Hi friends! Happy Monday! How was your weekend?
Mine was great! I got some much needed rest. I also did a ton of planting and got my garden and planters ready for the season. I'm putting together a post for Wednesday on the garden this year and some new tricks I've learned.
I had intended on posting the first post in my Brazil series today, focusing on Rio, but I have just not had the time to go through the 3,500 pictures I took.
Yup.
Three thousand… five hundred pictures.
That would be my first confession of this post. I think I went a little overboard. I kept trying out new settings on the camera, so in some cases I have dozens of pictures of just one thing. I’m going to start chipping away at them one city at a time and now I have written down (in INK) that the series will start next week. I feel like I am starting an intimate relationship with Lightroom… haha!
So instead of starting the new series today, I wanted to share some behind the scenes stuff going on in my life right now. I’ll call them confessions. Life beyond the instagram filter. The purpose is to keep this blog real and show you that no ones life is perfect and despite all the pretty pictures, I of course, struggle to keep it ALL together too.
Confessions…
I just took down my Easter Decor.
With Reina’s passing the day after Easter, I barely got my act together to get organized to get on the plane to Brazil a week and half later. I could not focus on anything. After the trip, we came back home to Easter bunnies and egg decor. I was so behind after not having reliable internet for two weeks, that they just stayed up. I finally boxed it away Sunday, over a month after the holiday. On that same note, it totally stunk coming home to a house without our precious Reina.
![IMG_3985[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_39851_thumb.jpg "IMG_3985[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=")
I haven’t run in over a month.
I sprained my ankle April 9th… and then just as it was getting better I cut my foot open on our trip. It’s going to be a least another week until I can start to run. I know those first runs are going to be struggle. I was just starting to feel super speedy again and I’m so annoyed at how accident prone I have been.
That is my new fancy waterproof flesh colored Band-Aid. It’s a big improvement from the hideous looking bandage I got in Brazil. #ignoremyfunnytoes #dontgethurtinbrazil
![IMG_3983[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_39831_thumb.jpg "IMG_3983[1]")
I don’t like Mother’s Day.
I miss my Mom like crazy all the time, but Mother’s Day is tough. I know I should focus on the positive, but it is just a hard day for me. I’m glad it is over.
The hubs and I eat PB & J for dinner sometimes.
My meals don’t always look like this…
(Although this recipe is coming up on Thursday and includes an avocado dipping sauce… and it’s amazing.)
…sometimes they look like this.
![IMG_3981[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_39811_thumb.jpg "IMG_3981[1]")
Luckily the hubs and I both love PB & J. We are also known to throw a frozen pizza in the oven. #noshame #reallife
My allergies and asthma are pissed off at me.
I had a rough week last week for my allergies and asthma. I had been doing so well since I left WLOS, but coming back to full blown spring really threw my head and breathing for a loop. I’m hoping to get more acclimated this week and have fewer problems. Asthma sucks.
My stomach is still on vacation mode.
The hubs and I have a bad habit of over eating on vacation. It was so easy to do in Brazil because the food is amazing and the proportions are huge. Now that we are back, my regular sized meals seem meager and small and after I eat them I am still hungry. I know it’s just my mind playing tricks with me, but I was hungry for a big portion of last week. #alltheempanadas #allyoucaneatBrazil #dessertallthetime
I am nervous about the March for Babies this weekend.
March for Babies is this Saturday. As the Event Chair I feel a lot of responsibility for having a successful year with lots of people at the walk AND lots of fundraising. I’m nervous about how it will all turn out.
Help a girl out? It’s not too late to donate or sign up to walk ---> Sign up HERE
Now, just to be clear, I could make a list ten times as long with all the things I’m loving in life lately. The purpose here is not to dwell on the negative, but to show you that even a “blog life” is not a perfect life. Sometimes the posts don't get done on time and often it is not picture perfect. But that is ok.
No matter what challenges you are facing today, you are not alone in the challenges. Life is a lot more real than a filtered Instagram feed or edited blog post.
And really it’s those imperfect moments that make the ride even more worthwhile.
Have a gloriously imperfect day friends! Stay positive and enjoy the highs and lows.
Tomorrow I have a recipe for a healthier potato salad! It has a bright and herby flavor that I think you will love. See you then.
Thanks for the Marvelous Monday linkup Katie!
Your turn!
If you feel comfortable, share a confession with me![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Lisa Grice says
Julie, just as I am grieving my recent decision to put my 18 year furry son Barley down I see your loss of Raina and want to send love and comfort your way. I am trying to get past the guilt and pain so I can relate to yours.
JulieWunder says
Oh Lisa. I am SOOOO sorry. It is simply heartbreaking. My prayers are heading your way. I hope you find some comfort knowing Barley is not in pain and in heaven playing with our sweet Reina.
Andrea says
Don't feel bad about the 3500 pictures- I do that all the time too. It helps to go through them on your camera at the end of the day and get rid of the accidental shots of your shoes or duplicates.
JulieWunder says
That's a great idea........
Want to come over and keep me company while I edit... 🙂
Jay says
Since you are on confessions, this one time, waay back in 2007 I believe. I was walking on a treadmill at The Forest at Biltmore Park, and there was a weather update on the TV. I said something mean about the weather caster that was on, ahem... and she happened to be walking on a treadmill a few down from me. I felt terrible, but I didn't apologize. Most likely you wouldn't remember that, but I am super sorry for that. Had to get that off my chest. Hope you understand. Love the blog!
Mary Ellen Quimby says
I"M GLAD YOU HAD FUN ON YOUR TRIP, SORRY YOU HURT YOUR FOOT, GET WELL SOON. i DON"T LIKE MOTHER"S DAY EITHER NOR FATHER"S DAY, I HAVE LOST BOTH MY PARENTS AN IT IS A VERY SAD DAY FOR ME TOO. TAKE CARE.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I'm so sorry about Mother's Day, I can imagine it would be a tough day for you. As for the Easter decorations, don't feel so bad, my friend and neighbor took her Christmas stuff down in April!!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Love, love this post. I'm sorry about Mother's Day. I am sure it's a rough day for you. But like you said, now it's over and on to brighter things. I hope your poor foot is healing! We planted our garden last weekend too. I'm so excited! We'll have to keep up with one another's progress.
Jessie says
I can most certainly understand why Mother's Day is hard on you. That's completely normal. There will come a day though where it's becomes special again. Until then though, just try to smile as much as you can. Also, I hope your foot heals. What a rough spot for a cut. Eek 🙁
Blane Sherer says
I certainly can understand why Mother's Day is difficult for you. I hope all goes well for you with the March for Babies on Saturday.Looking forward to hearing about your garden this year.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! And thank you again for your donation! I really appreciate it!
Farrah says
I think it's rather awesome that you took 3500 pictures. I probably would too if I went there (and if my phone didn't happen to be filled with pictures of cats and food :O ).
I hope your ankle recovers soon! I'm also really sorry that Mother's Day is [very understandably] hard for you. :[ Sending lots of love and hugs your way! <3
JulieWunder says
haha! My whole phone is full of dogs and food... and flowers 🙂
Thanks for the love Farrah-- I'm feeling much better today!
kathyboggs says
You look exactly like your Mother. Very beautiful!! Sorry you don't have her anymore.
JulieWunder says
If you look at pictures of us at the same age, it totally freaks me out! She was an amazing woman and I am lucky she was my Mom. Thanks for stopping by today!
Sierra says
I know that March of Dimes Walk will be a HUGE success!! I am so happy Megan and Owen will be there and wish we could be there as well!!
JulieWunder says
yay!! Thanks Sierra! You are the best!
Dan Steadman says
sometimes I like Reese Puffs for dinner....and am a huge weather nerd
JulieWunder says
Awesome.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Sorry to hear about the ankle sprain. I will be praying for a quick recovery! Good on you for taking the rest you need and not trying to run through the pain. I am sure your body will be thanking you for that in the long run.
As for pb&j for dinner… I definitely do that more often than not. It’s a classic.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Julia-- I've run through too many injuries and caused myself problems. So I guess you can say, I learned the hard way. Thanks for stopping by today!
Gingi says
Confessions.. hmmm... I am spreading myself too thin and I'm afraid to ask for help, because then it will look like I'm incapable of doing all of the things that everyone looks up to me for. :-/ That was pretty emo for a random confession, haha.. - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
haha... No I feel ya!!!! I think as women sometimes we feel the need to show that we have it all together and can do everything... but we can't. Ask for help! It's amazing the people who want to help you!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
You're the best -- "Have a glorious imperfect day"
I'm sorry you had to go through Mother's Day with that cloud over your head....I can't even imagine 🙁
Good luck with the big event this weekend! I know it'll go off without a hitch!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lauren! I really appreciate it!
Danyelle Musselman says
Love this post! Prayers to you this week, mother's day can be a tough one for so many moms and daughters dealing with loss. As for the PB&J, thank you... now I feel better about eating canned chicken noodle soup last night, lol
JulieWunder says
Haha! Don't feel bad at all! I can't imagine how crazy you are right now getting ready to move!
Jenny @ apples & kale says
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Thanks for the refreshingly honest post. 🙂 Have a good week!
Jess @hellotofit says
I know you're going to do great this weekend with the March for Babies event. I'm sorry that Mother's Day was hard for you 🙁 sending lots of good vibes your way!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jess! I'm already doing better today. Your good vibes are much appreciated!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I'm sorry this weekend was a hard one for you, Julie. I hope you were able to spend it with loved ones and focus on the positives as much as possible. As much as I love holidays, I know that there is going to come a point in my life one day where they will be different to me for various reasons. You are such a beautiful, caring woman and I'm sure you mom is so proud of the incredibly kind and loving person that you are!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Stacie! You are too kind!
Annmarie says
Thanks for telling it like it is girl, it's important for us all the keep reality in check and try to stop emulating perfection. Hope you have a great day and your foot feels better soon <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks! I feel like it is important to be positive, but also real.
Libby Haire says
I cannot say I walk in your shoes 'cause my mom is still with me, but I know this will not always be true. I try to ask my friends who have lost their mom to tell me a funny or happy memory. Then we talk about those. I hope that will help you as well.
Our "Missy" (toy fox terrier) has been gone since 2009. I miss her every day. Our fur baby, "Mannix" (tuxedo cat), is our only one since then. He is cuddly but not as vocal as she was.
Hope your foot continues to heal well. We have these seasonal allergies and find spring and fall beautiful but laden! Hope your troubles will get better this week.
You win the prize on picture-taking!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Libby. I love to tell stories about my Mom. I'm sure your friends enjoy talking about it as well. I'm already doing better this week!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I'm sorry that Mother's Day is rough for you. That will never get easier, and there is nothing to say to make it hurt less. (HUG)
On another note, my dinners are always out of control, and you are going to ROCK the March for Babies this weekend!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susie. I appreciate your support.
We had fish burgers for dinner tonight #winning
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I'm so sorry for your loss on your mom and I can only imagine how tough this holiday is for you. I'm sure it gets easier every year. Hope your foot heals up quickly and you can get your speedy shoes back on 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather! My speedy shoes are ready and waiting!
Tina muir says
Thanks for sharing Julie, bet it felt good to get some of that off your chest. I know what you mean about mothers day, it is so hard, I miss my mum so much too, this time round was the first time I had been home in 16 months.
Soryr to hear about your ankle 🙁 I wish I had a magic wand to fix it, but I know that you will come back tougher.....oh, and check out happy fit mama, she has a post today that you will probably want to check out....and probably share with everyone you know!!
Chin up buttercup 🙂
JulieWunder says
The hubs says to me "Suck it up, buttercup!"... as a gentle joke to make me laugh. Your last line made me think of that 🙂 I'll head over to happy fit mama now... thanks for the suggestion!
Lisa says
Thank you so much for keeping it real. It's amazing how our confessions could be pretty much the same. Our go to dinner when I'm tired is frozen pizza. This was my second Mother's Day without my mother and it sucks. I still have an Easter basket on my dining room table with candy in it. BUT... 3500 pictures?? You take the prize for that one. I'm sure it was an amazing trip. Thanks again for your blog. The March of Dimes event will be amazing. It's ok to be nervous. It means that you care.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lisa. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who only sort of has their act together! I hope you had a better day today as well. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Martha says
I share you same feelings of coming home to a empty house, no sweet dog to greet you, a void in your life, I know. I also still miss my mother too, that never stops. It is special we have such fond memories, that is a good part.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Martha! I hope you had a better day today as well.