I looked forward to hitting the ground running this past Monday after four snow days last week but the only thing that hit the ground was the ceramic tile I had purchased for the floor of my store, as I was unloading it from my car. Not before hitting my foot first and then falling to the pavement, breaking into pieces all over the parking lot.
Oh, and there was my laptop, that blue screened on me, just a day before my printer totally died. And the workman who walked over the freshly painted back room floor of my business and then tried to make it seem like it was my fault.
Needless to say, there have been a few tense moments the past few days.
Somewhere in the midst of this, I worked on the copy for my business website. One of my pages is entitled “Good Vibes” and its intention is to spread link love for the people who have supported me in the startup. I give props to everyone from my mother to my plumber. Not for nothing, my plumber is Boss. With a capital B.
Not surprisingly, I loved burying myself in the website copy. After facing new and unknown things that felt entirely over my head almost every single day for the past four months, writing copy felt like an old friend. Plus, you know all that stuff they say about gratitude? I have to tell y’all, it’s true. I could not get through a fraction of my good vibes page without feeling the good vibes for everyone on that list.
Slowly, the tension from the week melted away.
As a matter of fact, I had so many good vibes from writing about good vibes, I decided I would start a good vibes series here.
So without further ado…
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about sharing Christmas Eve with Tamara and her family and the great photos she took for me. If you look closely at my new headshot (taken by Tamara), there’s someone standing behind me propping me up. Her name is Christine. If I seem cool and collected on my blog, it’s because I’ve already unloaded on Chris. She listens, she empathizes, she cheers me on, she sets me straight, and most of all, she gets me. She’s a keeper, that girl. If you missed it, Chris wrote the most riveting post this week about how sometimes, we have to break free from certain parts of ourselves to move forward.
Last week, after I wrote about an odd anniversary to reflect upon, Melissa Burton shared the post remarking that I am someone who “Makes fear her bitch.” Melissa, that was the best props ever. That *almost* eradicated the pain in my foot when the box of tile landed on it. If you missed Melissa’s post on turning negatives into positives, it will remind you that changing our outlook can really change our lives (hello! Good Vibes!). One day, Melissa, you and I are meeting up for coffee IRL.
In addition to Good Vibes, retail therapy was a good mood booster this week. I did a little shopping on Bev’s Etsy site and picked up a few pairs of these adorable heart earrings.
Mixed in with all these good vibes, I met a new blog friend this week through Ask Away Friday.
Her name is Sarah. Make sure to go check out how Sarah responded to my questions. Below is what Sarah asked me:
1. Welcome to AskAwayFriday!! You told me you did one with Tamara a few weeks ago. After stalking your blog I see you guys are friends. How did you meet?
Originally, Tamara and I met online. I think we talked on Twitter before we started following each other’s blogs. Last summer, through a series of “joking but not joking” Tweets to one another, we had an awesome meetup in Connecticut along with Michelle Nahom and Steph Rufa. Yeah, I’m posting the photo again – because I just loved this day.
2. What made you decide to start your blog?
It was a fairly impulsive decision. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no knowledge of stats or blogging communities. I was completely afraid of Twitter. In some ways, it has morphed and shifted for me and in some ways, it hasn’t at all. My two year anniversary is the end of this month, so I’ll probably write a requisite anniversary post and elaborate on what I’ve started to talk about here.
3. Looks like you do yoga and you run. What is the key to keeping motivated to work out?
My motivation for almost everything I do is to be happy. I use running as a tool not only to improve my fitness but for emotional release and meditation. Yoga? I don’t know how to articulate my motivation for doing yoga in a 50 word answer but if you’re interested in understanding, I think this blog post sums it up pretty well. It also happens to be a piece that Tamara nominated for VOTY. (Thank you my friend).
4. Tell me what your typical day looks like?
Run, do a little yoga, take care of the kids, work on business stuff, blog, call Chris to whine. That about sums it up!
5. My signature question lately. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Making a film. It will be about my friendship with Chris – will kind of have a “Beaches” feel to it except nobody dies. I’m thinking Cate Blanchett should play Chris. Any picks for me????
6. Favorite room in your place?
The kitchen. Food, family, food. Food. You get the idea!
7. What are some of your favorite activities to do with your kids?
Oh man….my kids are so competitive with each other. Something where everyone can win and no one loses. I mean, they make eating into a competitive sport! Can I say sleeping? They all get along so well then!
8. Favorite color?
This changes like the weather for me. These days it’s purple and green. Y’all know why.
9. Do you watch much tv? If so favorite show?
I watch no TV at all. Apparently, I’m in good company with this one.
10. Team coffee or tea?
Coffee. Always. Too much so.
XO
Such a fun partner!!! Thanks for much! You answered those questions amazingly!!!!
I’m humbled and honored to be included in this post. You inspire me so much and everytime I read your posts I feel like I’ve reunited with an old friend. Yes, we do need to meet IRL.
I love the new series and can’t wait to meet the like-minded people you present. You keep making fear your bitch girl (and then tell me how you do it because right now I’m scared to death)!
Xoxo
Melissa Burton recently posted…Turning Negatives Into Positives – #OptimistFlip
OHMYGOSH I AM CRYING AND LAUGHING AT THE SAME TIME!!!! First crying at your precious words about me!!! Oh Ilene… do you even realize how FREAKING honored I am to be your “go to” girl??!! I am simply GLOWING right now… GLOWING!! And then- “To call Chris and whine”… now that makes me LAUGH MY ARS OFF!! Not sure why- it’s just so cute and you are so loveable I just wanna slam a tile on my foot to be with you!!!
Oh how I want to talk to you RIGHT NOW!!! I want to tell you how much I adore ‘US’ and what we have. Cause ya know… you are my “go to” girl too. I am constantly blown away at how close we are when we haven’t even MET!!! That’s pretty amazing isn’t it? I actually love that about us. Immediate bond. DONE. Nothing will ever ever change that. This I know.
Now, GET OVER HERE and come to garage… we got LOTS to catch up on!!! 🙂
(All I want to do is write and write about how much I adore you- but I think I really should shut up now…I’ll just text you endlessly tomorrow.)
Chris Carter recently posted…Breaking Free… What We Can Learn From Aron Ralston
You guys are so gushy 🙂 I love it!
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady recently posted…Fabletics: Adding Personal Style to Your Activewear
Mercury is in retrograde almost this entire month. I am so sorry that all of those terrible things happened to you! I hope your foot feels better soon!
Tamara is 50 shades of amazing, I’m glad that you two met. Because I’m not sure our paths would have crossed otherwise.
I’m glad you’ve got a go to girl. I’ve got one of my own and we use Voxer to chat about ALL OF THE THINGS all day long. I love having someone who just gets it.
xo
NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner recently posted…On Being A Writer
Love, love, love good vibes. They just make everyone feel good 🙂
Lots of hurdles for you this week but I know you’ll clear them and be back to fully functioning technology on newly painted and beautiful floors with lovely tile in no time 🙂
Tricia recently posted…Lovely little things, 4
I am so honored that purchased earrings from me for you and your daughter! Sending “good vibes” right back atchya. My kitchen is one of my favorite rooms as well-we often have Friday night Shabbatish potlucks with friends in it. Recently at one a friend who came in a little later remarked how wonderful it was to hear the sound of laughter, people talking, silverware clinking on dishes before she entered the room–it was the sound of friendship.
Bev recently posted…Ask Me Another! My first #AskAwayFriday with Tamara Camera Blog
Love the Good Vibes oozing from this post! Great idea for a series. And for a page on a website. Love it! Practicing gratitude makes us happier. The more we do it, the better we feel and the more good things come to us. Sorry about your foot. Luckily the good vibes (and Chris!) are keeping you going. 🙂
another jennifer recently posted…Philanthropy Friday: Running for Boston
I love your good vibes! You always seem to be sending them…makes me want to attend a yoga class with you! I am going yoga later today, and I will be thinking of you!
Natalie recently posted…Taking Care of Mom
I love every single word in this post – and I can’t wait to see you new website (I hope you have a “shipping to Canada” option on there!).
“Making fear your bitch” – couldn’t have said it better myself 😉 – you go, girl! xoxox
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…Throwback
If someone asked me, “One of your bloggy friends started a Good Vibes series – who do you think it is?” I would have guessed you in a heartbeat! And then Chris, so it doesn’t surprise me that you are good friends. I always get good vibes from reading your writing, Ilene, and today was no exception. Sending some of my own to banish the tension of the past week!
Dana recently posted…I’m coming out…
I love everything about this! Everything. And of course, selfishly, it’s that I’m mentioned in awesome ways. Ok, really thinking about the actress who will play you in your movie? I mean, someone who is a goddess, right?
And I love Sarah’s questions, and I’m trading with her soon too!
And I’m so sorry about this week. I had no idea! I was in my own blogging/articles due/photos due hell and I wanted to check in on you more. I missed ya.
Tamara recently posted…An Ask Away With Linkouture That Needs Its Own Disclaimer!
why does that not surprise me that Chris is your go-to gal? haha She’s awesomesauce.
Love this post, and YAY to a good vibes series here! Great idea, and if anyone is made for that kind of post it’s YOU. I sort of think you’re amazing. Well, not sort of. I do think you’re amazing. I hope I’m more like you when I “grow up”. Stiiiill trying to get to yoga more often. I’m doing better than 2013 but still not as often as I aspire to go. It’s so coooooold out though! haha. I know when it warms a bit I’ll have more get-up-and-go.
Beth Teliho recently posted…Night Of The Menage Attack, Take 2.
I have to go check out Melissa’s post but I am regulars on all of your other mentions, I am happy to say! I love food too, as you know. Haha. And I am glad to know I am not the only one who doesn’t watch tv, although I am wavering a little…they keep putting Modern Family on when I am in the room…
How fun that we used the same picture today!! That was such a fun day!
Michelle recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with Mrs. Tee Live Love Life & Laughter
Hope your foot is doing ok!! It’s definitely important to stay on a positive note, although not always easy. I’m reading that article about Breaking Free – omg what a decision to make to have to cut your own arm off!! Great series and best of luck with your new ventures 🙂 Glad you’re focusing on your good vibes and happy Friday Ilene! -Iva
AwesomelyOZ recently posted…Being Dismissed is NOT OK
My takeaway from this? I need to make fear my bitch, lol. 🙂
Natalie DeYoung recently posted…The Art of Holding Back
Love the idea of a Good Vibes series! Can’t wait to follow along. And I’m so glad you have an amazing friend like Chris. Every woman needs someone like that in her life!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted…Kick Stress to the Curb: A To-Do List
UGH! As I started reading about your week I thought, “and I thought mine was bad!!” but I love how you turned it around. I love reading your stories about your blogging friendships – they are so heartening and positive. And although it was only for an hour I’m so glad I got to meet you and Tamara that day at Michelle’s. I totally stepped out of my comfort zone to do that but it opened up my perspective and I’m so grateful for that.
Stephanie recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
OMGee I’m not sure I could have come out of a week like that with such a positive attitude. I would have shaken it off but grumpy would have definitely been my name for a few days after. I’mm glad you got through it though and your Good Vibes idea sounds great!
Tiffany recently posted…#AskAwayFriday W/ Michelle From A Dish Of Daily Life
Man, that’s a lot, but I understand totally the shift of energy when realizing how many people are supporting and helping you! I love that you brought some good vibes here. You and Chris are amazing! I get that you all connect!
I don’t understand who cares about tea or coffee. I keep seeing that question on Fridays and I’m like what’s the big deal. I guess it’s because I don’t drink either!
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady recently posted…Fabletics: Adding Personal Style to Your Activewear
Ugh – so sorry that you had so many negatives! I love the way you turned it all around with your good vibes.
And, I haven’t know Chris long but I love her – I wish I had a fraction of the faith that she does!!!
I’m so excited for your business – sounds like things are ticking along (even with a few issues).
BTW – I think Sandra Bullock could play you!
Kim recently posted…Someone Stole My Identity
I feel your “Good Vibes” all the way in Minnesota!! )))) xx
My Inner Chick recently posted…Broken Wings
Your answer to #2 is my beginner’s story. Only 2 1/2 years later, I figured it all out. Well the important blogging stuff anyway. Never knew what a link-up was. Can you imagine? I was all alone in my own little box for the first couple of years, unaware of how big the blogosphere actually was!
Ahh, I think it is so wonderful that you gals were able to meet in real person. I hope to one day do that with some fellow bloggers. Maybe you guys! Ha!
Dee Williamson recently posted…Owl Mustache For The Cure
Absolutely love the good vibes! They always say that laughter is the best medicine and what better way to spread good vibes than to have a good laugh! Hope things go better for you next week! 🙂 And well food is the cornerstone, I think! Love these questions and answers! Hope you have a great weekend!
Stacey Gannett recently posted…#AskAwayFriday 27 with Bonnie the LadyBlogger!
Ilene, it’s so cool that Chris is your go-to girl. She’s good people, that Chris! I see you’re a TV-less person. I’m TV-lite, as there’s only one program I turn the TV on for. Other than that, just don’t have the time for it. I laughed at the kids making eating a competitive sport. My brother and I were like that as kids. Ah, the good old days! LOL!
Alison Hector recently posted…Got Superpowers?
Purple and green are good colors. I’m more into purple and pink. I think I may spend the rest of the day wondering who should play you in your movie. I need to think on that one. You’re such a mixture of everything good. Hmmm…..
Totally agree with you on the gratitude thing. Love the earrings you got from Bev.
Carla recently posted…Fitness Friday 2: Challenges Happen Every Day
My mom always told me to dress up and put on my best makeup when I wasn’t feeling well. Now I do that with my attitude too. Life throws a few curve balls and I just feel the need to go looking for things to be grateful for. It’s such a great way to adjust your attitude, isn’t it?!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with Penny Chevalley
No TV for me either. I do watch an occasional movie with my daughter, and some college hoops (hey, I live in KY), so for who should play you? I’m thinking Sandra Bullock. She’s prob older than you but we’ll make it work. Chris is an enigma to me. I adore her. She shows up one day on my blog, leaving great comments. I started visiting hers and BAM! I’m hooked. I ask myself all the time (literally…out loud, I’m old) “Who is this person? She’s EVERYWHERE”! She led me to you, and I love what you do here.
Laurie recently posted…Cook Family Singers Part 2
I love this good vibes theme, yay!
Cute earrings from Bev – very apt 🙂
When push comes to shove, I’m team coffee too (though in a move to cut down, I drink tea in the afternoons)
Alison recently posted…A Different Kind Of Sweet Spot
I love this. I’ve had your post open on my computer all weekend but I’m finally getting to read it now and I’m kind of glad but it is most definitely what I needed to read this Monday morning. Good vibes are contagious, aren’t they? I need to remember that more sometimes. And the support of friends and family? So so priceless.
Doesn’t Tamara take great photos? I’m a fan of hers as well. And through her site I was able to stumble on yours 🙂
Nina recently posted…Why You Shouldn’t Reward Your Kids (And What to Do Instead)
Such a sweet post. I’m loving good vibes!
Barbara recently posted…Random
Hooray for Team Coffee!
I love your Good Vibes and I agree that the best way to change our view is to think about things for with we are grateful.
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted…On the Days That I Suck
My favorite colors are also purple, teal, and forest green. I am not quite brave enough to paint my house those colors. I don’t think my husband would like it.
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families recently posted…DIY Captain America Shield
Your post always oozes out good vibes and that’s why I adore your writing, your heart! Love your answer about yoga! 😀
You *are* good vibes, Ilene! You just radiate goodness. You do. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Ashley and I talk about it all the time. You know who else does…CHRIS!!! I had no idea you guys were so close! You have no idea how happy that makes me!! You are both special, special people that lift other up. I love that you love and support each other. <3 –Lisa
Man, what a week you had! But I’m so glad it ended with Good Vibes! Also, I would pick Julia Roberts to play you – perfect! 😀
Elaine A. recently posted…Valentine’s Old School Blogging!
OY. When it rains, it pours, eh? Or maybe that should be amended after this crazy winter we’ve had to “when it snows, it nor’easters.” Eh??
I love the colors you chose for your new space. Purple has always been my favorite and I love the way it complements the soft yet rich texture of green. Perfect, really.
I’m sorry to hear about the computer, the printer, the floor tiles, the guy who walked across freshly painted floors. I think this means that things can only look up from here, right? Smile. Spring is just around the corner (please). XOXO my lovely.
Charlotte recently posted…The perks of being a blogger and a long overdue date night
OMG you and Chris in a Beaches type movie? I’m already crying. Like bigtime. This MUST happen. I love purple and green and cannot WAIT to hear more about your new business. Can’t WAIT. For real. Also I am so over the snow. I loved sledding this morning with my son, then building (another) snowman with him this afternoon, but my back is sore, my work is neglected, and I’m VERY far behind on reading my beloved blogs (hello to finally getting to this).
Ouch to the tile, and the footprints, but I’m seeing great things for you, my other sister wife. Like big ones.