Moments of Musing

On Stepping Away from a Role

Filed Under: life, personal //


Something I learned in 2017 that I am carrying with me into this year is that it’s okay to take a step back. To realize when I’m stretched too thin. To not overextend myself. 

I never publicly mentioned it but late last year, I decided to step away from my role as NYC Chapter Manager (“Momager”) of the Working Like Mothers Network. It was my first time ever stepping away from a role for personal reasons. 

I went back and forth over the decision for a few months. Over the summer, I learned we’d be welcoming a second baby. My pregnancy became a bit difficult with how sick and tired I felt much of the days. Work kept me busy, and then we decided to buy a house and move out of NYC. A lot was going on in my little family’s life. 

Being the chapter manager just wasn’t working out anymore. Personally, I did not have the stamina I needed (first 20 weeks or pregnancy kicked my butt) but more importantly, I just did not have the time that it warranted and deserved. Moving and settling into our new house and preparing for Baby #2, while caring for S and working, take up basically all of my free time now. 

Deciding to step away from my role was a difficult and stressful decision. I did not want to admit “defeat.” To be honest, at first, I felt like I had failed. But the relief I felt was so immense that my feelings of failing quickly subsided. (Plus, the network leaders are amazing and were very understanding.)

So, in 2017 I learned an important lesson — listen to my gut. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, it’s because I probably am. I have the power to change that, though, and I could and should. After all, I’m much more productive when I feel more confident in the responsibilities I’ve taken on. 

I hope this will encourage you all to listen to yourselves, too. Take chances and risks. Welcome new opportunities. Please, please do. But do not do so at the expense of your peace of mind and self care. You are the only you there is. Take good care of yourself. 

**If you know someone who you think would be interested in managing the NYC chapter, let me know!**

We Bought a House!

Filed Under: home decor, homeowners, life, New home //

Over the weekend, my husband and I became homeowners and moved into our new home! It honestly still feels like a dream, mostly because it’s a dream come true and partly because. I feel like a mombie (mom+zombie) …


I’ll give a more detailed post eventually but for now, here are a few things that have crossed my mind about our experience:

  • We had SO much help with the move — because of family and friends, it went much smoother than I thought possible. 
  • Reaching this goal together with my husband feels like a pretty big accomplishment — as individuals and for our marriage. I’m pretty darn proud of us. 
  • Moving with a teething toddler and while 5 months pregnant is EXHAUSTING.
  • Getting that in-front-of-house announcement photo during move-in weekend did not happen for us… see above.

  • I imagined closing day to look and feel a lot different. There were still issues on the day of, so my husband and I were stressed and anxious. The moment after becoming “home owners” definitely did not feel as I imagined it to feel… I’d say it took until we got to the house on move-in day for the excitement to really set in.
  • The thought of paying a mortgage is frightening. I was never scared of home ownership until it started becoming a closer and closer reality. Now, I’m worried about homelessness… because it’s a huge responsibility!
  • Seeing our toddler run around shrieking with glee makes this whole experience, process and decision worth it. We did it mostly for him and his little sibling… we want to give them a a place to feel at home. Our apartment was cozy but space was limited. I can see what a difference extra space makes when I see him running around. 


We still have to buy some furniture and fully settle in. In the meantime, any home owner tips I should know?!

Empty

Filed Under: life, writer's block //

I want to be frank and let you know right away that I’m not talking about my life being empty. Or my mind or my heart. Those are all very full.

I’m talking about writer’s block. 
What to write. 
When to write.
To whom do I write. 
Why I write. 

These are all questions that have been on my mind lately. And I don’t know the question to any of them really, except that last one. 

I write because it’s my favorite hobby. 
Because I enjoy connecting with others. 
Because I enjoy it. 

And so, whenever I feel like I’m not enjoying it anymore, or as much, or I am simply coming up empty about what to write, I take a step back. (I touched on this in a recent Instagram post.)

I’ve been rather silent here. Because I’d rather say nothing than force something. 

I just wanted to let you all know I’m still thinking. And I’m still writing. I haven’t abandoned this space. 

Life just gets in the way sometimes, and that’s okay. (It can actually be good.)

I’m still here. And I’m not going anywhere. I appreciate you all for sticking with me in the meantime. 

xo

30 Before 30 Update

Filed Under: 30 before 30, life //

I recently remembered I made a “30 Before 30” list a few years ago. Here it is back then.

It seems this week is a week to check how my life lists are going. Since I am now 29 and this is the last year before I turn 30, I wanted to see how I’m doing:

  1. Engagement
  2. Marriage
  3. Child(ren) (We do hope to have more though!)
  4. Machu Pichu (We almost went here for our honeymoon but chose to go to Rio de Janeiero, Brazil instead and I’m so happy we did.)
  5. Live in a city in a doorman building 
  6. Become a lawyer
  7. Get dream job
  8. 5-10 Midwest states while in Chicago
  9. Buy a house (Since Brooklyn is constantly taking the prize for the most expensive city in the country, this has proven difficult. My husband and I are figuring out a way to do this soon, though, so stay tuned.)
  10. Live on an island 
  11. Live abroad
  12. Australia (Since I am itching for international travel, I think this would make a great winter trip next January or February…hint hint, Husband)
  13. Run a 10K
  14. Skiing in CO (Note: Though I do want to visit there, I do not think I would have placed this on my list if I were to make one now but here it is. I don’t think I’ll get around to this for a bit.)
  15. Cliff jump 
  16. Zip line
  17. Swim with sharks 
  18. Donate hair to cancer patients
  19. Scuba dive
  20. Nashville, TN
  21. Cedar Point
  22. Skydive  
  23. Send my parents on a trip (We considered doing this for their 30th Wedding Anniversary but threw them a party instead… so does that count towards this? lol)
  24. Try out snowboarding 
  25. Disney World with Timmy
  26. Puerto Rico (I haven’t been in almost 10 years!)
  27. Donate blood
  28. Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal (I’ve given homeless people money, food and drinks but never this… Time to Pay it Forward ASAP.)
  29. Volunteer at a charity event 
  30. Go back for a weekend at Penn State (I did this a couple times prior to making the list but not since. I miss my college home very much so I hope to do this soon!)
Do you have a list like this? If so, what’s something on yours that’s not on mine?

A Magical Announcement

Filed Under: life //

Our family is…

headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth … Disney World! 
Our little one is too little to realize he will be meeting Mickey Mouse in just a couple of days! My whole family and I are so, so excited to see his reaction. 
As an avid Disney fan and visitor (I visited nearly every year of my life from 11-months-old until my early 20s), I’ve dreamed of this–bringing my own child(ren) to Disney– for a long time. It’s truly one of my favorite places to be.

The reason for this pretty last-minute extended family trip is a special one — we all want to spend time together before summer ends in what has become our favorite family vacation destination.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram for photos and behind-the-scenes moments, and excuse my absence while I unplug.

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