In some ways I feel weird, and completely unqualified to be writing this blog. #MomBoss may be what I am, and yes, I do my best, but I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been a hard year for me, too. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about some of the lessons I’ve learned, both as a partner at BMG and a partner at home with my best friend, Bob. (aka Hubby). So again, I ask for some grace as I share, but hopefully some of these tips and lessons will be helpful to you. I like to call this period of time the opportunity for grace, flexibility, and patience. Here are my thoughts on this phase of life during a pandemic:
Plan ahead. This year, for the 3rd year in a row, I have three children in three different schools. Am I insane??? Probably, but they are thriving and I am thankful we can swing it. As a family we must plan and if it’s not on the calendar it likely won’t happen. This involves weekend meetings to figure out rides, shifting schedules to make them work, and making dinner at 5am before the day begins for everyone else. However, the pandemic has forced even the planner in me to know, we just don’t have control of much. We are doing the best we can and just have to be ok with plans changing daily as schools work to keep kids safe. Plan for what you can. Communication is critical. And know there’s lots of grace available as we all attempt to “figure this out.”
At BMG we have a new office that has already flooded once, new protocols to keep staff and clients safe, and are busier than ever helping people navigate their ever changing financial situation due to ripples from COVID-19. We must stay organized, keep solid notes, and have daily team check-ins to ensure we are not missing details. I will also say, ZOOM is my new best friend. This has allowed for additional #BossMom maneuvers by squeezing in one last meeting or call back since drive time is minimal. Also my virtual office background is amazing. It allows me to take care of people I serve at work, while being home with a kiddo whose school has gone online. Its a never ending balancing act and for all you working parents out there, I feel for you. It isn’t easy at all, mostly because there aren’t a lot of great options right now. Hang in there- this isn’t going to last forever and it’s ok to feel overwhelmed at times.
There’s an app for that. Between Shipt, Drizly, and Amazon I haven’t really needed to go to a store since March. Also, I’m not sure I will ever go back. By skipping this weekly run, I’ve found another 2-5 hours that can be used another way. HUGE in the #BossMom world. The rule at home is If it can’t be found online or with my shopper, we probably don’t need it. On the rare occasion there is a need- it usually is followed up with an apology for not planning ahead by 24 hours or with my oldest offering to make the trip.
While we are talking about apps- I must also give a HUGE shout out to Warby Parker. They have the glasses buying experience down to a “T”. I have been avoiding getting glasses for 5 years because I haven’t found the time. This glasses buying experience involved an app, virtual try on, and an ordering process that took 5 minutes. It REALLY was that easy. My advice is to skip the things that can be outsourced. Have the grocery/store pick up option if that’s a better fit for you. I have been impressed with how well companies have evolved. Also- take out margaritas?!?!?! Don’t send the 15 yr old in to pick it up, but man- what a nice treat at the end of a long week.
It Takes a Village. I have to say, surrounding yourself with phenomenal people is a MUST. Friends and family are essential as a back-up for rides, remembering changes to the school schedules, and overall sanity. Most of us are in the same boat, so working to share what we know leads to text message overload at times, but is vital in the #BossMom world. Know that we are also your village. Ping me and we can Zoom, Facetime, or the rare patio coffee with a little planning. There are so many people who help make our world work, if I can help in any way I am happy to do so.
What Really Matters. Honestly this pandemic has created another, indescribable level of stress. However, the 8 weeks my family of 5 was all home together (in our 1200 square foot house), we had every meal together. We enjoyed board games and puzzles again, watched a family movie almost every night, and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. It IS and continues to be hard as heck, but our family is more united and I am glad we’ve all taken time to get to know each other again. As we have gone back to school, work, and activities we work to keep some of the balance we found during the spring and summer. Wish us luck!
Wine. Goodness, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the winemakers and distributors out there. We have personally done our best to keep revenues up, and they have helped allow for some winding down at the end of the day. Both of my sisters are also selling Scout and Cellar, so it helps me to feel like I’m helping all of us when I place an order.
2020 has been hard. It seems like curveballs are thrown at us daily. (Who really plans for their new office to flood???) But I have found that faith, the smiles on my family’s faces, and all of the above help to make the world go round and allow me to get up each day and do it all over again. Hang in there. We will get through this together and I'm here for you if you need to talk. And we can use one of my newfound life hacks to bring us margaritas. (Or wine.)
- Jen