I missed out on the weekly wrap this week, and honestly hadn’t planned to post until my husband leaves next week. It’s now very real as he is home packing up all of his gear today. #allthesobs after seeing these pics…
But I am trying to focus on the good, so here goes…
Our weekend was wonderful, having spent it with my parents as they flew in from Arizona. We visited the city, ate yummy good food, and just enjoyed each other’s company. We went to the city on Saturday and enjoyed the unseasonably warm Chicago weather we were given that day (it’s snowing today…really?!?). We took the train down, and hit up our favorite places to eat, Quartino and MK. We also did a bit of shopping, but more so just walked around and had fun together. My parent’s had NEVER been to The Bean, so we of course had to get an obligatory Bean selfie. I skipped my long run this weekend, and am 110% ok with that, especially since we walked over 5 miles on Saturday. I’ve pretty much decided I will only run the half in May, but that’s another post in itself.
Sunday, we got home from having lunch with my sister’s family and wishing my parents safe travels home, and I was feeling pretty sad. Yet here’s what changed my mood: My neighbor AND girlfriend made this beautiful flier for me, passed it out to the neighborhood, and a neighbor that I hadn’t met had stopped by to offer her support. I was just in awe, and am still so touched there really are no words.
In less than a week, he will be gone and I still have trouble imagining this next year without him. I know, it’s probably tiring to read the same thing over and over, but I somehow have to get it off my chest because it literally feels like an elephant is sitting on my heart. BUT…the day he leaves, starts the countdown to his return and I found this super cool app for my phone.
Thanks for all of your amazing support and prayers. We truly appreciate it!
How’s the weather where you are at? Have you had to scale back on a race due to real life before?
My name is Michelle and I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I have found a passion for running, cooking, writing, photography and all things that move my love for life! I've ran 3 full marathons, with a PR of 4:25, and 17 half marathons with a PR of 2:00:11 (yup-missed sub 2 by 11 seconds, lol). Thanks for joining me on my journey!
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31 thoughts on “T-1 week”
I just welled up reading that dessert! What a beautiful weekend x
You are such a beautiful woman and I just love you and your family to pieces. I’m so glad you had a wonderful weekend together. Such special memories that will fill your hearts. You can talk about it anytime you want to. We’re here for you. That app for your phone is awesome. Xoxoxoxo!
Summer usually waits until the end of March here in northern California, but it came early this year. On the first of the month it was already 80 degrees! If you enjoy warm weather and low humidity, this is the place for you!
I teared up over the card that your neighbor made. It was so beautiful, and it made it all to real (even for me!).
Just know that there is so much love for you, your husband, and your family. So, so much love.
I think you are a really good writer. I am so glad I’ve found your blog. It really was a lovely weekend, and I am so thankful for all the amazing people in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Michele. I can write, but I know the real deal when I read it and it’s not me. I have many other talents that I’m happy to claim, except I continue to write and not do those other things. Ironic, no?
What an amazing neighbor! I hope all your neighbors can be a great support to you in the year ahead. I’m very glad you and the family got to spend some quality time together.
That is so great that your parents were able to come be with you for the weekend. And I love that flyer your neighbor made, it is so thoughtful! And it’s not tiring reading your blog. It’s your place to write about whatever you want and whatever you need to get off your chest 🙂
Ah what a sweet and touching send off! We all owe a great deal to the brave men, like your husband, that work so hard to keep us all safe. Love the phone app idea
So happy you found my blog so I could find yours. First of all, please THANK your husband for his service to our country. I’m sending you virtual hugs for a speedy year.
My son and daughter-in-law moved to Chicago last summer. We visited in September and that was my first time there. We’re going back in May so I can run the Chicago Spring Half Marathon with them! 🙂
You’ve made so many wonderful memories this past few months…hopefully they will sustain you and Brian while you are separated. Glad you got to spend this weekend doing all the things you love.
Ok lady I’ve got to hear about the bean?? What a wonderful time you’ve had and enjoyed. I did miss you this week in the WW so yes I came to check on ya! 🙂 Hang in there….
Aw, Michelle. My heart goes out to you. But I also can’t help but be amazed by how lucky you are to have such a great relationship (some people who see each other day don’t even have that kind of closeness), a beautiful family, and a supportive neighborhood. I know this next year will be hard, but I hope running and your community of support, friends, and family will help you get through it with the grace so evident in your blog.
As my Mom said just last week…we are so blessed to have such a strong family that is so close. But this will also make it even harder to be apart. Today my heart physically aches but I know we will get through this tough time. Thank you so much.
I just welled up reading that dessert! What a beautiful weekend x
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Thanks, Angela. You should’ve seen his face. He couldn’t hold back the tears.
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It is a very wet day here. I hope your year goes by smoothly.
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Thank you Tony!
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You are such a beautiful woman and I just love you and your family to pieces. I’m so glad you had a wonderful weekend together. Such special memories that will fill your hearts. You can talk about it anytime you want to. We’re here for you. That app for your phone is awesome. Xoxoxoxo!
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Thanks for being such an amazing friend!!
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Summer usually waits until the end of March here in northern California, but it came early this year. On the first of the month it was already 80 degrees! If you enjoy warm weather and low humidity, this is the place for you!
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I teared up over the card that your neighbor made. It was so beautiful, and it made it all to real (even for me!).
Just know that there is so much love for you, your husband, and your family. So, so much love.
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It truly was one of the nicest gestures, ever…thanks for your constant love and support. ❤
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Sounds like such a lovely weekend. I’ve been to Chicago a few times, my SIL used to live there, but we never went to the bean.
I find writing about things always helps. I guess it’s why I’m drawn to writing, although I don’t consider myself a great writer.
OMG, WHAT a sweet neighbor. Sending you positive vibes.
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I think you are a really good writer. I am so glad I’ve found your blog. It really was a lovely weekend, and I am so thankful for all the amazing people in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thank you, Michele. I can write, but I know the real deal when I read it and it’s not me. I have many other talents that I’m happy to claim, except I continue to write and not do those other things. Ironic, no?
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I think as long as you write from the heart and it’s honest, it’s the real deal. Don’t sell yourself short my friend. You’ve got talent!
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What an amazing neighbor! I hope all your neighbors can be a great support to you in the year ahead. I’m very glad you and the family got to spend some quality time together.
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Thanks, Rae…Family and friends make everything a little easier. ❤
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That is so great that your parents were able to come be with you for the weekend. And I love that flyer your neighbor made, it is so thoughtful! And it’s not tiring reading your blog. It’s your place to write about whatever you want and whatever you need to get off your chest 🙂
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What an amazing flier from your friend! And an amazing weekend with your family! I am hoping the days on that app feel like they fly by for you 🙂
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Thank you so much (and thanks for the wording of your comment, I misspelled flier, lol!)!!!
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Ah what a sweet and touching send off! We all owe a great deal to the brave men, like your husband, that work so hard to keep us all safe. Love the phone app idea
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Thanks, Deborah!!! He’s my hero in so many ways. ❤
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Michelle. Please, tell us everyday that you miss him. It’s ok
And seriously? Your neighbours? THE. BEST. But that also shows how awesome you guys are.
I’ve said it before…I love you and your husband. And we’ll be here for you over the next year. Please lean on us.
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Thanks, Jane. That means so very much to me. xo
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So happy you found my blog so I could find yours. First of all, please THANK your husband for his service to our country. I’m sending you virtual hugs for a speedy year.
My son and daughter-in-law moved to Chicago last summer. We visited in September and that was my first time there. We’re going back in May so I can run the Chicago Spring Half Marathon with them! 🙂
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I sure will!! Thanks so much!! I love that race by the way!
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You’ve made so many wonderful memories this past few months…hopefully they will sustain you and Brian while you are separated. Glad you got to spend this weekend doing all the things you love.
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Thanks Wendy. It’s just too real that he’s leaving now.
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Ok lady I’ve got to hear about the bean?? What a wonderful time you’ve had and enjoyed. I did miss you this week in the WW so yes I came to check on ya! 🙂 Hang in there….
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I missed you too sweet friend. This week has been a doozy. I’ve tried to keep notes so I can join in this week. Thanks for checking on me. Xo
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Oh good!!! Very welcome 🙂
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Aw, Michelle. My heart goes out to you. But I also can’t help but be amazed by how lucky you are to have such a great relationship (some people who see each other day don’t even have that kind of closeness), a beautiful family, and a supportive neighborhood. I know this next year will be hard, but I hope running and your community of support, friends, and family will help you get through it with the grace so evident in your blog.
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As my Mom said just last week…we are so blessed to have such a strong family that is so close. But this will also make it even harder to be apart. Today my heart physically aches but I know we will get through this tough time. Thank you so much.
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