A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Being Me

So, today is my first real post.  I guess I should do some sort of general introduction so that if anyone ever reads this, they will have some idea of who I am.  I am a thirty-something wife, mommy, lawyer, and wannabe athlete who just needs an outlet for myself.  I spend most of my days doing work for other people -- whether it be my children, employer, or husband -- I rarely have a moment where I can focus my thoughts on myself.  Thus, my blog is born . . .


I hope that this blog can be an outlet for me to express how I cope with the constant Holy Grail of finding the "work/life balance."  Some days, I fare pretty well; some days, I suck.  But, I am in constantly blog-stalking other moms who work and still find time to do some of the things that they enjoy. 


In any event, as a mom of two young boys (ages 2 and 4), I am constantly trying to improve myself.  I want six pack abs, to be debt-free, to have a clean house, and, to be a great mom.  On a more shallow note, as a young-ish mom, I strive to be that mom who people ask, "What?  You have TWO babies?"  I know, vain.  But, another character flaw that I will work on in the future. 


One of my current obsessions (other than my beautiful boys) is gardening.  What I have discovered in my constant quest for self-improvement/discovery, is that gardening is really a metaphor for what we all seek in life.  Results.  Immediate results.   I have found that gardening rewards your efforts and piddling hard work.  My interest in gardening came as a surprise to everyone, most of all me.  I developed an interest in cooking when I was on maternity leave with my youngest son in 2010. My unexpected interest in cooking subsequently developed into a broader goal of trying to be physically fit (through running, CrossFit, and clean eating).  Eventually, I decided to start a little garden. 


If you have young children, I strongly recommend starting a small raised bed garden in your backyard, or on your deck, porch, or whatever extra space you have.  My boys love digging in the dirt and seeing the relatively quick results of their play efforts.  My garden has somehow become an instant (alcohol-free) way to relieve stress.  I love coming home to assess the progress of my tomatoes, green beans, peppers and herbs.  What is even more satisfying, is eating the "fresh from the vine" fruits of our labors! 


Thanks to liberal rain in North Carolina this summer, the garden has been pretty low-maintenance. For working moms, I know that is key to any new hobby or endeavor. The kids and I feel a sense of real accomplishment and we have an activity to enjoy together that everybody loves. See the results of our little slice of nirvana!

The beginning (June 3, 2012)

Progress . . .

The harvest!

Dinner!  (Thanks to the Neelys Fried Green Tomatoes recipe at www.foodnetwork.com).  Thank you, Pat and Gina!  I put my foot in it!!! 

So, this is where it begins.  Yum!