I’m Not One of Those Am I?

May 3, 2014May 21, 2014Leave a comment

This weekend the Mom 2.0 Summit is in Atlanta. This annual conversation of moms and marketers has been off of my radar until now. I found out about it days before it began and had one of those Lord that looks amazing! God why is it sold out? moments. Then I thought, My blog isn’t a Mommy Blog is it? Or is it? Does it have to me “mom” focused for me to attend?

I have been under the assumption that I don’t write for THAT audience. My topics usually include my career, life goals, cocktails, Dragon Con, and my family. I’m not known for my coupon clipping strategies or tips for washing cloth diapers. Isn’t that what Mommy Blogs are all about? How would I fit in with that group? Call me a dreamer but I believe that it is possible to love craft cocktails without being one of those psycho wine-o mommies. Good Lord Betty Ford those women are tragic! (Don’t know what I am talking about? Google “Moms and Drinking” and prepare for the train wreck)

The hubby and I enjoying Sunday cocktails after a walk in the park. The kid was sleeping in his stroller when this was taken. Beverage life balance.

I am used to being an outsider and being the one thing that is not like the others. Look at the top of this page. It says “The Only Black Girl in the Room”. I am used to not really belonging in any category and I thought the same held true in this situation. But it turns out that I am not the only one. I am not the only mom who also craves a nice home, (moderately) organized toys, a healthy marriage, success in the workplace, and new shoes. I have found several blogs from women who are balancing those same things while curating some fabulous Pinterest boards. These are women with whom I feel a kindred spirit. There are many types of mothers and no matter what your story, if your is a kid involved in any of them – you qualify.

Maybe I can fit in this category.

It is not only the working mom bloggers who I learn from. I find many of the blogs entertaining for many different reasons. Who doesn’t like Design Mom and Mommypotamus? The food. The photos. The living in Paris, France!

We all have stories to tell. “Mommy Blog” is not a one-sided being; but a community. When we welcomed Aaron into our home my husband and I agreed that he was joining our team, we were not submitting to a new dictator. He was added to our list of loves. He did not replace them all. This is my story to tell and I will do it to the best of my ability.

My name is Maria and I have a Mommy Blog.

Jumping Fire!

April 28, 2014May 19, 2014Leave a comment

Here are a few photos of me jumping over the fire pit at the 2014 Warrior Dash. It just goes to show that making it over obstacles does not have to be pretty – it just has to be done.

Treasured Gems

April 27, 2014May 5, 2014Leave a comment

The cherry on top of this beautiful weekend was finding this tiny shirt while I was cleaning our garage. It was given to baby Aaron by our friend Shannon and came in a cotton drawstring bag with “Mysterio Predicts…” written on the front of it.

After sorting through old clothes to donate a year ago I was unable to find this funny shirt and thought it was gone for good. Look for me to frame it and hang it somewhere in our home. I think framing kids clothing is a way to capture sweet moments and is a great way to decorate.

I hope you found or experienced some gems this weekend. Have a great week.

On the Other Side of the Mud

April 15, 2014Leave a comment

Notice the layer of dust covering us all. I still have some of this on me. I think I always will.

This past Saturday morning I rose at 7:00 to be out of the house at 8:00 to be in Mountain City Georgia by 9:45. To get checked in and lined up the coordinators of the Warrior Dash ask that we get there at least an hour and forty five minutes before our wave. That extra time gave me time to panic, “The race starts on an incline!!” It also gave me time to calm down, “No one who has finished that I have seen has been bleeding or has needed oxygen.”

The climb up and up and up at the start nearly ripped my unconditioned lungs from my chest; but that pain didn’t last forever. The obstacles were awkward, dirty and usually a pain in my ass … a lot like the ones I encounter on a daily basis.

Three days later I am still feeling the effects of them…a lot like the ones I encounter on a daily basis.

The atmosphere was one of the most supportive and warm ones I have ever encountered. Strangers helping strangers climb over barriers, pull each others shoes from thick mud and maneuver barbed wire. Even if they weren’t on my team we were all on the same team, and that was something I see too little of nowadays.

The Warrior Dash was one of the greatest things I have ever done because it made me to think fast and not doubt myself. When faced with water shooting into you face while standing on a two by four one story in the air what can you do? I chose to close my eyes and start walking. One foot in front of the other as I imagined myself on a balance beam. And I made it easily and safely to the other side.

Will I do it again? YES

Will I do a bit of hill training before the race? HELL YES!

Take that you crazy 2014 To-Do list!!