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A Merry Life

Healthy Living & Budgeting Blog | Health, Wealth & Everything Else

  • Fitness
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  • Family Life

Identity

October 24, 2011 by Mary

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for details.

I haven’t had the desire to blog every day in the past two weeks while getting married and moving. Instead I’ve been adjusting to a new life and perhaps more importantly, to a new identity.

It seems like when you get married not much changes. But in my case, almost everything changed. It has been a time of so many changes and a shift in my very identity. It feels more important to figure this sort of stuff out first before blogging.

So what all has changed? A lot, really…

I’ve gotten married.
I became a wife.
I’ve changed my name.
I’ve started going by my new last name.
I got a haircut (it’s short and cute).
I got a tattoo.
I moved across the world to New Zealand.
I became the primary breadwinner for my little family.
I began looking for a new place to live.
I started reaching out to make new friends.

It seems that a lot has changed in a short period of time and that is something that takes some adjusting. I know that my new life in New Zealand will be awesome but it is something that I will need to get used to. The last time I lived here things didn’t go that well so I’m attempting to make sure my life as an expat goes more smoothly this time around.

I’ve learned recently that though this blog is important and something that I really value and hold a place for in my life that it is also not the most important thing in my life. I have a family to look out for and create (hehe) and a full time job to excel at and advance in. I have new friends to make and old friends to keep in touch with.

I have a real life that feels full and busy and that is something that for a while I didn’t really have when I started this blog. I started when I was in college and after I graduated I wasn’t totally sure who I was or where I was going.

Well, I’m here now.

I’m not at my goal weight and I still have a million fitness challenges I want to do. But for now I’m figuring out the here and now of my life that is super exciting in other ways. With all the changes in my life it felt like a good time to also change my blogging up on this blog. Because why not change everything once in a while? So my posts might be sporadic for a while and I might blog a lot about adjusting to this new life adventure instead of what I ate for dinner, but I hope as always this blog continues to be the record of my totally rad life that is always changing in exciting ways.

Filed Under: Blogging Life, Thoughts


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Comments

  1. The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:21 am

    That’s a lot to adjust to! Do what you need to, when you need to and hopefully keep us updated on the progress when the mood moves you!

  2. Cynthia (It All Changes) says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:34 am

    Healthy living means nothing if you aren’t living your life. Congrats on making the most of all the changes that have happened recently. The rest will follow when and if you want them.

    Congratulations!

  3. Faithful reader says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:34 am

    So in other words, you’ve given up. I’m disappointed in you. Also, announcing that you’re the primary breadwinner may sound uncouth to many people. Maybe even disrespectful to your new husband.

    Best of luck.

    • Mary says

      October 24, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      I haven’t given up. I am going to join the gym today. I’m creating a healthy meal plan for the week. I’m sorry you are disappointed but there isn’t much I can do to fix your own feelings now is there.

      Also, I doubt if my husband cares if I say that since he is currently in school and we have our own plan for life. But thanks for trying to make it seem like a bad thing. I only mentioned it because it’s a huge change for me.

    • Irene says

      October 24, 2011 at 3:13 pm

      I don’t know who you are, but don’t you DARE try to make Mary feel bad about the decisions that SHE and HER HUSBAND make for their life. They are living their lives, now you should go live yours. ~

    • Miranda says

      October 24, 2011 at 5:08 pm

      How is she not a “faithful reader” because she disagrees with something? And to Irene, I think you need to take a step back. How “DARE” you try to get all crazy on faithful reader for stating her opinion? Is your opinion somehow more valid then hers? I don’t think so. I really don’t understand why in the blog world if you disagree with the blogger about anything that you are somehow “wrong” and other people (sometimes even the blogger themselves) feel justified in attacking you for your opinion.

      • Mary says

        October 24, 2011 at 5:35 pm

        Guys, don’t fight. I always approve comments, even when they disagree with me, but don’t be rude to each other. Let’s all be adults and no one attack anyone. Okay?

  4. Jody - Fit at 53 says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:59 am

    What a wonderful post Mary & love just the whole tone & message! BTW, you look beautiful in that pic!

  5. Eating as a Path to Yoga says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:59 am

    As for blogging, just be you! As for being an expat, reach out and seek community. There may even be an expat community for you to get involved with. Do not hide, but be with your feelings of wanting to isolate when things get rough. Best wishes and blessings!

    • Mary says

      October 24, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      I’m definitely going to do that this time. I think some American friends in NZ would be great (or any other expat really!). Thanks. :)

  6. Hanlie says

    October 24, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I’d be concerned if you didn’t find the need to adjust, absorb and assimilate. Those are major changes and the more present and aware you are during the process, the easier it will be in the long run. I wish you well, and as always, will be here when you do post. It’s all interesting anyway, whether it’s about weight loss, fitness, dinner, or becoming a wife.

  7. Kelly, Future Thin Girl says

    October 24, 2011 at 8:25 am

    Congrats again to you both! I love your reading your blog, but I understand all too well that life gets in the way sometimes & it’s just impossible to post as much as you would like. I totally envy your love story, but I am sooo very happy for you both!

  8. Lisa says

    October 24, 2011 at 8:31 am

    You SHOULD take this time to find yourself and your roll in this new life. Congrats!!!

    – Lisa

  9. Barbara says

    October 24, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Good for you! A “merry” life encompasses so much more than weight/body issues. You have a great blog title that can grow with you no matter what you want to write about in future.

    Congratulations on your big changes!

    • Mary says

      October 24, 2011 at 1:16 pm

      I think so too! I feel a little bit trapped by my blog sometimes and the idea that I can only talk about weight and body stuff. It is much more fun to talk about that stuff AND the more interesting parts of my life.

      Thanks! :)

  10. Beth @ Beth's Journey says

    October 24, 2011 at 9:24 am

    So many changes, but such exciting ones at that! I’ve been thinking about changing up the frequency/formats of my posts, too. I think it’s easy to get caught in a routine, but if you’re the one who created the routine in the first place, who says you can’t change it up!?

    • Mary says

      October 24, 2011 at 1:16 pm

      Exactly. You get it!

  11. Diana @ frontyardfoodie says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:09 am

    That IS a big change!

    I hope the adjustment is fairly smooth!

  12. LAF says

    October 24, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    I enjoy reading your blog! Congratulations on getting married. I look forward to hearing more about it.

  13. Cilla says

    October 24, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Congrats again. Those are major changes, and taking time to absorb it all is entirely understandable. Welcome back to a beautiful spring this side of the world, though. I hope you’re going to be very happy.

  14. cookie says

    October 24, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    It would be bad if this blog was the most important thing in your life. Go and have fun and success in that new chapter of life! You did so much already, you can do anything you want. It’s your life and I’m pretty sure you’re making the best of it!

  15. Tony says

    October 24, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Awww, I am so happy for you two. It’s awesome moving to a new place and changing it up a bit! Good luck with this new chapter in life ;). I’m so jealous, the rugby players there are soo hot!

  16. Irene says

    October 24, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I am so happy for you. It seems that life is incredibly exciting for you right now. I cannot wait to see your new haircut!

    :D

    Best of luck my dear. I look forward to reading about your adventures as an expat.

  17. Roz@weightingfor50 says

    October 24, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Hi Mary. Change is scary, but it’s good too!!! Congratulations to you on all the wonderful changes and all the best in this new chapter. Whether you write about food, fitness or fitting in…your readers will be here. Take care. (and yay for the sassy new hair cut!)

  18. Jay says

    October 24, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I’ve been reading you for a long time but have never commented–but I want to say, hell yes for you, and believe me, there will be readers here to read all about your journey, whether you’re focusing on weight loss, fitness, life in New Zealand, or any combination of them. In the end, this is your space, your record, and you have the right to talk about whatever you want. I’m not a blogger, but I think that, in essence, your space = your rules. And it should change as you change. Otherwise, what’s the point?

    (And frankly I’m excited to hear about the tattoo!) Keep it up. And good luck with all of the changes, the good and the scary alike :)

  19. merri says

    October 24, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    ooh a tattoo, cool, will u post a photo of it? that’s a great photo at the top there. you dont have to blog every day, or write about a certain thing (why, that’s exactly the premise of my own blog, right?). i’m excited for all of your changes!! :) good luck i’ll be looking forward to your posts whenever you have time to write them! :) oh and to the commenter above, good word uncouth. tho it prob doesnt apply here, i just like how prim and proper it sounds.

    • Mary says

      October 24, 2011 at 6:42 pm

      I will post a photo. Right now it’s a bit scabby and not pretty. When it’s fully healed I’ll post about it. :)

      • merri says

        October 24, 2011 at 6:51 pm

        yay! :)

        • Angelika says

          October 24, 2011 at 10:45 pm

          Super excited to see the new tat – too…get it – tattoo? ::awkward pause::

          Anyhow – I hope you are getting settled in and so excited to hear about all your new adventures.

  20. Mary says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    I figured as much.

    Maybe it’s time to turn comments off.

  21. cookie says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    Uh, I guess someone’s jealous :D

  22. TransformingMyLife says

    October 25, 2011 at 1:14 am

    Congrats on the marriage and all of the new happenings in your life. I look forward to reading more of your life journey and ask the you take a look at my journey to lose weight, get healthy and take my business to the next level.

  23. Caity says

    October 25, 2011 at 5:41 am

    I am super excited for you! I hope you have a safe trip back to NZ and a great time getting settled back there! I am looking forward to reading all about your new adventures!

  24. Rachel Wilkerson says

    October 25, 2011 at 8:57 am

    I’m sorry I’m late to say CONGRATS so let’s start with that!

    Second, you sound really REALLY happy and I’m so happy for you! Good luck as you adjust tot the “new normal”…you’ll figure it all out.

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