Dear I AM Modern Readers,

What are our top priorities in life? What do we really, truly care about as modern women? Is it philanthropy, our children's education, or is it family? What about our health, our careers, our looks, our sense of style? What makes us stay awake at night and what gives us complete joy and bliss? In the last fours years that we've been profiling women and talking to thousands of businesses and community leaders in the suburbs of D.C. we found the answer. It is not one of those things; it is all of those things. What matters in our lives more than anything else is balance. It is the balance between career and family, giving and receiving and love and rationality. It seems that the women who have it together, no matter how chaotic their lives may seem, know best how to prioritize and are masters at managing those things that are most important to them.

It has been a challenge for me to find that balance and I am happy to report I am getting there. In some cases, the results of pushing back and setting boundaries are often harder to establish then it may seem. I may be tempted to answer a text that comes in during my children's bed time routine but I find the logic and reason in my brain and heart to say, “not now.” The more we realize and accept that we cannot be all things all the time to all people, is the moment we can raise our victory flags to life.

I am happy to conduct my business around my children's lives. I am lucky to be inspired by each “Modern Woman” I meet on my journey as a publisher and I am accepting of my flaws, but as accepting as I am of my flaws, I am even more
eager to improve myself. In my personal quest for a better life, I want to share with you this issue filled with stories that filled our hearts and warmed our souls here at I AM Modern Magazine.

Hulya Aksu,
Founding Publisher
Modern Mom Media Corporation

PROFILES:
Tammy Goddard
Tina Johnson
Karen Schaufeld
Carolyn Severo
Becky Lee

BLOGS:
Travelogue by CATHERINE DECENZO
A Fortuitous Fiesta by MATTHEW KAISER
Grandparents by TRACEY PARENT
Rachel Harris
Tips on How To Be Frugal by CATHERINE DECENZO
The First Year by GREG DOHMANN

HEALTH & BEAUTY:

Yoga in Northern Virginia by MARY PARTLOW LAUTTAMUS
Poor Oral Hygiene by MONICA HOPKINS & DR. MARY GHARAGOZLOO
Take a Walk on the Wild Side or Jump, Run, Dance by SHELLEY MCCULLERS
Sexless Marriage by SARAH PETER

HOME:
Buying A New Home in the Northern Virginia Area by ZARIF SAHIN

PARENTING:
What to Say When Your Child is Being Cyber Bullied by CHRIS CROLL
Praise, Challenge, Praise by JOHN CASSIDY
The Trick to Happy, Healthy Kids by ESHTER BOYKIN
Unruly Kids by CATHERINE DECENZO
Girls in Science by SUSAN SWAYZE

LOCAL BUSINESSES:
Animal Critical Care by KARINA MCKEE
A Labor of Love: Olde Towne Pet Resort by MAYRA RUIZ MCPHERSON

THINGS TO DO:
Fall Activities in Northern Virginia  by ANN NERI GAUSE

BOOK REVIEWS:
Modern Classics by JESSAMYN AYERS

SCHOOL REVIEWS:
Bristow Montesori School by LINDSEY WILLIAMS