February 29, 2016

5 Reasons it's Hard to be a Blogger



I've been thinking about this space a lot lately which you wouldn't think by the amount of times I've been showing up in the last few weeks. It's true the new job has limited my blogging time and I can't quite get in a groove yet. 

I keep making up excuses why I'm not blogging. But the truth is, in all honesty, being a blogger is just hard. Even for a not that big or famous of one.
Here are all the reasons that have come to my mind lately that make being a blogger hard, really hard!

1 | Let's start with the most obvious of all. It takes a lot of time. Even as a blogger who isn't out their promoting every post, scheduling content and going after the big bucks, it's a time suck. Writing a post just about how your weekend was or confessing the latest random things in your life takes time. It takes extra hours in front of the computer and away from your everyday life. And that's not even counting the communication it takes to keep your community thriving! Reading and commenting and responding could be a job itself.

2 | It's not the most thrilling of hobbies. Look, I would never be bummed about spending a weekend playing volleyball, travelling or hanging out with my friends or family. But spending a weekend blogging? No, thank you. It's just not the sort of thing I want to spend all my time doing or that I'm proud to talk about with others. I mean I'm not ashamed of my blog, but it's not something I would advertise as the thing that took me away from another activity or just living life.

3 | While we're on the theme of living life, that's another thing that blogging makes hard. Why? Because every other moment there are wheels spinning in the back of my head saying "you should be taking pictures of this" or "this is so going on the blog." And you know what happens to those live-worthy moments? They are lost because I'm not truly living them or being present in the moment. 

4 | Originality is a myth. I know we all want to sit here and say "ever single blogger is unique in their own way" and yes, maybe there's a tiny bit of truth to that. But I don't really feel that way. It seems when I spend time in the blog world reading or sit down to write there's a big red light flashing "It's been done!" In a world where content is king I just feel like, I especially, am lacking anything worth putting out there. Sure I love to write about myself and my dog as much or more than the next person, but that hardly keeps me coming to this space everyday. I feel like if I could make a difference and stand out maybe it would be a lot easier. But that is so very hard these days.

5 | You get very invested. I know all these previous points may make it seem otherwise, but it's true. I feel very invested in this space. The community I've built and the friends I have made are really important to me and every day I don't show up or read their pages I feel like I've dropped the ball. And I hate more than anything to feel like I'm failing in some sort of way. That's how I feel right now, like I'm not present enough for the people who deserve it because they've supported me all this time. And it's killing me. 

So for all of you out there doing this thing called blogging, and rocking it, I salute you. Because it is hard. It is a challenge. And it is worth it.

Thank you for taking on this hard little hobby with me. Thank you for reading, commenting and making it something that is even harder to give up than it is to do. It's all of you that make it that way. 

Now if only I could find a few more hours in the day...

TTFN,
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February 24, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | Busy or Lazy?

Hey humpdayers!

I've been sparse around here and unfortunately I will continue to be until I can get my ass in gear and decide if and how I'm going to maintain this blog. Send some positive mojo my way so that this space doesn't slip away would you?  #positivevibes #savetheblog #getmemotivated

Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with my partner in crime Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love! 


#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

I confess, I'm a little burnt out on this space and I've used the new job as an excuse. I've lost all opportunity to blog at work and that was once where I did a majority of my blogging. Now that it's not the way to burn up time at a job I'm not happy with, it seems more like an obligation and I never EVER want it to be that #soineedtofigureitout




That doesn't mean that there hasn't been time to blog. There has. Maybe I'm just a lazy pile of... #youknowwhat



Mostly I feel super guilty about not reading and commenting like I used to do. I have made such outstanding friends through this space and through connecting and commenting and I have totally let that slip. Mostly I want to say to you all SORRY!!!

For those of you still sticking around while I figure my shiz out, thank you. I LOVE YOU!



And that is really all I have today. The confession that I'm a behind, a bit lost, lazy and missing the hell out of you all. Here's hoping I can turn it around!



Cheers until we meet again! Now go link up!

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February 18, 2016

Happy 3rd Birthday Gunner!



It's my best friend's birthday. So what if he has four legs and a wet nose?

There's something dogs bring into our lives that is irreplaceable. So we sure as heck celebrate him coming into the world and into our lives! 

I mean just look at him, how can you resist that face?



I love this boy more than I can express in words. I live to come home to that wagging tail and goofy grin every day. He makes my world a better place!

Year three was pretty low key. Due to "mom's" new job and injury there wasn't time to bake cakes like his 1st birthday or make Pupcakes for all his buddies at the dog park like we did last year. Instead we'll celebrate this weekend with a long trip to the park and a new elk antler.



Oh boy!

In the mean time I like to treat him everyday with our new goodies our friends at Chewy.com sent us! February is National Pet Oral Health Care Month, so we got Blue Buffalo Dental Chews to test out. 



Gunner loves them, and I'm happy knowing they are keeping that goofy grin healthy and helping with doggy breath! 



Do you celebrate your dog's birthday? How do you take care of your furry friend's teeth and gums?



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February 17, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | New Job and Stuff

Happy Wednesday! We're half way through the week and more than half way through February. Can I get an Amen on that? I'm ready for spring and summer!

I really shouldn't complain, it's been in the 60s in Idaho which is unheard of this time of year. So really I guess that's spring-ish anyways. Still I could go up a few ticks on the thermometer and wouldn't mind some flowers popping up!

Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with my partner in crime Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love! 


#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

So for starters be forewarned that I need to gush a little bit...

I am OVER THE MOON EXCITED about my new job. There I said it. It's basically the coolest job in the world other than snuggling with puppies all day. I know there are lots of people who make their living doing nothing but social media, but I didn't really think it was a reality for me. Now I will get paid to spread and share the messages of a product line millions of people love, over social media, for a living #someonepinchme



I still don't know if it's Kosher to share here where I'm working, but if you want to know, comment and I'll shoot you an email. What you should know though is that the perks are killer. Now I'm not talking benefits, those are pretty good too, I'm talking other things. For example $55 in product for your birthday every year, half off everything in their high-end, onsite cafeteria and coffee shops,  and even free unlimited access to an onsite gym that has classes from yoga to crossfit #ifonlyihadaleg #idbekillingitatthegymalready #somuchfreestuff!



The other thing I'm overly excited about is the company's stance on giving back. Every month there is a service project (or two) you can be a part of, if you volunteer on your own time they will pay out your hours to the charity of your choice, and they offer pay-it-forward programs ($10 each to thousands of employees) each year to spread in their communities #ineedtostepupmyhelpinggame #andnowitspartofmyjob #givingbackisthebest



I've been downloaded now from my team leader and I have to admit it left my head spinning. We are basically re-launching and re-branding on all their platforms over the next year, which is overwhelming. Still I was so excited and happy for this opportunity I was nearly in tears as I drove home last night #happytearsarethebest #mightbeoverwhelmedtearstoo



The one downside of course is that my once open-ish days at my old job for blogging are long gone, so posts may be fewer and farther between around here. Maybe this will be the push I needed to actually create a blogging calendar and schedule #dontholdyourbreath #crazierthingshavehappened



And I'd like to say I'm sorry for this brag-assy post but #sorrynotsorry



Happy Humpday all! Link up why don't ya?

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February 16, 2016

5 Things to do Before Starting a New Job

Hello friends!



Yesterday was my first day at the new job. Woohoo! I am so excited about this next chapter in my life, but also realizing it will mean far less time for blogging. Please bear with me while I try and figure out my new blogging schedule without being able to work on the blog while at work...

In the mean time I wanted to share some quick insight on things that might help if you are going through the same transition. It helps if you take some "funemployement" days like I did so you have time to squeeze them in.

Here are 5 things I think help when starting a new job. I tested them all out for you, so I know they work (wink, wink).

1. Get a massage. Let the stresses of the old job, and any anxiety for starting a new one melt away for an hour.

2. Get your hair done. You never get first impressions back, so you want to look your best for your first week of work! Get your color fixed or even just get a trim and style to make you feel good walking in those doors the first day.

3. Take care of those nails. I know I'm sounding shallow on this now, but really, who wants to deal with chipped polish their first week? I know it would stress me out, so I went and treated myself to gels. Now I can feel confident with every handshake. An at-home mani will do the trick too though!

4. Get prepared. Make sure you have all your needed paperwork, know where to go, park and timing for your first day, and have your outfit and everything ready to go. You will feel far less stress the morning of if you have everything prepared.

5. Buy yourself some confidence. Ok, this might be the shallowest of all, but really, I'm all for buying yourself a little something that makes you feel like a million bucks that first day. Maybe it's  a great tote bag to take your paperwork into HR or maybe it's a stunning statement necklace or new heels. Whatever it is that is going to make you feel great - get it. It's first day treat yo' self at it's finest.

Once you've done all that you are ready to take on your first day not only in style, but prepared and ready to take on your new challenge.

Go get 'em ladies. I know I did, peg leg and all!

Cheers!


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February 10, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | My Last Day of Work

It's here. My final day with the county Fair. It's been a bitter sweet two weeks and I think I'm still in disbelief that I really won't be driving the 25 hellishly long miles out here tomorrow. 

Leaving a job is tough, but the excitement for my new one is slightly over-shadowing the pain of the goodbyes today. It's not goodbye forever right? #letsnotthinkaboutthat



Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with my partner in crime Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love! 


#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

Alrighty then, here we go...

Cleaning my desk out this week reminded me of what a hoarder I am. Not hoarding really, but  just being a "stuff" person in general. I have LOTS of stuff. Most of it's crap, knick-knacks, personal tacks I use on my bulletin board, three kinds of lotions and chapsticks, all sorts of stationary, photos, a high-heel tape dispenser, business card holder and on and on I could go. It always seems to accumulate wherever I'm at #holdonwhileicrawloutofmyoffice #somuchstuff #someonehastocarryitdownstairsbecauseimacripple



I did most of the clearing out of my office while no one else was here, to avoid the pain #itsnothappeningifnooneelsesees #ifatreefallsinthewoods



As much as I tried to knock out a bunch of projects before leaving I left a few that I hate doing. I know that makes me a terrible person. At least it's not the hard stuff #someoneelsesproblemnow



We are having a farewell lunch for me today, and it will for sure not be Whole30 #eatingmyfeelings #itsthelastdaysowhynot



My boss keeps saying they're never going to find someone as great as me. It makes me feel awful but amazing at the same time. Sometimes you never really think you are that good at your job or reflect back on what you have done until you leave it. I guess I was pretty dynamite #killedit #bestever #setthebarhigh




There are definitely some people I'm not going to miss #imlookingatyouneedysponsors



Mostly there is just this weird feeling in my gut. It's a cross of butterflies of excitement and the gut-wrenching hurt of the goodbyes this afternoon. I may have to veer off Whole30 again tonight for a stiff drink when this is all over #istillcantbelieveit #offonmynextadventure #drinkswillbeneccessary



What are you confessing this week? Link up!


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February 9, 2016

My Whole30 Results | Breakup Challenge 2016

Hello friends! I have about one week's worth of non-Whole30ness under my belt and I of course fell completely off the wagon. My will power just "poofed" and was gone for the weekend. In my defense, it was a weekend away plus we had a Superbowl party, so it was double trouble.

Here's the thing though, I'm back on track now this week eating about 90% Whole30. After the weekend of binging on terrible foods and alcohol I was so ready to get back on track. I literally am craving veggies and salads so I feel like that's a success!

But enough about how naughty I was over the weekend, let's talk about how Whole30 went for me!

If you are just tuning in, Amy and I decided that 2016 would be the year we broke up with our bad habits, and we asked anyone and everyone in the blog world (or otherwise) to join in! Whether you picked one habit to focus on or kick for the 30 days, or joined us for Whole30, we were all in it together! 

The Breakup Challenge

Major Successes: 


Skin: The psoriasis/dryness on my scalp is about 90% gone. This is a drastic difference! I am no longer embarrassed to show my hairline! It's incredible that your diet influences your skin so much. I'm glad that this was one thing I could kiss goodbye!

Weight & Inches: I was very worried that because of my injury and how inactive I was the scale and the measurements wouldn't really change. But I was pleasantly surprised when I measured on day 31. I lost about 8.5 pounds, 3.5" off my beer gut (belly) and 3" off my bust line. Those are sizable differences! Everything else stayed the same (other than the thigh that is larger now due to it being my only functioning leg) and I can live with that. 

Before and after Whole30
Look at the difference in my face!!! That's Christmas week and then after!

Health: Another obstacle I had to tackle during my Whole30 was a bout of the flu. It was the drop you dead, head-cold kind of flu and guess what? It was gone in about 2 days. Why? Because of Whole30, I'm about 99% sure. When your body isn't processing all that other junk, you can just get well so much faster! 

Soda Addiction: The main thing I craved  during the 30 days was soda. Diet Coke/Coke Zero more specifically. I thought it would be the one thing I'd treat myself with after the fact. Of course during this horrible binge of a weekend I tried one. Guess what? It was so sweet I almost spit it out. It went straight in the garbage. I guess I kicked my Coke habit! 


I did pick up a La Croix habit though! Coconut was my favorite (mango is good too!)


Attitude & Mood: Whole30 is supposed to give you all this energy and make you happier. I don't know that I had ether happen necessarily, but I do know, I was able to get through a really tough time in my life without too much sadness. So instead of getting really happy and energetic maybe Whole30 just helped me cope - and I'm ok with that!

Mental Toughness: One of the things that was most important to me about doing Whole30 was proving to myself I could actually do it. I could go those 30 days without cheating. I could commit to something to better myself. I had moments I really thought I would crack - that I wanted more than anything some comfort food or to order food because I literally couldn't move. Injuries are tough and getting sick on top of that was tougher. But I did it. I stuck to it. And more than anything I proved to myself I could!

Not so Successful: 


Skin: Even though the psoriasis went away I for some reason had worse acne/spots on my face during Whole30. It could be a facewash thing, but I was really hoping my skin would clear up completely with this change, and it didn't. A bit of a disappointment there. 

Weight & Inches: Like I mentioned above I was very pleased with what I did lose. However a huge part of me is sad I couldn't be active during Whole30. Damn you peg leg! Who knows how much lower the scale would have dipped for me if I could have worked out the last 3 weeks.

Sleep: Whole30 is supposed to help you sleep better and through the night. I saw zero difference on this front. It probably was a lot due to having a boot or wrap on a very painful ankle, but still, I would have loved to have gotten better sleep.

Attitude & Mood: I don't think I got my "tigers blood" the way I'm supposed to. I was never fully energized once the injury happened and I blame that. I wanted that boost of energy more than anything and while I still think it's totally doable with Whole30, I might just have to do another round when I'm in better shape (two legs) to see if I can't finally have that tigery goodness flowing through my veins!

Some Confessions & Reasoning:

I think part of the reason I was not "extremely" successful with Whole30 was because I did opt to take prescription painkillers and over the counter cold medicine. While I don't think either was a bad choice for me (painkillers were a must to not be crying the first 2 days I was hurt), I know they negatively effected my Whole30 experience. My body had to work at processing and cleaning those drugs out of my system so I didn't have that completely "clean" Whole30. Thus why I will simply have to try again! I'm thinking September maybe? Summer is just too hard to not have a cold beer during every once and a while!

kitty snuggles
Kitty snuggles we're good medicine too.


What do you think? Would you ever try Whole30? Did you breakup with something with us? I want to know how it went!

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February 4, 2016

February Currently



Sending farewell emails. Leaving a job is hard, and what makes it even harder is saying good bye to everyone even if it's just a quick note through email. I hate when I find out someone has left a position by getting a bounce back from their address - I'm determined to not let that be the case for any of my contacts.

Eating mostly Whole30 as I head into post Whole30 life. I had a big splurge with our postponed anniversary dinner last night, and it's back to clean eating today. I just can't justify going back to my old ways! 

Dreaming of where this new job and new opportunity will take me. Will I love it? Will it be challenging enough? What if I get bored? What if I can't hang? What if it's everything I've ever wanted and I'm blissfully happy? I like to focus on that last one. It's what sweet dreams are made of!

Smelling stinky dog. He's not that smelly but he definitely comes in smelling like he rolled around in the yard. I even bought doggy deodorant spray - no joke - but it doesn't last long because he's soon out again to roll around. Good thing he's getting groomed next week! No more dog smell!

Hearting the amazing support of the blog world and the friends I have made through it. Going through Whole30 this last month I had incredible support from so many bloggers. And on top of that, I became much closer to those who participated with me, sharing and connecting daily. I cannot wipe the smile off my face when I think of all the amazing people the wide world of blogging has brought into my life and I love it!

Linking up (late because of #hashtaghumpday) with Anne and Jenna

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February 3, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | Just a little Something

Happy Wednesday and Day 31! I'm officially a Whole30 Alum. #baller #imightbeeatingchocolaterightnowbecauseican

Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with my partner in crime Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love! 


#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

Ok so I may or may not have watched the new Fixer Upper instead of writing this post #HGTVaddict #shortandsweettocome #oops




I finally "announced" the new job this week and it feels sort of weird. Like I'm embarrassed. That's not the right word but it just doesn't feel real or normal. Not in a bad way, just different. I'm just not used to it yet #changeisawkward #butitsgoingtobegood



I've strategically planned two days of "funemployment" for some me time. I already have a massage, hair appointment, mani-pedi appointment and a grooming appointment for Gunner scheduled. Because why not? #funemployment #medayz #treatyoself



I feel superbly guilty about not taking Gunner to the park or dog park at all this week. I attempted the dog park on the pirate leg and I almost died when he decided he needed to go after another dog while on his leash, pulling over the one-legged freak-self I am at the moment. I'm scared to go back, but I feel sooooo terrible for him. It's like I'm depriving him of his favorite thing #terribledogmom #whatshouldido #damnyoupirateleg



I got a little over aggressive with searing my steaks last night and turned my house into a smoke lodge. Good thing I never installed those smoke detectors eh? #smokyashell #coughcough #steakwasgoodthough



I cheated just a tad and weighed myself last night for my Whole30 results. Took measurements this morning. I'm excited to share #majortease #butthatsallyouget



Seriously this week is going so FREAKING slow because I'm counting down the days left at my old job. I'm so ready for the weekend! #letsgetamoveon #waitingistheworst




And that's all I have this week. Confess and link up!


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