Malcolm Gladwell famously wrote in his book Outliers that after 10,000 hours of practice, anyone can become an expert. Rather than set my sights on becoming a virtuoso, basketball star or CEO, I’m aiming to become a good mom.
I already hit that number with my first child, but life with two is a whole new world. I’m relearning what it takes to be a new mom—and trying to be gentle with myself as I struggle, strive and sometimes swear.
My name is Catherine Ryan Gregory, and I’m a writer living outside Portland, Oregon. I’m mama to our darling Peeper, a 2-year-old who loves to jump but hates to eat, and Kiwi, our newest addition who came out babbling and hasn’t stopped since. Motherhood is already proving to be full of rewards, challenges and more loads of laundry than I ever thought humanly possible. Join me for the ride!
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I love this plan. Although, I am approximately 65,000 hours in and sometimes I feel like I may be going backwards. Hopefully you are counting sleeping, because those seem to be the most important hours. 🙂
Haha, sleeping *definitely* counts! There wasn’t a whole lot of sleeping for the first six months anyway. 😉
Catherine! Can you email me at thismomgig@gmail.com— or is there another way to reach you? I have a question. Small world (some kind of supernatural sign even). Thanks! Kelly
I absolutely love your blog name and its meaning!!
The Ten Thousand Hour Mama..such a great vision to strive for. I’m inspired!
Thank you! It’s something I continue to work on. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog! 🙂
Thank you, Alma! Glad you’re here!
How did I not realize that we both have an Edith?? I guess I always see you call her Peeper haha
Haha I know! We should have them meet. We’d both be yelling after them and they’d be so confused! Haha!
What a great blog name and meaning behind it. I have yet to read Outliers – here’s one more reason! I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Thank you, Louise! Glad you’re along for the ride. 🙂
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Hey Catherine,
I hope you’re having a great Wednesday! My name is Cara and I’m from Eventbrite, the largest self-service ticketing platform in the world that helps people find and plan events. I loved your post about the meaning behind the 4th of July!
We have a fun summer project we want you to be a part of. In the spirit of squashing FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), our goal is to get people away from Netflix and Chill, and into the habit of GOMO (Going Out More Often).
Help us end FOMO once and for all by sharing your plans through a post on your blog. This summer is going to be about spending on experiences rather than material items.
Let me know what you think. Talk soon!