Aug 9, 2012

{It’s Been Quiet…hasn’t it?}

After a few month hiatus, and after actually considering shutting it down, I’m back.  I guess I should say, “we’re back.”  There are a couple of things I have learned in my first year of blogging that I thought I would share:

1.) My blog isn’t perfect and it doesn’t claim to be.  And although I hate it as much as you do, there will be spelling and grammar mistakes.  I try really hard not to have them, but I am often writing these posts late at night after I’ve worked 10+ hours, cooked dinner, bathed a child, cleaned a house, and graded papers.  I do it because I really like it, and need the creative outlet.  It helps me be me.  I do it to share, to communicate with people, and to reach out…not to make money or to become famous.  I’ve made about $200 this year from my blog, which has paid for a few gallons of paint.  It’s definitely not profitable.

2.) It will be at a slower pace.  It’s expensive to do all the projects we want to do, and we just don’t always have the money.  I have a wish list that is a mile long, but a very small budget.  Yes, we try to do things on the cheap to save money, but it all still costs money to do even some of the smallest projects.

3.) Sometimes, I just don’t know what to do, or what to write about.  I experienced major writer’s block this summer…I was paralyzed.  I kept asking, “What’s my next move?  Where do I go from here?”  I was overwhelmed, and quite honestly, nothing inspired me.  I read a lot of DIY blogs, and some seem to write about just about everything under the sun, which I think is great, but I just don’t feel my life is that interesting. 

4.) I’m adding more to my plate, and not taking anything away.  I’m a bit crazy…I know this.  Raising “the kid” plus all the rest makes me...busy, but happy.  I’m happiest when I’m busy and doing lots.  I am currently in a program to get an add on certificate for school administration, working full time (starting back in three days), teaching at the local community college, and I’ve started swimming again.  My swimming goal…Nationals Short Course Meet in May of 2013!  I am ready to compete again, plus I moved to a new age group…35-40 years.  Ha!  Wasn’t it just yesterday I was an 8 and under?  It certainly, feels like it.

5.) I’m gluten and dairy free.  I am not really sure if I have an actual allergy to any of those things, but it’s been a great change for me, and I’ve felt pretty good physically.  I’ve lost about 10 pounds, too.  I’d like to lose more, and my goal is to lose 30 more, but slow and steady is the goal. 

Current projects…

  • Kitchen updates…lighting, countertops, tile backsplash, additional cabinetry
  • Morning Room / Play Room organization…shelving, shelving, shelving
  • Curtains…must sew more
  • Art for the den…sunny is the inspiration

Oh, and by the way…thanks for all of your emails!  I’ve appreciated those of you who have reached out wondering where I’ve been.

9 comments:

  1. Welcome back, sometimes it's just so important to take a break, to rest and recharge!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, I agree....taking a break sometimes is essential. Good luck with all your projects and by the way, we aren't here to judge how "exciting" someone's life is...if you have something to share, it's all good!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Erin - I am happy that you are back. Your blog inspires me. I don't give a flip about grammatical correctness and typos; what's awesome to me is that you are a mother, career woman, wife, student, DIYer and an amazing creative one at that. It is motivating to hear about what all you've got on your plate and how you balance it all. I am so relieved to read you decided against throwing in the towel on us out here (LOL!) So much so, I wanted to tell you this (even though we are complete strangers). I don't always comment but I am a constant reader. Welcome back!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks so much. Lisa, your comments brought tears to my eyes. Thanks so much for your support.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lisa stated it perfectly! "Charming" is a perfect word for your blog because that's exactly what you are, honestly. I love that you are a such "real" blogger (but probably even better because you are so much more creative than I!). :) Welcome back and keep up the great work ( at whatever pace that may be!)!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your honesty and sincerity. Than you so much for comming back

    ReplyDelete
  7. HI Erin,

    I lost everything I just typed.

    Anyway, just wanted to say a big "Thanks" for this blog. You and I have similar styles, so I've used it all summer to show my husband what I want to do. He needs something visual before he's willing to jump in and try it ourselves, so I've shown him your mudroom bench, door casings, etc.

    Also, I've not noticed spelling or grammar mistakes, but wouldn't care a bit if I did. You are only human honey and we all have the same number of hours in the day. Quite frankly, I don't know how you do it all.

    Good luck with your fitness goals and I hope you continue to grace us with your presence.

    ReplyDelete
  8. No matter what you do, you must not trash the blog. You offer too much inspiration! There are those of us out in blog land that look forward to your updates no matter how few and far between. I personally have been so inspired by your projects that I completed my own mudroom about a month ago. I shamelessly copied tons (most) of your ideas from your mudroom, and totally (as in completely) copied your "casings done easy" post to frame it out. I'd love to show you, but I don't have a blog. (I pinned it to my pinterest. you can email if you want a link.) I am in love with it. There is no way I would have thought I could do it without the step by step progress shots and blurbs that you so generously shared.

    GF here, I'll never go back!

    Anyway, all this to say, the worlds needs your voice, even if you only speak up now and again. So thank you!

    Wendy R goonywoo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hiya! I've just discovered your blog and have been working my way backwards through all the awesome projects - my goodness, you and your husband make a great team! Your projects are awesome and I just wanted to say that I, personally, don't give a rat's patootie if you make a grammatical error or two. ;-)

    This is a great blog and I appreciate that you open up and share your efforts with us all! Thank you and please keep blogging, ok? (No pressure. LOL)

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment.