A Mother’s love…
I am sure at reading the title of this post, you expect beautiful pictures of my daughters and poetic prose sweetly written about the joys of having daughters.
But nope.
This post, is about being a Mother to a 4 legged creature. A dog more specifically. MY dog.
I gave birth to my second daughter in 2006, on August 5th to be exact. After which I was overcome with terrible post partum depression. I thought it would pass, but after nearly a year the depression stuck and my husband stepped in. I had encountered many “life issues” and had had enough…even running wasn’t going to get me through this patch.
Quickly, I welcomed this handsome 4 legged creature who would do more for me than any medication could touch. THIS dog, helped me find my smile again. I’ll remember the sunny January day we drove to pick him up, gosh, for the rest of my life. My husband did research, and found a local breeder that had a male Golden Retriever. We packed the kids in the car, Sophia just a year and a half old, and Jordyn 8 1/2 years old, and went to meet our new family member.
We had many names picked out, but Samuel Adams was the name he responded too, so there it was. “Sammy” as he is known to our family was welcomed with open arms. And then things changed.
I found my smile. Because this wonderful little dog followed me EVERYWHERE. He knew I needed HIM. And he was there. And he still is…
Now, 7 years later, as we celebrate his birthday I can’t help but to get teary. Because this guy knows…he knows when I have a bad day, and he takes the time to nuzzle me a little more, snuggle a little longer, and give me more extra wet kisses than I care to have sometimes, LOL.
And I love him. More than I can even put in to words. Some people tease pet lovers dedication and passion, but I bet you a million bucks they don’t have this sort of relationship in their life. Many a morning I will lay in bed after a night of insomnia, and Sammy will jump up into the bed, and snuggle in with me, pressing his forehead into mine. He wraps his paws around me, and he knows…Momma is tired…Momma is stressed…Momma needs some extra snuggles. HE…is there. It still amazes me how they know…when you need them. This morning is a perfect example. I didn’t sleep well at all, woke up far beyond the moment when my alarm would go off, and I closed my eyes, wishing for Sammy to come upstairs. Seconds later, there he was, ready for his summons up in to the bed. And for 5 minutes, in the dark, my pup loved me. In his own way, told me, “It’s going to be ok.”
And for that moment. All was right in the world. I was loved. And I knew, as a Mother of a 4 legged creature, I had done right with the world. Even if, for just a moment.
So I will sleep well tonight, knowing I have loved just a little more, lived my life just a little better, because of my amazing dog, Sammy. Thanks, buddy…for truly making my life so much better.
❤ Michelle
Gravitational pull
As of late, the dreary, cold, and bleak winter days have left me with little motivation to run. In fact, I only ran once last week and probably because I put it out there for all to see in order to hold myself accountable. I’m just not feeling it again this winter. Although our temps are actually quite manageable, leaving for work in the dark, and driving home from work again in the dark DRAINS me. Ultimately, winter blues suck. That. IS. ALL. My hubby and I DID sign up for a 5K on Sunday called the Underground Polar Express, where ALL proceeds go to Suicide Prevention/awareness, a cause that touches my heart. Check it out….www.undergroundpolarexpress.com
So I’ve really continued to pour myself into my cooking. (HAHA, see what I did there?) I’ve kept on with my studying recipes, techniques, and experimenting with different dishes. I have spent the better part of 2014 actually writing out my recipes, and pray I can get my E-book/Cookbook in the works next year. Why?
Well, because I know I meant to do something OTHER than work in a hospital. A job I didn’t choose for myself…But it’s been a good job for the last 24 years, and for that I am grateful. I think I am just at a point in my life where I KNOW I need to be doing something I LOVE. All the signs are there…pulling at me in a million directions. I just need to find my “IN” so to speak. I need someone else, other than my amazing family and friends SEE that I have a gift when it comes to creating food and say, “Hey…I think we could use talent like yours, let us mentor you…”
So yeah…that call hasn’t come yet. So I keep putting myself out there on social media, posting my recipes, my dreams, my goals…PRAYING someone out there will see the fire I have in my soul.
Sure…I love to run, and it’s a part of my life that I wouldn’t trade.
But I LOVE to cook. I love to create….to plate…to make my food not only pretty, but amazingly tasty too…
Even more…I love when someone takes a bite of my food, closes their eyes, and sighs in appreciation. PURE. BLISS.
Last night while watching the “Hundred foot journey” it hit me like a ton of bricks. The opening scene shows the main character, Hassan, as a young boy in small food market. There were dozens of people crowded around to buy some sea urchin. The merchant saw the crowd of screaming potential buyers, but he watched young Hassan pick up a single sea urchin, close his eyes, and deeply breathed in the fresh scent. He sighed, and took a small bite and smile. The merchant immediately sold the entire lot of sea urchin to Hassan and his Mother. Because he “GOT IT.” He recognized the beauty of the product, with the smells, the sight, and the taste of the food. And it hit me…THIS is what I do. I LOVE food. Good food. Fresh food. CREATING food.
Later on, as an adult Hassan made the 5 staple sauces of the French for his Chef friend. They can be found here: http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/sauces/tp/Mother-Sauces.htm
He starts cooking with her, and asks her if she thinks he is a real Chef, not just a cook. “Yes!!” She replies, in which my husband turned to me telling me he thinks I am real Chef…of course, I nearly cried. If you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend it highly.
At the end of the day, we have to provide for our families, often times doing jobs we don’t love. But as I’ve told my husband, “You just watch…ONE day I’ll make my mark on this world, and it’s going to be amazing.
Until then, I’ll keep movin’ forward.
❤ Michelle
Orange Chicken recipe…who needs take out?
I’ve been trying to expand my normal mid-week meals, so decided to try a version of Orange Chicken after doing some research. As most of you know, I never strictly follow recipes, more so use them as guidelines.
Here’s my version of Orange Chicken, made easy…
Chicken:
Cube 6 chicken thighs-I prefer the thigh as the flavor of the meat is richer. You can use the breast, but I find it tends to dry out.
Next, separate 4 eggs, keeping only the whites. Place them in a bowl large enough to hold your cubed chicken.
Whisk in a couple tablespoons of corn starch until the mixture becomes frothy…Add in your chicken and coat well. Season with salt and pepper, mix again, and set aside while you prepare the Orange sauce.
Orange Sauce:
In a sauce pan combine the following ingredients:
The juice of 2 oranges, along with a teaspoon of the zest (**set the zest aside to add at the end)
Soy sauce-I use low sodium/gluten free but feel free to use your favorite…1/4 cup give or take.
1 cup of stock, whatever you have on hand
A couple splashes of rice wine vinegar
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1 clove of garlic, minced (or use a micro plane, MUCH easier)
1 teaspoon of minced ginger (use that micro plane again, trust me!)
1 teaspoon of honey
A splash of sesame oil-don’t forget this, as it really adds depth to the sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
**Have a small cup of water with cornstarch mixed in to add at the end, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. This will help thicken the glaze. Just before serving add in your reserved orange zest.
While your sauce is simmering, heat a wide/deep pan with oil. I used avocado oil as I love the flavor it adds, but use your favorite frying oil. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown the chicken on each side, cooking through evenly. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and finish with a pinch of salt.
To serve, place a cup of your favorite rice or noodles in the bottom of a deep bowl. Add your favorite veggies (I used steamed broccoli and shredded carrots)
Spoon your orange glaze over just before serving (this helps keep the crunch to the chicken), and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Dinner is served! I love the fact that my family prefers this type of food over take out any day of the week!
This was (as cooking always is) some much needed therapy after a stressful day!
What’s your favorite meal to prepare during the week? Do you prefer home cooked or take out food?
Keep Movin’ forward gang,
<3Michelle
Weekend wrap up
I’ll admit I needed a couple extra days off after the last few weeks of work. But…I have a job, and for that I am thankful. The much needed break called for me to take the day after Thanksgiving off, which I am SOOO glad I did. I don’t have a lot of time saved up, but this added day left me extra time to decorate for Christmas, clean, and scrub areas of my house that were completely neglected lately.
Yet this can bring stress too…you know, the kind of stress where you feel there just isn’t enough time in the day. I spent Thanksgiving with my family which was just wonderful, but the chores were calling my name. Saturday I got up and cleaned like a crazy women…I shopped for groceries for the week, and found myself TIRED. But I got a text from a friend inviting me out for drinks Saturday night and I JUMPED at the chance. It was a simple two hours of laughter and fun, but just what I needed to add extra charge to my batteries. And I saw THIS as I was getting ready…God had his paintbrush out, for sure…
I was so recharged last night, I put myself out there in my running group on Facebook, requesting a partner in crime for a run this morning. My goal was 4-6 miles, with no pace in mind. Karen, from Tradinginmyheels.com raised her hand, and I felt so very blessed she wanted to run with me. So this morning we met up, and despite tummy issues I was able to get 5 miles in! My farthest distance since the half marathon the beginning of this month. It always amazes me the bond runners have. I don’t know her well outside of running, but there she was to support my slow run.
I came home, showered, and promptly sat down on the couch to watch Football. Who won? Not sure…I was just happy to relax. I even let myself take a cat nap on my recliner for an hour. Sheer. And utter…BLISS.
But, it IS Sunday, so Sunday Supper needed to be prepared. This has become so important to me as a busy working Mom, to make time at least ONE day per week to have a NICE sit down meal. So tonight we had pork roast that was seasoned with my own homemade rub of rosemary, thyme, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. I grinded all of the spices in my mill, and rubbed generously on the pork. I seared the pork on all sides, then transferred to the oven to roast at 375 degrees for just over an hour.
To accompany the roast, I made my cranberry/red wine reduction sauce. The recipe is simple. One bag of fresh cranberries, poured into a sauce pot. Add half a bottle of GOOD red wine, (I used a good Cab), brown sugar, one shallot, salt, pepper, and a couple sprigs of thyme. Cook down by half, and puree with an emulsion blender. Strain, and add a pat of butter (the real stuff) and let simmer.
Our sides included Brussels spouts and shitake mushroom risotto.
For the Brussels sprouts I first cubed a 1/4 cup of pork belly and browned. They are also known as lardons, and this was my first time making them. My best tip is to make sure you brown them, and drain off all the grease. Set aside, and add in 1/4 cup of shallots, one clove of garlic both finely chopped and sauté for just a few minutes. Add in your Brussels sprouts, and cook for about 20 minutes. Add in your drained lardons for the last couple minutes. DELISH.
For the risotto, I wanted to highlight the mushrooms. I chopped 1/2 a cup of shitake mushrooms, one shallot, and 2 cloves of garlic. In a separate sauce pan I had 4 cups of veggie stock with 2 bay leaves on low heat. Take a wide sauce pan and drizzle with evoo and one pat of butter. Add in your veggies, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add in one cup of good Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly add in your chicken stock, one ladle at a time, cooking slowly. Continue to add in the chicken stock until your rice is cooked al dente. Garnish with parsley and Grana padono cheese.
And so we plate….here is this week’s Sunday Supper.
With that, I leave you with a smile, a ready palate, and passion that is unending. Keep Movin!
❤ Michelle
A little lost…
After having spent last weekend with my husband celebrating our ten year anniversary, I found myself quickly slapped in the face with the reality of work, life, etc. I don’t hide the fact that my job is just a job, and not a passion. I don’t hide things very well. And it all hit me like a ton of bricks this past week.
I didn’t want to run. Wait…I don’t want to run. Major issue. But I have literally NO motivation or desire. Dropping temps with snow and ice have left my heart…well…cold. My running shoes have sat dormant minus a couple dreadmill runs that were honestly terrible.
Last weekend I spent the weekend with my husband, cooking, drinking wine, and enjoying good food. And I felt the pull…I want to be a Chef. I love to create food. It’s my one GO TO place no matter the weather, time constraints, or stress. I love…to cook. I may not be a Chef…but I have that desire.
So here’s a few pics of last week since I’ve been absent.
So with my November goals falling short, I will push forward with writing, cooking, and working out as often as possible. Thank you all for your unending support. May this winter funk end, soon!
❤
Michelle
I’m sorry…I don’t date.
I met a man on August 26th, 2003. Upon seeing him from across the room my breath was taken away. I whispered to my friend Kara, “I am going to marry that man.” But deep down I knew coming off a terrible divorce just 3 years prior that I had no intentions of marrying again…ever.
We talked that night, inside a smoky bar in Alaska. We danced. And we laughed…over and over. We were both stationed in Anchorage Alaska, he serving as a Paratrooper in the Army, me as a pathology technician in the Air Force. I’ll never forget that night…
After several drinks, laughter, smiles, and we shared an eye contact that couldn’t be broken. He gave me his number as the night came to a close, and I in turn gave him mine…”I don’t date though, I’m sorry…,” I proclaimed. I let him know that I was a single Mom, and my loyalty was in raising my daughter on my own. He smiled, and said he’d call me the next day.
And he called, the very next day. And every day there after…We talked for hours, yet it seemed not a minute passed by…we emailed short, sweet emails back and forth. Several days later he came over to my house, and I can honestly say it was love at first sight, all over again.
I tried to hide my emotion. I tried to tell him I couldn’t love him, or commit to him in a relationship. But just weeks later I found myself tethered to this man whom I loved and adored. He welcomed my daughter into his life, and he loved me with more passion than I can even describe. He. Loved. Me.
But I don’t date…
Six weeks into our relationship we received the news that he was due to deploy. In October. I didn’t have to wait…Please, it’s ok…he’d say repeatedly. But I knew. I KNEW. This was the man I was meant to be with for the rest of my life.
And so, on a cold and dreary morning in early October I waved farewell to the man of my dreams as he boarded a plane for Afghanistan. He didn’t think I would wait for him…Little did he know…
Because I don’t date…
But waited I did. I endured more sleepless nights than I care to admit. I lived for phone calls, emails, and watching the news for updates on his unit. His safety. We had many close calls. Many days when I cried more than I felt humanly possible. But I had my daughter to keep me strong. I did all I could to hide my sadness from her. And SHE. was my rock at the young age of four years old.
Because remember, I don’t date…I was married to my child in all honesty.
He returned home 11 months later, and on August 29th, 2004 this very same man proposed marriage to me. To which I accepted with tears in my eyes and happiness in my heart. He. Chose. Me. I was enough for this amazing man.
And now, as we are just a week before we will celebrate our 10 years of marriage, I find myself reflecting. Good times, bad times, hard ships, LIFE. But in the end, laughter and our unending love got us through it all…
Because I don’t date…
Instead, I married the man of my dreams, and I wouldn’t trade a second of our journey. We’ve been through so very much, lived in several different states, lost loved ones, broken careers, financial hardships, you name it…but at the end of the day, we have THIS. Thank you dear Brian, for always being my smile.
❤ Michelle
Reborn…
Nearly 42 years ago, I was born on January 17th with a weight of 2 lbs, 11 (?) ounces…My due date was in March some time (St. Patty’s day I believe?) but I decided to bless the world with my presence early. WAY early in that day and age and upon my arrival my parents told me I was said not I wouldn’t live. They baptized me in the hospital, as well as giving me my last rights. And then came the on going wait…
But after several weeks (it may have been months, the story sadly is not fresh in my memory) in the ICU, in an incubator, I was sent home. I fought hard to live…to breathe…to BE.
My earliest memory is of me at around age 3, but I am told as an infant my Mother dressed me in doll clothes because preemie outfits didn’t exist back then. My Father could place my head in his hand, and my toes wouldn’t reach the crock of his elbow. I was TINY.
Yet my fighter instinct set in, and I was ready for a life of fighting, struggling, and movin’ forward. Tell me I am not going to make it another day, and despite my initial want to throw in the towel I will fight back twice as hard as anyone else.
Looking back I remember so many times when I hit rock bottom (or so I thought) and I wanted to give up. I’ve learned though…there is no ROCK BOTTOM…it’s simply a stepping stone to move forward.
I never quit. And no matter the circumstance, I am constantly reminded by God up above that he gave me the blessing of life. He saved me, more times than I can count and now it is up to me to save myself from the day to day life battles I encounter. It’s up to me. And I’m not ready to quit…in life, in training, in regards to my family and friends, in my career. I won’t. Give. Up.
With World Prematurity day honored today, I am reminded of the life I’ve been given…and I won’t waste another second of this precious gift. #keepmovinforward
❤ Michelle
Fell off the wagon…
Sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions and this week that very thing happened in my household. Life stressors and crappy weather won over the goals I had set for myself.
Fitness wise, I managed several walks, and 2 strength training sessions, but a bruised toe nail kept me from running, and all I can do is chalk it up to a bad week. I’m human. As I watched everyone posting “snow runs” this week I had to slap the envy away…I hate the cold, snow and winter. I want to embrace it and the beauty of a fresh snowfall…but instead, I embraced an extra glass or two of wine, LOL.
Decluttering wise, I did manage to really clean my house well yesterday, as well as food shop for healthy eats…I cleaned out my fridge which is always a great feeling.
Tonight, I decided Sunday Supper would be a healthful, Spanish inspired meal filled with summer dishes of gazpacho and pan seared Ahi tuna. Winter denial at it’s best? You betcha…
I started the gazpacho at around noon today to allow it ample time to chill in the fridge.
And while cooking, I watched my kids enjoy the first snow fall of the year. I can’t express the happiness I get from watching them play…together.
Gazpacho:
1st part-
Place all of these ingredients in a large bowl:
6 vine ripe tomatoes, boiled for 1 minute and peeled/seeded, then chopped finely
1 large cucumber, diced
1 red pepper, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 green onions, just the white parts, diced
Salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper to taste
2nd part:
Get out your blender next:
Add in 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
Splash of Worcestershire sauce
Splash of balsamic vinegar
The juice and zest of half of a lime
Glug of extra virgin olive oil
Blend until liquefied
Strain
Add the mixture back into your blender, and add in the diced veggies, pulse a few times to your desired consistency
To make a yummy garnish, take cucumber rolls and let them sit in rice wine vinegar for about 30 minutes. Drain and rinse, and you’ve got a beautiful, elegant garnish for your gazpacho.
Ahi tuna:
Next, while this was chilling in the fridge, I prepared the Ahi tuna. I made a simple marinade of lime juice, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, saffron, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Whisk in some extra virgin olive oil, and pour over your tuna steaks. Marinate in the fridge for one hour, allowing yourself time to have the fish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pan sear for about 2 minutes in a screaming hot pan that has EVOO in it, and flip only once. Set aside to plate.
I made sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a side dish, along with roasted baby Yukon potatoes. It was a win all around, and healthy to boot.
The key is to have the center still pink, as this cut of tuna is just divine. Cooking it well done would take away from the beauty of this fish.
So my goals this week, are to make more time for working out, and eating lower fat/higher protein meals.
What is on your agenda this week? Any tips on staying motivated in the winter months when it’s too cold to get outside for a run?
Have a great week, Movers!
❤ Michelle
Veteran’s Day…from a Vet
I have struggled a bit with Veteran’s Day these last 3 years…maybe because the emptiness I STILL feel after retiring is very raw…still. I miss being in the Air Force…every.single.day.
But I had a pretty great 20 years of service. It was the hardest, most rewarding thing I have every done, and my service will always be one of my proudest accomplishments. I didn’t fight in any wars, other than several of my own…but I supported so many that DID set boots on the ground.
Here’s a few pics…
I’ll keep this one short and sweet, but leave you with this…remember always the battle that was fought for your freedom.
❤ Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 