Movin' it with Michelle

Birthday weekend wrap-up!

January 18, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

Since this wrap up is focused on my birthday weekend, I wanted to start this post out in the most positive of lights. I took Friday off from work, because, well, I needed a day off to rest and regroup. I don’t take enough time off, and soon I will be on full time work AND single Mom duty. These jobs aren’t for the faint of heart, so I am doing what I can to take care of ME before I run out of gas.

We started the weekend out by going out for lunch to one of our favorite casual places, California Pizza Kitchen. We followed that up with errands to Costco, getting my Jeep’s oil change and the tires rotated, and picking up dog food for Sammy. Yup, I lifted that. LOL!

Aren't they pretty? — Aren’t they pretty?

hehe, feelin' strong! — hehe, feelin’ strong!

Friday afternoon, I downloaded the Tracy Anderson workout series on our XBOX and it totally kicked our butts. I took the rest of the weekend off from working out, but look forward to continuing with the series.

Friday night was just spent cleaning, and putting together my youngest daughter’s American Girl doll high chair that I got her for Christmas, but forgot I got for her, so it ended up being a late present, LOL! My brain is obviously in a million places.

Saturday was more cleaning, and more errands and even better, a GREAT surprise from my tribe! They showed up at my door, 5 of my amazing friends AND my sister with flowers, food, wine AND cake. I was beaming with happiness. My husband even arrived home at around 7:30 to help celebrate despite being exhausted. It felt so wonderful to be remembered. I love my tribe.

My birthday was a quiet day starting out with breakfast in bed made by my daughters, and I almost canceled my massage appointment with temps below 0 degrees, and a windchill in the minus teens.

Breakfast is always best when cooked by your daughters!

I am so glad I decided to go, because my back that is full of more knots than my youngest daughter’s hair, was so relaxed afterwards. I spent the rest of the day with my daughters, relaxing in our jammies on the couch. The only thing missing was my hubby. Here goes the not so positive part of this post… He got home from training really late, and all he could do was hug me tight, apologizing for missing the majority of my birthday. I responded by burying myself in to his chest, and quietly sobbed trying to hold myself together. This was one of those moments where I question myself, and my ability to do all the hard things. Because at that very moment all I wanted to do was curl up in to a little ball and cry for hours.

But then I am reminded, by my parents, sister, and friends that they are here for me always. They SHOW me they are here for me, and I just can’t even describe how blessed that makes me feel.

My husband deploying (for the second time) is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and trust me, I’ve been through a lot of hard things. In 6 weeks I’ll have to say my goodbyes to the man I call my very best friend. The one I laugh with, cry with, act goofy with, and spend my life with, and for a year I will be without all of those things I love most about him.

But I’ve got my tribe. More so, they’ve got me/my back. And I need to remember that fact, always.

So here’s to the age of 43, and 2016. May this year go by smoothly, and quickly. ❤ I apologize for my lack of posting, but I am really trying to step back this year and focus on my family. For they are what matters most. I hope to continue to post at least weekly, but time will tell. Thanks to all of those who’ve joined me on my #keepmovinforward journey.

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia again, for the Weekly wrap up!

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you prefer quiet parties at home, or would you rather go out?

Cheers!

Michelle

Deployment thoughts, Recipes, Uncategorized

I can do hard things.

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

This morning started out a little rocky. I woke up from a terrible nightmare as my husband reached to kiss me goodbye this morning WAY before the birds (or anyone else for that matter) were awake. I laid in bed, practicing my deep calm breaths as my heart raced a million miles per hour. Would he be ok over this next year? Will the Nanny’s first day go well? How can I help my 16 year old cope with, well, being 16? Ugh…

Several deep breaths later, I was up and getting ready for work. The Nanny arrived promptly on time, and everything went quite well for our discombobulated first morning. She texted me as soon as my little got on the bus, and I sighed a HUGE sigh of relief. I had a busy day at work, but was in awe of how many times I smiled, and was reminded of how far I’ve come in life. It really is true. You control your mood, no one else. #learninglessonseveryday

I drove home from work in a crazy snow storm, picked up my little from after school care, and we headed to Home Depot. See, our front light went out, we were out of sidewalk salt, and my daughter’s bathroom toilet lid broke right off. Guess since it was the original one from 1989, it was time to replace it. These are ALL things my husband normally takes care of. Although he isn’t handy, he does do all the hard things that I haven’t had to do in over a decade usually. Yet it’s time I figure out how to be on my own again, and do all the hard things.

As I lifted the huge bag of salt from my Jeep, I reminded myself that I CAN and WILL do this and be stronger for it.

My mini and I cooked our version of Jambalaya for dinner in preparation for an evening of shoveling out above said snow, and here’s a quick recipe.

Jambalaya Ingredients

4 links of pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into coin shapes

1 cup of precooked shrimp, chopped into small pieces

1 large can of crushed red tomatoes (use the spicy ones for added kick) with the juice

1 can of black beans, strained

2 stalks of celery, chopped

2 small white onions (or one large), diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Creole seasoning to taste, salt, pepper, and chives

Fresh chopped Parsley to garnish

In a deep sauté pan heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and sauté the garlic, onions and celery until slightly tender. Add in the tomatoes and beans, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add in the chicken sausage and shrimp until heated through, and serve over your favorite rice or quinoa. I used a brown rice quinoa blend that I cooked according to the package instructions. I even had a little help from my mini.

Not sure which sparkles more, her eyes, or this dress? ❤

As we cleaned up the table, I got a text from one of my newest neighbors. She told me her husband has a landscaping business, and plows in the winter. Would I like him to plow my driveway? I broke down crying, and thanked God for all he’s blessed me with through this deployment preparation. He came over to plow, and I thanked him profusely as the temps are dropping, and I now only had to shovel my sidewalk and salt.

Next it was time to fix that darn toilet seat. And who took the lead? Yup…my 16 year old. With a little help from Sammy…LOL!

“Mommy can I help? Or can I at least lick your face?”

Girl power! We did it!

My oldest asked if she could talk to me. I froze. What’s wrong? She confided in me that she’s been struggling with feeling happy, and I was catapulted back to 10th grade. I told her WE would get through this, and I would help her in any way I can to learn to find happiness even in the toughest of times. And I was just so darn touched and honored that SHE CAME TO ME. #allthetears

My hubby just got home from a very long day of training, so I think it’s time to wrap this post up. But here’s your reminder, that we can ALL do the hard things, if WE believe we can.

Do you have a handy spouse? What’s the hardest thing you’ve done lately?

Cheers! Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

I. Made. BACON. FOAM.

January 10, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

So it’s no surprise that I want to be a Chef one day. I want to own my own restaurant, and I want to create food that makes people close their eyes, look up to the sky, and SMILE. I’m not in it for fame, or fortune. I simply want to make people feel good through the passion I put in to my food.

Over the years I’ve studied my craft, and am always trying to learn new techniques. We’ve sous vide steak twice, and salmon once and LOVED how tender and moist the meat turns out.

Tonight’s Sunday supper was a surf and turf (I’ll describe the turf in a second) theme, with a Rib eye that I seasoned with salt, pepper, and BACON salt and I sous vide cooked it for 55 minutes, and then pan seared it to add color.

I also made a sweet potato stack, seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and parmesan cheese. Peel and cut the sweet potato in to 1/2 inch disks, toss with the above seasonings, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

My ‘turf’ was a shrimp salad with toasted walnuts, sweet pomegranates, peppery radishes and a watercress vinaigrette.

For the vinaigrette, blanch 2 bunches of watercress in boiling water for 5 minutes, and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Transfer to a food processor, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Puree, strain, and chill before serving.

And last, but surely not least, the BACON FOAM!!!!

Simmer 2 cups of milk, and sauté 3 strips of bacon. Add the bacon to the milk and let simmer for 20 minutes.

simmer for 20 minutes

strain off bacon/grease

Then….well I made FOAM!!

I got this super cool present for Christmas.

resizesearch

Ladies and gentlemen, dinner, is served!

salad — I topped the sweet potato stack, with the bacon foam, and it was SOOO GOOD!!

And that my friends, is a wrap. What’s your favorite dish? Do you like to step outside the box and try new things?

Enjoy!

❤ Michelle

Sunday Supper, Uncategorized

Sunday Supper recipe

January 10, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

It’s gotten too cold outside for me to run the last couple days, so I decided to warm up with some cooking! Especially after having to shovel snow when it’s a real feel of 5 degrees outside. Yup. FIVE. I will say, though, that I am in awe of my 16 year old who offered out of the blue to help me shovel? WHAT? I am still picking my jaw up off the groud. LOL!!

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First, we’ll start with meatballs and spinach fettuccini (you can use whatever noodle you prefer). While I don’t make the pasta myself, I do buy fresh made from my local grocery store. I also take a little help with the marinara sauce by letting it simmer and adding some fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic to give it a little more depth.

Meatballs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 lb. of ground pork and 1 lb. of lean ground beef

1 cup of Italian bread crumbs

1 cup of grated parmesan cheese (use fresh if possible)

1/4 cup of fresh chopped Italian parsley

pinch of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and Italian herb mix (Approximately 1 tablespoon each, to taste)

3 eggs

1/8 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients and roll in to small golf ball size balls and place on a sheet tray that has been lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Take a jar of GOOD marinara sauce (you know, the good stuff small markets make that don’t have all the added preservatives to it) and put into a wide, deep sauté pan. Turn on LOW, and let simmer. Add in fresh herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook on low for 20 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Cook your pasta according to package directions, and toss in your marinara sauce before serving!

Enjoy!!!!

What’s your favorite pasta dish? Today I am linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap up!!!

weekly-Wrapup

I hope everyone has a great week! Things are getting REAL around here, with my hubby’s deployment training starting full speed tomorrow lasting the next 21 days. Our Nanny starts tomorrow, and I pray it will be a smooth transition for us all!

❤ 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

Deployment thoughts

It’s a New Year…

January 5, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

As I talked about in my last post, I have always been a fan of New Years. This New Year’s started out with a killer migraine on NYE and as the day progressed, so did my headache. Thankfully I was able to cut out of work an hour early, and take a much needed nap with a Motrin cocktail in tow. We spent the evening with our dear friends who are also neighbors, and I am proud to say I stayed awake until after 1 a.m., LOL!

I woke up rather late on New Year’s day, and immediately felt a sinking sadness looming in my chest. I cried, most of the morning, and then decided I needed a nap because I was over tired and over emotional, and I cried myself to sleep. I am going to miss my husband, more than I can even say in words. (Sorry, broken record, I know…)

Thankfully, I woke up feeling much better. We spent the rest of the weekend cleaning, putting Christmas away, and cleaning some more. My house was immaculate, and I was at peace. We had an interview with a nanny on Sunday, and it went GREAT. She starts next Monday, and this is a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders. I still don’t know how I am going to #doallthethingsallbymyself but at least now one of those things is taken care of for me.

So now, as the days fly by and the countdown to my husband’s departure ticks by I am thoughtful in my goals for this next year. My goal to PR the marathon distance will be sidelined, and my cookbook put off for probably another year (although I will still catalog my recipes on the blog) and I will be focusing on staying positive for my kids, smiling/laughing every day, and doing things I love with the people I love.

What are you plans for the New Year? Do you make resolutions/goals? Have you ever had to deal with a long term separation from your spouse?

Here’s to a great 2016!

Cheers!

❤ Michelle

Deployment thoughts

My New Year’s Eve thoughts

December 31, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I have always loved New Years. I love the thought of having a clean slate, a new start, an open book to start the year off. In the last several years we’ve celebrated the New Year with our dear friends that live next door to us, and we will be doing the same, this year.

I don’t do resolutions, but more so set mini-goals for myself. Last year I wanted to de-clutter my life, both in material items as well as spiritually. I was tired of being weighed down, and I can honestly say in this last year while I haven’t purged as many material items as I’d like , I have definitely let go of some internal and external demons I’d hung on to for far too long. My second goal of running a sub-2 half marathon was ALMOST achieved, but I was 11 seconds too slow. LOL, I can only laugh at it now. I’ll get it, eventually.

This New Year’s is a little different, however. I finally admitted to myself, and my Mom last night via text, that I am dreading the New Year. I suppose because it’s a reminder that my husband leaves in just a couple months, and that next New Years he won’t be here with us physically. And I’ve never NOT celebrated the New year without him since we’ve been married. And that breaks my heart, just a little more.

I do have an interview for a Nanny on Sunday, and the bonus is that she does light housekeeping. I pray we like her, and that she likes us, because this would be a huge weight lifted off my shoulders despite the dent it’ll cause to my pocket book.

With that, I wish you all a very Happy New Year!!!! Do you have goals or resolutions? How do you celebrate?

Cheers! And remember, #keepmovinforward

Michelle

Uncategorized

Word Press 2015 annual report and 2 year anniversary!

December 30, 2015December 30, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

It’s been fun growing my blog this year. Here’s my stats!

And, it’s my 2 year anniversary on Word Press!! Even better!! It’s my 4th year blogging, and I am so happy I moved over to Word Press 2 years ago. A huge thanks to you all for sticking with me, and a big welcome to all the new faces! ❤

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 2 years ago! Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging! — Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!
You registered on WordPress.com 2 years ago! Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 19,000 times in 2015. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 7 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Deployment thoughts

My 2015 review

December 28, 2015December 30, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve thought a lot about this last year. I’ve truly changed, and for the better (in my opinion, and that is what counts, right?) if I may say so myself. I went through and purged my blog of negative posts in the beginning of the year, realizing what a drag I was for SUCH a long time.

So I thought what fun would it be to highlight my POSITIVE posts for my year in review?

This post is where I beam with pride for my husband taking his first command position in the Army. Now, as he prepares to deploy for a year I NEED to focus on this pride and not sadness.

And then there is this post, where I talk about my once hated birthday, and how I finally started to celebrate life and all the wonderful blessings I’ve been given.

As we hit the second month of the year, I found myself feeling sorry for myself as I caught my aging reflection in the mirror, and I spoke about the truth. And how important it is to BE TRUE to yourself and others always.

My world was barreled over and changed in the blink of an eye when on St. Patrick’s Day, my oldest daughter was in a life threatening car accident. This post was (and still is) my most viewed post since the beginning of my blog. (Thank goodness, she’s is A-OK and you’d never know the accident happened minus a couple scars).

What would a runner be, without thoughts about running the Boston Marathon? I share my thoughts, here.

Here, on the eve of my Grandma’s Marathon 20 mile (SOLO) training run, I found myself on the crazy train, and I tell you what, it nearly derailed, ROFL!!! note: I not only survived, but I ROCKED my last training run!

My current half marathon PR race can be found here, all full of tears and fun balled up in to a great big sweaty mess ROFL!!!! Throw in a recipe for short ribs, and you’ve got a winning post, right?! LOL

This pic, truly says it all. Thanks to Dave Sheble from the Fox Valley Marathon for capturing it!

My year in review wouldn’t be complete with out the recap of the race I trained nearly half the year for: The Grandma’s Marathon, in Duluth Minnesota. I ran/walked this race with my sister, and I can honestly say it was one of the toughest races I’ve ever ran. Guess what? It was also a life changing, relationship building and character testing event that I’ll never, ever, forget.

We headed to the beach in July, and I finally found where I believe home will be once the kids get a bit older. We started out in Marco Island, but got rained out! So my hubby saved the day, and the last 2 days we road tripped to Miami and I was instantly in love. You can see our adventures in my picture post recap, HERE.

One of my favorite Friday Five posts can be found here. I love it when you have an “Ah HA!” moment.

I ran my last official race in October, the Prairie State half marathon. Check it out here! It was all about fun, friends, and food that day and I had such a blast!

And then, the news came that my husband was deploying. Overseas. To an icky place. For a year. And some days, even now that I’ve had a couple months to digest the news, I find it very hard to even breathe. #sigh

So we made the most of our anniversary, knowing we’d be apart for our next. And just writing that sentence brings more tears to my eyes.

Lastly, one of my favorite weekends of the year, every year, is our annual Christmas Staycation in Chicago. This year we went all out, and it was AH. MA. ZING.

Us just before going in to the Lion King

As I said, I learned so very much about myself this last year. I hope and pray I have the continued strength to get through this next year on my own without my husband. My girls need me. My husband needs me to be strong for them. I need to be strong for ME.

How was your year? Did you meet all the goals you set for yourself?

Cheers to a great 2016!! Thanks to you all for following along and supporting my journey!

❤ Michelle

weekend wrap up

Long weekend wrap up/Sunday Supper

December 27, 2015December 27, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

This past weekend was a whirlwind of food, and family, plain and simple. We holed up in our little family nest and made memories to hang on to over this next year of separation. I’ll write this wrap up, mostly in photos, because I really want to go snuggle on the couch with my tribe. I also have a recipe to share, but we will get to that a bit later. ❤

First day of Winter run with my friends!

These ladies continue to love me, even when it’s not easy to do

Running friends can always make me smile

My girls baked Christmas cookies since I had to work Christmas Eve

First course of Christmas Eve dinner was a baby arugula salad with shrimp dressed with a blood orange vinaigrette

Pan seared scallops with tri-colored potatoes

Priceless smile from my mini while opening gifts

Hubby got her a necklace to wear while he’s away…#allthetears

Check out my pup, praying Daddy drops that bone on the floor!! LOL

Someone takes her bowling very seriously, LOL

Smoothies to start my week out right tomorrow!

Homemade beef stock with the bones from our prime rib. It is currently simmering on my stove, and it smells AMAZING in here.

I used my new mortar and pestle to add ginger, garlic and pink peppercorns to my dipping sauce. YUM!!

I lined my steamer with bok choy leaves vs. using oil

I adapted my recipe from HERE, omitting the jicama, and using 1/2 lb. of ground pork and 1/2 lb. of beef along with 1 cup of finely chopped cooked shrimp. I served with my yummy Asian dipping sauce but you can serve with the suggested plain soy sauce or chili paste. Serve with your favorite rice/rice noodle and veggie for a complete meal! Enjoy!!

This weekend I am linking up with Holly and Tricia again for the Weekly wrap up!

How was your week? Get anything exciting for Christmas?

weekly-Wrapup

❤ Michelle

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