Holistic Mommy

In my car right now are three floaties, one set of golf clubs, a skateboard, Fox helmet, sand -- and a mountain bike attached to a bike rack. Going into this summer (just one month ago), I made a vow: We will spend everyday at the rivers, lakes, oceans and mountain bike trails. We've been doing pretty alright with this. This week alone we have been to the river on Sunday, ocean on Monday, river on Tuesday and ocean on Wednesday. Being outdoors makes me feel normal; parenting outdoors let's me know that my child is experiencing normal. This is also for us to stay grounded, healthy -- and to not be affected by the chaos. It's nuts out there. Getting her outdoors and, more specifically, ready and in the car is a different story. This hasn't always been an easy task. Sometimes preteens don't want to do what you need them to do. Often times there are influences that affect the flow and peace of the family unit. However, through my "just-get-her-into-the-car...

Life in the city. I'm sure I've complained about it before but it's still such an adjustment for me. People talk about the rain (we live in a rainy city) as though it's toxic and children spend so much time indoors it makes me feel sick. But, like any life challenge, you can either cry a river over it or you can do some creative problem solving, a little goal-setting...and get the f*** out :) The empty, cold, rainy parks were getting way too boring for me once the summer went away so here is what we've come up with to get our butts outside everyday: Check out the local dog parks -- Cool pet owners, great conversation, dogs dogs everywhere dogs (we love dogs!), and Very Attractive Men. Visit the duck pond -- We go 2-3 days per week. A nice stroll around the duck pond located in the middle of the city sends her into another world of excitement. As a bonus, I get to hear, "ducks! ducks! ducks! ducks!" all the way home. Nature walk - actually we haven't go...