Posted by Mary Rogul on Sat, Mar 05, 2011 @ 08:39 AM
Today is the first day back to the gym in a long line of consistent days ahead. I have mapped out Saturday and Sunday mornings 7-9am as "my time"! I'm going, it can snow 24 inches - it's not stopping me from getting there. This may not sound like a big deal to some of you, however I can assure you this is monumental to me!
I've lost the baby weight - two years later, and its time to get tone and I'm on a mission!
This post will not be long, since the hubby is on a walk with the boys and they could be home at any moment, but it is worth it to me to get the word out that I am officially back in the saddle.
On a side note, as a working mom, it's getting easier...finally. After two years it seems that things are starting to become a bit more reasonable. The boys are sleeping to almost 6:30 most mornings - I'll take it after getting up at 5:30 for the past year. They play well together most of the time and Nathan at two is a better communicator as he begins to use words when frustrated.
They're back - gotta run, but I look forward to much more postive and exciting posts to share in the months ahead!
Please share how things are changing in your lives as well. Would love to hear how everyone is doing!
Posted by Mary Rogul on Sat, Jan 08, 2011 @ 07:35 PM
Those of you that follow my blog may have noticed that I just don't write as often as I have in the past. I was only averaging once a month, but I can't seem to even get to that these days.
Sad, since I preach to my prospects (I sell blogging software), it only takes 15 minutes once a week to write an effective blog. Wish I could take my own advice since I find blogging so therapeutic. I also love building an online journal for my kids to read (once they learn their ABC's) about the happenings of their mom's life - thoughts, joys challenges, etc.
Just when you think, how could things get any more difficult, it just does. Although work has never been busier, I'm lucky. I love what I sell, I completely enjoy the bright, energetic people I work with, but it is all encompassing.
At home, the kids are going through a stage where the break of dawn is their time to arise and it is just plain painful - every - single - day.
I miss going out with the hubby on weekly dates, sleeping in late and just hanging out and chatting late night. Our evenings are crammed with getting work done that we have yet to get too, cleaning the house, getting lunches/dinners ready for the next day, and folding laundry, while also trying to hit the pillow before 11pm to do it all over again the next day.
People - I want my life back.
I think about this a lot and my pediatircian and I had a conversation about this last week. She and I have our careers and our children (similar ages) in common. We love our jobs, but also our lives as moms. Speaking to a woman that is going through the same challenges is refreshing and revitalizing.
I feel guilty about loving my career as much as I do - I'm even tentative to bring this up in my blog since I know it is tempting to judge other moms that aren't home at least part time with their children.
As my appointment concluded she said to me - "You know what Mary, when you go to work, I hope you just give it your all! Go for it and don't let anyone or anything influence you to be at home more. You're a great mom - you just work full time and love it!"
I can't get her comment out of my mind. I needed that. It's funny how we encounter people in our lives and the timing can be so "on". She helped me over a tough bump that I have not been able to get over and I feel like I'm on the other side now - the good side!
Happy New Year to you all and hope to hear your thoughts!
Posted by Mary Rogul on Wed, Oct 20, 2010 @ 08:59 AM
Calling all MOMS! Looking for the best deal in town?
I'm finding that there are so many websites offering great deals on EVERYTHING that it is has become extremely time consuming to find the best deals that make sense for our families.
I'm always on the lookout for bargains for kid's clothes, furniture, home, appliance, even my own clothing. Let's face it, most of you reading this aren't 20 anymore, or even 30 for that matter - and we don't have a ton of money to spend on ourselves at this point in our lives.
I never thought I'd say this or be this kind of gal, but I'm on the prowl these days for high end, boutique, resale clothing outlets and I have found some treasures.
For those of you that love designer jeans - try Revolve in Belmont (designer only - women's clothing). Just picked up two pairs of jeans worth about $200 each for $20 a pair. Great find!
Also, for children's clothing, you can not beat Growning Up Children's Resale Boutique.
Abby, the owner is a pleasure to deal with and they only carry gently used quality children's clothing as well as books, toys and just about anything you need for your baby or toddler.
Ladies, please check out my bargains page - Boston Bargains for Working Moms.
I'm just starting it today and I'm hoping to create a place where we can all share our great deals.
I'll only be posting my absolute best finds and I hope you will do the same. Please check it out and let me know what you think!
Posted by Mary Rogul on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 08:42 PM
I'm finding that as time goes by things are not necessarily getting easier as I had anticipated, they are just different.
When my older son Alex was a toddler, around 18 months old, he was a breeze. I was starting to get my life back, sleeping in until the late hour of 7am. I actually looked and felt rested. It was a wonderful time as I was completely enjoying my young son, while also feeling like things were starting to get back to "normal"
Now, my older son is 3 1/2, my younger son 1 1/2 and I've never felt so out of control. I find there is no time for me to do much of anything other than my daily work, which I completely enjoy (thank goodness), and taking good care of my children.
I'm definitely in a funk about it and a bit blue. I can't seem to get out of this spiral of letting most things go and being helpless is just not my thing.
I've been here before and what typically helps is surrounding myself with good friends that can literally hold me up while I figure it all out. But I just don't see any change in sight and what little me time I can find, I usually try to sneak in a nap. Gone are the days of working out, eating well, and taking an hour to shop or get a needed massage.
I know it doesn't have to be this way and there are many of you out there that have lent a helping hand before when I couldn't get out of my own way. Please know I love you for it, and I'm hopeful this "stage" will soon pass and I can get a little, just a little, bit of time back to care for myself, my husband, and those of you that have taken such good care of me in the past.
Well, this has been helpful, my little vent session.
Would love to hear if you've experienced this as well and how you were able to move things forward in a positive direction.
Posted by Mary Rogul on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 08:42 AM
How lucky we are as parents to wake up each morning, including weekends, holidays and vacations at 6am. How fortunate we are to chase around our little ones 24x7 as they run screeching through the house thinking that they are playing tag and we are simply keeping them out of trouble. How great is it when our children are so bored we take out all the pots and pans and clang them with their covers at 7am on a Sunday morning?
We are the very very lucky ones!
I learned this weekend of an accident on the North Shore where twin girls drowned at 2 1/2 years old. It hit me hard as a mom of two toddlers. Those of you that have children know that sick feeling that comes over you when you think of something like this happening to someone you love. As I read about this horrific tragedy, I can't stop thinking about how one would cope with a loss like this. My heart goes out to this family as I can not imagine living after something like this happens in your life.
What has changed for me?
I will smile when I'm faced with my cranky child that just wants to be held instead of feeling frustrated and complaining of exhaustion. I will kiss their soft cheeks more often and cuddle with them a bit more before bed time. I will not lose my patience at the silly things they do that make my day hectic.
I will hold them tighter than normal, knowing that they will be parents someday and they too will know the amazing love you can only feel for your children, protection that only a parent would show a child and the joy your children give you every day through their discoveries, and the need they have for you alone.
We are the very lucky ones!
Posted by Mary Rogul on Sun, Jun 06, 2010 @ 12:41 PM
Friday evening, we were just settling down from a long week. The kids were having their snack after dinner and that's when it happened.
I was cleaning up the living room after play time, my husband was at the computer and I saw Alex at the couch, out of the corner of my eye, bend forward awkwardly. I called his name and all I could hear was a choking sound. I patted his back hard twice and he lifted his head, getting no air and was clearly choking.
My husband Emerick knew how to perform the heimlich maneuver - I turned to him and said - "Do the heimlich on Alex, NOW"!
Emerick sprang up quickly, arms around Alex and by the third thrust had the orange slice up and out of his throat where it was caught.
Alex was frightened, but relieved and breathing perfectly. This was one of the scariest moments as a mom I've ever had.
So many things went through my mind the remainder of the evening. What if Emerick had not been there? What if Alex was at daycare and no one noticed him struggling for a moment. What if we, his parents, weren't there for those troubling 60 seconds?
As we all discussed what had happened, Alex was very interested and curious why dad was squeezing him so hard and why he couldn't breathe. We went through each moment with him to explain.
We told him to never put a piece of food as big as an orange slice in his mouth without asking us to cut it or biting off a small piece and chewing it before swallowing. Also, that he needs to be seated at the table or seated quietly while eating.
We talked about it several times in different scenarios and each time we mentioned it, I became upset. Things can be perfectly normal and in an instant, your chid is gasping for air. Fortunately, we were both there and acted calmly and quickly.
I know my kids are very young and there will of course be skinned knees and elbows, but I can never imagine going through that again. From that point forward, I swore to be extremely diligent with any food, toys or items that are just not reasonable to have around at their age.
Thank goodness all is well and we were able to respond quickly to a dangerous situation. We all love oranges but from now on we will be cutting those slices in half!
Posted by Mary Rogul on Fri, May 21, 2010 @ 08:14 AM
It's been a tough month at work. As most of you know, I'm a sales rep for a software company in Cambridge. I love the work, the culture and all the amazing perks, but when the month isn't going well, it all seems - not so great.
I've been very fortunate in my short tenure with this company to have earned the ability to work at home, however as the final days of May approach and I'm at a big fat -0- for the month, I'm thinking that may be short-lived.
As an experienced sales person, I have been through the ups and downs of this cycle for about 15 years and I've been very lucky to have worked with smart, inspiring and incredibly energetic colleagues, but today as we approach the last week of the month, I'm trying to dig deep and soul search remembering the funadamentals of the lessons I've learned and see if I have it in me, to get to 10 by Thursday. (We all know Friday most people will head out early with the holiday weekend approaching.)
Many of you have been there! I know I'm not alone, but I could use some words of wisdom, tidbits of advice or anything you can offer up to get me there. I never give up, but I'll admit, I'm discouraged and starting to get concerned about hitting my number.
As an aside, sort of a funny story. I was on a close call at home Wednesday evening with one of my managers and my contact (the prospect), was unable to join for 15 minutes. As we waited on the GoToMeeting, my manager had to listen to two screaming kids in the background, while I got my boys settled for the night. I then had a dinner engagement to attend, so within a span of about 40 minutes, he dealt with screaming children, a late prospect, and dropped calls from my cell phone while he carried the conversation. Bad news - they didn't purchase the software!!!
All in all, not a great showing from me. =(
Would love to hear from some of you with similar stories since I really do need some inspiration.
Posted by Mary Rogul on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 09:47 AM
I'm certain that the majority of you that read this blog are parents, otherwise it would be extremly boring so I'll just get to the point.
As a working mom, (and I consider all moms in or out of the work place to be working moms) does it seem to you that when you make a plan to do something the majority of time you have to cancel? I've never seen this before becoming a parent and if I had a friend that canceled as much as I did, honestly I'd ditch them.
On average I cancel my plans about 80-90% of the time.
Today is a perfect example. I've been out of work the majority of the week due to a sick toddler. I've had to cancel and reschedule numerous work appointments as well as time with friends for the 1-2 hours a week I try to get out for "me" time. I have plans with an old friend this evening that I'm not canceling unless there is an earthquake or something to that effect.
We dedicate so much to our family as parents and I know this goes with the territory, but I find it very frustrating. I get concerned that it may effect my career, my friends perspective of how very much I care about them and also my family - I'm sure they are tired of the constant rearranging of times and schedules.
Just so all of you know, I'm preapologizing now for all the appointments that will be rescheduled, the events that will be missed and the work days that will go by and not be worked.
This time will pass, as all that have gone through this before have promised, but it is a tough one for me since I respect everyones time and as the days go by and more playdates, conference calls, and family gatherings are missed I yearn "a little bit" for that precious time back.
Are you with me?
Posted by Mary Rogul on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 @ 08:05 PM
I had all five days planned out. My husband had a business trip last week and it was me and the boys for the long haul (Sunday-Friday). I had a plan!
I told my boss, to be as productive as possible, I need to work from home the entire week so that I would not be wasting time in the morning -getting pretty for the office- as well as leaving early to get dinner ready for the kids.
My hubby left Sunday morning and I spent the day with the kids, reading, playing and trying not to think about the fact that we had not been outside due to torrential rain for three days.
The first night, alone with the kids, all was well until 1am when the fire department arrived at the end of our street checking in with residents due to the severe flooding. That was a bit unnerving. There is something about being home "alone", completely responsible for two little people that makes me a bit on edge.
Anyway, we made it through. Monday would be better! We set the clocks ahead for daylight saving time and I awoke to crying at 7:50am (normal rising for the boys is between 6-6:30am).
No need to panic. I can get myself dressed, both boys ready, fed and off to daycare in 15 minutes (typically takes about an hour and a half). At 8:15 Alex was just finishing breakfast and I was just about to load Nathan into the carseat when daycare called and said they were closed due to plumbing issues. Well this certainly put a wrench in my day. I'm sure my clients wouldn't mind babies crying in the background for our scheduled conference calls.
After rescheduling all of my appointments for the day, I accepted the fact that this is the way it goes and completely enjoyed another rainy day with my kids. It was actually a lot of fun!
Tuesday through Friday was quite normal, other than the slightly more hectic mornings and evenings, but we managed.
What I found particularly challenging though was how I felt continuous pressure to do housework and chores when in my domestic surroundings.
I'm so happy to be returning to the office on Monday where I can be focused, get some "work" done and talk to someone older than 3 for more than five minutes. As much as I love being home, I really enjoy being a working mom. I feel more fulfilled and relaxed as a mom when I get the social interaction and work stimulation from the office versus being at home.
Surprised? Me too! What do you guys think?
Posted by Mary Rogul on Sun, Feb 14, 2010 @ 01:17 PM
I woke up this morning with the usual "20 things I need to do by the end of the day" mindset that I have on a weekend morning. Followed by a night of being up every two hours with a sick baby, 6:30am felt like 3am. I don't mind it all that much. I mean what was I expecting with two little ones, two years apart.
But something made my day special-
My husband who was up very late working, got up with my three year old and I could hear them busily up to somthing downstairs in the kitchen. Bleary eyed, I tried to rock my 10 month old to sleep and surprisingly he went back to bed. I decided to also return to bed for what I hoped would be 30 minutes or so, but 10 minutes in, my baby was up for the day.
Before going to get him for the long day ahead, I opened my dresser drawer and pulled out the 3 valentines day cards I got for my boys. An owl valentine for my baby boy Nathan, Snoopy for my 3 year old Alex, and a one sentence, "you are the best thing that ever happened to me" valentine for the hubby.
I scooped up the baby and brought my cards downstairs to give to the boys, and to my surprise, my sleep deprived husband and toddler were making valentines of their own. I heard my hubby say to Alex, go say Happy Valentines Day Mom. My adorable toddler walked over to me with the proudest, brightest smile he could muster and he handed me his own hand made valentine. It was by far the most beautiful thing I had ever received!
The best part, as he handed it to me he said; Happy Va-ka-lines Day, I made this for you Mom!
He let me read it and then gave me the biggest hug and kiss ever. I don't know about you folks, but that made me cry. It's sort of in line with my wedding day.
Having kids is the hardest, but best thing I've ever done in my life. All kidding aside, that is a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life.
