Category Archives: This is 40

Seeking Balance As A Single Mom

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I didn’t know that life balance while being a mom would be so complicated. I didn’t know that life balance while being a single mom would be SO COMPLICATED. There’s the normal mom guilt and then there’s the single mom guilt. Which goes above and beyond.E33A826D-4DBD-434B-ADC3-57F09A8E9A05.jpegTaking the streetcar to Aunt Tiff’s birthday. This is me operating at 100.IMG_3938Working and making lemonade. 

Nobody sets out to be a single mom but stuff happens…And I wouldn’t pick this situation for my kids EVER but it happened. So I will make the most of it. Being a single mom to three little kids is like a forced break of self care. It’s a few days a month where I’m forced to look after myself for a bit. It’s really strange to go from 100-zero overnight. And it doesn’t get easier just more familiar. Oh yeah, these are the days where I might sleep in, workout and take time to make myself food that I want. Oh hey self care days. “I see you and I’m trying to get along with you. Let’s make the most of it, shall we?”IMG_4038Mom Day-Just woke up, rushing to hot yoga. Wearing Kai’s backpack on the front so I don’t forget to drop it by his school after yoga. All of this happens before I fly to Maui later that day. This is a day where I’m standing for 20 hours. #momlife

I will continue to teach my kids how to improvise and make lemonade because I think it’s important in life. Whether I like it or not, the show must go on.

So to all you moms out there, single or not, GOOD JOB! Keep going, and keep taking care of the mother ship.

Hot Yoga For Moms is Always a Good Idea

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So, I’m still not flexible. Never have been. But that’s not what yoga is. It has nothing to do with flexibility and everything to do with “real life.” Before I had kids, I loved taking first dates to a hot yoga class or my spin class. My reason was that I spend most of my days and time in workout gear so that’s the “real me.” The showered, makeup, cute shoes version of me is like a limited edition. Funny how things change. I still do my hot yoga and spin classes but don’t usually take dates there. I’m hustling to the gym with my three little people in tow. I’m a single mom of three little kids and have very little time to frolic around with someone else’s schedule. I don’t do hot yoga because I want to or feel like it. I NEVER FEEL LIKE DOING HOT YOGA. I do hot yoga because it makes me a better mom and  person. Hot yoga is like church to me. It makes me a better woman, person, sister, daughter, neighbor, friend and flight attendant. Plus it makes my body purr. Here are a couple of my favorite yoga teachers.IMG_7881Striking a pose with the amazing Roger Yoga Teacher. IMG_7873My girl Isabel killing it with her Genuine “Pony” songs and HUMBLE. Yep, One of the many reasons I love her. 

If you’ve been “thinking” about trying yoga (hot or not) DO IT! Do it for yourself and your family. Everyone benefits when mom gets her hot yoga in!

Endless Summer With My 3 Babes

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Do you remember the Endless Summer movie? Me too. I’m having a little bit of that except mine is ensconced with 3 year old twins and a 6 year old little boy! Kai started first grade and is nailing it. Blaize and Pepper officially start part time preschool in 2 weeks and it’s gunna be something..

img_2742Recently, I caught up with a friend who reminded me that stretching ourselves in life, fitness and work is a gift. I believe this whole heartedly but loved being gently reminded. img_0669Yes, #campmommy is stretched as we choose a new, exciting activity/adventure every single day-deep into September. Yes, #campmommy is ready for bed at 8pm. Yes, I am one lucky mama every. single. day.

Living the Dream in the Pearl

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Funny how life works, I’m back where I started.

I moved to Portland in 2004 from Santa Monica, CA to buy a house before I turned 30 years old. My plan was to buy a house, rent it out and keep exploring and traveling. Surprisingly, I ended up loving Portland (like everyone else) and decided to stay. I started in NW Portland at the base of Lower Mckleay park almost 12 years ago. I loved the area and felt like it was a great landing pad to “experience” Portland. I lived in Northeast Portland in my 30’s and recently relocated to the Pearl. I always thought it would be fun to live in the Pearl and enjoy the city. And here I am living in the Pearl with my 3 babydolls and enjoying the city every single day. The Pearl is shockingly kid friendly with a great playground (Field’s Park), water fountain park (Jameson Square) and even an off leash dog park.

Life is good and one surprise after another!

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Taking a photo break after running laps around Field’s Park in the Pearl.

Faster, Harder, Longer is my New Workout Mantra

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Faster, harder, longer is what a friend of mine reminded me that it takes to get fit post babies. Yes, of course! I know that but forgot for a hot minute while I complained about my soft mom bod. Maybe you’re rocking your hot mom bod which is great for you! But, if you’re like the rest of us, there’s always a few things we’d like to improve or tweak on our bodies. For me, I wanted to feel better in my work skirt. Nothing measures better than my flight attendant uniform at 35,000 feet where the air is thin and dry and the body is thirsty and bloated.

IMG_4435Sure, I eat fairly healthy and gave up the sweet treats last year. It takes more than that to keep it high and tight though especially if you’re 40 or older. So, I added a few things while I really focused on the “faster, harder, longer” mantra during workouts. My usual 30 minute cardio session wasn’t getting the job done, so I increased my minimum cardio to 45 or 60min whenever possible. It’s going pretty good, I’m down 10lbs from last year and planning on losing a few more.

These are the five things that I strive for everyday in addition to my faster, harder longer workout mantra:

1.   Drink a ton of water everyday! Find healthy, yummy food that you love to eat.

2.  Get plenty of sleep which is probably an hour or two more than you currently get

3.   Sweat and breathe deep every single day. 

4.   Do as much yoga as possible

5.   Write it down. All of it. Food, exercise, and timeline goals (ideal weight/size and time frame)

My kids and I talk about eating healthy, working out and practicing yoga all the time. The sweetest words are when my 3 year old twins say “mommy has to workout and take care of herself so she can take care of us.” Butterfly, happy mama moment when I hear these words.

Let’s be real, just because I’m 40 and have 3 kids (ages 5 and under) doesn’t mean I don’t want it high and tight. Just sayin…