The many hats

Funny thing this working mom status has on me - it is the realization that life is SUPER busy. Between, work, mom, wife, friend, blogger, cake baker, daughter, I am stretched to the max.

I know that I am not alone in this feeling. Billions of moms out there feel the same. So how does one make time for me. How do you go out and read a book, drink a coffee, pee alone. When do you get time to do those things?

I've started reading Mom Inc. and they are all about scheduling time. We all know I live by my daytimer. I love it, it keeps me organized. Since returning to work, work won't buy me a new dayplanner until September. I understand, kind of pointless to purchase a planner for 2 months, just to purchase another one. Makes sense to me. But right now, I am feeling chaotic. I can't plan my life to the minute. I am trying to use the iPhone, scheduler, outlook, everything - nothing is working. I need my paper dayplanner. I'll have to continue to use my at home one.

However, I am happy to note that I have found time to run. I am running at lunch again. It is nice to have that one hour designated to free time for me. I take it as that. I was spending a lot of money going out for lunch when I first returned and I found going for a run, limits spending on going out for food, which we all know is calorie laden, and getting in some much needed exercise. Win-win situation for this mama.

Well better get going, I am sure I am late for something.

Feeling this...Up All Night

Over the years I have acquired a variety of tastes in music. However, ever changing, one band has remained my love. Blink 182. They have remained a constant love. Instantly their music puts a smile on my face.

I remember the first song I heard from them. It was M+M in 1995, I was in grade 9. A friend of mine made me a mixed tape, remember those? Well on it was M+M, and I instantly fell in love, I needed to hear more from this band, I went out looked for their album, alas couldn't find it. However in 1997, they came out with Dude Ranch, I was in line to buy it.

When they "broke up" in 2005, I was sadden. I had never seen them in concert. I guess I would have to wait for the reunion tour. But in the meantime I always had +44 and Angels And Airwaves. It was only fitting when I married my husband and I would chose Angels and Airwaves, Breathe as our first dance. When my friends turned to me afterwards and said they weren't surprised. The day after our wedding we flew to Vegas to see Angels and Airwaves. What can I say, I love Tom and Blink. I grew up listening to these guys. They helped shape who I am, they taught me to laugh at life and always find the funny in all things. Thanks Blink 182, I never realized the impact you had on me. And just a note, my daughter, who is one, enjoys Blink 182 as well.

But then, in 2008, Travis Barker nearly survived a plane crash, prompting the band to connect again. For the first time in my life, in 2009, I watched the Grammy's, Blink 182 appeared on stage, I stopped - excited knowing something was going to happen, they announced their tour. I was so excited I immediately grabbed the laptop to find the dates they would be in Edmonton. Later 2009 I would finally see Blink 182. In all its glory. In all its hyped up, Generation Y sarcasm and eccentric antics. I loved every minute of it. It was and has been one of my favorite concerts. Later that year, I would again see Angels and Airwaves, this time pregnant with the cupcake, who thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

Not, two years later, Blink 182 has announced another album, and another tour. And guess who has tickets...that's right ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so frickin excited. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what antics the boys get up to, I can't wait to see Travis's spinning drum solo, I can't wait for the energy. I can't wait to see Captain Fucking Awesome Pants (Tom).

Until then I leave you with the new release...UP ALL NIGHT

Maya's story

Today is a good day, the sun is shining, the cupcake is teething, the Royal Newly weds are some where in the province and some where out in the world, someone is looking for strength to go on.

I try my hardest to always look at the positive, to relish in each moment, good or bad. I try to remain positive for friends when they are going through hard time. I started my at home business, Toot Sweet Cupcakes, so that I could be there to share in people occasions of celebration.

When the little cupcake was 3 months old, I joined a network of moms that has really helped me to be the best mom I can, momstown. During that time, I was looking for a way out of my postpartum depression. I admit, I was afflicted with PPD. While it is difficult for me to say that, I was. This group of moms are diverse in their skills, backgrounds and personalities, but we all have a common goal, be the best mom.

We've all endured different heartaches, troubles and saddness, but one story, Maya's story, helped to shape one of my friends so deeply, that I had to share her story. Krisitin, thank you for sharing Maya's story, and leading by example.