Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Blogging Break and a big-ole' long mind dump

Hello out there.  
Anyone else out there suffer from "too-much-on-my-plate-itis?"  I could be the poster child for this ailment.  Ha ha.  I am a high energy, love to be busy, love to be going-going kind of person.  I love this about myself and also dislike this about myself.  And once in a while life sort of slams into itself and you can totally feel it - like all the pieces are right there up in your face and it's like, "Okay stuff I totally got myself into...back off." 
Ever hear of a school auction?  Auctions raise money for valued school programs.  And planning a school auction is very much like planning a big elaborate wedding.  Well, yours truly (along with one other brave parent) is planning/organizing a fundraising auction at my daughter's school.  I should get: "What in the hell was I thinking" tattooed on my forehead because that is the phrase running through my brain most of the day.  Anyway, this auction is in a few weeks and let's just say I will be glad when it's all over and I hope we make a CRAP load of money! It's my absolute pleasure to run such an important event but in my most naive of moments, I just had no idea how much work was truly involved.  

As you might know from reading my blog, I work part time.  I recently started a new job and started training two weeks ago (I work at an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a clinical therapist).  I love it and love what I do.  I work weekends (and will soon also work Friday evenings).  So I am with my kiddos during the week and actively involved in their lives and schools (which I also love).  But it's never convenient and always exhausting to train at a new job during the week (when I don't work during the week) and have to figure out what to do with, oh yeah, my KIDS!  My children are my number one priority, so leaving them during the week is difficult and often stressful.  I'm so thankful to live in a small, supportive community where I can rely on friends for help and know that my kids are always safe and cared for.  

And everything else that is peppered in between planning an auction, running a home, and training for a new job feels like one thing too many and then the things feel heavy.  And yes, it can be worse (it can always be worse, right).  Things were worse three weeks ago in fact when my body was like, "Okay, you asked for it" and I was in a gnarly Crohn's flare trying to crawl through the day.  

It's like part of me wants to live my life Zen-Monk style and the other part of me wants to live life like a rock star super woman.  
(I might be wrong here folks, but these desires are totally incompatible).   

So then we have blogging.  Blogging is one of my most enjoyable hobbies.  Blogging is so much more than just sharing recipes.  For me, blogging = friendship, connection, resources, comfort, knowledge, information, empowerment, and validation.  Blogging has become so much, MUCH more than sharing recipes.  It's hard to explain.  Perhaps you understand if you came from a similar place of loneliness with your health issues and lifestyle.  I feel quite overcome with emotion when I think about the friendships and connections I've made with people from all over the world (whom I have never met), but people who understand me, share my philosophies on food, live with an autoimmune disease, sacrifice one thing or another for health, have a child with eczema, have a child on an allergy-free diet, care about environmental matters, worry about GMOs, heal their children with herbs, make homemade remedies, fight against chemicals in our food, chemicals in our water, chemicals in our products, etc.  Only the internet can bring like minded people together in this way.  Without blogging I would miss this vital connection in my life.  Blogging has become such an important part of my healing journey.  

But as valued as blogging is in my life, it's the first to be crossed off the list when I'm trying to simplify and slowdown.  That being said, I am excited to share that when I return in March, The Tasty Alternative will be new and improved.  I am working on a blog redesign and switching over to WordPress.  I'm jazzed about this change and hope you enjoy some of the new features on this long overdue makeover.


Until then, I've included some pictures in this post that make me happy for different and equally random reasons.  Most are pictures of family, some from Pinterest and others are inspired quotes.    

See ya on the flip side. 


xoxo,
--Amber 
*
My kids playing "cat family."  
Ethan is the baby and Sky is the mama (cat).  
So sweet. 
Sky building a fairy house out of mud and rocks 
(November)
Planting flower bulbs with my loves 
(November)
 Rain finally!!
(February)
my snow peas growing and loving the rain
The bulbs we planted in November blooming way too soon 
(due to our previous spring-like winter weather)
Ethan chowing down on his 5th piece of 
garden fresh chard 

OMG!  This turtle is so freaking cute!
Get in my belly...
(I feel the same way about strawberries little dude)

lovely 
 happy place
 arm candy 
 how cute is this little drink cozy 

 another happy place

Sisters in the City.  
A visit with my sister in San Francisco in December

Thrifting

I like these words...










See ya...

34 comments:

  1. Tessa Domestic DivaFebruary 12, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    love you! see you back soon!

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  2. Gorgeous pictures Amber - March isn't that long away! I've been thinking about switching to wordpress too but haven't got around to it. Like you, I'm very busy with family commitments and work which now takes me out of the house over 12 hours a day since we moved offices - hence the lack of posts from me recently!

    Family HAS to come first - always and you do too especially because of your illness, too much stress is not good! Looking forward to seeing your redesign and all your new recipes!

    Have fun with the auction, I hope you raise lots and lots of money!

    Take care xoxo

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    • Oh thanks, Vicky. It was fun to do a totally random post. I will let you know how it goes with Wordpress. One thing I like is you can add endless pages. Sounds like you are working a lot my friend. I hope you find some time for rest. Hugs.

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    • Please do xoxo

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  3. Karen@NourishWithKarenFebruary 12, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    Enjoy your break Amber! We will be here when you get back!

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  4. First off, can we just chat about how cute you and your sister are?! Seriously, you ladies could be models! And you're so fashionable - I love it!

    I think I share your sentiment... I've never met you (or some of the other bloggers and people I've connected with through blog land), yet your friendship is so meaningful and fulfilling. ;) It's hard to explain to others, but how richly blessed I am to know you and call you friend!

    You're gonna rock that school auction!!
    xoxo,
    M

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    • Oh you are very sweet Megan. I do have fun with my sister - she is a special person and LOVE spending time with her. Thanks for the encouragement. I get anxious thinking about this auction...it's only two weeks away! I will report back about it for sure (maybe even share some pictures). Hugs.

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  5. Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy QueenFebruary 12, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    Oh friend, I am always here for you. I feel the same way lately, but I'm just trying to push through. I blog when I can and don't when I can't. Life is meant to be enjoyed and really you have to do what is right for you and your family. You are most definitely a friend! I love you lady! Huge HUGS! xoxox

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    • Thank you, Sarena. Your words touch my heart. You inspired me to write this post. You are always so honest in your writing and I love how you keep your readers up-to-date on YOU and what you are dealing with. I'm afraid sometimes that people think my life is all rosy and without struggle. It can get very one sided that way as a blogger. It's such a one-way relationship unless you open up and let others in. So thank you for being you and I'm so glad you're there. Hugs to you.

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  6. Kudos to you for taking on such a big volunteer project with the auction. I really appreciate all you do to share gf recipes and tips. I know it's a lot of work but wanted you to know it does make a difference in so many peoples lives. Look forward to more posts in March. ***I LOVE your bracelet/s (not sure if it's one or multiples) and I want them!

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    • Thanks so much! That means a lot. And yes, LOVE those bracelets. Not mine...found them on Pinterest but could not find a link. Darn. Super cute though right. Be Well.

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  7. gfe--gluten free easilyFebruary 12, 2014 at 7:00 PM

    All so true on blogging and treasuring those connections, the incompatibly between zen and go, go, go; that real life always rules; and much more. LOVE all those posters! And every photo is fabulous, of course. You and your sister are super, super cute! Relish that break, dear, and I look forward to your new site and refreshed you when you decide to return. NO pressure ... for real!

    xoxo,
    Shirley

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    • Thank you, Shirley. I know you can totally relate (like big time)!! I like sharing where I am at with others. I also look forward to sharing the new site. Hugs to you.

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  8. Just another example of what a wise woman you are! (And fun! I loved all the photos and memes. Thanks for the smiles.)

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  9. I feel you! Enjoy your break. Hope to see you soon!

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  10. Emily @ Recipes to NourishFebruary 13, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    Enjoy your break and good luck with the auction and new job! I'm so excited about the new design, I need to make the switch too. We've got to meet sometime, I love our friendship, even though we've never met in person, but I know we will soon because we live so close to each other. Take care my friend! xo

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    • Oh yes...this needs to happen. I am thinking this summer would be a fun time to meet up. I look forward to it, Emily. So excited about our close proximity. Hugs to you.

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  11. Enjoy your break sweet Amber! P.s. You're one HOT mama! :-D

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  12. Well, thank you, Lauren. You're a hot mama yourself my friend. Hugs.

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  13. Heather @Gluten-Free CatFebruary 17, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    I am so proud of you! Sounds like you have so many plates spinning. It's hard to know which ones are okay to drop for a while. Enjoy the extra time, and know that we love you and look forward to hearing from you next month!

    xo,
    Heather

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  14. Totally get it....I just took a break as well. Life collided........Have a good break!

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  15. Self-Care is always a good thing :) I loved all the quotes but my favorite was the one from Brene Brown. Loved that!
    I hope you make lots of money for your daughter's school too.
    Looking forward to the re-design of your blog.
    I have had to lay off almonds lately as they were bothering my Crohn's-ARGH!
    See you in March!
    Have a beautiful day!

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    • Thanks!!! The auction is on Saturday! Yipes. We are ready though - looking forward it. I love Brene Brown - she has some great self-help books. Sorry to hear about the almonds. That's rough. And I hear ya...Crohns...ARG is right! :-)

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  16. I can definitely understanding you need the break. Enjoy the time off and we look forward to your glorious return.

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  17. Enjoy your break! I love the hammock bed. Is that yours??

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  18. Hope you are enjoying your break darling and loving precious time with your family!

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