Mama's Going Back to Work: 4 Tips to Update Your Resume

Resumes are hard, especially when you have been out of the work force for almost 6 years. That is a lot of time to forget what all needs to be on a resume. I wasn't sure if I should explain the gap on my resume by including my stay at home mom experience or leave just it blank. So I turned to the Internet. What I found was not, I repeat not, pleasant. Apparently, there is a ton of hostility concerning sahms who wish to return to work. Who knew it was such a heated debate? I had to weed through name calling and insults but eventually I was successful, finding some fairly reasonable pieces of advice from sites such as monster.com and resumegenius.com.

1. First and foremost, the number one piece of advice was simply to be honest! The question concerning your time gap will most likely come up. Instead of dancing around it, advisers recommended being upfront and telling the truth. Raising your children, regardless of circumstances, is nothing to be ashamed of. Many employers are becoming more accepting, recognizing the work that goes into childrearing.
2. That being said, don't just state the blunt truth. While your job title may read "Stay at Home Mother," your skills can't be so simple. It’s a weird balance you have to achieve between stating the facts in a fancy, professional way without over exaggerating your time away from the traditional workforce. Instead of saying, “I can get a toddler to eat vegetables,” maybe try, “excellent negotiating skills.”  Or change, “always have a change of kid clothes and bandaids available” to “emergency preparedness.” Not only does this professionalize your experience but it could save space which is important in keeping a potential employer’s attention.
3. Keep it to a minimum. There is still a bit of taboo about adding the job title “stay at home mom” so in my personal resume, I am keeping the focus on that area short. I have listed the more major skills such as creative problem solving and organizing budgets, but I saved my more elaborate job details, the details the potential employer is really looking for, for my previous paid work experience.
4. The last, more helpful and less judgy, piece of advice I came across was to do what works for you. If you are getting call backs and interviews then something in your resume is obviously working. However, if you aren't getting any feedback, it may be time to switch things up and try something new.

My resume is still a work in progress and I am sure I will be editing again and again as I receive (or don't) feedback. I will be sure to update what ends up being my golden resume formula!

Have you recently returned to work or switched jobs? What resume advice would you offer to some one experiencing a large gap whether due to stay at home motherhood or simply unable to find work for a bit?

Weekend in Review

This weekend was a bit gloomy and overcast which I loved! Its the perfect grab a book and find a cozy spot type of weather. It was also perfect timing for a gloomy weekend because the last few weeks have been non stop human interactions and activities. As an introvert, this lady needed a quiet break. I received just enough quiet time before the sun came out for the hubby's baseball game. And man oh man did that sun come out! It was hot enough for me to actually let the kiddos get drenched in the drinking fountain for a quick ball park cool down.

Now that the weekend is over, its time for me to get back to business. Apply to a few more jobs, set up the kids' yearly doctor appointments, and finish up some last minute moving details! Busy week coming up! What is your week ahead looking like? 

Act Natural: Steps to Making Friends as a Mom

Earlier this week, I signed my little man up for Kindergarten. While I was busy filling out papers and sorting the proper documents, my hubby took both kiddos into an awesome indoor play area for small children. This area is open during the week for parents to bring their young ones to explore their imaginations, play, socialize, create, and bond. I think it is a brilliant idea for such a safe place for play. Parents must stay with their children and participate as well, which meant while my kiddos played with other children, I was in the same area as other moms with the potential of conversing and making friends. I don't know why but the thought of making new mom friends freaks me out. I get nervous and jittery. I instantly start running all the conversation ice breakers through my head and toss them aside because they are all dorky and awkward. I feel like I am the nerdy girl in high school trying to sit at the “popular” lunch table. The feeling was not enjoyable and I was ready for it to end. So I did what any anxious mom in my situation would do. I kept quiet, and got out of there as soon as my kiddos began to get bored at their current playing station. Later, I decided to figure out how to avoid that nervous awkward feeling so I could make some friends in this new place. I turned to the all knowing oracles, Google and Pinterest. Seriously, those two sites are my go to whenever I have a question or problem. The answers I found break down to one major factor: you have to suck it up and break out of your comfort zone. Doing so multiple times will become easier over time and eventually you will hit it off with someone awesome. There are several ways to go about making new friends as a grown up.

I got lucky with this bestie, she's my sister!

• For starters, you have to leave the house. I know, I know, that means changing out of your pjs and brushing your hair. But hey, if you play your cards right, you might find a girlfriend that won’t mind wearing pjs while hanging out at the house, watching the kids play, and gossiping about a celebrity's new love interest.
• Find a group. When you finally get presentable and then get your kiddos ready to head out the door (so five hours later), try going to mommy and me play groups, playgrounds, or, like in my case, the early learning center. Chances are pretty high other moms will be there! So your odds of making a friend have already increased exponentially! (Or if you want to break out of the mommy groups, try gym classes or craft groups; whatever interests you! There is bound to be a group) 
• Determine who to approach. There are a few ways to go about this. Like high school, people still travel in little cliques. However, in my research, there are still a lot of women struggling to make friends as a mom. If you notice a mom somewhat on her own and your child is playing well with her child, then starting a conversation could be way easier. Plus the kids getting along may make it easier to set up a play date, or mommy get together, in the future.
• Break the ice. Now here come the big scary step. The step that takes you out of your comfort zone. You have to say hello. Starting a conversation may seem daunting but you already have something in common, being a mom. The topics are endless when it comes to motherhood! How many books, magazines, shows, and even blogs make their bread and butter talking about being a mom? A LOT! Just say Hello and follow their lead.

This bestie is going to kill me for this picture!!

Basically, making friends as a mother, is a lot like dating. You pretty yourself up, find a good pick up location, make the awkward first hellos, and then make future plans. Things might not work out well at first, but eventually (hopefully) you will find the perfect fit; The mom with a similar parenting style, same taste is gossip magazines and wine, and will offer trading babysitting services instead of hourly rates.

Where is your favorite spot to make new friends? 

Weekend of Fun in the Sun

This past weekend was surprisingly fun and equally relaxing. It was filled with sunshine, laughter, family, splashing, cheering, and a bit of quiet. Best of all, it was minimal devices and maximum quality time.

The hubby navigating the roads to the lake 

No nose cast equals relaxing in the sun without awkward tan lines!

Betz ladies minus our awesome matriarch!

Lunch before the game. Yup still liquid/soft diet. The kids get jealous of my smoothies.

He got a hit off that pitch!!

Talking baseball after the game

A moment of quiet at the end of the weekend.

A Little Rebel in Us All

I've been feeling very restless with my appearance these last few weeks. I guess a facial injury will do that to you. It's not just my face though. I kind of want a whole makeover. Clothes, hair, makeup. I usually play it safe with my look. Makeup, if any, is neutral, hair never goes more than two shade lighter or darker than the natural color, and my clothes stay fairly preppy but have been bordering the “mom” look for quite some time now. I have this imaginary alter ego with a wild, outgoing personality and the looks to match. I always envy the people that are actually living my alter ego. I would love to let a little more of her shine through. Having just recently moved to a new state, what better time is there to add a bit of personality?

The alter ego did poke through a bit a few years back when I did my one rebellious act with my appearance. I had my nose pierced. I kept it a simple small stud, not too flashy, for over three years.  Well, during surgery and the healing process my piercing had to come out and is long gone (must be all those healing powers up front and central that made it disappear so fast). With that bit of defiance gone, I am starting to get antsy.

To keep my full crazy rebellious alter ego at bay once again, I'm thinking I should just let a small piece shine through again. I really don't want to hurt though. I'm pretty much over pain right about now which means tats and piercings are out. (You’re welcome mom!) I am also too broke to go buy a WHOLE new funky but fun wardrobe unless that wardrobe is for winter clothes (this Florida girl is scared of her first Nebraska winter) so I'm leaning toward new hair. It can't be too out there because I still have to enter the job hunt soon but I would enjoy a little bit of funky and fun. I have been turning to my trusty go to website, Pinterest, for a little inspiration. I would LOVE to go pink or, in the very least, have some peeking through. I had a bit of hot pink in my hair about a year and half ago and while I ADORED it, it faded fairly quickly. I am feeling pretty positive about maintaining it though. So far I am wanting blonde hair on the darker side with the pink just peeking through. I could be hidden if styled correctly but shines through when wanted! 

If I can muster up a few more ounces courage (and more cash) I think I may go for it. After all, you only live once, it won't be permanent, and I am ready for a bit of change!

My current Motto

Seeing Stars

Do you ever make plans and then never get them done because SOMETHING always gets in the way? Whether it's going to the beach but its raining, or you need to pack to move but ran out of tape, or how about celebrate the Fourth of July and fall flat, and I mean flat, on your face breaking, your nose and teeth? Yea. Well that last one happened to me this year. Water balloons and booze and slippery sidewalks should have screamed DANGER!! But we laugh in the face of danger right? "Hahahaha!" Well guess who is laughing now. That's right. Danger is cackling so hard tears are falling, while I got stuck dazed and seeing stars.

After my ER visit

After the fall, all I could see was blood on concrete and I could hear a lot of concern and feet running. I was given an ice compress which quickly became saturated with disgustingness then rushed into my dad's truck with my husband and mom by my side. The ER waiting room gave me the time to calm my breathing, feel my broken teeth, and promptly freak out again. Once I got back to the exam room I actually stayed calm. X-rays were ordered and then we had to schedule a follow up with a specialist.

That appointment on Monday was fun. And by fun, just imagine being told that you need to have your first EVER surgery which includes being put under, which you have never EVER done before to have braces put on your mouth and your broken nose set and packed. Yea, time for this claustrophobic, control freak to panic again. I got through it though. I survived. Thank God and thanks to my awesome hubby who held my hand all the way through. Now I'm traveling to Nebraska from Florida with lovely black eyes and a stylish cast on my nose. 

A week has passed

That's right. All this happened right before the big family road trip half way across country. The good news is I don't have to worry about getting fat while eating gross fast food for the 1400 mile journey. I'm busy eating (or should I say drinking) soup, drinking juices, and sucking down those little baby food pouches (which are actually quite tasty with their random combinations of veggies and fruit). Although, I will admit the doughnuts the kids ate this morning looked WAY more DELICIOUS!!

 I have a new appointment with a new specialist scheduled for the first Tuesday in Nebraska. Hopefully, they can further correct my bite (because FOOD!) and they will say my nose is healing beautifully (because who wants the doctor to say your nose is jacked up!?) I am a teensy bit nervous they will be telling me more work will need to be done. I know my teeth will need some corrective procedures and I am NOT looking forward to those. But, I refuse to be negative (for long). Positivity can take you a LONG way and I will use it to get as far as I can.

So far our family road trip hasn't been too bad. The kiddos 

have been excellent. Can we get a big thank you to the road trip heavens for portable DVD players? And who knows, a post may show up later about tips in traveling with little ones (I discovered some fun ways to pass the time).

As for now, during this brief moment of quiet from the back seat, I will be enjoying a book from my lovely sister's audible account. Who knew audiobooks could actually be enjoyable and sometimes preferred?!

Clean Slate

I think a large part inside of me, the creative ambitious part, really just wants to cut the crap and get back to the basics. 

I watch too much TV (rather Netflix), play too long online (smartphones are evil), and sit around procrastinating way more than I ought.

I am starting to crave and seek out a simpler and much more productive existence. I want less chaos in my head and more calm. Lets face it, social media and television really do create a sizable amount of noise and negativity in our heads. I'm tired of negativity. I even deleted Facebook from my phone so the debating wouldn’t get me down. 

A fresh start is swiftly approaching my family, and I am welcoming it with open arms. We will be in a new place with new opportunities. Yes, it is a smidgen scary but with a dose of bravery and a whole crap load of positivity, I am excited about this new adventure. Honestly, I have never really been so ambitious before. I don’t really have a set path to follow and never really have. So I am putting a smile on my face and just moving forward. I have a list of wants and an idea of how to acquire them. The plan is to cut the noise out while adding more music, to read words that inspire my imagination, and to strengthen my body to see what it is really capable of. Yesterday, the kids and I even joined my sis and her kiddos by turning off the social media and television noise for a bit and exploring a little piece of heaven on Earth; the best used bookstore in the world and the free night at the local museum! A little less noise, a little more beauty, and a whole lot of quality time! It was a perfect day to help wrap up my year in Florida!

Have you ever needed to wipe away negativity and begin again, whether is was just a bad day or maybe a chaotic year? How did it go? Do you have any advice for someone who needs to add a little positivity to their routine?