Notes from the Field | 013

Where to begin? How about this? It’s so nice not to have to worry about posting on a blog routinely and just to enjoy it when I want to as a hobby. I can go days without opening my laptop and it just feels good. It’s been nine months since I quit What I Wore and the changes have been, quite frankly, life changing!

In that time I’ve also honored my promise not to buy anything first hand, at least for myself, and haven’t bought any new clothes at all this year. I already have nice clothes! And I rarely get dressed up so when I do, I wear the same few dresses over and over. I probably should care more about my appearance, but now I get to spend that energy in other places and it’s a nice change. I do still believe in the power of clothing to be your best self but I know my best self doesn’t need a blog to document it anymore.

Another change from the past year? I’ve come to really enjoy social media a whole lot more as I’ve redefined what I read/see and who I listen to. I used to get so jealous! But guess what I did? Stopped following those people! If social media is making you feel bad about your life, it’s time to do yourself the favor and stop consuming in those places. It’s. On. You. Or me in this situation. I also stopped using twitter and facebook, aside from the occasional Happy Birthday check in and life is so much better without the drama. No TV either, minus my only vice #bachelornation.

What else? Well… I’ve had some family needs to care for which don’t want broadcast to the world. I’m ok with saying that much but it’s not my story to tell. And it feels right. Maybe it’s age or maturity or just haven’t already been through a decade of sharing EVERYTHING but I just don’t feel compelled to do it anymore.

Lastly, I’ve really been thinking about going back to work at a more formalized job. Like so many people in their 30s, I’m wanting a career change. I certainly don’t want to be a blogger or influencer (ughhhh I hate that word so much!) but I haven’t narrowed down what skills to use or where. I just don’t know yet.

Notes from the Field | 001

Greetings from the other side! We've had an admittedly rough start to our year. I fell down the steps on New Years Eve which resulted in an ER visit (not broken, just very sore). Three out of the four of us (myself included) have also come down with another round of colds which make mommin' so damn hard. The commercials make jokes of it, but there are no sick days when you're a parent. I could go on and on (see also: frozen pipes, buckets of water, stained ceilings) but I'll spare you because... 

I actually woke up feeling really good this morning emotionally!! I'm finally getting a fresh start that most people feel on January 1. So what if it's a little late? I still have a stuffed nose but I know I feel better because I really want to clean. (Oddly enough I don't think I ever have the nesting instinct before giving birth to either of my kids - maybe because mama is always feathering her nest!) 

Speaking of nests and feathers, I've been reading up a bunch of chicken keeping. In sum, it almost feels like taking on more children for all of the babying they need. Do any of you guys have backyard chickens? Do you free range? Have predator issues? THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO CONSIDER!! The book I just finished and enjoyed is Backyard Chickens, Beyond the Basics by Pam Freeman. I know one book doesn't cover everything so again - suggestions welcome! 

Another random thing on my mind - have you heard of the pegan diet? It's part paleo and part vegan and I know nothing about it aside from what I'm guessing is a grain free vegan menu.  Which seems really hard? I've done both before for extended periods of time. I'm the kind of person that really loves carbs and sugar so a framework to keep me out of the bakery is useful. I also don't like eating tons of meat and the more I think of keeping chickens the less I want to eat them (please no soapboxing on this guys). Anyway, I did get a heavier duty spiralizer for  Christmas and I really love it and the texture of both zucchini and sweet potatoes are such an awesome pasta substitute. The hardest part of either a paleo or vegan menu is eating enough  for me. 

So that's all from me for now! Hope your first week of the year is going better than mine! No pity parties though, I'm feeling a turn around in effect!