Good morning everyone! Time for another link up with Gretch & me, all we ask is that you link back somewhere in your post. Thanks a bunch. I'll be doing another monthly recap, but again - not much to recap this month. Life has been quiet and I'm not mad about that.

As I mentioned in my trying new things post, I went to kickboxing for the first time, tried to donate blood and ran a 5k at the zoo. And honestly, that sums up my month.
Of course, there was also mother's day, which we spent with my mother in law and chinese food. To feel like I was also giving props to my own mum, I wore a tshirt that we both bought back in LA.
In other news, we are about a week out from our holiday and does anyone else just run around like a chook with its head cut off before a trip? I feel like there is a million things I need to do and not a lot of time to do everything. Both personal and work related. I haven't even started packing yet - very unlike me as I'm sure you know! But don't worry, I have my list ready, duh. So I'm packed on the computer at least.
To be honest, I'm really worried/nervous about this trip. I am excited for New Zealand, but nervous for Australia. I can't wait to see my mum but I'm scared because I will fully understand the impact her stroke has had when I see her in person. Obviously, I'm just glad she's alive and (mostly) well, it's just hard to see your only parent in a situation you can't make better for them.
If you'd like to link up with us, please do so below!
Of course, there was also mother's day, which we spent with my mother in law and chinese food. To feel like I was also giving props to my own mum, I wore a tshirt that we both bought back in LA.
In other news, we are about a week out from our holiday and does anyone else just run around like a chook with its head cut off before a trip? I feel like there is a million things I need to do and not a lot of time to do everything. Both personal and work related. I haven't even started packing yet - very unlike me as I'm sure you know! But don't worry, I have my list ready, duh. So I'm packed on the computer at least.
To be honest, I'm really worried/nervous about this trip. I am excited for New Zealand, but nervous for Australia. I can't wait to see my mum but I'm scared because I will fully understand the impact her stroke has had when I see her in person. Obviously, I'm just glad she's alive and (mostly) well, it's just hard to see your only parent in a situation you can't make better for them.
If you'd like to link up with us, please do so below!
So, what's new with you?
Sounds like a good month to me! I'd quite like a quiet one... And I'm SO BAD at running around like a loon just before I go on holiday. And panic shopping. Allll the panic shopping. I feel for you. Good luck with the rest of the preparations and let me know when you're out and we can make plans!
ReplyDeleteI definitely run around in a panic shortly before a holiday! have an amazing time x
ReplyDeleteooo your trip is SO CLOSE! i'm really looking fwd to your pics; that side of the world is probably somewhere i could never travel unless they invented teleportation machines because it's SO FAR :(
ReplyDeleteWhat is a chook? I know I act like a crazy lady with my lists and my over packing and my cleaning. I have to come home to a clean house. Gah! Hope you have a wonderful vacation!!!
ReplyDeletePrayers for your mom . . . no matter what just being able to hug her will make it all worth it! I'm a pack at the last minute girl so I say you have PLENTY of time . . . and you crack me up with your "packed on my computer" bit! Ha!
ReplyDeleteChinese for Mother's Day sounds perfect! I totally get the mixed emotions on seeing your mum. I'm hoping that's she's better than you're prepared for!!! I'm assuming you're like me and expecting the absolute worst. I know you're going to have an amazing time and I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about it!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your anxiety about going home and really having to face reality. I've been there and it just sucks. And yes, the week before vacation and the week after vacation are complete chaos that make me question why I thought vacation was a good idea in the first place!! I want to know more about how you are liking kickboxing (if at all!) and if you think you'll keep going!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize your mother had a stroke. I'm so sorry! I'm sure your time together on this trip will be even more precious now. I hope you guys have the most amazing time. I'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteA nice quiet month sounds wonderful. You guys were out and about just enough to make it an interesting month.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma had a stroke this year and I will admit that it was difficult to see her the first few times, but it got better and she got a little better. Try to focus on the parts of your mom that shine through the fog she might be in- her smile, laughter, voice. It's all a reminder that she's still here and happy and your momma :)
I'm so excited for your trip! I can't wait to see all the pictures! I hope you guys have the best time, and you already know how awesome us ahole bros think you are - about the kickboxing and being a badass in general!
ReplyDeleteSending you warm thoughts and peace for your trip back home and beyond!! Have a meat pie for me!!
ReplyDeleteSo ... is a chook Australian for chicken? I'm curious. :) And yes, I completely understand your concern about going home. Your mum is still your mum though and while she might not be as she was when you saw her in LA/Vegas, best not to dwell on what she was and celebrate how she is now (getting better daily and most likely can not wait to see you again!) -- enjoy your trip! and probably ought to start packing soon. I'm a wait-till-last-minute packer ... so I always overpack. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! You are opening yourself up to limitless possibilities!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the packing! Yes, I know the feeling of running around like a madwoman. Enjoy the upcoming adventure and time with your mother in AUS.
I'm not traveling the distance or for as long as you are, but I have three trips planned in the next month with two back-to-back (home less than 48 hours!) and it leaves me feeling anxious and unprepared, too! So thanks for saying that. I have been being a bum the past few weekends and storing up all my laziness, as if that's a thing.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mom. I'm sure it will be hard but also feel great to hug her and see for yourself where she's at. I bet seeing you will make her feel better, too! Safe travels! Excited to follow along!
I loved your trying new things post. So great. Oh gosh, I can understand your worry for sure. But I know once you get there it will all fall into place and you'll just be so happy to see her. I hope that you have an amazing trip in every aspect. Can't wait to see posts on IG. :) Hugs! XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Kickboxing is so much fun, and ahhhhhhhh to you petting that snake! Have an amazing trip, and sending all the *hugs*. I'll be insta-stalking, and can't wait to hear how your mom is doing <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Yum, chinese food. Your post about trying new things inspired me :)!
ReplyDeleteI love that you tried all those new things! Are you going to try giving blood again? I am the same before a vacation and I get so much anxiety no matter where we go. I totally understand where yours is coming from though. I'm sure it'll be hard, but also just so good to see and hug your mom! I hope you have a fabulous trip. Take tons of pictures!!
ReplyDeleteHurrah new things and trip! But yes I run like a loon the week before, so I don't envy you that. I'm glad you'll be seeing your Mum.
ReplyDeleteGlad things have calmed down for you a bit, minus getting ready for your trip. But YAY that it's almost here! So excited for you, and I'm sure you're anxious to see your mom.
ReplyDeleteQuiet months are good months.
ReplyDeleteI've been out of touch for awhile so I had no idea about your mom's stroke. I hope that seeing her brings whatever peace and healing it needs to bring, even if it leads to more questions and tears. I realize that sounds a bit off but I hope you know what I mean.
I'm sure you are worried about your Mom but I think once you see her you will feel much better. Sure, it might lead to tears but I think you are feeling anxious because you really haven't seen her. By seeing her, I think you will feel better right away. Sending big hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try kickboxing, but wayyy to scared!
ReplyDeleteI hope your trip goes well! I missed that your mom had stroke! I am so sorry. Hopefully the trip will be peace with it, rather than sadness!
So excited for your trip to NZ & home to Australia! I hope that you don't let the Aus part or any worries potentially overshadow the NZ part. Where all in NZ are you going!? Post all the pics! I really can't wait to hear!
ReplyDeleteI used to get all worked up over a trip the week before but not so much anymore. I pack the night before and don't sweat it too much. I remember the first time I saw my Dad after his stroke, it was very hard for me. You have to just focus on the fact that she survived it and you still have time ahead of you to share life, it may just look a little different that's all. Have a wonderful trip Kristen!
ReplyDeleteEeek your trip is so soon! I hope all of the travel goes well and it is an enjoyable time overall. I bet it will feel amazing to hug your mom. Good luck with the packing! I am the same except times 3 because I pack for me and the kids ;) I'll be thinking of you while you're away and can't wait to hear about it xoxo
ReplyDeleteNew Zealand is a dream for me so I can't wait to hear about your trip :)
ReplyDeleteIts always so hard to not be able to make things better for the people we love.
ReplyDeleteHa, I had the same thought as someone else above - What is a chook?
ReplyDeleteI can understand your apprehension about seeing your mom for the first time since the stroke. It's not the same but my mom had kidney stone surgery two years ago and her recovery was much harder than expected and it was much harder for me than expected to see her feeling so bad. But I hope that you enjoy your time together with family and also that you have a fun holiday in NZ.
Your trip sounds exciting, and I hope your mom is doing okay!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way before a holiday! Wishing you all the best, friend. <3
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling of nervousness of seeing someone you love after something like a stroke. I hope your visit is full of sweetness and great moments. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI'm always frazzled before a trip! They days before at work are such a blur too. Good luck getting ready! Safe travels and hope everything works out :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your mom had had a stroke. I'm glad she's doing mostly well. Good luck getting everything together before the trip & have a great time! I definitely understand the chaos pre-trip. I'm leaving on a trip on Monday & I feel so unprepared!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an easy and enjoyable trip :) I'm glad you finally get to make the trek home to see your mom.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize it was your mom who had the stroke- I'm so sorry to hear that. I understand that feeling, but just being with her will make it a little better! I get the same way before a big trip- like everything is listed but not packed, tons of laundry suddenly appear and alltheworkthings need to be done stat! Good luck getting everything done!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to donate blood, but I'm absolutely terrified of needes :(
ReplyDeleteSarah
Midwest Darling
Sorry to hear about your mom...it's great you'll be there soon to spend some much needed time with her. The trip sounds exciting except that one set back. Love your Mother's Day outfit and sunnies!
ReplyDeleteyay for new things! touching that snake tho... idk if i could do that! lol
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the holiday prepping! I always feel like I'm running around like a headless chook in the lead up trying to get everything sorted!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have the most incredible trip! xo
I leave this weekend, and I have done NOTHING. Well, except go and find your packing for 2 weeks in Europe in summer post and bookmark it. When I start packing the day before I leave, I'm sure it'll come in handy ;) SO UNLIKE ME, but I'm owning it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're able to enjoy your trip, despite the parts your nervous about. Lean on KC and your family and enjoy!
Sounds wonderful.
ReplyDelete