The Organised Housewife » Tips, ideas, inspiration and motivation to help keep you and your household clean and organised

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Aug 06 2012

Finding my normality in New York

Category: Other

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Coming to New York has been exactly what I have needed. These past 10 weeks have been the hardest I have ever had to endure. Losing my mum has been a heartbreaking and the most devasting experience. I have not been myself these past weeks, I have tried to keep up with my blog posts, appear OK and being a great mother and wife, but to be honest it has been so hard. During this time I have not kept the house as tidy as I like, cooked as much, tried to put on a happy face, I have rarely left the house, not exercised, I have avoided talking to my friends and ignoring phone calls as I don't want to 'talk about it' and combined with the thoughts of travelling to New York by myself I have not been able to sleep. I am finding myself still awake at 2am most mornings. My kids have been sick for the past 3 weeks with at least one home from school during this time. So… even though I was worried about coming to NY by myself, I needed to be here by myself. I needed to get away and FIND myself again.

Being at this conference has inspired me and given me drive to find my 'normality' again. I want to return home and be me. I want to sleep properly, not live in chaos, be happy because I am and spend more time in the sun with my family. I know I can do it.

I would really like to thank Howards Storage World for helping me to visit New York. I have had a great time at the conference, blogging in America is far more advanced Australia, it has been wonderful to learn from them and absorb all their knowledge. I went to sessions such as iphoneography, valuing yourself, technical toolkit: doing less with more. All inspiring, I've walked away motivated and with a vision.

My adventure begins

The streets are so busy

The yellow cabs are everywhere and the most craziest drivers

I walked around the city and stumbled across Broadway
I had a 'blow out' at this stylish salon, I love the colours!

I then went shopping at Macy's and caught a peddle bike back to the hotel, I was so scared we were going to get clipped from a cab
I found the subway
Times Square
Met some fellow Aussie bloggers, Carly Findlay

and Katrina

I'm all set to learn!
Martha Stewart was a keynote speaker
I'm in love with the Martha Stewart Home Office range, I hope to find some and bring them home as they don't stock them in Australia (hint hint Martha)
I ended a very busy day with a walk at dust through central park.

I still have one more day and night in the big city, then I travel home and get to see my beautiful family who I am missing terribly on Wednesday.

 

 

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  • Stella-Maree Storey

    Hang in there! I’ve only just tuned into the blog, but I hope you find your normality again, you’re a wonderful writer and by the looks of it an even greater Mum!
    One day into finding this blog and you’ve already helped inspire this mum-to-be to get organised! Thank-You x

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Thank you Stella-Maree, I have come back feeling great! I am so pleased that you are enjoying the blog. When are you due?

      • Stella-Maree Storey

        It’s wonderful that you’re feeling great! I’m due on the 4th of October, so less than 8 weeks away!!! So organisation has been top priority on my list! :)

        • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

          Wishing you all the best for bubs delivery, enjoy all the special moments xx

  • Louise

    bless you, losing a parent is unbelievable hard.  My dad died just over 2 years ago.  I travelled all the way from England to Beautiful Australia where I have just begun to heal my heart.  I think about my dad every day, and can feel him sitting beside me on my mountain in Australia were we live.  I am sure our parents become our guardian angels when they die.  Take each day as it comes, be kind to yourself, tidy houses can wait for another day.  You will find you again.   xx

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      They can wait, but having the house untidy has added to my frazzled state, I have come home and have tidied up and feel so much better.

  • Claire-78

    Good on you Katrina, I lost my mum, my best friend, very suddenly 5 months ago. It is still heartbreaking. I too struggle to keep my house organised with 3 kids and a husband who is alergic to housework!  all while dealing with the loss of my mum, and now my dad getting re-married next weekend to a lady he’s known 12 weeks!! your ideas and tips give me motivation to keep my head up and plough through it. Thankyou x

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Wow that is quick, I can imagine how it’s adding to your stress levels. Your right unfortunately we do have to keep moving forward. Thinking of you xx

  • http://www.blossomheartblog.com/ Alyce

    I’m glad you’ve been able to still enjoy NY and to find the respite you needed. I hope your soul stays as refreshed when you get back home xx

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Thank you Alyce, yes I am feeling great these past few days, refreshed, house is tidier and I am making good steps forward.

  • Tamar

    Loving watching your trip – can’t wait for you to get home and tell me all about it – You and i have a coffee and zumba date to reschedule :)
     Tamar xx

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      LOL, coffee for sure, Zumba I will have to see, I look forward to telling you all about it J

  • barbara001

    Thanks for the pics & updates from NY. Give yourself time to grieve. Women have to do so much for the family some times it is important to recharge your batteries and have some down time. I struggle with housework on a day to day basis. But you have given me so much in regards to food and cleaning and storing things the right way. I have started de-cluttering one room at a time. I can’t thank you enough for sharing all your hints with me and others like me who hate housework.

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Aaw, thank you so much for your message, I am so pleased that my posts are able to help you. I have come back feeling great, jetlagged but great.

  • http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

    Katrina, I so agree. Doing stuff like this … getting away from our norm will help us to be better at our norm when we get home. It’s been wonderful seeing you. x

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      I have come home feeling refreshed, I loved being over there and going by myself was the best thing for me.

  • bjchabs

    Kat….be
    kind to yourself…Grieving is rollercoaster ride and there is no time limit on
    it. I lost my Dad suddenley and it shattered my world. Give yourself time to
    ride the rollercoaster. Some days you will be fine and other days you
    won’t….but you know what that is OK. Maybe you could start a little journal
    and write to your Mum when you are feeling down. This has worked for me. I’m
    glad you are having a wonderful time in New York. You deserve it!!!

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Thank you, I have had quite a few people suggest a journal, I think it’s a great idea.

  • http://twitter.com/heyLisaWarren Lisa Warren

    I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself Katrina! Time away from home to breathe by yourself is just what the doctor ordered. No routine, no commitments…just you and your thoughts. There’s no such thing as going “back to normal” after a devastating loss…it’s finding a new normal and what works for you. Hugs my friend!

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Absolutely Lisa, new normal. I’ve come back feeling great, refreshed and your right time away was just what I needed.

  • Aisling_mccarthy

    Katrina I have seen some at spotlight in nz. They will most likely have it in spotlight in as too. Maybe not thw whole range….

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      Ooh yes they do have her scrapbooking supplies, I forgot about that. These were her stationery items such as folder dividers, labels etc. I might have a look next time I there though, thank you.

  • Mrs Woog

    It was just the tonic you needed. I love your smiling face. xx

    • http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina

      I really did need it, I’ve come back feeling myself again.