I yelled at my kids today. I don’t usually yell. I’m usually the loving but strict mother, with a strong undertone in her voice, who’s glaring eyes can persuade their kids to clean their rooms, eat their vegetables and stop fighting in 1 …2…, well there is no 3. Because we never get to 3. But we got to 3 today. After an intense several weeks of non-stop working, a late wake-up call and a rush out the house to…
My Father
June 16, 2013June 16, 2013 In my mid-twenties I underwent a distinct crossroads in my life. I was working as a project coordinator for 24 Hour Fitness Corporate, I was in escrow to purchase my first condo in the Bay Area and I was in a compatible but not passionate relationship. I felt like I was ‘where I should be’ in my life – but instinctively knew the path I was creating was not where I wanted to be in five years.…
Riding the wave
June 6, 2013June 5, 2013 I always wanted to be a stay-at-home-working-mom. I dreamily envisioned gentle days spent going to playdates and parks. I loved the idea of waking up with them, making their breakfast, teaching them new things and appreciating every milestone they would make because I was home to witness it. I thought working from home would provide us with additional income and maintain a level of professional ambition that most women often lose after becoming a mother. I didn’t…
The origins of a Cover Model
February 26, 2013February 25, 2013 For the past ten years I’ve been writing “Cover of a Magazine” as one of my top three goals.When I was nearly 150lbs I knew it was far-fetched. When I was pregnant three times in a row, I knew it was impossible. Yet, whenever I had time to sit in silence and write out my goals, I always longed to be on the cover of a magazine. To me, getting a cover was an accomplishment. After all,…
Motherhood CAN make me better.
December 13, 2012December 13, 2012 I’ve been toying with the idea of competing. Since I am prepping for a photoshoot in January, I thought, “why not compete at the same time?” The difference in my preparation for both endeavors is an extra 30 minutes of cardio, one less bite of my son’s pb sandwich and foregoing any holiday temptations outside the allotted ‘free’ meals. Focusing on a contest will also motivate me to eat more consistently, sleep more regularly and train more…
Thanksgiving 2012: a year of thanks in pictures.
November 22, 2012It’s Thanksgiving 2012 and it’s been an incredible year. There are so many things I’m thankful for – here are some of them: I’m thankful for my family. In just 3 short years, David and I expanded very quickly. Some of it was planned, most of it wasn’t – but in any case, it has been a wonderful, crazy, stressful and fun ride. Watching these kids grow in curiosity, excitement, laughter and love is an amazing blessing. I’m thankful for…
Turning the other Cheek
July 26, 2012July 25, 2012 I met my stepdaughters when they were six and eight years old. They greeted me in their school uniforms and we went to go paint at a small pottery place in Mississippi. Since then I have witnessed them blossom year after year. This past summer we enjoyed so much activity, the biggest activity being the time spent at the gym. Right now I’m slated to go workout, but I fear I might have an angst of loneliness…
Parental Achievement
July 18, 2012July 18, 2012 Gabriel was baptized on Saturday. It was a whirlwind leading up to that event. My stepdaughters are in town so we have been active nearly every day. In addition to horseback riding, attending parties, swimming and sightseeing, we have also been working out nearly every day. Since they know we enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle, promoting fitness with my stepdaughters wasn’t something I wanted to enforce. Instead, it was something that came natural because of…
an American Tale
July 3, 2012July 2, 2012 Everyone has an American Story. My story begins with my Lolo, George Aducayen Jr., my mother’s father, and former Ambassador of the Philippines. During his foreign service, in 1961, my mother was born in Washington D.C., instantly making her an American citizen. Years later, my Lolo’s international work would take him to New Zealand where my mother would meet my father, a man who was born in Malaysia but had roots from the Fujian province of China.…
The Truth About Motherhood.
April 18, 2012April 17, 2012 Two years ago, I became a mother for the second time. I can distinctly remember rushing to the hospital, getting wheeled into the delivery room and pushing Nicholas out within minutes after being admitted. It’s been an incredible ride since then. Nicholas is undoubtedly my most ‘hard headed’ son. His smile can light up your world, his cry can make your heart melt and his whine can make you go crazy. Yes, you read that right. I…