Have a little class…

If you know me even remotely, you know that I am a social networking junkie. I love the blogging world, I love how much sites like Facebook and Twitter can offer, I love being able to catch up with people from the past, I love it.

HOWEVER, there is something that I have vented about before. Something that deeply bothers me about the change in climate in regards to relationships and manners. Just when I think I can’t see anything else, someone proves me wrong. I have seen people post bitter diatribes on exes Facebook walls, I have seen young girls post ridiculously promiscuous photos of themselves, I have seen older girls post ridiculously promiscuous photos of themselves. I have seen Facebook status wars between friends who are fighting.

And it all disturbs…and disgusts me, frankly. Sure, I have faltered and posted a “too personal” post before….it’s a rare occurrence, and I normally delete it when I get some perspective. But I guess my big problem with all of this is that people don’t know what class is anymore. Breakups are public, and people revel in that. People love commenting on relationships ending. “Oh you can do better!” “I told you so!” “His loss!” A number of ridiculous opinions that people offer up so freely. It amazes me.

And then there are those that post these long posts revealing really personal details of their breakup with an ex. GUESS WHAT? I don’t need to know ANY of that! Have a little class, and know when to keep things that are private–private! Sure. you might be broken-hearted. Sure that person might’ve screwed you over, but that’s not my business. And you really should learn to have some grace and confront whatever you want to, in privacy.

And then for you girls who think that posting trashy photos of yourselves somehow makes you more appealing. You’re wrong. Put some damn clothes on. Have a little mystery. Because let me tell you, if there’s anything I’ve learned in the past few years of my life, it’s how attractive modesty and mystery is. And sure, you shouldn’t be modest because that’s what guys really want, but you also shouldn’t reveal everything, with the impression that that’s what they want either.

The cliche is really true…what you put out into the world, is what you’ll get back. So, think of what you want in return.

You are more than your kids….

Oh moms…..

It’s so easy to neglect ourselves, right? When our worlds are turned upside down by these crazy, scrunchy faced, adorable human beings, we often take on the role of mom without a hesitation. And it’s true, in those first few months, your kid pretty much runs your life. Feedings, naps, diapers, doctor’s appointments…the responsibilities are endless. And as they grow older, it doesn’t really get easier, the responsibilities just change. And we get a better grasp of what’s expected of us (although I’m not sure ANY of us ever grasp it completely).

But what I’m finding more and more is that so many moms ONLY classify themselves as a mom…(and sometimes a wife…which isn’t relevant in my case). Suddenly, we find ourselves in a world of playgroups and potty training and My Little Ponies (I really wanted something to add to the alliteration). We make ourselves like “mom” things (and sometimes we ACTUALLY like them), but how many of you have tried to FORCE yourself to enjoy scrapbooking, when you really could care less about ribbon or adhesive or Cricut cartridges? (Now, don’t get me wrong…I actually somewhat like scrapbooking..) But since when did we HAVE to be interested in these things to be a good mom?

Moms…you are women. You have interests. You have talents. You are a mom. You might be a wife or girlfriend. You can enjoy things that have nothing to do with your kids. In fact, I kind of suggest having at least one hobby or thing that you have that has nothing to do with your chitlins. For me, one of those things is theatre. Sure, Zoey gets exposed to theatre, but the craft, the art of it, the hard work of it all…is all mine. It is my place. (Which is why I think I’ve been so cranky lately…I haven’t had much theatre in my life recently…)

And can I also just vent for a moment? MOMS STOP JUDGING OTHER MOMS! No, I don’t buy soy milk or almond milk or have a rigid naptime schedule. Yes, sometimes I just get a McDonald’s happy meal for Zoey. No, not everything I feed Zoey is organic (If I COULD and it was AFFORDABLE, believe me, I would). And guess what else?! I didn’t nurse Zoey….oh-my-holy-geebus-did-I-really-just-say-that? It’s true, she was a formula baby. At that time in my life, I wasn’t physically able to (I think it was due to stress), but it didn’t happen. I would’ve liked to…it would’ve saved me a whole hell of a lot of money. But guess what? Zoey is a healthy, happy, adorable, loving child. Sure, she acts out. Sure, she has her toddler moments (which are turning into days, I might add), but I do everything with the best of intentions for her, and in my book, THAT IS OKAY! So, moms stop being so damn snooty to one another. What works for you and your child isn’t necessarily going to work for the next mom and child. GET OVER IT! We’re all just trying to figure out this monstrous, scary life of parenting and should be encouraging each other. So, get your noses out of the air, and RELAX!

With all that being said, I just want to urge mamas everywhere to remember that they are a whole person and motherhood (which is a HUGE part of that) is not the WHOLE of you. I’m not saying don’t make your kids your first (or second priority, if you’re married/in a relationship)…I’m only hoping you remember that there is more to you than mom. So, post photos of stuff that inspires you on Facebook (and yes, sometimes that’ll be your kids)…get a sitter and go somewhere without your kid…pick a hobby that you GENUINELY like that has NOTHING to do with your kid…it’s okay, I promise. As long as your kid is safe, healthy, and loving…I think you’re doing a fine job!

Mommyhood at it’s finest….

Whoever says that the older a kid gets, the easier it gets is full of complete and total crap.

I have been battling hardcore with an-almost-three-year-old-monster-of-a-toddler. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great kid. She really is. She’s likeable and sweet and usually withholds her crazy tantrums for just me. However, IT IS EXHAUSTING. It feels like every day is a battle. It feels like I’m always keeping her from injuring herself (because she literally has NO FEAR). I feel like I’m constantly trying new discipline techniques..try encouraging, try being stern, try taking things away. And they all work…for a bit. By the end of the day, I am so frazzled and fried, I just want to lock myself in my room with a large bottle of wine and never come out. I hate raising my voice at her and I hate feeling like I’m losing my cool.

It doesn’t help that she feels the need to climb, pull, tug, jump on me all the time…i feel like there’s nowhere I can go to just collect myself. It’s just me and her all the time and it kinda makes me want to go a little crazy.

Mamas, especially ones that are with their kids through the day, what do you do to calm yourself when you start getting overwhelmed? Any creative techniques for discipline that seem to work with INSANELY active toddlers? HELP!

Good ol’ makeup lesson with Zo.

Fitness Friday…er…Wednesday…er…two weeks late

Okay, okay…I’m slacking on the Fitness Friday posts.

I’ll admit, I slacked off majorly in the work out world last week, and let me tell you, I am feeling it this week! I started back up yesterday with P90X. But I will say what I love about P90X is how quickly I see results. (Yeah, I’m such an American…I want everything NOW!)

So here’s my weekly progression pics..yahoo. How do you workout? Do you have a specfic time in the day you do it or is it whenever you can get to it? Have you ever fallen off the workout wagon and felt horrible starting up again?

Fitness Friday…er…Wednesday…er…two weeks late

Okay, okay…I’m slacking on the Fitness Friday posts.

I’ll admit, I slacked off majorly in the work out world last week, and let me tell you, I am feeling it this week! I started back up yesterday with P90X. But I will say what I love about P90X is how quickly I see results. (Yeah, I’m such an American…I want everything NOW!)

So here’s my weekly progression pics..yahoo. How do you workout? Do you have a specfic time in the day you do it or is it whenever you can get to it? Have you ever fallen off the workout wagon and felt horrible starting up again?