Call me a hopeless romantic, but despite the moving speeches, the poems, the Aretha Franklin song (and her really big hat), the thumbs up by Malia, the poetry, the two day concert, the list goes on and on, what grabbed me most about President Obama is that this guy really loves his wife. No matter how much weight he has on his shoulders (and he’s got plenty), at the heart of it, he has accomplished his dreams and then some, with a supportive wife, two gorgeous daughters and a family who has encouraged him to shatter stereotypes and achieve the unthinkable.
And today, as I was watching him sign several proclamations, I noticed something that I truly admire…President Obama is a southpaw!!! Which means, he’s creative, a visionary and a born leader. Why do I know that? Simple, I’m a lefty too and despite my terrible handwriting, I’ve been told there are lots of advantages to being born with this trait. Sure I have a million ideas a minute, but no matter the situation, I always love to think of ways to make things bigger, better and brighter. And hopefully, that’s exactly what our new president will do over the next four years.
Are you a righty or lefty? Do you think that has anything to do with the way you think or go about your daily routine? Share your comments now! And if you missed the Obama’s first dance, have no fear – Role Mommy has it on our home page!
Facebook Post of the Week
An Amazing Gift by Jennie Baird
As all my Facebook friends know, yesterday was my birthday. It’s been a tough year for everyone and I think parents especially feel the pressure of all that is going on in the world right now. Needless to say, I was stunned and humbled to receive this gift handmade with care by my 10-year-old daughter. I thought the her message was relevant to everyone, so I wanted to share it with you.
The gift is a collage in 6 panels. Each panel has an object attached to it and a a paragraph of text, as follows:
A BLANK PIECE OF PAPER: The plain sheet of paper is to remind you that
you can always change things around. If one day is awful, the next
day could be the best day ever.
A BANDAID: The bandaid is to remind you of 2 things: 1) When you are
hurt you can always get better. 2) You will always be healed faster
when you have more friends to stick to.
A PAPER SNOWFLAKE: The snowflake is to remind you that you are special
and unique your own way
A YELLOW THREAD: The golden string is to remind you that what attaches
us to our family and friends is more important than all the money in
the world.
A SMILEY FACE: The smiley face is to remind you to remember to laugh
and smile when you are feeling unhappy, unsuccessful and bad.
AN OLD PENNY: The penny is to remind you that small, dusty, “unimportant”
things are very valuable.
The First Dance
In case you missed it, Role Mommy has the first dance at the Inaugural ball…gotta love Michelle Obama’s dress!
Video of First Dance at the Inaugural Ball
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/the-obamas-first-inaugura_n_159522.html
U2 Performance at the Inauguration
I Have a Dream…With a Twist
I have a dream that one day I will lose the eight pounds I try to lose every year and never gain back that weight again.
I have a dream that my kids will make themselves breakfast in the morning, pack their own lunches, feed my cat and clean the cat litter – and all I need to do is give them hugs and kisses and send them off to school.
I have a dream that I won’t be spammed 10 times a day by someone wanting me to give them my social security number so they can deposit 100 million dollars in unmarked bills into my bank account – then again – I have a dream that scam were really true.
I have a dream that I will actually get to sleep eight hours straight without thinking of all the things I have to get done the next day.
I have a dream that one day, I will open my mailbox to find lots of checks and no bills.
I have a dream that my kids won’t jockey to get on my computer the moment I sit down to think of a blog post that’ll make someone wet their pants.
I have a dream that one day, when my kids are in college, my DH and I will move back into my old apartment building on 72nd Street and Central Park West.
I have a dream that tomorrow, when Barack Obama is sworn into office, he’ll figure out a way to stop people from losing jobs, put an end to terrorism, instill hope for a brighter tomorrow and declare a permanent 75% off sale at Ann Taylor Loft. A girl’s gotta dream doesn’t she?
The Pink Slip
So it’s 2009 and so far, my family has had a pretty bumpy start. As my DH kept sharing stories of friends who had lost their jobs in the finance industry, I never imagined that he’d become one of the latest casualties of our collapsing economy but sadly, he has. Actually, I’m kind of happy for him. This is the first time in nearly 20 years where he has time to take our kids to school, sleep in, and figure out what he really wants to do next in his career.
I really hope that he does go for it and takes the time to do what he loves. Thankfully, we’re doing just fine – we’re not living above our means, we have a great house, terrific kids, a wonderful family and supportive friends. That’s the true meaning of success. Doing what you love, making time for your family and not sweating the small stuff.
Personally, I think the era of corporate America is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Between astronomical rents, to falling stock prices, and sales figures in the dumper, we all need to take a step back and start thinking about why we’re all here in the first place. No matter how much money you earn in your lifetime, that doesn’t matter much if can’t share your good fortune with family, friends and loved ones. As Patrick Swayze, so gracefully put it in “Ghost” and even more recently in his Barbara Walters interview – “It’s amazing (Molly), the love inside…you take it with you.”
And that’s the true meaning of life. I know I usually aim for sarcastic humor in my posts, but this week, I’m entitled to a little self reflection. On a side note, we have had some fun suggesting unconventional jobs for my DH. I’ve thrown out a few doozies like day laborer, cologne sprayer at Abercrombie and Fitch to kids’ basketball coach (that would be his ultimate choice).
Meanwhile, my son got in on the act yesterday when he told us he decided not to volunteer this week for a class job (perhaps in solidarity with my husband). Actually, he admitted all the choice posts were taken. So he’s biding his time and gunning for his favorite position next week. And what might that be? Calendar monitor. Hmmm, a job none of us ever considered.
If you’re facing a similar situation, then I’d love to hear from you. Any suggestions for innovative jobs? Motivational books to read? Support groups to join? Lottery numbers to play? Feel free to commiserate.
Our Latest Blog Talk Radio Show
Listen to our latest Blog Talk Radio show and get ready to laugh! This week, Traveling Mom Kim Orlando co-hosts the show from the bus stop to swap stories with Beth. No subject is off limits this week with everything from hair disasters, puke stories, to weight loss ups and downs, the latest news and their upcoming trips to Disney…Kim’s taking a Bahamas cruise and Beth is going to be attending the red carpet premiere of the American Idol Experience! So what are you waiting for? Listen in and join the fun!
Meet Mom of Reinvention, Karen Gallagher
Introducing our latest contributor to Role Mommy, Karen Gallagher, founder of the Lollipop Book Club and children’s book reviewer extraordinaire!
Role Mommy: What did you do before you became a mom?
Karen: I was in management at a major health insurance company for 9 years, and then I moved into consulting with a small benefits firm for 5 years.
Role Mommy: When did you decide to reinvent your life?
Karen: While working in the corporate world with two small children, I felt like I was always in reaction mode trying to keep all of the balls in the air. When I had my third child, I decided that I needed to get better control of my life. So I left my job and started my own business. I now work more hours than I did before, but a big chunk of that time is at night after the kids are in bed.
Role Mommy: How have your children influenced your career path? How many do you have?
Karen: I am so thankful for the influence my three children continue to have on my journey as a business owner. If it wasn’t for them, I would never have left a stable, financially rewarding job. Why would I? But after having them, I started to measure wealth a bit differently. My “bank account” as a mom needed to be replenished. And my business- The Lollipop Book Club- gives me the opportunity to do so.
Role Mommy: What’s your favorite “Time Out” tip for moms (taking time for yourself)
Karen: I have a great group of friends who go out for drinks and dinner one night a month. We meet up at a local restaurant late in the evening (kids are either already in bed, or pretty darn close) and talk. For me, that is a very rejuvenating experience. Sometimes on the weekends I sneak out to a local coffee house with a book. I am only gone for an hour, but when I get back I feel like a new person.
Role Mommy: What does your website offer moms or kids?
Karen: The Lollipop Book Club specializes in the gift of books for children. Each book is mailed to the child in a big, red envelope with a super-cute lollipop and a gift note (on a sticker for the inside of the book). Lots of moms use our service for birthday party presents. Other Moms use The Lollipop Book Club to stay in touch with nieces, nephews and children they do not see all of the time. We also have many moms who send packages to their own children to just create a memorable gift experience.
Role Mommy: What do you hope for your own kids?
Karen: I hope that they are secure and confident enough in themselves to pursue their dreams. I want them to have healthy relationships and a sense of purpose in life. If I can raise my children with these characteristics, I will be one happy mommy!
Role Mommy: Who is your Role Mommy?
Karen: I am fortunate to have two remarkable and very different women in my life – my mother and my grandmother. My mother is a kind-hearted spirit who dedicated herself to raising her children. She always provided strong guidance without forcing her opinions upon us. My grandmother is a 96-year-old force to be reckoned with. Had she been born today, she would undoubtedly be CEO of a big company. She just gave up her driver’s license (thank goodness!), drills her stock broker on a weekly basis, and does her own taxes. If only everyone could age so gracefully!
If you’d like to check out Karen’s first book review on our site, click here and to visit the Lollipop Book Club, click here!
New Section…Kids Book Reviews!
From one of our new favorite website, the Lollipop Book Club comes children’s book reviews! Here’s their first pick – enjoy and if you have books to recommend, let us know!
For every mom who has a picky eater at home, The Seven Silly Eaters is a must-read that will have you and your kids laughing out loud. As moms, we fully embrace our responsibility to nourish our children. But “short-order cook” is not necessarily what we had in mind when we signed up for this job. Despite valiant attempts at serving one meal to everyone at the table, some of us ultimately succumb to our finicky feeders and their special dietary requirements.
Such is the case with Mrs. Peters. With her first baby boy, she agreeably heats his milk to the perfect temperature- not too hot, not too cold. She is equally as obliging with the next child’s request for homemade lemonade. With her five subsequent children, the demands become increasingly ridiculous- applesauce only, triple-strained oatmeal, soft and squishy homemade bread, and yummy eggs for two (one poached, one fried!). All the while, she is careful never to allow any of these foods to touch or mix, for a gargantuan meltdown of seven silly eaters would ensue!
Then the night before Mrs. Peters’ birthday, she retires to bed exhausted. The children decide to make their respective food of choice for the next morning’s breakfast. This is to be a special surprise for their mom. Readers can easily predict the disastrous mess in the kitchen, but the final outcome is a clever twist that will put a smile on every mommy’s face. Maybe, just maybe, all of our culinary efforts are not in vain!
Mary Ann Hoberman never stretches her perfectly rhyming verse, making this book a delightfully fun read-aloud. The illustrations are equally as noteworthy, capturing the cluttered chaos of a very busy household. Bathroom doors ajar (with little occupants inside), topsy-turvy lampshades, and laundry galore are just some of the many accurate and funny details to explore.
The Seven Silly Eaters is a book that moms and their picky eaters will enjoy immensely!
Karen Gallagher
www.LollipopBookClub.com