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…)
He always makes me smile
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.
A big thumbs up for our new nanny!
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?
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?
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. ❤
