Friday, October 23, 2009

Taking a good hard look.....

This is difficult.

I really, really want to have my blog running at the same frequency it was 6 months ago. I keep getting so down on myself for not posting. It is starting to stress me out and that is not what blogging should be. When I started this blog Nathan was in Iraq and I needed the outlet to keep me going and keep me busy. Life has been so hectic and there have been so many changes over the past few months that I am beginning to think that my expectations aren't realistic.

I am NOT quitting or shutting down my blog. There is no way I could do that. But I am going to stop making promises. I am going to stop saying that everything will be up and running soon. By continuing to say that, I end up putting more pressure on myself.

There are so many reasons why I haven't been baking as much lately. We are still getting settled and trying to figure out life in the states. Anya has started school (pre-k), Eric is all over the place and is definately a handful, AND we got a puppy last week. One of the biggest reasons for not baking is that I have lost all my taste-testers. When I was in Germany I gave away a good portion of my baked goods to my friends and I don't have that here. Our small family cannot possibly consume all the delicious things I want to make.

I have been making some new dinners and will get those posted when I can. The only promise I can make is that this blog isn't going anywhere. I may only get a post up once a week. Maybe more, maybe less. But Cristine is here. Cristine is cooking. Cristine just needs to remove some of the pressure.

Just a quick note about groups.... Daring Bakers, SMS, TWD, MSCC, Cookie Carnival.... I don't know how much I will be participating. If you have to remove me, don't feel bad. Do what you need to do and I will do what I can. :)

Thanks for reading this novel and for listening to my rambling! How about a picture of our super cute Rhodesian Ridgeback, Tara, to make it worth your while? Lots of love for you all!!!

24 comments:

Coleens Recipes said...

A busy, happy, family (and puppy) filled life should never be anything but FIRST on your list. Enjoy them while they are home, they grow up way too fast. Come say "hi" when you get a free minute, if there are no free minutes...thats OK too. We totally understand.

Emily Rose said...

first of all: that dog is precious!! secondly, cut back as much as you need to, I'll still look forward to and read any post you do manage to get written! I had to cut way back when I got pregnant with my second daughter and I finally decided to abandon Daring Bakers (even though I miss it!). Now I just post when I feel like and don't worry too much about it. I hope you all get settled in soon!

The Grows said...

I think you should only worry about doing what you want. Blogs are for fun and you should only worry about doing what you really have time for. Sorry I am not there to try all you yummy food any more. Trust me I really miss it. You are an awesome cook no matter how many blogs you post. I am so happy you have a family together that keeps you too busy, that is the way it should be. Love ya.

Future Grown-Up said...

Wow, that is a LOT of stuff to deal with all at one time. This is definitely a time to take good care of yourself and keep strong. We'll be here when you're ready to blog again.

Bri said...

i wish i could be a one of your taste testers.. but yea.. its all understandable.. dont pressure yourself for things to be the same as they were before, because obviously things arent and they are changing... and maybe changes are different and scary, but they are good too--kids going to school and you will meet new ppl and make new friends :)

Christy said...

Cristine-don't ever feel guilty about putting your family first!! There is a season for everything and we're all so fortunate that we've been on the receiving end of your many baking/cooking adventures while your hubby was serving our country. We look forward to hearing from you when you have a spare moment but until then enjoy being the wife and mother God created you to be. {{hugs}}

The Mortensens said...

Cristine--don't worry about it. We'll just enjoy your blog and your wonderful cooking/baking when you do have time for it. :)

Katy ~ said...

I guess I just don't understand why bloggers feel they "must" post a certain number of every week/month. I suppose it's nice to post a couple times a week, keeps people interested in your blog and lets your fellow bloggers know you're still around. But unless someone goes for three or four months without blogging, I keep them in my bloglist until then. Some blogs I follow only post every three or four weeks and that's fine too. When they post, it's always something delicious and worth the weight (I meant to say wait!!), grins.

Cristine, I love your blog and your posts. You have a terrific writing style; you are open and honest.

I'm keeping you on my bloglist and am very happy to see you when I can. No pressure from me. Life IS hectic and demanding. We don't need to create more for ourselves.

Sweet baby dog. What a character. Not too spoiled, eh?

The McBride Family said...

Your post makes me sad. Sad b/c I'm not there to taste test. Sad b/c we're not there to enjoy the busy times. Sad b/c we've all moved and I miss our group. However, I think it's good you are taking the pressure off. I will be reading your blog and trying new recipes when you post them PLUS looking up the old ones. I just made Honey Lime Enchiladas for my in-laws and they all LOVED them. Dave keeps asking when I'm going to make it again! :) I love you girl. I miss you guys like crazy but busy is good. Busy means no down time and that means no time to be sad.

ALLRED FAMILY said...

Good for you Cristine! Do what you can and we'll keep checking when you do update. Your puppy is adorable.

teresa said...

you're absolutely right, blogging shouldn't equal feeling pressured and family comes first always. there have been a few times that i've had to take a month or so off for the same reason. take care of yourself and your family adn we will all be here when you post! good luck with everything you have going on, and you're little puppy is adorable!!

Anonymous said...

Life first! Blogging is supposed to be fun, not obligatory.

Shelby said...

Oh Cristine, we all understand! We all have life that gets in the way of blogging - and that is normal and honestly, the way it should be. I too stopped DB and TWD because I couldn't continue to bake so often and I don't even have a home with 2 active children and a puppy! ;-) Just know we all love you and will be happy to see you when you can post!

Karin said...

What a cute puppy! And you and family come first...

Megan said...

Don't be so hard on yourself - but I agree with you, that blogging is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Post when you feel like it, not because you have to.

And your puppy made me smile for the first time since my dog died. Love it!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Cristine...oh my goodness you shouldn't feel that way but I understand why you do as this fall has been a tough one for me as well. I've come to realize like you that it's going to happen when it happens but that I shouldn't fret over it.

We'll/I'll be here to read when you do get a chance to post.

Take care!
~ingrid

Jeannette said...

i can't show that puppy picture to my fiance. he will flip and beg me for one. we both want a Rhodesian :) she's beautiful.

and take your time, just as your blog isn't going away, neither are your readers ;)

Mini Baker said...

first of all I LOVEEE rhodesian Ridgebacks! They are so beautiful! I've been trying to convince my boyfriend to get one!
I just stumbled upon your blog and its fantastic! I'm so excited I found it, I'll be back often :)
-Mini Baker

Julie said...

Beautiful new pup! I'll be he's fun :)
I think this blogging this is supposed to be fun. Not stressful...post when you can and enjoy your family :)

Pamela said...

Awww! Hang in there and post what you want, when you can! We'll be here to read it when you do. Congrats on the puppy, too. And soon enough you'll have more taste testers! Keep smiling.

Unknown said...

What a cute puppy!

Blogging can definitely be stressful sometimes and it shouldn't be so I'm glad you were able to step back and do what is best for you and your family. We'll be here to read when you get have a chance to get posts up :)

Flourchild said...

I look fwd to seeing your posts when you can. Enjoy your life and your family should always come first!
Cute puppy!

Mermaid Sews said...

I hear ya sister. I just had to take an unexpected 2 month break, I was soo stressed about everything and the blog was out there looming like something else I didn't do and should, but I finally accepted it, and I am so happy I did. I have a keeping up with the jonses problem, but I am letting that go here, since I just can't do it all!

Nancy/n.o.e said...

My doggies send their love to your new pup! I know what you mean about blogging - sometimes I'm close to being ready to give it all up. Instead, right now I'm posting a lot less frequently. Losing the guilt is difficult but important.

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