It's a Mom Thing

What is it about having a baby that makes a person speech impaired and forgetful?  Lately, especially lately, I have noticed that I cannot speak properly.  I can’t find the right words for the things I am trying to say.  It is so frustrating!  Sometimes I will ask my husband, “can you get me the, um, well, the THING over there???”  He exasperates me by saying, “thing...what thing?  What are you trying to ask me for?”

It’s almost like there is a disconnect between my mind, what I want to say, and actually spitting it out.  I have noticed this verbalization problem since the day I gave birth to Lucky.  At first, I thought it was a focus issue.  I was so focused on maintaining the life of our pride and joy that I was using all of my brain power on him.  Communicating wasn’t a priority in my head.  Therefore, finding the right words to use at the right time just didn’t happen.

Now that he is 1 and is a big ball of energy, it takes even more brain power to keep up with him.  Working full time adds to the suction of brain cells from my head.  Keeping up with work, doctor’s appointments, a headstrong toddler, getting him to daycare, teaching a Sunday School class, paying bills, preparing taxes, etc... etc... etc...   

Forgetfulness also plays a huge role in my recent “is it a mom thing” symptoms.  Memory loss.  Today is the perfect example.  I took my son to daycare, without his backpack.   I remember seeing the cute little blue Mickey Mouse backpack in the backseat of my car just yesterday afternoon.  How can it disappear overnight?  I don’t remember bringing it inside.  Normally, since it only has a change of clothes in it, I leave it in the car.  After dropping Lucky off this morning, I called hubby to ask him to look around for it at home .  Here is our conversation:

Me: “Honey...”

Him: “Yes...”

Me:  “Lucky doesn’t have his backpack.  I don’t know where it could be.  It wasn’t in my car or at school.”

Him: “Well, where is it?”

Me: “Well, I don’t know. I don’t remember taking it out of the car.  There is no logical reason why I would have taken it out...Will you try to find it at home?”

Him: “Yes, Honey.”

........Thirty minutes pass........

Me: “Honey...”

Him: “Yes...”

Me: “Did you find the backpack?”

Him: “Yes.”

Me: “Great! Where was it?”

Him: “Outside hanging on an azalea!”

Me: “WHAT?  I don’t remember taking it outside!”

Him: “Did you have it with you when you got the mail?”

Me: “No.  It was cold and rainy outside!   We didn’t go outside.”

Him: “Hmmmm.  So you don’t remember where you left it? 

Me: pause...thinking...trying to remember..." no..."


Him: "So you don’t know if I am just messing with you.  This is fun!”

Me: “Yes. You are right.  I don't remember. Well, wherever you found it, could you please take it to Lucky?  He needs a change of clothes at school.”

You see?  My husband aggravates me just for the fun of it.  So today, because of my forgetfulness, little Lucky is at daycare without an extra change of clothes until his Daddy can find time to take it to him.  Poor buddy!

The truth of the matter is, this kind of thing happens all the time.  These conversations happen all the time.  Come to think of it, I am hoping that someone will speak up and say, “Yes! It’s a Mom Thing!” 

Coupon Crazy

I know I can do better, but I got all of the items in the picture below for $20.43. 

I know I can do better because as soon as I got in the car, I realized that I could have saved about $4-5 more dollars if I had been more careful with product selection.  Still, I am excited that I got $66 worth of groceries for $20!

8 cartons of Voskos Yogurt
2 cartons of YoPlus Yogurt
1 jar of salad dressing
1 Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats
6 bags of Bird's Eye Frozen Veggies
1 bottle of Suave Shampoo
3 Bars of Dial soap
1 bottle of worscestire sauce
1 Box of Minute Rice
3 bags of dog treats for Missy (Publix paid me to take them out of the store!)
2 bottles of Pantene Shampoo (I meant to get one shampoo and one conditioner--blame it on the baby distractor)

If you are interested, check out the Polka Dot Pantry.  For every person that clicks that link and signs up ($6/month) my fee will be waived for one month).  My friend Kristen (http://www.thesolomonstory.blogspot.com/) posted on Facebook the deals she got last week.  I was so intrigued that I signed up.  Like she said in her Facebook post, the best part of this website is that they only show you the "Free," "Ridiculously Cheap" and "Better than Free" items for sale.  You can sort by the store you want to go to (we mainly shop at CVS and Publix).  So far, I am really excited!  I have been couponing and playing the CVS drugstore game for a year now.  I save about $20-30 per grocery trip, but this site has made me realize the bigger savings.  Thanks Kristin and Polka Dot Pantry!

I won an award...

... and am so honored.  I won the award for the work I used to do--before our office was transitioned.  My boss (and friend) also won an award.  I got a call in mid-January that I had been nominated and won the "Outstanding Woman Staff ," award.  I was in complete shock--me?  I listened as she told me the date of the event and the names of the people who had nominated me.  And then, she told me that my boss had won the, "Outstanding Woman Administrator."  Tears started to fall.  I was so very proud at that moment, and so much more happy for her than for me. 

The truth is that I love the university where I work.  I love so many of the people and have made lifelong friends there.  It just stinks that I am now in a time of transition.  This transition has been very hard, and at times I am crushed and feel useless.  I could do so much more with my time.

In some ways, this transition makes me focus on family, friendships and some of the more important things in life.  I have always been so proud of my career and have loved my job.  Maybe I am in a phase of life where I need to be focused on other things instead of putting so much focus on work. 

The outlook is good!  Opportunities abound, and I am certain that everything happens for a reason.  I know that things will get better and a new career will become available in His timing.

My dad told a story tonight about me as a little girl.  He told someone that when I was 5 years old, I was already using an alarm clock.  I would wake up every morning and get myself ready for school.  My husband laughed and said, "Sounds like she has been a "go-getter" all her life!"

I married a funny man.  When he walked into the reception tonight, he said, "You know...behind every great woman is a good man."  Very true, honey.  Thanks for your support and for making me laugh every day.

Interviewing - Ten Tips

Life has been busy the last two weeks.  I have been interviewing for a new job.  The bathroom got new, nice-smelling furniture...see below.

Still, I am looking for new challenges and ways to further my career.  So...I have been interviewing quite a bit lately.  I actually look forward to interviews, believe it or not.  Last week, I had 3 interviews. 

It's all about having the right attitude, asking the right questions, and being positive.  Below are tips for doing well in interviews (from my perspective.)

1.  Be presentable - dress the part.  I was taught to wear a suit or business attire no matter the position you are interviewing for.  I think this is so important! In college, my mom MADE me wear a dress to interview for a lifeguard position.  I remember feeling so ridiculous!  But, I got the Head Lifeguard job, and later in the summer was awarded Assistant Manager of the Swim/Tennis Shop.  Last year, I was interviewing for a student assistant position.  One student came to interview in a polished gray suit.  His shoes were shined, and his mannerisms and demeanor were also polished.  He got the job on the spot.  Being in administrative offices in the same building of the President of our entity, it is important to always look your best.  In the past we had students show up to an interview in baggy jeans, miniskirts and flip-flops, and jeans with rips/holes.  You can imagine the impression those students had on our "big boss," not to mention if they had been asked to deliver something to the President's office.

2.  Be prepared - know your stuff.  Do a little research on the company before you go to the interview.  Have an idea of ways that you could incorporate your past work experience into the new role.  Ask questions about your role and what is expected.  You can ask the interviewer to elaborate on the skills necessary to be successful and then discuss your expertise with those requirements - or your willingness to learn new skills.

3. Look the interviewer(s) in the eye when you speak to them.  This is a sign of respect. 

4.  Nerves can get the best of anyone.  Take a deep breath and think of the interviewer as a close friend.  Focus on the conversation and talk about your successes in past careers.  Think calmly and ensure that the person recognizes your grace under pressure.

5.  Talk up your strengths and highlight those strengths on your resume when you are speaking to the interviewer.  Key phrases that make a difference include, "determined," "decisive," "intuitive," and "strong work ethic." 

6.  Be honest - no matter what.  During the interview, if you don't feel like this is the best fit for you, the interviewer will respect your truthfulness.

7.  Don't appear to be desperate for a job.  State why you think you would be a good candidate, be friendly, and let the interviewer make the decision that is best for his/her company.

8.  Always write a thank-you note.  I try to do this the same day as the interview.  If you interview with multiple people, write multiple letters and make sure that you make each one unique.  Write something personal - as you would write to a friend.  Mention that you appreciate the time that the person took to interview you.   Write a sentence or two reminding them of your skills.  If you want the job, mention that you would like to hear back from them soon about the next step the company will take.  If you decide that you are not a good fit, say so.  In one of my interviews in January, I knew that the job was not for me.  In the thank-you note, I said, "I sincerely hope that you find the perfect fit for the job."  :-)  It's a nice way to say, "Thanks, but no thanks!"

9.  Be yourself.  This goes along with being honest.  Just be yourself!

10. Don't get discouraged.  In the end, things always work out for the best.  My former boss said something to me the other day as I was telling her my frustrations with not having a new job yet.  She said, "As you move higher up in your career, it takes longer to find the perfect fit in a new position.  Be patient."  Trust me, I am earning my Patience Degree right now!