It has been 1 year since I started this travel blog about my adventures with my daughter Jolie… can you believe it? As usual, time has flown. That’s what happens with kids – you lose track of time (and your mind!)
I thought I would take a moment and reflect on my ups and downs and see if any of my other fellow bloggers or friends with their own work/hobbies have experienced the same – please feel free to comment!
1. Have you had the “Honey, I need TIME to WORK on my blog.”
This is a common theme between my husband and I… I’m trying to build something and keep track of all the fun adventures we have with our daughter. He’s trying to “help” me with other stuff in the house but of course not exactly how I would do it, so I get distracted and end up not working on my blog. I think I’ve decided I have to let go a little, or he has to get with my program, or both 
2. Facebook and Twitter, I have a love-hate relationship with you.
I have gone through periods of getting “sucked in” to twitter where I can’t possibly miss what is going on. As my blog has grown and with more networking I realize this isn’t possible. BUT OH HOW I LOVE TO SEE TWEETS OR POSTS FROM MY FAVORITE BLOGGERS! My 2013 resolution for this is to plan time 1-2 times per week to “catch up” on certain bloggers and friends and then move on. I’ve also “friended” on Facebook the bloggers I definitely want to follow more regularly. It’s February already and let’s just say I still need to work on this.
3. What the h*ll am I writing?
Sometimes as I am writing, I feel it is too mundane. Other times I’m in love with it. I’m still figuring out my writing style and how I want to approach this blog, but I’m hoping to get there soon. Some newbees are better or faster at this than me, but I know I have to go at my own pace. Plus, we always seem to have unexpected things happen to us that get in the way of consistancy! This was definitely 2012 for us.
4. I miss international travel.
As most of my foreign friends will attest to, I used to travel overseas for both work and vacaton. It was a must-have in my life and I couldn’t get enough of it! I have seen more of other countries than I have of my own. Then came Jolie and my desire to stay home with her every day. Because of this, we can’t afford to do near the international trips we used to so until I’m past this stage of my life (meaning when I am full-time employed again or making lots of money from this blog!), I’m actually going to take the time to see my own country. Don’t worry, this won’t be too many more years!
5. My favorite posts are always going to be the ones where I find something unexpectedly amazing and want to share.
San Francisco and Wine Country was by far a great trip that my husband and I fully enjoyed, but honestly, my favorite place from 2012 was the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio. Who knew such a STUNNING place existed right here in Ohio! That leads me to my next point…
6. The Midwest is totally under-explored by international people, or heck even my east and west coast friends, including myself.
I had no idea how much I would love Ohio when I moved here, but there is so much to do and see in the Midwest with kids that does not exist in other parts of the country. Plus, it’s really more “American” than California or New York, where most visit or even live from another country. That’s why this year I am focused on exploring more closer to home.
7. The future holds what for this blog?
I know I enjoy writing and keeping everyone updated on our adventures, but I also know that we are trying to have another baby. This has been a hard road for us (Jolie was EASY!) but we are determined. So this may impact whether or not I feel like writing or can even travel much and for me, that’s okay for now. Of course I’d like to spend the time on growing this blog and making more out of it but I have other priorities right now. Wish me luck!
In the end, I hope you’ve enjoyed our journey and stick with me while I explore the Midwest. It will be worth it!
For now, thanks for reading, commenting, liking, sharing, retweeting, or whatever you do to help and support me as it all counts!
-Kiera @easytravelmom
Tips & Tales of Traveling Easy with Kids
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Hi, I'm Kiera, the mom behind Easy Travel Mom. I have 3 passions in life: travel, money and being a mom! With my travels to more than 30 countries, my background in finance & marketing, and my learn-as-I-go mommyhood where I am constantly budgeting, I thought why not share all I know about all 3 passions.
Easy Travel Mom is about making life a little easy for my fellow parents out there that want to live life for today and skip the hiccups. Check out my 
February 18, 2013 at 8:34 am
Good to write these things down! I think it’s important to publicly address this stuff so that it’ll keep you motivated. At least that’s how I work…
February 22, 2013 at 12:53 pm
I actually just started mine last April, so it hasn’t quite been 1 year yet. Very similar experience though! Funny how that works out.
We also have #2 coming soon, though I still plan to travel just as much. My international travels will end in October (it was all work related) which is sad on one hand, but on the other I know Ill do it again someday when kids are older. Plus, we will still travel overseas as a family at least once per year (currently I go every month).
Anyway, I have enjoyed following along and hope you continue!
February 22, 2013 at 3:01 pm
I know what you mean Adam! I love international trips but while the kid”s” are young I want to make it “easy” on me and travel in the USA. That is after all what my site is about lol! I have enjoyed reading your blog as well and look forward to your future trip articles.