April 27th, 2010

Fitting It All In

This blog is, vaguely, about my life as a busy, on the run, work-at-home mom. And so for the last two weeks I haven’t posted much at all because um, yeah, been busy!!

The joyous experience of chicken pox is basically over now thank goodness, although both of my littler boys still have marked up skin that I understand will take quite some time to fully fade.

I’ve also been spending Tuesday mornings this month at the dentist, first for a cleaning and then for fillings. I still have one more appt in a couple of weeks. Moral of that story? Floss regularly and visit the dentist more often. Don’t be like me and take your kids to the dentist but neglect yourself. I like my “me time” to be about lattes, spas or at least a good book, but sometimes you really do have to take better care of your health apparently.

And last, but definitely not least, my VLA work has been picking up this past month. It’s great and I’m actually feeling the most inspired about what I do that I have in a while. I had a really wonderful compliment from a client about how much help I am to her law practice and I realize that while there are days that it’s hard, or days when I am worried I don’t have enough work to make a decent living at this wahm thing, long-term this IS going to be worth it. In fact, I’m even planning a marketing campaign so I can really ramp up by fall. Assuming I find some new childcare anyway – but that’s another story for another day!

Other than blogging, and twitter, I have actually been fitting in everything that needs to be fit in. There have been a few late nights, but that’s par for the course as a wahm I think.  And this weekend I’m treating myself to a break. My best friend and I are heading out of town for a little spa-cation. We’re just going to Red Deer, less than two hours away, because I am not a fan of long drives. Plus it’s cheaper! We’re staying in a cute little hotel (I hope it’s as cute as it looks on the net…I really, really hope!) getting massages and pedicures, doing homemade facials and probably drinking a fair bit of wine. I can’t wait, only 4 more sleeps to go…..

March 31st, 2010

Work at Home Wednesday: Show me the Spring

It’s officially spring right? According to the temperature gauge in my truck, it’s been nice outside, but the wind is not so much fun. Well, that plus my lovely spring cold that is making me feel chilled to the bones! Thankfully the cold appears to be winding down just in time for spring break to be over!

Spring break has actually been a lot of fun so far actually. It’s only half over and we’ve already gone swimming and bowling, as well as on a nice long walk one day. So long my legs hurt the whole next day – no wonder my 5yo needed a piggyback ride from dad on the way home!

Of course, as often happens in such times, my work has picked up a little this week. Overall, that is a fabulous thing – I love helping my clients! But it has been interesting planning outings and such knowing that I have to fit the work in too. We almost went on a daytrip to Calgary, but my work and my cold helped us to reconsider that idea. Things probably won’t stay that busy with the holiday weekend looming though, so I’m going to enjoy the upswing while it’s here. And while my husband is here to help take over the kids as needed!

Okay, off to get some sleep before another busy day. I’m spending most of it with my sister and grandma, as they are coming this way for a medical appt for my gram. My handy little netbook is going to get put to use while gram is in her appointment and then we’re going to have lunch together before heading home. Then I think a movie might be the activity of the evening with the kids – How to Train Your Dragon. Hopefully 2yo will actually sit still enough for me to see some of the movie.

December 3rd, 2009

Christmas Equals Busy

I love the holiday season – it’s a great time to focus on family and enjoy some of the biggest benefits of my work at home life. I can do a little baking every week, I can get my shopping done when the mall is slightly less insane and then I can work half the night! Oh wait – that part isn’t so fun, but I can’t complain too much – I’m grateful for the work I have. I just wish BabyBoy wouldn’t have his worst sleep in ages on the night I stayed up way too late finishing a project!

So the best way to keep a handle on all the crazy during this busy season is to make a list – or three or four! I love lists, they keep me on track. I have work to-do lists, personal to-do lists, Christmas shopping lists, dinner menu lists, baking lists. Today’s top priority is trying to set my baking list in stone, so I can buy some supplies and get going.

I have annual baking traditions and I also enjoy trying a new recipe or two each year. So far, this is what’s on my agenda, but I’m definitely open for suggestions if anyone has a favorite they think we should try.

1. Whipped Shortbread (hubby’s favorite)
2. Butter Tarts (my grandma always made these!)
3. Gingerbread cookies (for the boys to decorate)
4. Nanaimo squares (maybe)
5. Date squares

I usually make fudge and/or truffles too, but not sure if I’m going to this year.  Chocolate is my biggest weakness and I really want to keep my calorie intake reasonable.

Close to the actual holiday I’ll also make a couple of pies to serve as dessert, and I may make this beautiful angel food cake recipe from the most recent Cooking Light magazine.

Good thing we have lots of people invited for dinner – got a lot of sugar happening!!!

Laurie