You are the only blog I read, too, and your writing is lovely. Really, really lovely.

I think you may be looking at this in the wrong way. You keep saying that you’re homeschooling, but, to me, it isn’t homeschool if the kids aren’t old enough to be in school anyway. (I know Riley technically is, but my understanding is that held him back for reasons other than your plans to homeschool.) It’s just teaching them stuff at home; i.e., good parenting. Also, there’s a big difference between being a stay-at-home-parent and being a working-at-home-parent. You are definitely still working (and of course, there’s nothing wrong with being a SAHM either, but that’s a whole other topic); you’re just lucky enough to be doing it where and when you want. You certainly shouldn’t beat yourself up for cleaning your house with the time you used to spend stuck in traffic.

You actually said something last month that has stuck with me for my own reasons, but maybe you need to be reminded now? Or maybe the people who feel like they can’t identify with you need to be reminded. “After years of weathering—and actively seeking out—big changes, you’d think I’d know by now that nothing can really change who you are as a person.” Not going to an office everyday doesn’t make you a different person than you were before. And I don’t read your blog because we lead similar lives – we don’t – but because the struggles you describe are things we all deal with, like self-control, pushing yourself, accepting yourself. I don’t understand why kind of person wouldn’t be able to identify with that.

I’m going through some of the same things myself. I quit my job the end of September. I was tired of being taken advantage of and being unhappy all the time. I now stay at home and keep my 20 month old niece (and I have a 9 yr old who is in school all day). I am so much happier and don’t feel that awful soul sucking dread of getting up in the mornings to go to work. I started college last spring and had signed up for full-time this semester. I’m so glad I did that because now I have the time to get my school work done. All my classes are online so I do miss the daily interaction with people but not having to go to work just makes it better =)
You are doing a great job!

I can completely identify with that feeling, even though I still work full time. It was hard being home on maternity leave, not because I didn’t want to be with my daughter, but because that sense of self OUTSIDE OF THE HOME was totally gone.

BUT I applaud you for working for yourself and doing what you want to do. I hope to get there one day myself.

I’ve been reading for two years now. I read b/c we’re the same age and I have a young boy and yeah, that’s about it. Well, I’m sure there’s more but my point is that’s not why I read. There’s and emotion that you convey in your writing that I relate to and it wouldn’t matter where you worked or what you did. I’m certain of that.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that recently (like the past year) I’ve felt like what you just described. Except I never knew how to express it. Different circumstances, same outcome/feeling. I actually don’t even think I knew until just 3 min. ago what my problem was and why I felt this way. THIS post just turn on the biggest lightbulb for me and for that, I thank you.

Apparently those that have taken the time to email you personally to tell you how they don’t relate to you anymore just don’t like change.

Change is refreshing, it’s exciting, it makes you vulnerable. It’s LIFE. And that’s why I wait in anticipation – daily for that matter – for you to write another post.

Take life by the balls and go with it – it might take some adjusting, but for real, the sky is not the limit here. It’s not how high do you want to go, it’s how high can you go?
I think that’s exactly what you are trying to do…test that limit. And I applaud you greatly for doing just that. It’s inspirational to say the least.

I’ve been reading you for a good while, never commented (hi!) – but this entry made me want to chime in with some support. Of course I don’t relate to you all the time, but regardless I still enjoy reading what you write.

And now – I’m totally relating! I’m about to give up a job that has completely defined who am I for a long time. I’m unhappy with it and it’s time to move on, but it’s scary to figure out what to move on TO. I really love your last sentence – I think you expressed it so perfectly there. It’s easier, and more comforting to be something that might not make you happy – because at least you ARE something. Reinventing is hard. But I think it’s worth it. I’m really happy and grateful that you’re sharing the process with us.

Also – people really WRITE you to say they don’t relate? I find that… interesting. I mean, okay – so you don’t want to read anymore, that’s okay – move on, stop reading. But why write you directly to point it out? So for what it’s worth – I will keep reading!

I’m with ya man, take it from someone who quit to write and be a mommy, and can’t even manage to squeak out one single product of anything…and is terrified that the corporate assholes are saying “oh, so sad, she threw away a great career.”

The point that I’m happier seems always to take a back seat, and I forget that…it should be smack dab in the front seat. You are brave, you are incredible, you are DOING what so many want to do but are too afraid to do.

I think you are awesome.

I barely ever comment (sorry!), but have been reading your blog for ages and felt now would be a good time to chime in.

Here is a fact: I admire you. I admire you for having the guts to leave a “secure” but apparently soul-sucking job in order to do something you love. I admire you for creating more time to spend with your kids. I admire you for sticking with your fitness goals for YEARS, something I am unable to do and I don’t even have kids. I liked your blog before, I still like it now.

Also, scrap booking is awesome.

Linda, I’ve been reading your blog for over five years now. The fact that our boys are only 2 weeks apart is enough to keep your posts relevant to me just because they go through similar things at similar times. But even if we didn’t have that in common, I love to read your blog because you’re funny and you’re a great writer. I can’t believe that people would have such strong feelings about how you’re living your life that they’d feel the need to take time out of their own lives to email you about it. That’s just ridiculous.

Please do not braid your pubes cuz braiding your pubes leads to dreads, and OMG that would look ugly.
Linda, you are not your job, you are not just a mom, you are not just a homemaker, homeschooler, athlete, blogger, writer, scrapbooker, dieter, ex alcoholic, wife, daughter, or niece. You are ALL those things and yet none of them define you as a person.
You’re just trying to find your way, just like the rest of us, but I do have to say you seem to be doing it better than most of us because you aren’t scared to try. Be easy on yourself, you don’t have to explain anything to anyone, be happy inside yourself, and if you aren’t? Then change. (Which you already have down pat.)
And the dick instructor? Took one look at your legs and felt the need to act that way because he was intimidated by you. Anyone who looks like you probably knows more than he does, and he knew it, he was just trying to intimidate you back. What an idiot. Tell him to fuck off and die.

Chiming in here as a fellow freelancer, I’ve experienced similar resistance for trying to buck the system and run my own show. I’ve definitely gotten the “you do that BY CHOICE?!” incredulous eye-roll. Like I’m some kind of freak for choosing to stay out of the 9-5 grind. Or that freelancing is the easy way out and I’m lazy. I just remind myself that those folks won’t ever really appreciate what I’m doing and that’s fine.

I don’t have kids, but I double-fist bump you for rocking that job as well. What you’re doing is so admirable, so hard, and so rewarding. Please keep writing about it.

You are changing. You will be a different person than the person you were on track to be. But this is your blog and your life. If people don’t like it, tough nuts, they can read something else. I can’t imagine writing a stranger to complain about their life choices on the basis of how I relate to them.

If something makes you happy you should grab it with both hands and never let it go. The reason women fought for equality wasn’t so they wouldn’t stay home with their children, it was so they had the right to choose where they wanted to be.

I firmly believe that your family will be better off for having you at home with your sons. I think every family would do better with one engaged and focused parent at home. If I had children I would want one of us to be home. Being a home-maker is a full time job. Being a free-lance writer is work. You work two jobs.

As for the trainer at the gym, he is there to teach, encourage/challenge, and keep you accountable. Next time he acts like an ass either tell him to stuff it, or tell the manager about the attitude that absolutely will drive away valuable business.

You have nothing to apologize for or feel inadequate about, Linda. You shouldn’t feel guilty for being happy, although many of us are programmed to feel this way. That there is something wrong with us if we feel good on a long-term basis. Hopefully that feeling will pass!

Maybe you just need the right spin when talking to others, like “garbage man” becoming “sanitation engineer.” It impresses and validates and deflects questions all at the same time.

On a personal note I think you are frakkin crazy for doing Xfit (um, BACK injury??!) but maybe the yelling and whatnot motivates you in some way I don’t quite get…or (the psych major in me is saying) maybe it is just feeding into the lack of self-confidence thing you are feeling? In a good and bad way at the same time? Just food for thought.

Oh, dude. I feel like I am three months away from being in your place. I am leaving my job teaching college English to stay home with a new baby. This semester has been frazzling and frustrating and I know more than anything that I want to spend this time home with my baby and I’m so fortunate to be able to do so. But I am worried about the hit to my ego. I like being able to say I’m a college professor. I like feeling like an expert. I like answering to “Doctor.” Even when I hate my job, I’m not sure how to deal with giving it up. Also, what will I bitch about in order to commiserate with my friends? Lack of sleep, I guess. But that’s not as funny as sleeping students.

I have been thinking about what to write here and this is my take:

You are a fucking writer – You make enough money writing for a living to be able to do it where ever you choose – at home with your healthy children. Those same children who will remember this time for the rest of their lives (maybe in bits and pieces – but definately the emotions involved)

Your scrap booking pages were fucking incredlible and my first thought when I saw them was that you are so incredibly creative and artistic.

You are grabbing life by the horns and running with it!

You don’t have to do any of this homeschooling stuff and it would be so much easier not to. Yet you are and from what I can see you are fucking awesome at it…

Don’t give a shit what others think – it’s not their life…

I think I can relate to the general feeling you’re experiencing. While my husband and I had planned for years that I would leave my job once our first child was born, when the day came, it didn’t make the transition any less of a system shock. I would creep around the grocery store at midday, feeling like someone was going to bust me for not being at work. I had dreams of being at my old office, counting down the minutes to lunch so I could visit my infant son who was napping outside in my truck!
I knew I was following a long-held dream, but yeah, for some reason, I was hung up that others would think I was “less than” without my day job.
It just takes a little time to shed the old skin, I guess. Almost three years in now (and two kids with another on the way), I’m secure in myself and so happy with my life.

I understand this duality and your discomfort with it. I actually work from home AND take care of my 3 year old son. I used to sort of “telecommute” and now I am writing curriculum, and it is project based work. People who know me realize all that I juggle, and they recognize how difficult it is to stay self motivated enough to earn income WHILE still taking care of my “spirited” child full-time.

That kind of recognition rings with me and I appreciate it. I wear it like a badge of honor for all I contend with daily (the deadlines and the tantrums.)

I also have an insanely domestic side that I enjoy indulging in occasionally (baking, cooking, crochet, sewing, etc.) I do not seem to seek recognition for these things as often as I do the struggles of being a working mom. Talk about NOT accentuating the positive.

Part of me wonders if it is societal. All of these things that are considered a woman’s realm are discredited or devalued because they are not “productive” enough. You don’t earn a 401K by ensuring your family has proper nutrition and education. But is it really less important? Most people when presented with it that way would say of course not. Does that change the stigma of a SAHM? What about a WAHM? It doesn’t seem to.

I KNOW I work hard, and you KNOW you give your all every day (you do more than anyone I have yet to meet). So why do I wince when my mom refers to me as “Suzie homemaker”? What is wrong with excelling at domesticity as well?

Why do you feel the need to explain your employment situation and base a significant portion of your self-worth on your productivity as a worker? I don’t know, but I want you to know you aren’t alone. I wish I could help, but think it is all a matter of changing your perspective. I’m still working on that. Also daily I practice saying “fuck ’em.”

I gotta say, if all I ever read were items by people I felt were exactly like me, my life would be a boring, boring existence. I often think that “relating” to someone means that you see something of yourself in that someone. But it’s not just relating in the sense that we share certain life experiences of choices in common…it’s relating in the sense that when I read what you write, there are many times when I think to myself “self, that is totally how I feel” or “self, even though this is not something I’ve experienced, if it were, that is totally how I would feel.” It’s that LAST part that keeps me coming back here, that keeps me interested in what you put out in the world. Because even though I don’t homeschool or work from home or do CrossFit, I can tell from your writing that we have some similarities at our very cores. That is a meaningful, valuable connection, and to hell with superficial differences.

I guess I feel like if people want to de-favorite your blog because they don’t think they relate to you anymore, then the way they related to you in the first place wasn’t on a deeper, more meaningful level. Let those haters flit from blog to blog, reading about the lives of people whose choices and lifestyles mirror their own, all as a way to make them feel better about themselves.

Me, I love ya because I relate to you, I learn from you (and your readers!), and sometimes I get a totally different perspective on something.

Dude. That gym guy was an ass. If I had 1/10 of your physical fitness mojo, I would be holding my head high in gym class. That guy needs a different job.

And like the others said, I totally identify with you more now. But before? When I didn’t identify with you as much? I still enjoyed reading your writing. Because that’s who you are and that hasn’t changed.

It will be hard to fight that feeling that you can’t take yourself seriously without an out-of-the-home career. Trust me, that fight will last a long time. In your head, you know that you’re contributing to your household, probably even more-so than you were when you worked all the time. But still it will nag at you. That’s normal. And you’re just going to have to learn to give it the finger, because girl? The second you give in and go back to work? You’ll have the same nagging feeling about being a working mom.

It’s a mom thing. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Dear Linda –

It is easier to stay stuck in the rat race than to follow a path that makes you feel
happy and complete in yourself.
1) It makes the other rats jealous.
2) It’s a quieter path, as not everyone has the necessary guts to seek their happiness.

You are brave and amazing, and I’m interested to find out what awesome things you accomplish in this next phase of your life.

It’s me again. Hi.

I haven’t read every one of the comments before this, because I had to race right down here to say this.

You traded in one set of priorities for a different set of priorities that are more important to you. Period. You can always go hold an outside job – your kids won’t always be kids.

You likely always geared yourself toward a “career” working outside your home, rather than inside your home – so it is only natural that it will take you some time to adjust to the shift.

You are a writer. Practice saying it in the mirror “I’m a freelance writer – published on several sites on the internet.”

That is what you do for “a living” You have an incredible talent and were brave enough to take the road less traveled approach to make the money you need to support your lifestyle.

You are a household manager, and you are a mom, and THAT is your life.

The xfit guy is a loudmouthed abusive peckerwood – a Jillian wannabe. (Biggest Loser) ((how appropriate))

You’re changing and why shouldn’t that be allowed? I don’t know, it makes you more relateable in my eyes. None of us stay exactly the same all the time, why should you have to?

It’s admirable that you’re trying new things. That, too, makes you really relateable and it helps the rest of us know it’s ok to try new things and to be afraid and to suck and to keep on trying.

Not that you suck. :)

Keep on rocking.

I’ve probably been reading you since your youngest was just born and I started reading because of your snark and kept reading because you inspired me to get fit. I identify with you so much more since you quit your job. I am a SAHM without some awesome part time writing gig on the side and I am totally envious of you more than I ever have been. And I know this is totally anti-feminist or whatever, but I believe that (generally) the best thing for a child is to be raised by their mother, not some day care. No one can love your kids the way you do and it was the best thing you could have ever done for them, ragardless of what it has done for you.

It’s easy to say, “You shouldn’t care what people think of you.” Most people who say that don’t follow their own advice. But what is wrong with embracing your identity as a stay-at-home mom? Or your identity as a homeschool mom? There is no shame in either, though society has done a damn good job of shaming women who embrace the wife and mom part of their identity. I was a homeschool kid (from 3rd grade through HS graduation) and I turned out just fine. If I hadn’t been homeschooled, I wouldn’t have had the chance to run for (and win) the title of Miss Rodeo Colorado. Homeschooling works for some and it doesn’t for others. Don’t let the few who give homeschooling (or staying at home with the kids) a bad name.

Secondly, whatever CF coach demeaned/belittled you in front of the class is not a TRUE CF coach. As a CrossFit veteran I can say with certainty we do not make fun of others or their fitness level. CF is all about meeting you at your level and helping you become better. Whoever did that to you is (a) an ass, and (b) not adhering to the principles of CF. It’s terrible to be made fun of in front of other people…I hope you report his behavior (if you can) because that’s WAY over the line.

Hang in there! You will not regret the time you invest to educate your kids.

I really love your blog, Linda. I keep whittling my list of blogs in my reader down, and yours keeps making the cut. If I whittle the list down to one you’ll always be the keeper. I love your honesty, your wit, your courage, your insights. I think your experience of finding the courage to leave your soul-sucking job and re-make your life would make a really interesting book. (Book book, I mean, not scrapbook. Although that, too. :-) )

One more thing. I ran a 1/2 marathon this spring, and I know I never would have done it without your inspiration. Thank you so much for that.

When I started my business 2 years ago, I felt almost desperate for feedback that I was on the right path…..that I was doing it correctly without the support of a guide, (It is slightly better these days, but still, occassionally, get that stumbling around in the dark feeling; looking for the light switch) but everyday, ever so slightly, you re-find yourself, the new and improved you. I mean, the “courage” to be you is not for the weak, timid, or weannies!

And, next week, when you find yourself back on a “semi-high,” feel free to post something special for that carb cutting, hormone induced, self-rightous, probably androgynous, prick……

Rest assured Linda, I only know you through these posts, but I can spot a “kick-ass” sister from miles away.
Best to you.

Happy is boring. That’s why no one wants to watch a movie about happy people doing happy things with no problems or obstacles.

However, the real trick is deciding whether you’d rather be interesting or happy, and I think that decision is easy.

On the other hand, I personally find you quite interesting. If Simon is interested, then all is right with the world. And isn’t that the only thing that matters?

I went through a period of unemployment a few years ago, and it was humbling to realize how much of my ego and self perception were tied to my career. I was also really surprised that *my* unemployment caused a rift in a good friendship, for a lot of the same reasons. It gets better, I promise

General perspective and humor are far more interesting and important than random bits of specific office humor.

Hi Linda. I don’t think I have ever commented here before, but I’ve been reading your blog for about a year. Literally this very morning I was running my 5th week, 3rd day of a Couch-to-5k thingy and I thought of how inspiring you have been to me since I started reading here. While I was huffing and puffing through my 8 minutes of jogging, I thought “Fuck, Linda ran a whole marathon! You can do it!” And fitness is only half of it – I feel stronger and more capable than I ever have before, and you really have been a huge part of that. I am a part-time working mother of a 3 and 1 year old and relate to what you say on a number of levels. Your writing is both hilarious and moving, and I hope to read you for many more years. Thank you.

Change is hard, and any given change impacts people differently – and that is important to remember. It is a process, and it may take awhile. You’ll get through it. Give yourself permission to feel this way, as long as you don’t get stuck.

I definitely want people to like me so I understand your need for that too. However, remember that every reader comes to your blog for different reasons. I have virtually nothing in common with you from a lifestyle perspective (and I’m a lot older than you are!), but I enjoy your writing, I agree with many of your opinions, I even enjoy your commenters and your life is interesting in ways mine isn’t. Some will read your blog because their lives are similar to yours so when that changes, they may leave. That’s OK and is really more about where they were coming from.

You’ll adapt, it will take some time, but it will be OK in the end.

I do not understand fitness instructors who make students feel like shit, on purpose. One boot camp instructor yelled in my face with so much gusto, I had to wipe her spit off my eyelids before telling her that if I wanted someone to yell and spit at me, I would have stayed home with my three year old.

(Okay, I didn’t actually say anything. I just wiped it away. And then cried in the gym bathroom.)

You ARE in new skin. And I know I am not alone in saying that I am continually inspired by your journey.

I think you’re just plain awesome. A month ago and today. You have a talent – I wish I had even a small piece of your writing skills. Keep it up!

I definitely identify with you now. I recently cut back to part-time work at home (after having a second child). And for my birthday, I asked for an immersion blender. How lame am I that I am excited to start making soup!?

I’m one of the “I don’t post often but had to comment on this” readers… I hate that you’re feeling this way and I hate even more that any of your readers made you feel this way. I have been reading your blogs for..wow..probably 2 or 3 years now. I loved you then mostly because you aren’t afraid to tell the world how you’re really feeling and by doing that you somehow validate me because I usually feel the exact same way – especially about my boys! I actually identify with you MORE now and am even more intrigued by your posts because you’re INSPIRING me. To trust myself, follow my dreams, to know that whatever I want in life is attainable – as long as I make the commitment and step out of my comfort zone. I feel privileged that you’ve given me the opportunity to peek into your life and experience the amazing soul-wrenching life changes that you’ve gone through these past 18+ months. The marathon, the Bodies in Motivation, the j-o-b thing… you are an inspiration and I thank you. F the haters.

Um, really? Someone (or ones) felt compelled to TELL you that they don’t identify with you as much anymore? Like, they couldn’t just think to themselves, “Huh, I don’t really feel the urge to read her blog so much anymore; think I’ll just move on” and instead WROTE to you to TELL you that they don’t IDENTIFY with you anymore? What the fuck does that even mean? You let down an internet reader because you quit your job and are busier than ever raising your kids and working from home? Boo hoo. She’s probably just jealous. People crack me up. It’s a BLOG, folks. Linda is not actually your FRIEND. You don’t need to TELL her when she DISAPPOINTS you (by making a life and family choice that was important to HER). If you don’t like it, move the fuck along. The rest of us are having a ball here.

I get what you’re saying, but I think you’re doing a great job.

I sort of work from home. I have my own business and pretty much just work whenever I can at home. I don’t identify with working (outside of the home moms) and I also don’t identify with sah moms because I also can’t just clean and go to the park whenever I want to. I have responsiblities too at work. It can be hard to figure out who I am between at all. But lately, I definitely identify with you. so you have 1 reader who is definitely sticking around. Thanks for your honest writing about work, homeschooling, exercise. I’m pretty much right there with you on all of it.

So many comments already (so I may repeat someone else, I’m not going to read them all)…

I’ve followed you before you got pregnant with Riley – I love your blog and your writing. If I didn’t, I’d just stop reading…I would email you to tell you about it. Not sure what the goal is there, do they expect you’ll change who you are to please them? Sorry my life isn’t living up to the standards of a random internet ‘friend’ (‘stranger’)…I’ll get right on that…???

I wonder what these people are like with their real friends – do they expect static personalities? Everyone changes, evolves, grows – anything less seems like a life not lived. Regardless of if I ever break out scrapbooking stuff or take a Crossfit class, I love reading about who you are and who you are becoming and all of that.

As far as the Crossfit guy – clearly he’s got the jon-peen problem. You can get better, he’s stuck with the 1/2 incher.

kim

I think this is normal given you have gone through a total life style change. I know this sounds so simple, but give it time. You will soon find yourself in your new zone. And finding personal happiness – that is so awesome! I love hearing about your new adventure!

I’ve been reading your blog since before you had kids, and I’ve never really related to you :-). Ok, we both live in Kirkland and have little kids and ties to local tech companies, but that’s about it. For the record, I also don’t identify with J. K. Rowling, Steven King, or Judy Blume.

I keep reading because you write well — intelligent, articulate, insightful, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. The stuff going on in your life has always been less interesting than The Story going on in your writing. Which is not to say you’re uninteresting (we haven’t met, so how would I know?), but to say that your writing transcends your identity.

And vice-versa. You are more than the stuff that happens to you.

For all I know, this is all an elaborate fictional marketing blog currently paid by Crossfit (until recently, perhaps).

“For all I know, this is all an elaborate fictional marketing blog currently paid by Crossfit (until recently, perhaps).” hahahahaha I love this comment.

I’m pretty sure I’m not adding anything else substantial, but dude, I live a totally different life than you and I am riveted by every single one of your posts.

Your writing always draws me in and your honesty is captivating. I feel like I am getting some sort of secret “sneak-peek” at what my life might be like when I have kids. Of the choices you have to make. Of the sacrifies and the joys.

I’m fascinated by you and your life and that’s why I keep reading.

I’m a long-time reader (since 2002)and no matter what it is that you’re writing about, I’m sticking around to read it. You are an AMAZING writer, and while I don’t have nor want children, or know anything about home schooling or scrapbooks, it doesn’t matter: you still manage to be relatable because of how you express yourself.

The changes you’ve made over the years are fucking incredible. You decide to do something, and then you do it. You do know that most people don’t roll like that, right? You’re an inspiration, mama.

Relevance shmelevance. I’m a single, childless, 24 year old. I’m not sure how, but I totally identify with you. Your writing is rad.

They don’t identify with you anymore? Who are they? Apparently so self important that they have to whine to a stranger instead of finding something else to read. There will always be people who try(or don’t but succeed) to make you feel bad. Let them go, don’t give them power. Their loss. As for the musclehead..the cliche is probably true. You rock..don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Personally, I think it’s incredibly exciting to see where this other side of you will go and how it will develop. Not many people are willing to take the risk necessary to explore the side of themselves that learns how to handle something terrifying and uncomfortable (imposed torture, anyone?). You’re brave for doing it and allowing us, your readers, to come along for the ride without having to take any risks ourselves.

Having to be the grown-up SUCKS. Hard. You’re allowed to cut yourself some slack and you really must.

As far as feeling relevant is concerned, I wish I could change your feelings by saying your blog is on my iGoogle page, I read every single one of your posts because they HELP me and especially because I’m guaranteed to laugh. In a way, I need you! I’ve been reading your blog for years and would be heart-broken if you weren’t here anymore.

Lastly, try to remember that you have all the skills and confidence in you already, to learn how to adjust to this. You are awesome, Linda. You’ll get there. Don’t worry too much.

I identify with you. Almost to a creepy degree (no worries, I’m over a thousand miles away). I’m doing the stay-home thing for the first time and my kids are 4 and 7. It’s been a huge ego buster not to have the identity of my CAREER. But it’s awesome too. So, yeah. I get it.

But even if I didn’t. Even if I were working full time outside the home, it wouldn’t matter. You’re funny and take nice pictures and write fun posts. No need to all be the same to read each other’s writing. Sheesh.

I love your honesty, your humbleness, your realness. It makes you the beautiful woman that you are.

I think what you’re doing is awesome. To this fulltime, IT industry working, not seeing her kid enough mom, you are living the dream.

I know exactly what you mean, though. When I took a year and a half off, I kept wanting to tell people what I USED to do, instead of feeling super blessed and kickass about what I was GETTING to do.