I would like to blame my slowdown in posting on my harried schedule, but truthfully I've just been uninterested. Or more honestly, I think my "audience" is uninterested. I have a lot going on. We are busy and fulfilled, but I can't seem to get these things down on paper in a creative way. Because of this, I hold back from posting. It's really a vicious cycle because I vowed I would never get like this. Worried about my "public". Who am I kidding? I have no public. I have a few faithful readers who I've "known" since forever, but other than that - I'm just one of the millions of mommy blogs out there with no specific niche. Why do I care? I never used to. I started this as a place to keep a journal of my kids' lives. I used this forum because I was surrounded by bloggers and they made it sound fun and interesting. Hell, one of my friends makes money doing this. Me, however, I struggle to make my bed daily (recall my latest post about being lazy) let alone write tons of creative, funny posts that would attract advertisers and readers.
Enough complaining...just thought I would explain my thinking of late.
Actually we have been busy. Working part time has afforded my sanity the peace it needed to become a more balanced mom. I have now entered the extracurricular circuit. We have explored many free trial first-time classes and seem to be narrowing in on some choices. Ella has chosen gymnastics (although Harry seems equally interested) and Harrison has started karate. I'm happy with the gymnastics venue and classes, but not so much with the karate. We are attending a class in a room off the gym in the neighborhood middle school. I like the "pay as you go" set-up due to Harrison's fickleness, but dislike almost everything else about it. Too much talking in language WAY over his head, and not enough direct instruction. What do I expect for $6? I also enrolled him in a great art class that is downtown in a really funky art studio. Unfortunately, I think I love it more than he does. He can't stay focused if they are doing an activity that he doesn't love - which means pretty much anything beyond building LEGOS or drawing ships. We'll stick with it. It is much more than $6.
Chris and I are having fun planning things that we want to do in the future. I planned a trip to see my dad in April. Never could find any reasonable prices for tickets to Florida, so we decided it would be best for me to go alone. My wonderful husband will single-parent for almost a week during this time.
We have our summer almost completely mapped out. On the horizon is a trip to Minnesota, and a trip for the two of us to Napa (HELP!! we are clueless on this one). This will be the first overnight away from the kids since Ella was 15 months old.
Also, we are also planning a major remodel of our house. We need more bathrooms and more space in general. We don't really have the monetary resources to do a major re-haul, but we can dream! We measured all the walls in the house and Chris is putting all the measurements into his computer on a program that can map it all out. It's so fun to take down walls, add walls, and just generally re-work the whole place. I love the entire process. I may not love it as much when reality hits and we realize that we can't do everything we'd like to.
That's about it. Nothing extremely exciting, but actually very fun for us. It's kind of like when you played "house" as a kid and everyone got along.
16 comments:
Just to say, I love reading your 'Mommy Blog' and seeing your wonderful photographs :) xxx
This is such a NICE update...
I love the way it all sounds.
AND I love to iron.
Wow, Ella's getting so big!
I'm your public! At least I think that's the category I fall into, since you haven't known me forever.
Sounds like your life is busy and full and great. Good for you!
P.S. I haven't made my bed since 1998.
I'm still reading, and I miss you. I will, actually, probably call you tomorrow :)
I've missed your posting lately. Glad things are more relaxing for you since you have cut back your working hours. Totally relate to the dreams of things we want to do with our house, but lack of money to do them. This year is a year of paying off debts from the bank screwing up our escrow account on our mortgage and waaaay too many medical bills last year. Maybe next year??
I am a loyal reader and I guess you could call me your public! I found you via DOOCE and Crazy Us (I miss Beth and family) I also am a loyal Jonniker reader. I love your blog and NEVER make my bed. I am also a MN native/resident and mom of 3!:)
Kristin
that photo of Ella is just so precious.
I'm so glad that you're doing good.
I think the computer is finally going to let me comment. I so wanted to comment on your Type L post. That's me! I am living through a remodel and yes it is exciting, but it gets old FAST. We are nearing the end, which means the primer and paint and all the awful fumes are making me sick. Paul loves the smell, I want to barf. The planning stage may perhaps be the best part of it. Stage 2 STINKS (literally) and I am about to enter stage 3 - POVERTY! When you make it back to MN this summer you will have to bring the meat to grill, we won't be able to afford it. :) Sorry we missed you over winter break. Glad to hear all is well! Post when you feel like it, I will continue to check in. Can Ella come do my ironing?
I suspect that you have a bigger audience than you realize.
I have checked in regularly since finding you. I like to see your photographs and hear about your kids. I am a mom too, and a teacher thinking about going half time. There are little connections there that bring me back to see if you've been in. I am always wishing you well.
Lorelei
You definitely have more devoted readers than you know! I am a devotee in Charleston, SC -- and I read every day -- even if it's just to check to see if you've posted anything new. Your posts are uplifting and make me feel like I'm talking with an old friend -- and forget about a specific "niche." I am a lesbian mom to one little boy — so I doubt I would fall into your "typical" demographic! Thanks for writing.
I guess now is as good a time as any to say I am your public too. A faithful reader that you don't know. I check in a couple times a week to see your photos and read your updates. I'm hooked and will continue to check back even during your L periods.
Hooray for vacations and virtual house renovations!
You guys really deserve a fantastic new year.
A writing teacher of mine used to say that a nice life is great for reality, but conflict is what makes an interesting story. I'm glad things are going so smoothly right now that you feel you're boring. (Oh, you know what I mean!) ;^)
I continue to enjoy reading your blog, and seeing your amazing photographs. Here's a quick recommendation for Napa: stay one night at the Wine Country Inn (http://www.winecountryinn.com/) in St. Helena. St. Helena is one of the most northern towns in the Napa area, but it's so worth the drive - much prettier, more quiet, scenic, and less touristy than central Napa. As far as wineries, we truly loved Mondavi, Niebaum-Coppola (especially if you're a movie buff!), Clos Pegase (very cool artwork and sculptures), and Sterling (you take this cool aerial tram to the winery at the top of a rocky knoll). I wish we could have gone to Schramsberg (champagne), but I think we needed reservations and didn't make any. Have a wonderful trip! Katie
I'm a reader too. Unlikely demographic, perhaps: no children, live in Ontario. I just enjoy the way you examine your life and the care with which you write about it.
Wow, the upcoming travel schedule sounds great! I'd love a Napa trip. I always hoped to go when my sister was living out there, but it never worked out.
Just got back from ten days in Moab. My brother is officially married and everything went quite well. We stayed in the Cottonwoods. I'd recommend them if you're looking for a condo down there. They were just a couple of blocks off the main street and not far from the big city park.
Good to hear what's going on and the house renovations sound very exciting!
Post a Comment