The Balancing Act

A close friend of mine and business associate recently decided to try to stay at home with his newborn while continuing to work from home. (And yes, I said "his" - it's a guy - how cool is that?) As all of us work from home moms can attest, it's been a bit... um... difficult for him. After about two weeks he's decided he needs to bring a sitter in at least two days a week so he can get some time to concentrate on work and work only.

I did the same thing after my first was born. Thought I could work while also watching the baby. That's how I got puked on during a business meeting, but that's a story for another post....

I eventually got a nanny. At first for 12 hours a week and shortly thereafter upped it to 20 hours. After all, not many Editors think it's "quaint" to hear, "Mom, I need you to wipe me!" at 300 decibels.

Interested in hearing how you solved the dilemma. Weigh in.

Introducing Darry Miller...

In addition to my PR agency, I've been working on a side project helping promote a wonderful up and coming musician named Darry Miller. We recently posted his new single, Everly, to YouTube. Check him and Everly out when you have a chance - you'll be glad you did!

Help - I'm Addicted to Jon and Kate Plus 8!!

I seriously love this show. I love the 8 kids and up until this season I loved Jon and Kate. They were in Hell, but damnit, they were in it together and even more amazing, could laugh about the exploits of their crazy life. What was there not to like?

This season's opener - for starters. It was like being a fly on the wall in a marriage counselor's office. Could Kate be any more flippant? And John - help decorate your damn kid's party, man! It couldn't have been more awkward as the couple sat as far away from each other in the chair as possible.

I feel bad for the family - and oddly connected to Kate. While I may not believe in the tactics she's using - I connect with her need to try to balance family life and a fulfilling career. Is this proof that we can't have it all? Or maybe we just need to each individually determine what "it all" means to us. Interested in your thoughts on this matter...

Throw Her in "the Hole"

I've been in the hole the last few days... its been dark, scary and devoid of any communication. I haven't truly been in jail, but its a prison of its own making. This last Monday I plunged myself into darkness when my coffee spilled and fried my Blackberry. How one of the great loves of my life (coffee) could create so much pain defies logic... but I digress...

I was never a person who had to have a cell. In fact, just a few short years ago friends would ask why I even owned a cell phone. I never carried it. But that all changed when a seemingly innocent fruit came into my life, dun... dun... dun... the Blackberry...

I marveled at its charms. It was a working moms dream come to life. I would check emails from the zoo. Text about "business meetings" while downing glazed donuts, even chat with friends while playing yet another round of Whack a mole.

Fast forward to a year later and I was hooked faster than a trout with no peripheral vision. I could now text without looking at the pad, make calls with voice activation, even update Facebook. And then came the morning it all ended. I was frantic. I felt like the corporate rug had been pulled out from under me. Actually, more like spit on and then yanked, leaving me falling behind. Some suggested using my work phone. Hmm- an unworthy competitor. Go back to my old cell? Ridiculous!! And that's why I found myself running into the nearest Verizon store, two kids in tow, desperate for another hit. I felt feverish and hot until they placed the new, shiny communication powerhouse into my sweaty palm. And only then did my heart returned to normal.

Folks, I am now, officially, a crackberry citizen. If my old cell could see me now....