Guess Who's Back?

Hello everyone,

Currently, I find myself cozily nestled in the daybed of my little one. An infant no more, my darling daughter, now a spirited toddler, is embarking on the grand adventure of her second year of life.

Our days together are filled with joyous exploration - sliding down the neighbor's slide, playing with bubbly froth, crafting vibrant stories on paper with her crayons, and even dabbling in a bit of painting. The beauty of her innocence is most apparent during our nightly ritual - a tussle with sleep that she insists must be a shared experience. As I lie next to her, watching her resist the call of slumber, I can't help but ponder a lingering question - why did I stop blogging?

Reflecting on it now, it appears my blogging hiatus was a byproduct of my journey into motherhood. Navigating the transformative period of pregnancy, I was apprehensive, even superstitious, about sharing my experiences online. Despite the label of a "geriatric pregnancy" at 36, I was blessed with a smooth journey - free from the scourge of morning sickness and teeming with the unique joy of anticipation. Of course, there were moments of discomfort and an understandable eagerness to meet my little one, especially as November approached.

The hospital experience, to put it mildly, was a bit surreal. My husband and I were treated more like unwed teenagers than expectant parents. Nevertheless, the outcome was worth every odd glance - a feisty, fearless baby girl, ready to take on the world.

Blessedly, I was not alone in this life-altering journey. My mother, a seasoned nurse, stood by me like a rock, her calm demeanor assuring me that everything was okay. My husband, too, provided unwavering support. Ultimately, my daughter entered this world via a C-section, but that's a story for another day.

The first year of my daughter's life flew by in a whirlwind of sleepless nights, first steps, and precious moments. I returned to work post an amazing yet challenging maternity leave, forever grateful to my supportive workplace that allowed for a generous four-month break. I strongly believe such compassion should be a universal norm.

Over this period, all my energy was devoted to our little bundle of joy, accounting for half of my five-year hiatus from blogging. Simultaneously, I found myself exploring an array of seemingly random interests.

One such adventure was delving into the realm of color analysis. This fascinating process aims to discover the colors that best complement an individual based on their skin, hair, and eye color. Following my return to work, I found it challenging to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. My wardrobe seemed dominated by blacks, greys, and the occasional navy piece. Despite countless wrist observations, app filters, and articles, I remain undecided about my season - autumn, winter, or perhaps a 'Kerry Washington Clear Spring' as my husband insists.

In the quest for self-understanding, I revisited my Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - still an INTJ. This led me to another captivating exploration - astrology. I delved into the charts of my family members, seeking patterns, similarities, and understanding.

Presently, my latest endeavor is participating in a weekly Dungeons and Dragons game. My character, inspired by Neo Queen Serenity, is an interesting study of contrasts, being "lawfully evil". For the uninitiated, "lawful evil" in the Dungeons and Dragons universe refers to a character that adheres strictly to a personal code or system of laws but may act in ways that are morally objectionable or harmful.

The decision to return to blogging stemmed from my renewed passion for writing, partly kindled by my immersion into Dungeons and Dragons. This rich, fantastical world sparked my creativity and reignited my love for the written word. Moreover, it was the catalyst for my exploration into AI tools. Specifically, ChatGPT, an AI language model that has become an invaluable ally in my writing endeavors. It's akin to having a personal editor, adding a dash of polish to my musings while retaining the essence of my voice.

And so, as I return to blogging, I also return to another long-standing passion project – a book that's been simmering on the back burner for two years. With my renewed commitment to writing and the support of my AI companion, I feel more optimistic than ever about finally bringing this dream to fruition.

In a nutshell, that's where I've been. A five-year journey of life-altering experiences, personal exploration, and growth that's led me back here - to sharing my journey with you. As I embark on this refreshed blogging journey, I am excited to reconnect, share my experiences, and hopefully inspire a few along the way. I can't wait to hear your thoughts, insights, and experiences, too. 

Here's to the chapters yet to be written!

Lauren

Currently Re-Evaluating Her Level of Involvement