Christina, Author at A Mommy Story

May 14, 2014

I Volunteer As Tribute

May 14, 2014 By Christina

I’ve been so careful over the past few years to not get too involved in different community groups and organizations. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but rather I knew it was for the best. I’m already a busy person, and I feared that adding on the responsibilities of a charity organization or advocacy group would likely lead to something being dropped.

So I’ve been happy to help where I could, without getting too involved. I was on the board of my local homeowners association for a year because they needed someone and it wasn’t time consuming. I’ve done walks to raise money for different groups, and I always try to support our school fundraisers. I’ve advocated on a smaller scale for Cordy, of course. But generally I’ve avoided being on the front lines if I could help it. Because then if another part of my life got busy, I didn’t feel like I was letting anyone down if I slacked off on my devotion to that particular group or cause.

It’s not that I want to say no. It’s the opposite, really. I usually hide to avoid any situation where I’d need to say no, because if asked to volunteer, I will often say yes. I’ve suffered from helium hand (always volunteering myself) too many times to let myself get dragged down to the point where I’m disappointing others or ignoring my own needs and health.

And then this past year happened. It started with the bus, then the school levy, then the changes to gifted education, and continued far beyond my personal sphere to speaking out for another school to help them keep their principal, and helping another community preserve and renovate a building to increase capacity for its A-rated elementary school. I’m also working to develop a virtual book drive with FirstBook.org to benefit the school district, too. (More on that soon!) I’m having trouble saying no at this point.

To seal the deal in becoming an official activist, I accepted an officer position on Monday at our school district’s PACE meeting. PACE is the support and advocacy group for parents of gifted students, and I’m the new secretary. It’s not exactly a power-player role, but it’s my first officer position within an advocacy group. It makes me a little less vigilante, but hopefully having an officer position can be the first step to getting my foot into more doors.

Who knows why I agreed to a formal position at this point, but I felt like I needed to do it. At least in our school district, it’s finally starting to feel like we’re getting the ear of the administration (starting…it’s a long process), and this school year has been eye opening in seeing where improvements could be made to help our kids succeed.

So…maybe I’m setting myself up for a lot of stress, or maybe this will be the beginning of something great and I’ll have a role in shaping important changes to benefit others. No way to know for sure without diving in. I know the power of passionate, dedicated advocates – both online and in my city – and while I could never dream of doing some of the great things they’ve done, I can at least pledge to be part of the solution rather than allowing the problems to go on.

Any hey, it’s not like this is another ball to juggle in my daily life. The ball has been there the whole time – I’m just more aware of it now.

Filed Under: daily life, me me me

May 5, 2014

TV in the Age of Netflix: Binge-watching

May 5, 2014 By Christina

I’ve been feeling a little under the weather for more than a week now, in a not-quite-sick, but not-quite-well limbo that leaves me tired, but with few other physical symptoms to point to in order to justify my sloth-like nature. So while I’ve been trying to find the right balance to bring me back to the world of the fully alert, I’ve also been resting more, and as a result also watching a lot more TV in the evenings instead of getting anything useful done.

We have Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions, and with our Roku player we can watch both on our TV without even getting up from the couch. While we still have episodes of regular TV that we watch on a week-to-week basis, I’m finding that with streaming media I’m now becoming someone who grows impatient at having to wait a week between episodes.

This has led to our new hobby: binge-watching. Do you do it, too? Netflix started this trend for us, by making their own original series with an entire season available at once. We’ve also gone back to re-watch favorite shows several episodes at a time, seeing the continuity without the long wait between episodes. It’s the ultimate instant gratification: all of the drama of the series storyline, without the seven-day (or longer!) wait between each hour long episode.

While there are certain shows that we will endure watching week-to-week because we can’t possibly wait for the whole season to be released (Agents of SHIELD, Once Upon A Time, etc), there are others that we give a pass to, and then later come back to binge watch.

Our latest “never-watched-but-should-have” show? Veronica Mars. After hearing so many people talk about the recent movie, and how much they loved the show years ago, I convinced Aaron that we needed to give it a try. All three seasons are available on Amazon Prime, so we started the first episode and gave it a try a few weeks ago.

Of course, I’m not sure we fit the description of true binge-watchers. Unlike some binge-watchers, we’re limited by our kid-free hours. Binge watching for us is usually only 2-3 episodes a night at most, more during the weekends, since we have to wait until the kids are in bed. But that’s really just a limit on the front end of our viewing time. We’ve watched the whole first season now, staying up far too late this weekend to see how the first season ended, and then deciding we had to watch just the first episode of season two to see who Veronica was talking to in the very last scene of season one before we could go to bed.

We’re hooked. Which means we’ll continue filling evening hours with this show until we reach the end. And we have to reach the end before June, when season two of Orange is the New Black is released. Because (for us, at least), the first rule of binge-watching is to never switch to a new show until you’ve finished all available episodes of the current show.

The kids are doing it, too, to a lesser degree. They never watched Phineas and Ferb when it was first released, but discovered it recently on Netflix and have been slowly watching their way through the first three seasons.

There are still plenty of shows that we have yet to see and will eventually get to, with current contenders being House of Cards and Breaking Bad, which friends have told us are both excellent shows. Although the nicer weather will cut down on our TV viewing time, I still think we’ll get through another show or two this summer.

What are you binge-watching? What shows are we missing out on online?

Filed Under: daily life, pop culture

Apr 25, 2014

Running Thru Disneyland & What I Learned Along the Way

April 25, 2014 By Christina

One of the experiences I was most excited about when going to Disneyland for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was the two mile Fun Run being planned for some of the conference attendees by the RunDisney team. I had already been trying to get back into running, but seeing the opportunity to run through Disneyland and California Adventures gave me a renewed motivation to train harder.

Of course, this would happen to be the coldest, harshest winter we’ve had in a long time, meaning that the majority of my training was done indoors on my treadmill. I started back at week 1, day 1 for a couch-to-5K training program, finding even the first week difficult. I’d later realize that starting a running program when you have a bad cold, which then turns into sinus and ear infections, makes the path a little more rocky, but hey, I had a deadline to meet, as well as a time: they wanted us to average a 13 minute mile.

In the week before I left, I started to worry that I wasn’t ready. I had yet to get beyond week 3 of the training program, unable to run longer than three minutes without a break, and I couldn’t get my time to anywhere under a 14 minute mile. The weather had FINALLY turned nicer, though, and I decided to switch my running to the outdoors. I also ditched the couch-to-5K program and decided that I’d run until I just started to feel out of breath, then walk for a minute or two, then run again. The combination of finally running outdoors with more than the wall in front of me and running without a timed schedule worked: on my last run before I left for the conference, my two mile time was 25:42, just barely under 13 minutes per mile!

At registration in Anaheim, those of us who were running were asked to go to the end of the hallway, where we were fitted with new shoes, courtesy of New Balance, one of the sponsors. Their team of fit experts made me feel like Cinderella, only instead of a glass slipper they found the perfect running shoe for my foot. I also stopped to admire the limited edition Disney-themed running shoes they had on display. It’s only natural that Cinderella was one of the character-inspired designs.

Photo credit: Josh Hallett @hyku

With new shoes for my feet (thank you, New Balance!), I then visited the runDisney/ESPN table to talk a little more about the runDisney events. I had originally thought they only did marathons and half marathons, but learned last year that there are 5K and 10K events that often go with each of the larger events. (Kids races, too.) Each event looks like so much fun!

The run wasn’t until Sunday morning, which meant I had three days to wear out my feet with all of the walking around Disneyland. Luckily, I had spent a week walking around Walt Disney World not even two weeks prior, so my feet handled the stress without any problem. I was smart and stuck to sensible shoes, too.

We had to be up SUPER early on Sunday morning. Check-in was at 5:30am. I wondered how many people would show up in costume, or show up at all, at that early time. Part of my motivation was wearing something fun and Disney-themed to run in. I dressed as Anna from Frozen, with a little help from my soon-to-be favorite running skirts, SparkleSkirts:

And I found Olaf!

After a pep talk and warm ups, we all gathered at the starting line. They split us into two groups: the runners, and those who would follow a 30 second run/walk pattern. I could run longer than 30 seconds, but knew I couldn’t run all the way without a walk break. So I positioned myself somewhere in the middle, between the two groups. I’d try to stay with the runners as best I could.

I was starting my running music…the Frozen soundtrack, of course

It was amazing to run through the parks! For someone who loves Disney, having the chance to run down Main Street towards the castle, with the street quiet and empty, is simply surreal. As I ran (and walked), I kept thinking, “Is this really happening? Am I actually here, running through the castle, past the statue of Walt and Mickey?”

a sideways shot running out of the castle

Disneyland itself was fairly quiet, but once we left the gates and crossed the lot into California Adventure, we were presented with a different atmosphere. More cast members were on hand, directing us which way to go and cheering us on. You could feel the energy in their smiles. I was tiring out by this point, taking more walk breaks, but it was their enthusiasm that kept me going.

After running around the Paradise Pier area, we made the final turn into Carsland. I could see the balloon arch for the Finish line up ahead, along with the families and the runners who had already finished. I was already breathing hard with a pain in my side, but nearing that crowd made me launch myself into a sprint for the finish. I made it!

Photo credit: Josh Hallett – @hyku

I was tired at the end, but I also felt exhilaration for what I had just done. Two miles isn’t a lot to many people, but two miles in under 26 minutes was a great accomplishment for me. And there are few experiences that compare to running through the Disney parks in the quiet of the morning!

Lightning McQueen is holding me up at this point.

Reflecting on the experience, I picked up a few valuable lessons from this run:

1. “That’s what friends are for. They help you to be more of who you are.” Christopher Robin’s words reinforce the idea that a good community is invaluable. Some of the runners had formed a Facebook group to encourage and support each other as we trained for this event. Some were new to running, others experienced runners, and a lot fell in-between. Just when I felt like giving up before we even arrived, there were community members there to remind me that I could do it, I wanted to do it, and I wasn’t alone.

I wouldn’t have felt as prepared if it hadn’t been for the advice and encouragement I received from that group. It’s hard to do anything alone, but it’s so much easier when you have friends to remind you to keep going and not give up. It was wonderful to see each of them cross the finish line, too!

2. “Just keep swimming.” I’ve used Dory’s phrase many times since I first saw Finding Nemo, in many different situations. When you’re running, and your lungs are burning as you huff and puff for air, the finish line can seem awfully far away. I remember coming around a corner and seeing Paradise Pier, and then realizing I still had to run alllllll the way around it. But I wasn’t going to quit, right? No way! I had to keep going, reminding myself that I could get through it if I just kept swimming, swimming, just keep swimming…

3. “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Mary Poppins was right – find the fun in any task, and it’s far easier to accomplish. Why did I put together a running costume? Because when you’re running through Disney, it feels more fun to run as a character! For that time, I was Anna, running through the magical world of Disney with the Frozen soundtrack in my head. Running is hard, but that two miles was probably the most fun I’ve ever had while running, which only makes me want to do it again.

This was a big revelation for me: if I want to find more success with running (and anything else in life), I have to find ways to make it more fun for me.

4. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney’s quote is popular for a reason: there’s some solid truth in there. If you told me ten years ago that I could run two miles, I’d have laughed until I cried. I’ve always admired runners, but I was never a runner. Well, now I’m willing to challenge that idea. I want to be a runner, and I’m willing to pursue it. I feel that, with the right motivation, I can keep training and push myself further. I can apply this philosophy to anything I want to pursue in life as well.

It was a magical experience, and I’m so glad I decided to do it and didn’t give up.

Neither Aaron or I have done a runDisney event yet (other than this unofficial one for me), but the announcement of the new Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at Disneyland was enough inspiration for Aaron – he’s vowed that he will run in that event for his 40th birthday in three years. I’d be happy just to train for and run in the Princess 10K at Walt Disney World – a half-marathon seems far too out of reach for me, but if it’s a runDisney event to motivate me, I think I could be ready to attempt my first-ever 10K by next year.

Photo credit: Josh Hallett – @hyku

Disclosure: Thank you to runDisney and New Balance for sponsoring the Fun Run and our breakfast afterward!

Filed Under: Disney, running

Apr 21, 2014

Highlights from Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2014

April 21, 2014 By Christina

Holy smokes, I don’t even know where to begin in telling you all about the past few weeks!

It’s hard to believe it’s been a week since I was in California for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I’ve been to Walt Disney World several times, but had never been to Disneyland before this. I knew it was smaller, and the original – 1955 – but other than knowing a few rides that both locations have in common, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The Man and the Mouse that started it all.

This was also the first time the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was held at Disneyland instead of Walt Disney World, so it worked out well that this was my first invite to the conference. It was ALL new to me!

The question I heard the most from friends and family when I told them I had been invited was, “What is it?” Well, it’s technically a conference. But it’s a called a “celebration” instead of a “conference” partially because the purpose is to celebrate all things Disney and to inform and inspire the attendees in the process.

Disney succeeded on all counts.

I’ve been a Disney fan for a long, long time. The first film I saw in the theater was a Disney film. (Lady and the Tramp) My mom saved up and took me to Walt Disney World when I was nine. Our Christmas tree has always had a strong Disney theme to it. And while we couldn’t have a Disney wedding, Aaron and I did visit the Magic Kingdom on our honeymoon. We had dinner that night in the castle, too, vowing to come back on our tenth anniversary with our kids, which we did last year.

At WDW for our honeymoon (with Bride & Groom ears), March, 2003

The only downside of this trip to California was that I wasn’t able to arrange to bring Aaron or the kids with me. When I received the invite, we had already paid for our non-refundable tickets for Walt Disney World, and I couldn’t justify the flights or more time out of school for the kids.

I’ve promised them that if I get the chance again, they’ll be with me for certain. However, I didn’t go alone. My brother-in-law and his wife were happy to join me for the trip, which resulted in plenty of fun photo opportunities.

Especially once you know where the cameras are!

Disneyland was fantastic, and I came back with a notebook full of stories and quotes and my heart filled with magic, creativity, and accomplishment. Beyond experiencing the parks, I heard about new additions to Disney Parks, new movies coming soon, inspiring speeches on tapping into and finding your creativity, examples of those who found their success and how they did it, and new initiatives to promote healthy living, literacy, and conservation.

Disney’s legendary guest services were on display and proved why other companies come to them for lessons on how to make customers for life. I made new blog friends, saw old friends, and ended my stay with a two mile run through Disneyland and California Adventures that was exhilarating and gave me the feeling that anything is possible.

There’s SO MUCH more I have to share about what I learned while at Disneyland. But it’s too much for a single post. You’ll see more from me soon on Disney Junior’s new Give a Book, Get a Book program with First Book and Reading Rainbow, more on why I’m beyond excited for the new movie Maleficent, and more about the lessons I learned from the inspirational speakers who took the time to share their lessons and stories. Plus more about Disneyland and how it compares to Walt Disney World, too.

In the meantime, I used iMovie for the first time to put together a photo slideshow of some of the highlights of the trip. Enjoy!

“Always, as you travel, assimilate the sounds and sights of your world.” – Walt Disney

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the #DisneySMMoms Celebration. I paid my own conference and travel fees and received gifts during the conference from conference sponsors. All opinions, experiences and thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: Sponsored-AF, travel

Apr 18, 2014

Magic at Play Outfits From Kohl’s and Disney (Giveaway!)

April 18, 2014 By Christina

Last weekend, I left Ohio behind for another trip – this time to Disneyland for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Yes, that’s two conferences in two Disney locations within two weeks! I’d like to say I’m on the Disney tour, but no one has invited me to a conference on a Disney cruise…yet. You’ll be hearing more about both trips and what I learned in the weeks ahead!

This recent trip, though, was without the kids and Aaron. I was gone for five days, and by the time I got home, both Cordy and Mira looked taller. Mira, in particular, was definitely taller. Since when did she have a gap between the bottom of the pants and the top of her shoes? Did I accidentally dry them on high?

The truth is, both girls have been growing steadily over the past few months, but it took me this long to really notice. Which means that new clothes are inevitable. Mira often inherits some of Cordy’s clothing, but this kid has her own sense of style and often begs me to buy her a few new pieces of her own. It has to be a bummer to wear mostly hand-me-downs, so I often give in and buy her some new pieces that fit her personal style.

Mira’s favorite shopping spot is Kohl’s. OK, it’s one of my favorites, too. I’ll often give her a spending limit, and with my coupons and the store sales she usually has quite the haul when she’s done. And when the Jumping Beans line is on sale, she’ll go wild picking out new tops and skorts! She used to love anything pink, but her tastes have changed and she now likes bold colors.

At the start of this month, Kohl’s and Disney launched the “Magic at Play” clothing line, featuring Mickey and Minnie on a series of mix and match outfits and dresses.

Mira loves Minnie, and immediately wanted the entire line when she saw the red, white and blue outfits.

Aren’t these adorable? They’re made by Jumping Beans, so we knew it was quality clothing we could trust for reliable sizing and durability. I’m especially thrilled at the ability to mix-and-match so many of the pieces.

Mira can wear the same shirt with a skirt or with pants, depending on the weather or her mood. And the dress we purchased is perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations!

The only downside? These adorable outfits only go up to size 7, which means Cordy can’t join in on all of the Minnie Mouse fun. But perhaps if this new line is successful, they’ll expand it to larger sizes as well? I’ll be honest…I’d like my own Minnie shirt, too.

Mira LOVES her new outfits and hopes the warmer weather sticks around this weekend so she can wear them. The fabric and stitching are sturdy, so I feel confident that these clothing pieces will stand up to the playground.

Giveaway!

Want to check out the Disney “Magic at Play” clothing line for yourself? Kohl’s is providing a $50 Kohl’s gift card to one (1) lucky reader! To enter, just follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, and a big thanks to Kohl’s, Disney Living, and the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration for this giveaway and opportunity!

Disclosure: I was provided with a Kohl’s gift card for the purposes of this post (but used my own Kohl’s coupons to save even more). All opinions expressed here are my own…and Mira’s.

Filed Under: reviews, sponsored