moving forward

Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

Movin' it with Michelle

As we celebrate the last day of 2017 I have to smile from the inside out.

My family spent the evening at our (my) very first NFL game, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t disappoint. They pulled off a win with just seconds to go.

As I look back on this year one word comes to mind. Growth.

I let go of many fair weather friends, I stopped settling for less than what I deserved, andI chased my dreams of living near the beach.

So after surviving hurricane Irma, moving half way across the country, buying a new house, celebrating my 4 year anniversary on WordPress and starting a new career, I say this…Happy New Year!!! May all your dreams come true!!

Cheers,

Michelle

moving forward

2018 goals

Movin' it with Michelle

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. We’ve been so busy getting acclimated to our new home and I’ve got so much to learn at my new job. I no longer have a computer, either, so posting from my iPad mini can be a challenge.

That being said, I really want to commit to some solid goals this year. Here’s my list, in no particular order:

1. Start writing again…maybe even start the book I’ve been talking about for years. 3 days a week I want to commit to at least 30 minutes of writing, but hopefully more often than that. I also want to post 2x per week on the blog.

2. Run at least 3 races, but more would be great. No time goals, just more running. Lift weights 3x per week.

3. Lose 10 lbs and keep it off. Menopause has reared her ugly head, and my body isn’t responding well at all. Once we get settled I plan on seeking healthcare, but for now its eat less and move more…

4. Get back in the kitchen. Once each week work to create and/or learn a new recipe or technique.

5. Continue to explore Florida and all the beautiful things it has to offer. So far we’ve visited Disney and Epcot several times, attended the food and wine festival, been to Siesta Key beach, St. Pete beach, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs and Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria is by far our favorite but for a quick trip to a more local beach we’ve been going to Pass-a-Grille beach in St. Petersburg. Here’s a few pics from the past year!!

Highlights from 2017 are:

1. Hubby returning from deployment

2. Disney world family vacation

3. Getting a job at the VA in FLORIDA

4. Moving to Florida (obv!!!)

5. Exploring Florida with my family…

6. Being able to go to Florida in December-sure don’t miss the snow!!

How was your 2017? Have you set goals for 2018?

I hope you all had a great year, and are enjoying the holiday season!!

Cheers!!

Michelle

moving forward

Just over a month.

Movin' it with Michelle

Well it’s been over a month since I’ve moved to Florida. Close to 6 weeks if my memory serves me right. In that time I’ve encountered a new job, dealt with an Air Bnb flood, hurricane Irma and my Jeep having a near death experience.

So today I share the news that we closed on our new home and I couldn’t be happier. We can’t move in until next weekend but will use that time to clean and prep the house. I’ve been working out again and have been enjoying the beach life immensely. While my blogging has new sparse without a computer, I’m excited to check in. I promise to get back to everyone’s blogs soon! Here’s some pics!

How are you? What happened new for you this month?

Cheers!

Michelle

moving forward

Crazy it’s been a week and a half since I arrived in Florida.

Movin' it with Michelle

It's been a crazy week and a half. Getting acclimated. Fining a house. Starting a new job. It's been hard and exciting and crazy all in one. But I can honestly say having a friend here has made such a difference. Today Kandice took me site seeing to Ybor city, MacDill AFB and we even explored the new area I'll be living. We of course had to visit my new house, too. Look at the gorgeous hibiscus. We ended the day eating dinner near where I'm staying at the Rooster and the Till and it was amazing. With the crazy storms coming it looks like we won't hit the beach this weekend but we made the most of this crazy weather.
My take away from the week is my new job will be challenging but amazing and that I love living in Florida. Lastly I'm in awe of life long friendships. Feeling so blessed.
Here are some pics from the week.

How was your day? Have your explored any new areas where you live lately?
Cheers!!
Michelle

real life adventures

Five days and counting.

Movin' it with Michelle

Well, I've been here for a total of 5 full days and it's been amazing. The diverse community, beautiful weather, and just being adventurous exploring new areas has been great. In just five short days I've reconnected with an old Air Force sister, been to two different beaches, and have toured almost a dozen homes to purchase. I'm excited to say we got the house we put a bid on!!!

But the best part so far was my first day of work today. I arrived at the VA early, and was greeted by Veterans and employees all around. When orientation started, the Director of HR had everyone introduce themselves and tell where they'd be working. Their last question was, "Are you a Veteran?" And if you said yes, an HR staff member came over and shook your hand and thanked you for your service. They then asked your branch of service and handed you a corresponding badge and pin for you to proudly wear. Mine looked like this:

I was so floored. My military service hasn't been understood by the civilian sector fully, which is totally understandable.
We then filled out some paperwork and it was time to give our oath. I hadn't done this since my last reenlistment back in 2007 and I immediately choked up. Such emotions went through me. The day continued on, and with each briefing we were asked the question, "Are you a Veteran?" and each time I raised my hand, I found myself sitting up a little straighter. For I've always felt my purpose was to serve, and now here I am…serving the Veteran community and in my favorite state.

Let the adventures continue!!!!

Cheers!
Michelle

moving forward

Florida bound

Movin' it with Michelle

Today I drove over 650 miles through five states. Thanks for your support with all my posts. To say this is the hardest thing I've done knowing my fear of driving is an understatement but in my eyes not taking this chance would be even harder. Here's to "onward and upward!!" Y'all rock!! #floridabound

moving forward

My final weekend.

Movin' it with Michelle

It's my final weekend here in Illinois and my coworker's and friends have sent me off in style. My bags are packed and I'm ready to hit the road on Tuesday. While I'm sad, I can honestly say I'm beyond proud of the fact that I'm taking this leap of faith. Here's some pics that capture my last weekend!

I'll be journaling my journey so stay tuned!! I've even got my running gear packed!

Cheers!
Michelle

moving forward

New adventures!!!

Movin' it with Michelle

Hey gang, I'm back!!! Big news!! I was offered a job supervising the pathology lab at the VA hospital in Tampa Florida!!! I'm looking forward to sharing this adventure!! Stay tuned!! Here are some pics from our visit to Tampa last month!

Cheers!
Michelle

moving forward

Blogging Hiatus

Movin' it with Michelle

Hey gang,

In efforts to stick with my mantra of moving forward I’ve realized I also need to recognize toxic situations and when to separate myself from them. Ive learned that not everyone has my best interests at heart, and have decided my personal life needs to be kept a little more private. While I have loved sharing my running and life stories with you, along with some recipes I have created, for now I need to take a little break. I am not canceling or shutting my blog down, just stepping back for a bit to think about where I’d like to see this blog move in the future, if at all.

I shall return, I just am unsure of when or where…

Until then, CHEERS!!

Michelle

moving forward

Happy belated Mother’s Day everyone!!

Movin' it with Michelle

Here’s some snap shots of my amazing weekend. I hope you all had a great Mother’s Day weekend!

Me and my Mommy

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My baby girl
Being corny with the hubby!
Truffle risotto from Quartino’s….YUM
Grilled Octopus from Quartino’s
View from our room at the London house in Chicago
Aladdin was amazing!

Gosh they take my breath away!

Obligatory bean photo!

So pretty….


My family spoiled me with my favorite food and places in Chicago. Cheers to my amazing family for making me feel so loved and for always being in my corner.

 

Happy belated Mother’s Day!!

Michelle