I often congratulate myself on being able to turn any bad scenario into humor, and then when things are really frustrating, I break down and can’t discuss. This does everyone reading a disservice because they think I can handle anything, which is not the case. I think you all should know that.
Now I feel like I’m being overly dramatic, but sometimes being humorous isn’t honest.
I lost my shit today. It’s nothing major. Just me realizing I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. You know when you try to do everything and end up feeling totally incompetent?
I think it started with my trip to San Francisco on Wednesday. Usually, I am happy to get some time on my own for a few days, but I felt guilty and homesick the second I left the house. I’ve been really busy with work lately and sometimes it’s hard with the blog, because I feel like everybody (including myself) doesn’t take it as seriously as a real job. I am making my own decisions so I can’t blame working late on some evil boss. It’s just me. I love all the opportunities the blog brings me and I know I’m really lucky to call this my job, but it’s still just as much work (if not more) than my old totally legit full-time job.
At the hotel, there was spotty wireless service, so not only was I unable to keep up the blog as I normally do, I couldn’t communicate with my kids. When I did finally get them on the phone, their faces kept freezing and they quickly lost interest. I felt myself falling behind on deadlines and craving family time. Badly.
Both things came to a head when I got home, because it was the weekend and I needed to accomplish a lot by Monday, but had no desire to do anything except hug my girls.
To make matters worse, I walked into the middle of a big redecorating project I am doing with Mazzy and Harlow’s room. There is much more to come about the room and I don’t want to ruin the reveal, so all you need to know is that everything was delivered while I was away.
We had to remove all the furniture from the girls’ room to make room for the new furniture, so all their clothes, toys, books, art projects, etc. had to be pulled out of their room and put somewhere else. We have no closet for this, no extra bedroom, no basement or garage. It was just EVERYWHERE.
I knew this was going to happen, but nothing could have prepared me for what it felt like to walk into my apartment and see the entire thing upended with boxes, clothes and toys. Half of it new stuff, half of it old— all mixed up together in one brilliant mess.
Our apartment is three rooms— the living room, the girls’ room and our bedroom. Normally one room is somewhat of a respite from the others, but not this time. Even the bathrooms seemed overwhelmed with junk. I tried to unpack my suitcase and opened my closet to find stuff stacked in there. I couldn’t move all the crap in front of the hall closet to hang my coat.
I am not a particularly neat person and can live in pretty dire conditions— but this made my brain hurt.
I needed to get out of there. On Sunday, I arranged to go on an all day playdate at a friends’ house over an hour away. Even though Mike said time might be better spent sorting through all the boxes. And I knew I should probably make up for some of the work hours I had missed while on my trip. There were contracts to read, posts to write, meetings to schedule. Things I usually love to do and but just couldn’t. I needed to have a fun day with the kids.
But then, you know when you try to have special quality time with your children but they act all annoying and whiny like it’s just a regular day and you’re like— DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND HOW BADLY I NEED TO ENJOY THIS??? Quality time should not be spent crying over unwanted snacks and screaming because you don’t want to put on your shoes or having a meltdown over cheese. It should be hugs and kisses and “I love you, Mom— we totally get why you went away, but it’s no big deal because we get to be together NOW!”
Nope. My kids are five and two and they could give a crap about my idea of quality time.
And then it snowed and the roads were horrible going back into the city and Mike was annoyed I made everyone take this long car trip when obviously there was so much to get done at home. And he was right and I hate when Mike is right. And I hate him being annoyed with me when I’m already feeling like a pretty crappy mom, because then I feel like a crappy wife too.
But you know what made me really crack?
When my mom called the next day to confirm our lunch plans (I think it’s the first time we have plans to get together just the two of us, since I’ve had kids) and I realized I had scheduled it at the same time as a really important meeting. (“What could possibly be so important about blogging?” you’re thinking. I know, it sounds silly to me too, but trust me, it’s important.)
My mom didn’t care. “We’ll reschedule. I understand! It’s fine!” She said it and meant it.
But I cried my eyes out, because in that moment, more than anything, I wanted to see my mom.
I wanted to give her that quality time. Because I’m not five anymore and I know exactly what that time means.
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greetings from hong kong!
i found ur blog through the famous instagram account @insta2yearsold. please let us tell you that it’s okay to have meltdowns but please remind yourself that you have achieved so much – blogging whilst raising 2 kids! (a typical hk mum, like mine, would need a domestic helper raising a kid, let alone 2!)
take some ‘me’ time to relax, wind down and then keep up with all the good work! we’d love to hear form your redecorating project soon!
Hugs. Hugs and sympathy and vodka. And chocolate. And hugs.
Blogging is a job. It’s a real proper job. And you are good at it.
And thanks for being so honest.
And just looking the pictures of your apartment made me feel itchy and headachey and screamy because our home is um, “bijoux”, too and I totally get it.
You rock even more for being so creative and clever and fabulous but so normal. It’s why we come back.
*big hug*
It’s so nice to see the real deal instead of the highlight reel. Another mom and I were just talking about the added pressure the internet brings to motherhood. So often, you feel like the only one who is drowning in a sea of responsibilities while everyone else bakes perfect cookies and throws perfect parties. My mission for 2015 is to make my social media feed the real deal. Show the good and the bad. Because being a mom involves both. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Thanks for letting us all know that your world looks just like ours.
That’s a pretty big Tiffany box (I bet the 3-piece baby set came in it??) so life can’t be that bad. All kidding aside, I totally loose my stuff when the house is cluttered and you can’t do anything about it. Hang in there.
this is how I felt the beginning of the year when I started full time school (mostly online) while finding out baby nber three is on its way, while being stay at home mom to two kids and finally house hunting every weekend for 4 weeks. At the end it got better just keep that in mind.
It’s so funny how everyone including myself wants a successful blog but no one really understand what that means. Thanks for sharing!
You are the best blogger ever. Sorry things got overwhelming! Hugs.
I think it’s amazing that you’re ever able to juggle two kids, a household and your amazing blog! Hang in there mama. Also, I loved this post so much. I know the contests and giveaways allow you to stay home and do this job but the vulnerable, real mama moments are definitely my favourite 🙂
I love you even more for this post. I must admit i had faded out a little as a reader as my life was constantly looking like the pics in your post above but i cant blame a redecoration or renovation, i could only blame being a single mum with a full time job and having to choose between housework and spending time with my daughter and i felt a bit inferior to your beautiful instagram shots.
Its nice to know mums i love and admire loose their shit sometimes too and realise theyve done the wrong thing but way to late down the road to do anything about it.
lots of love, hugs and wine (thats what works for me anyway!!) Thanks for being normal!!! xxxx
I want to give you a big hug! I would have lost it too if I came home to such a big project, especially after a long flight from CA to NY. Hang in there and just take it one thing at a time.
High-five for the honesty. And it’s okay to feel this way sometimes and it’s always okay to still need your mom (no matter how old you are). You aren’t alone!
If it’s not obvious – It seems you’ve been doing things you don’t want to do (taking a ridiculous trip that you didn’t really want to do to please a sponsor) and not doing the things you should do (spending time just chilling with family/ managing house) because of your dedication to this blog. Your re-do of the girls room will put smiles on their faces but they would never have known any different had you left things as they are (a ‘reveal’ is more blog material at the sacrifice of family sanity) kindly stop the insanity or hire an assistant I’m tired of the drama.
DJ, although you make some good points about how sometimes taking a deep breath and realizing that you happen to be missing a lot of the little things that make our lives so important, you seem to miss a lot of what she is writing. Did you not see her admit that she has bitten off more than she can chew? I dare you to start a business and run it for whatever personal reasons you want or need to, then cower in the corner because it is more than you expected. I commend her for staying strong and not giving up. Oftentimes, we require the meltdowns in our lives to be able to look inward and see where we have fallen off the path. Also, if you’re so tired of the drama … Simply stop reading.
I usually don’t engage the trolls, but I must say something. You calling this “Drama” is exactly why a whole bunch of us feel like losers when we can’t handle our shit. Yes, don’t like the drama, I suggest you get off the internet and stay in your drama-less bubble. This is very real for a lot of us. This stands up to all those ridiculous ideals that are being shoved down our throats right now. We’re working women and mothers and wives and adults in charge of cleaning, laundry, paying bills and just keeping up with life. This shit isn’t easy for most of us. Some of us have it harder than others and deal with things differently. I find your comment extremely judgmental and although you have the right to your opinion, that type of judgment is not welcome here. You’re going to have a lot of angry “dramatic” women coming at you. And, did you stop to think that the room update is happening because perhaps the girls have outgrown their furniture, their needs have changed??? She has her own reasons for doing it and chooses to use her life as her blog topics, so yes, there will be a reveal and we will all congratulate her.
OK, I think I’m done, or at least stopping there.
The trip was not for a sponsor but that’s neither here nor there. The room redesign is because the kids have outgrown it. I designed the room over five years ago as a nursery for one soon-to-be-born infant. This is my attempt to transform it into a functional bedroom for two real children to share. If you want drama-free (which I think I am 95% of the time), I suggest watching a TV sitcom from the ’50s. Totally relatable.
We love you, Ilana!
Personally as a parent also fitting two kids in one room and trying to figure out how the heck to make that work I can’t wait for the reveal. And as anyone who gets real life knows its not like the redesign would’ve been done differently if you weren’t blogging, it’s just you’ll stage it differently for us. Writes the mom living with four of the six dining chairs functional and two of the six still in the box in the corner since Christmas, waiting for the baby to stop posting stuff through the booster chair and cropping the cardboard out of all the photos….
Keep on keeping it real. Your “drama” is ours too. We call it “life” just like you do.
Please know that you are loved by so many. Mostly because you communicate brilliantly and hilariously just how human you are like the rest of us. Meltdowns happen and are totally warranted, because as much as we want to be, we just can’t be superwoman and nail it every single day. The work you do is completely legit and totally awesome. And you are an incredible mommy–just read your own blog lady and you will see that as clear as day!!! Thank you for all you do to keep us entertained, and please go easy on yourself! HUGS AND WINE from one mommy to another. ; )
Hang in there, Ilana. You will get through this. Hugs.
Dear God YES. You put this so well, I can TOTALLY relate right now and hope you felt a little of the weight lift off your shoulders just by sharing.
And please ignore the insensitivity of DJ, who clearly does not know how to be supportive in mommyland.
Your honesty is refreshing. And you have a very important real job. You market motherhood. The good, the bad and the epic baby hair. You bring levity to the grueling tasks and we love you for that. But I must say, your honesty here does my heart good. It’s nice to know that I am not alone in the frustrations and I equally appreciate that your girls don’t understand that this time it’s mom’s time to enjoy with them. There are so many times I come home and just want to snuggle my little boy and he hits me on the head and pulls my hair. Hang in there and know that we are all rooting for you and your real job!
You are the greatest and being honest and that is why so many of us love you! I would totally melt down too. Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm, this is hard for me, but I think I’m done coming here. While I know that we all have our “stuff” and that little things can become big things. But this post reminds me of a big first world problem. I sort of lost interest because you and I are farther and farther alike as you move along in this journey. I know a blog is a business but the sponsored trips, the fun clothes and special treats the girls get has all become unrelatable to me. I used to read this because I could relate to motherhood through your real, heart felt and well written posts. Now I am reading about an upcoming spectacular room redo that just followed a vacation house redo in the Hamptons. Sorry, just not interested anymore.
Jealous much? Ilana’s success does not take one thing away from you and your lot in life. Can you just be happy for her? If her success threatens you, perhaps you should stop reading…
Ditto. And I used to love this blog for the content, but now it seems like it’s mostly reposted crap from places like HuffPo, with no real writing. I honestly don’t really get what it is you “work” on all the time. I do appreciate the attempt to show the honest and imperfect side of blogging and motherhood that we rarely see, but…whining about a free trip and a free room makeover just doesn’t quite cut it.
I don’t know what you are talking regarding reposted crap from Huffpo. I write original long posts (some might say too long) every single day. I have never reposted anything from Huffpo.
Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate…… 😉
Thank you so much for sharing! Sometimes it is comforting to know that you’re not the only mom going through this and even though it’s a project you really want to do it can still be overwhelming. I love love love your blog :)!
Thank you for this. Just thank you.
Your blog reaches out all the way to Northern Europe (Denmark), and it is the only blog I follow on a regular basis, because u are so darn funny, and it is a relief to read something written on the other side of the globe, that matches my way of seeing things eventhough we are worlds apart. I have three kids, and I don’t know how it happend, but two of them are grown ups, and have left the nest, while I still cherish my ‘baby’ boy who is 16 🙂 Ur blog brings memory back – and this makes me sound like an OLD lady (which is happening more and more these days haha). I felt the urge to write a comment to this post, since the things u describe happens to all of us ( first world problems I know, but still), man, have I lost my temper due to things (like re-decorating projects) planned by myself. And man, have I sometimes just needed quality time, while nobody else around me seems to understand. It will all work out in the end, and if u stay where u are (lI mean apartmentwise) the crowded space will suddenly be empty, and u will wonder where it all went – old lady again!
Aww. I totally felt your frustration and had a few tears for all moms in the same situation. Cry it out and you’ll feel better. 🙂
Big hugs Ilana! Thank you for being human and honest. I hope you get to reschedule your lunch with your mom soon, and I hope it’s just as fabulous as you deserve. In the mean time, hang in there! You do an awesome job! Actually 3 awesome jobs, that would overwhelm anyone! Xoxo!
I used to read about 20 different blogs. Religiously. Daily. All the freaking time… Then I had a baby and my brain went to mush and I just couldn’t bring myself to read that much (and I’m a reader. I used to read several books a month too!) Your blog is the ONLY one of that bunch I used to read that I still read every single post. And read your weekly emails to make sure I haven’t missed a post. You’re that good. So don’t forget it. It’s ok to have meltdowns. Everyone does. If you didn’t have meltdowns, that’s when I would be concerned about you!
Oh, and PS… You’re a great mom too!
We are military and have to move every three years or so. I’m not a good military wife. I hate moving. Seeing your house in disarray reminds me of how I feel every time we move. I get it.
You’re selling yourself so short. Blogging is hard work, and those of us who have tried and failed to keep up with it (once, twice, three times) know that. You’re not “just a blogger”, you’re a publisher, a writer, a negotiator, a community manager, a project manager, a photographer, an editor, a marketer, and a strategist, among all the other hats bloggers wear. Corporations and small businesses alike make full time jobs of just one of those hats, and you have to do them all as one person simultaneously. We love the transparency, and if you ever needed a break, even for just a few days, there’s no doubt your readers and community would support you 100%.
kudos on making it 2 full days without having a meltdown – I don’t think I would have held it together that long with that amount of ‘whirly shit’ going on around me! Hopefully everything gets sorted out + you can get your apartment back! (Maybe there are people you can pay to help with all that!? I say PAY THEM! and let them do everything while you go out with your mom for lunch :))
Hugs!!!!!!
How do they not realize how important QT is at certain points in time?! 😉 I was just discussing with my Sig Other the extremely high level of self-absorption children have, and how it’s acceptable and mostly cute now, but what if it was long term? We can name the few people we know who have yet to (and will likely never) outgrow it and they’re total a-holes. Ha! The discussion arose due to his fantastic birthday plans for an amazing day, RUINED by an overly tired toddler. The nerve!
First of all, you need to shut up about this not being “real” work. That’s bull. Secondly, I want all your furniture.
I get this — the wanting a respite (perfect word choice) in your own home. This is why I tell Steve when I’m “having a moment” because of the shit pile on his dresser. I just want ONE room, just one, that doesn’t have misplaced garbage in it. I don’t need Pottery Barn, I just want some uncluttered space.
I hope you were able to reschedule your mom. Moms don’t forget.
Girl this is so much more than a blog. Seriously. This isn’t some free template you picked up off BlogSpot filled with random rants about nothing. For reals. One of my friends was recently asking for my advice about starting a blog and as I went to tell her about your site, I felt like I wasn’t doing you or your hard work any justice by referring to it as just a blog.
Also, I spent the first 9 years of my parenting life living in apartments smaller than yours so I get it with the stuff everywhere. Wait until you try and move. Not funny.
Awe…you need a hug, a big one. Your blog is the only one I read religiously and I love it because you can make things funny…but everything’s funny in hindsight. This mom gig is hard…add a full time job, and a husband, and a house, and a life, and it’s almost impossible. I totally get it. Sometimes my house is so messy that I make up errands to run so I don’t have to be there. Sometimes I’m so tired I dread getting all three kids home and having to get them out of the car and make sure they have all their crap. Sometimes I fake a headache so I can just lay in my bed and cry for 30 minutes. We’ve all been there…it’s hard…but this too shall pass.
I’m really happy to see there is not ONE jerky comment in all the ones I have just read above me. I’m echoing the sentiments of the people who posted before me…your realness and vulnerability are what makes me keep coming back to your website. You are honest and you don’t paint life in a fake Pinterest board view.
You are awesome. Period.
Ilana (may I call you Ilana? Probably not. Seems a little weird now. But I’ve been reading you for years and the moment seemed ok for a first name. Whatevs.
1. Like I said, longtime reader. I love your blog for many reasons. But I have to tell you, the one that makes me feel like a normal parent, aside from this one, is your post about outlet shopping with Mazzy. It made me feel like I’m not an outcast as a parent when your kid totally overwhelms you. And this post? I literally cannot function when there are not clean surfaces and counters in the house. It makes me crazy. Oh yeah I live with a 3 year old and a one year old.
Sorry that posted and I wasn’t done! Anyways, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being honest about the tough times. It makes this job feel more doable.
Second, I like your posts about products and other things too. Sometimes I go look for those products. Sometimes they’re way out of my budget. But I like your style and taste and it’s different from what I see daily so it’s fun.
And lastly. As you can see from the many many supportive comments above, we all get it. We get it as it relates to our own lives, but we get it. With my first I worked 70 hours a week and never saw her. When my second was born I became a SAHM and this, for me, is infinitely harder. and here you are, working so hard on something you yourself created, setting high goals and standards and exceeding them, taking a hobby and making it your paying job… You are to be commended and admired, and given lots of chocolate. And vodka.
I’m sorry you didn’t get to have lunch with your mom. I so know that feeling. xoxo
I just got back from a conference and can totally relate to your description of the kids not getting the compensatory quality time! Thank you!
Ilana,
I can’t tell you how deeply appreciated this post is. When all of the failures and disappointments begin to accumulate and build on each other over days, it is just too much. You perfectly captured how others can underestimate our stresses and how the supposedly “little things” really aren’t so little when they are happening to you. Next time I am on the floor, crying my eyes out because I can’t keep “rolling with the punches” and the straw had finally broken the camel’s back, I will think of you and know I’m not irrational, over dramatic or alone.
I understand more than I’d like to. I find myself having more of these meltdowns lately as work. “have tos” are taking the place of my “want tos” and life is precious and limited.
Sending you the hug I know we don’t have time to give each other.
(Can’t wait to see the reveal of the rooms and you’re amazing! I want you to know that’s how I see you even in the middle of the “mess”)
Thank you for this. Honest. Raw. Thank you. The hard part is all of the things leading up to the tears don’t seem like that big of a deal (and even you started to say, “I know this isn’t a big deal, but it was at the time” or “this sound crazy” or “Mike was right” or whatever!)..but then the tears come and you just need to get them out to get through whatever crap is happening. If more people were honest about how they felt, less people would feel bad about feeling the SAME DAMN WAY!
Ugh. I feel ya sister, I feel ya.
Hi Ilana,
I’ve been reading you blog every day for over an year now but I must admit I’ve never commented on it before. But I absolutely love your writing, and your take on everything happening around you. I adore Mazzy and Harlow and I feel like I know you all really well and can relate – not because I’m a mommy myself, not even close – I’m a 24 year old grad student from India, doing my PhD in biomedical sciences – but I live and work in NYC and I’d love to be like you and blog for a living (at the moment I post about once every four months…! I’d love for you to check out my blog: https://sunlitprism.wordpress.com/)
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you are truly admired and appreciated, and that you put a smile on my face every single day. Thanks for being my daily dose of happiness. I’m sure you’ll feel better soon and things will stop looking so overwhelming. Big hug!
We moved into a new house while I was still in the recovery phase of my c-section with my second child. Only advice I can tell you is stack the boxes high and take it slow. No one has to know how long it actually takes to finish your project.
As for the haters, seriously, just leave. I love your style and ideas. As a (former) marketing guru, I enjoy your promo posts. You incorporate your life with the products better than anyone on the web. Only way I’m abandoning your blog is if you start writing about couponing or how to make my own laundry detergent, lol.
I HAVE TOTALLY BEEN THERE! And now I’m pregnant with #3 and am pretty much there every 2nd day with far less going on 🙂 Great post – can totally relate and think you’re still doing a great job!!
Hi, mother is another name for patience and it’s the hardest thing to master. You won’t be a mother without meltdowns 😉 I know sometimes things seem hard and out of control and a real mess but just take things one step at a time, make a plan, start sorting one box at a time and get help if u can and m sure you will be able to do in no time. Good luck and can’t wait to see the makeover of the rooms. M sure the girls will love it.
Also – not that you’re looking for MORE to do – but would love to see a post about what you do with your early risers when you are travelling with others. My two (both about 6 months younger than yours) are also early risers and I always struggle with that!
Trust me, I know about meltdowns! I won your Worst Parenting Award, remember?! I struggle with working 12 hour days in the ER and managing the kids and days off: I never feel like I get a break but I have come to realize time away is good and time together is good, you just have to find a combo that works. You are doing great! And don’t be afraid to ask for help!
What a great post!! As a grandmother, mother and daughter I completely understood where you were coming from. If it helps, we’ve all been there, which is why your mother was able to say “it’s ok, we’ll reschedule.” What she really meant was ‘it’s ok, I love you no matter what.’ And yes, even at my age, I hate it when the hubby is totally right. Hang in there and keep doing what you’re doing. You bring a little humor into what could otherwise be a very hard world.
This is so sweet! Hope you get the time with your family that you need. We all have these “what the heck have I gotten myself into and why is my husband always right” moments. Take a deep breath and eat some chocolate. And good luck with the disaster of an apartment….wowie.
And, Land of Nod boxes!!!!! EEK!!!! So excited to see the re-do.
You do more than I ever could and you should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished while raising two precious little girls. You are an amazing mom and so talented at what you do. Your job as blogger is going through some growing pains. I know you will find a solution that works for you. Meanwhile, lunch can wait. Love and kisses, hugs and misses. Mom.
Aw, big hugs! I totally get this! I had a 5 alarm anxiety attack last week. It’s hard balancing it all, especially when you have young kids. Especially when you are working on a career that people don’t really get. Especially when you are trying to be all things to all people.
I wish I had some advice, but all I can say is breath through it.
Also, your mom’s response made me cry a little. So sweet and understanding!
your blog is what I turn to when I am about up have a meltdown. Happens to the best of us. We’re only human. Hugs
I think it’s so funny how people say you are not really working, while I’m quite sure they’ve never worked a day as hard as Ilana is doing. I remember very wel that Ilana once wrote about how she hopes her kids will appreciate looking back growing up with help of the blog, and I think I’ve never seen anyone working as hard for her family as she does. I admire you, Ilana, for raising two children in one of the most upbeat cities in the world where competition is a daily struggle and still keep your feet high up dry. If you need any help unpacking for the girls room, I would totally buy a ticket and come over for a few days from the Dominican Republic!! Props to you!!
Don’t worry about the haters. Life gets to us all. Keep doing what you do. It’s good to vent when you feel frustrated just don’t get sucked into the haters creating drama. Hugs, things will be looking up soon enough.
I don’t comment much but I wanted to make sure you know how much I count on your posts to be MY reprieve. You are funny, loving, real and a great mom and wife. I check your blog every day and I’m never disappointed. Sometimes I get to live the New York life through you and other times I see you living the everyday mom life. So thank you. And shake off those haters- you don’t need them around here anyway 😉
Girl….. preach it.
I totally get it and I am right there with you. On a business trip now that I am ready to end.
Sorry for trolls. You rock and don’t ever doubt it.
Oh I can so totally relate! We’re in a tiny two bedroom too (at least we have a garage to stuff stuff in!) and have a busy 2.5yr old and are going to be adding a new baby early Sept. I’m already feeling crowded and baby isn’t here yet! I can’t imagine what it’s like with two already big-ish kids in a two bedroom.
And ignore the haters. You’re doing something that you love and you’re doing it really well. You’re one of the very very very few blogs that I follow simply because you’re interesting, fun and non-judgmental. Sponsored trips and competitions are the best way for you to keep doing what you love without resorting to the world’s most annoying pop-up ads. I’d rather hear your perspective on new products that I might be interested in, than have the zillionth ‘hot single Asian women’ ad pop up on my browser. The only other blogger I follow is struggling at the moment because she can’t write as much as she’d like because she has to work and she can’t get sponsors 🙁
I absolutely love your blog, and look forward to reading it every single day! This post, as usual, was wonderful. Even having never met you in person I immediately wanted to help! I know that’s not actually possible, but I wanted you to know how very much your blog means to me.
As for the haters, do your best to shake it off. When your posts are being read by 100,000s (millions?) of people, it’s absolutely impossible to keep them all happy. My husband had a similar issue with his (self employed) job, and always took it very personally when a few people would be quite rude to him regarding his work. Even if you keep 99.99% of the world happy, there’s going to be a few jerks who take their anger out on you for no reason. It’s easy to get stuck thinking about the one rotten comment in a sea of gratitude–but remember that for each unhappy person there are thousands of eager readers who will happily punch them in the mouth for you.
Ilana, I love your work. Tantrum away sister, we’ll still be here when you finish 🙂
Also…just remember…for the few negative comments of BS people posted on here, there are WAY more positive comments reminding you what a fantastic blogger you are. Your real fans love you.
Oh Ilana!! I love your crazy hectic life. I love that you can be honest about it with us and that you tell us when something is “edited” and when it isn’t. It is not easy raising kids and it’s definitely not easy raising kids while also trying to run a business. I applaud you. You make me laugh. You’ve made me cry on occasion. And you’ve made me fall in love with your girls and your life – even though you’re a thousand miles away and probably 180 degrees different than I am. That’s saying something. From one mommy to another, I am saying thank you. It’s okay to melt down. It’s okay to hate that the kids can’t recognize that you just want a beautiful day with them when everything else is crazy. And it’s totally okay to want your mommy too. I get it. I love that you made it easier for the rest of us to admit to that too.
I live with a man (whom I adore) who cannot, will not, absolutely cannot keep anything clean or organized (basically he’s one tee shirt away from being a hoarder). There are days when his messes make me lose my shit completely. I can understand the clutter and craziness of the re-do being the catalyst of a melt down.
Hang in there. You’ll fund the funny story out of this yet. I know that because you’ve done that for the last couple of years. And I’m grateful you have!!! Many hugs!!!
I totally get it. I teared up just reading this. I don’t know how important this meeting is, but make sure to find some time for your mom, too. You never know what is to come or how many more lunches you might have together. I lost my mom to cancer two years ago and wish I could have one more lunch date. : )
Hugs…. all mom have meltdowns every now and then…it is okay.
You have no idea how much I needed to read this today (20+days post posting!) Much love to you mama.
Sincerely,
A mama of five that has lost her shit more times that possible to keep track <3
Keep on, keeping on…..