husband Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

This Envelope

envelope

This envelope right here. This envelope here holds my son’s monthly tuition for preschool. This envelope used to be a bit of a stress factor for me during that first week of the month. While our co-op is definitely affordable compared to many daycares and private preschool programs, it is still a nice chunk of change that I wasn’t always sure we could afford. I knew we would make it happen…because education is so important to me and my husband, and we truly value the experiences that our son had been able to have with his teacher and classmates. But I stressed all summer long about the tuition increase from last year to this year with an extra hour a day, extra day per week, cost to hire an assistant, etc. It all adds up pretty quick.

Building a business from scratch is not easy and it takes time and patience to build. It has been frustrating at times to not be an “overnight success,” but that’s just not how things work. My husband has been so supportive since I became a coach and he truly believes in me. He believes this has been a great decision for our family…even when I have doubted myself. For that I am so grateful. Quitting has never been an option, and I have continued to put in my best effort day in and day both both as a mom and as a business woman…sometimes at the same time.

So when I realized today that this week’s paycheck more than surpassed that monthly tuition we owe today, my heart just filled with happiness. To know that I was able to contribute in such a way toward my son’s education in just one week of helping others reach their goals truly shed light on a big reason WHY I do what I do.

I love helping others, and I also want to create the best life possible for my family and give my children all they deserve to be happy and successful in life. I am holding this envelope today feeling grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and feeling hopeful for the future.

Hope you all are having an amazing week and continuing to pursue your passions and dreams!

XO,

Gina

The Best Message

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I got a message from one of my challengers this morning:

“I’ve noticed some positive changes since I started P90X3 – definitely more peppy and happy when I walk into work and also feel less stressed and anxious about doing chores at the house. Also getting hungrier. I was a little later than usual this morn cuz granola wasn’t gonna cut it I needed real food – ham, eggs, cheese toast.”

You won’t believe it, but this challenger is my HUSBAND! I have been a coach now for 20 months and while he has been super supportive of me building my business, he has yet to try a program himself. I admit my jaw dropped to the floor last week when he told me he was going to give the program a shot. You see I had tried for what felt like forever, but it just goes to show that you just have to be ready to make that commitment. Even if I was ready for him to try it, he would not have been successful without making the decision himself. He’s now on Day 4 and rocking out each workout with enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see his progress the next 3 months!

In addition, it’s amazing to know that as a coach you not only are able to help people reach their goals, but that you are able to make a difference right in your own household with your own family. His decision to improve his health and fitness will have an impact on our future together. His goal is to ride his bike into his old age…to be able to play with his grandchildren. Now it may seem like that is pretty far off at this point, but really it’s not. Every step you take in life will get you a little bit closer to that goal. And I want to be climbing mountains with him and traveling the world together ’til we are old and gray.

So proud of you babe. Looking forward to growing together, continuing to make positive changes and living a healthy lifestyle for our future and for our children’s future. Keep up the great work Zack!

XO,

Gina

My 1st Mother’s Day

What a wonderful 1st Mother’s Day spent with my boys! I relaxed this weekend, and we also took a day trip to Coney Island which means I didn’t spend much time writing posts. However, I did snap a lot of photos, which I will be sharing in the next couple weeks. My favorite gifts are ones that are made with love and pull at my heart strings. This gift from my amazing husband had me in tears as he compiled a bunch of our videos of our son, Nico, who is now 8 months old (almost 9 now…eek!) It’s crazy how much you forget about each little step along the way because your baby keeps growing and changing and you have to keep up. Watching this video really hit me hard, because you cannot rewind those little moments. He will never be that tiny again. Seeing him with so little hair, making those squeaky little sounds he used to make, hating tummy time with a passion, when he really looked at me for the first time, trying those first bites of food, the first giggle, when he loved sleeping on my chest…you cannot get that back. We are forever pushing forward. Which of course, in and of itself is also extremely exciting. I love thinking about all the other firsts Nico will accomplish…but it’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing you cannot go back to when he was tiny…and it gut punches you when you realize how fast this is all going.

Nico, it has been a pleasure and a joy to be your Mom these past 8.5 months. I love you forever.

And a special belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms I know in my life. I am lucky to have wonderful grandmother’s, aunts, a godmother, ladies that I can call 2nd moms, and a fantastic mother-in-law. Most importantly, I am so lucky to have my Mom. She has shown me what it takes to be a good mom, sister, daughter, and friend. I now understand all the hard work, time, and effort you put in to raise me. I love you so much, and I cannot thank you enough for being my rock. I love our nightly chats on my walk home from the subway, and you are already an amazing Mimi to our Nico.

XO,

Gina

{21} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading The seventh and final Harry Potter book! I know it has taken me awhile to get through them all, but they are totally magical and worth it!

writing Tons and tons of e-mails for work including invites to our events and follow up from past events.

listening Patsy Cline. Nico’s new favorite lullabies. I know my Grandpa is with us when I sing to him at bedtime.

thinking That last week was insane. Zack went to San Francisco on Tuesday. I had three days of back to back meetings with a client in town, and then Nico and I flew out to meet Zack in San Fran on Friday. That’s right…I flew across the country with a baby…solo…into a three hour time change…this section should be titled not thinking. However, I am proud to say, we made it, and it was all worth it!

smelling Swiss Apple tea. Apparently it’s good for skin support. But I just love the way tastes and how it keeps me warm on these freezing cold nights.

watching Finally saw The DaVinci Code. The book was definitely better, but Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I’m glad I finally saw it.

wishing That I had invested in snow boots this winter. Who knew we would be getting pounded with this much snow? I would have gotten this pair.

hoping That my husband has a Happy 33rd Birthday today! We love you.

wearing Coats, coats, and more coats. Thankfully, I have invested in some outerwear the past few years. Definitely came in handy this winter.

loving Nico’s curiosity! He’s fascinated with the alphabet, and always stops whatever he is doing when we start spelling something to give us his complete attention. He’s also obsessed with his daddy’s guitar playing, and it’s a sure bet to stop him from fussing. It’s so awesome to see him start to notice the world around him.

laughing I’m constantly laughing with Nico every day. The sound of his laugh makes me so happy that I laugh right along with him.

wanting Spring to arrive. Sooner rather than later please!

needing To pay the bills and do laundry tonight. Meh.

feeling Happy. Although the past few months have had their ups and downs, I feel happy knowing that I have such a warm and loving family to be with each day or talk to on the phone or online each night. My family is my happy place.

craving Warmer weather! I can’t say it enough!

clicking Through VRBO to check out places in New Hampshire for a weekend summer getaway with friends. Can’t wait!

What have you been up to lately?

I’m including an extra special picture in honor of the hubby’s birthday today. Doesn’t this just pull at the heart strings? Thanks to you, Zack, for being the best Papa in the world! Hope you have an amazing day. XOXO.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

‘Tis The Season for Giving

‘Tis the season for giving! Since I already shared my holiday wish list, I thought I would provide some helpful ideas to think about when shopping for loved ones this year. I assume most of us have started at least perusing, but for those of you who haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, maybe this inspiration board will give you a little jump start. Whether you are shopping for your mom, dad, husband, wife, best friend, or boss, I hope you can find something on this list your family and friends will enjoy.

For…

1. The Sister or Best Friend: Floral necklace from Baublebar

2. The Hipster: Nerd Glasses from boohoo.com

3. The Make-Up Hoarder: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora

4. The Party Girl/Boy: Corkcicle from Uncommon Goods

5. Hostest with the Mostest: Darkest Night Red Wine Balloon Glass from Mikasa®

6. The Ski Bunny: Coal Creme Pom Pom Beanie Hat from Zumiez.com

7. The Sassy Girl: Essie Nail Polish from Target

8. The Bicyclist: RED Trace Audio Classic Helmet from Zumiez.com (Also works for skating, skiing, and snowboarding)

9. The Future Photographer: Vintage Toy Camera Onsie from Etsy

10. The Glamour Girl: MAC Russian Red Lipstick from Nordstom

11. The Dad, Hubby, or the Music Junkie: Big Blue Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Brookstone

12. For Sister or The Organizer: Kate Spade Wallet from Piperlime

13. The Mom, Grandma, or Someone Sweet: Amazing Grace Set from Philosophy

14. The Athlete: Pure Balance Water Bottle from Lululemon (made of glass covered in silicone, so no BPA!)

15. The Boss: Steve Jobs Biography from Barnes and Noble

16. The Tea Drinker: Breville Ikon Electric Tea Kettle from Gracious Home

17. The Cold Weather City Dweller: Volcom Earmuffs from Swell

18. The Coffee Addict or The Comedian: Mustache Mug from Customized Girl

Happy Shopping!

XO,

Gina