me·di·o·cre [mee-dee-oh-ker]
adjective
1.of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate: The car gets only mediocre mileage, but it's fun to drive.
Synonyms: undistinguished, commonplace, pedestrian, everyday; run-of-the-mill. Antonyms: extraordinary, superior, uncommon, incomparable.
If you ever wonder sometimes about the way I do things, why I am so passionate about things, why I am either hot or cold, why I either really like you or really don't, this is why.
I do not have a mediocre bone in my body. It's 100% or 0% with me. Yes, it's hard, it's stressful, and it wears me out. Some days I wish I could be someone who gives less than 100% all the time to everything, but I'm not. If you are still my friend and you have put up with me this long, I love you for it. If you are my family and you have tolerated me this way all my life because you love me, thank you.
And if you are my friend or family, and I call you when I am down and need you, now you know why. It's because I have given every last bit I had to someone or something else and I need you to pick me back up. Love you all :)
And yes, I did write this myself. I only copied the definition from Dictionary.com and am more than happy to give them the credit they deserve.
25 June, 2012
Frustrations.
I understand that things are not the way they used to be 10, 20 or 30 years ago when Moms stayed home, Dads worked, no one had student loans, other debt or a ton of other things we all know today.
I understand that sometimes Mom and Dad both work. And go to school. And try to do all the other things that Mom and Dad do. But sometimes, Mom and Dad have to do things for themselves as well.
This is where I get lost. What can I do for me that won't impact all of those around me? Nothing. OK, that's out of the way. So what can I do for me that will still make me happy and is tolerable for the rest of the people I live with? That is what I am still working on.
How can I be a great Mom, great wife, great housekeeper, and still keep myself happy? I am beginning to think it's impossible. Because every time I set a goal for myself, other things come up. Or things get too busy and what gets dropped off the list? Oh yeah, what I needed/wanted to do for me.
I went out of town this past weekend. Just myself. I went to a meetup in Chicago, then went on to Lasalle-Peru area to see a friend I have not seen in months. The whole time I am worrying that J is at home and needs me. Or is going to be mad when I get home because I was gone too long. It's no fun to watch the clock every single min you are gone. For me, that's why it's easier to just take the kids with; that way I don't have to worry that I am ruining someone else's day.
On to the topic at hand. I have not talked myself out of doing a triathlon this year. Actually, the further it gets into the year, the better the idea seems. The largest holdup I have about it is the fact that I need new shoes, and a bicycle and trailer for the kids. That means an initial outlay of probably around $1k. That is a LOT of $$ for something I don't know if I am going to love or hate right away. The other problem is the time commitment. I can take my kids to the Y every night after work, and then we don't' get home until after 8. That makes for a short night. J is in school at least 3 nights a week, and that will not be over for at least another year.
I felt so much better when I was working out three days a week. I was less cranky, less short with the kids and J, and I slept so much better. But now that I am working 5 days a week and SITTING all day, I need it worse than ever.
So how can I find time for me to work out, take care of everyone else and make everyone happy? Question of the century. When you figure it out, let me know.
Sigh.
I understand that sometimes Mom and Dad both work. And go to school. And try to do all the other things that Mom and Dad do. But sometimes, Mom and Dad have to do things for themselves as well.
This is where I get lost. What can I do for me that won't impact all of those around me? Nothing. OK, that's out of the way. So what can I do for me that will still make me happy and is tolerable for the rest of the people I live with? That is what I am still working on.
How can I be a great Mom, great wife, great housekeeper, and still keep myself happy? I am beginning to think it's impossible. Because every time I set a goal for myself, other things come up. Or things get too busy and what gets dropped off the list? Oh yeah, what I needed/wanted to do for me.
I went out of town this past weekend. Just myself. I went to a meetup in Chicago, then went on to Lasalle-Peru area to see a friend I have not seen in months. The whole time I am worrying that J is at home and needs me. Or is going to be mad when I get home because I was gone too long. It's no fun to watch the clock every single min you are gone. For me, that's why it's easier to just take the kids with; that way I don't have to worry that I am ruining someone else's day.
On to the topic at hand. I have not talked myself out of doing a triathlon this year. Actually, the further it gets into the year, the better the idea seems. The largest holdup I have about it is the fact that I need new shoes, and a bicycle and trailer for the kids. That means an initial outlay of probably around $1k. That is a LOT of $$ for something I don't know if I am going to love or hate right away. The other problem is the time commitment. I can take my kids to the Y every night after work, and then we don't' get home until after 8. That makes for a short night. J is in school at least 3 nights a week, and that will not be over for at least another year.
I felt so much better when I was working out three days a week. I was less cranky, less short with the kids and J, and I slept so much better. But now that I am working 5 days a week and SITTING all day, I need it worse than ever.
So how can I find time for me to work out, take care of everyone else and make everyone happy? Question of the century. When you figure it out, let me know.
Sigh.
17 November, 2011
Want vs Need During the Holidays
I have really been thinking about what to do for Christmas this year. I am fairly certain only a few people in my family actually NEED things. Sure, there is always stuff we want, but truly need? Not much.
The kids could use some new shoes. But they for sure do not need toys. They hardly play with what they have.
Jeremy and I? We really don't NEED anything. Sure, there are things we both want. But we don't need anything.
I just have a hard time thinking about all the people and kids with nothing. Nothing at all. In this time of excessive-ness and over-consumerism, it is SO easy to go overboard. Even when there are people in your neighborhood who are losing their house. Or feeding their kids rice and beans, or Ramen noodles, or peanut butter every meal because that's all they have. Or kids that don't have a winter coat, or shoes that fit or are in good repair.
Anyway, I guess my point is, try to give back a little bit. Even if you just buy a $10 coat and take it to your local shelter or church, or if you buy an extra 5 cans of beans, or whatever. Try to do something for others this holiday season.
The kids and I are choosing some ornaments from the Sponsor Tree at the YMCA tonight. And I am going to take the kids and have them pick out the presents, help wrap them and then give them to the desk at the Y. I really hope that by doing small things, I can teach them how to give back to others that truly need things.
The kids could use some new shoes. But they for sure do not need toys. They hardly play with what they have.
Jeremy and I? We really don't NEED anything. Sure, there are things we both want. But we don't need anything.
I just have a hard time thinking about all the people and kids with nothing. Nothing at all. In this time of excessive-ness and over-consumerism, it is SO easy to go overboard. Even when there are people in your neighborhood who are losing their house. Or feeding their kids rice and beans, or Ramen noodles, or peanut butter every meal because that's all they have. Or kids that don't have a winter coat, or shoes that fit or are in good repair.
Anyway, I guess my point is, try to give back a little bit. Even if you just buy a $10 coat and take it to your local shelter or church, or if you buy an extra 5 cans of beans, or whatever. Try to do something for others this holiday season.
The kids and I are choosing some ornaments from the Sponsor Tree at the YMCA tonight. And I am going to take the kids and have them pick out the presents, help wrap them and then give them to the desk at the Y. I really hope that by doing small things, I can teach them how to give back to others that truly need things.
02 November, 2011
Milestones.
It has been a long time since I have been here and a LOT has happened.
Job changes, life changes, family struggles. Lifestyle changes. The kids are getting big.
I am going to focus on the positive. A year ago this month, (give or take a couple weeks) my BFF Jess said to me "You really should start drinking Diet Coke". Fairly certain I looked at her like she was CRAZY. In the course of the next month, I started counting calories, watching WHAT went in my mouth, drinking Diet Coke! and started training for a 10K. Which at the time, I thought was a totally unreasonable goal.
Fast forward to May of this year. I had lost over 20 lbs, Jess had lost more than that! and we ran the Original Mud Run!! A 10 K with over 79 obstacles, all in the woods, MUD and water. We were NOT in it to WIN it, we were in it to FINISH it, which we did with flying colors. It was a fantastic day that we shared with friends and family.
I am shocked that I have stuck with this lifestyle change for a year. I am still going to the gym at least 2 days a week, sometimes 3 or 4, and running on at least one other day. You are talking to someone who had never run more than an 800M dash in her LIFE. And that (I thought at the time) was pure TORTURE. I am now doing Zumba for an hour twice a week, doing strength training 2 days and running 3.5 miles another day.
I have gone from a size 10-12 pants to a size 4-6 pants. I am wearing a medium shirt. a MEDIUM! And sometimes that is too big. I am stronger than I have been in a LONG time. I have more energy, I have more patience. I also have a renewed outlook that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.
My new goal for 2012? A sprint triathlon! I am focusing on strength training this fall and then starting the hardcore swim training in the spring, and then adding biking. Hoping to FINISH in August. I also have some body fat percent goals that I am working on and hope to get stronger as well.
I would never have thought any of this was really possible a year ago. I thought my days of being fit and not fat were over after having 2 kids 15 mos apart. Come to find, I just needed the right people in my life to push me and support me and be there for me and to find the place in myself where *I* knew I could do it.
Thank you so much to Jess, Jeremy, Kelly E, Robyn, and ALL my other friends and family for sticking by me, telling me I looked great, helping me learn how to push myself again and loving me no matter what. The only regret I have? Not taking before pictures!!
Job changes, life changes, family struggles. Lifestyle changes. The kids are getting big.
I am going to focus on the positive. A year ago this month, (give or take a couple weeks) my BFF Jess said to me "You really should start drinking Diet Coke". Fairly certain I looked at her like she was CRAZY. In the course of the next month, I started counting calories, watching WHAT went in my mouth, drinking Diet Coke! and started training for a 10K. Which at the time, I thought was a totally unreasonable goal.
Fast forward to May of this year. I had lost over 20 lbs, Jess had lost more than that! and we ran the Original Mud Run!! A 10 K with over 79 obstacles, all in the woods, MUD and water. We were NOT in it to WIN it, we were in it to FINISH it, which we did with flying colors. It was a fantastic day that we shared with friends and family.
I am shocked that I have stuck with this lifestyle change for a year. I am still going to the gym at least 2 days a week, sometimes 3 or 4, and running on at least one other day. You are talking to someone who had never run more than an 800M dash in her LIFE. And that (I thought at the time) was pure TORTURE. I am now doing Zumba for an hour twice a week, doing strength training 2 days and running 3.5 miles another day.
I have gone from a size 10-12 pants to a size 4-6 pants. I am wearing a medium shirt. a MEDIUM! And sometimes that is too big. I am stronger than I have been in a LONG time. I have more energy, I have more patience. I also have a renewed outlook that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.
My new goal for 2012? A sprint triathlon! I am focusing on strength training this fall and then starting the hardcore swim training in the spring, and then adding biking. Hoping to FINISH in August. I also have some body fat percent goals that I am working on and hope to get stronger as well.
I would never have thought any of this was really possible a year ago. I thought my days of being fit and not fat were over after having 2 kids 15 mos apart. Come to find, I just needed the right people in my life to push me and support me and be there for me and to find the place in myself where *I* knew I could do it.
Thank you so much to Jess, Jeremy, Kelly E, Robyn, and ALL my other friends and family for sticking by me, telling me I looked great, helping me learn how to push myself again and loving me no matter what. The only regret I have? Not taking before pictures!!
08 August, 2010
New family pics and Tandem nursing pics!
Thanks so much to Kelly Gray Photography for taking these and our recent family pics!
01 August, 2010
Happy International Breastfeeding Week!!
I am a proud tandem nursing mother. I am also a RN who has worked in a LOT of different places. Nursing, let alone tandem nursing is not always promoted or endorsed in the medical field.
I have been nursing both Adeline and Liam since Liam was born. I am hoping to nurse Adeline until she is 3 and Liam for just as long.
I have also been a full-time RN working outside the home 36+ hrs/week. Pumping full-time while out of the house is not easy. Worrying that you are not keeping up with the ounces that your baby is drinking, and are you eating/drinking enough to keep your milk supply up. Can you get away for long enough to pump every 3-4 hours while being out of the house for 14+ hrs/day sometimes? And now I am working 24 hr shifts. I pump with both a Medela Symphony and a Medela Freestyle, depending on which pump I have access to. I store all my own milk and use Medela Pump and Save bags. I have used Lansinoh freezer bags as well, but Jeremy like the Medela ones better; he says they are easier to pour from one-handed.
I can't even begin to list all the reasons I love to nurse my kids. It has saved us SO MUCH MONEY. Thousands of dollars, I am sure. It has made me connect to my kids in a way I never thought was possible. It has made Adeline appreciate her brother, and learn to share one of the things that is most important to her. It has decreased the risks for asthma, allergies, SIDS, obesity,constipation, cancer and illness in both my kids. It has increased their IQ, sight, brain development and immune system. I love the closeness it brings to all 3 of us. It is also the easiest way to get 2 under 2 to bed in less than 30 min!
Liam has never had any formula. Adeline got supplemented with soy formula when I got pregnant with Liam. I am also very proud to say that right now I am donating milk to another local mom who has to go back to work so her baby can have breastmilk while she gets her freezer supply up.
I am also very blessed to have a family who has been nothing but supportive of breastfeeding and never pressured me to give either of my kids a bottle or formula, even thought it would have been easier for THEM. They never once complained about not getting to feed the baby.
Hopefully before the end of the week, I will have some tandem nursing pics to post for you!
I have been nursing both Adeline and Liam since Liam was born. I am hoping to nurse Adeline until she is 3 and Liam for just as long.
I have also been a full-time RN working outside the home 36+ hrs/week. Pumping full-time while out of the house is not easy. Worrying that you are not keeping up with the ounces that your baby is drinking, and are you eating/drinking enough to keep your milk supply up. Can you get away for long enough to pump every 3-4 hours while being out of the house for 14+ hrs/day sometimes? And now I am working 24 hr shifts. I pump with both a Medela Symphony and a Medela Freestyle, depending on which pump I have access to. I store all my own milk and use Medela Pump and Save bags. I have used Lansinoh freezer bags as well, but Jeremy like the Medela ones better; he says they are easier to pour from one-handed.
I can't even begin to list all the reasons I love to nurse my kids. It has saved us SO MUCH MONEY. Thousands of dollars, I am sure. It has made me connect to my kids in a way I never thought was possible. It has made Adeline appreciate her brother, and learn to share one of the things that is most important to her. It has decreased the risks for asthma, allergies, SIDS, obesity,constipation, cancer and illness in both my kids. It has increased their IQ, sight, brain development and immune system. I love the closeness it brings to all 3 of us. It is also the easiest way to get 2 under 2 to bed in less than 30 min!
Liam has never had any formula. Adeline got supplemented with soy formula when I got pregnant with Liam. I am also very proud to say that right now I am donating milk to another local mom who has to go back to work so her baby can have breastmilk while she gets her freezer supply up.
I am also very blessed to have a family who has been nothing but supportive of breastfeeding and never pressured me to give either of my kids a bottle or formula, even thought it would have been easier for THEM. They never once complained about not getting to feed the baby.
Hopefully before the end of the week, I will have some tandem nursing pics to post for you!
30 July, 2010
Kids+Cows=FUN!
Adeline decided she needed to go see her Grandma and Grandpa last week, so off we went! We also went to Tin and Chery's house and saw the cows. It was a great time and photo op!
20 July, 2010
Our babysitter is quitting. . .
she is going back to school. Good for her, not so good for us.
She is pretty much the only person who has had the kids full-time.
I am interviewing people right now, as well as MAYBE going to visit the church-based daycare around the corner.
I wish I could just. stay. home.
She is pretty much the only person who has had the kids full-time.
I am interviewing people right now, as well as MAYBE going to visit the church-based daycare around the corner.
I wish I could just. stay. home.
14 July, 2010
Adeline Loves the County
She cries every time we have to leave to come home.
Here she is playing with Eddie on the porch.
Here she is riding on the tractor on the sidewalk with her princess wave.
And here she is smelling the flowers.
The country is so much fun. I feel blessed that my kids are able to see both sides of the interstate so to speak.
Here she is playing with Eddie on the porch.
Here she is riding on the tractor on the sidewalk with her princess wave.
And here she is smelling the flowers.
The country is so much fun. I feel blessed that my kids are able to see both sides of the interstate so to speak.
08 July, 2010
Adeline to Target
to get BIG GIRL PANTIES!!
She poo'd in the potty for my Mom, so now Mom said she would get Dora panties. Adeline apprently didn't want Dora panties when they got to Target, so they got Dora and Disney Princess.
Proof that Grandpa Dale has been to Target.
They got caught in a downpour and ended up with doughnuts too.
She poo'd in the potty for my Mom, so now Mom said she would get Dora panties. Adeline apprently didn't want Dora panties when they got to Target, so they got Dora and Disney Princess.
Proof that Grandpa Dale has been to Target.
They got caught in a downpour and ended up with doughnuts too.
05 July, 2010
In Illinois again. . .
We went to Illinois before I have surgery this week. Partly to get out of the house and partly to go pick up Grandma so she can stay with me and help with the kids after surgery! Just hernia repair, nothing major (hopefully!)
With the Great-Grandparents in the porch swing.
Liam driving the tractor.
Dad was farming, but I didn't get any pictures of the tractor or Adeline riding in it. She did have a LOT of fun in the tractor.
Adeline "planting beans" with her tractor.
All in all, we had a great time. Now for the not-so-great time of surgery.
With the Great-Grandparents in the porch swing.
Liam driving the tractor.
Dad was farming, but I didn't get any pictures of the tractor or Adeline riding in it. She did have a LOT of fun in the tractor.
Adeline "planting beans" with her tractor.
All in all, we had a great time. Now for the not-so-great time of surgery.
27 June, 2010
13 June, 2010
Liam is ONE!!
I can't believe our boy is ONE!! He is trying very hard to walk, says "dada", waves, knows all the family, and crawls like a champ. He also loves to give raspberries, kisses and hugs. He is a better sleeper than Adeline was at this age, but we are still not getting much sleep between the 2 of them!
Here are some pictures from the birthday party!
First Cake
Liam and I at the party.
Liam and Jeremy at the party.
A good time was had by all. Liam got lots of great present.
Here are some pictures from the birthday party!
First Cake
Liam and I at the party.
Liam and Jeremy at the party.
A good time was had by all. Liam got lots of great present.
30 May, 2010
At Grandma and Grandpa Tucker's House
We went to Grandma and Grandpa Tucker's for a few days. Too much mud to farm. We did find a big tree frog that wanted to come back to Indianapolis with us.
I also got one picture of Adeline out front of Mom and Dad's house too. She looks like SUCH a big girl.
I also got one picture of Adeline out front of Mom and Dad's house too. She looks like SUCH a big girl.
28 April, 2010
A teeny bit of sewing. . .
Some days I find a bit of time to sew. Does not happen very often, but when it does I enjoy it!
Here are some wetbags I whipped up. Hopefully now I can use cloth out and about easier. I always had a hard time buying wetbags when I knew I could make some pretty easily!
Here are some wetbags I whipped up. Hopefully now I can use cloth out and about easier. I always had a hard time buying wetbags when I knew I could make some pretty easily!
27 April, 2010
Call me crazy. . .
Wearing both kids at once is fun, keeps me warm and is a great workout.
And they both love it.
Adeline 2 yrs 4 mos in Kinderpack on back, Liam 10 mos in Beco 4th Generation on front.
Put Liam on first then Adeline.
22 April, 2010
Happy Earth Day! Grobaby Review!!
Happy Earth Day 2010, everyone!!
Here at the Vaughn house, we try to do a few things to protect the Earth.
I love our free curbside recycling of cans, plastic, steel, and paper.
I also take all our corrogated cardboard to the Greenwood Library; it is recycled and serves as a fundraiser for the library.
I have been trying to use my re-useable shopping bags more (we love Chico Bags)
Also, we cloth diaper! I love my cloth diapers. We are using the Gro-baby system right now.
It has a waterproof outer shell and a snap-in organic cotton cloth liner or a bio-soaker disposable liner.
I am LOVING it! It fits both Liam 10 mos, 15-16 lbs and Adeline 2 yrs, 25 lbs well.
The velcro/aplix is super stick without being scratchy and super adjustable. The 3 snap rise is well-placed. Liam is on the middle setting, but would fit on the smallest setting and Adeline usually wears it all the way unsnapped, but I could place her in the middle setting as well if I had to.
Here are some pics!
Gro Baby shell with Disposable Insert
Shell with Cloth Insert
Adeline in Gro Baby with Cloth Insert
Liam in Gro Baby with Cloth Insert
Any other questions, or want more pics, let me know!
Here at the Vaughn house, we try to do a few things to protect the Earth.
I love our free curbside recycling of cans, plastic, steel, and paper.
I also take all our corrogated cardboard to the Greenwood Library; it is recycled and serves as a fundraiser for the library.
I have been trying to use my re-useable shopping bags more (we love Chico Bags)
Also, we cloth diaper! I love my cloth diapers. We are using the Gro-baby system right now.
It has a waterproof outer shell and a snap-in organic cotton cloth liner or a bio-soaker disposable liner.
I am LOVING it! It fits both Liam 10 mos, 15-16 lbs and Adeline 2 yrs, 25 lbs well.
The velcro/aplix is super stick without being scratchy and super adjustable. The 3 snap rise is well-placed. Liam is on the middle setting, but would fit on the smallest setting and Adeline usually wears it all the way unsnapped, but I could place her in the middle setting as well if I had to.
Here are some pics!
Gro Baby shell with Disposable Insert
Shell with Cloth Insert
Adeline in Gro Baby with Cloth Insert
Liam in Gro Baby with Cloth Insert
Any other questions, or want more pics, let me know!
05 April, 2010
New pictures of the kids!
Here are some new pics of the kids. I actually have hard copy pictures that were taken last week to hand out! Can you believe it? But here are some digital ones to tide you over.
Big Girl in the tub
Liam, Liam
Attack of the sister!
Big Girl in the tub
Liam, Liam
Attack of the sister!
25 March, 2010
Most of my baby carrier stash . . .
BabyHawk OhSnap tester, Beco 4th Gen Pony Express, Bloo Kangaroo Kanga X,
Kinderpack, BabyHawk OhSnap! custom red Echino Scooters, Beco Butterfly II in Blue/Green Scooters.
And I have a ring sling that is not in the group shot.
Whew!
New Diaper Bag
that is finally perfect for 2 that are 2 and under.
I have had an awful time finding something I like and that work for us.
This is a Cevan Metro Bag from Allen Ave. They also make super cute stuffed animals!
I would say the bag is the size of a nice carry on. It is also made from coated cotton canvas and is VERY sturdy and a little stiff. I am sure it will get softer after I break it in.
It has 3 toy loops that snap shut, one on either end and one on the inside. I thought about putting a paci pod on one, but I have plenty of pockets to put the extra pacis in.
It has 4 nice feet on the bottom to keep it from sitting on the floor. One of my "must have" features.
It holds everything I carry every day with plenty of room to add a few things for an all-day trip. Granted, I am a heavy packer, but I like to have a little room too!
I would like to find something else to put the kids' change of clothes in that is a little more compact, but this will do for now.
Oh and check out the fantastic giraffe print changing pad I made to match. It looks great!
Can you believe, me, the bag-a-holic, this is only the 2nd bag I have bought since Liam has been born? I have looked at a TON and this is the first one I have found that fits the bill.
I love the adjustable dividers in the main compartment, as well as all the pockets. The front has a great changing pad area. The smaller front compartment has more pockets and a nice mesh pocket. The product info states that it is fully insulated, have not had a chance to check that out though. OK, time for the pics!
Click to make bigger/see notes.
All the stuff I carry (told you I was an overpacker!)
Front Pocket
Main pocket
I have had an awful time finding something I like and that work for us.
This is a Cevan Metro Bag from Allen Ave. They also make super cute stuffed animals!
I would say the bag is the size of a nice carry on. It is also made from coated cotton canvas and is VERY sturdy and a little stiff. I am sure it will get softer after I break it in.
It has 3 toy loops that snap shut, one on either end and one on the inside. I thought about putting a paci pod on one, but I have plenty of pockets to put the extra pacis in.
It has 4 nice feet on the bottom to keep it from sitting on the floor. One of my "must have" features.
It holds everything I carry every day with plenty of room to add a few things for an all-day trip. Granted, I am a heavy packer, but I like to have a little room too!
I would like to find something else to put the kids' change of clothes in that is a little more compact, but this will do for now.
Oh and check out the fantastic giraffe print changing pad I made to match. It looks great!
Can you believe, me, the bag-a-holic, this is only the 2nd bag I have bought since Liam has been born? I have looked at a TON and this is the first one I have found that fits the bill.
I love the adjustable dividers in the main compartment, as well as all the pockets. The front has a great changing pad area. The smaller front compartment has more pockets and a nice mesh pocket. The product info states that it is fully insulated, have not had a chance to check that out though. OK, time for the pics!
Click to make bigger/see notes.
All the stuff I carry (told you I was an overpacker!)
Front Pocket
Main pocket
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