I didn’t mean for my break from blogging to last as long as it did, but I must say I’m glad to be back. I needed to get away from my blog and writing for a while, away from a rigid three-day-a-week or five-day-a-week schedule to figure out where I want my blog to go. I feel more secure now.
A lot has happened in the past three weeks.
- I ran my sixth 5K the Thursday before Halloween. Since I was only on Week 3 of Couch to 5K, I wasn’t expecting a great PR. I just hoped to run and enjoy my time there. I did that. I didn’t set a new personal record. In fact, my time was the exact same time as my previous personal record, which I got from my 5K in April. 44:54. How I managed that, I’ll never know. But since it beats the time of my 5K in September, I’ll take it! I’m signed up for a trail run on November 21st and ready to smash that 44:54.
- My blog has changed. I was growing sick of my current design and needed a change. I contacted Designer Blogs about one of their premades and it was installed within a week! Check them out if you want a design. They do custom orders! I added a little race section to my sidebar, which includes my PRs (which are not all that impressive, but they are mine), as well as my upcoming races.
- I received a lovely letter from a blog friend that uplifted my spirits and made me realize why I have a blog. She mentioned some key facts that have helped me to figure out where I want my blog to go. She said all the things I had been thinking in the back of my mind but was too afraid to voice.
- I registered for my last semester ever this past week. Well, as an undergrad, although I’m 80% sure I’m not going to attempt grad school. The semester should be an easy one, a fun one, with very little stress. I’m taking Spanish II and Senior Seminar, which are both required. I also signed up for Twentieth Century Literature for my exit course (another required course) and Form and Technique of Fiction, which was the filler course I needed to keep my scholarship. I’m super excited about those last two classes. I think they’re going to be fun!
- I decided to quit my internship. There were a lot of factors leading to this decision but suffice it to say, I’m at peace with it and it was something I had to do. I’ve only been working there for 3 hours on Wednesdays. My last day there will be November 17 and it will definitely be a bittersweet day.
- I recently became a contributing writer for the website, Blissfully Domestic. It’s a fun little writing gig and allows me to let some creative juices flow. It also gives me a place to have my name in print online, which is always a plus. Check out my first article here, where I talk about writing.
- I have discovered that it’s OK to spend a day or two without checking my Google Reader. The world won’t end and the bloggers won’t hate me. Sometimes, sanity is more important than popularity. That being said, I love reading blogs and there is so much I derive from your stories, tips, and inspiring notes. And I am never fully away from the blog world. It has captured me.
- I have oodles and oodles of blog post ideas floating through my head. I can’t wait to share my recent epiphanies, funny stories, and moments. The break was much needed, but I also realized my blog is also much needed.
Registered for the last semester. Crazy! It's always exciting yet nervous at the same time. Any idea what you'll do when all is said and done?
Glad you're back hun!
YAY you're back!! I had a break this week too and it was for different reasons (being that I physically could not leave my bedroom for a few days!!), but I love what you said – "Sometimes, sanity is more important than popularity." Amen to that. Although it was sad when I got back online after a week and I'd lost a few followers on Twitter and been de-listed by someone just for not being online, but oh well 🙂
Hannah Katy is so wonderful isn't she? As is your new look here… and WAY TO GO on running!! You are doing phenomenally!
Yay, welcome back!!! I knew you would find your way! I've let go of any conceptions about how often I should post or what I should post about– I've realized, if I lose followers by only posting once or twice a week, then I didn't want them reading my blog anyway! Yes, in a way I write for my blog friends, to entertain or inform them, but I mostly write for ME. So glad you're pumped up and ready to go, and LOVE the new layout!!!
Oh cool! Love the new blog and talk about lots of changes in your life!! I'm glad you're back and keeping us updated 🙂
Welcome back! Love the new blog design, it's very nice!!
I read your article on Blissfully Domestic – great job lady!
Missed your posts 🙂
Welcome back! Thank goodness bloggers don't hate those of us who ignore our readers for a few days, as I do that often.
Love the new look, can't wait to hear about the upcoming trail race and everything else you are doing. Sounds like you've refocused and are happy which is just great!
Welcome back! 🙂 Congrats on the 5K! 🙂 And I love that you added your PRs to the site. Be proud of them! You are out there working it and that is a lot more than some people can say.
I sometimes feel bad leaving the blogging world for awhile too (by not checking reader) but sometimes I just have to! I love reading blogs but need a break every now and then!
Glad you're back! I've missed you and I love the new layout. Great job on the 5k!
I think I've been a little TOO connected lately, & it's wearing on me. But being unemployed, I don't have THAT much else to keep me busy!
I'm glad you're back. 🙂
I'm so glad you're back! I had to do the same thing a few weeks ago in October. I had a post scheduled, and after that one posted to my blog it took me weeks to find the motivation to start writing again. Finally, I wrote a post about missing writing important things that mattered to me, then I proceeded to change the look of my blog, and wrote three new posts for this week. I'm trying to take it slow and work myself back into blogging. I think the redesign really helped, and I'm really happy about the way my blog looks now. Speaking of which, I definitely like this design. It's simple, but cute, and the sidebar icons are really cute, too. 🙂 Again, I'm really glad that you're back. Can't wait to see what you're cooking up for this place!
Wow so much change! First, I love the new blog design and second, way to make bold steps to get you where you want to be! Doing things like that is always so scary and then once you do it you wonder why you didn't do it sooner (happened to me when i started my new blog) but anyways, yay! i'm happy to see you're blogging again!
ps I'm not sure how to comment as SweetCaroline on your blog? but this is really from: http://sweetcarolineblog.com haha wow what a scattered comment i'm sorry
Yay, you're back! I love the new layout – it's lovely. Also, congrats on your 5K, quitting your internship, and registering for your last semester! 🙂
Glad you're back!
Welcome back!
congrats on the 5k and school! this is big news!
Don't be a stranger. I'll bite you!
Yay for being back! Love the new design! Wahoo for awesome race times and only one more semester!!
Hooray for registering for your last semester! That is the best feeling, I bet. 🙂 At least it was for me. 🙂
I think you should be proud of your times and your PRs. 🙂 Don't ever let other bloggers times make you feel bad about yours… Just remember that you are part of a community of go getters, so it might feel like there are alot of people faster than you, but think of all the people you are faster than. Or think of all the people who can't run 3 miles. 🙂 Pat yourself on the back for completing as many races as you have!
We're glad you're back! I wish I could not check my google reader daily..can anyone say 300 updates? Ack! Btw love the new design!
Yay, you're back! I missed you! Kudos on your writing gig, you know I love it, and you sound so HAPPY ! Welcome back lady!
welcome back 🙂 love your new blog look! and congrats on your last semester! I just registered for MY last semester too…unless I go through some kind of mid-life crisis and get my PhD. But for now I'm putting my foot down and saying, "school is almost done!" 🙂
At the end of the day, always blog for you, and no one else. It's fun to share posts with readers…but you should never feel obligated to post a certain amount of times per week. That's not fun!
Kudos to you on the writing gig. Sounds like things are going swimmingly.
Good to hear from you, Steph! You're right; we won't hate you. Blogging, like anything, can take over your life if you let it. I realized that I don't owe anyone anything in terms of my writing, reading, or commenting. Blogging is supposed to be an outlet, not an additional source of stress! Glad to hear things are going well for the most part.
Welcome back! I know how good a break feels and how inspiring it feels to come back. Some people are just meant to blog! 🙂