Deployment thoughts – Page 3 – Movin' it with Michelle

Give a little…

May 18, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Encouragement!!!!

This is my first time doing the Wednesday word linkup with Deb Runs. I’ve wanted to jump in, but sometimes I couldn’t come up with a post, and others I just couldn’t find the time. But this week’s word, ENCOURAGE sparked a little fire in my soul, so I just had to take the time to write. And I even got it done, and scheduled to post, EARLY! 🙂 Please make sure to check out her blog, and all the other Wednesday worders! 🙂 (I know, that’s NOT a word, LOL)

What does it mean to me, to ENCOURAGE or to be ENCOURAGED.

Quite simple, actually. For me, it’s lifting others up when they are struggling, for sure. Whether it be in training, at work, or just life in general I know we ALL struggle and a good word of encouragement is always a GREAT thing to receive in my opinion.

Some ways I like to encourage or lift other’s UP:

Smile and say good morning/afternoon when you see someone. Every day as I walk through the halls of the hospital both before and after work, I make sure to make eye contact with at least 2-3 people and give them well wishes and a smile. Even when I don’t feel like it, I do it, and guess what-it ALWAYS makes me feel better to get that smile in return. Remember, you never know what happened just 5 minutes earlier in that person’s day, and what a difference a smile can make to their life. I’ve been on the receiving end of those smiles, and trust me when I say it can change a person’s life.

Take the time to reach out and ask people, “How are you doing?” And when they respond, really listen!!! We are all “busy” but no one is ever THAT busy to encourage someone that might be having a rough day.

High five/smile at passing runners! This ALWAYS gives me an awesome boost when I might be struggling on a long run.

Make that phone call/text to encourage someone who might be going through a tough time in their life, or are struggling with their goals. Sometimes just knowing someone is there for you can make such a huge difference. I can tell you that while dealing with the loneliness of deployment, having someone reach out to me means SOOOOOOO much.

And quite importantly, don’t forget to encourage/cheer for those who are SUCCEEDING in their life, even if you are not where you want to be in your life. Quite often celebrating the joys of others really helps ENCOURAGE our own well being.

One of my dearest friends and me, at the finish of her first marathon.

Those are my tips for encouraging others, do you have any you’d like to share?

Cheers!

Michelle

Weekly wrap up! 10 weeks down!

May 16, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

It’s time for the weekly wrap!!! My week was busy as per usual, but overall a really good week. We are 16 days in to our monthly plank-a-day challenge and my longest has been just over 4 minutes! It’s fun seeing so many pages doing fun challenges!

Here’s my run down…

Monday Ran 2.5 miles, planked 3:01

Tuesday Ran 2.25 miles, planked 3:13 and did my killer arm workout.

Wednesday planked 4:22

Thursday ran 1.1 miles, planked 2:02

Friday planked 3:11 and did my killer arm workout

Saturday planked 3:06 with my mine, and this was even AFTER her amazing dance recital!

Sunday planked 3:14 and did my killer arm workout

Thursday we had band open house (she’s decided on the saxophone, YAY!) for my little one, who isn’t so little anymore. I just finished registering her for 5^th grade. This will be the last year I have an elementary school student. Cry. Did I mention my oldest will be taking her driver’s test within the next couple weeks? Double cry! LOL

Friday was dress rehearsal for her, so it was a mad rush to get home on time, get changed and her in full costume but we made it!

Saturday we had her recital, and she all of the girls were just amazing. She was sad her Daddy couldn’t make it, but he was with us in spirit.

So while my workouts aren’t the best in regards to length, I AM pleased I am really getting into a groove with my schedule. Tomorrow is the 10 week mark of my husband’s deployment, and I can happily say we’re a 5^th of the way done! ❤

Linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap up! Please check ‘em out!!!!

How was your week? Do you plank?

Cheers!

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, Uncategorized

Strength, decisions and 9 weeks of deployment down!

May 11, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

So I’ve totally failed at regular blogging. Guilty as charged! I’ve been terrible at commenting on people’s blogs. Guilty again! I truly apologize, because I really do enjoy blogging. Please don’t give up on me! LOL!!!

But I am pouring myself in to my job, my KIDS, and improving my home right now, and that means some things have to give. First being, blogging 3 times each week. It’s rough finding spare time as we all know…so I’ve decided that I’m 99.9% not running the Rockford half marathon on the 22nd of this month. (I originally signed up for the full, and that’s a definite NO). I haven’t trained, because that would mean taking far too much time away from my kids. I’ve never not ran a race that I’ve signed up for, so the pride thing is still nagging at me a little, but I think I am ok with my choice. Who knows, maybe I’ll wake up next weekend and change my mind. Stranger things have happened.

So instead of marathon training, I’ve really jumped in with my weight training while maintaining cardio by running on the treadmill at least 2-3 times per week. I can do this from the comforts of my own home, and that alleviates the guilt of having my 16 year old constantly babysitting her sister. I’m in week two of weight training and am really seeing early results that please me, and make me smile. It’s nice to feel proud of ourselves from time to time, and while running will always be a love of mine, I’ve been lifting weights nearly just as long in my life and it feels good to feel strong again. I’m also planking daily this month still, and I’ve started doing more core work every day.

week9.7

So while I started this deployment with high hopes and plans, I am realizing I just need to take things one day at a time. Because you just never know what life will give you on any certain day. And accepting that is tough for someone like me, because I plan…well…everything. Here’s to flying by the seat of my pants! LOL!!!!

Highs for the week are highlighted in photos:

Longest plank this month!

My beautiful daughter’s that took me out to dinner after work, on Mother’s day

Getting stuff ready for care packages for my hubby

My little one made me this for Mother’s day!

Lows for the week were a little all over the place. Without disclosing details I’ll say that the communication with my hubby has been minimal, and I had a really hard time after the kids went to bed on Mother’s day. A good cry fest, and I was feeling a bit better the next day.

I will say, I can proudly add the title of “Plummer” to my list of titles, LOL. Yup, gotta love the deployment curse!!!

Are you a planner? For the Moms, did you have to work on Mother’s day? Do you enjoy weight lifting?

Thanks for your awesome love and support, and patience during this crazy time. I’m with y’all in spirit, I promise, and I will make a better effort to hang out with everyone! ❤

Cheers,

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, Sunday Supper, weekly wrap up

Weekly wrap 4/25-5/1

May 2, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Well I swore I’d keep posting at least once a week, and even though I really contemplated posting that I’d be taking a break from the blog I decided to slap myself in the face and at least write SOMETHING.

Last week, I worked out….ONCE. Yup. Just once. Did I mention I have a half marathon (of which I originally signed up for the full) coming up in three weeks? #allthesuck

I just had too much on my plate. My work days equate to nearly 10 hours with my commute. Rushing home to pick up kids, go to my dental appt. Tuesday, my kids dental appts. Wednesday and getting my youngest to dance class on Thursday completely consumed the evening of last week, which is usually when I work out. The little bit of free time I had was spent cleaning, doing laundry, making lunches, paying bills and trying not to go nuts all in one breath. So Friday we went out for dinner to start our weekend right. I did however spend the rest of my evening cleaning, but hey, what can you do?

I did decide to cut myself some slack and just have a FUN day with my girls on Saturday. My youngest and I ran errands and took the dog to the groomers while my oldest took her time getting ready (Seriously, HOW does it take TWO hours to shower and get ready??? LOL!!!!).

We picked her up, and headed out to see the movies. We saw The Jungle Book, and it was REALLY good. I was highly impressed with the special effects, and have been told the only “real” thing in the movie was the little boy. WOW! We then ate at one of our new favorite places in Geneva, Hache’. Our food was good, but sadly our service wasn’t on point. We chalked it up to “everyone has a bad day” and will definitely return. My youngest daughter came down before going to bed, and presented me with this. Yes, we had a good cry…#allthefeels

Sunday I decided May is a new month, and I will be holding myself accountable by planking every day. No matter if it’s a minute or five minutes I will do my best each day. I’ll be posting my planks on my FB, so feel free to join in.

My youngest and I finished our puzzle, and we spent the most of Sunday relaxing and doing laundry.

I did bake some yummy trout!!! I simply seasoned with salt and pepper and a little extra virgin olive oil, and added shallots, garlic and lemons and dried basil. Wrap it up in parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.

Sunday evening we got our last call for a bit. It was an emotional call, and seeing my husband tear up nearly broke my heart. He has been so strong through all of this, and I suppose a part of me secretly needed to see that he missed us too. Two months down, 10 to go!!!

How was your week? Do you find it difficult to juggle all the things?

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap! Please make sure to head on over and give these amazing ladies some love!

Cheers!

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, food, moving forward, Recipes, weekly wrap up

Going on 7…weekly wrap!

April 24, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Well, we’re going on 7 weeks down this coming Tuesday. As of late, things have somewhat evened out at least emotionally, that is until last week. See, we are our HUGE inspection at work that gives us our national accreditation and they show up unannounced. Ok, so deep breathes. I walk in to work on Tuesday with the news they’ll be here in an hour. No big deal, right? Its just ONE day, and how bad could it be? Well, when after introductions they announced they’d be inspecting our lab for THREE days. Gulp. Needless to say my long days and still needing to maintain our evening schedules left very little for working out. Good news is, we got through the inspection with only minor write ups that have already been fixed. If stress burned as many calories as working out does, I’d be 10 lbs. lighter after last week. ROFL!!!

Friday my oldest daughter, J, had plans with her friend, so I took my mini for Mani’s and Pedi’s after I picked her up from school and we ran a few errands. We never do things like this, so it was quite the treat.

Saturday J had a mandatory study session at school from 10:15-2:30 so after dropping her off my mini and I went out for breakfast. And guess who we saw?!? Donnie Wahlberg sat RIGHT there at the counter when I was paying for our meal. No, I didn’t take a pic, but YES it totally happened, LOL!!!! Sure, Mark is cuter, but I was star struck nonetheless!

donnoe

Saturday night I was heading to Chicago to watch The Avett Brothers in concert at the Chicago theater with a very dear friend of mine. We headed downtown at around 4 P.M., had dinner at the Public House, and went for drinks at 3 Dots and a Dash before heading to the concert.

I haven’t been “out” in ages, I supposed more so due to guilt because I feel like my kids need me even more now that we are a single parent family. But J said, “Mom, GO! Have FUN!!!” And fun, I had. I smiled the entire evening, and sang my heart out during the concert.

Sunday I really wanted to relax. But, I had my fun last night so yard work trumped my plans of lounging on the couch. I spent 2 hours spreading turf builder and weed killer on my 1.5 acres of land. My arms are truly, officially SMOKED. LOL!!

4.24.yard

Tonight I cooked a simple yet yummy dinner!!!

Here’s the recipe for my Asian inspired chicken. I marinated 4 chicken thighs in soy sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper for 30 minutes. I took 1 bag of baby broccoli and drizzed it with extra virgin olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet, and roast for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Simply pan fry the chicken (pouring the marinade over the top) in a non stick pan for about 12 minutes or until cooked through. Cut at a diagonal, and serve over your favorite brown rice/quinoa. Top with the roasted broccoli!

4.24.dinner

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap!! Please make sure to check out these (and all the amazing linkers) amazing ladies!!! How was your week? Try any new recipes? Do you have a big yard?

WeeklyWrap

Have a great week!!!!

Cheers!

Michelle

Deployment thoughts

Oops, I did it again…

April 10, 2016April 10, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I lost my smile…

One of the many reasons I have been struggling with the absence of my husband, is that he makes me smile, daily. The very presence of him, calms me, motivates me, inspires me, etc. When I say, he is my person…he really IS. I don’t have a female “Bestie” or “BFF” like most women do. Sure, I have girl friends but they’ve all got their lives and their friends that they are much closer with so without my husband, I get pretty lonely to say the least.

I was having lunch with my sister on Friday and we were talking about how when my husband talks to his soldiers, the room instantly lights up and you can FEEL how they respond to him. The inspiration in the air is tangible. He is a TRUE leader. He is where he is meant to be in life. And then it hit me. Like a ton of bricks. He does all that for our family too. For the last 5 weeks, you can feel the void left in the house so strongly that sometimes I dread going home after work.

And that sucks.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO because I am tired of these sad, Debbie downer sad posts, I am going to make a list of things that make me smile. Because I need to find my smile again. My kids need me to find it, too.

SnapChat. I made an account a while back, but didn’t understand the purpose of this app. I mean, are you supposed to take selfies of yourself over and over and send them to people? I don’t like pictures of myself, so there’s that, too. So after last week’s YUCK fest I invited my teen to join me for my youngest daughter’s dance class. We had a little fun with SnapChat and by the end of the 1 1/2 hours we were laughing so hard tears were pouring down our faces.

4.10.1 — Like my facial expression? ROFL!!!

My sister. Last week I wanted to literally hole myself up and just forget the world. But she won’t let me, and for that I am forever grateful. She lets me be me, with all my faults and is there for me always. She had my kids spend the weekend with her because 1. I am working all weekend again and that sucks for the kids, and 2. They sure could use a break from reality for a couple days. #sistering

Seeing my husband’s face. I’ve asked him to try and send pictures when he can. Yesterday while I was working, I got this picture to brighten my day.

Support. Between my Mom and my sister checking on me several times each week, to one of the Army wives who texts me every day, along with my friend Andrea who also texts me every night (for the last 5 weeks nearly!!!) “NNT” which has always been our thing (Night Night Termite) when we talk, I feel so very blessed. AND, I came home last Tuesday from work to find my neighbor had mowed my lawn! How awesome is that?While I may not have a female “BFF” I do have a lot of people who make the time to show they care.

4.10.5 — That’s love right there, LOL!!! ❤

Running! Of course! I ran twice last week, and am hoping to get a few miles in tomorrow since it’s my day off! I have concluded that I don’t like the Brooks Launch 3’s as much as the 2’s. The toe box is just a little different, and they don’t have that same airy feel.

Doesn't everyone lounge around the house in their old marathon running shoes? — Doesn’t everyone lounge around the house in their old marathon running shoes?

With that, I bid you all a happy weekend! Tell me something that makes YOU smile?! Ready, GO!

Cheers! ❤

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, firsts, Uncategorized

Week 4…unfortunate firsts and lessons

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

In keeping with my “Tuesday firsts” post, I am forcing myself to write, and not give up on the goal I’ve set.

As you read yesterday, for the first time last week, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago. It was REALLY cool, and I love seeing all of the beautiful artwork and reading about the history of Van Gogh’s life. Winning. I also ran for the first time in over a week last night. It was only 2 miles, and it was on the treadmill, but I ran!

week4

Yet while last week was amazing, this week started out darn right terrible. NOTE: If you are looking for an upbeat post, this isn’t it…But I do manage to end on a good note!!

I didn’t sleep Sunday night, yet made it through my work day with little residual damage having been so tired. But during the day I had numerous texts, all from my teen telling me how horrible she felt. Keep in mind, I am not a terrible Mom who isn’t compassionate about her child. That statement couldn’t be farther from the truth. But I AM keen to her past behavior and am well aware of her patterns. Every. Single. TIME. My husband travels, she pulls this…she is too tired, has tummy issues, you name it…anything to NOT go to school. It’s downright maddening because I already have SOOOOOOOOOOOO much on my plate. SOOOO, we of course had a major blow out (not a first), and I can’t even repeat some of the things that were said. Words hurt. And you can’t erase them. Just sayin’…

I am NOT doing so hot at this single Mom gig, I tell you that. And last night, hearing my daughter scream how miserable I make her, multiple times, left me with the heaviest of hearts. So I cried. A lot. Then I parked myself on the bathroom floor while my daughter took a shower, refusing to leave yet sadly wanting to run away as I heard her sob.

We mended things the best we could, but I did not sleep again last night. She did not go to school. And our hearts, are still very heavy. And for the first time in quite a while, I felt defeated. Deflated. And all the other bad D words you can think of. I no longer believed I could do this. And that made me feel like a failure.

Am I ruining my daughter’s spirit? Ugh. I just can’t. I had my spirit ruined back when I was her age due to other circumstances, and it took me nearly 25 years to find it again…Please God, don’t let me be ruining her spirit. How am I going to get through this year?

Simply stated, I have to get through this year. I am left with no choice but to have to keep going. But for the first time I question our ability to get through this in one piece and without shattered spirits. Numerous texts from my sister and Mom last night and today helped, and I can tell you had it not been for my sister, I probably would’ve been sent home today. #sistering

And then I remember. This is just one of the many phases of deployment. Today, I am sad, heartbroken, tired, and feeling so very empty without my person. But tomorrow…tomorrow is a new day. And I have to believe, I have to TRY to believe that I can do this, and do it without too many bumps and bruises. Last night I put in my green light bulb to support the soldiers who are deployed, and I prayed. I prayed. And I prayed some more.

week4door

Thankfully today, after a lot of talking and some rest, I think she’s feeling better and realizes she can’t keep repeated this pattern. #fingerscrossed

Tonight, I decided we needed some Portillos for dinner…because what is life without a good salad and French fries? #balanceright

week4portillos

Week 4/52….22 weeks until our halfway point. Deep. Breaths.

How do you turn a bad situation around? Any firsts you’d like to share?

Thanks for all of the amazing support! Keep on Movin’ forward!

Cheers ❤

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, weekly wrap up

Weekly Wrap up 3/13-First week down, ?? to go!

March 14, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

This marks the first week we’ve gotten through with my husband being gone. Ok, tomorrow is technically one week, but who’s counting.

To say the week was hard, is an understatement. With as much as my husband travels, I thought that this truly would be easier. But it’s not. And more days than not last week I wondered how on earth I would get through this next year without him?

I don’t want to cook, don’t want to work out, don’t want to even watch the shows he and I watch together because honestly it just hurts. I attempted Sunday supper last night to try and get back to our normal routine, and the emptiness of my husband’s chair made it painful to even eat. We all feel his absence, and it’s hard to even put into words the raw ache I feel in my chest.

So here a few highlights of my week.

Does drinking wine alone make mean I have an issue? LOL…The kids and the dog are in the house so it doesn’t count as drinking alone, right? HA!

I worked out, ONCE last week. And was sore for 2 days afterwards, LOL. #outofshape

The girls and I got to Facetime with my hubby and it was GREAT. We went out to eat to celebrate Saturday night. Ok, I just didn’t want to cook.

My youngest also got her first slide phone. With the recent nanny issues, and my husband being gone, I just wanted to be able to communicate with her at all times. Call it paranoia? Normally I wouldn’t allow a cell phone until middle school, but I think this time my change of mind is warranted.

My hubby sent me a selfie of him and one of his troops. LOVE!!

Well, my lunch break is up, so I better get back to work!!! I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly wrap up! Make sure to check them out!!!

How do you get back in to a routine after a traumatic event? What age did your kids get cell phones?

Cheers!

❤ Michelle

Deployment thoughts, Uncategorized

What day is it today?

March 9, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I swear I have lost my mind, and yesterday threw me on a roller coaster of emotions I had thankfully forgotten from our first deployment. Our final goodbyes for the year have been said, and I can honestly say that I am not sure how I survived the 60 minute drive home yesterday. After being enveloped in my husband’s arms as we all sobbed, I just can’t put into words the raw emotion that we felt. My daughters and I simply hung on to one another yesterday, and after tucking my youngest in as she cried herself to sleep, I knew I’d have my hands full this next year.

brianescort — He texted me this photo on his way to the airport. They were being escorted by veterans. SO cool.

So my sister challenged me, to keep busy, find a project, and/or journal to help the quiet of the evenings hurt a little less. So that’s the plan. I’ve got several house projects to do on my list, and plan to write a lot more. That’s the joy of my blog, it’s multifaceted, and not just about running. Plus, it’s mine and I can write what I want to, LOL!!!

I still have to remind myself to breathe sometimes. I have to choke back the sobs more times in the day than I can count. But with each day that passes, it’s one day closer to his return. And I am reminded daily of all the blessings in my life. I walked in to work this morning to find this on my desk, a beautiful gesture from my entire staff. #allthelove

flowers

I also received several texts, got a dozen hugs, and this awesome gift from my friend Kelly. I wish I had words to describe how grateful I am for all the awesome people in my life.

And as the day came to a close and my kids played outside while I did laundry and cleaned I received a text from my oldest. “Mom, come outside and look at the sunset” She loves the sunrises and sunsets nearly as much as I do.

As we watched the sun set into the horizon, we hugged each other tightly and she whispered, “Love you…” and held her even tighter.

This will be a very tough year. But we love each other so very much, that I believe in the end it will help us get through this even stronger. The crazy emotions of the week have brought on a pretty terrible headache so I put off my workout for another day because I just can’t bear to be down for the count. I’ll get back at it in no time.

Who’s your biggest supporter? Do you have beautiful sunrises and sunsets where you live? What’s your latest workout?

Cheers!! ❤

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, weekly wrap up

Weekly wrap up and goodbyes

March 7, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I had thought about skipping the weekly wrap again, but I really want to keep writing, too….so I decided to work on my weekly wrap during my lunch break today to at least get something brief out there…last week was a doozy, so bear with me. So here it is, my weekly wrap up hosted by Holly and Tricia! Make sure to head over and see what they are up to!

It finally became all too real that I will be without half my heart, my smile, my best friend for an entire year.

Monday: I cried in the shower so my kids wouldn’t see how upset I was. And at some point during my pity party I forgot if I had washed my hair, so I washed it quite possibly twice, just in case…No one likes greasy hair. #losingmymind

Tuesday: I realized in a panic that I forgot to call my nephew the night before to wish him a happy birthday. While yes, I had sent his present and given him his card on Sunday, I still had promised him I’d call him. And I didn’t. #allthesuck #auntiefail

Wednesday: While in the midst of a conversation about the ever so important food network and upcoming shows, My husband loudly said, “You didn’t even hear what I just said, did you?” after seeing the blank stare on my face. Nope. Sorry babe. I didn’t hear a word. I was too busy trying to wrap my brain around being without you for a year, and how on earth I’d hold it together when we say our final goodbyes for the year this upcoming Tuesday (tomorrow).

Thursday: My nanny quit. Via text. Oh, and with NO NOTICE. “DON’T YOU KNOW MY HUSBAND LEAVES ON TUESDAY???” I begged, asking for at least 2 weeks’ notice. Nope. Sorry. That night, while my 16 year old drove us to dinner in my husband’s Honda, we were discussing the infamous Jeep wave. If you drive a Jeep, you wave to all fellow Jeep drivers in passing. Don’t be that guy that doesn’t wave. So while at a stoplight I spotted a Jeep and yelled to my daughter from the backseat, “Make sure to wave!!!” Wait. We’re in a Honda. Ugh.

Friday: The hubby and I escaped to Geneva for the day, eating, shopping, and just having a couple hours of just us. That night we took the kids to see Zootopia and to dinner and it was so nice to just hang out as a family.

We spent the rest of the weekend interviewing new nannies (I think we found one, fingers crossed this time she works out), and spending time with each other and some of our closest friends. My husband’s departure ceremony was on Sunday, and I was then reminded for the gazillionth time how darn proud I am of him. If you could see the way the room just is energized when my husband speaks to his soldiers, you would be in awe. It’s just awe inspiring and I get to call him my husband. Man, I am one lucky gal.

Tomorrow, he leaves and we will start the year of firsts. First phone call, first letter, first month done, etc. And I’ll be counting down the days until he returns. Please keep him and his soldiers in your prayers this upcoming year. ❤

Have you ever had a family member deployed? What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?

Cheers,

Michelle

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