Happy Friday, y’all! It’s been awhile since I’ve participated in Ask Away Friday, so when Rea from Blissful Snapshots said she needed a partner I jumped at the opportunity to swap questions with her!
I don’t remember exactly how I “met” Rea, but I’ve been following her blog for about a year now. She’s a working mom like myself and she’s all the way from the Philippines! When I read her blog, I get a sense of her lifestyle and I imagine that’s how my life would be if I were a working mom in the Philippines. She has an optomistic outlook on motherhood, relationships, and life. We could all use more positive friends like that regardless of whether it’s in real life or in the blogging world; nearby or in far away countries.
So, what is Ask Away Friday? It’s when two blogging friends ask each other 10 questions so that they can be BBFs (Bloggy Best Friends) and so our readers can get to know us better, too. Then, we all link up to a big party that is hosted by these lovelies:
Here’s what Rea wanted to know about me. Don’t forget to check out her answers to my questions here.
1. I know your maternity leave was grand! What are some adjustments you need to make now that you’re back to being a working mom?
I went from being a beach bum and mall rat during my maternity leave to a full-time career woman, mom, cook, and cleaning lady. AAHHHH! My head spins when get a chance to stop and think about all I have to do.
I just have to be more organized. I plan out the family’s week and balance everything between my work schedule and my husband’s work schedule. On the weekends, I go grocery shopping and I plan what we will eat for the week – a few home cooked meals and a few quick n’ easy pre-cooked meals. Every night, I try to organize everything needed for the following day: the kids’ school stuff, the baby’s milk stuff, and my work stuff. Lots of stuff!
2. Have you considered the idea of being a stay at home mom? Do you think it is possible for you to leave the corporate world in the future? Why or why not?
There are times when I think being a stay-at-home mom would be ahhhmazing because the corporate environment can be stressful; however, I got restless towards the end of my maternity leave and looked forward to going back to work. I thrive off of being productive because my mind is always active. I also love having a career and I take pride in being able to provide for my family.
Here’s a picture of me in my work habitat:
Yes, that’s a work selfie. No, I’m not really working in that other picture. And can you see the nod to Mommy A-Z in the background?! Oh, and do those DIY Instagram Photo Magnets on the far right look familiar?
3. Show us a snapshot of a happy moment you have recently and tell us the story behind it.
This was taken just before I went back to work. My friends came over to meet Alyssa and we had one giant playdate!
These are my life long girlfriends and we go waaaaay back. Way back before we had boobs. Way back when we had braces. Way back when boys still had cooties… It was surreal to be surrounded by my childhood girlfriends with their babies and pregnant bellies. I almost cried. I’m blessed to have such dear good friends.
4. I’ve seen some of your DIY creations. Do you have any DIY baby stuff in mind for Alyssa? Or anything that you are working on right now?
There are so many DIY baby projects that I would love to do for Alyssa. I just don’t have the time to stop and actually do the “Do It” part of the DIY. I want to do more baby photo shoots with her and get more practice on my fancy camera. It doesn’t even have to be elaborate. I just want to capture her in her everyday loveliness.
5. I’ve been following your blog for some time now and I see that you take a vacation in Florida from time to time. What are some things that you love about Florida that are not in Chicago and things you love about Chicago that are not in Florida?
I want to move to Florida! I’m not kidding. Florida has the beautiful weather, the beaches, my parents, and hellllerrr DISNEY WORLD!
But Chicago* has my heart. I grew up here and most of my family and friends are here. Sweet home, Chicago.
*Well, not really Chicago. Chicagoans get really pissed when suburbians say they are from Chicago. I’m actually from the northwest ‘burbs, but nobody knows where that is so I just say CHICAGO.
6. Describe Arielle, Zavier, and Alyssa in 3 words each.
- Arielle: Quirky, charming, articulate
- Zavier: Goofy, sensitive, affectionate
- Alyssa: Sweet, yummy, squishy
7. You mentioned that you’ve always stayed in your comfort zone. Aside from your job role transition, what are other events in your life that made you leave your comfort zone? What are some things that you’d like to try which are different from what you usually do?
I’m very awkward in real life social situations. I’m okay in small groups, but the words “networking event” make me want to hide in a quiet place and call my mom. Seriously, when there was an ice cream social at work, I got my ice cream and ate it at my desk and had my own little “ice cream anti-social.”
Anyway, I attended MommyCon as an official “Sisterhood Journalist” the other week. It was my first event that I covered as a blogger. This forced me to step out of my comfort zone and interact with other attendees and network with the vendors. (I’m almost done writing my guide to MommyCon post, so stay tuned for that!)
I think it was the Media badge and the selfie stick that gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and get out there and meet people. Here are some mommas that also sport the Tula Baby Carriers:
Tulas everywhere at #MommyConChicago @mommycon #MCSceneReporter #babywearing @tulababycarriers #cacaw A photo posted by Gracielle (@mommya_z) on
8. You have a very lovely house/home! You’re so blessed! What’s your favorite spot at home? Please show us a photo!
My favorite spot is the living room. It’s the only room in the house that manages to stay clean for some reason. When we hang out here, it’s solid quality time where we play the piano, karaoke, read, play games, or just talk.
9. I know that you’d love to visit the Philippines if you get the chance. What are you most looking forward to when you do get to visit? Any Tagalog words or phrases you already know?
I would love to visit my grandparents and see where my parents grew up in Tarlac. I would also love to see where my husband grew up in Batangas and pay my respects to my father-in-law who recently passed away.
I would love to explore the beaches, get cheap pedicures and massages, and maybe go to a Ryzza Mae show. I know some words and phrases in Tagalog, but not enough to get around. I can sing karaoke songs in Tagalog! And if all else fails, I’ll just point with my lips if I need something.
10. What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned so far from your marriage?
I’ve learned that marriage needs to be a priority, not just an after-thought. There’s so much stuff going on with work, finances, the kids, the baby, and our crazy schedules – so it’s easy to forget about our relationship. Before we got married, our pastor told us that the best gift we could ever give our children is a mom and dad that love each other and stay together.
Thanks so much for these fun questions, Rea! It was an honor to swap questions with you and I hope you enjoyed my answers.
Don’t forget to check out what I asked Rea and read her answers here.
Aww, I truly enjoyed reading your answers Gracielle! So cute about Ryzza Mae – she’s so popular here! I assume you have TFC? Hehehe. And right, pointing with your lips help. LOL. It’s so amazing because my response to your question as to where I’d take you when you visit is the same thing you answered here – beaches, karaoke! Wow.
I can relate with friends bonding — it’s so nice to be reunited with good old friends and to see their kids too.I also agree that the corporate world is stressful but like you, when I stay home for a long time, I get bored! I’ve always said I wanna be a stay at home mom but I don’t think it’s for me. At least not for now. Thanks so much for swapping with me. I had so much fun answering your questions and getting to know more about you. 🙂
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I don’t have TFC but my mom told me all about Ryzza Mae and we binge watched her videos on YouTube. My mom had to translate for me. Haha! I kept thinking the same thing as I was reading your answers – we are very similar! Thanks again for sharing your Friday with me 🙂
LOVE the work selfie! I sometime miss my behind the desk life and wonder how life would be different if I had gone back. I admire you for being able to juggle everything! Great swap ladies!
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My desk is like my little sanctuary where I can sit. And think. And get stuff done!! You can’t see in the pic but there’s a mini keurig and a mini fridge in my cube, too. Thanks for hosting this awesome linkup, Tiffany!
This was a great swap! I love seeing new people joining in on AskAwayFriday. I loved getting to know you through your swap. I too, want to move to Florida, but alas, my family, my husband’s work and other things have us stuck in the midwest. Not to far from you, actually!
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Where abouts are you in IL? Our family and friends are here and it’s hard to think of leaving the place where we grew up, especially for my husband. But I tell him that they will definitely come visit us if we move to Florida! Thanks for reading along, Echo!
I loved this!! HAHA YES, Chicagoans get SUPER MEGA PISSY about us ‘burb kids claiming their set 🙂
WESTSIDE! AURORA/NAPERVILE 6-3-0 BABY! 3-1-2 sounds cooler..
Anyway back to you, I think it’s awesome that you’re holding down corporate, mommying, and blogging.
Florida seems to be pulling at your heart strings, do you see a move anytime in the near future? I mean before I move from SC, Florida isn’t too far. 🙂
I am so proud/happy for you, seeing you at MommyCon via stalking you on IG made me happy.
XOXO
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I had so much fun at MommyCon! I’m having serious editing issues with wordpress so I haven’t been able to post my review! ARRRGHHH!!!
I’m in the early planning stages of moving to FL. We know we want to do it and it’s best for our family, but that’s big move and I don’t know where to begin! LOL What do you mean you’re moving from SC?!?
Yea I am one of them LOL. Beause I actually live in Chicago. BUT Big KUDOS for stepping up and being transparent that you are from the ‘burbs of Chicago.shows you are pretty mature 🙂 The way I look at it is the public needs to know there is life outside of Chicago and should be educated about Illinois towns,and then easily reference it to how many miles you are from Chicago,or say simply “a suburb from Chicago” Easy fix!
Shoot,I even have family and friends from Northwest INDIANA claming they are from Chicago-now THAT is so wrong lol! I think it is great you are comfortable with being a working mom and that is a great point you made about being able to provide for your family-as a fellow working mom myself I wholeheartedly agree that we can provide them with things even we may not were given as a child,and I would be pretty restless too after awhile! But don’t forget,you are still eligible to join the Windy City Blogging Collective, I highly recommend it,and we can meet up at pretty cool events-the bloggers are all over from the Chicago suburbs and not just from the city!
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Haha! I’m always cautious when I say “Chicago” because I’m not really from there. But seriously, “Carpentersville” is soooooo un-sexy! It kills me just typing it out C A R P E N T E R S V I L L E. Haha! YES, I’ve been meaning to check out Windy City Blogging Collective. I had so much fun at MommyCon that I’d love to attend more events around here.
Your pastor is very smart. I wish we had had counseling or advice or something before we got married. We weren’t even married six months before Scarlet surprised us. So it’s like we are backwards – falling in love and growing together now, after kids. It’s so important to model that love and respect for kids.
You’re smart!
And I’d be itching to work if I stopped, but you definitely had the best maternity leave known to mankind.
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Arielle actually came 6 months before our wedding! Oops. But we were together for 10 years before she arrived, so in the end timing didn’t really matter. That pastor was so sweet, his words of advice really resonated with us.
I love the quote form your pastor. Your kids are watching and listening to everything that you say or do.
I would love to go to FL again to.Disney. I’m hoping I can before my youngest gets too old.
Uplifting Families recently posted…Top 10 Hidden Home Hazards
I’m glad we went to counseling before we got married – our pastor was really sweet and that quote really resonated with us. You’re never too young for Disney!! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
this was awesome! my 2 favorite filipino bloggers! gracielle, you look so cute in your work attire. i’m the same way…i love work and prefer it to being a stay at home mom.
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I like getting dressed up for work! Just another reason why I like being a working mom. 🙂
Great swap! Alyssa is beautiful, Gracielle! I would love to make it to a blogger conference, that would definitely take me out of my comfort zone. I love “Ice Cream Anti Social”, that is so me! LOL! I am shy when it comes to putting myself out there…one of the great comforts of online, After this winter, I am so ready to get out of Illinois and go someplace warmer! LOL! Have a great weekend, Gracielle!
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Thanks, Stacey! I’m so over this weather!!!! We just stayed in today because it was cold, rainy and gloomy. Hopefully it’ll get nicer this week!