Author: Yoga Bynum

Fashion Recap: Ode to Denim

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On Monday, I shared my excitement about the job’s new denim-inclusive dress policy. I vowed to wear denim to work every day this week. It was easier said that done.

First of all, it’s summer, and denim is hot. My seasonal wardrobe is full breezy dresses skirts and dresses, which feel effortless to me. Denim seemed like work.

Then, I took a closer look at the dress policy. We received an email emphasizing that we stay professional and polished, and it suggested we keep a change of clothes handy in case of an emergency no-jeans client meeting.

I needed to plan two outfits for every one day of jeanswear? I was about to hang it up and reserve my dark blues for Fridays.

Then I came to my senses. The office maintains a freezer-like atmosphere. Anytime I wore one of my breezy summer frocks, I spent the day shivering. Plus, I have a closet full of jeans that I wish I could wear more often. This was my chance.

So, here are the pics. Thanks to my coworker J for Tuesday’s shot and Mini Me for the rest of the week’s takes. She wanted me to stand in the same spot each day, just like I make her do every first day of school. (I was on vacation Monday. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to see me in my PJs)

Reducing Stress, Five Minutes at a Time

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I planned on showing you my Ode to Denim outfits today, but two things changed my mind.

1. A friend tweeted about her need to take better care of herself. Stress from work is taking its toll.

2. Hubby, who has the girls during the day while he’s on leave from work, reached his limit. Lil Ma woke up too early, didn’t nap long enough and whined nonstop. I could tell he needed relief when he fussed at Mini Me because she didn’t want lettuce on her chicken sandwich.

After Lil Ma slapped a spoonful of peaches across the room, Hubby went into the basement. We finished dinner without him. I left a sandwich on the oven. A while later, I heard footsteps, and then the sandwich was gone.

Life throws a lot at us. On any given day, there are countless things that could change me from Bruce Banner into the Hulk.

Five minutes can make the difference. It may not seem like all that much, but I’ve learned to use the time to quiet my nerves and focus on solutions. Here are a few things I do to quiet my inner Hulk.

Get some distance. At work, a never-ending to do list and an overflowing inbox give me heartburn. Walking away from my computer for a few minutes allows me to gain perspective. When the girls are pushing my buttons at home, I’ll ask Mini Me to keep an eye on her sister while I handle some in-house errand like putting laundry into the washer.
Breathe. I hold my breath and hunch my shoulders when I’m stressed. The resulting neck cramp can last for days if I’m not careful. After the girls are asleep, I sit, enjoy the silence, and take some deep breaths. It helps my shoulders get back to where they belong.
Yoga. When the deep breaths don’t cut it, I pull out the yoga mat. By focusing on the poses, I’m able to clear my mind and let go of what’s bothering me, even if it’s just for a little while.
Online Window Shopping/Pinterest. When I’m developing a project at work or writing at home, I give myself five-minutes “breaks” after completing a portion of the task. Setting the timer on my phone helps me steer clear of rabbit holes.
Not everything is for everyone. Hubby, for example, needs about two hours in his man cave with a game controller or a remote in hand. Even if these ideas aren’t for you, I hope you are encouraged to find something that works.
What tips do you have for relieving stress?

Violins

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I’d forgotten how many forms kids bring home during the first day of school. Mini Me’s stack looks bigger than last year. The papers all ask for the same thing; they’re just different colors. Parents names. Contact information. Emergency contact information. Food allergies. Backup emergency contacts. I still don’t understand why the office can’t take one form I complete and copy it as needed. Or better yet, couldn’t this stuff be online?

Sorry, I digress.

One of the papers was for a violin program. Students who participate will take two weekly violin lessons during school hours, and there will be two evening concerts.

I have a soft spot for the violin. When I was in the fifth grade, I asked my parents if I could play. I convinced them to meet with the music teacher for details. The instrument expense, combined with their open disdain for extracurricular activities, kept my hopes at bay.

Not wanting to live vicariously through my kid, I asked Mini Me for her take.

“I’d like to try it,” she grinned.

I mentioned the program to Momma and said that I planned on letting Mini Me join.

“Sounds good,” she said.

Say what?

I reminded her I wanted to play violin. I told her how she and Daddy tag teamed me with a slew of reasons why violin lessons were a bad idea.

“Didn’t you want to play the xylophone?” she asked.

“No, the violin,” I said.  “Would you have let me play the xylophone?”

“Hmm. I don’t remember this at all, ” Momma said.

I am well aware of the fact that she didn’t answer the question.

The smallest moments from childhood affect how you parent. I wasn’t distraught about not playing violin, but I think of it whenever Mini Me wants to try something new. I remind myself that this is her time for exploration. Hubby and I want to expose her to a variety of experiences.

I’m not sure if Mini Me will take to the violin, but I do know this will make for a very noisy school year. Anybody know where I can get earplugs wholesale?

Wordless Wednesday: Glamour Girl

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My one-year-old daughter prefers eating shoes to wearing them. Except when it comes to this pair; she will wear them nearly all day.  I’m sure the glitter has something to do with it.

My Third Grader

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Today, Mini Me started her first day of the third grade. I can hardly believe time has gone by so quickly. I didn’t think I’d ever use the phrase “it seems like only yesterday,” but then I had kids.

When I held Mini Me in my arms for the first time, I peered into her tiny face and wondered what type of person she’d be. Time flew. She’s in her fourth year of elementary school, and now I know.

She’s awesome.

Mini Me is funny and creative. She has this MacGyver-esque sense that can repurpose just about anything into a work of art. Her love for pink and glitter knows no bounds. She loves to dance. If her favorite song comes on, Mini Me has no problem singing it loud enough (and I do mean loud) for everyone within earshot.

She’s also extremely tenderhearted. Her sympathy extends to mistreated pets, friends and family, and anyone she sees on TV. I make sure to avoid watching the news before bedtime because any story of hardship keeps her from sleep.

I remember the person I was in the third grade. Quiet. Reserved. Unsure. I had a small group of friends, and I preferred the back of the crowd, unless I was sitting in a classroom. Mini Me, so named for her physical resemblance to me, is willing to give new experiences a try. And, if you let her, she’ll often lead the way.

I want my daughter to embrace her creative, adventurous nature. As she navigates through life, she’ll experience things that further shape the woman she becomes. Some of these experiences will be wonderful, and others will, for lack of a better word, suck.

Here are a few things that I want to share with Mini Me this year to help her with the journey:

  • Always be you, even when others don’t get it. This will be hard at times but worth it in the end.
  • Don’t tease or put someone else down so you can fit in. Loving yourself doesn’t mean hating everyone else.
  • Trust that little voice inside. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. And whenever your “spidey sense” goes off, it’s definitely wrong. Get out of that situation as fast as you can.
  • Keep asking questions, even when it drives Daddy and me nuts. 
  • Remember that we love you, and you can come to us about anything.
I am so honored that God entrusted me with this boisterous spirit.