How did it get to be over 3 weeks since my last post?
I’ve read many posts saying you shouldn’t post to apologize for not posting. I’m not a big fan of rules like this – especially since it is my own site and I can do what I want. But, I won’t bother saying I’m sorry but, instead, will discuss what’s been going on the last couple of weeks.
What’s been going on
- Sick – The first week of May I had a bad stomach virus and was down and out for a couple of days. One day I was so sick I barely remember stumbling to my daughter’s school to pick her up at the end of the day. Next time I will definitely call someone and have them get her – I should not have been out. After I started feeling better I still had a hard time eating. It was like my appetite was gone, nothing appealed to me and nothing tasted very good. Because I wasn’t eating properly, I was weak and really overtired. The only plus side to all of this is I lost weight and some shorts that were tight-ish last year fit great now.
- Playing catch-up – When you work for yourself and by yourself, there is no one to take over when you are sick. Actually, I’ve had office jobs where no one covered for me while I was out so it really isn’t all that different. Unfortunately, I got sick at the same time that I was really busy. I know we all say we are busy all of the time but late Spring is always one of my busier times of the year (I’m not sure why that is – I think it might have something to do with tax returns). So, I notified everyone that I was unable to work for a couple of days, which worked out fine but it felt like it took 2+ weeks to get back on track. As I was priortizing, blog posts fell to the bottom of the list and as I got out of the habit of writing I found it more difficult to get back on track. I have, however, been keeping track of the post ideas. In addition to not posting, I realized that I haven’t been responding to comments – for that I do apologize.
- Plans to move – I’ve lived in my apartment for over 10 years! It’s the longest I’ve ever lived in one place – even when I was a kid I didn’t live in the same place for my parents for that long. The first seven years here were pretty good but there have been a bunch of things bothering me for the last three. The main problems are one neighbor and the amount of work that needs to be done around here due to 10 years of wear and tear. After I was sick, I asked my neighbor to stop doing something that was really annoying and his response was “you need a new hobby”. I decided enough was enough and looked for and found a new apartment. It’s only 4 blocks from where I live now so it’s going to be a lot of work for a short move. I’m not moving until later this summer but I’ve started going through everything room by room, closet by closet and drawer by drawer to get rid of everything that we don’t need, want or use. I often give things away unless it’s really valuable but my daughter has talked me into having a yard sale, which we are going to do this weekend. Right now, I’m living in chaos because I have boxes of stuff for the yard sale piled up all over the place. Anyway, this is taking up a lot of my “free” time and it’s amazing what you accumulate in 10 years – especially when you have a kid.
- Lots of work – As I mentioned earlier about playing catch-up this is also been a really busy time for me so with everything else that is going on, posting here has had a low priority. I’ve got to earn money, pile up boxes, and remember to feed my daughter’s new crayfish rather than write. ;-) (All the kids who got an A on their crayfish test in Science were allowed to bring a crayfish home if their parents said it was ok. I said ok.)
- Too hot – If you’ve been reading this site for awhile or know me in real life, you will know that I am not a fan of summer. I’d rather be cold than hot any day. And when it first gets hot, like it did over Memorial Day weekend, I feel completely drained and like I can’t breathe in the humidity. The school district actually closed school earlier yesterday because of “excessive heat”. It takes me awhile to get used to the heat so when it first starts, I do what has to be done and nothing more. I do have air conditioning in this room but other parts of my house don’t – the kitchen is the worst and it’s impossible to cook or be in there for any length of time.
So, that’s what I’ve been doing and why I haven’t been posting. I’m hoping to return to my regular posting schedule – at least until I move and then head to Vermont (to cool off).
photo credit: fivefurlongs
Hi Kim,
You have been hit by the snowball effect. You work hard to bring more jobs and the more famous you become, the harder you work and finally go into the wall with the job and at the same time be active with your family.
I was hit by it a few years ago; I had three fashion stores with 20 employees, a real estate brokerage with 6 employees, and was supplier of fashion clothing to 130 clothing stores. I worked 24 hours a day year round.
Try to work a little less and enjoy your family a little more.
The last couple of months have been so busy. But, shortly after we move we are going on vacation so we will have some downtime. :-)
You do what you need to do right now and we will be glad to have you back when you have settled. We will miss you, but first things first. I am a single mom with a life just like yours and i understand how it can be so busy and demanding sometimes to work between tasks.
Sorry to hear about your falling sick. May seems to be the time of sickness for a lot of us.
Also, a move is a pretty big step for sure. I have only moved two times in my life and they were both a pretty big deal.
But all these setbacks are a part of life. Take your time and ease back into more blogging when you feel like it! Till then, good luck with everything in your life.
-Jean
Thanks! I used to move a lot and had the whole process down and it kept me from accumulating much stuff. Now it’s been so long since I’ve moved that the process is more complicated. We are pretty much ready now :-)
Kim, I can totally relate to the catching up thing when you get sick. Luckily, I have clients that understand as I am sure most of yours do, but there is still that stuff nagging around in my brain.
Last summer, we began the picture project in our house. We have worked on gathering up all of our 40 yrs worth of old photos and getting them organized into a group of archival boxes in one spot. As we did that, we would stop and work on other areas that need attention. We have lived in this house for 31 years. How did that happen. Since I travel a lot, the house is usually at the bottom of the priority list. Bags and boxes go to goodwill almost every week and in some places I can’t tell anything has left the area.
So much left to do, but we are determined to get the clutter out. So the drama here goes on. Sometimes it is difficult to turn loose of some things. Moving is a good thing in many ways, but it does seem the best way to rid yourself of excess.
I know you are looking forward to the move, vacation and getting back on track which I know you will accomplish.
Hi Pat – Getting sick sure does throw things off. Ever since that happened so much has been going on that I haven’t even been answering comments here :-)
I’ve gotten rid of a lot of things that I was holding on to but really didn’t need – it’s a good feeling. But, it also brings up a lot of emotions. I’ve been missing my Mom a lot lately and I think it’s from going through things and finding letter, photos, etc …
Well, Kim, it’s about time you offered an explanation ;-)
First, off, I’m glad you are feeling better. Second, congrats on finding a new place to live. I hope your move goes well. The shortest move I ever made was across the hall. It was great. I didn’t bother packing cutlery. Instead, I pulled the drawers out and switched places with the empty ones in my new place.
Good to hear that you are busy. As a freelancer, I find the slow periods can become a little disconcerting, but I’ve slowly started to allow myself to enjoy the down time. It’s taken years to reach that point.
LOL :-)
Slow times are frightening but I find it always picks back up again. It’s been a little slower this month (July), which has been making me nervous and then I tell myself that it’s a good thing because with the move and vacation coming up I can’t take on the work anyway :-)
I know how hectic everything can get when you get sick then fall behind. we all go threw it Kim, and I have no doubt you will spring back stronger than before.
Keep the good work Kim!
I’m also moving like you during this summer, after staying 8 years in the same apartment, with too much annoying neighbors!
I hope you new place is quieter – I don’t know why people can’t be considerate and realize we are part of a community when we have to live so close to each other.
Good luck!