Wiggle it.” I said. And he did. Since I work in the medical field I felt qualified to determine that it wasn’t broken.
 I pulled my son close rubbed his head as he sobbed into my chest. I calmed him down and asked the dreadful question, “Do you want to stay behind while daddy leaves?” Thankfully he says, “No.”  Praise the Lord. I look down lovingly at my baby boy. Oh shoot! I forgot I still had on my pink jacket. I effortlessly maneuvered the mommy separation and encouraged him to go back to the car.  I looked down at my jacket and asked my husband, “Did he get snot on my jacket?” Hey as a Powermommy, I have to look good and snot is not a good look!

Hey Mom’s I Hate You!

I realized early in my journey as a Powermommy that I could not measure my effectiveness on that of other executives or mothers.  I remember constantly feeling envy when a mother in one of my children’s classes baked homemade cookies for the class.

“That Mother” always had time to come in a read a story or organize the Spring Fling. Oh how I hated “That Mother” because she reminded me of everything I wasn’t. In the office there was always some new female executive with “no commitments” at home who could work later, take on more projects and travel abroad.

I sat across the table in the boardroom and glared at “Miss No Commitments“  thinking, “Get pregnant already! Let’s see how you manage that!” The reality was that there was nothing wrong with “That Mother” or “Miss No Commitments.” They were simply being who they were. The unfortunate thing is I was not being who I was. This constant yet imaginary competition was like running a race with all you have in you only to stop right before the finish line. I could not win! There would never be a medal in my hands for top female executive or mother of the year.

Some days as the alarm clock went off and I climbed out of bed, stepped over stuffed bears, squeaky things and those STUPID wooden blocks (which by the way hurt like heck when you stepped on them), I began to resent the fact that I was a mother.  This resentment was not because I did not love my children, but because I wanted more from life than just being a mother. I loved the boardroom! I loved budgets and EBITDA (Earning Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization)!  The feeling I got walking through the airport with my laptop bag on my shoulder and a tasty, tall, Cinnamon Dulce latte from Starbucks in my hand, while the sound of my stilettos tapped to the pace of my life was better than sex for me!

How exciting it was to sit in the room with middle aged men and provide the solution to their multi-million dollar problem! However, I always came down from my high when I looked at my children.Having a blended family of 13 is a job within itself.  As book bags were jam packed with overdue slips and planners went unsigned, I knew that I could be fired from this job and replaced with t.v., the Internet, sex, drugs and rock and roll! This job was clearly more important. (Why can’t I bake cookies too?) On a flight from Tampa to L.A., 30,000 feet in the air I came to my senses.  I grabbed my journal out of my laptop bag and began to write. In that journal I wrote a top ten list of what being a mother meant to me.

  1. My children know that I love them.
  2. My children can trust me to be there, and to tell them the truth.
  3. My children are healthy.
  4. My children know,fear and have a lasting relationship with God.
  5. My children value education.
  6. I am my children’s first role model.
  7. I demonstrate my value for diversity to my children.
  8. I remove all limits from their lives so that they believe they can achieve their dreams.
  9. I prepare my children for the darkness that lurks in the world.
  10. I enjoy being a mother and am excited that God chose me for the job.

Then I made a top ten list of what being an executive meant to me.

  1. I have earned the privilege to have a flexible schedule to help me balance work and family.
  2. I use my time at work wisely so that I can have my time at home.
  3. I do not procrastinate!
  4. I keep myself one step ahead of my boss and anticipate his/her needs.
  5. I empower my staff through delegation and education.
  6. I stay abreast of what is changing in my industry.
  7. I develop and execute vision in a way that is easy for my team to embrace and move forward.
  8. My boss knows that my family is a priority and I am not afraid of having that conversation.
  9. Multi tasking is not my style. I need to be where I am.
  10. I can and will TURN OFF MY BLACKBERRY! This is called establishing boundaries.

And just for kicks and giggles, #11 on both lists was to stop hating “That Mother” and “Miss No Commitments.” They had nothing to do with who I am  as a mother or executive. What God has for me is for me. After completing my lists and DEFINING what being a mother and executive meant to me, Powermommy was birthed.  I keep both of these lists in front of me as a compass to direct me through the uncharted waters of being Powermommy.

It is very important to define what being a mother is to you and how it relates to the other roles in your life. When your standard is set by you, you can adjust it as necessary. Starting with your own definition enables you to win and removes the pressure of comparing yourself to someone you are not meant to be! Proverbs 3:15-16 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 

Need a Vacation from the Family?

Image result for Need a Vacation from the Family?When I think of vacation I think of white sand and blue water or mountains that reach the heavens with beautiful streams running between them.  I dream of a time when I can sit quietly and not thinking of my taking  role as an executive or my equally tiring role as a Powermommy.

My mind is free from budgets and book bags, conference calls and calls for dinner and most importantly carrying the load of other people.  Vacation to me means there is no laundry or lists of things to do!  It is a time when I can do what I want to do and be refreshed like I want to be refreshed. I sit here in my room listening to the melody of birds chirping outside of my room.

The only other sound is that of my heart beating at a rhythmic pace indicating that I am at peace.  I don’t really have any place to go or anyone to meet with today. I am on vacation. The only weird thing is that I am in my town, in my house and in my bedroom. Later tonight I will board a plane destined to meet my husband and five children in Florida.

The moment that plane touches down, my vacation will end and I will assume my role as Powermommy. The birds chirping will be replaced with, “Mom can you take me here, there and everywhere?”  The silence will be broken with the thunder of sibling rivalry and reenactments of John Cena vs. The Rock. The rhythmic pace of my heart will be replaced with a heart that is confused because the pace is as unpredictable as turbulence at 30,000 feet.

“What is for dinner love? What should we do next mom? I don’t like this. Why do we have to…? Tell him/her to stop? Can you take me to the pool? This vacation sucks. What else is there to do? I hate Universal Studios. This place only has 3 pools.”

Ahh, the sounds of vacation with the family. The excitiment is just too much for me!  So much that I have debated delaying my departure for an additional day so that I can enjoy some “me” time. smile. Selfishly I have prayed for a system wide delay in air travel, but to no avail. So as members of the Powermommy Nation acrosss the globe do, I will put on my big girl panties and walk this “vacation” out!  Here are a few steps to help Powermommy’s enjoy family vacation:

  1. Find the quiet time and OWN it! Rise early and take in a massage or walk on the beach.
  2. Choose kid friendly resorts where you can drop off the kids into a program while you search aimlessly for your sanity.
  3. Be a kid again! Jump on the beds, splash in the water, eat the flippin pizza, have some ice cream and LIVE A LITTLE!
  4. Screw the office! No blackberry or laptop allowed! You are now employed by your family. If those other yahoo’s can’t get by without you for a few days, might be time to find a new team.
  5. Create memories by laughing outloud and not caring what other people think about you and your family!
  6. Be where you are. Don’t think of everything you need to do when you get back.
  7. Plan an adult only getaway. Then you can have a selfish vacation and it gives you something to look forward to. (Hubby and I are headed to the Hampton’s in September)

Did I mention that I will be driving (yes you read correct, driving!!!) back to PA with them? Yep, should make for plenty of blog content. Now it is time to pack my flip flops, maxi dresses, three books I won’t read, my notebook to capture thoughts for my upcoming book and expectation for a good time. Yay!