moving forward – Page 97 – Movin' it with Michelle

Safety nets

October 9, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve talked several times about the fact that I have been in the same career since I first joined the Air Force at the young age of 18. Just three weeks after graduating high school I boarded a Grey hound bus and headed off to basic training. My job was chosen for me, as I joined “Open General” in hopes of getting a flight line job, but alas.

Here I sit in a hospital laboratory, just doin’ my thing 25 years later. And while this isn’t my career of choice, it’s a good job, that pays decently and provides for my family. So while I keep talking of taking chances and making changes, I know I need to be smart too. I’ve got one kid going off to college in less than two years and I don’t want her to have to carry the burden of huge student loans like I have to (still a LONG ways to go to pay for my MBA) in my life. I’ve got a little saved and will continue to save for her, but we all know they make college nearly impossible to afford in this day and age.

What’s my point? I’m never too old to learn!

Well, those that know me well know of my love of the beach. I loved the coast of Texas, and love the coast of Florida. Heck, any beach will do, really! I’ve made it abundantly clear to my husband that if he is going to continue his pursuits in furthering his Army career, my butt would be hunkered down on a beach somewhere while I continue to raise our youngest solo (once my oldest heads to college of course). So six months ago I applied for my Florida licensure, and finally have finished studying and taking my exam!!! Who got an 92%?!?!? This girl!! All I have to do is send in the paperwork and the check for my license. WOOT!!

miamibeach — South Beach, Miami-One of my favorite pics from our trip last year

So while this job may not be my dream job, it DOES provide a nice life for my family. Does that mean I am giving up on my dreams of being in the food industry? Heck no…that just means I am doing what’s best for my family first. It’s good to have dreams and goals, but those safety nets sure come in handy!

Are you a believer in having a “Plan B?” as a back up?

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Who’s with me on starting over and getting back to working out this week, regularly?!?

Linking up with Holly @Hohoruns.blogpost.com and Tricia @misssippipiddlin.com for the weekly wrap!!!! Please check out their blogs and the other awesome inspiring bloggers!

WeeklyWrap

Cheers!

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, Military, moving forward, Uncategorized

Has it really been 25 years?!?!?

July 3, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I had a post drafted last night and ready for publishing today, but whenever I write a post I always set it aside and step away from it before clicking “Publish”. I’m glad I did that this time, because I really need to quit being so hard on myself when it comes to my military duty. I’ll explain more here in a few minutes…

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. July 3rd. Yup, you read it right, July 3rd, not 4th. Why? Because it’s my enlistment anniversary of joining the Air Force. Today would’ve been 25 years had I stayed in longer than the required 20 years needed to retire. But I retired after 20 years for several reasons. Some of which I still struggle with to this day, but most of which I have learned to let go.

Basic training!!!

Korean war memorial dedication, mid 90’s

Service member of the quarter, circa 1996?

Senior NCO induction ceremony 2007

Offical retirement photo

My family and friends at my retirement ceremony

My favorite retirement photo

First and foremost, I retired so I could be there for my kids. When I get upset over the fact I never deployed, or am reminded I would’ve never been able to make Chief, I look at my daughters and know I made the right decision. Having 2 parents in the military just isn’t the easiest thing to do so I decided stepping down was more important for the girls. Yes, I still have to work full time, but I am at least here for them while my husband deploys.

Last night my girls and I kicked off the weekend (even though I am working all weekend and the 4th, I am trying to have SOME fun, lol) by going to military appreciation night at our local Kane county Cougars baseball game. I submitted my hubby’s photo for the jersey, and they even asked for my photo too! I felt a little silly next to veterans of this caliber, but I submitted mine anyhow! I will be auctioning in hopes of winning one, too!!! Here are some pics from the game!

pano view of the field. Breathtaking.

All of the amazing veterans that will be on the jersey, honored to be among such heros

Freedom riders

The jersey! SOOOO cool!

POW/MIA ceremony

So while that first post really went in to all of my regrets I had about not being able to accomplish the goals I set out for myself while in the military, this post will share a few of my favorite pictures from my military days (see above). It IS my 25 year anniversary after all, and even though I had to work today I’ll still treat myself to a glass of wine or two tonight. 🙂

How are y’all celebrating the 4th? Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

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

moving forward

The first anniversary

March 17, 2016March 17, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

There are life changing events that happen in everyone’s life. No one lives a perfectly easy life filled with daisies and unicorns and picnics and sunshine. No one.

Yesterday, was the anniversary of one of these life changing events for me. It was a moment in time that I will never forget, and just recalling how I felt at 5 P.M. on March 16th makes me shudder. See, my oldest daughter was in a car accident, which she was hit by a car while on her bike. The story can be found here, and to date it is the top viewed post on my blog in 4 years.

This event changed my life forever. I hang on a little tighter when my kids hug me. I TRY not to get so bent out of shape over the little things, although battling good grades is still my breaking point. I don’t spend as much time cleaning or doing yard work, instead I make the most of the time I have to make memories with my family and friends. When people reach out to me and offer their help, I let them, more so I welcome the effort with open arms.

With that, I’ll keep this post short, and sweet. I’ve got a work out on deck after I finish this post, and then I PRAY for a good nights sleep. It’s been 9-10 days since I’ve slept more than an hour at a time, and I’m a zombie!!

Have you had any life changing events that stand out in your life? What lesson did you find most important from these/this event?

Have a great night everyone!

❤

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, moving forward, running

The rescued Introvert

January 7, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I have battled with depression for more than half my life. Those of you that have been following along for a while, know that for most of my adult life I had taken depression medication. In fact, my distance running career started partly because I had hit rock bottom, and I HAD to pull myself back up for me AND my family. So in 2007 I decided in late September that I was going to run my first half marathon just 7 weeks later. I trained for this race while working full time, going to school for my Bachelors degree AND studying for promotion. Did I mention I had an 8 year old and a 1 year old daughter to care for too? LOL. Most said I was nuts, but deep down I knew I’d go completely nuts if I didn’t escape to the roads to train. I finished said half marathon in 2:19, and I had never been more proud of myself other than the day I graduated basic training. I DID it. I didn’t quit. I didn’t give up. And my husband was there, cheering me on the entire time.

Several years later, in 2012, I would finally complete my goal of finishing my first full marathon, and I did so with my sister by my side. Another very proud and amazing moment that I will never forget. I also haven’t taken any depression medicine since 2012, and I keep movin’ forward and feel better for it.

What does all this mean? Well, running has truly saved me more times than I can count. Why? How?

Well, I saw myself pulling back from my friends and family again here recently. I just wanted to go to work, come home, and curl up on the couch and forget that with each passing day, it meant a day closer to when my husband leaves. But a few weeks ago I decided I was going to accept an invitation from my friends and start running with them on Tuesday evenings. I was going to GET OUT OF THE DARN HOUSE and do something just for me. This last Tuesday as I was running and chatting with one of my very dear friends, we spoke of depression and different times in our lives that we battled this yucky disease. She spoke of a time where she stopped doing all the things she loved, and she became introverted and just wanted to be alone.

And a light bulb went instantly ON. I was doing this. I was declining invitations, not doing the things I enjoyed, and I was avoiding my friends.

So last night after work, I took my youngest shopping (I normally HATE stopping anywhere after work) at Target, threw in a couple CPK frozen pizzas in the oven, and treated myself to a MUCH needed massage. I hadn’t had one since June, and it was long over due. The point, is that I did something for me FINALLY. I’m not one of those women who gets her hair done at a nice place, or manicures/pedicures unless it’s a special occasion. I honestly don’t do hardly anything for ME, and it’s gotta stop. Because here soon, it’s going to be ALL me, and I better MAKE time to recharge.

I feel better today, better than I have in quite some time. I know some pretty amazing people have my back, and that helps lighten the load tremendously. And I’ve got hope…barrels and barrels of hope and faith, that my husband will return home safely, and that our family will be even stronger through all of this.

Questions: What’s your go-to stress reliever? Have you or any of your family members dealt with depression?

Cheers to you all for you amazing support!

❤ Michelle

moving forward

Assumptions

November 4, 2015November 4, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I think it’s only human for us to have assumptions in certain situations when it comes to what is thought to be “the norm” in life, no? We assume that if there is something big in our lives, or something that we put our heart and souls in to, that those we consider closest to in life, will support those big things…at least I do…or did…

But assuming is a naughty naughty word, and it truly does end up slapping you in the face from time to time. And for a split second I caught myself being sad about the person(s) that don’t support my crazy #keepmovinforward mantra, page, and blog. I looked into my husband’s eyes with sadness, and he reminded me that HE will forever be my best friend, MY PERSON…and suddenly the sadness vanished. I’ve accepted that sometimes friendships run their course, and that is ok. It’s all the circle of life, right?

Since learning of my hubby’s upcoming deployment I have been flooded with phone calls, texts, comments and emails from friends and family. And despite crying more than I’d care to admit, I am also counting my blessings. Because you don’t get through the hard stuff without your friends and family.

Here's a pic my friend Andrea made after I spectated and ran the last few miles of her first marathon with her. One of my all time favorite running memories. — Here’s a pic my friend Andrea made after I spectated and ran the last few miles of her first marathon with her. One of my all time favorite running memories.

With that, I thank you all for being just plain awesome. I love the fact that I’ve met so many amazing people through this community, and that you have chosen to join me on this journey. My hat goes off to you all!

Moving forward, I will continue to rant about running, recipes, and real life adventures. Let’s see where the upcoming year takes us!

Cheers!

❤ Michelle

moving forward

Weekend musings

October 17, 2015October 17, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve had a bit of a trying week, one could say…after last weekend’s half marathon, my left lower butt cheek was really hurting (?? WTH), and my right knee-well, was being it’s normal cranky self. So I didn’t run last week. Not one mile. And I am 100% ok with that fact. And THAT. Well that speaks volumes of how far I have come as a runner, and grounded person. The old me would be going nuts by now…

Sometimes we become ungrounded though, and we need a bit of a wake up call in life in order to regroup. I will keep the majority of the details of this wake up call private to protect those involved, but I can speak in regards to what happened to ME. Because this is my blog and I can vent if I want to…

Just a few days ago I said some pretty horrible things in response to something that was said to me. #twowrongssodontmakearight And in doing so, I realized that over the last 9 months or so I have turned in to a pretty selfish person. I’d forgotten many of the things I had to relearn these last 4 1/2 years after retiring from the military and I got so self absorbed in finding/being ME that I forgot too, to be selfLESS. Because that has always been a part of who I am as well.

I got a swift kick of reality this week. But after lots of tears, and countless prayers I was given a second chance. A second chance to rebuild and rekindle what was once a very solid relationship. Cue more tears now…

I was also reminded of the many wonderful relationships I have in my life as I struggled with my ‘trying’ week. So while I may not have ran a single mile this week, I feel like I’ve crossed a new starting line…and with that, I’ll keep movin’ forward.

Lessons learned: You can never take back words. Ever. Use them wisely and carefully. Be KIND to everyone, but especially those you love. Never let things fester inside you…COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY. Festering is bad…very very bad. And lastly…put forth effort into these crazy things called relationships. Be it friend, family, spouse or coworker ALL these relationships weave a very intricate web in your life. Nurture that web!!!!

Me and my friend Andrea, meeting up with Janel (center) to make sure she had her DO EPIC SHIT bracelet because she's running her first 50 miler today! #friends — Me and my friend Andrea, meeting up with Janel (center) to make sure she had her DO EPIC SHIT bracelet because she’s running her first 50 miler today! #friends

Have you ever had a real life wake up call in regards to a relationship in your life? How do you deal with not being able to run due to real life crazies?

Hope y’all are having a great weekend!!!

❤

Michelle

dedication, moving forward

Monday Motivation

August 10, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Since I worked all of last weekend, I was off today! I’ve been beating myself up about not doing all the things so I decided to start the day out right. A run on my dreadmill and day 3 of my 21 day challenge.

After which, I decided to bake zucchini bread. Keep in mind, as much as I love to cook-I am a terrible baker. But I’m tending my neighbors garden while they are on vacation so thought, why not?

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching again lately. And came to the realization that I need to celebrate how far I’ve come vs. dwelling on what I’d have done differently.

With that, I’ll be spending more time doing the things I love, and with the people I love. Well this should be common sense, right? Not always. While I preach not to let others treat you like an after thought, I don’t always walk that walk. Time to start steppin’, right?

What’s on your plate these days? Do you like zucchini bread? What’s your favorite thing to bake?

Have a great week!

❤ Michelle

moving forward

It’s been a while…

July 9, 2015July 9, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Well, I didn’t meet my goal of blogging at least 2 times each week as of last week, having only posted once last week and not posting since…But sometimes life just gets too hectic for all of the fun things that we enjoy doing. And sometimes, we just need to step back and let things happen as they should. For the saying IS true…everything WILL fall in to place eventually.

I had a pretty amazing opportunity come my way. I will leave that part of this post fairly vague, but to say it’s an opportunity of life time is pretty accurate. But…I can’t take the opportunity, as I am needed here by my husband and kids. Part of being a military wife, is giving up your own wants and needs so your husband can serve the country. And while I know my husband and kids (and my country) are so much more important than any sort of career chance I may be afforded, I still am left feeling very sad, and ever so slightly resentful. Gah.

I hate that feeling. I hate the dreaded sadness that can sit in the pit of your stomach and just burn, reminding you of it’s presence constantly throughout the day like bad heartburn after you’ve eaten spicy Mexican food, far too late at night. I hate crying every time I am left alone with my thoughts. I hate the reminder of the depressed person I once was and the memory of crying every single day. Double GAH!

So last night I reminded my husband that I only had a few days left before this opportunity would be a thing of the past. I had to decide. They didn’t REALLLLLLY need me, did they? They all spend their evenings on computer games or in their rooms. They wouldn’t even notice I was gone, would they? #whoamikidding

He shook his head. “You can’t go,” he said sadly. “We need you,” he said quietly. And he’s right…and I knew that all along. But hearing him say it, made me feel needed and loved. More so than I have felt, in quite a long time.

So while I am sad, I know my family comes first, and that someday there will be ANOTHER opportunity, perhaps at the RIGHT time…until that time, I’ll hug my family, count my blessing, and keep…movin’…FORWARD. I’ve started running/walking again this week after a 2 week break, which has helped me digest this whole situation immensely.

Have you ever had to pass on a good opportunity? Did it take you a while to digest it all?

Thanks y’all!!!!

❤ Michelle

moving forward, Recipes

Lesson’s learned

March 22, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

If you read my last post, you read of my daughter’s life threatening accident. This past week has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and more emotional strain than I think I have ever experienced. But in these last few days, I’ve also learned many lessons that I believe will help me be a better Mom, Wife, friend, and person in general.

Firstly, the old cliché that “Life is short” became very real to me this week. I had flashes of losing my daughter more times than I can count, and moving forward I will truly do my best to embrace EACH DAY. I won’t nag my youngest about housework when she wants to put on a fashion show, or worry about whether or not I’ve perfectly folded the tee-shirts and socks. I will spend MORE time living, and less time worrying about meaningless crap.

Doesn't my dog look thrilled? LOL — Doesn’t my dog look thrilled? LOL

Secondly, I was reminded how very important being kind is this week. Be it a phone call, a text message, A fruit basket in the hospital, a card in the mail or flowers for my daughter ALL these acts of kindness helped ease my stress. And in receiving such amazing support, I’ve been given the gentle reminder that support goes both ways. I’ve often let a busy life be an excuse for not reaching out…well, no more.

Thirdly, the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” really IS true. J needed help in bathing again today, and as I helped her get dressed she smiled. Just an hour prior she was irritable and grumpy (expected side effects of the injury and medications she is on), so her smile was welcomed. I offered her my gel deodorant to use, so she took it gently and applied it under her arms. “It feels funny,” she said, and then started laughing. It was a gentle, quiet laugh to which she said, “I don’t even know why I’m laughing.” I just smiled with tears in my eyes. What music to my ears it was to hear her laugh.

Lastly, do what you love, and love what you do. Having been in the hospital for half the week, and the other half just plain exhausted I haven’t cooked or been running. So tonight my hubby and I tag teamed dinner. He was on grill duty, and I made some yummy sweet potato and red pepper mash. I don’t have an exact recipe, but here goes:

Sweet potato and Red pepper Mash

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 red pepper, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings: crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of butter

Boil the potatoes in water until fork tender. Reserve about a cup of the water. While the potatoes are boiling, sauté the garlic, peppers and crushed red pepper flakes for 5-7 minutes until tender. (I sauté in extra virgin olive oil over medium to high heat-drain grease)

Combine everything to include the seasonings in to a food processor, and add the reserved water little by little to ensure the taters don’t get runny.

Tomorrow I’ll hit the trails running with my dear friend for a nice 13 mile run. There will more than likely be tears, laughter, more tears, and much needed release of stress. But my miles will be dedicated to my daughter, as she is the toughest little fighter I’ve ever met, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Thanks everyone, for your continued love, prayers, and support. We are movin’ forward!!!

xoxo!

❤ Michelle

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: