I Fear Having Teens, and Why I'm Mad at Enrique Iglesias

I was having a conversation the other day and someone commented on how awful it must be to be a teenager in the world of Facebook. I love Facebook and credit it (partially) with many of my opportunities of the last few years. I have reconnected with some absolutely fantastic people, and connected more deeply with others as a result of this addictive website. I'm a self-diagnosed Facebook addict. It's chronic.

Yes, I love Facebook NOW, but I cannot imagine my high school years being this connected to my friends and enemies of the moment. Life can already change in the blink of an eye when you're in high school, switching alliances and best friends faster than the cafeteria menu changes features. Knowing my BFF hung out with my mortal enemy and being able to see photographic evidence, seeing pictures of my biggest crush hanging out with the class slut, having my friends make comments on photos that I was already insecure about - it's all just too much.

Facebook has really only taken hold within the last few years and it truly has changed the world and the way we connect with others. My kids are years away from becoming teenagers, and I can only imagine the technological and sociological advances we will have seen by then. (Actually, I can't imagine them, which is why I will never be worth $50 billion dollars.) What gadgets and gizmos will be available to our children in the year 2020? How will kids interact? One a side note, it drives me crazy when I see kids plugged in to their game or music devices, not talking to their friends or family. Mr. Awesome and I have made an agreement that although our kids may have those items one day, they will not "plug in" during family time. Luckily, our kids already seem to love watching the world go by (with a running commentary from the little man) on road trips, so we haven't even had to invest in a sanity-saving DVD player for the vehicles. But I digress.

I am truly fearful about the challenges that will come with raising teens. The world is such a different place now and I know how hard I found it back then. And it's not just technology. For years people have been up in arms about the effect music will have on the impressionable young. From Elvis' hypnotic hips to Britney Spears' barely-there outfits and evocative lyrics, "adults" have worried about their children being led into temptation just by hearing this music. I used to think these arguments were ridiculous, but I hate to admit it, I fear I am now one of these adults.

I'm torn, because I have a very clear memory of singing the 1987 Paul Lekakis hit "Boom Boom (Let's Go Back to My Room)" in front of my mum (I was 12) and being told that it "wasn't a very nice song." I didn't really know what I was singing about, but I'm pretty sure most 12 year olds today would know what "so we can do it all night" means. Scary, but true.

This brings to me to why I'm mad at Enrique Iglesias. I recently compiled a workout mix from some of Mr. Awesome's new music. (I should explain, Mr. Awesome is a DJ and has several CD subscriptions that bring new music to our house monthly.) I chose songs quickly, listening to the first few seconds to establish the beat and see if it would keep my butt chugging on the treadmill. I didn't listen to any lyrics before adding the songs to my playlist.

So there I am, loving my new mix and keeping a good 4.1-4.2 pace on the treadmill when Enrique Iglesias' song "I Like It" comes on. And about 30 seconds in, I hear these lyrics:

(From "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias, featuring Pitbull)

Girl, please excuse me
If I'm coming too strong
But tonight is the night
We can really let go

My girlfriend's out of town
And I'm all alone
Your boyfriend's on vacation
And he doesn't have to know

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! It's bad enough to think about young kids singing about sex like it's no big deal, but adultery? That cutie patootie Enrique is encouraging the screaming girls that swoon over him to cheat on their boyfriends and/or be the other woman enabling a man to cheat? Suddenly this is okay behaviour? And it's not just the kids, it's ANYONE that listens to his music. On what PLANET did he or his manager think that was a good idea for his image?

Needless to say the song did not live long on my playlist. Now I'm all riled up again. I need to calm down.


The best thing we can do is be the best parents we know how to be, talk openly with our kids, and pray to GOD that they come out of the teenage years in one piece. No problem, right?!

Although I do worry about the ridicule the little man might face if he's still dropping pants bombs at the age of 14.

Don't laugh. It could happen.

Back Tracking

Over the last year I have developed a very clear awareness of my body. As I've said in previous posts, I can predict right to the pound what my scale will say when I step on.

Lately I've been feeling a little "squidgey," not as trim as before, not quite as tight as I like to feel. The scale is reporting that as an approximate two pound gain, but it's not about the number. It's about how I feel. Obviously, I don't want that number to creep any higher, but if I was feeling like my best physical self it wouldn't really matter.

For the last six months or so I've been eating "mindfully," not actively tracking my WW points. I've also been keeping pretty steady at about 2.5 workouts a week when I would really like to be at four. In the last month I would say my mindful eating has become a little less mindful. I've still been eating the same way, but there have definitely been a few extra 2-point snacks thrown in each day.

Before this begins a slippery slope that is difficult to climb back up, I am getting back on track. I'm not going to necessarily write down everything I eat, but I will mentally track it. I'm sticking with my tried and true Momentum points plan, still wary of the new PointsPlus. Yesterday I kept track and ended the day at 28 points. My daily allowance is 29 so that's pretty darn good. Mr. Awesome's been away a lot this month which makes finding time to get to the gym a lot more difficult, but with the help of my mum (Nang Nang) I have been making workout time a priority and fitting it in everywhere I can.

This is the reality of a working mom, which is why I started this journey while on maternity leave and established as many new habits and schedules as I could before I was back at work. I knew very well that things would change and shift a bit and planned accordingly but it is tough. Almost all my co-workers are health conscious and workout actively, going to classes after work and on weekends. They don't have munchkins to feed dinner by 5:30pm, bathe and get to bed for 7:30pm before they themselves pass out at 9:00pm and start their day again bright and early at 5:30am! Some nights I would prefer a Zumba class to a fight over who's eating whose dinner and whether or not someone has pooped in their pants, but for the most part my evenings with my family are very precious.

So, I have to work this out. The eating thing is just pure will power and staying mindful. The workout thing takes a bit more logistical effort, but it's doable.

Now I'm off to the gym. Once again, God bless Nang Nang.

Like a Knife to the Heart

Let me just start this post by saying we love our nanny. She comes two days a week and she's been with us since the little man was seven months old, with the exception of my latest mat leave. She's awesome and the kids love her.

Which brings me to the guts of this post. The kids love her.

I came home the other day and the little miss was being her as-of-late dramatic self, clinging to the nanny's legs. The nanny picked her up while I was taking my shoes and jacket off, setting down my bags, etc and when I was ready I went over to see if she would come to me. Not only would she not come into my arms, but she turned away and clung to the nanny for dear life. I went around to peek at her from the other side and she actually pushed my face away. It was quite literally a slap in the face from a little girl that has, up til now, been a mama's girl.

I was telling my mum this story and she then proceeded to tell me that that very same day, while she had been out with the nanny and the kids, the nanny had taken a second to get out of the vehicle to run and get something. Well apparently my little miss burst into floods of tears and started screaming "Mama! Mama!"

Um...EXCUSE ME?

Logically, I know that all kids go through this. I remember the little man shunning me once in favour of this same nanny at around this same age, but he never (to my knowledge) gave away my title to someone else.

I get it, and I can rationalize it until the cows come home, but hearing that my little girl called someone else "Mama" was an absolutely knife to my heart.

It's a phase. I know it's a phase. And I know my baby knows who her mummy is. But at 1:30am when she's crying to be picked up and is not wet/hungry/in pain it is very hard to resist the guilt that starts creeping in and encouraging me to cradle her for the four hours she would happily stay awake.

I believe there is a balance between constant cradling, jumping to answer their every whim, and helping them learn to self soothe and find their own solutions to the basic "I dropped my doll" issues of toddler life.

But if I hear she's called anyone else Mama, I may abandon my beliefs and never put her down again. Although that could get problematic when she needs to start school...

Preparation + Relationships + Opportunity

Life is an amazing thing. Last year I wrote a post about how I got to where I am today, looking back at the decisions I've made in my career path and the bonds I've forged with key people in my life. It's one of those bonds that has brought me to write this post today.

The final stage in that last post was arriving at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and a marketing job I absolutely love. This is still 100% true and will not change anytime soon. But a piece of the past has found me again and a new opportunity has come up, one that I am pursuing in my "spare" (HA!) time.

About seven years ago I was working for a PR firm (for those of you that read the other post, the firm run my the woman that is now my boss at CBCF). One of our clients was a popular spa in downtown Vancouver, and I became friendly with the manager. We lost touch when I left the firm, and reconnected a couple of years ago by chance at a coffee shop near our homes (who knew we now only live five minutes apart?!). We "friended" each other on Facebook and have stayed in touch virtually.

Just a few days ago she reached out to me, in search of a "PR Guru." She has been given an absolutely life-changing opportunity and wants PR support to make the most of it. I said yes pretty much immediately after some (very quick) reflection. I don't take freelance PR work very often as I will only take on projects that I believe in 100% and get "jazzed" about pitching. I don't want to have to pitch something I'm not passionate about as it just doesn't feel authentic. I'm no spin doctor. (Oh yes, and I also have a full time job, a husband and two lovely munchkins to take care of. That too.)

The fact that I said "yes" should make it obvious that I believe in this woman and her work, and I am extremely passionate about contributing to her success. She is now a jewelry designer and she has been invited to have her pieces included in the VIP gift bags at this year's Academy Awards. (Hello? The OSCARS?!) She is completely deserving of this honour. Not only is her work absolutely stunning, but she is just the most lovely, loving person you could ever be lucky enough to meet. How could I say no?

I will share her name and website in a later post as we're working through some media agreements and can't let the "cat out of the bag" too early...a tough thing in the world of social media!

I was recently reminded of Oprah's quote "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." I've heard the same quote using the word "Success" instead of "Luck," but both ring true. I would like to add something to this quote though, as for me a large of of the "preparation" is the relationships you form along the way. My new "client" didn't reach out to me because of schooling or my resume, she reached out because we had connected in a way that let her know she could trust me with her best interests. She saw something in me and the way I work that spoke to her. And on the flip side, I said yes because she is such a fantastic, genuine person. If she'd been a nasty person with lovely jewelry and the same opportunity, I wouldn't have agreed to work with her!

I truly marvel at life sometimes. You never know who will end up being a significant influence in your life, even years down the road. A good reminder to be true to yourself and to never burn bridges, as you never know what is just around the bend!

Just When I Thought I Had All The Answers...

...They changed the questions.

I really don't know what to think of the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus program. It was launched in Canada after I had become a Lifetime member and I now go to meetings once a month to weigh in. Yesterday was the first meeting I'd been to since it was introduced. I've heard the basics from friends and know most of the key differences, but I haven't switched over yet.

Truth be told, I'm not actively tracking my points now, I'm just eating mindfully. I spent a year learning what my average day looks like, what points values are in my regular foods and snacks, and I can get through a day easily staying within my points allowance.

So WHY should I change? The whole POINT of starting WW while on maternity leave and doing it for almost a year before going back to work was to get so ingrained in my new lifestyle that I would never have to think about it once back at work full time. I know my points, I know my body, I know how to manage both.

I now feel like I can't really attend a full meeting because I won't be speaking the same language as everyone else. All the snacking tips and tricks have changed, so anything I would have suggested as a great 2-point snack is probably something like four points on the new system and I'd be laughed out of the room! I truly believe that meetings help you be successful on the Weight Watchers program, and even though I only go once a month now, I feel like I'll be missing out.

Sure, there are some great things with the new Points Plus program. The free fruit is fantastic, and it does encourage people to choose healthier options for snacks, etc. A free banana would obviously be more attractive than that 4-point (I'm guessing) 100 calorie pack of Cheetos...most of the time. Some days the Cheetos are necessary.

But that's another thing (the whole "I'm guessing" comment). The previous WW points formula was fairly simple. You could use any variety of slider gizmo or online calculator to figure out the points value. It got to the point (no pun intended) that I could look at a nutritional label and (almost always) accurately predict the points value per serving. That's a handy ability when you're grocery shopping and your husband suggests a new item you've never tried before. You could know in seconds if it would be a reasonable choice or not. Now that's impossible, thanks to the completely convoluted formula that is so far beyond my math-hating brain's capabilities. Now you have to dig around in your purse for the WW points calculator, which you've HAD to purchase for $9.00CDN. Well, that's not entirely true. You don't have to purchase it if you're an online member and already paying for eTools. You can then access the Weight Watchers app on a smartphone and access the info that way. But still, you're paying.

Before I reached Lifetime I was on their Monthly Pass program, and it included eTools. eTools is not cheap at the best of times, so this was a screaming deal. What they don't tell you at the time is that once you reach Lifetime, you cancel your Monthly Pass and eTools disappears right along with it unless you start to pay. Shouldn't Lifetime members be REWARDED for their hard work with something like free online access, something more than a key chain? (Okay, I guess the new body, new lifestyle, etc are their own rewards. Rub my face in it, why don't you.)

The whole thing seems like a lot of work, EXACTLY the thinking I didn't want to have to do. I don't want to have to re-learn the program, the points, the way of life.

This was not meant to be a Weight Watchers-bashing post. I still believe in the program. It works and it's a healthy way to lose weight, probably even more so with the new system. If I was starting WW today I would be totally excited by all the new books, calculators, snack ideas, etc. But I do feel a little hung out to dry as a Lifetime member. Even the PointsPlus Pocket Guide for Lifetime Members I was handed yesterday doesn't address how the new program will affect those on maintenance that have already succeeded. Even a one-pager on the transition targeted at Lifetime members might have been helpful.

So far I'm holding fast and steady at around 2.5lbs BELOW my goal weight, so for now, I'm good. Even at this post-Christmas weigh-in I was down 0.2lbs, so my system is working for me. I'm going to stick with the program I learned and know inside and out. If I run into challenges and start to see the scale creeping skyward, then I will look at learning PointsPlus.

I do feel a bit like I've been kicked out of a club and the only way to get back in is to go through a massive initiation ritual, but I can deal with those insecurities. I won't bow down to peer pressure! I have to do what's right for me.

10 Simple Changes

I was recently contacted by Choices Markets and asked to share their new "New Year, New You" feature with my readers. They have a full 10 week nutrition makeover available, but for the purposes of this blog I chose to share the "10 Simple Changes" feature. It's got some great info and you can check out www.choicesmarket.com/nutrition for more resources. The best part is, it's FREE!

Hope you enjoy their tips, and please let me know what you think!

New Year, New You 2011 Feature

Top 10 Simple Changes to Instantly Improve your Diet

Desiree Nielsen RD, The Choices Dietitian

It’s resolution time again…whether your goal for the New Year is to lose weight, learn to sail or finally get that promotion, your body is the vehicle for all of your ambitions. So how are you fueling that body? Busy lives can leave nutrition on the back burner, as we mistakenly think that any food that fills our belly will help us get to the finish line. If you find yourself constantly relying on takeout and “instant” meals, soon you’ll be running on empty. Good food is the foundation of good health and a healthy body has the energy to help you achieve all that you want out of life.

Desiree Nielsen RD, the Choices Dietitian, has created this list of 10 simple changes you can make to improve your diet instantly, without restrictive diets or complex menus. Try making one change at a time and stick with it until it becomes an effortless part of your life. Or join us in our 10 week nutrition makeover, starting January 3^rd, using the changes described below.

Choices Nutrition Team will be offering informative seminars throughout the month of January and personalized nutrition consultations by donation in Vancouver, White Rock and Kelowna to help you get a jump start on the New Year. Look for more helpful resources in store and detailed tips to help you make the changes at www.choicesmarket.com/nutrition.

1. Eat a better breakfast

Why make the change? Remember that old adage, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? Now we have research to prove it: research presented by Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz and her team in 2008 showed that eating a large 600 calorie breakfast every morning helped dieters lose more weight than the typical light diet fare. The ideal breakfast should contain a balance of protein, fibre and slowly digested carbohydrates to keep you going all morning long. What makes this breakfast so special? A hefty dose of protein, combined with quality carbohydrates, helps to control blood sugar rise so you feel energized all morning long. While more research is needed to confirm the findings, big breakfast eaters in the study reported feeling less hunger and fewer cravings throughout the day even when on a low calorie eating plan. Find breakfast ideas at www.choicesmarkets.com/nutrition.

2. Eat ¾ cup plain probiotic yogurt daily

Why make the change? Plain probiotic yogurt contains live bacterial cultures that help to promote a healthy intestinal flora. Billions of bacteria live in our colons; healthy ones promote a healthy gut barrier and produce beneficial compounds like vitamin K. Unhealthy critters, often the result of a highly processed diet and stress filled lifestyle, can wreak inflammatory havoc and cause GI upset. Good old fashioned plain yogurt contains beneficial probiotic cultures in addition to calcium, magnesium and protein…more of what we need everyday! Don’t like the taste of plain yogurt? Sweeten yourself with a little fruit or honey.

3. Don’t drink your calories

Why make the change? Never before in our history have we designed so many ways to drink ourselves fatter. Consumption of sweetened beverages has increased dramatically since the 1970’s: according to data published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the percentage of calories consumed from drinks increased by more than 50% while calories from soft drinks and fruit drinks alone increased 135%. All of those calories can lead to weight gain over time as research shows that we do not compensate for the calories we drink by eating less later on. Instead of cutting back on meal portions, cut calories the smart way by eliminating them from your drinks. You will likely save yourself a great deal of sugar in the process: a large Double Double will set you back 230 calories and 6 tsp of sugar (making the occasional cookie seem like less of a splurge!). Your best hydration choices? Plain water, coffee and tea with milk or soda with a splash of juice.

4. Eat a piece of fruit with each meal

Why make the change? Many of us are still not reaching the recommended goal of 7-10 servings of fruits and veggies each day, even though the evidence on the health benefits of produce consumption is overwhelming. So instead of radically changing the meals you make, why not try something simple? Finish each of your three meals a day with a piece of fruit. Fruit is quick to prepare…just rinse and eat, no chopping required! Here’s the key to success this week: if you don’t put it in your cart…it won’t end up in your stomach! 3 pieces of fruit a day means buying 21 pieces of fruit per person during your weekly shopping trip. So stock up and enjoy…

5. Keep an instant salad in the fridge

Why make the change? Sometimes, you just really want macaroni and cheese…no problem! Just don’t forget to fit in some veggies! Add a container of baby spinach and a container of cherry tomatoes to your weekly shopping list and make sure that you use them…at least a couple of times a week! With just these two items, you can add a side salad to any meal in 60 seconds flat. Spinach boasts the most nutrition of all the salad greens: antioxidant rich, spinach also contains the most iron of the greens with fewer phytates to block absorption. Spinach also contains folate for DNA repair and lutein to protect your eyes. Toss on a handful of cherry tomatoes for vitamin C to help boost iron absorption and provide chlorogenic acid, a compound which helps prime your body’s natural detox system.

6. Eat your Beans

Why make the change? Oft neglected, beans are the healthiest food you aren’t currently eating. Very high in fibre, beans contain an average of 10 grams of fibre per ¾ cup serving. That is a quarter of a man’s daily recommended fibre intake and more than a third for a woman. This fibre not only helps you to feel full and satisfied as you eat; in combination with the slowly digested carbohydrates found in beans, fibre also helps slow down the rate at which blood sugars rise, reducing your urge to snack and helping you to maintain a healthy weight naturally. Beans are also a great source of vegetarian protein, good for you and the environment. As if that weren’t enough, beans offer a variety of important nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium and folate. Try to eat beans 3 times a week; see www.choicesmarket.com/nutrition for meal and snack ideas with beans.

7. Try an Oil Change

Why make this change? The fats we eat directly influence our health by altering our blood cholesterol, influencing inflammation and nourishing our skin and other tissues. Saturated and trans fats from animal foods and processed snack foods directly promote chronic inflammation, which can accelerate premature aging and increase risk of chronic disease. In addition, data published from the Omni Heart Study revealed that eating a moderate amount of healthy monounsaturated fat in place of more processed carbohydrate choices can lower our risk for heart disease over time. This week, clear out your pantry of less healthy oils and stock up on healthy sources of fats to enjoy: use extra virgin olive oil as your primary cooking oil. Consider taking fish oils daily for their EPA and DHA, two anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats and enjoy healthy food sources of fats such as raw nuts, seeds and avocado regularly.

8. Go Nuts

Why make this change? Nuts are a great daily addition to any diet and a smart replacement to more carbohydrate based snacks like granola bars and crackers. Nuts provide monounsaturated fats, protein, fibre and plenty of trace minerals. Looking for heart healthy foods? Nuts are rich in magnesium, potassium and B vitamins to protect your ticker. Need a little iron boost? Cashews and Almonds stand out. Almonds are superstars for their vitamin E, fibre and protein; just 2 Brazil nuts will supply a cancer fighting dose of antioxidant selenium and walnuts deliver anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats. Nuts are energy rich, so portion control is key: choose your favourites and enjoy a ¼ cup daily.

9. Swap your Bread for Sprouted Grain

Why make this change? By far, switching to sprouted grain bread and tortillas is one of the easiest ways to boost your fibre intake and help control blood sugars. Many people are familiar with 100% whole grain breads, but all are not created equal! When you see the term “sprouted grain”, it means that the wheat was not ground into a fine flour before making the bread; instead, the grains are sprouted and crushed. The main advantage of this technique is an average of 5 grams of fibre and 5 grams of protein per slice, versus 1.5 - 2 grams of fibre in most whole wheat breads. Have a sandwich for lunch every day? You now just more than doubled your fibre intake simply by swapping your bread! Sprouted grain breads are more filling, will produce a slower rise in blood sugar and help you control your weight.

10. Cook Something New

Why make this change? We are becoming a nation of take out dialers and instant food assemblers. But if you can boil water, you can make yourself a simple, healthy meal in less time than it takes to stand in line for pizza. As an added bonus, you will save money and may even trim your waistline! The average restaurant or quick service meal contains more salt, fat and calories than the same food made at home. March is National Nutrition Month® and our mission is to get Canadian families cooking. This week, try one new recipe from a cookbook, magazine or the internet…that’s all there is to it! If you enjoy the process, why not make it a weekly event?

Desiree Nielsen RD - The Choices Dietitian

Desiree Nielsen, BSc RD received her degree in Food Nutrition and Health (Dietetics major) with honours from the University of British Columbia and completed her dietetic internship with Capital Health in Edmonton, Alberta. Registered with the BC College of Dietitians, Desiree is also a proud member of Dietitians of Canada.

Desiree advocates that good food is the cornerstone of a lifestyle that prevents chronic disease and promotes energy, vitality and overall wellbeing. Maintaining a commitment to evidence-based nutrition, Desiree’s practice also respects traditional knowledge and beliefs. To her, food is more than the nutrition it provides it is a vital part of our culture, our celebrations and our lives.

Desiree is a sought after speaker on a wide range of topics: from eating for a healthier body and planet to fighting chronic disease, Desiree’s positive “real world” approach to healthy eating is informative, motivating and practical. She delivers regular seminars to public and corporate groups on behalf of Choices Markets. Desiree is a member of the professional advisory board for the Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Desiree is currently featured on Dietitians of Canada’s website at www.dietitians.ca as a leader in nutrition and business. Recent media appearances include CTV Your Health, Breakfast Television, CBC Radio and CKNW Radio. Desiree’s love of food extends well beyond her work: she enjoys strolling through farmer’s markets, hoarding cookbooks and one day hopes to become an expert patio gardener. Working with Choices provides Desiree with the opportunity to do what she loves most: sharing her passion for food and living well with the community.

ME time?! What the hell is that?!

I've written before about the importance of getting away with your spouse for a few days. It's fabulous and I could write more, but this post is about getting away from your spouse for a few days.

I've been on a few work trips since becoming a mom, but any time we go away for "leisure" time it's always been either as a family or just the two of us. I'd gotten over the guilt of leaving the kids, but hanging out with Mr. Awesome is one of my favourite things to do so I couldn't wrap my head around going away without him.

Until a couple of months ago. My friends and I got ourselves tickets to the So You Think You Can Dance live tour in Tacoma. Like any self-respecting 35 year old, I was secretly giddy with excitement. (The "secretly" part is how I claim to still be self-respecting. Guess that pipe dream is over.) Tacoma is about a 3.5 hour drive south from Vancouver and takes us right past the Premium Outlets in Tulalip, several Targets and a number of Costcos. Shopping AND SYTYCD?! It was almost too much.

We were on the hunt for a reasonably-priced hotel room, and at first search we were faced with the typical chain options that would have been (fairly) clean and pretty standard. I then came across Hotel Murano. Part of the Provenance Hotels boutique hotel group, it is like something out of Sex in the City. They offer special rates for their Twitter followers, so we landed two great rooms for $99 per room! For anywhere really, let alone little old Tacoma, this place is pretty swanky (nothing against Tacoma, of course).

Almost as soon as we'd arrived, each room received a bottle of Voss water and an Asian pear. A lovely gesture that made me feel even more special on my family-free getaway. I could get used to housekeeping and luxury treats delivered to my door!

The hotel was everything we hoped it would be, with one somewhat notable exception. The restaurant, BITE, had some pretty serious service issues that night, both in the kitchen (timing and understaffing) and on the service floor (completely avoiding the guests when the food took almost an hour). The restaurant itself was lovely and when the food eventually arrived it was very good, but the whole experience was marred by the service and the fact that we had to devour our meals in minutes to get to the show on time.

Other than that, the hotel was great. The beds were DIVINE, exactly what I needed to enjoy a solo sleep. Although that still didn't stop me from waking up before 6:00am. I have the little man to thank for conditioning me for a 5:30am wake-up. I now wake-up even if he doesn't, which is usually a good thing as I have to get ready for work. But on a morning I had no responsibilities, it was a big pain in the ass. And be forewarned - downtown Tacoma only has ONE Starbucks that opens at 6:30am on a Sunday.

Backing up a bit - the show was everything we hoped it would be, in all its cheesy splendour, only made better by the numerous beverages consumed during the evening. I would argue that certain elements of the show were made way better by the drinks, namely the awful line delivery of some of the cast. These people should really stick to dancing, and thank goodness for the most part they do. The dancing was amazing.

Drinks were consumed, shopping was done, relaxation was...um...experienced. It was only one night but it was a great little getaway. And while I could certainly get used to housekeeping and room service, I was very happy to get back to my little family.

I will, however, be doing another getaway in the near future. It's good for the soul to take some time that's just for you. I'm lucky Mr. Awesome thinks so too or we might have a problem. As long as I don't go for too long he seems to be okay with the idea. I think he sees it as a challenge to manage the household on his own. And amazingly, dishes and laundry do actually get done. The three of them may never change out of their pajamas, but the chores get done.

It's all about priorities.