My brain is fried these days. So much has happened in the past few months that I’m completely overwhelmed and finding that blogging is not fun to me right now. There are so many things that I want to do and not nearly enough time to do them in so everything just keeps piling up to where I feel like I can’t breathe. I know many of you probably feel the same way too some days but feel you must keep on a plugging for fear of losing traffic. Well, that has always been my fear too but I realize that I’m no good to anyone, including myself, if I can’t think straight.
I’ve come a long ways in blogging. I started out blogging about the ranch, moved into paid-to blogging, moved to wordpress, added several blogs, was a consultant, got out of paid-to blogging, got rid of blogs…. to now. There is a next level for me but I need to sort through my thoughts and figure out what I really want.
I find myself getting addicted to things like Twitter and while I absolutely love it, it keeps me from playing with my son making me feel like a very selfish, horrible mom. If you’ve noticed my absence on twitter these days, this is why. My family is so important to me and with all that’s been happening, I’ve put them on the backburner. I just can’t do that anymore. I’m realizing that the computer has taken over my life and that I don’t even do the things I enjoyed most like crafting and even my photography.
My weight is a BIG issue with me right now as well. If I’m on the computer, I can’t be active which means I can’t lose weight. I’m hoping to get on track, record my journey and hopefully have some big help along the way;)
I plan to post when I WANT to, but only then. I’ll be taking guest post submissions for my food blog so if that’s something you are interested in, please email me at lori {at} thecowboyshack {dot} com. At least one photo is required. I’ll be writing some overdue reviews on my review blog so check that out.
I’ll leave you with some quotes……………………
**The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. ~Benjamin Franklin
**Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it. ~Jacques Prévert
**If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy
**Happiness is never stopping to think if you are. ~Palmer Sondreal
**Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable, than risk being happy. ~Robert Anthony
**The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. ~Mark Twain
**If only we’d stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time. ~Edith Wharton
**Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around. ~E.L. Konigsburg
**Nobody really cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy. ~Cynthia Nelms
**Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad. ~Norm Papernick
Lori is the Owner and Founder of four blogs, a 4 year Problogger, a social media influencer, and tech nerd at heart. She's been married 18+ years and has 3 handsome boys; Tyler 17, Toby, 14, and Truett 4. 
stepping away to clear your mind is a good self preservation tactic. I hope you find what you are looking for
fidgets last blog post..I survived Black Friday
I admire you for this Lori. I’m feeling the pinch myself these days. You are doing what’s right for your family which isn’t always easy when you love what you do. I totally get it. Take the time you need, for you and your family. It will be hard to step away but you can do it. All the best to you in your journey. Laura
Org Junkies last blog post..Holiday Menu Plan Monday banners!
“Certain springs are tapped only when we are aloneâ€
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I recommend her book “Gift From The Sea” – an easy bedtime read
Good for you. I think it is so healthy to recognize your limits and put your family first! Take care of you too…and enjoy your much needed break!
Lindas last blog post..My Life In Barbie Form
Oh, Sweetie, I don’t know how you’ve kept up this long. I am boggled by my 3 personal blogs. You are always so concise, up-to-date and pertinent. I let things go for weeks at a time. I, too, have let go of my blogs that I used to read religiously; to do giveaway entries and research other blogs to which I have no connection. And I have no children at home. My daughter is having a similar conundrum. With the homecoming of her daughter from China, she has to back away altogether to concentrate on her. I have sent all my giveaway blogs to my yahoo home page. I am keeping yours in my email. I do care and want to know what is going on with you. But I am going back to reading my ‘friends’ in blogland, crafting, scrapbooking, long phone chats with loved ones….things that I really love instead of things that I am obsessed by. I have learned so much since I got this computer 19 months ago. There is a great big world out there; full of opportunities, information and wonderful people. I am so happy to be a part of it but I also have a great life and I have to find a happy in-between. I can definitely understand how you desire to find your in-between, as that is my desire, too. Maybe Lisa’s recent posts have caused more of us to rethink how we do things?
I will look forward to your posts. I will try to send you a recipe with pictures. I don’t do the beautiful step-by-step pics you do, but I do provide the end results. My thoughts are with you and my best wishes for a compromise that will benefit all…..
Linda Parkers last blog post..A REALLY BIG BOO-BOO ON A REALLY GOOD DOG
It is very understandable that you need to take a breather. Adding guest posts is always a good idea. Your readers are introduced to people they wouldn’t otherwise know about. I will be gone the next 4 days. When I get back I will have a few recipes for your food blog. Take care.
judi
farmnwifes last blog post..Why, oh, why? (part 1)
You certainly have earned a break. Take it, enjoy yourself, do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and we will be waiting when you feel ready to come back.
I know where you are coming from, People used to tell me enjoy your children because all too soon they will be grown. This year I have found myself telling people this. My children are 19,16,13 and 12. Time flies so don’t feel bad with your decision. Take a breath and you’ll be back again. With Great respect, Candy
Candys last blog post..Tue, December 2, 2008, 10:34 PM EST
Thank you for this post. It has helped me put things into perspective as well. I honestly don’t know how you do it all. I’ve thought about diving head first into trying to make money blogging but I already am a mom to four boys ages 8, 4 and twin 18 month olds, teach preschool, piano and voice out of my home and I already spend way too much time on the computer. So I understand exactly where you’re coming from. I think it will be good for you. Good luck and have a great Christmas!!
Sharlas last blog post..
Like you, my brain has been fried lately so I took a big break as well. Came back much more refreshed! It’s funny, I was just thinking to myself, man, if I lived on a ranch like you, I’d be getting more exercise and out riding horses– you’re living my dream life. Wanna trade? You can move to Chicago and shovel snow for exercise. LOL
Deaf Moms last blog post..Come and Join Us for Mom’s Night Inn
Me too, me too. I need a break that’s why we have giveaways and reviews thrown up all willy nilly, lol! I often live by you snooze you lose and so I’m always so frantic to keep up. I want the best for my family and that’s why I blog, but little man needs his mommy. He’s growing up so fast, I don’t know where the time went. I feel like if I leave the net for a day a new blogger will catch me slipping and take over the world!!!! Ok, so that was an exaggeration, but you get the idea. We need a vacay BAD, but it ain’t happenin’.
Sheena @ Mommy Daddy Blogs last blog post..Three Gs For The Holidays Update #2