Dare I say it? Dare I say things might just be quieting down?
The events of the last two months were hectic, no doubt about that. Poor Slow Home Brooke, I was skyping with her last week about something (OMG TOTALLY FUN I’M SO EXCITED) and for at least the first eight minutes I just unleashed the insanity that was spilling out of my brain. She of all people knows how intentional and mindful I am about my time and my commitments usually, so was suitably sympathetic. Having said that, for a period of intensity, I think I dealt with it pretty well. I was organised and methodical, I knew it was for a short time (not a good time, haha) so put myself in that mindset just to stay on top of everything. I also had phone reminders out the wazoo.
I just finished reading ‘Salem’s Lot (can you believe I’ve never read it before? I’ve read just about everything else from that era) and the main character, after being hypervigilant for so long, started showing the early signs of battle fatigue. And while I’d never compare my 2017 beginnings to anywhere near that, I did recognise that even though I had a full grasp of what I was doing in the ridiculous pace I was doing it, my body started sending me warning signals that shit was going on too long.
My final hurdle was Biggie’s birthday party on Sunday night, and I had promised her one of those crazy 6-layer rainbow cakes, which I delivered. The party was fun, it was simple and relaxing, and when all was tidied up I had a nice foot soak at about 7pm and proceeded to accidentally fall asleep sideways on the couch, feet still in the water. This old mare could stand no more.
Monday morning this week, I was determined to go slow. If we were late to school, so be it. Porridge for breakfast (not the instant kind), no urging everyone to get dressed JUST A LITTLE BIT FASTER, COME ON!, no nothing. Even though we got up late, I still managed to get everyone to school and kindergarten on time, without rushing. Yeah I don’t know how it happened either, but it was just the start I needed.
When I got home, I put the kettle on, started a load of washing, and baked a banana cake. It was so soothing. I didn’t launch straight into my workload, I just pottered a bit and enjoyed the space. I wrote a lonnnnnnnnnng to-do list (two and a half foolscap pages, anyone?) and rearranged it in order of priority. I did one thing at a time. I felt like I was finally getting back to normal, finally back in my usual headspace that shuns breakneck speed.
I am actually finishing up as editor of ProBlogger on Friday, where I’ve been for three and a half years. I like change, and I like new beginnings, even if they do come from endings. I don’t know what my new normal will be when I finally hang up my hat, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
Vanessa says
March 29, 2017 at 12:31 pmYou use foolscap paper & not A4?
Elizabeth says
March 30, 2017 at 9:17 amFoolscap is old school. I’m a master of the rushed panic and nothing ever happens any faster, it’s a sickness.
Veggie Mama says
March 30, 2017 at 10:04 amI’m still loving that this distinction was so important to you that you had to ensure I described my paper correctly and was not labouring under the assumption I had foolscap when in fact I had A4.
You are the actual best.
Robyn says
March 29, 2017 at 2:05 pmI’m sitting under some old steel stairs waiting for my car to be washed and vacuumed even though it’s about to rain. I’m having a couple of bickies and a coffee. I’m always 1000 mph stress head. Think I just found my peaceful place
Veggie Mama says
March 30, 2017 at 10:05 amI think there’s something to be said for being forced to be in a place, waiting for something. I’m actually looking forward to getting my car serviced next week and sitting in their waiting room. Perhaps I need a life haha
Jasmin says
March 29, 2017 at 4:53 pmWe will miss you
But I can’t wait to see what new adventures unfold
xo
Veggie Mama says
March 30, 2017 at 10:06 amYou have been fantastic – and I’m glad we’ll still be friends x
Tina Lacy says
March 29, 2017 at 5:09 pmYay for things slowing down for you…..I have missed you
Veggie Mama says
March 30, 2017 at 10:06 amI can’t wait to be here more, with you guys x
Kez @ Awesomely Unprepared says
March 29, 2017 at 5:10 pmI have recently just come out the other side of a very crazy time too. I’m now back to breathing and slowing. And trying to process WTF just happened haha. All the best for your ventures post pro blogger x
Veggie Mama says
March 30, 2017 at 10:07 amMy brain is still on high alert, like “WHAT HAVE I FORGOTTEN?” even though I haven’t forgotten to do it – I’ve just done it and put it out of my mind. Brain still freaks out though haha
Reannon says
April 1, 2017 at 4:19 pmI HAVE FINALLY MADE IT BACK TO YOUR BLOG!!!!
I am about to out myself as your biggest fangirl/stalker/legit lover of your blog ( all of which I think you already knew), here goes- so you know how I told you I couldn’t get to your blog because error 503 kept coming up & the only way I could get to it was via your instagram link? Well, since I deactivated my instagram a month ago I’ve had no way to get to you! And yes, that sounds creepy but some of your recipes are my favourites & some of your posts are ones I like to come back to time & time again & your crochet patterns are ones I love too PLUS you know I love to comment, so when you started posting again I tried a heap of different ways to visit your blog, but every single damn time that error 503 appeared UNTIL TODAY! Hooray for good old internet explorer!
HIIIIIIIIIIIII !! I am so happy to see you posting a bit lately, I have missed you in my Bloglovin feed. Not happy to hear life has been hectic as all fuck but glad to hear you are finally getting your breath back & that you are about to emabrk on a new kind of normal. New adventures! And selfishly I hope you’ll be here on the blog more because they are now the only way i have to keep up with all my faves & I feel old school saying this but I still love blogs! I know everyone is all about the social media stuff but give me a good blog post anyday 🙂
Sorry for the excessivly long ramble but its what I do xx
Anja Skrba says
April 11, 2017 at 12:28 amThere’s “Salem’s Lot” TV show that was created in 2004 – I don’t know if you watched it Stacey? It’s with Rob Lowe.
It’s not as good as the book, but you should give it a try 😀
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
May 3, 2017 at 10:52 amHi, just stopping by now that my life is a little less hectic – and I kinda laugh at that statement, because how can one’s life be less hectic when they have three small children and are juggling two businesses in two different states and have about three days to finalise a loan for a property development {gah, I think I will also be changing banks}. In my mind, I wish that I was able to be the cool Mum that has the time to bake and go to the park and knit – I haven’t knit my kids anything. In reality, I am peddling as fast as I can just to make ends meet…wishing I had more time to devote to my blog, to grow it and get to attend events to meet some of my blogging idols {like you}.
Stacey says
May 11, 2017 at 3:09 pmThat sounds seriously hectic! I would probably fall over in a heap, crying. Daily.