Refreshed, Reenergized & Ready To Go

Hello, my friends! I’m back! 🙂

I can’t believe it’s been 18 days since I’ve been here. I can’t even remember the last time I took that much time off of blogging in the middle of the year. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever done that…at least not since blogging became my full-time job (about 6.5 years ago).

But this break was so needed. In my last post about being burned out, I was just in such a funk. I wrote that post not really planning on taking a blogging break, but when I got up the following morning (Friday) and tried to write a post, I just couldn’t make myself do it. That’s when I decided to give myself a week away from the blog and just rest. And then when that week was over, my sweet and thoughtful husband pretty much insisted that I take one more week away from the blog. He was so right to do that!

The good news is that I’m completely and totally out of my funk. 🙂 I feel like I’m back to my old self again. In fact, my funk didn’t last very long at all after my last post.

After reading that post, my mom texted me and basically told me that she thought the reason I was feeling that way was because of the condo. At that point, I was trying to work over there and get things done, but all of the cabinets, closets, and the living room were still filled with our junk. (Obviously, it was mostly stuff we don’t need since we’ve lived without it for a year-and-a-half.) Trying to work around all of that was really discouraging. So she suggested that we go over that afternoon and pack up anything and everything that didn’t absolutely need to be there, and bring it to the house just to get it out of the way.

We spent the whole afternoon packing up, throwing things away, and bringing stuff to the house, and with each box of stuff removed from the condo, the weight on my shoulders felt lighter and lighter. By the end of the day, I was left with a cleared out condo that had only the necessary items, tools, and paint cans that needed to be there. And I started to feel excited. With the condo cleared out, I could actually see everything that needed to be done, and suddenly my “to do” list didn’t feel quite so overwhelming.

So for the past two weeks, I’ve been slowly chipping away at that “to do” list. And I’ve actually had fun doing it! I worked at about half my usual pace (if even that), giving myself a break if I wanted to take a day off here and there. I mean, I really adopted a “no pressure” kind of attitude. After all, my main goal over these last two weeks was to take it easy, relax, clear my head, and get re-energized and ready to tackle as much of my “make it presentable” list for my house as humanly possible during the second half of 2015. But I couldn’t sit still for the whole two weeks. 🙂

So starting tomorrow, I’ll show you some of the things that I’ve gotten done over the last two weeks, starting with the second bedroom at the condo.

condo bedroom sneak peek

After I share all of the stuff I’ve gotten done at the condo, I’ll be back to working on the house full force until the end of the year…and for the foreseeable future after that. The only other outside-the-house project I’ll be tackling this year is decorating my 10-year-old niece’s room. That’s a project that I’ll be working on with my mom, and since Matt and I don’t have any kids, and I love decorating kids’ rooms (this is my favorite one I’ve ever done way back in 2008)…

…I’ll take the opportunity to decorate a kid’s room whenever it presents itself. Plus, I think it’ll be fun to work on a room with my mom for my niece.

All of that to say…I’m back!  And I’m incredibly excited to jump back into this whole DIY thing with both feet.  Thanks so much for your comments and emails of encouragement during my break.  Y’all bless me more than you’ll know!  🙂

 

 

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81 Comments

  1. Yay!! I’m so happy you’re back, recharged, and refreshed! You totally deserved those two weeks off, but my how I’ve missed your blog! 🙂

  2. Oh I just about cried when I read your “I’m back” I didn’t realize how much I missed you!!! Silly I know but it was like my coffee of a morning didn’t taste the same without my deco friend across the screen with me. So glad you are rested, out of your funk and ready to go again. I am excited to see the condo and what you have done there. Thank you for bringing a little susnshine to this old womans day 🙂

  3. woohoo! So glad you are refreshed and anxious to inspire us with all your creative projects….welcome back!

  4. Lately I see a backlash against all of the decluttering advice, but I still maintain that “stuff” weighs us down emotionally and I’m not going to be convinced otherwise. Glad you are back, missed you!

  5. So glad to hear you are back! and somewhat refreshed and energized. I am thankful you are safe and making progress at the condo. You are an inspiration to me.

  6. Sometimes it’s hard to realize we’re not superwoman, but when people we love can see it and help us be regular humans for a while, that’s the best gift.
    Great to have you back 🙂

  7. Glad you are back! Mom’s have a way of making everything all right…..Cherish your Mom. My Mom has passed and how do I miss her so. I can’t wait to get your email daily it has been such and inspiration. But everyone has to have a break and I am so glad that you are feeling like yourself again!

  8. Hi Kristi. Welcome back, you were missed! Your Mom is a wise woman. You are blessed she is there for you and is such a great help and of course many kudos to Matt, too, for knowing what to say/do. I am so glad you had the time to regroup and be able to tackle things at a leisurely pace. You deserve it. Can’t wait to see where it all takes you!

  9. I know I tend to overwhelm myself with projects constantly. We all need a break to clear out our minds and refresh from time to time. I’m so glad you are back!!!

  10. Happy back! Looking forward to seeing what neat things you’ve done at the condo and then on-to-the-house.

  11. So glad you took a break and are refreshed, but I sure enjoyed my coffee this morning reading your blog. I’ve missed you so much! You really do brighten my day! Can’t wait to see what you have been up to! There is no blog I enjoy more! Take care!

  12. Refreshing days away is what rejuvenates us and our depleted energy cells. Glad you listened and glad you are refreshed and wow what a great mom you have. I wanted to cheer and say Mom you are the greatest along with your dear sweet husband. They both knew what you needed even if you did not. Sometimes we are hard headed in that dept and we need another set of eyes and in this case “4 eyes” to show you what was needed. And now put up that “FOR SALE” sign and get it sold so life can be centered around that beautiful home you are creating.

    G.

  13. I am so glad you are back. You keep me excited with your projects. I have just fallen in love with the paisley material on the bed in this post. Can you tell me the name of it?
    Keep on Truckin’

    1. Same here !! Also – the Blue/Green/Yellow striped pillow as well. These are the exact colors I am looking to make my living room, and have yet to find such a perfect inspiration fabric for it. Please help ! Thanks – and welcome back, you have been missed ! 🙂

  14. Bless you! I have missed you, but I’m especially glad for the time you’ve spent with your Mom, and the time you will spend with her in days to come. Hope that condo is ready to put on the market. I’m ready for it to be gone!!! I can’t even imagine what you must feel.

  15. Want to lift an even bigger weight off you shoulders? Get the condo finished and sell it!
    I’m sure you can use the cash and that’s a huge item you can cross off your list.

  16. Glad things are getting better. I’ve missed your posts, and I’m especially happy to see you’ve been working to “off” the condo! Lucky you to have such a smart and helpful Mum!

  17. Good for you for taking the time you needed. Gotta take care of you first! What’s the point of building your job around what you love if you work so hard you don’t love it any more? Glad you’re feeling refreshed, welcome back 🙂

  18. Welcome back! I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to! As for you mom and Matt, you are trully blessed to have people that can figure out what’s wrong with your feelings and help you sort them – it’s rare to even find one person to do that, let alone too! 🙂

    And don’t sell that condo too cheap – sounds like it’s the most amazing property in that area!!!

  19. Awesome, glad to see you are back! And glad that your funk didn’t last long. A good vacation from the net sounds like a great mental recharge!

    Looking forward to seeing what all has happened while you were away and excited for the kid’s room project!

    Mark

  20. Kristi, I’m so glad you’re back, but also so glad you took the time you needed to take care of you! You were missed, but I know it’ll be worth the wait to see all the stuff you have coming down the pike. Can’t wait.

  21. Welcome back. You are my favorite blogger and I have missed you so much these last two weeks! I can’t wait for you to get rid of that condo so I can see what you do with the money from the sale (and what you save on the extra mortgage).

  22. Time off and following Mom’s advice….and getting the pressure off the writing….yes you DID need that! Now one thing at a time and give yourself some time to recharge in between! glad to see you back!

    That was a sweet little girls room you did in 2008!

  23. So glad you are back! Good for you,for knowing when to give your body and mind a rest. I am so excited to read about what you have been doing!

  24. I’m so glad you listened to your mom! Also, realize that even though you have everything ‘perfect’ in the condo, new owners WILL change things. There’s a time to just stop improvements, for your sanity if nothing else. Glad you’re back!

  25. Kristi, Great to have you back and refreshed!…You so needed that!…Your a tough cookie, but we all get like that, That child’s bedroom is stunning!!!…Looking so forward to your new pic’s of the condo and whats next with the house. Really want to see the finished bathroom pic’s…And if you get to where you need a break, give your self permission to take one!…LOL…Kudos to you hun!

  26. Good for Matt & Mama!! I was starting to wonder if you were okay, and I’m glad you were in their very capable hands! 🙂 But I’m so glad you took the time you needed to feel like yourself again even though we missed you!!! You’re by far my favorite blog to read in the mornings.

  27. Been there. It happens to some of us, running around doing everything except what we really don’t want to tackle and then it eats us alive. Hopefully you are now armed for the next attack. Mom’s are excellent resources and can see right through us. Mine is nearing the end of life’s journey and I don’t want to think about what it will be like without her. More than anything you have on your plate, take time to cherish your Mom. Make a point of monthly Mom & Daughter time.

  28. Actually, I was going to send you an email today to see if you were alright. I got worried something was wrong. Glad to see you back and refreshed!

  29. Kristi, I am over the moon you are feeling better! And you have been using your time off wisely. You not only needed a break, you most assuredly deserved a break!
    Welcome back!!
    Blessings, Hope

  30. So glad to see you “back” Krisit. I missed reading your blog and looking at your pics. Glad you took a little break. We all need that now and then. 🙂

  31. Welcome back, Kristi! Dittos to all the above, I’ve missed reading your blog and so glad you are renewed and refreshed. Treasure the time you have with your Mom, I lost mine 10 years ago and still want to pick up the phone and call her.

    LOVE the little girl’s room, especially the half-circle table and stools at the foot of the bed!

    Onward and Upward!

  32. Welcome back Kristi……we’ve missed you!!!
    So pleased that you got to have a break though and that you are now re-energized and re-charged ready to go. We can’t wait to see what items you were able to check off your list at the condo. Keep up the momentum so you can get the condo listed for sale. That day will be a huge weight off your shoulders. Again, we have really missed you, and it was so nice to see your blog today……..yay, Kristi is back!!!!

  33. Yaaaaaayyyyyy you’re back!! Guess we all have to get to work again now :^) Thanks to Matt for giving us a couple of weeks off!!
    My 12 year old grandgirl and I are working on her room. I have the bedding done and am just waiting for instructions concerning the curtains and window seat cover. It is fun working with a kidlet :^)
    Blessings to you,
    J

  34. So glad to hear you had a great break. But you are torturing us by making us wait 1 more day!!! 🙂

  35. I am so happy you are feeling better! Sometimes all the pressure and stuff and to dos becomes over whelming and we need to take a break and step back. I am excited to see your next posts !

  36. Welcome back Kirsti,

    You do not know me, but I really missed and enjoy your blog. It is so inspirering!

    Great to hear you enjoyed you rest!

    Gr,
    Maureen

  37. And it’s a YAY!!!! from Australia! Nice to have you back Kristi. I was so delighted to see the email in my mailbox. Good on you for taking some time out. There’s no rush, just do your thing and keep it enjoyable. We’ll cheer on from the sidelines.

    Take care of you!
    xx

  38. So glad you took a break. I missed you but I *was* worried about your non-stop, all hours of the day schedule. Not enough rest and de-stress time just ain’t good for the ol’ body and soul!

    We’re here for you no matter how much time you need to take for yourself! ! ((Hugs))

  39. If I’m remembering right, I first saw that girls room on HGTV.com’s rate my space. It’s timeless. Sometimes breaks are good! Welcome back!

  40. I am so glad you are back! I missed you and can’t wait to see all the things you’ve been creating.

  41. Kristi, Bless your heart! I am so glad to see you back and ready to sell that condo! You’ll have a fresh breath of air! Glad you’re back!

  42. So nice when Mom just gets it right! So glad she was able to help get that “logjam” cleared away. So happy to read that you are feeling better! Its good to have you back online – I missed hearing from you. 🙂

  43. Good for you, Kristi you needed to give yourself a much needed mental break!
    To be honest, I’ve been surprised you didn’t take a break after the kitchen project. I’m excited for all that is ahead for you and all of us readers. Happy to have you back.

  44. and a welcome back from Germany too! Glad you feel so much better and took some time to relax! Your mom’s one wise lady and it’s great that she took the initiative as well and helped you. I keep my fingers crossed that you get the condo sold asap so that you can concentrate on the projects that make a more lasting impression on you 🙂
    Looking forward to your posts again!

  45. Kristi,
    I’m another reader that you don’t know. I read your blog every day and really enjoy your ideas. I am so glad you are feeling better and are back! It’s good you took that break.
    Margaret

  46. My husband and I are in the middle of a foreign adoption. There is a lot of waiting involved in this adventure. I have been checking my email and your web site equally over the past two weeks, waiting for good news from either China or you! I’ve missed your updates. What a great mom you have to get to the root of your problem!!