Meet Brandi Parker, Wife to Travis Parker, Mom to Ava (7)
Where do you work and what do you do? Tell us a bit about it. What are some of your goals with it?
I became a nurse in 2011 and currently work as the director for an Ambulatory Surgery Center. I love my job because it allows me to touch the lives of so many. Not only my employees but also each patient who comes through our doors. With this job I’m responsible for the entire center from the day to day operations and employees to regulatory compliance. One goal I have currently is to obtain my MBA. This will allow me to have a better understanding of the business side.
What is your favorite and most rewarding part of being a mom?
Seeing my daughter learn about everything has been very rewarding. It’s like one day she was a newborn and the next day she started telling me how to do multiplication. But the truly most rewarding part of being a Mom is the unconditional love. Every time she gives me a hug, I think my heart could burst.
What is the hardest part of being a mom?
Balancing EVERYTHING. I want my daughter to remember me playing with her and being active in her childhood. It’s very challenging balancing the daily responsibilities of work, dinner, homework, being present, cleaning the house, etc.
What gets you up in the morning?
CAFFEINE! And knowing that I have the opportunity to impact someone’s life.
What makes you laugh?
Ava’s crazy dance moves.
What has been the biggest life lesson that you have learned being a parent?
Patience, I want to fix everything but as a mom, you can’t. Learning to be patient and letting things work themselves out has definitely been a learning opportunity.
What is your parenting mantra?
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” That might be my life mantra, lol!
How do you balance it all?
Some days I don’t. The house isn’t always clean, the laundry isn’t always done, and we get takeout a lot. It was difficult to accept this for a while, but this is one season of my life and it’s OK. I wish there was a magic solution that would help moms everywhere balance everything, but there’s not. You just have to keep going.
How do you relate to other #bossmoms?
I relate to other #bossmoms because just like them, I’m trying to balance everything. I want to be present in my daughter’s life but I also love my job and the people I work with, I love my husband, and I want to keep my house clean. I want to do ALL the things and do them well.
What is some advice you have for other #bossmoms trying to balance it all?
There’s two things that I think are invaluable: 1. Take time for yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, get a pedicure, a massage, read a book. Do whatever it is that you need to fill your tank. 2. You can’t do it all. We want to so badly, but sometimes you’ve got to let the house be messy, get takeout and have a dirty car.
If you could have any superpower to help parent your kids, what would it be?
The ability to pause time. This would be helpful for many reasons. It would let me keep her little, just a little longer but also, allow me to spend more time with her and not have to worry about everything else that needs to be done. Another benefit would be when she’s struggling to get along with someone or understand a situation, I could stop time and help her through it.
What is your go-to meal at home that you cook? Can you share the recipe?
Tacos/Burritos
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, onions, tomatoes, sour cream, lettuce or shredded cabbage, shredded cheese, taco sauce, taco shells
Directions:
1. Brown ground beef and season according to package instructions.
2. Warm taco shells.
3. Top with your choice of toppings.
What are some fun activities you like to do in your free time?
Exercise, shopping, spending time with family
What do you do for YOU on a weekly basis?
Get up early on Sunday mornings and enjoy a few quiet moments to catch up on TV, reading, etc.
BRANDI’S FAVORITES
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK
Currently loving the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso!
FAVORITE GAINESVILLE RESTAURANT
Cilantro Tacos
FAVORITE MOVIE
Sweet Home Alabama
FANTASY DINNER PARTY GUESTS?
Betty White, Reese Witherspoon
FAVORITE STORE
Target, of course
GO-TO FRAGRANCE
Sunflowers
FAVORITE THING TO EAT?
Key lime pie
SOUNDTRACK PLAYING IN YOUR HOME?
A-O-K by Tai Verdes
FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS?
Play board games and do cartwheels and handstands.
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