Pressing the pause button.

September 1 | Posted in Uncategorized

I’m taking a time out, a la Liz & Ashlee. I’ll still be in touch through Twitter & email.

I’ll just go ahead & say it: When I was a kid, I loved time out. I know, weirdoooo. But I’ve always had a very vivid imagination & sitting in time out was an opportunity to let it run wild, to entertain myself with the stories in my mind. Sometimes, if I had a babysitter who put me in timeout, she’d even let me read a book, thinking it was a “punishment.” Little did she know, reading was my favorite thing, even more than playing with Barbies or my mom’s makeup.

Yesterday I saw that a couple of my favorite bloggers were taking a time out, & I thought, what a great idea. I mean, I know I haven’t been posting all that regularly anyway, but there’s something about a planned hiatus that is exactly what I need. Otherwise, I keep thinking about this little space & how I’m neglecting it. And there’s no room for a side of french-fried guilt on my already overflowing plate.

I’m loving my new house, but its current state of disaster is a constant source of stress to me. Couple that with needing to catch up on, oh, everything- laundry piling up, bills needing to be paid, addresses needing to be changed, & a literal mountain of boxes needing to be unpacked- & you’ll see why I’m having little panic attacks throughout the day & my stomach is in knots. Once I take some time to get everything in order, I have a feeling I’ll feel 100% better. I can only spread myself so thin.

I’ll be back soon. I don’t know when, but I know that I love this (and you) too much to give it up for long. I just need a little break, a time out, to let my imagination run wild & to catch up on everything. In the meantime, I’ll be focusing on:

-Getting my house in order. There are still boxes everywhere, & a thin layer of dust on everything. When my house is out of order, I am stressed. I can’t find anything, I’m constantly frustrated, & I’m not at peace. Not to mention, I haven’t been to the grocery store or cooked a decent meal in quite some time. My home is my castle; it’s time to get it back in working order.

-Going to visit some friends… and my therapist. This week(end) I’ll be going back to the Houston area to see some family & friends, which is always wonderful- especially given the fact that I still haven’t met anyone here. I’ll also be stopping by to see my therapist for a tune-up. It’s necessary right now, believe me.

-Catching up on emails & making some phone calls. My inbox makes me want to scream, there are so many emails I need to take care of. And there are a few special people I need to catch up with over the phone. It’s time to make these things a priority & quit pushing them to the back burner.

Moving is the worst for stress & chaos, but I’m hoping that once the dust settles & all my dishes are unpacked, my inbox is clear & I’ve had a nice long chat with friends, I’ll feel much better & ready to come out of hiding.

Until then. <3

Comments on Pressing the pause button.

From Liz:

Welcome aboard, doll. Me, you, Diana, Ashlee & I can all hang out in time out together. Best *punishment* ever? I think yes.

From Erin:

I’ll miss you, but I agree it’s something you need! Can’t wait to read ya on the flip side :)

From San:

It’s the right thing to do sometime… just unplug! We’ll be here when you get back ;)

From Ashlee:

I have started a timeout revolution. Love it. Good luck with your break! ;)

From Kyla Roma:

Sounds like a break is the perfect thing for you! I can’t wait for you to come back though, you’re one of my favourites! E-mail buddies? <3

From Nicole:

I’m so proud of you, Lauren. It’s really brave what you are doing. I “get” it.

From Suburban Sweetheart:

Sounds good. Take it easy, get it together, come back when you’re set. <3

From DebbieQ:

Have a wonderful “blog pause”. I think we all need that from time to time. Sort of a recharging of the bloggy batteries so to speak.

From Monica:

Enjoy your time away from your blog. I will miss your posts; you are one of my favorite bloggers!

From mintyfresch:

I will miss your posts, but I definitely understand needing to take a time-out. Enjoy settling in to your new house!

From Lindsay:

I know how you feel, having a messy house is just the most distracting thing for me. I feel like my mind mirrors my surroundings and I need everything in order before I can be productive. Enjoy your time out :)

From Victoria:

Have a great timeout Lauren! :) Tell your family I say hi! :) I know your house will be unpacked and pretty soon :)

From E.P.:

Sometimes, it’s nice just to take a pause and breathe without worrying about the blog stuff. Goodness knows I’ve been doing the same thing for the past two months at my TWO blogs because of work, wedding and life craziness.

We’ll all be here when you get back! Enjoy your time offline!

From Laurie:

Some time off never hurt anyone. Good for you! Best of luck tackling everything and getting stuff back in order. And remember to have a cocktail or two along the way–that will certainly help calm the nerves :)

From Nora:

I’m *thisclose* to taking a break myself.

I know you’ll be off of here, but could you send me your new new address? Want to send a litle something your way.

xoxox

From The Higgenbottom:

i totally understand needing to take a break to catch up. i’d do the same as you. i’d also feel so nuts if my home were not in order. happy organizing!