7-Year Itch

Happy anniversary to All Mommy Issues (AMI)! I can't believe it's been seven years since AMI began. As mothers (or soon-to-be mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and godmothers), we all need to vent, exchange ideas, brainstorm, and just know that we are not alone in this journey. This is why I started AMI—to create a village for all of us.

When Life Hits Different

Life has been "lifin" for me and the AMI staff during the past few years that we've been away. So much has has happened in our lives—and some things we are excited to share!

In the meantime, I will be writing more, we'll exchange recipes, and etc. Three years ago, I had a 16yo, a 15yo, a 12yo, a 8yo, and a 4yo. From Pre-K to high school, I had the full gamut and was going through it. Still reeling from my divorce at the time, life just got to be too much. I had a great job that kept me busy - sometimes, too busy with all of these girls and their extracurriculars.

Not sure I'm in a better place, right now—just a different place. Not working full-time, but consulting right now due to corporate downsizing, two kids in college, two in the high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school. I have one 19yo commuting to college, an 18yo living on campus within the state, a 15yo who plays soccer, basketball, softball, runs track, is in the marching band and concert band, and does theater! I have a 13yo who is also in theater and in the gardening club, an 11yo who does intramurals and student council, and a precocious 7yo who was definitely born in Camden, NJ (#IYKYK).

Cha-cha-cha Changes

Since I've been away, I wrote a children's book, I started a new company (where I consult from), I'm still writing that romance novel, friends have come and gone, I have loved and I have lost, I've met new people who have become friends, I'm still loving therapy, and I turned 50!

I wanted to travel a lot during Chapter 50, but I ended up losing my job mid-year, so I had to scale down my travel itinerary. Last year, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with my oldest daughter and met my friend (from Spain) in Paris. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my August trip to Jamaica and my Thanksgiving trip to DR.

2026 looks different. Lots of changes. But I have been very blessed with a community that has been there for me and my girls. I know so many others who have been let go from their jobs due to takeovers and downsizing. I know others who have been struggling since COVID.

I have been dealing with death a lot more lately. People close to me, as well as people from my past, have been transitioning. Uncles, aunts, friends, past mentors... These few years, I have been dealing with a lot of sadness. I am thankful for every day. For every blessing...because I am truly blessed.

So get ready to engage with us. We are a little older, a little wiser, and ready to go! Welcome back!