Execumama  

When I look at Ayata, I think "that does NOT look like the stomach of a woman with FOUR children!  She's a mother, wife, and successful mortgage loan consultant in the fast-paced California Bay Area, and she puts in WORK!  Ayata reminds us that we can make time for ourselves--hectic Execumama schedule and all! Take a peek into Ayata's world and get inspired. I sure did!

My Family, My Career:
My day starts out at 6:30 a.m. I start off with meditation and prayer because that helps me to deal with the day's events. By 7:15, I'm making my way down the hall to wake the little ones, and I can hear the sheets being pulled over their heads. My mind starts racing with thoughts of what I have to accomplish for the day. In the midst of getting the kids ready for school, I realize that my husband's still sleeping! I think, should I slap him?- LOL. Naah, that would take up some of my time. I flip to CNBC and The Today Show for my much-needed financial fix. In my line of work, I have to be on top of my game at all times. My 7 year old comes stomping in to advise me that he doesn't want oatmeal for breakfast. He is interrupted by my 18 month old who comes running down the hall screaming that she does want oatmeal, which apparently, she has to have as soon as she's up.  What a queen! She will soon have to learn that there's only one queen in this house, and that's me!

So, I'm doing all of this and oh yeah! I must flip open my laptop to read my Brokers MMG Report. This is another MUST in my line of work. I take a breath, and realizing that my 8 year old daughter is still not going with the plan, I promise myself (again) that I won't do any more yelling. But Lord, this sweet child just does her own thing every single morning! Why doesn't she realize that it would make me so very happy if she would just be OBEDIENT! Uggh!

I'm trying to get out of the house, half-dressed, checking my Blackberry, and running to the car. I manage to get the kids to school on time though - Yippee!

Now back to the house to truly begin my hectic day!  The crazy thing about it is, I wouldn't trade my life. Something about all the chaos excites me.  I love that I can be around and be an advocate for my kids at their school. I attend field trips, school plays, potlucks, and PTA meetings, and my children appreciate the fact that I am available for them at home. Family members use to put me down because I wasn't doing what they thought I should be doing. You know, the usual "GO TO SCHOOL, GET A GOOD JOB" sermon. Naaah, that wasn't for me, I was DESTINED to be a successful business woman, and I'M QUITE proud of myself! 10 years of marriage, beautiful children, and a kick-butt career.

My SELF:
Once I've taken the children to school, I get on my patio for my daily workout; jump-rope, lunges, sit-ups, squats. This is how I try to stay in shape, and I would have it no other way! I have to give those 30 minutes to myself because I give so much to everybody else, and I deserve MY time, ya feel me, ladies?! Usually, my 18 month old is next to me with her own little jump rope, getting her toddler-fit on. She's so precious! As I'm typing this, I'm still in the same sweats I had on while working out! I'm sorry, but I don't have time to change!! My 18 month old is hungry and I'm about to fall out over this laptop from how dizzy I got during my workout - LOL. Not to mention, I must order an appraisal, and call an agent I'm trying to network with, and oh yeah, I'm trying to help my little sister in New York find a job. What the heck, do I think I'm superwoman? I tell myself that I'm not going to over-extend myself this year (uggh!), but I'm not sure if I'm staying true to that decision. I'm trying to make some important calls, but my daughter decides she wants to get in on the conversation. I give my client the famous line, "I'm sorry, I'm working from home today, please pardon the noise." I'm amazed at how I accomplish all these things daily, while teaching my daughter her ABC's, her colors, and the always fun potty training...arggh!

I feel successful at what I do, and that reward keeps me going. I made the decision a long time ago NOT to make my children an excuse, but instead to make them my REASON. I like to call it my "WHY". Believe it or not, I talk to a lot of moms who wish they can be home and still have a career they can call their own. It's hard work, but it's so worth it. I also have the advantage of going into the office 2-3 days out of the week for a couple of hours. That helps to keep me sane!!

So there you have it; PROOF positive that though an Execumama's work is never done, that doesn't stop her from doing the dang thang and shining in the process. Find your "Why" and get your Execumama on!