May 27, 2014

A short break

I had such an exhausting weekend! Which is actually kind of ironic, because I didn't get many steps in at all. In three days, I only got 10,000+ steps ONCE. I was busy painting all weekend.

The kids' room has needed a good paint job for a while, and we decided this was the weekend we were going to tackle it. We also did the spare bedroom. We ran into a big issue with the kids' room, because the last time I had painted it, I had put latex-based paint over an oil-based paint (I knew absolutely nothing about paint). That caused the new paint to peel off really easily, so the kids had two-toned walls for a few years now.

We spent the weekend sanding off the paint (necessary in order to repaint it, because of my latex over oil mistake), taping off the trim, applying primer, and finally, painting the walls with "Lemon Drop" paint (it's white, but with the tiniest hint of yellow). Most of the walls in my house are very bold colors, so I really wanted something simple and plain.

It was a huge project, and I felt like I was constantly moving around, but I didn't get in many steps all weekend. I didn't run on Sunday, because of the race Monday; and then I didn't run today, because I was very busy finishing up the bedrooms. I'm SO glad to have it done now!

We have a few more projects that are very overdue--we really need to replace the floor and toilet in the kids' bathroom, we need to recarpet the kids' bedrooms, and we need to replace the bedroom doors. I'll feel so much better when we get all of that done, but we just have to work on one project at a time, as we save the money for it.


My depression has been pretty bad recently. I don't really feel comfortable writing much about it here, because some of my family and friends read this. Everything is fine, but I just feel pretty stressed out right now. The kids are approaching the end of the school year, and they've had a lot of extra work; they've also started baseball, so I've been taking them to practice, and soon, they'll start games.

I already wrote about my weight being up (thankfully, going back down now), and I felt like I was in a big rut with running (hopefully, switching to 5K training this summer will help that). I've just really been lacking confidence in myself lately, and I've been being kind of hard on myself. I know it will pass, as it always does, but for right now, I just want to minimize the stress.

I'm going to take a few days off of the internet, so I won't be posting a blog for 2-3 days. I don't really feel like I've had much to write about lately, anyway, so I think the break will be good. I'd like to focus on eating well, getting stuff done around the house, and some quality time with the kids before I leave for Boston (a week from Thursday, already!).

I also have a lot of spring cleaning I want to get done around the house--cleaning out the refrigerator, pantry, linen closet, etc. All the little chores that I put off until I really can't stand it anymore ;) I think I'll feel a lot better once I do some productive things that I've needed to get done!


I know I'm always posting pictures of Estelle, but I was cracking up at how relaxed she was on my legs a couple of days ago...


This is her favorite spot to sleep, which makes it hard for me to move. Sometimes I'll just want to sit for a minute, but she instantly jumps on my legs and makes herself comfortable. :)

23 comments:

  1. Take a break and de-stress. Your loyal readers will be here when you return. I always feel better after I've been productive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 27, 2014

    Yes! You certainly deserve some time off.

    ReplyDelete
  3. we'll miss you but we'll be here when you return :) enjoy your time !

    ReplyDelete
  4. I completely understand the need to distress. Enjoy the break and no worries... Like someone said above..we'll be here when you get back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. cute pup! we will miss you but take all the time you need to get your things done and de-stress and come back happier and stress free :) have a good one

    ReplyDelete
  6. You're probably one of the most consistent bloggers I follow, so you definitely deserve a few days off!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You deserve a break girly! You need to take care of yourself - take some time for just you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think it's totally fine to take blog breaks. You blog for you-not us. Thanks for including us in your life though!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Katie, I appreciate your honesty about your depression. It's not easy to admit that you are feeling off/down/blue. I hope your break is rejuvenating and restful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I hear ya! It's the end of the year, you would think the school work would get progressively lighter. I hope taking some time for yourself will help. We'll be here when you get back. And don't EVER sell yourself short, you're a TOTAL ROCK STAR!!! *HUGS*

    ReplyDelete
  11. Don't be gone too long I'll miss you :)

    I so need to paint the entire house. Not really looking forward to it and keep putting it off.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Have some great, rejuvenating time off. Thank you again for being real and honest. It helps to see others admit their struggles. I've never been comfortable talking about my anxiety and depression, mostly because my family doesn't understand and I learned early that trying to seek help was counterproductive. Your readers appreciate you for who you are, and are so grateful that you share your life with us.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMay 28, 2014

    Thank you for posting about your depression. I feel much the same at times, and its comforting to know that you do too. It will pass, so best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMay 28, 2014

    I haven't commented before, but sure do enjoy reading your blog. Especially because I have a sweet tooth, and I have a large weight loss I'm trying to maintain. I wanted to offer this observation: grief is a very powerful, and very unpredictable force---it is rarely linear, i.e., there are stretches of good and better days, and it seems that the only direction is forward and up, when suddenly a setback will occur and grief will be overwhelming, again. My advice is to just try to recognize that grief is a huge, difficult journey and allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions as you move forward. And, the next thing I wanted to tell you was that in memory of Mark, I bought two packages of Oreos (golden, and "regular") for two homeless men in front of 7-11 with a sign that read, "I dream of food". I knew I wanted to get them something to eat, and I thought that when I dream of food, it's sweets. Those two guys just beamed with gratitude at this very small gesture. It would be more like me to ignore them---to think about their plight, but not to get involved for fear or something. Instead, I followed my heart and shared some cookies. Take good care Katie, Love, Laurel

    ReplyDelete
  15. Katie, I'm sorry your battling depression and stress. Please don't feel any pressure from us to return to blogging. Keep everything in perspective and remember why you blog in the first place. Only come back when you're ready. We'll be happy to have you back only when you feel emotionally ready.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMay 29, 2014

    Take care, Katie. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for all your encouragement and inspiring stories. I like to reccomend your site to my friends. Your story really blesses many people.

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMay 29, 2014

    I read your blog everyday and really love it. I am sending you positive thoughts. Enjoy the break, you will be missed!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm missing your daily update. Even though sometimes you feel like you don't have much to write about, most of us love hearing about your runs, your family, your life, things you might consider mundane details, we find infinitely interesting. But I can understand your weariness, and wish you well on your short vacation, while impatiently anticipating your return to writing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousMay 30, 2014

    maybe you've already been told this but sometimes it bears repeating...your honesty and transparency with which you share your struggles is not only refreshing, it helps so many people. what courage you possess, whether or not you agree or even remotely feel that way! many people suffer in silence, truly believing that only they have difficulty getting thru the day to day. that is such an isolating experience, and it can definitely contribute negatively to the already difficult feelings they are experiencing. I have been there! I'm proud of you for not only sharing, but for knowing when to take a break and some time for yourself. we'll be here, and we're proud of you.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Just wanted to send you virtual hugs. Depression sucks. I hope you find your way out of it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousMay 31, 2014

    I'm sorry to hear you're going through a tough time. I hope you enjoy your break. I commend you for seeing the stress you're under and removing a stressful part of your life, even temporarily. I have a hatd time doing that and it definitely has a negative impact. Best of luck to you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Katie, recognizing your problem and trying to do something about it are exactly how you changed your life in the first place. You take care of yourself, and we'll be here when you're ready to write. And btw I enjoy all your posts, even the ones about mundane things. But if that's making you anxious, do something about it.

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive