I read back to my goals for the year, as I am not one to make resolutions. The beginning of 2014 was pretty tough on me…I found out I was losing my job, and we were buried deep in sub zero temperatures for MONTHS it seemed. #Chiberia and I officially were NOT friends, and my miles and mood disintegrated at a very rapid rate.
BUT…spring came along, and I found a new job that I currently still am working at. YAY. I also PR’d my half marathon by a minute, at 2:01, trained for and ran my hubby’s first half marathon with him, as well as prepared for months for my Master Chef audition in Chicago.
Over all, it was a pretty good year. My mileage isn’t where I had hoped, but I did lose 5 of the 10 lbs I set out to lose so I am pleased with that fact. I also remained consistent with my blog, which was another big goal of mine.
Next year brings on new adventures of training for my 3rd full marathon, the Grandma’s Marathon that I will be running with my sister. I swore I’d never run another full…but yeah. We all know how that goes, right?
This past year I have been documenting my favorite recipes, and REALLY want my e-cook book to come to fruition this year…#fingerscrossed
For next year, I have a few personal goals that I want to keep up with that I’ll keep to myself for now, as well as over all I just want to keep movin’ forward. I lived in the past for too many years. I hope to continue to see my sister more often, as well as have ALL. THE. FUN. running another marathon with her on June 20th, 2015.
Lastly, I’ll share a couple of my favorite photos from last year!
Last year winter running buddyNaperville Half, Nov’14MasterChef audition, meeting Kira!Fox Valley Marathon sistersFAMILY ❤Hubby’s first half ❤
First off, as a caveat to my last post, I had it on my heart to post about something near and dear to me.
Support.
I don’t mean in just tough times, because I’ve found that for many it is almost easier to be there for someone when the times are tough and the dark lined cloud of gloom is looming over your head for what seems like eternity…You know those times…Right?
Yup…we all do.
But what I’ve found is how hard it can be to support others in CELEBRATING their triumphs when you yourself have the impeding cloud of doom following you. Jealousy can set in, and being able to be happy for other’s success is well…hard to do sometimes.
I caught myself recently fighting the demon of jealousy to the death as I was SO tired of feeling that way. Someone else will always have more money, be taller, be smarter, have a more glamourous car/home, be able to take vacations, you name it!
No more!
SO. freaking’. WHAT I say to you, dark demon of jealousy that causes the impeding cloud of doom to follow me. BE GONE I say. BE GONE.
I have a pretty darn good life. Despite debt and student loans I’ll be paying until I die, the rest of my life is pretty amazing.
So in the future, my goal with movin’ forward is to celebrate my friends and family member’s joy, and let that nasty cloud rain on someone else’s parade!
Secondly, I’ll be doing my AB challenge again to start the new year off and build a strong core/support for my body as full blown marathon training starts mid February!
Today as I laid on the couch watching football, and soaking my thumb in warm water to get the blood clotting bandage to dissolve, I found myself feeling…sad.
Meet my nurse maid and moocher, Sammy LOL
It’s Sunday…as most of you know, we have a Sunday supper tradition we started earlier in the year where I prepare a “fancier” dish to celebrate my awesome family each week and all that we accomplished in the past week.
But I still can’t cook.
And I can’t run.
Two of my favorite things to do to release stress…Someone I thought was a running friend said, “You don’t need your thumb to run.” And I had to re-read that comment several times while choking back the tears. If they knew the severity of my cut I hope they’d never say such a mean thing…I mean, really? What happens when you run? YOUR BLOOD STARTS PUMPING! Right? I have a freakin’ open wound on my thumb that could burst at any time. Sorry…I DO need my thumb healthy in order to run. So to this person, I say…thanks Capt. D-Bag.
Our supper included take out from one of our favorite local Thai places. This made me feel slightly better. Spicy seafood over noodles. Yes please…
Courtesy of Thai Town!
And now, with my bandage changed, and still slightly handicapped I am found a bit lost in my thoughts. Thankful for the amazing support from my family and friends, slight put off by people who didn’t bother to even ask how I am, and ultimately blessed at the end of the day.
Wound, post injury post 3 days
This injury may set me back…but it won’t stop me. And I will forever remember those who helped me during my dark times, vs. those who celebrate my sorrows.
Here’s to a new week. I plan on walking this week despite working the next 5 days. I have some steam to burn off. What are your plans this week?
*Pardon any typos…I am fat fingering while typing.
So our Christmas morning started out like most. Presents, laughter and breakfast all while snuggled in our Jammies. I loved seeing my kids faces so happy with joy as they unwrapped the gifts that were neatly wrapped under the tree.
My hubby got me a Mandolin, the fancy Chefs version and I was giddy. I just had to give it a try with a freshly washed potato. It kept slipping off the safety guard so I thought, meh, I can do this.
And yeah. I’m an idiot.
I took a huge slice off of my thumb and a swift trip to the ER was in order.
Lots of tears of disappointment were shed and yeah…looks like I won’t be cooking for a while. The fact I am one finger typing this is a miracle.
My hubby saved the day as always preparing dinner and I got the best get well soon card from my daughter.
Lessons learned over the last 24 hours include:
1. I have the best family and friends. I received countless texts and facebook messages wishing me well.
2. The people who truly care for you will be there in the darkest of times. I was so upset, and in pain, but can’t even describe how thankful I am to have such amazing people in my life.
3. Christmas Day doesn’t always go as planned. But in the chaos there is a certain peace that comes with the constants we have in our lives.
4. Taking a shower and getting ready with one hand is. Hard. Thanks to my
Hubby for helping me shave my left arm pit. Lol. Yeah. He’s that amazing.
At the end of the day despite my bruised pride I am counting my blessings.
Despite being side lined from running for a few days I am truly looking forward to 2015 with new challenges and blessings.
How about you? How was your holidays?
💗 Michelle
I have been reading several posts on “unplugging” more in the upcoming new year. This has something that I have been thinking about for quite some time. I started paying attention to how much time I WASTE ensuring I see everyone’s posts on Facebook, twitter, etc. HOURS sometimes each night are spent pouring myself over newsfeeds and tweets, tumblrs and IGs. Ugh…really?
And for what?
Sure it’s fun to keep up with my friends and family who live all over the world. It’s great to be able to see baby pictures and accomplishments. I really enjoy seeing race photos and family updates.
But wouldn’t it be better if I got a phone call or a text, telling all this very same information PERSONALLY to me? If they really wanted me to know what’s going on in their life, wouldn’t they reach out to me vs. having to blast it on social media? And vice versa as well…Couldn’t I just shoot a text out, or make a phone call to my loved ones vs. posting on FB?
Maybe…
But life gets busy, I understand that all too well. It’s hard to keep in touch, it’s hard to fit in a phone/text conversation when our lives are…so busy? Are we really that busy? If we have enough time to sit on social media for a length of time, couldn’t we use that time differently to communication with one friend, family member or loved once twice each week? It’s a catch 22 of sorts, for sure…
So my goal, moving forward is to do two things…this is a two things Tuesday post, right?
1. Unplug more from social media. I will do this by not checking fb AT ALL during the day on my breaks/lunch etc. I will keep my IG account, because I love photography, but the same thing goes. I will only check it after my youngest daughter goes to bed. Both my kids deserve more attention. I will also make an effort to make at least one phone call each week, to catch up with a loved one. I do realize text conversations would better for some, so that works too. Dust off your ear pieces and thumbs my friends. 🙂
2. Continue putting more efforts into my blog/writing of my cookbook venture. I really am proud that I actually stuck with it for the better part of 2014, so I truly hope 2015 rolls in with continued successful efforts.
I hope with my proposed plan of unplugging somewhat will form a habit that lasts a lifetime. Realizing we all have choices, I do know that social media CAN be a blessing so I won’t unplug completely. I will however start living more of MY life, vs. scrolling newsfeeds about OTHER’S lives. No offense, gang. ❤
I wrote my last post, pretty down in the dumps, wishing the Christmas fairies would sprinkle their dust on me. I was being a bah hum bug, and truly was getting on my own nerves. But last month, after some shifting of funds, saving money, and using the hubbies travel points we were able to schedule our 3rd annual family trip to Chicago during the Christmas season. The kids had no clue…they kept asking, “Aren’t we going to Chicago this year for Christmas?” to which we would just smile, and say, “Maybe not this year…”
For the last couple years we haven’t traveled past a state or two, having gone to Michigan last summer for 4 days, and Chicago a handful of times. We don’t spend money on fancy hair cuts, and have cut out all luxuries to include massages, nails, cable, and eating out at “regular” restaurants for the most part. I cook at home more times than not. We are truly frugal, shopping consignment for clothes, and EBay for many gifts. BUT…we don’t cut out good food, or nice places to stay when it comes to our family. We simply believe it’s important to teach our kids to be frugal, but also appreciate the good things in life.
So to get a deal of half off at The Drake Hotel, and be able to use points was a win/win for our family. Our kids have always begged to stay there, but as most know, a one night stay can cost a pretty penny. Saturday night we advised the girls to get to bed early, and pack an overnight bag. They were GIDDY. “Where are we going?” We just smiled. Pulling up to the Drake was priceless, as the girls just were beside themselves with joy. And THERE…was my Christmas spirit. I finally found it…in my children’s laughter. YAY.
So here are some pics from our 24 hour trip to the city we’ve grown to love. Chicago. Despite the gray, overcast, and dreary weather, I found myself coming alive this weekend. And all due to my family’s joy of being there, with, me. We enjoyed good food, shopping, and some much needed down time. Oh…and we walked 5.1 miles just on Sunday! Win again!
Beef shank for dinner at Quarntino!Say Cheese! At Eataly!The city looked AMAZING this weekend.My people. The mirror to my soul.Fondue from Quarntino YUM even though I don’t do cheese often.Yes, this is Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s initials carved in on their wedding night. SO COOLRoasted Octopus from Quarntino. More winning.Our tradition to buy an ornament each year in Chicago left us with THIS. Love.yes, I got the 15 year old to sit on Santa’s lap…More winning.Sisters…my heart!And here is where I found my spirit…in these two little people’s eyes…joy.Eggs benedict from Bar Toma. DELISH.True love…TRUE love.Zappoli’s from Quartinos…have you been there? You MUST GO!
Sooooo…at the end of the day, besides being tired, I find myself full of Christmas spirit finally. We were able to spoil our kids at the mall due to being TRULY frugal all year, and seeing their faces made my heart melt.
And yes…there was mad jumping on the huge bed in our hotel room, just to add to the fun. My kids were LAUGHING and my heart sang.
There it is… my Christmas spirit. I am so glad I found it. Family…food…feel good stuffs. YAY.
Thursday I received a text from my sister. I yet again, for the second year in a row, ordered the WRONG gift for my youngest nephew…and I also shipped said gift TO my sister, not my home. The news nearly sent me over the edge, and between that moment and the lack of sunshine for the last MONTH it seems, I found myself in tears. I was ready for this season to be OVER.
This…isn’t me. I LOVE Christmas, the magic the season provides, the thrill of lights, glitter, and lovingly wrapped gifts usually gives me SUCH joy. But this year is different. I am stressed, tired, and over the entire season hearing my kids ask for expensive gifts our budget just can’t provide. It HURTS not being able to spoil my kids during this season…but I got them what I could, and have their presents wrapped neatly under the tree.
So as I left work Thursday, in a ball of stress and tears combined, I found myself turning in to the parking lot of Hobby Lobby to pick up treats for my coworkers and staff. I picked out cute candy boxes with more than enough candy to fill said boxes, and cards and candy canes for my peers. I needed to turn this funk around, ASAP. I picked up my youngest daughter from daycare, explaining to her my plan, and she beamed. “Mommy, can I help you assemble the boxes?” she asked…”Of course,” I replied.
So after dinner, showers, and homework we set up shop on the kitchen table. I expressed my lack of spirit, to which this beautiful soul exclaimed, “Mommy, you always say I am the happiest girl in the world, so let me share my Christmas spirit with you.” I wiped away a couple tears, and we filled 30 boxes of candy with love, and spirit. I hand wrote on each box, and filled out cards taping a candy cane on each one. I also made cookies for my amazing team of techs, PA’s, and Pathologists. For I have to say, I work with the most amazing team of people, well, ever. My pay may stink, but these people are rock stars.
who doesn’t love sugar cookies!?
Today I delivered my gifts, wishing each person a Merry Christmas, and ordered pizza for them all for lunch. And with each smile, I felt my daughter’s words resonating in my heart. I took the spirit she gave ME, and passed it forward.
Not much, but given with love!
At the end of the day, I received the most amazing gift and card from a woman I have come to love and cherish. She saw something in me years ago, that I didn’t see in myself, and helped me find my confidence again.
Best. Gift. Ever.
My eldest daughter could feel the stress too…but came down stairs tonight to ask me to braid her hair. She is 15, and normally wants nothing to do with me. But as I brushed her hair for the first time in years, I found myself choking back the tears. I took my time, for I truly didn’t want the moment to end. Ever so neatly I braided her hair, and she hugged me a little harder tonight.
I ended the night, watching a movie with my husband. We watched “Haute Cuisine” on Netflix which was such a great flic. It was about a cook who was hand picked to cook for the President of France. GREAT movie.
So as always, at the end of the day I am found counting my blessings, not my misfortunes. All thanks to the amazing people I have been blessed to call “my circle.”
Gosh, where do I start. Some weekends can be just plain crappy (insert working the entire weekend last weekend here), and some weekends can be amazing filled with friends, family, food, and fitness!
The later was my weekend, THIS weekend.
We started out the weekend after me having to work several hours of overtime (something I try to AVOID at all costs, as I my family comes first) feeling a bit tired, but accomplished. With our unseasonably warm temps here in Chicagoland we made plans to have a fire and drink wine with our awesome neighbors/friends on Friday. It. Was. GREAT. We brought over a special bottle of Prosecco that we bought the last time we were in Chicago at Eataly, and enjoyed hours of laughter, conversation, and wine. WIN. What a way to start the weekend.
This would have never happened in Chicago last year!
Saturday the majority of the day was spent last minute shopping for make-up and essentials as I was attending my first Army Dining out with my hubby. After weeks of preparation buying the perfect dress to match his unit, to finding the perfect shoes, we were all dolled up and ready. And yes…I felt like a princess. For those that know me well, I NEVER feel pretty these days…but Saturday night, I felt my confidence returning…even if for just a moment.
After an evening of an amazing military traditional event, laughter, conversation and dinner we came home to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine. This may have been the demise of my 5K today, but I could care less. We had SOOOOO much fun. And for once, in many years, I felt at home being surrounded by people in uniform even though I wasn’t wearing one myself. Yet I found myself standing at attention in all the right moments, even while wearing this amazing gold gown. 🙂 #veteranproblems
Today was the day we were to run a much anticipated 5K that my friend Karen from Trading In my Heels has organized and planned for the last two years. It’s an untimed race with no actual bells or whistles, but the proceeds were going to suicide prevention and awareness which is a cause near and dear to my heart having battled with depression as well as losing several friends and family members to suicide.
As most of you know, I don’t like the cold. I don’t sign up for races in the winter…but this one I NEEDED to do. I got to see several of my running friends, AND I got to meet Wendy from Taking the long way home, which was amazing. She is one of the nicest people I know, and such an inspiration to me and my life. After several hugs, and easy conversation we headed to the starting line.
Me and my personWendy, Penny, Michelle and me!Misty, Theresa, and Cindy!
The race started promptly at noon, and I knew this would NOT be my best “race.” I haven’t been running hardly at all…I haven’t wanted to between the cold, dark, and dreary weather. So I took it slow, and allowed myself a couple of walk breaks. Who’d a thunk you could lose your endurance so quickly? #runnerproblems
But we finished in 31:34, headed into Pal Joey’s who was hosting the race, and I was welcomed with open arms AND a Bloody Mary. Score. We ate some amazing pizza and had great conversations with Melissa and Jim, more of our running friends.
Nothing better than a Bloody Mary after a fun race!
I couldn’t find my groove during this run, but that’s ok…I enjoyed the hundreds of runners, running for the same cause, dressed up in festive gear, and JUST having fun. There was no “winner” no “age group award” just 3.1 miles of fun.
I ended the day with our traditional Sunday Supper, and baking with my youngest. Win! We had an Asian inspired dish of teriyaki, ginger, honey and garlic glazed salmon over bok choy and quinoa. Delish. I also attempted a pumpkin cheesecake…not so sure about that one…lol. #notabaker
My sous Chef helping me make cheesecake
Wrapping it up, it was the best weekend I’ve had this month. Here’s to more weekends like this one!
Do you do “fun runs” for charity? What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Movin' it with Michelle 