The last two weekends have been a combination of fun and disappointing. Last weekend, we loaded up and headed to Myrtle Beach. I was supposed to run a half marathon on Saturday. I woke up at 4:30 that morning to the sounds of rain and still with a hacking cough. I make the call to not run that morning because I didn't want to risk getting sicker. Despite my frustration with the weather and myself, we had a great time. It was wonderful to get out of the house after being cooped up with ice and snow and to see the beach. We shopped at the outlets, we went out to eat (crab legs!) and we enjoyed quality time with the three of us. It was also extra special to be at the place where Randy and I got engaged 5 years ago that weekend. It was such a blessing to be able to reflect on how much life has changed since then.
This weekend I was supposed to be in Wilmington for UNCW homecoming. I had made plans with my best friends from college to meet up for a girls weekend. Randy got sick Wednesday night with what I thought was a stomach bug. When he wasn't better Friday and the doctor wasn't really sure what was wrong, I made the decision to stay home. I knew he wouldn't be able to take care of Emily by himself and still feeling really bad. I was so sad knowing I would miss the chance to catch up with my girlfriends, but knew it was best for me to stay. Emily and I ventured out to the zoo on Saturday and I had the unexpected chance to catch up with some grad school friends while we were there. Again, it was really awesome to see how much life has changed over the last 8 years.
I saw an interview with a celebrity recently who was talking about balancing motherhood, marriage and career. When asked how she does it all, she responded that it was all about priorities and balancing those priorities every day. Her comments really struck me because I've found so much truth in them. Every day, I have to make decisions. I made the decision to not run for me. I made the decision to stay home this weekend for my family. I make the decision for my career when I stay late at work or work on the weekends. I make the decision for Emily when I stay at home with her when she is sick. These are not easy decisions to make and I know that not everyone supports them. But they are decisions that I have to live with. I just hope that others can respect the fact that I did not arrive at them without a lot of thought.
To those moms (or dads) out there that are struggling with balancing all the crazy demands that come at you on a daily basis, know you are not alone. We all (even celebrities!) struggle. We all make the calls we hope and think are right. Today you will make those decisions and tomorrow you will have the chance to do it all over (better or the same) again. My advice to you is surround yourself with people who will stand by you and support you as your make those decisions. And when disappointments come, find opportunity to make some good memories out it despite your sadness or frustration. Above all, don't be hard on yourself. You are just doing the best you can with what you have.
Now to only remember my own advice...!
Love to you all.
*M
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Rehab Addict: Megan Style!
I've never been one to follow a tv show through season after season. I'm not a fan of the "big name shows" like American Idol, Walking Dead, Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad or any others that have come along in the last few years. I bounce around from channel to channel, tuning in to whatever grabs my attention.
I do have a weak spot for reality tv (except for the super trashy, cheesy kind) and in the past have tuned in for a few episodes to Swamp People, Duck Dynasty, Face Off, Celebrity Rehab, and the list goes on! Most recently, I cannot get enough of do it yourself home improvement shows. Anything from House Hunters, to Property Brothers, to Kitchen Crashers I've either already watched or have 10+ episodes waiting for me on our DVR.
My latest favorite is Rehab Addict. I love the idea of restoring old homes and furniture to their former glory and doing it all for cheap. Plus Nicole Curtis is the star of the show and she is amazingly talented. Girl power on home renovations!
The other day when it was unseasonably warm and not raining/sleeting/snowing out, I got inspired to do a Rehab Addict-ish project. Emily has a doll cradle (that belonged to yours truly first) and a little rocking chair that needed a face lift. I ventured out to Lowes and found some spray paint: dark brown for the cradle to match her bedroom furniture and pink for the chair to match Emily's own rocking chair. Here are the before pics:
I sprayed each with 2-3 coats, drying about 20-30 minutes in between. While I cleaned each piece before I sprayed, I really should have taken some sandpaper to the chair. Regardless, I was really pleased with the end results.
As a bonus project, I made a mattress pad for the cradle. I had an extra, small pad that came with Emily's diaper changing table. I cut the foam to fit the cradle and took an old pillow case (without a match) and covered the foam. I folded the pillow case back and hand sewed it in a few spots just so it would stay in place and look neat. I couldn't bring myself to cut the fabric! If I ever need to use it again, I can easily cut the thread holding it together without damaging the case. I also sewed two ribbons to either side of the pad. I tied them under the cradle to keep the pad in place as Emily often likes to carry the cradle from room to room.
Without further delay, the finished products.... with and without models! :)
I do have a weak spot for reality tv (except for the super trashy, cheesy kind) and in the past have tuned in for a few episodes to Swamp People, Duck Dynasty, Face Off, Celebrity Rehab, and the list goes on! Most recently, I cannot get enough of do it yourself home improvement shows. Anything from House Hunters, to Property Brothers, to Kitchen Crashers I've either already watched or have 10+ episodes waiting for me on our DVR.
My latest favorite is Rehab Addict. I love the idea of restoring old homes and furniture to their former glory and doing it all for cheap. Plus Nicole Curtis is the star of the show and she is amazingly talented. Girl power on home renovations!
The other day when it was unseasonably warm and not raining/sleeting/snowing out, I got inspired to do a Rehab Addict-ish project. Emily has a doll cradle (that belonged to yours truly first) and a little rocking chair that needed a face lift. I ventured out to Lowes and found some spray paint: dark brown for the cradle to match her bedroom furniture and pink for the chair to match Emily's own rocking chair. Here are the before pics:
I sprayed each with 2-3 coats, drying about 20-30 minutes in between. While I cleaned each piece before I sprayed, I really should have taken some sandpaper to the chair. Regardless, I was really pleased with the end results.
As a bonus project, I made a mattress pad for the cradle. I had an extra, small pad that came with Emily's diaper changing table. I cut the foam to fit the cradle and took an old pillow case (without a match) and covered the foam. I folded the pillow case back and hand sewed it in a few spots just so it would stay in place and look neat. I couldn't bring myself to cut the fabric! If I ever need to use it again, I can easily cut the thread holding it together without damaging the case. I also sewed two ribbons to either side of the pad. I tied them under the cradle to keep the pad in place as Emily often likes to carry the cradle from room to room.
Without further delay, the finished products.... with and without models! :)
The spray paint only cost be about 8 bucks total and the rest of the stuff I used from around the house. It was a fun easy project! And who knows what might inspire you at your house!
Happy rehabbing!
*M
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