by Lianne Bergeron

I own a bicycle built for six.

The reason I wanted to start with that statement is because it sums up a whole lot about my life at the moment.

I am a Canadian mom living in Holland, land of the bikes. I have four kids, aged 4,5,7 and 8 – who all have their own bikes but prefer to be chauffeured around in mine.  I do everything with my bike: grocery shopping, school pick-ups, doctor’s appointments, date nights etc. It has become a part of me, my daily life.  My legs are also in good shape, which is an added bonus. People don’t recognize me if I’m not using my bike. It’s a one of a kind!

I am an entrepreneur. I have worked for as long as I can remember. I spent many years in new media – teaching and consulting – all over the world, which is also how I met my husband. He hired me for a project – and that was that. (I still sent him my invoice by the way…)

Flash forward to baby number four!   I had to stop working.  I was so tired that I was running on adrenaline, which in turn, kept me awake at night even when everyone was sleeping. For two years, we slept every afternoon from 1-3pm. No exceptions.  I kept busy with daily life but found myself volunteering for big school projects, committing to sitting on the board of the daycare, etc.  I am someone who likes to work.

Last year I picked up an idea that I had worked out while expecting my third child.  It was based on a successful booklet I had written some time ago for photographers about digital photography. It was Q&A based, postcard size and a great success.  The outcome has led to a series of booklets called: Lianne’s Quick Guide for the Busy Woman.

The first is about Babies 0-6 months and the next two (expected by summer 2012) are Babies 6-12 months and First Aid (daily life style).  They are Q&A based, small and to the point and I love them.

But now that I’m back at work with a full load of kids, I have to figure out balance. It was never an issue. I worked a lot – had long vacations. Then I had a lot of kids. Now I have to find a way to combine the two without compromising too much on what’s important for Me – Lianne and Me – the mother.

Living in Holland helps with that. People take time to enjoy life in a way that North American’s don’t.  They say that Dutch mothers are the most balanced. What do I think?  Stay tuned!

Lianne Bergeron is an author and entrepreneur who lives and works near Amsterdam with her Dutch husband and four kids. She’ll share her life abroad without family support, kids that speak Denglish and traditions that aren’t hers. Life with four kids and 10 bikes and her on-going quest to balance it all on her bicycle built for six.  Follow her on Twitter and read more about her books at LiannesQuickGuide.com.