Sometimes you have to step back to move forward

I haven’t blogged in over a week.  There.  I said it. My computer is on the fritz, and to be honest I’ve needed to just unplug somewhat lately.  Less…well, is more lately.  Sometimes you just need a little support and feedback, and social media has more than disappointed me lately.  Bah.

But some key bullet points go a little like this…

We’ve remained nearly on point for our half marathon training.  We did our last super longish run on Friday night, despite the crazy rain, thunderstorms, and tornado warnings.  10 miles, done.  We will do our miles this week, and a semi-long run this weekend to keep consistency but embracing the taper.  Our race is less than 2 weeks away!

We went to Chicago last weekend to get some much needed downtime, and enjoyed some amazing food.

This afternoon my eldest texted me a photo of a note that her “friend” wrote her asking her to homecoming.  My heart was so happy for her, yet sad for me as I see my baby girl growing up into a lady…please. stop. time. But I am thankful she shared this moment, with me…

Tonight, my youngest started her first ballet class, and despite feeling very rushed after work to get home, feed the kids, get homework squeezed in, and a quick shower, (ack, holy commas) we made it to class by 6 pm.  I snuck quite a few peeks in the window, and was taken aback by my daughter’s grace.  She lacks focus, she has a hard time staying on track…but she would see me watching and all of a sudden her ‘position’ moves became seamless.  I couldn’t help but to smile behind my tears.  My parents were always too busy to put me in activities, and I find myself often in the same situation.  So making time for this one hour per week class is almost selfish for it’s for ME too…seeing her joy brings ME such joy.  It’s worth missing out on a run/workout to see her face light up.

We watched Master Chef tonight…and although I may have sidelined my audition for yet another year due to financial constraints, I still get that pull to my heart watching the contestants compete each week.  Yet I know I don’t have the confidence or skill quite yet…but it’s coming.

So this year I will regroup.  Refocus.  And cook my heart out by recipe from world renowned cook books that sit on my shelf collecting dust.

I may or may not go to the casting call of Master Chef in Chicago on October 11th.  I need to dig deep.  And believe.  But I also know our family cannot sustain on one income.

Time will tell…