This happens to me twice a year, on February 4th and September 10th. For those of you who have read CSP since the beginning, you will know these days all too well. On February 4th, 2008 we lost our beloved co-founder to non-smoking lung cancer. And September 10th is her birthday. She would have been 42. I miss her dearly, and still feel that void in my life.
I have poured my heart and soul into this pink & green site for 6 years now and two times a year, I find myself in a funk. I’m moody, intolerant of even the slightest mishaps and often feeling “woe is me.” Totally not my typical, upbeat self. It usually lasts a good two weeks and I’m not really aware of it until I take a break and check the date. And then it hits me. All over again. Like it did on February 4th, 2008 when I wrote this blog.
I’ve got a lot on my plate right now so maybe I am relishing the “funk” a little longer, just until the end of today, promise:-) So here goes. We’ve had some snotty comments lately on some of our blog posts that have been weighing on me. You’d think after 6 years, my skin would be as thick as a tree. But it’s not. I take every comment to heart and try to do a better job with the next post, as does our entire team. But I want to take a moment and reflect on a few of the comments because they seem to have a common thread – that CSP is a team of rich, upper class chics that have “more money than brains.” Yep, that was a comment two weeks ago. We couldn’t be more opposite.
Our team is comprised of economic diversity. We have women who work full-time, we have women who work three jobs, and yes we have some women who do enjoy an upscale living. But we don’t look at ourselves as any different from each other. You see, we are in this mommyhood journey together, through sickness and in health, through thick and thin, for better or for worse. And we’re embarking on this journey in the amazing city of Charlotte, NC. How lucky are we?
I personally have had some hard economic times lately that I have deliberately chosen not to share. But maybe in sharing, you might get a better picture of who Jen Plym is. I’m just a normal middle income family, with a lot of kids. I’m a researcher and tester-outer by nature and if I can benefit from a piece of information, then I believe all of Smarty Charlotte deserves the same chance. In my previous life (that would be pre-kids), I did enjoy some of the finer things, we both had great jobs, no kids and a lot of time. Four kids and the biggest recession of our lifetime will derail that money train in a heartbeat and bring a new perspective on life! I’m not rich. I’m not elite. And I certainly don’t try to be. My hubby lost his job last April (that would be 15 months ago, but I’m not counting:-), he now works with me, which has been a blessing. It’s not easy, lemme tell ya – we spend 24/7 together, we raise our kids together and I’ve created a business that wraps around raising our kids together. Sometimes, it’s a bit much, not gonna sugarcoat it. But I couldn’t be more proud of where I am today. I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing – we have our health and a beautiful family and that’s all I need. My hubby likes to call it “rich in love”!
This little business that started as a fun blog between two besties, is now feeding my family. When I don’t have my head in the computer, I’m either frequenting our awesome business partners around the city or I’m on the soccer fields, or carpooling to and from dance and field hockey. I have a heart of gold and my mission is still the same as it was on day 1 of CSP – to give Charlotte moms a voice and a platform to share information on what’s trending from pregnancy to now high school. We cover diverse editorial that is relevant to all income levels and lifestyles. When we feature a business, we DO NOT invite you to bash the business in any way, shape or form (or the blogger for that matter!). We DO invite you to share your stories and your feelings in our comments and on facebook/instagram/pinterest, just be non judgmental and think of how your words can sting. As a writer, and I’m positive all of my CSP writers would agree, nothing can make your day more than fun comments on your blog post of the day. WE LIVE FOR THAT!
My motto is “if you don’t have anything positive to say, then keep it to yourself.” That is threaded throughout CSP, my family, my friends and my business partners. So in the future, when you’re feeling a little blue, please don’t take it out on my site. That is not why I created Charlotte Smarty Pants. I want this to be the happy Southern place for all moms to hang – we’re here to lift each other up, offer advice and ideas for things that worked or didn’t. Remember, we’re all in this together.
What I’m feeling is the need for a big pink & green hug, and I couldn’t have picked a better day than on Jen’s 42nd birthday! Here’s an upbeat song that was one of her favorites. Enjoy. xo, Jen
18 comments
I’m sporting my bright pink today in honor of JB! I hope you feel my hug from here! 🙂
Good post, too – it takes a village – let’s all help each other out.
Hugs to you today. And, YOU GO GIRL!!!
You should be so proud of what you have created. I read your blog everyday and get copious amounts of info, on a variety of topics. That’s how I found my awesome Disney agent, Wendy Hershey, among other things such as Money Bar buddies, and the list goes on and on…
Also, Jen was a beloved friend of mine too…so always thinking of her and her positive impact on the world. 🙂
A big HUG to you Jen and your amazing CSP team. I am also a working mom young kids, and that role is hard enough as it is without the negativity. I am blessed to be able to work from home but it can get pretty isolating at times. I work, take care of kids, work, take care of kids, repeat, repeat. I can go a few days without any fellow “mommy” interaction Your blogs not only keep me informed, but they also help me feel connected, uplifted, and supported. They remind me that I am not alone in this journey. So don’t let the nonsense get you down, you ladies at CSP are pretty incredible. Thanks for all you do!
You tell em Jen! Love your honesty and just want to tell you I think what you have done, and continue to do, with CSP is amazing. Love you and your fun family and hope you get lots of hugs today.
Love, light & many blessings!! Thanks for all you do!!
So, I don’t live in Charlotte, but I am a mom and I love this blog. I have seen some of those snarky (sometimes down-right mean and offensive) comments and I remember debating about whether to respond (and possibly add to the drama) or leave it alone. In the end, I chose to leave it alone, but I’m so glad you said something. I love the internet for its ability to bring together like-minded (and not like-minded) people who would never have had the chance to interact with each other other-wise (that was a weird sentence). I’ve seen some other popular websites that have begun to take a stand about the negativity that is being posted on their sites. I really appreciate it. I hope those people having a bad day listen. Being nice is so much better than not being nice.
Thanks!
Of course I’m a little partial, but I am SO lucky to be a part of a happy corner of the Internet – a place where parents can come to laugh, share, understand, nod, say “Amen to that!” and find some useful tips and tricks. We’re lucky to have this lil’ pink ‘n green community, and I’m so excited about all the fun things in CSP’s future! 🙂 ~ CP
Thanks, guys! My funk will be over tonight, pinkie swear! Heather, I’m glad you mentioned that you noticed too. In the early days of blogging, we always chose to leave those comments up and hoped that our pink & green sistas watched our backs. But when it’s downright mean and sometimes slander about a business or a person, I just won’t tolerate it anymore. So those comments are forever marked as spam and they are out of the pink & green sandbox until they can be nice again. We will then welcome you back with open arms – we’re firm believers in second chances:-)
Hug your girlfriends today, Smarty Charlotte!
Jen, even from NJ, I find myself checking in to CSP. You ladies do a WONDERFUL job. Don’t let the negativity get to you. Enjoy your beautiful family today and always. Sending hugs from NJ…XO
CSP was a lifesaver and a great way to help me find my way around with young kids when we moved from Atlanta 1 and 1/2 yrs ago. Thanks for all y’all do! Great site and great people. As my granny used to say “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!” Have a great day.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this website and the service you offer to Charlotte parents. We are so blessed to participate in this fun and informative community. I come here almost daily for resources, inspiration and, yes, the fun contests! The Internet lends an degree of anonymity that leads some people to take “free expression” to a negative extreme. I am always astounded at the offensive comments – even hate speech – posted to news websites (Why I read any it is beyond me!). So, I guess it goes with the territory to an extent, but I too would feel hurt and misunderstood. All I can do is echo what those above me have said…you are doing something truly wonderful here, so keep on keeping on. We love you for it!!
Don’t take the comments to heart Jen. I think the more you share about yourself, the more readers will know how wonderful you are inside and out! You’ve assembled an amazing team at CSP and I love reading all of the blogs and updates on Charlotte activities!
You have done an AMAZING Job!…and even better- I LOVE that you called those out. Its easy to get big and bold on an “anonymous” comment…but we all have our hardships. I would imagine those posting have issues of their own and posting here gives them “a kick the wall” relief. You have taken such a small idea (I personally remember having the conversation with you a lifetime ago) and made it into something incredible…for moms, for the community, for your families and especially for Jen B. Be proud of what you have accomplished. They tend not to see the good deeds you are doing in the community- and I have seen it first hand. Cheers to you my friend and whatever you are doing- it is exactly why you have grown this to the size that you have! XOXOXOX Your team is amazing and I know that your angel above is smiling!
Great post and Happy Birthday Bunich!!
And a big hug, plus some words that a college friend told me back in the day, “Shake the haters off!” (As she acted out like she was dusting something off her shoulders! Makes me smile every time I need to follow that advice.)
Ah Jen, your beautiful words and willingness to be so honest with your audience is what makes Charlotte Smarty Pants so special. You have assembled a beautiful group of ladies who give of themselves as you do, and you honor the memory of your wonderful friend with every post.
Sending you a big pink and green hug. Keep up the great work.
Big hugs to you Jen! IF anyone reader has a question about economic, send them my way, dance teacher, interim kindergarten teacher, and CSP team member. You were so brave and honest to share your story. If you are ever feeling down about negativity, I am sure Sheri and you can compare notes, and she will blow you out of the water,,,, unfortunately. These economic times have taught my family one important lesson. family and friends are important and what matters most. Love and listen with your heart always and trust. T
I love this website and check it daily. This was a great post….job well done!!
Oh Jen – I heart you a little more after reading this! Your transparency and honesty shine through in this. I’m glad you shared another piece of yourself with this Smarty community, in spite of the haters. Differing opinions is what makes this site (and the world) dynamic and diverse. Us women of CSP don’t agree with each other on every single subject and we share our opinions respectfully and in a way that allows us to have our own voice without tearing down the other person. This is a good life skill to teach our children. This is also a reminder to myself to make sure I am delivering feedback/disagreements/opinions in personal and professional settings in a manner that makes me feel heard however doesn’t de-value the other person. Love you, Jen!