dedication – Page 4 – Movin' it with Michelle

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Today…

April 6, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Today I found myself waking up with very little sleep and my long run of 7 miles looming in the horizon…
Today I wanted to go back to bed after snoozing my alarm twice, but a reminder that I set for myself on facebook made me get up and run my farthest run this year, of 7.26 miles. I was blessed to run with my friend, Melissa K, as well as enjoy hugs, conversation, and a great cup of green tea with amazing friends.

Yup...pretty proud of those miles... — Yup…pretty proud of those miles…

Today I could have tackled house work, but instead I rounded up my mini’s while my husband was at reserve duty and spent the day going out to brunch and shopping for spring clothes and birthday gifts.
Today I allowed myself a one hour nap that although didn’t result in sleep, provided some much needed rest.
Today I fought with my wardrobe, truly realizing I have gained far too many pounds during this tough winter.
Today I looked away from the mirror, and found myself sad…I immediately smacked myself virtually upside the head as I know inner beauty beats out outer physique.
Tonight, I surrounded myself with a group of local friends that have moved past the often named “running friends” to “darn good friends” and celebrated the birthday of my sole sister Melissa while sharing laughs, good food, and even better conversation.

If I could quantify the value of the hugs, laughter, smiles, and love I felt today between my family and friends, I could tell you easily that I a millionaire ten fold, and twice again on Sunday…
I have hard times, bad times, times I wanted to give up…
But today…tonight…these amazing people reminded me why I keep movin’ forward. I don’t have to force anything…I simply have to remember that I have all of this awesome support because I do my best to give it back in return.
Today, I decided that if I want to move forward, I have to leave the negative behind me, and hang on to all the amazing people I have supporting me, because I have some pretty amazing people in my life…TODAY.

Keep Movin’ forward…

❤ Michelle

dedication, goals

Friday wrap up…oh what a feeling…

April 5, 2014April 5, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

As a runner, I feel I have to caveat this post with the fact that I did NOT run at all in the last 5 days. I don’t love admitting this, but have allowed myself a cheat week with my new job starting this week.
What? New job? Yup…I started my new job on Monday with a day and a half of orientation, and with the news we are in our inspection window-NOW. Yikes…So I have spent the better part of three days tackling our College of American Pathologist checklist with a vengeance. I don’t enjoy not being prepared, and knowing it takes a good six months to prepare for these type of inspections left me with more anxiety then I was ready for. Several Tums later, along with a joyful glass of wine or two after work and I decided to “be ready.”
Imagine walking in to work to hear there was nearly a fire the night before, and a processor malfunction…ACK. But I remained calm, talked to the docs, and was even blessed to hear I handled myself well along with reassuring some pretty upset Pathologists. As stressful as it all may seem, I feel I ‘may’ have found my place for the next few years. I’ve got a great Director, a great staff, and a great support system in the other supervisors. All in a matter of 3.5 days…
I know I will have tough days, that is par for the course. But I took a leap of faith with this job despite thinking I needed to branch out, and have been welcomed “mostly” with open arms. Ultimately I have learned from my past mistakes, and am, WHAT? Movin’ forward.
So as I sit here with my heating pad on my shoulders, and my glass of wine sitting near by, I am glad…I am glad I didn’t give up and take a job I didn’t want, and I am glad I decided to believe in myself even when so many others, well, didn’t.
This weekend, I will run. I will spend time with my family, and I will celebrate the fact that I didn’t settle.
I was blessed to read Xaarlin’s post here http://www.xaarlin.com/2014/03/knoxville-marathon-week-9-one-week-to-go.html?showComment=1395619808892 and was reminded that support not only needs to be given, but received. My heart is full. I used to spend far too much time wishing for people to believe in, and support me…yet stepping back I realize I have a flight of cheerleaders that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Lastly, I leave you with this…(sorry no pics this time around)
Be true…
Be honest…
Be real…
Be happy…
Be…

And always, keep, Movin’, forward…

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

New Chapters…

March 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

This will more than likely be a pictureless post, unless something tickles my fancy while I write.

My week in a nutshell…
Monday-ran 2 miles in my neighborhood just to stretch my legs. Kept my pace under 10 minutes (9:37 min/mile) despite tummy issues, so I was pleased.

Tuesday-cross training with 220 sit-ups, 90 push-ups, 3 sets bicep curls, 3 sets of tricep extensions.

Wednesday-ran 2.75 miles on the dreadmill as it was only 12 degrees outside, and I am officially over layering x3 to go outside to run. (9:32 min/mile)
Also knocked out my pushups (90) and sit ups (100).
After which I traveled about 45 minutes to my favorite consignment shop to by some new (used) clothes for work. Less than 100 dollars for 2 pairs of dress pants, and 9 shirts, and I left feeling very proud of myself for my frugalness…is that I word?

Thursday-(today) was my rest day. And as I finish up my second week of glorious time off in between jobs, I treated myself with TWO dates with my girlfriends. I met my friend Andrea for lunch at a place we run past – ALL the time, yet have never visited called Pal Joey’s. We had a great couple of hours of conversation, and funny enough realized it was the first time in 2 years we’ve hung outside of running together. In attempt to enjoy every last minute of my free time, I met up with Carolyn at our favorite local eatery in St. Charles called “The Office” for a light dinner and great catching up time. Less than 25 dollars spent for 2 meals, filled with priceless conversation and memories was money well spent.

Tomorrow, I am heading downtown with my friends for our packet pick up for the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago. I rarely get to make it to city race packet pick ups, so this should be a blast. I’ll be up early in the morning to get ready, and meet my friends to take the train downtown. This will be only my second time taking the actual train, so I am super excited. We’ve figured out the logistics so that those of us with kids can make it home in time to pick up our munchkins. Let’s hope the weather cooperates and we are able to have a nice morning downtown! Although I plan on “racing” this race, I know by no means am I truly ready to RACE nearly 5 miles…between the winter, and my injury last fall I have found myself slow going coming back to being a ‘runner.’ Thankfully, I have never quit…and as always, I keep movin’ forward.

Despite set backs and road blocks, I truly believe in never giving up. If you are true to those you love, they in turn will be true to you….In happy times, sad times, ugly times, and downright terrible times…give support, and you will find it come back to you ten fold.
I am nervous, scared, and excited to embark on my new job, but I know I have so many wonderful people backing me up. ❤ I am an Overcomer…(Mandisa)

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals

Two or more things, Tuesday…

March 26, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have realized a lot this past week and a half. First, I LOVE being home, keeping things clean, organized, and running whenever I want to! LOL! But I know I need to work!

Today was a rest day for running so I knocked out my 90 pushups, and decided I deserved to get my hair done! I haven’t had my hair professionally highlighted in nearly a year and a half, but was proud to say the stylist said I did a great job. Of course I didn’t splurge on a salon due to being frugal, but I was pleased with Cost Cutters today.

not professional styled, and no foof...but under 50 bucks, and I was sold. — not professional styled, and no foof…but under 50 bucks, and I was sold.

I was supposed to go consignment shopping today, yet the snow and icy road kept me close to home. I did however attain a new pair of khakis and 2 long sleeve shirts (is spring EVER coming?) from Ross. And yes, I eye-balled the workout gear like a crazy women, yet I refrained.

Tonight’s dinner was a simple baked parmesan served with garlic and mushroom red sauce over rice pasta. Our side dish was sautéed broccoli and cauliflower with garlic. YUM.

Quick, and easy…

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Butterfly two chicken breasts, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside

Next, mix 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of low fat olive oil mayo, and Italian seasoning together.

In a separate dish, pour in about a half cup of panko bread crumbs.

Slather your chicken with the parm/mayo mixture and coat in the panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 425 until done, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

I keep my sauce simply. We have the BEST local market that makes amazing marinara sauce, so I sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms to add to the sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, and you are GOLDEN.

Cook your rice pasta according to package directions, making sure you salt your boiling water, and serve with your favorite veggie!

I finished the night cleaning out my closet. I try to do this at least twice a year….great success, and I even located my Mickey Mouse socks… 🙂

Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes...lol — Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes…lol

So my 2 things this Tuesday are…

1. Be who you are, and be true…
2. If you aren’t able to love your career, love your life all that much more.

DO what you LOVE. Even if it’s outside of work. For me it’s family, fitness, friends, and so many things I have a passion for-like cooking, organizing, writing…

Yup…

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, running

A week of reflection and a recipe!

March 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I spent last week at home since I am in between jobs…I was able to get my kids to the bus, come home, and….DO WHATEVER I WANTED!!! Wow, I can see why stay at home Mom’s choose this profession, because although of course it is HARD work to keep up with the kids and maintain a household, you have a glorious freedom while you are kids are at school. As someone who has worked my entire adult life, I have always had to juggle career along WITH the kids and house…so this mini-break has truly renewed me. I kept up with the house work, cooking, kids, and even was able to run 3 times last week. YES!!!
My longest run of the week was on Friday, where we here in the Chicago land area were BLESSED with true spring temps of high 50’s…I couldn’t pass up squeezing in my longish run of 6.2 miles for the week. It was a tough run, but I pushed myself hard and didn’t quit…

Capri's for the first time this year!! — Capri’s for the first time this year!!

One of my quickest 10K's.... — One of my quickest 10K’s….

The rest of our weekend was quite busy, trying to squeeze in overdue dental appointments, getting things organized around the house, and honestly just spending time together as a family unit. I’ve truly been blessed through difficult times to have a family that has been close knit.

So tonight I decided to cook my husband’s favorite for dinner, pork crown roast…
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and pre-heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Season your roast with kosher salt, pepper, hickory salt, and season salt. Add a few tablespoons of grape seed oil to your skillet, and sear the roast on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees until the core temp reaches 150 degrees. Let rest for 15 minutes once done, covering with foil, until core temp reaches 160 degrees.
While your roast is cooking, it’s time to prepare your reduction. In a wide sauce pan, add in 2 cups of veggie stock with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Combine well with a whisk, and set your heat to medium high. Bring to a slow boil, add salt, pepper, half of an onion diced, 2 cloves of garlic, smashed, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and lemon grass. Add in 2 cups of red wine and a cup of black berries – let simmer, reducing by half – about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, reserving all the liquid and discarding the onions, garlic, berries…add in one more cup of red wine, and let simmer another 30 minutes, stirring often. To finish, add in one pat of butter, and whisk thoroughly.

Red wine-blackberry reduction simmering!

I served our roast with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms and along with roasted garlic quinoa!

Yup...think dinner was a hit...LOL — Yup…think dinner was a hit…LOL

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Question-how many days per week do you run? (Me, typically 3-4 max to save my knees)

Question-what are your favorite side dishes?

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, running

Hey guess what? Two things Tuesday…

March 19, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I woke up Monday morning literally feeling SICK. I realize I have the worst patience ON. THE. PLANET. And the waiting was killing me. My stomach hurt, my head hurt, but I KNEW I needed to get out of the house and run. Just a mile. Just ONE mile. It had been a week since I’d last ran, and the need outweighed the want ten fold.
So after taking my daughter to school, I allowed myself a teeny nap to try and recharge. It was too cold for me at 9 am (13 degrees, WHA?) so I tried to rest with no luck…
So I got up, had lunch, and texted a friend I knew would prompt me to get outside. Just as I was putting on my headband my phone rang….Yup, you guessed it…I GOT THE JOB!!!! It wasn’t a picture perfect offer, but an offer it was and I snatched it up quickly. As of 31 March I will again be gainfully employed.
I grabbed my Ipod, and headed out the door to get my mile in. I felt giddy and decided I was not going to stress over $$ and just be thankful I had a job lined up. I ran 1.4 miles. Far? No…but I wasn’t just running my neighborhood, I was running OFF the negative crap I allowed myself to get sucked in to. I decided to run as fast as I could (without passing out of course). I ran a 8:54 mile, and the second .4 at 8:38. I left it all out there.

Today, I got up and got my youngest ready for school, did pre-employment paperwork, and headed out for my planned 5 miler at around noon. It was cut short due to stepping in a 6 inch deep puddle filled with freezing water, but I managed just over 4.4 miles regardless. It was a tough run, and I realize the time off I took this winter due to injury/personal issues/polar vortex weather has set me back some. But I kept moving, and allowed myself rest bits to take pics.

One of my favorite bridges on the Fox River trails

I was able to keep my miles under a 10 minute pace, but it was NOT easy. My legs were heavy, my breathing off, and guess what? I had a freakin’ blast out there all my lonesome finding cheer leaders along the way between wild life and fellow runners.

Tonight I cooked a simple dinner of curry mango chicken served over pad Thai noodles with a veggie stir fry. I took the help from the store as I am trying to find easier week night meals. I marinated/sautéed my chicken in this yummy sauce purchased at Target:

While the chicken marinated, I chopped veggies…use whatever you like! I used shitake mushrooms, half of a red onion, 2 cups of snow peas, 2 large carrots, and 2 cloves of garlic. Set this aside in a bowl…

20 minutes before you are ready to eat, sauté the chicken in a non stick pan with the marinate. Warm 6 cups of water in a pot, but don’t boil. Just have it ‘hot’ which will precook your pad thai noodles. 10 minutes out, drop in your noodles, and stir fry your veggies in grapeseed oil…add salt, pepper, and low sodium soy sauce. For the last 2 minutes, add in your drained noodles, toss and serve. This meal was easy, and quite the hit.

My two things, Tuesday, are this:

Faith…always keep the faith. Even in the darkest hour, and when things don’t always turn out how you may have planned. The man upstairs has bigger plans for us, and we need to take the opportunities he bestows upon us.

Passion…keep your passions in life, even when others may not understand why you do what you do. Even when you may not have time, make the time to do what you love, and do it daily. It will only give you added strength and drive to keep moving forward. For me, my passions are inspiring others, cooking, running, and of course my family and friends.

Keep Movin’ forward gang…allow yourself bad days, but know always tomorrow is a new day to start anew. My heartfelt thanks for all of you amazing support.

dedication, food, moving forward, running

Weekend wrap up

March 10, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t ran at all this week. I did manage to get two nice walks in, but haven’t ran at all…hmmm, I believe a pattern has been developing this winter, and I am SOOO over the dark (YAY DST), the cold, and the snow. It was pretty the first couple months of winter, and I admit there is a serene beauty in the air after a snow fall.
But it’s March 9th. It needs to be GONE. Who agrees? Sorry Kim, if you are reading this I know you feel completely opposite of me! 🙂
We’re still waiting to hear about the job I interviewed for last week, and I’ve been on pins and needles with anxiety. We stayed close to home this weekend, and watched the movie, Gravity on Friday night. Still on the fence as to how I feel about it. The plot lacked, characters were sparse, and the ending left me wanting more…
Saturday we cleaned house, did laundry and ran errands picking up our weekly items from Target and Caputos (local grocery store I LOVE). My oldest had a sleep over Saturday, so I cooked a nice roast and we all watched the movie Catching Fire. GREAT movie, that left me totally stoked for the 3rd one to come out. I may even have to read the book because I just don’t want to wait. LOL
Today was run day, coupled with cooking not only for my husband’s work tomorrow, but a yummy meal for our family dinner. Many have asked for my Polish Sausage soup recipe, so here it is!

Michelle’s Polish Sausage and Potato soup
Ingredients:
1 package of polish sausage
1 ½ boxes of low sodium stock
1-2 cans diced tomatoes (low salt) (keep juice)
1 can kidney beans-rinsed and drained
1 can black beans-rinsed and drained
1 green, red, and yellow pepper-chopped
1 head of garlic-minced
2 large (or 4 small) red potatoes, chopped
2 stocks of celery, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons-herbs de Provence.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Cumin (save one for right before serving)
1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons of dry cilantro
Couple dashes of Hot Sauce (whichever brand you prefer)
A couple splashes of liquid smoke
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Cook ALL ingredients in your crock pot, and cook on high for 4 hours, turn on low for the last two hours.
Just before serving, I give a couple dashes of Cumin and stir well.
Serve with yummy crusty bread, and ENJOY!!

I threw all this into the crock pot and headed out for my run. I had a 5K in my head as far as distance goals, but really wanted to push myself. Here is my recap from dailymile.com
I’ve lost my running mojo recently; I think it was misplaced during the second or third rash of Polar Vortex’ish weather…

So today despite 17 mph head winds, I laced up my shoes (because I said I would!) and ran…the first mile was tough (as it always is for me) but my goal to keep under 10 minute miles was successful clocking my first mile at 9:31. My second mile started to feel better, but the wind was making it tough to keep my breathing steady…managed to squeak by a negative split with a 9:30 second mile. Third mile I began to forget I was running…oh that glorious feeling I normally only get on the trails when that euphoric bliss comes over you and it’s almost as if you are flying…another negative split with a 9:13 third mile. I started to run out of gas in the 4th mile but wasn’t going to quit now…”Overcomer” by Mandisa came on my IPod, and it was just what I needed to give me that extra push. Forth mile clocked at…wait for it…8:48!!!!!!!! My fasted mile this winter! Last .4 averaged a 8:44, and I am quite pleased I didn’t listen to those voices in my head that said “stay in your jammies.”
I finished with an average 9:13 pace, which is darn amazing for my lack of running this winter.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

dedication, food, goals

Life lessons…

February 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Today was a six day work week. I used to complain about such weeks, yet today after hitting the snooze on my alarm 3 times, I rolled out of bed to get dressed and ready to teach at our local community college. The job, that truly isn’t really ‘work’ but more joy…
Yes…I teach in the histology program, despite being doubted by so many in the local area. And…I truly love the things I not only teach, but learn from my students. These amazing men and women show me so much about life each and every time I teach them about a field I don’t necessarily love, yet respect dearly.
Today I relearned a love and respect for not only the field, but for life…I was reminded that even in our darkest hour, or toughest day, there is LIGHT.
I encouraged, helped, and guided this amazing group for the better part of the day, and their heartfelt thanks, thoughts, and simply watching them grow as histo-techs did my heart wonders…
Keep in mind teaching is no joke. I spend countless hours AFTER work, pouring over research, lesson plans, and planning for the day of class in which I hope to change lives.
And EVERY single time I am allowed to teach, despite cussing the alarm clock, I find myself blessed to be a part of shaping a new technicians career. Even if for just a moment…
As I transition OUT of this career field, I find myself remise because I am nearly sure I won’t be teaching anymore…
Yet I know I have been brought to this place, for a reason…
Added confidence, hope, and faith in mankind I believe are the basis of my purpose here…
These students have no idea what THEY teach to me, bring to me, and even give to my life.
I came home smiling after a long day of teaching, grading and working…and my smile continued on for the rest of the day.

I cooked an amazing pork rib roast served over sautéed spinach with a side of scallop potatoes…and my family raved…

Pork Roast recipe:
Mix kosher salt, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper together….sorry, no measurements, just season to taste. Rub over your pork ribs, and sear in a pan on high heat. Transfer to the oven at 275 degrees for about an our or until cooked to 150 degrees (internal temp). Let rest for 15 minutes which will bring the temp to 160 degrees.
Spinach:
Sautee 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 small onion and red pepper flakes in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add in 4 slices of thick cut bacon chopped, and brown through. Drain the grease. Add in 3-4 cups of fresh spinach, and wilt down. Season with salt and pepper. Voila!
Scallop potatoes:
Take 2 cups of veggie stock, and add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to thicken. Mix well, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 pat of unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Thinly slice 4 large potatoes and add to the mix…simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked with a slight bite to them…
Serve, and enjoy!

We had a family Wii night, playing golf, bowling, archery, and table tennis with some sword fighting to boot.

And now, I am relaxing with some wine, with no guilt of having NOT run for 6 days…
I am planning to run tomorrow, but am allowing myself this bit of respite to regroup, recount, and find my way.
For taking small breaks, to me, isn’t a sign of weakness…
It is a sign of strength that you are using your energy to keep moving forward…

Yup…

dedication, goals, moving forward

And sometimes, well, we wonder…

February 15, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Why didn’t they call me?
Why am I still searching for my place in life?
Why do I find myself reaching out to people who don’t reciprocate the love?
Why, do I care about said listed people above?
Why I have I worked so darn hard my ENTIRE life, just continue to struggle?
Why is it so hard to see people go on trips, vacations, shopping, and living care free?
Why can’t I look in the mirror and just be happy?

Wait. Stop. KNOCK IT OFF!

LIFE. Is a blessing. It’s hard, and we all tend to wonder at times….

but we find our joys, and we keep moving forward.

WE let go of what ails us, when we can, and we make the most of each and every day.

We text our friends at 10 p.m. on Valentines day to ask for a run date….well…because we know the person on the other end of the text needs that run just as much as we do….

We hang ON to what matters most…friends, family, relationships and passions, and we find forward movement.

We take those 2 “I’m sorry the position has been filled” emails with a grain of salt, and realize that our dream passion is out there….somewhere….these rejections are simply openings to more opportunities in the future.

This weekend I am looking forward to family time, cleaning, and running a few miles with a friend who’s been there for me through a lot…a person who takes the time to text me on her worst day. Yeah…I am lucky to have such amazing people in my life.

So with that, I lay my wonders to rest. Tomorrow is a new day.
#keepmovinforward

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, running, strength

Monday Musings

January 28, 2014January 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Monday musings
A forewarning, this post will be all over the place, and probably not full of unicorns, glitter, or butterflies. I caveat that, with the fact that I am FORCING myself to keep moving forward, regardless of the current situation.
I find it almost ironic that just a few weeks ago I posted about the fact that while although I am thankful I have a job, I don’t love my current career. My career was chosen for me by the Air Force, 23 years ago, and during my 20 year career serving in the military I was at least able to delve into so many other areas of the Air Force, which made actual career as a histology technician tolerable.
I was blessed to march in the Korean War Memorial dedication parade. I was a part of many organizations, and served under the Commander and Chief as an executive assistant for almost a year. I was a fitness instructor. I served on many service member of the quarter/year award boards. I was a training instructor. I even did other aspects of the lab such as Point of Care testing. I led training runs, memorial runs, and more ceremonies than I can count on one hand.

Yet for the last 2 ½ years…I’ve simply gone to work, punched in, did my job, and came home each night. While completely thankful to HAVE a job, this JOB no longer brings me joy.
And now, knowing my job is being eliminated, I have been on the job hunt for nearly 3 weeks without a single bite.
I’ve remained faithful, with constant forward movement and self-talk that involves a lot of yelling, crying, and begging for God to show me where the heck I am supposed to be in life at the ripe age of 41.
I thought by now I’d have it figured out. But nope…
I do know these few things.
I love to run, and running with friends makes me even happier when the mileage increases.

I love to cook, invent, and inspire others with the foods I prepare.

I love to take pictures, and although I’d never call myself a photographer, I love being behind the lens.

I love inspiring and helping others. It not only makes my crap, well, less craptastic, but it brings me such joy to help someone through a difficult time in their life.

I love to write. I have been writing since the age of 12, and although I am just an amateur, I truly love the written word.
Yet, none of these passions will provide for my family currently…yet…

With that, I have to keep plugging along, searching for a new job at least 2-3 hours each night, praying that right fit will come along. My family needs my financial, and happy mental support.

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