Supermom Syndrome

I was so excited to have Gretchen over to see my Fox Five segment! I thought she would be the perfect person to ask because she would give me honest advice, and be very excited for me. However, when she claimed Fox Five had asked her first to do my correspondent position, I felt she was trying to steal my thunder.

Of course, the minute Gretchen left my home I called my Fox Five producer to confirm if this was true, and she said it was absolutely not true. They were only asking Gretchen to do one segment as a co-host with me, and had no plans ever of giving Gretchen her own correspondent position. It was like Gretchen had to say that to make herself feel better because she couldn't be truly happy for my success. Beside that fact, I have had similar things happen where I have been asked to host an appearance and I had to say no because I was already booked, then Gretchen would end up doing it and I never once felt I should call her and tell her that. What for? What good does it do? It's a slap in the face, and not very supportive. If you live by the golden rule, you try to imagine how something would make you feel before you say it. Well, now I know firsthand how it feels and why I was right to never tell Gretchen when she was chosen second for that particular event -- I was being a good friend.

The truth is, I have felt a disconnect with Gretchen that started months ago. I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was, but now watching all of the episodes thus far, I can see I wasn't imagining it. The saddest part is that it only gets worse throughout the upcoming episodes. There are several things that confirm my premonitions. In an upcoming episode, something occurs between Gretchen and I that absolutely crushes me, and I know you will all see the true colors of all the women by the end of the season. There is an accumulation of several things that are very eye opening.

I thought it was so cute watching Terry play pool with his son! I can completely understand where Heather is coming from trying to decide if she should go back to work or not. It is a struggle. I feel it's just a balance that is difficult to find when one is a dedicated mother and a strong-minded business woman.

I asked Jim his advice about hiring a talent coach, because he always takes the realistic approach. We talk about everything. When I first began working again, I told him I wanted to keep my priorities straight, because with this career it is SO easy to get diverted. I always want to be sure I'm juggling everything evenly. I trust him the most to tell me if I'm making a good decision. He plays devil's advocate for my sake, but he ultimately always wants me to do what I want. It's absolutely not true that I don't want to be a stay-at-home mom. I am very dedicated to my children. I choose to work from 8 am to 2 pm while they are in school. I think that's why I'm struggling so much this year, because my career is taking off and demanding more time, but I'm not willing to give up volunteering in their classes once a week, making their school lunches, cooking dinners, taking them to/from school and games, and being home with them almost every day from the time they are out of school until the time they go to bed. Timing is everything, and managing time is a skill that even the best moms out there can tell you they struggle with. I call what I'm experiencing "Supermom Syndrome" -- something all career-minded-hands-on-moms go through. It doesn't make us worse moms or bad business people, it's something worthy of praise that means everyone will have to pitch in a little more to make it happen. But the decisions to do so have to make sense for the whole family in every aspect, and that's why any smart Supermom uses her husband as a sounding board and partner in the decision making.

Vicki shocked me by flying to Vegas and supporting Gretchen! Good job Vicki to put the past behind you and try to move forward. I think it's awesome and shows again how happy Vicki is. Although it's hilarious that she is expecting an apology back from Gretchen! Vicki is a character! She always keeps you chuckling.

I was seriously falling out of my chair laughing at my makeup in Vegas! Oh holy moly! First let me just start by saying that my usual Vegas makeup artist, Rain, was out of town, so I had to hire someone else. I didn't mention my bruises to her when I spoke to her over the phone, and I truly think that when she walked in the room and saw my bruises under my eyes, she freaked out a little. That makeup artist was so sweet and was trying so hard, but bless her heart, by the third layer of foundation I knew we had a serious problem! Honestly if I had gone out for the evening with no makeup on and full bruises exposed, I would have gotten a lesser reaction than with the three-layer fudge look. I simply could not bring myself to hurting her feelings, and I knew the quicker I got her out of the room, the faster I could wipe off and start over! Jim and I still laugh so hard about that night!

I truly feel like Tamra and Heather are the "mean girls" from high school. Does anyone know what that feels like? I never had to deal with it at 15 years old, but I'm going through it at 35 years of age on national television! They are the bullies who thrive on hurting other people. They think they can say whatever they want, no matter how preposterous (like my children are not my own!!!) because they have no heart. I'm the sacrificial lamb this season, and I'm done letting them abuse me. Just because I choose to be kinder doesn't mean I won't defend myself against the horrible behavior these evil women project. Light will always outshine the dark. For future reference, if they want to talk smack in interviews, they can just say it to my face.

On a much happier note, we are two weeks away from opening our first Sky Zone location, in Anaheim, CA, so we are keeping very busy. You can follow our progress on our Facebook page Sky Zone Anaheim,as well as see current videos on its status! Hoping everyone has a fun-filled, successful week! XO

Keep Believing,
Alexis