I recently read a blog post on other’s feelings towards mommy/crafty blogs. I was a little surprised to read that some people did not like blogs that were too positive. They felt like mommy blogs might portray a false sense of life or worse yet, feel bad about themselves because the mommy blog looked like that they had a perfect life.
Looked like they had their act together, that they were happy all the time. Not real enough.
I had a discussion with my friend about it and joked that I should write a disclosure on my blog that read: ”Attention, attention this blog is meant to inspire. This blog is not to make you feel better about my shitty days.”
She said I should write something about the behind the scenes life; good and bad.
I laughed. Because I am not a good writer. I am good at conversation and I am visual. My pictures tell the story.
But then I thought why not let people into that side of your day? Tell them all about your recent bout of bleh feelings? Why not show them how you neglect your laundry and dishes? Or how your 2 happy girls are really tornadoes in disguise.
Why not show how you are the worst procrastinator on the planet?
Sure. Why not?
Which brings me to my blog title. You all remember that book right?
It was one of my favorites. I even recited part of it at our local Peach Blossom Festival in 5th grade.
That line pretty much sums up how I have really felt the past few weeks.
Bleh.
Irritated. Emotional. Anxious. Angry. Tired. Stressed out.
Insecure
Want to run and hide from my toddlers.
Uninspired. Unmotivated. Lonely. Overwhelmed. Sad.
You get it.
I hate when I feel that way. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen very often. I am generally a very “glass full kind of girl.”
These feelings usually follow something. And I had a week of my 2 girls being sick with viruses and then I got sick on top of it.
A long, hard 2 weeks.
I also thought it was a good time to answer the question—”How do you have time to do it all?”
I don’t.
I start projects and don’t finish them. I take on too much all the time.
I do what I can when I can. Each day is a new priority. Each day I try to accomplish something. What I don’t do is watch very much TV. I watch maybe 1 to 3 hours per WEEK. Not day. Per week.
I don’t spend a lot of time on hair and makeup. I should but I don’t. I wear a hat 5 days a week.
The other parts of my day are spent parenting, running errands, cooking, hanging with my hubby, hanging with friends, cleaning, changing diapers, editing photos, crafting, obsessing over things, talking on the phone, checking email, way too much time on facebook, and living life.
I blog at night time. I am a night owl.
It’s all a balancing act and some days I am better at it than others.
I admit I am overly ambitious. I always have been. Bite off more than I can chew.
This was started with the intent to grow into something. A journal? A business? And it has evolved into so much more. I love it.
It’s an outlet for me.
I promise that I won’t be writing too many of these bleh posts.
You see, I don’t have very much help. I am on my own most days with 2 small children.
I have a babysitter every now and then but that’s it.
My in laws are wonderful and also help out when they can and of course I am blessed to have an amazingly hands on husband.
But I am 3000 miles away from the rest of my family.
This blog was started so that I could keep a portfolio of my projects.
It is meant to keep my family and friends connected.
It is meant to INSPIRE.
A glimpse into my days.
My good days……not my bad ones.
There you have it. Disclosure done.
Gina - Ah, Jodi…you have days like the rest of us?! I love that you’re a “glass half full” kinda gal and always find your sharings to be motivating. You inspire me to spend less time in front of the tv, and more time being creative in what ever moves me at the moment.
I’m glad you’re able to share the “bleh” days, but you’re absolutely right…we want to see the awesomeness and wonders that you share here (although I do like seeing that you’re house isn’t always perfect either!).
jaime - I luv this Jodi – You are inspiring and have been nothing but, honest from the 1st day I met ya! Life ins’t perfect, it gets messy sometimes but, no matter how messy it get’s you can always clean it up! Love ya!
Felisha - I love this! This is the story of every mom & it helps to know you’re not alone. Thanks for the honesty and inspiration
stacey - you nailed it. love this! you are a big inspiration to many and maybe a few folks will be even more inspired to realize you too are human…. gosh, what else would you be
brilliant post!
Ruby - Jodi, seeing this made me feel not so alone in all I do!
Thanks for the inspiring post!
kristin - Yes, sometimes it’s paint spills and burnt cupcakes, isn’t it?
Kellie Havlin - Hey Jodi
Your blog is nicely written. Having a 4 month old to look after doesn’t always relate in having ‘free’ time. My husband thinks that I watch television, have fun and get to take ‘kitty cat naps.’ Although some of this is true, it is because I WORK at raising our son. Anyone who asks the question, “So, how does it feel to be a mom?” My response, without hesitation, “It’s a FULL TIME job.” You have to get up, clock into work (in my case, feeding when the baby is hungry around 6am), play and entertain the baby, check email and FB, eat lunch, feed again, etc. And, yes, I still have Collin on a 3 hour feeding schedule. Oh, I forgot to mention taking him on a 3 mile walk before it gets too hot outside. Yeah, being a Full Time mom is crazy, fun and inspiring.
As far as the makeup routine goes, well that’s for special occasions or if I am meeting former colleagues for lunch, which is very rare. Having just left my job of 14 years at Clinique, I can say that I only wear sunscreen now. I can relate to wearing a hat 5 days a week. I wear a headband about 6 days a week. I may wear a hat if my hair doesn’t look great in a headband. The funny thing is, is that I don’t care!
Much like you, all my family is back home in California and I am here in Texas. No support, at all. Thankfully my husbands mother is a dotting grandmother who makes an effort in seeing all of her grandchildren a couple times a year. I just need to get my parents turned on to Skype. At least this way, I can feel a little closer and in turn, they can see their grandson grow.
Thanks again for the blog. This is my first time ever writing on a blog. It must be the mutual connection that we share
Onida - well said. As a mother, I often bite off more than I chew! I have enjoyed reading your blog. thank you for the disclosure.
stephanie - I have to echo one of the other comments…Brilliant post!:) When i first started being a a stay at home mom with our little one, i looked at many mom blogs. And have to say yours takes the cake bc you have seemed to combine many things that are out there. Thank you for your honesty and behind scenes of your blog:)
admin - Thank you everyone for the sweet comments and amazing feedback. These comments alone serve as inspiration for me!
Grandma Evy - very good honest post; for someone who doesn’t like to write, you expressed you thoughts and feelings so very well and the pictures worked perfectly.
you are very good at this and so many things.
also, I LOVE the sisters picture of the girls with the glasses!
Grandma Sherry - HI Honey- love this honest disclosure!! You are amazing and I wish I was there more to give you a hand!! Kisses and hugs for my babies….miss you and love lots and lots
Margie - Oh thank God! You are human and you are writing the instruction manual on “How to remain calm after your sanity takes the 8:05″..
Seriously, had someone explained to me (well, they probably tried to, but I wasn’t tuned-in) how difficult some of my parenting days would be, I would never have given birth!
Like I always say, “no instruction manual plopped out upon the delivery and I’m doing the best that I can. I’m making this up as I go’….but the truth is, isn’t that why we moms are so creative? We can be only so flexible, and after that, well, we simply have to ‘wing it’.
Kudos for your honesty. Do you know how many mama’s you have helped with this post?
XO!
Susie - Ha!…..I’d never read your disclosure and through it I’ve found so much I can relate to..I stay at home with three under 5 year olds…(1,3,& 4.) I have half sewn dresses, half knitted scarves, and many other half done ideas/projects tucked away for “when I have time.” I guess the stuff/projects we do get done are all that much sweeter when you factor in the chaos of everyday life…thanks so much for being real…best wishes!
Very Random–Gardening and Life | paintchips & cupcakes - [...] on thoughts and mainly display what I love doing most–photography. Last year I wrote up a full disclosure, so there is no need for me to go into a complete rant but I thought I would share in some of OUR [...]