Overwhelmed. That is the word of the day for me. As I write this, it is Saturday afternoon and as most who follow me by now know Saturday mornings around here are a bit crazy with my girls having dance class for 2 hours (Lily’s class is at 9:10 am and Emma’s class is at 10 am). I sit and wait for 2 hours during the length of the time that the classes run, while Kevin goes grocery shopping. I talk to other mothers and do enjoy that, but I have tons of stuff that I need to get done while I sit there.
At this point, I would have loved to put my yoga pants to get rid of all my stress…I know I shouldn’t be complaining, but the stress of getting everyone up, ready and out the door on time with the constant fights of who wants to wear what (even though I lay their dance outfits out for them), who wants to eat or don’t eat, the hair wars (this would include not wanting their hair done at all to which way they want me to do their hair to last but not who wants to drink and use the bathroom when. I swear this alone could make a sane person just a bit more insane. And then one wonders why I cry that no one wants to nap anymore, because after this type of morning, naps are truly in order and a godsend!!
But this past weekend on top of the normal Saturday craziness, I also was coming off the stress of hosting our third Finish the Sentence Friday, where I read and commented on everyone’s blog that linked up on top of all the usual daily work and chores that I do, too. So indeed by this Saturday morning, I truly was a bit of a bitch to be around. Sorry, but I am also PMSing, so it was not pleasant for poor Kevin. I was seriously ripping his head off for the slightest thing. And I even snapped at Lily when she just would stop whining and crying about wanting Kevin not me today (Can’t say I blame her, because like I said was so not a pleasure to be with today).
Then, Kate (she co-hosts the FSTF Linkup) messaged me to confirm I wasn’t alone in being overwhelmed with the Blog Hop’s reading material. I was so glad to know that I wasn’t alone on this, because I thought that I sounded awful complaining that people actually wanted to link up with us and was having trouble keeping up. I mean I am truly grateful that everyone has been so supportive and is linking up. Thank you to all those who have done this in the past few weeks.
From talking to Kate, I think I can say the feeling is mutual that we are so happy that we do have followers who want to come to our blog hop and join in the fun, but we also need those who link up to know we want to read what you wrote, but as this list grows may not be able to do it all by ourselves. We are contemplating co-hosts and/or a bit more rules for following others blogs to help delegate our responsibilities to help take a bit of the burden and load off of us. I think we need to do this for our own sanity’s sake. So bare with us as we get this straightened out for next week’s link-up.
In general, I put a lot of the pressure though on myself, because I do blog seven days a week, simply because I love writing, as well as sharing my world with you and will continue to do this as long as I can and as long you will have me, too. I also try to return the comment when someone does make their way over to read my blog and is kind even to take a moment out of their busy day to leave me a comment. I have been asked how or even why I do this and it is more the why then how. Even as this blog is growing, I still want people to know that at the heart of my blog is just me, someone who truly appreciates all the support I have gotten in the past, present and future, too. So a simple thank you to a comment is just who I am.
Some Moments This Is So Damn True…
Simply I am a bit stressed at times lately, because as a former teacher, who was a stay at home mom first and foremost to my girls, I have, now with my blog, begun to take on a writing career. So, in essence, I have become a work at home mom, who still has two kids, a house and a husband to take care of. I am not superwoman and sometimes something has to give, because I just can’t do it all.
On top of all this, I have a book also that needs to be edited and need to make time for this. I will say this that I was writing on many different venues at once too last year with this blog included. I have found myself not having time for those other venues. I feel terrible, but think I am going to take some time off from those, as far as writing. I just can’t do both to be perfectly honest. Maybe once my kids are both in pre-school next year, but right now I have to admit I love my blog and how it is growing, as well as I really want to get my book out there as well. Those who follow me on on these other sites, please don’t take offense to this, because I will still read other articles, comment and share as my time permits, but I don’t have enough time in the day to write on there and keep up with everything else, as well at this point.
I also need to balance all this and make time for my family and myself, too. Because at the end of the day, I am truly so very exhausted, but have about 10 books on my Kindle/iPad that waiting for me to read. I love reading and used to do it everyday at least for a half hour at bedtime and haven’t had a moment to do that at all. I also have shows DVR’d that I need to catch up on. I don’t watch much, but what I do watch, I enjoy and would like to continue to enjoy.
This wasn’t even supposed to be a long post and now that I vented for over 1,000 words I am truly going to stop. I just want to again say thank you to all that do follow me and continue to care enough to support me. Also, thank you to my newer followers, because I truly love getting to know other writers and share with you as well. I will do my best, but please understand I am human and may have an off day here or there. Today was definitely one of them and just trying to stay sane in all my craziness.
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Kat Biggie says
I feel your pain! I know exactly what you mean – having small children that don't want to cooperate, and biting off way more than you can chew! I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately too! And I have GOT to stop subscribing to blogs unless I truly feel that I cannot live without them, cause I must be trying to read and comment on about 100 blogs each week! I don't know how these bloggers with thousands of followers do it! Anyway, right now I'm trying to focus on my writing as well… it is wonderful that you have identified where you want to focus and are willing to step back from the other areas in order to put your best foot forward! I think it's a good idea!
Janine Huldie says
Alexa, I am so with you and then some on this one. I am so trying my best, but somedays it feels like I am not succeeding. I felt terrible that I couldn't get my book up to par to submit it on Amazon for the contest, but unfortunately as we talked before that just isn't in the cards, but I do need to get serious and edit now. As for the amount of blogs, I do have quite a few that I read and comment on daily, too. I am with you and not sure how those have 1,000 of followers do it and keep up. Thanks seriously for commiserating with me, because I truly have been feeling like I was sinking and fast!!
Cyndi says
Janine, lol, I'm actually glad – for your sake – that you said you can't do it all because I'm always in awe of how much you comment, and are always "there" for everyone I know that blogs. You're phenomenally phenomenal! Girl, you need a day at the spa because lord knows you deserve it.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks for saying that Cyndi and love your idea of a day at the spa. Would love it and maybe someday. A girl can dream 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Clark, first off I hope you are feeling better and knew you were not feeling well, but didn't know you had the flu. I am with you on commenting back to those first and foremost that comment daily on my blog. I always want to make those who do show support and show up here feel as though they are appreciated for that. I am also a firm believer of writing and sharing, probably why this site has new posts daily. Also, I do try to keep up with others, especially those who are here daily to be so very kid to me, because that makes me feel like I am doing right by them. Thanks again Clark and again hoping you are doing better now 🙂
Justin K says
I think everyone can relate to this post! My wife was throwing a baby shower for my sister yesterday so that left my son and I alone for most of the day. The day was good overall, but had it's moments. I can especially relate to you being a bit grouchy and then your kiddo letting you know she's rather be with Daddy! Happens to all of us and it's a double-whammy when you realize you can't blame the kid! 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Justin, I feel terrible seriously that I was snapping left and right yesterday. Thank you for sharing that I am not the only one who has there moments and you are right about it being a double whammy, when you truly can't blame your kid for not wanting be around you when you are like this. I honestly thought I had liked your Facebook page and was subscribed to your blog. No worries, I am now doing both happily 🙂 🙂 Happy Sunday!!
Anne Kimball says
Hi Janine, I certainly hear ya' with that "O" word. Overwhelmed. Hate that feeling. With your blog hop, do you and your co-host split the commenting? If you're only responsible for every other one, it would help. Hope things settle for you…
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Anne for the suggestion and we just actually added two more co-hosts to make us at a total of four and will be trying to split up the commenting duty between the four of us, since this conversation yesterday and am truly thankful that we talked about it, because I thought it was really just me. Nice to know that I wasn't alone and now there will be four of us two go through all the link-ups. Seriously, thanks for your kindness 🙂
Bill says
Well, about all I can say is that it is now Sunday and that stressful day is behind you. Remember to do something nice for yourself today; you deserve it, Mom!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Bill and seriously I am going to take sometime today for me in a bit. I think I do need it to recharge a bit. Hope you are enjoying your weekend, too 🙂
Kevin says
Simply put down the iPad, MacBook and step away for a few hours or a day. Set up a schedule that allows you to maintain your blogging and family. I love art but I don't do it everyday. Sometimes you have to take some time and veg, be it through a good book, watching a movie, playing with the girls or just relaxing. Remember the world is not going to stop if you stop blogging or commenting. Trust me, it will still be there. From your love able huggable victim, I mean hubbie!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for putting up with me and your are my huggable victim. What can I say, but I am sorry and I truly am an "A" type personality that hates having tons of stuff waiting for me in my inbox all day and night, but do have to try better and seriously thanks!! 🙂
Christy Birmingham says
Hugs Janine, I think we both feel overwhelmed sometimes. I hope it helps that i am giving you an award for all of your hard work. It is The Gargie Award and you can pick it up here 🙂 http://poeticparfait.com/2013/01/20/the-gargie-aw…
Janine Huldie says
Hugs right back Christy and I actually just was at your site. Congrats to you and thank you so very much for nominating me, too 🙂 Totally can't say thanks enough to you and definitely put a smile on my face today!!
The Next Step says
I am amazed at how much you get accomplished! I don't think I'd ever host a bloghop because I'd never be able to keep up. One distraction and I've totally lost my train of thought! I'm lucky to read 5 blogs a day.
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Lori..I too have lost my train of thought more than once recently and can truly relate. That said, I do love co-hosting the blog hop, but some much needed rules are in order and I think we have just begun to sort them out, so I am happy to say I feel a bit better where that is concerned. Thanks seriously for listening to me vent here 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for the offer Melissa and I truly appreciate it, but know you have your hands full, too. That said it was truly nice of you to extend that to me 🙂 I think, Kate and I have set some much needed rules up for the future hops now and also have added two more co-hosts I believe on each week, so that should definitely hep, because I agree there is no way to do the amount of reading if this does grow to the extent you mentioned. I like your idea of guest blogging, I may truly need to look into this. I have a few guest blog spots coming up int he next month or so on other blogs and would be nice to get others to come to mine, as well. So, I really need to take a look into this and thank you for the suggestion. And as for your blog, I love it and think you are doing a great job. Rome wasn't built in day, but truly think you are going to be amazed at where you are in a few short months 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Richard. I think multi-tasking could be my middle name!! That said congrats on the new job and you do what you have to for you first and foremost. We will be here no worries and I totally understand. Seriously though, you always put a smile on my face and for that I thank you tremendously!! 🙂
Emily says
Wow Janine, how could you NOT be overwhelmed? From day 1 of knowing you, I have been in awe of how much you accomplish with your writing, while also being a SAHM for your girls. And yes, I'd say you've officially crossed over to be a WAHM with all that you do! I think that cutting yourself some slack is the best thing you can do to keep your sanity. You are an inspiration, as you have so much drive and motivation to go, go, go and yet you are also so humble and gracious at the same time…it's a beautiful combo and remember, you're doing so much more than most (including me! :))
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so very much for saying that Emily and believe me I am so not perfect. This just shows I do have my moments and I feel terrible for how I react when I do feel this way. Right now, with not making as much as I am investing time wise monetarily I hear a lot from my husband that this is just a side job. I know he gets annoyed at times that I am giving my time that should be probably spent with him, but I love writing and truly want to see it through to where it can get me. I think I can really make a go of this and am willing to bust my butt a bit to make that possible, but that said I do totally have my moments especially when I am exhausted and seeing only peanuts so far. But I guess everyone has to start somewhere and pay their dues so to speak.
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Steph. I do sleep I promise you, but not probably enough, but then again since having kids I have trouble sleeping more than 4 hours at a time. I thank colic for that one!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Julie. I just realized something has to give and I can't be everywhere all the time I suppose. I do try my best, especially with the comments. Like I try my best to always read and comment on those, like you that I know do come to my site to read me. I feel like it is only the right thing to do, but trust there are moments when I am just too tired and think that I just can't read or comment on another word.
Josie Bisett says
Dear Janine, I am so very grateful that you are hosting the FTSF hop. It's such a wonderful hop and I'm finding that the hoppers here are far more sociable than ANY other hop I've ever tried out! I know that has everything to do with you and Kate, however I also get how massively overwhelming that must be. I am trying my hardest to read and respond to as many as possible, and that is a huge undertaking for me. I'm glad you wrote this post, it's wonderful to read such open honesty and vulnerability. Thank you again. You are doing us bloggers a great service and we love you for it. Josie x.
Janine Huldie says
Josie, this comment alone just made me smile, but almost cry at the same time, because this is why I love blogging in particular, because of how many wonderful and lovely people, like yourself that I have met. Your words just meant the world to me, because I have been having a rough couple of days with keeping up and felt like such horrible person for even complaining about it. I am truly happy to be co-hosting this hop and have to be honest to tell you that when the subject came up to do a hop, I was totally psyched and then had Kate who was equally excited with me. I love working with her on this and now we are adding two more wonderful women to help out a bit. The fact that you come and read as many as you do too makes me know that we are at least making a difference even if it is on a small scale, but I love that we are connecting other great bloggers through this. Thank you seriously for your message here. I really so very appreciate and thank you again!! 🙂
Stacy Harris says
Wow – that definitely was a mouth full. I hear you on beings stressed… I complain to my husband sometimes that I don't feel like I can keep up with everybody else. Funny – because I know I am making pennies and it isn't worth stressing over the pennies. But I truly do enjoy the interactive community and everything that everybody writes. But I also want to say, behind every blog is a human. Sometimes we just need a break. I truly hope you are feeling better and glad to have you I took a break yesterday and so I wasn't too active. I feel much better now. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh Stacy, I think we all need a break every once in awhile and agree with you on that. Also, right now it is pennies here for me too, so that is kind of frustrating, but like you I love the interactive community and seem to thrive on it. Glad you took a much needed break yesterday and are feeling better, but am happy to have you back, too 🙂
Stephanie @ Mommy, f says
Thanks for your honesty, Janine. So many of us are in the same boat with being overwhelmed with blogging and parenting. We are *not* superwomen. And I think this type of stress merits plenty of complaining, healthy or not! You are NOT alone, and you could stand to cut yourself some slack with the blog responsibilities! I hope my jumping in to co-host will alleviate some stress off of you and Kate. I couldn't help but laugh at your e-card; the second I walked in the door this afternoon, I yanked off my jeans and am now happily wearing my yoga pants! Love and hugs mama- you are doing a great job!
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so very much Stephanie and want you to know how happy I am that you are joining us to co-host regularly (not just because of the extra set of eyes), but I genuinely love your writing and do truly value having working alongside of us on this. Your articles are always so engaging and could always pretty much relate to where you are coming from. I seriously can't say thank you enough for joining us. As for the yoga pants, I swear I live in them. I used to wear jeans all the time and now when I do I just can't wait to take them off and get back into my yoga pants. Love to you and hugs right back at you. And feel better 🙂 🙂
Stephanie @ Mommy, f says
🙂 xoxo
Janine Huldie says
🙂 xoxo Back at you!!
Stephanie @ Mommy, f says
Also, I truly have no idea how you manage seven posts a week- if I do more than three, I am a basketcase! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I am probably crazy, but writing really does relax me and is almost like free therapy to me. It is all the other craziness that turns me upside down, lol 🙂
Meredith says
I am right there with you! So much of what you said is exactly how I feel–it's just impossible to keep up with it all. I also like what you said about being a "work at home mom" still with the two kids to take care of. All this just to say, I think it's great that you are looking at boundaries and please know you aren't alone!
Janine Huldie says
Meredith, thank you for writing me here to let me I am not alone. I am sorry you too feel this way, but I will say I do feel a bit better knowing that it isn't just me who feels stressed at times and as if I can't keep up. Seriously, appreciate knowing I am not alone on this!!
Justin K says
Thanks Janine! Keep these great posts coming!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Justin and very happy to share with you 🙂