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optimism

unintended lessons for my toddler // AKA thanks, random stranger

December 22, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

Dear Old Cranky Woman at the Cable Store:

I wanted to say thank you for reminding me that while everyone else I ran into yesterday was sweet and kind, there are still people who will be bitchy to strangers for absolutely no reason.

While Ari and I were minding our business, waiting our turn, you decided to ask my shy toddler a series of questions. Easy questions, yes. Like, “How old are you?” to which, he responded, “free.” Which is shy toddler speak for “three.” After he politely said hello to you and answered your serious of questions, I repeated what he said, for clarity purposes (I recognize that young parents are generally the only people who can properly translate toddler speak… plus he was being shy so it was a near whisper).

After you asked a series of other questions, you said “Maybe you can answer instead of MOMMY doing everything for you.” I ignored you. ‘Cause ain’t nobody got time for that. And? See above.

But when my very well-behaved toddler asked to watch a movie on Mommies phone (after waiting patiently in his stroller for 15 minutes without so much as a peep), I decided to abide. I pulled up the sweetest and most educational show on Netflix, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Another patron noted that her niece loves Daniel Tiger! I told her that we’re watching the episode about Daniel getting a new baby sister, in hopes to prep him for ‘the big change.’

Dear, dear, old lady… this is where you piped in, “I don’t think he’s going to care about his sister when he has all the TV to watch!”

Dare I say it, but oh-so-typical, old lady judgy talk… just days before Christmas, at that! YOU, dear lady, are the exact opposite of the person I try to be everyday.

And although I owe you ZERO explanation, here is what you DID NOT see:

  • My 3-year old has a cough from his Reactive Airway Disease (aka toddler asthma). He’s not been sleeping well; thus, his parents have not been sleeping well.
  • Despite his cough (and his Mommy getting only 2 hours of sleep), we both awoke at 7am to tackle the day.
  • The very well-behaved toddler you saw had already endured a trip to the grocery store and a doctors appointment without so much as a peep! That was two hours before our encounter.
  • This was the single errand I was dreading, since it was to my former employer (albeit, not the location I worked) and I had just been “let go” several days prior, at 35 weeks pregnant.

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So thank you, mean old lady. You served as an example for my child; an example of how rude and condescending a person can be; an example of how NOT to behave to strangers.

Lucky for you, I just brushed our encounter off without a word. Because, let’s face it, you would have thought my behavior to be “typical” if I had said anything rude to YOU. Right? “Typical young person being rude to the elderly.” But no. No, that’s not the case. Let’s just call it the Christmas spirit. Or lack of fight. Regardless, I hope whatever miserable existence you have for this week is nothing like our encounter. If it is, I feel very sorry that that’s the kind of life you lead.

Sincerely,

A stranger with a lot to be sad about, but the one you see with a smile. Also known as The Mom who is doing a damn good job.

Filed Under: #MomLife, Ari Davis, children, Christmas, family, gratitude, holidays, inspiration, karma, life, life with a toddler, mommyhood, Moosh, opinions, optimism, parenthood, pictures, the world, thoughts Tagged With: #MomLife, ari davis, being a mom, children, Christmas, family, holidays, inspire!, karma, life, life with a toddler, mommyhood, Moosh, motherhood, optimism, parenthood, pictures, thoughts

reflections on 30 //

October 4, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

I would be lying if I said that this past year was anything but rough. Sure, it had plenty of good times; but it also had quite a few rough patches. I’ve been sick a lot. Like, a LOT. Yes, with this pregnancy, but also before that. It’s been an odd year of ups and downs as far as my health is concerned. Lucky for me, Moosh has been pretty healthy (minus one small childrens’ hospital scare).

In an effort to remind myself of what happy times happened in my 30th year of life, I went through my pictures. It turns out, YES, amongst the craziness of the last 365 days, we found reason to smile. Reasons for hope. And reasons for love.

thirty
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That being said, I’m really and truly looking forward to 31. Bring on the craziness. Bring on the roller coaster. Bring it all. I know it won’t be easy. We’ll be welcoming baby number 2 into our house in just a few, short months. That alone is sure to stir things up. But I’m changing my expectations. I’m planning on just rolling with the punches. Easier said than done, am I right?

That’s my goal for the next year — to just roll with the punches. And to remember what matters in this world — my itty bitty (growing) family. ♥

So if you need me, I’m going to be spending the last day of my 30th year in comfy clothes, eating soup on the couch, while watching movies with the husband + Moosh.

And thank you to everyone who hung in there for thirty. XO

PS. Let this serve as a friendly reminder that both Homeland AND the Leftovers start back on HBO tonight — HAPPY (almost) BIRTHDAY TO ME from HBO! 🙂 

Filed Under: another year, birthday, changes, life, live happy, optimism Tagged With: another year, birthday, changes, life, Live Happy, optimism

practice the art of the unexpected burrito.

September 11, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

It’s Friday but I’m battling (yet another) pregnancy thing [which I’ll be happy to get into another time — soon — just not now]. And I’m starting to feel just plain down and out and sorry for myself. I know I shouldn’t. I should be thankful for everything I do have instead of feeling sorry for myself.

So today I’m taking a play from Kid President and going to try and make the world just a little bit more awesome today by doing a few of these things:

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No, I won’t be mailing anyone a corndog (although, truly, I’d like to be a recipient of such a gift). But I do plan on giving out some free high fives and hugs as well as laughing and celebrating real beauty today, even if it’s just for a few moments. Who knows – maybe I’ll even “Practice the art of the unexpected burrito!” Ha!

And if none of that works out, the one thing I will be doing today is relaxing and not sweating the ‘dumb stuff.’

All I can say is let your light shine today, friends. Focus on the light. ♥ ♥

Filed Under: health, life, mommyhood, Oh baby!, optimism, parenthood, pregnancy Tagged With: baby girl, health, life, motherhood, oh baby, optimism, parenthood, pregnancy

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