The Benefits of Positive Thinking in My Life!

The list is immeasurable of all the benefits positive thinking has had in my life. Just two years ago I was a stay at home mom ready to join the corporate world again. I had two boys ages 1 and 3 years old and I was at the point where I missed working, but I still wanted to be there for my children. I thought about putting them in daycare for half the day, but the weekly cost was outrageous! Then life happened, and I found myself becoming a single mom to two boys who NEEDED to work. I was nervous, sad, and worried about my future. But one day something changed in me, I decided that I was going to overcome my circumstances and change my life completely.


First up, I needed to find a place to live. I had two months to do so and I was lucky to have money in my savings account to pay for a new place to live. But who on Earth is going to rent to a woman with no job and two children?! I didn’t let those little details bother my search. I made a list of my must have’s….yes, I am being choosy with no job. My list: Two bedrooms, at least one bath, full size washer/dryer hookup, parking, and not more than $1200 a month. I should also mention, that I decided to move 120 miles from my hometown. Away from the life I’d known and away from family and friends. I was 30 years old and ready to step out on a limb. I took two trips to the area I wanted to move and looked at maybe 5 different rentals. I found my favorite of them all and I submitted my application and put down a deposit. I had to wait a few days to hear back, but I was content, knowing that even without a job, I would move into the place. I took out a piece of paper with my list of must-haves and I wrote my full name with the address of the new place. And I didn’t look at another place. Because I knew, if I had faith the answer was yes, then I wouldn’t need to look any further. However, I was PUMPED when two days later the property manager called to say they decided to give me the place even though I had no employment at the time. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!

Next up, I need to find a J-O-B! My savings would only carry me for 3-4 months if I didn’t splurge on any extras. I moved into my new apartment in mid-February 2011. It was liberating and a bit intimidating at the same time, I cannot tell a lie about that. But I didn’t let those thoughts consume me or get into the universe. Because I believe it’s true what they say, “what you put out, you will receive.” I had a series of interviews with an Urgent Care office to be the Office Manager of their new facility. I’d had three interviews and I was pretty confident I had the job. It was just a few miles from my apartment and the people were very nice. Imagine my surprise when they’d decided to give the position to someone else! This was a time I could have lost my positive momentum. But, I wouldn’t let that get me down. When I told family and friends I didn’t get the job, I told them in a matter of fact tone. I remember telling some I was not worried because there was a better position waiting for me. I’m sure they all thought I was NUTS! LOL!

I’d been living in my new city for about three weeks and I had two other interviews with companies, but neither of them was exactly the right fit. They were both more a part time basis and with children, it would cost me money to work there. So I had to decline both positions. Bold, I know! In the third week a family friend said she would send out an email to her friends to see if anyone was hiring. I thought that was cool and didn’t expect much from it. Well, let me tell you! Within an hour, I had 60 NEW EMAILS from the email she mailed out! All kinds of job positions, searching tips, company links, and intern offers! I felt so blessed and thankful to have such people in my life. But one email stood out. It was a position that was farther than I wanted to drive and it was only for four months while a woman went on maternity leave. My thought was, the money is great for me and that will give me time to make money and find a full time position. I interviewed for the position and got the job in the same day! And two years later, I still work for the company as a full time employee. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!

And now I am embarking into the next chapter of my life. I have continued to make strides in this life of mine and I do not let fear or doubt get in my way. I make a vision board every year to document my goals and progress. Obviously, I have minor setbacks just like everyone else, but the difference is I do not change my mind set. I keep on with positive thinking knowing there is a reason for everything. And sometimes bad things have to happen to make you appreciative of all the good things you have, big or small. The benefits of positive thinking will turn your life around!

The Life of a Single Mom!

Wake up at 6am. Stretch, check on kids, and shower. Set up ironing board; turn lights on in kids’ bedroom. 7am wake up sleepyhead kids. Between 7am and 7:40am is the mad dash. I must get three people dressed and presentable for the world. Make sure they’ve have breakfast and make sure all homework has been completed. Whew…the life of a single mom!




For the last two years I commuted to and from work eighty miles a day! Thankfully, I have moved much closer and that part of my day is no longer a strain. If you’ve ever experienced Los Angeles traffic, hug yourself or anyone that drives in it every day. It’s a war zone!



I work for a bank in Southern California and my job is different every day and I never know what I am going to come across. It definitely keeps my day moving along. In between that I enjoy time with other adults and sharing stories that don’t involve much of the 4-6 year old conversation I have at home.



6pm….quitting time! I listen to music before I pick up the kids because as soon as they see me, I’M ON! My oldest son is in kindergarten and has a flurry of stories to tell me and tell me the things he’s learned during the day. My younger son is in pre-school and has equally entertaining stories to tell. Bugs, boys and girls, new friends, mini fights, yucky lunches, bathroom jokes, sports stories, new library books, and the list goes on!



We are home by 7pm and my second job begins. Kids complete any homework and reading assignments; they eat dinner, take a bath, and bed time! I can honestly say I do not know how I get thru the whirlwind from 7-8:45pm. It’s one of those perks in the life of a single mom that you just master. Now I am not saying I have it all down to a science, but I’ve definitely found my groove.



Now you may ask yourself, when do you have time for yourself?! Well this is the time, my friends….when the kids go to bed! Mommy can read books and magazines, paint my nails, talk on the phone, or enjoy one of the kids’ snacks!



It can definitely take its toll on a person to be the sole parent in the household. In any given day you are Mommy, Daddy, Friend, Nurse, Dentist, Police, Judge, Jury, and anything else children may need at any given time. It helps to have family support and the other parents support as well. Unfortunately, not everyone has those to help them. I find it most important to find time to decompress my mind and have a good balance in life. I make sure my children have me when they need me but I also make sure I make time for myself. Because I cannot be the best Mommy to them if I am stressed out and overworked!



Okay, my free time is over….back to the wonderful life of a single mom! Thanks for reading!

Working Mom Blog: My Story

The Working Mom Blog, this is my story. Where do I begin? Let’s see, I am a thirty something single mom of two boys. I love all things fashion related, mommy related, I love to write and blog, I have the heart and mind of an entrepreneur, and I am a huge football fan. All of those things are equally exciting to me and I try to fit them all in the best I can. The only problem, you ask? I work outside the home and there are only 24 hours in the day!


But I’m determined to get into my blogging groove and share my stories, favorite things, trials, tribulations, and triumphs! This year has been extremely busy for me. I’ve been a single, working mom for the last two years and I feel like I am JUST finding my place in the world. My kids and I have our system and some routines that work for us and that make my life just a teeny bit easier.

I live in SoCal and thankfully the sun is starting to emerge! This means I can shop for dresses, wedges, and spring-y colors! This gets me one step closer to my favorite season, summer! I feel like my style is changing into my happy place. I’m not dressing like a teenager or like my Mother; I’m in that happy medium.  I’m a huge fan of the “skinny jean”, wedges, peplum tops, cool mani/pedi’s, top knots, and maxi dresses. I’m a huge fan of mixing all brands together to create the look for me. I shop anywhere from Nordstrom, Forever21, to the Goodwill to find cool vintage pieces that work in my wardrobe.

I’d love to speak for us working mom bloggers. We kind of get pushed to the side at times. But we have fun stories to share about our kiddies, we love to give our opinion on new products, and we are still MOMs! I have two boys who are almost 4 and 6 years old. They keep me busy and they remind me to slow down to see the little things in this world. I was at home with them full time until two years ago when I decided to enter back in the working outside the home world. I say that, because I was a stay at home mom and that was MUCH harder at times than my life now. It’s a job that oftentimes goes with no recognition because people assume that you are home all day living the life. But in actuality, you are in charge of EVERYTHING in your household, with no vacation days, no sick pay, and no catered lunches!

Thanks for reading….life is moving faster than I can make my next move bigger than the last, but I am up for the challenge. The weekend is near and the kids will be with Nana! This means I will make time to get a massage, finish some DIY projects around the house, and spend some time with my Ace! To my working Mom bloggers…what are some of your challenges day to day?

August 2011...

Summer time...

It is my favorite season of the year, summer!  I haven't exactly had a chance to enjoy it, but beautiful weather, time with the J's, and time with friends are always on my radar.  I haven't written in a while,m and I have a perfectly reasonable explanation....WORK! I've been working outside of the home for four months now.  I was ready to get back into the corporate world and it has been tremendously awesome for me.  I work with a great team of people and for an up and coming company.  I also have a wonderful cubicle with a window view, so it helps with missing out on the summer days. :)

My boys are growing up extraordinarily fast! J2 has turned two years old and has shown us every personality, trick, and joke that he has learned in these last two years.  He is quite a comedian. He still borders around that "terrible two" title that every toddler visits.  It's a bit frustrating, but I am blessed that he is here to give us a little excitement..lol! J1 will be fours years old next month.  He will also start pre-k!  He is beyond excited.  He is ready to meet new friends and have homework..lol! 

My life has definitely taken a different turn this year and I have been beyond blessed.  Six months ago I was a stay at home Mom making no income outside the home.  Today, I work outside the home making enough money to support the three of us, my children are thriving in their child care environment, and I am working on the bigger picture.  In my spare time (whatever that is) I am working on a line of jewelry.  It is fun to create different styles of jewelry that I like. 

So that has been my life....I hope to write more often and keep in touch. 

Until Later,

~J

Good night weekend...

It was a calm and relaxing Easter Sunday….okay it wasn’t calm or relaxing, but that sure did sound good! I was up until 5am this morning talking on the phone like a teenager. Those are the moments that I miss the most about adolescence. No cares in the world, with time to chat with friends. Now why on earth would I do such a thing with an almost two year old and almost four year old home with me?! I have no idea! By 8am they were up and raring to GO! I was no match for the J’s…so I turned on a movie and invited them to hang out in my room while I caught few more zzz’s! *Patting self on back* after a couple of hours of rest, I was able to get up and get going before 11am. To make up for my lazy Mommy morning, I made Belgian waffles and bacon! I then made an attempt to clean the house. Ahhh, those children really have it out for me when cleaning time comes around. I am convinced they move from room to room to either a) make a bigger mess, or b) mess up what I’ve just cleaned. Is just something my rambunctious children do? Please tell me this isn’t some DNA issue that I’m stuck with?! LoL. As lunch time and nap time approached they seemed to wind down a bit. Thank goodness! I was able to catch up on news and television in peace and quiet. And before you know it….THEY ARE AWAKE! Since it is Easter, we decided to make an Easter Bunny cake. We didn’t brave outside because my youngest is battling a virus and I know his immune system couldn’t handle catching anything else. He is already a glob of snot…ewww! As I was saying, we made a bunny cake. The J’s loved it and helped me whisk out all the lumps. After it was done cooling we iced the cake and used candy to decorate Mr. Bunny (is what they named him). Then it was time for me to cook dinner. This is the beauty and the curse of this whole single parent life. I have moved away from my family, and this is my first holiday being on my own. So with no dinner prospects, I was in charge of making dinner. And just because I was not cooking for a ton of people, I went for a fancy dinner. Filet mignon, macaroni and cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, and goat cheese), and roasted red potatoes. Yes, I know….no veggies! But this is the beauty part of being single…I don’t have to eat veggies if I don’t want.  The rest of the night was a blur of reality television, cartoons, cleaning house, and getting ready for the work week ahead! I am sad to weekend behind me, but I am blessed that I was able to spend time with my kids and thankful to have a job to start the week off with. With that…Good night!

Until tomorrow….

~jk

Single Mom...

I guess that is my new title...Jacqueline, a single Mom.  I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the term.  I have always been an advocate that you are not a single parent if the other parent is help in some way shape or form.  There are many different different facets to co-parenting children.  I am new to all of it.  I'd like to hear opinions or any helpful advice.  Oftentimes, people let their own feelings get in the way of how they parent their children.  I have not or will not let that be my issue.  I have resolved all of the emotional issues in my past relationship.  It feels easy for me to speak to my children's father about what needs to be done.  So with all of that being said...here's to a new journey.  I know that it will be hard at times, being that I am the primary caretaker of our children.  But I am up for the challenge.  Testing out my "SuperWoman" capabilities.  Here is a fun and fabulous 2011!

Ciao

~J