About a century ago, when I was first married, I was chatting with another newlywed woman in our neighborhood and the subject of fighting came up. She proceeds to tell me that she had thought she and her husband would never fight. As I start to giggle because I think she is making a joke (I'm thinking this girl is HILARIOUS - no fighting! Ha! Good one!) I happen to glance over at her somber face and realize this was no attempt at humor. Her statement had been made with all the earnestness of a kid on Santa's lap.

Picture this:  four
teenage girls seated at the dining room table to a feast of their favorite
foods including sushi, cheese and crackers, pizza, strawberries, mini-cupcakes,
and  lemon bars.  This is the scene I came home to last night
after work.  Being a negligent working

Having a mother who takes endurance sports seriously differs greatly from having a mom who simply exercises to stay in shape. As a child you learn that being a mother is also about being physically strong and mentally tough enough to ignore pain in the pursuit of victory, even if that victory is only to beat one’s own personal best time. Nobody has to tell the child of a runner-mom that women have to be especially strong to survive and flourish in this world.

A few years ago, my husband, daughter and I went grocery shopping only to discover upon coming out of the store that our car was dead. Immediately, our thoughts went to “Who can we call to help us?” It was a low moment when the only friends we could think of who would gladly leave whatever Labor Day plans they had to rescue us was an hour away. This couple would have not only left the event they were hosting but would probably pack up some food and bring it with them, but we didn’t want to inconvenience anybody.

10. Thank goodness someone finally noticed! I don't have a clue what I'm doing with these little lunatics.

9. I know you are, but what am I? 

God has an interesting way of getting my attention.

Let me explain.

As working mothers we don’t have fires to put out – we have bonfires to put out. Every day and twice on Sunday we dash from blaze to blaze trying to create order out of the chaos. So when do we have three hours to go get our hair cut, colored, and blown out? Or an hour and a half to get a mani-pedi?

As long as I can remember my father encouraged me to make new friends and to be very kind and encouraging towards others. This time of year your local health club is the perfect place to make friends. Over the past twenty or so years, I have been a gym member in different towns and cities, and I have never had anyone address me with disgust or venom, or even much annoyance. Most gym goers seem much happier after speaking with me, and tend to stay at the gym longer, as do I when I have a friend to talk with. “Wow!

I would like all the working mommies out there to stop what you are doing and take a deep cleansing breathe with me. That's it, release to the universe all your worries and fears. Stop fretting about all the things you have no control over like delayed flights, inclement weather, unappreciative children, drunk guests at your holiday dinner, your mother's "helpful" advice (could be on anything from how your dress your children to how you cook your food - doesn't matter, just release it). Are you starting to feel better?

Are you often singing a tune you wish you didn't know?  Perhaps someone is trying to convince you nap time is over (when it definitely is not)?  These are a few indicators you may have a toddler in your home.