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

weekly wrap up

Weekly wrap and Spring break fun 3/28-4/3

April 4, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

For the first time since I have had kids, I took off work for Spring break. I worked last weekend, which means I had last Monday off so technically I only needed to take 4 days of vacation. We didn’t have a ton planned, but we did decide to do at least SOMETHING most of the days, while allowing ourselves 2 days of sheer blissful laziness. I didn’t work out once, and since I am still coming down from a nasty chest cold, I don’t feel very bad about it minus the mental benefits I am missing dearly.

Monday: Doctor appointment for my oldest. Sadly, she takes after me TOO much, and has developed bad headaches/migraines. She of course thinks she is going to die, because when you are 16 everything is dramatic, and breathing is even hard. Needless to say keeping the drama at bay and my nerves somewhat calm has been a challenge. (Note, she was fine ALL week during spring break and today not an hour after school starts I get an “I’m dying” text. Lord help me.)

Tuesday: A day in the city. We took the train down to Chicago with plans to visit the Shedd aquarium but decided to not waste 2 hours of our day in line. Instead we went to lunch, visited The Art Institute, saw our neighbor’s son who goes to school in the city, and finished the day off with a nice dinner.

Wednesday: Lazy day on the couch. We played games, watched movies and just relaxed. It was glorious.

Thursday: Trip to my work and the movies. Since it was my 2 year anniversary at my job, and my kids had never met my coworkers I decided to stop by with my kids and picked up some yummy bakery bread for everyone. After which we headed to see the Batman vs. Superman movie. Despite terrible reviews, we actually enjoyed the movie for the most part.

Friday: Consignment shopping Part 1. My oldest was doing some studying with her friend, so I took my youngest and we headed out to our favorite consignment shops. We both scored a few really cute things, and for a fraction of what we would have paid in the actual stores. I also went through all of my youngest daughter’s clothes and packed up what didn’t fit her anymore. Yes, this pile of clothes is how I entertained myself Friday night. Don’t judge, LOL.

Saturday: Consignment shopping Part 2. Since my oldest was busy the day prior, we took her shopping to Plato’s closet to pick up some Spring/Summer clothes. All while battling the Spring blizzardy sunshiny windy crazy weather, LOL. I then cleaned out my entire closet (minus the shoes) and organized thusly. Ah…how I’ve missed my OCD, LOL. These projects keep my mind busy at least, so that’s a win, right? We also have 4 bags of clothes that we’ve purged, so double win!

Sunday: Crockpot cooking and second lazy day. I woke up fairly early, and made my favorite Chicken soup. The rest of the day was spent mainly on the couch, with a little vacuuming and dusting added in, LOL.

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia again, and hope you head over and support these amazing woman and all the awesome women that participate!

How was your week? Are you able to take time off work during spring break? Did you go anywhere new/fun?

Cheers! Have a great week!

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

Week 3…breakdowns and new beginnings

March 29, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Ok, so I won’t lie. After Tuesday’s post about my light bulb moment describing how I was going to tackle this deployment, my what was a little cough turned in to a full blown chest cold. The 4 miler I did on Tuesday also did me in, and I knew I couldn’t run for at least a few days. Add on a HUGE blow out with my teenager, moments of sitting curled up on my floor in a corner crying as I group texted my Mom and sister hoping they’d save me, and trying to figure out HOW I could save Easter even though I was working all day Saturday and Sunday…and yeah. This girl took a few steps back to say the least.

Me, on weekend duty at the lab. Don’t I look all official, and TIRED? LOL

We decided coloring eggs must happen, and of course last minute Saturday night!

I didn’t work out other than light arm weights a couple times last week after Tuesday. And since my week now starts on a Monday I’ll wrap this up with the weekly wrap with Holly and Tricia.

WeeklyWrap

So if you read last week’s post, you read that I was going to start celebrating firsts. My last week of firsts goes a little like this…

I took my daughter’s window shopping for the first time in ages. As in, we aren’t buying anything we don’t NEED and are just going to enjoy each other’s company while having fun looking at fun and pretty things.

Hats, all the hats, always!

Because Tiera’s always make us smile

We spent Easter at our neighbors house for the first time, and I felt so blessed they welcomed us over after I got home from work.

We went to the city today. By ourselves. Ok, this was a second time solo for us, but still, lol! And we ate at two new restaurants (Flat top grill for a quick light lunch, and Osterio Via Stato for dinner), and visited the Art Institute of Chicago for the first time even though we’ve lived here for almost 5 years.

For the first time in a few weeks, I finally felt like cooking. Wasn’t fancy, but yummy!

week3food — polish sausage, sweet potato yumminess!

And for the first time but not the last time, I cried and screamed saying I couldn’t do this, and patted myself on the back saying YES I CAN! lol! Welcome to my rollercoaster!

This coming week I hope to get back on a workout schedule despite my cough, and continue to move forward with building a routine.

We’re now 3/52 weeks down in this deployment….23 weeks to our halfway point!!!!

How was your week? How do/did you celebrate Easter?

Cheers!

Michelle

Tuesday Firsts, Uncategorized

Marathons and Deployments and how I tackle both with a similar strategy!

March 22, 2016March 23, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

I had posted to my FB just last night that I was excited that tomorrow (today) marked week 2 of 52. I have found that counting down by DAYS is far too mentally challenging in regards to my husband’s homecoming. I mean, really, seeing 300+ days on my countdown app is quite disheartening to say the least. A friend of mine, and fellow blogger Hanna over at The Millennial next door pointed out that 52/2 is 26. And we all know that 26 (.2) miles is the marathon distance. And suddenly the light bulb went on. Light bulb!!!

I have always prided myself in regards to distance running. I am by far NOT a fast runner. BUT…I can sure run far. My mental strength has always gotten me through, in all aspects of life, really… Last year’s full marathon was a mental feat of strength in and of itself, and I will forever boast about how proud I am of my sister for not quitting. We were out on that road, in the cold, in the rain, in the drizzly fog that felt like little ice pellets poking us in the eyes by the 6^th hour. But. We finished. We are some pretty tough chickadees.

So what does all this have to do with my husband’s deployment? Well, I am going to break up the time into chunks, just like I do the distances of my long runs/races. I count back as well as celebrate the time already completed. For example, if I have to run 12 miles, I break it down to running 6 miles, twice….but once I get to the half way point of 6 miles, I then count down…5 miles to go, 7 miles in the books, and so on and so forth. It sounds like a lot of math and we all know runners brain isn’t the sharpest, but it keeps me focused and it keeps me feeling strong. It has worked for me, nearly every single race. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to a bad training run or race. We’re only human right!

So my friends, every Tuesday we will have our deployment marathon countdown, filled with at least ONE first that occurred during that week. I encourage you to post a “first” each week to the comments as well! Challenge yourself to try new things, listen to new music, read a new book, cook a new recipe! The options are limitless!

This week, we mailed our first care package to my husband (yesterday) and today I mailed him his first 5 lb. back of Atomic fireball candy, LOL. I also challenged myself by taking the first steps in obtaining my professional license in Florida. One can never be too prepared, right?

10401263_10153892735540781_7675556968745240390_n — First package, MAILED!

We have survived 2 weeks of him being gone, 24 weeks until our halfway mark with 48 weeks to go. I will admit, that nearly every single day so far has been a roller coaster. I sometimes start off rough, and even out as the day goes along. My routine is fairly set, but sometimes little things that normally wouldn’t push my buttons nearly send me through the roof. So tonight when I was contacted by Cascia from Healthy Mom’s magazine that I was listed in the top 100 running blogs, it was just the boost I needed to get out the door running tonight. You can find the list HERE, please go check out these amazing blogs for more inspiration!!!

12095046_1121301677912956_6017511235057450050_o — Tonight’s run-ingested several bugs, had to stop and cough up lung cookies several times, and my legs felt like bricks the first 3 miles. BUT. I ran. Did you?

SO who’s with me in regards to a new “First” every week? How do you tackle long distance challenges-both in life and in running?

Thanks everyone, you’ve all been amazing through this difficult time!!!

❤

Michelle

weekly wrap up

Weekly wrap up, 2 weeks down with an easy recipe!

March 20, 2016March 20, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Today I am linking up with Holly and Tricia, and I am thankful I keep doing these posts because it keeps me from completely “holing myself up” as my sister (and I) always say. Because those that know me well, know I tend to go into Super Woman mode when faced with challenges, thinking I can do it all, when really, no matter how strong I think I am-I need help. Lots of it. ❤

WeeklyWrap

I started out the week strong, managing 2 workouts. And then my mini got sick, and then she decided to share her nasty chest cold/cough with me…so our weekend was a bust, only getting out to run mandatory errands yesterday morning. We got supplies to send my hubby an Easter box, went grocery shopping and gassed up my Jeep. The rest of the weekend we were watching movies and relaxing for the most part. I watched “High Fidelity, Silver Linings playbook, and Brooklyn” this weekend. Friday night and Saturday nights were hard…I was missing my hubby quite a lot, especially because I felt like crap, but more so because the quiet of the house once the kids go to bed is especially lonely. Thankfully I channeled my energy and got all of my laundry done, and my floors swiffered LOL. I have issues.

3-20.3 — still smiling, despite not feeling well!

I did make this yummy AND easy crockpot chicken parmesan recipe:

3-20.4chicken.png

1 jar of your favorite sauce. 5 mushrooms sliced. Put both in your crockpot. 6 chicken thighs seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Brown chicken on both sides. Add them into your crockpot. Top with Parmesan cheese and basil and cook for 2 hours on high.

How was your week/weekend? Do you love your crockpot as much as I do? Tell me something good!

❤ 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

Uncategorized

The empty seat

March 16, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

My very first guest post, on Rough and Rede II Please make sure to check out his awesome blog.

Rough and Rede II

dragoos Brian and Michelle Dragoo on their last date in Chicago before his deployment earlier this month.

Editor’s note: In the online world where friends and strangers occupy the same space, it’s gratifying to have something you write recognized with a comment or a simple “like.” I noticed a while ago that a fellow blogger in the Midwest was kind enough to like a few of my posts. I read some of her posts as well, including one where she mentioned preparing for her husband’s deployment.

Knowing what we went through as parents when our youngest son spent a year in Afghanistan, I asked her to contribute a guest blog post. She readily accepted. I don’t know that I will ever meet Michelle Dragoo in person, but it’s nice to come across decent people like her in other parts of the country.

By Michelle Dragoo

Often people ask me what it’s…

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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

Fun Surverys

The ABC’s of me!

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

I saw this idea on my friend Jamie’s blog, and thought what a fun prompt to keep writing. So here goes!

A – Age: 43

B – Breakfast Today: Um, I skipped. I did however sample a piece of the Crème Brulee cake I brought in to work

C – Current Time: 1630 hrs

D – Drink You Had Last: Water!

E – Exercise of Choice: Running and weights. My two favs!!

F – Favorite Song: I can’t really say. If I were to pick ONE, it would be the classic “Way you look tonight” by Frank Sinatra. It’s my wedding song, and the song I sang to both my kids when they were young before they went to sleep.

G – Grossest Memory: My youngest daughter throwing up ALL over me. And me, in turn, throwing up for hours afterwards. EWWWWWWWWWWW

H – Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota

The Lift Bridge on Lake Superior, Duluth MN

I – In Love With: My hubby, always…

J – Jealous Of: People who get to 1. Do a job that they love or 2. Work from home or 3. Don’t have to work at all!

K – Kids: Two girls, 16 and 9.

Aren't they just pretty?!? <3 Pic from our summer vacation last year. — Aren’t they just pretty?!?

L – Longest Friendship: Hard to say…I’ve got lots of life long friends thankfully!

M – Middle Name: Rae. I was supposed to be a boy with the middle name of Robert (and first name Michael) but came out a girl so my parents went with Michelle Rae.

N – Number of Siblings: One amazing sister who always knows when I need her, even when I don’t ask for help.

My sister and I at the finish line of the 2012 Chicago Marathon

O – Occupation: Lab (Pathology) Supervisor

P – Pet Peeve: Dishonesty, being late, loud chewing

Q – Question You’re Always Asked: Did you fly planes when you were in the Air Force? NO. We aren’t all that lucky. I worked in the lab for 20 years (and still do full time), far from exciting as flying a plane. lol

R – Reason to Smile: My family, my friends, my coworkers…Oh and the biggest reason-I woke up this morning!

S – Snack You Ate Last: Kettle cooked chips. Don’t judge, it’s cheat ~~week~~ day.

T – Time You Woke Up: 5:50 a.m.

U – Underwear Color: Blue

V – Vacation Destination: Anywhere with a beach! Hope for this to be my home in the next few years!

W – Workout Today: Trying a new workout by Tony Horton and hopefully a quick run before my daughter’s dance class later tonight.

X – X-Rays You’ve Had: Head, chest, the routine ones…

Y – Your Favorite Food: Seafood, I could eat it daily but my kids get tired of it. “Fish again!?!?!?” LOL

Chilean Sea bass, MasterChef audition dish from season 5 tryouts

Z – Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Play along!

What’s your sign? What is your middle name? Last thing you ate? Dream job?

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

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