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!
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.
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.
My hero…
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.
All. The. Beers!
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!
Happy Finishers
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.
Can you tell I like him just a little?
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!
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 smileMany of my running friendsMy girls baked Christmas cookies since I had to work Christmas EveFirst course of Christmas Eve dinner was a baby arugula salad with shrimp dressed with a blood orange vinaigrettePan seared scallops with tri-colored potatoesChecking to see where Santa was locatedLetter to SantaPriceless smile from my mini while opening giftsHubby got her a necklace to wear while he’s away…#allthetearsPrepping Christmas DinnerBacon wrapped dates with goat cheese!I think he approves…Dinner is served!Check out my pup, praying Daddy drops that bone on the floor!! LOLBowling with our new Xbox!Someone takes her bowling very seriously, LOLHubby’s awesome form!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.My first attempt at Dim SumBamboo steamer that I got for ChristmasI 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 oilDinner is served!
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?
This year marks the 4th year we went to the city to celebrate early Christmas. In years past we’ve stayed at The Palmer House, Knickerbocker, and The Drake and enjoyed each hotel immensely. This has become a family tradition that is cherished by our family. The Drake holds a special place in our hearts so this year we decided to go all out for the holidays, knowing next year we wouldn’t be together.
2 years ago-we stayed across the street at the Knickerbocker this year.last yearThis year, right before we went to The Lion King
I am normally a very frugal person and cringe at the thought of credit card debt. If I can’t pay cash for it, I don’t buy it. But this year I decided to let lose a little, and we spoiled the kids rotten with food, seeing The Lion King, and shopping till we dropped on the Mag mile. I even got a new bag. #winning I know my husband is trying to make up for next Christmas, and all the time he will be gone. But I gently reminded him that I’d trade every handbag and present for his safe return. #allthetears
Isn’t she pretty?
So there it is….we ate at Season’s 52, The fig and the olive, Quartino’s, mk, and The Purple Pig. The Chicago food scene is truly amazing. We even got to tour the kitchen and meet Erick Williams, the Executive Chef of mk. I can’t say enough about the amazing service, AND food. We will definitely be back, maybe for my birthday!!!!
Purple Pig menumk tasting menu w/wine pairings-YUMFig and Olive menuso much coolness right here.Brunch at Fig and OliveDesert at mk! Who’s droolin’?!Meat and cheese sampling at Purple Pig
The weekend flew by, but we made memories that will last a lifetime. I can honestly say that despite this being one of the toughest things we’ve been through, it has made us all that much stronger of a family unit. He leaves in just 2 months, and the time is flying by far too quickly. I pray his time away goes by just as fast.
Us just before going in to the Lion KingI may have secretly snapped this shot. HEHE!Because we still believe in SantaThe reason I smile…Our car was stuffed to the ceiling with bags, but the memories are what I will hold dear to my heart.
Do you have any family traditions at Christmas time? When you travel do you enjoy trying out new restaurants?
This week I am linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap up!
Not a lot makes sense lately. So while grasping for straws trying to hold on to some semblance of normalcy I give you the last two days of truth in pics.
My baby girl isn’t a baby anymore. We’ve been practicing her driving in hopes she’ll get her license before my hubby leaves.
My amazing friend Jitka who invited me out for a run tonight. Because running at night is fun with friends.
Seven minute plank-whaaaaaa? Yeah. My goal for 2016 is to keep. Getting. Stronger.
And that my friends. Is a wrap. With my husband’s deployment getting moved up constantly, hanging on to little truths is all I can do!
I’ve read several posts about Christmas wish lists, and it got me thinking…
What do I want for Christmas? I really couldn’t come up with anything. If I want or need something, I stop at the store and buy said item. Like last week while I was out Christmas shopping, for example. I needed new mittens so I can actually run outside this during the winter months. So I picked up these bad boys which I am told by my runner friends are AH. MA. ZINGGGG for keeping your hands warm.
photo from Amazon, but I got mine at my local running store
So what could I possibly ask for, for Christmas?
And then it hit me like a ton of bricks as I was watching T.V. A commercial came on, and it showed a Dad taking his son to see Santa, and then unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. A toy truck zoomed across the floor and to the front door, where his Mom, a service member, stood in the doorway. She was returning home from her deployment and wrapped her arms around her family. I can’t even type it, without getting choked up.
I’ve been part of a homecoming like that, once. And soon, I’ll have to say “Farewell” to my husband for a very long time. Next Christmas, he won’t be with us. And just typing those words makes my heart ache even more.
My hubby and J, the night before he left for Afghanistan in 2003.
So for Christmas, my wish is for his safety and for the safety of his troops. Please, God. Bring them home safely. Please.
The second happiest day of my life. ❤
Times like these, really puts my life in to perspective. There isn’t anything I could truly ask for this year, other than his safe return home.
What is on your wish list this year? Are you able to spend the holidays with your loved ones?
The laboratory supervisors got our schedule for next year, which includes our weekend rotations of regular holidays and weekends. It showed me on Christmas PM shift, in 2019. And that made me stop and think…where will I be in 2019?
I don’t plan to be here in the Chicagoland area. As much as I love the city, the taxes kill us, and I am ready for a less stressful life filled with downsizing and beaches. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is on our radar, but who knows, right?
But let’s talk today…shall we?
Today I realized that even after 24 years of doing my job, I still can kick butt as a bench technician rockin’ out the work like a mad woman.
Today I realized that my little girl, isn’t so little anymore as she asked me, “Mommy, when will I get under arm hair?” Ack. #notready
Today despite another sleepless night, I realized I am stronger than I think as I rocked out my 5k/5 minute plank after a crazy day at work. (see above)
Today I realized that it’s only December 9th, and I’m ahead of the game with package wrapping. Does anyone else feel like it’s double Christmas when 99.9% of your shopping is done online? I love opening all the packages, LOL!!!
Anyone else LOVE Amazon Prime? My anxiety just can’t take the crowds this time of year!
Today I realized that while wrapping, and shopping on said Amazon Prime, that I had left over Cooper’s Hawk wine that my sister brought over for Thanksgiving!! What is leftover wine you ask? I can hardly answer that question, ROFL!!!!
Today I was reminded of how much my Dad loves me. I received this gift of two handmade ornaments and a hand carved rolling pin. All. The. Tears. We don’t see each other very often, but the love is so evident. I even got to talk to him on the phone tonight, thanking him graciously for such a heartfelt gift.
Today I spoiled myself with a beautiful gown that I will wear next weekend when we are in Chicago. I most certainly will feel like a princess. Wouldn’t you?
And lastly, today, I was reminded by my husband that although he is gone a lot, he thinks of us all the time and loves us very much. And that my friends, is a wrap.
How was your day today? Do you ever wonder where you will be in a few years?
I’ve been sitting here for 5 minutes now, starting at the title of this post struggling to come up with something witty or catchy that will spark my readers attention.
But I’m drawing a blank.
I’ve read the last several of my posts. Man I sound like a broken record? Yikes…
My hubby is gone this week, so its my first week of figuring it all out on my own again. Although I’ve done this several times as he has always traveled a lot for work and/or the Army, this time feels a little different. I am doing my best to get us into a routine, so that when he leaves early spring, we will be at least physically prepared. The mornings can be a mad rush, so laying clothes out the night before, preparing snacks/lunches, signing homework folders and checking off reading logs all get done the night prior.
This is SO me, except my kids are 9 and 16 LOL
Today I finally decided no more excuses, my sinus crap was gone and it’s time to get back to working out at least 3 times per week. Last night I planked, and today did an interval workout on my treadmill followed by a 4 minute plank. I think I might have even smiled afterwards as I looked in the mirror at my beet red face. I was smiling, WHA?!? No way!
I figure the stronger PHYSICALLY I feel, the better emotionally I will feel in the end, so my goal is to keep pushing, and get stronger. I’ve lost 6 of the 9 lbs. I gained with marathon training last year, and my hubby even commented that I look like I am slimming down! #winning all around.
Today, I didn’t cry. Despite work drama, home stressors, you name it, I held it together. #morewinning right? I know my family is worried about me getting through this, but I am not the woman I was even just a few years ago. I’ve grown, I like to think, in to a much stronger person. And I’ve got many of you to thank for that strength. You amazing support, kindness and friendships have truly added years to my life. ❤
There are some days, when I can honestly say everything hurts. The ache in my heart seems to permeate throughout the rest of my body, and I just don’t have much left. That’s my last week in a nut shell. And it sucked.
So here are a few things that made me smile over the weekend.
Pictured is the watch I spoke about in my previous post. It was an anniversary gift for my husband, and he truly loves it. My daughters have truly rallied around me (the 16 year old has her moments of course) and keep me smiling. This weekend was my friend Carolyn’s 40th birthday, and although I couldn’t make it to the city with the girls, I was able to meet for her surprise birthday dinner. YAY! I miss these ladies dearly, but the stressors in my life have taken front seat unfortunately. I also made a yummy roast for dinner tonight, with a sweet potato mash topped with parmesan cheese and chives. YUM. Oh and naps. Yup. I had my running clothes on today….but a nap seemed like a much better idea. See, sleep just doesn’t happen anymore so I take what I can get. #dontjudge
Check out my dress. I LOVE pretty clothes! #giddy This is one of the dresses my hubby picked out during our anniversary weekend.
This week my husband will be traveling for a leadership meeting for his deployment. It all got very real, very quick. Today he was called in for another emergency meeting, and it’s so very hard to digest the whole situation. I can’t obviously go into it, but let’s just say S#@! just got real.
Tonight, while was cooking dinner I looked over and watched him. He was sitting in his rocking chair, drinking a glass of wine and reading his favorite magazine, Wine Spectator. But he wasn’t reading. He was staring at our Christmas tree. I asked him, “Are you ok?” and he looked down and nodded. I went to him, hugging him tightly, and he choked back sobs. This big, strong man was crying. And everything hurt, a little more.
But this too, in time, shall pass…We WILL get through this. Thanks to you all for your amazing support and patience. My blog has obviously taken a turn, but it helps to get it all out there even if just once a week or so.
How was your weekend? Did you cook anything yummy? What makes you happy during tough times?
This past weekend was a much needed weekend filled with a few of my favorite things. Family, food, and wine. I couldn’t honestly have asked for a better 4 days off. I didn’t run a single mile last week, and I am totally cool with that. My priorities have shifted greatly, and with this shift I have learned so much about myself, and the realness of the relationships I hold dear to my heart.
So. Thanksgiving went down a little like this. Wednesday night we spent the evening decorating the house and getting everything ready for Thanksgiving day. We even were welcomed over at our good friend’s house next door for a few cocktails. #Winning.
I woke up super early, and prepped the turkey. Yup. That’s bacon you see…it makes everything better, right?!? I swear this was the best turkey I’ve made yet, and I’ve been roasting turkeys for years.
Before…AFTER!!The entire spread!These breasts were as big as the platter itself!
DELISH. My sister loved the turkey so much it just made me smile. THAT is why I love cooking so much: Seeing the joy my food brings to others is priceless. Plus I loved having my sister’s family over for the day to help eat all the yummy food! That’s the best part! I truly love Thanksgiving and the meaning of the day. ❤
Black Friday was a quiet day filled with housework and movie watching. This was our actual anniversary, but we were celebrating Saturday. My hubby surprised me with an overnight stay at The Herrington Hotel, with dinner at our favorite restaurant located inside the hotel, Atwaters. We started the day by taking the kids and my niece who is also 16 years old to a local craft fair (I totally forgot to take any pics) which was a total blast. My neighbors were kind enough to keep a close eye on the house/kids, so we headed off to our mini getaway, just 15 minutes from our house.
We started out by having lunch at The Preservation Wine company, in Geneva. We’d never been there but had heard great reviews. Everything we heard was spot on, and our wine, food, and service was on point. We will definitely go back.
Meat and Cheese platesJust us!Italian wine makes me happy!
We headed out to the shops of 3rd street for some Christmas shopping and just good quality time with each other. I can’t remember the last time we were just “us” for more than an hour or so, and I could feel us recharging with every minute. My hubby spoiled me with some beautiful clothes from one of my favorite local shops (I LOVE shopping local. It’s always been important to me to support local businesses), of which I forgot to take pics of, LOL. I’ll save that for another post.
It was time to head to our hotel, so after checking in we were pleasantly surprised by a beautiful bottle of champagne. I gave my hubby the gift I had made for him, and he got a little choked up. I had a pocket watched engraved with “See you in my dreams,” which is what we said to each other in ever communication we had while he was deployed to Afghanistan. He’s going to set it to “home time” while he is away. #sobs
Champagne!View of the Fox River from our room
We got ready for dinner, and headed down to the lobby for a pre-dinner drink. We sorta clean up nicely I like to think…;-)
Can you tell I like him just a little?Old dress, but new memories 🙂
And then there was dinner…Words can’t even describe it, so here it is in pics…
a little “bite” compliments of the Chefbraised pork bellygrilled peach saladcrab cakesButternut squash soupDelmonico steakChilean Sea bass
As you can venture to guess, we were stuffed afterwards, but WOW, what an amazing meal. We each had a starter, soup/salad, and entrée and both shared dishes. AH. MA. ZING. We had reservations about going back, as our favorite Chef no longer works at this restaurant but I can honestly say we were pleasantly surprised that the staff and food hadn’t missed a beat.
It was an amazing weekend, one I won’t forget and I am truly thankful and blessed to be married to the love of my life. Despite struggle, tough times and bumps in the road we always end up back in each others arms, literally. People say, “Oh, you are so lucky.” But really, we just work our tails off to keep our marriage strong. Are we perfect? Heck no…but we do our best to focus on US even when times are tough. At the end of the day, we know we have each other.
How was your Thanksgiving? Do you cook, or go to family/friend’s homes?
Movin' it with Michelle 