moving forward, running, Three things, Thursday, Uncategorized

Three things, Thursday

Three things Thursday
Training is coming along nicely for our half marathon.  It’s hard to believe in just over 3 weeks my hubby and I will be crossing the finish line of his first half marathon, and my 11th (I think-I really need to count up my races). Despite only running twice last week due to weather issues, we haven’t missed many training runs and we’ve gotten all of our long runs in.  Saturday will mark our last long run before we start to taper down, and we will be joining the Fox Valley crew for the 6th and last organized group training run.  We’ll still be running long of course, just not in an organized group. I am also volunteering again this year, and have taken on the co-director roll of volunteers.  This is no easy task, but rewarding none the less.  We even get cool director race bling. 
This is my happy place all summer long...here we are at our 4th training run I believe.
This is my happy place all summer long…here we are at our 4th training run I believe.
Directors got THIS!  SHWEET!
Directors got THIS! SHWEET!
Time has a funny way of healing past hurts. I know, it’s a saying everyone’s heard, “Time heals all wounds,” but I am not sure it ever truly HEALS our wounds, more so it helps us learn how to deal with them and move forward.  I’ve always been one to forgive, but forgetting is something I’ve never mastered, nor do I really want to in all honestly.  For if you let history repeat itself, let that guy keep abusing you, let that friend keep hurting you, let that coworker keep bullying you-you have no one to blame but yourself.  I was the victim for quite a few years, and I didn’t like myself all that much back then, if I am being truly honest.  So with TIME…I’ve learned to forgive, but remember always the lessons learned from the hurts I’ve encountered in my life.
timeheals
As it’s nearing Tapering time, I remember how tough of a time I had last year tapering during full marathon training.  I never get the full feeling of “taper madness” during half marathon training I assume from the obvious less mileage you put in during half marathon training.  It’s kinda nice to be honest…hehe  I am enjoying it while I can, as I know February will be here before I know it and full marathon training will begin for me again! 
LOL...I didn't get to run today due to storms.  "Honey, are you ok you seem grumpy today?"  I am fine.  LOL
LOL…I didn’t get to run today due to storms. “Honey, are you ok you seem grumpy today?” I am fine. LOL
Questions!!!!! 
Are you training for anything?  How’s it going for you?
Do you have tips on moving forward in regards to past hurts?
Taper madness-agree?
dedication, Uncategorized

Sunday Summation of sorts and recipes

Last week was a whirl wind of work, work, and more work.

We missed our long run today voluntarily due to a 99 real feel temp after I got home from work.  I hated missing our scheduled 10k, but hey, I am smart too…even at 10 pm it shows a real feel of 88 degrees.  Sorry, can’t do it.  The humidity stabs my head with a thousand pound hammer, and I just can’t do it.  I have had a nagging headache for 4 days, and when I got home from work today at 3 pm I changed into my jammies and napped for 45 minutes. Productive?  Nope…but much needed.

I have made a goal of having Sunday Suppers each week, regardless of schedule, time, or energy.

I have spent so much time studying the basics of cooking, so why not put it into play in my own kitchen?

So tonight, I made goat cheese and fig crostini’s with baked salmon that was topped with a garlic herb butter.  Our side was a simple cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad that was tossed in my favorite vinaigrette.

For the figs:

Thinly slice French bread and spread with goat cheese.  I used a garlic herb blend.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Thinly slice figs, placing on top of the bread, add lightly fried bacon, and bake at 375 for 10 minutes.  Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Prep time!
Prep time!
DELISH!
DELISH!

For my salmon, it was an easy prep.  I took one stick of unsalted butter brought to room temperature and added 2 cloves of garlic, minced, the zest of one lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, kosher salt and pepper, oregano, and parsley. Mix well, and spread generously on your salmon.  Cook at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until the salmon flakes lightly with a fork.

YUM!
YUM!

I served the salmon with basmati rice, and a simple salad of red onions (soak sliced in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the bite), cucumber, and tomato’s.  Dress with a simple lemon/Dijon vinaigrette, and serve!

I sent in my pre-registration for Master Chef on Friday, and am terrified.  I keep getting comments and posts asking “Do you have what it takes?” basically…and now I am second guessing myself, just like I did last year.

Me, and Graham Elliot in 2012.
Me, and Graham Elliot in 2012.

SO I am trying to remain focused, while continuing to study.  Research.  And practice the skill I love so much.

 

We shall see!

How was your week with exercise and eats?

 

 

dedication

Two things, Tuesday…

Tonight marks the eve of school starting in the Chicagoland area.  My oldest starts her journey in HIGH SCHOOL tomorrow, and my youngest starts her 3rd grade year in elementary school.

Firstly…

My nostalgia is at an all time high, so I spent the evening helping the girls clean their rooms, pack their bags, and pick out their first day of school outfits since my work hours don’t allow me to see them for more than a few minutes in the morning.  I choked back the tears after just hugging my eldest “J” wishing her a good day at school tomorrow. “Don’t cry, Mom” she said…”I’m not crying” I responded despite choking back the tears.   THIS girl, who has given me more grief than I care to admit, holds a special place in my heart for it was just her and I for nearly 4 years.  I divorced shortly after she was born, and from then on out it was me and her.  Her.  And me.  And we make a pretty darn good pair despite butting heads more days than not.

My youngest is my spit fire…my little zest for life who could care less about schedule or time.  Her passion for life makes my heart sing, and my head hurt as I struggle with teachers to get her to focus vs. daydream and want to create.  I don’t want to squelch her zest, but reeling it in the last few years has caused me more stress than I care to admit.  How does one balance this passion?  I know, with time…she’ll get it.  But in the mean time, her passion and smile keep me singing…both on the trails and in my home. Look at these smiles…life. is.  good.

girls

Secondly…

I have reclaimed my love for running with a partner.  And this just isn’t any ole partner.  It’s my husband.

I came home from work today tired.  Last night we were hit with crazy thunderstorms and I slept all of maybe 3 hours.  I wanted to crawl into a tiny little ball on my recliner and nap.  Yet as I walked into the door after work, there was my husband ready in his running clothes and welcoming me with a smile and a kiss.  I ensured the kids and dog were fed, and changed my clothes for our 5k run that was on our training schedule.  It was hot. Nearly 90 degrees hot.  But we ran.  I had a hard time the first mile, but settled in quickly at a 9:30ish pace.  Not where near where our race pace needs to be, but less than our long run pace lately.  And I found myself running, singing, dancing to my own beat…settling in on a cadence only I know…we stopped a couple times to drink, complained about the humidity, and continued on.  And despite the humidity, we smiled…high fived.  And moved forward. In just four weeks we will be crossing the finish line for my husband’s first half marathon.  And I am in awe already of his dedication for training.

hubby

So my two things Tuesday encompass family and friends.  You know…the ones that are always there despite all time lows or all time highs.  And, a little bit of this…

friends

Sweet dreams, Movers.  Remember to hang on to those constants.  They won’t let you down.

❤ Michelle

 

 

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Monday truths and week wrap up

I caveat this post with a disclaimer.  This post (and all my posts) are simply a journaling of my thoughts, experiences, hopes, dreams, struggles as lived and breathed by yours truly.  They in no way are directed to anyone, nor are my opinions directed toward anyone other than…ME.  I share these said experiences as it helps me, by hopefully inspiring, helping, or provoking thought by others.

Moving on…

Ack, I haven’t blogged in a week.  Mind you, it’s always been in the back of my mind to take the time to sit down and write…but the time just escaped me last week.  My girls go back to school on Wednesday with my eldest entering high school and my youngest starting 3rd grade.  It’s been a scramble to get school supplies, shoes, registration, dentist appointments, physicals and lastly gym shoes with ‘free time’ being sparse.  But…we got it done…and Wednesday my first born will be walking the halls of high school where life will bring her challenges, heart aches, and success stories all wrapped up in four crazy years.  Lord help me have patience and strength to help her…My youngest starts 3rd grade (and pray her cold subsides, please!)…and I pray she finds her groove this year.  Prayers all around!

My hubby and I got in two amazing 4 milers this week, and I have now been using Myfitnesspal app for a week and am down 2.6 lbs.  YAHOO.

posted previously, but so proud...
posted previously, but so proud…
second 4 miler.  bam!
second 4 miler. bam!

Friday was our date night…it’s been a while, so we planned an amazing tapas style dinner at a local Italian place.  It was.  AMAZING.

Lemon cello cheers!
Lemon cello cheers!

We went to see the movie, “The hundred foot journey” and we both really enjoyed it.  Although I wasn’t pulled in emotionally by the acting, the story itself was profound.  It highlighted the fact that if you truly have a passion for something, you can achieve your goals!  A home cook turned Michelin (sp?) star Chef what???  Yup…GREAT motivator to not give up on my dreams.

Saturday we ran errands and finally after three years of living in our home bought curtains for our bedroom.  Baby steps, right?

The beautiful comforter is a handmedown from my parents...Love!
The beautiful comforter is a handmedown from my parents…Love!

Saturday night was carbloading for our 10 mile run.  I haven’t ran double digits since my half marathon in May, and this was my husband’s FIRST double digit run.

Rice pasta with meat sauce...win!
Rice pasta with meat sauce…win!

We got up before the sun on Sunday, and headed out to Geneva running outfitters for our 10 miler.  I was pacing the ten minute mile pace group.  And my Garmin died.  Just like that.  GAH….but thankfully one of my runners said he would pace us, if I would direct us…and we finished strong.  What an amazing group.

Pic taken from my friend Cindy..ack, do I really hunch over like that?  (I am in the orange)
Pic taken from my friend Cindy..ack, do I really hunch over like that? (I am in the orange)
And I got to meet one of my Movers, Sarah!  Awesome day!
And I got to meet one of my Movers, Sarah! Awesome day!

We got home early, pigged out, and tackled house cleaning.  I spent the afternoon on the couch watching “Divergent.”  GREAT movie.

I asked my hubby why he decided to run a half marathon while we shared a celebratory glass of wine…”To do something with you, of course.”  My heart sang.  After 11 years together, and 10 years (nearly) of marriage this man never stops taking my breath away.

This week marks my monthly 6 day work week…and tonight, after work I rushed home to shower, change, and head out to the marathon committee meeting and I still find myself learning so much that comes to planning a race.  Please, take a moment to thank your local race committee and directors.  It’s a job that doesn’t pay monetarily but makes you feel so darn good.

Gosh we look so serious.  lol
Gosh we look so serious. lol

At the end of the day, I find myself counting my blessings this past week.  My  family #truths:

We don’t have a lot of ‘disposable’ money.  We get our hair cut at Cost Cutters.  We shop consignment, 95% of the time.  We don’t take lavish vacations or have fancy cars or home(s).  But we do treat ourselves once every couple months to a nice dinner or a cool running outfit (for example).  We celebrate our laughter, and embrace our tough times…together.  We may get frustrated with each other…but we always work together.  We don’t compromise who we are…instead, we figure out how we can meld together as a cohesive unit.  It’s not easy…

But we do it.

Together.

 

Have you ever volunteered for a race?

Does your family support your dreams?

 

❤ Michelle

 

dedication, goals

Tuesday truths

Last week was a whirlwind of work, school clothes shopping, birthday party planning and cleaning house.  I realized yesterday I hadn’t run ONCE  in ONE WEEK.  Ack…this does NOT hold well in my heart for half marathon training.  But I was reminded by a dear friend last night, that I have a lot of hay in the barn.  But do I?  I took most of the winter off due to Chiberia temps and injury coupled with  a true hatred for running on the treadmill.   Despite my Achilles tendon tear in late September of 2013 after my full marathon, I squeaked out a half marathon in October of 2013 with a 2:14 finish time.  NOT my best to say the least.  Injuries suck…but good friends make these injuries more bearable.  I managed a handful of runs over the winter months, and completed half marathon training in a mere 4 weeks time. I finished my PR half marathon in May with a 2:01.  Yup…

One of my strongest races to date...
One of my strongest races to date…

2:01.  WTF.

I remember running most of that race alone.  But I wasn’t really alone.  All of my friends were on the course with me.  And somehow I caught the tail wind and ran…My sheer mental strength moved me forward every single mile…but that last mile I realized I’d miss my sub 2 goal by one minute.  And I had to choke back the sobs at the finish line.  Yeah…I was that runner…never satisfied with how far I had come beating my previous PR by over a minute.  Shame. on.  ME.  I forgot to CELEBRATE my finish line feeling.  Lesson learned…My mental strength is what keeps me moving, and I should (and will) celebrate it daily.

So this spring/summer I have taken it easier.  But pushed myself harder.  Does that make sense?  I guess I am listening to  my body MORE…and my mind, LESS.

I need to remember...THIS...
I need to remember…THIS…

So with less than 6 weeks out for my hubby’s first half marathon, we laced up our shoes after work today for our first run in the last week.  My goal was a 9:15 pace, and despite quirky garmins/apps, we just about achieved our goal at a 9:25 overall pace.  Not bad for taking a week off.  I have to note, how wonderfully proud of him I am…when we started he could barely run 2 miles without stopping.  Sunday marks our 10 mile run (his longest to date) and I know he will rock it.  I am still working on tweaking my macros, but struggle with my fat intake.  It will come with time! I am down 1.6 lbs and pleased regardless!

Rockin'
Rockin’

So my truth’s today include…I have chosen to surround myself by people who lift me up.  I have chosen to not make repeated mistakes in life, instead I learn from them and grow.  I have realized that not everyone does the same, and am ok with that, but can’t be bothered by negativity and sheer lack of self worth.  And…I am counting my blessings tonight despite a tough week because I have amazing friends/family, a husband who still sweeps me off my feet, and goals in my pocket that I am addressing daily.  As an ode to my goals, I cleaned out my desk and book shelves tonight, discarding all of the CRAP I have accumulated.  After filling a huge trash bag of JUNK, I found myself smiling.  I am moving forward…

 

How do you keep moving forward despite tough times?  What do you hold true to your heart?

 

❤ Michelle

depression

A smile was lost today, RIP Robin Williams

I don’t often blog about my history of depression.  I’ve shared my story in the past, but in moving forward I’ve tried to keep the details and situations I’ve dealt with where they belong…and that is in the past.  I have learned, grown, and pushed myself out of some pretty dark places in my life.  And I know that does not make me special in any way, nor do I feel like I am someone to be looked up to or held at a higher esteem because I didn’t give up.

Because I wanted to give up.

More times than I can count.

I’ve cried, screamed, and pounded my hands on my steering wheel while driving home because it was the only place I could do it privately.

During many a run, I had to stop and hold back the tears…

I wanted to just throw in the towel, believing at the time(s) that the world would be a better place without me in it…Yet I thankfully was reminded quite quickly I’d be missed, and that I was loved.  No matter the darkness I often embodied…

I was loved.  I just needed to love myself.

I needed.  To love.  Myself.

And it took nearly 4 decades to do just this…

Wait for it…

I love who I am becoming.  It’s a daily challenge, and I am taking it full force.

Finally, I have found my true north, within my own soul.  I am, my own compass.

I still hate my hair…my mid section…oh, and that darn cellulite that has dug it’s ever living claws in to my back side.  Oh, and can someone pass over the Botox for my wrinkles?  LOL!  jk

But inside, I am finding out who I am more and more every day. I have remained tried and true to my beliefs.  I don’t let others dictate how I feel most days daily.

Yet today, I found myself choking back the sobs in hearing the news of Robin Williams death.  Not only because we’ve lost a true SMILE that visited millions of lives, but because I’ve been there…in that dark hour where there seems to be no way out.  I used to actually get mad at my Mother for smiling/staring at me because I hated myself so much.  Gosh I was such a shit.

But we’ve moved forward…reconciled and I am reveling in the fact that it is NEVER too late.

Yet sadly, it’s too late for Robin Williams.  The social stigma and criticism of depression has so many people hiding behind clothes doors refusing to ask for help.  And sadly this case is no different.

With that, I ask you to be kind.  Be real.  Embrace the fact that you may not understand what other people are going through, but a kind thought, word, or message can make someone’s day.

This week, my miles are dedicated to those suffering from depression.  Both past and present.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Robin Williams:

“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, it’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel alone.”

“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

“I believe in destiny. There must be a reason that I am as I am. There must be.”

So my challenge for you this week, is to dedicate one mile to someone that is suffering.  Who’s with me?

❤ Michelle

dedication

A Trifecta of Birthdays

I didn’t run this weekend.  Nope.  Not one single mile.  This past week I haven’t felt 100%, and between party planning, work, house cleaning and cooking for my daughter’s birthday party I was only able to manage one 4 miler this past week, two walks, and one strength training session.  And guess what?  I am totally ok with that.  My stomach seems to get very angry when I am under stress, so I did what I could to keep moving.

Monday-4 mile run in terrible humidity

Tuesday-2 mile walk

Wednesday-cleaned my house and got ready for the bday party

Thursday-1.5 mile walk and stretching and painting my front porch (that counts, right?)

Friday-The birthday weekend started so no workout!  I had to work late, so found myself zipping through town to pick up a gift for my friend Jitka’s surprise birthday party.

Friday night was just a blast.  We all planned a surprise party for my dear friend Jitka.  Seeing her face as she walked in the door of the restaurant was priceless, and the sheer joy could be felt throughout the room.

Debra, Jitka and myself cheesin' for the camera
Debra, Jitka and myself cheesin’ for the camera
Sushi with great friends...doesn't get much better!
Sushi with great friends…doesn’t get much better!
My amazing group of friends
My amazing group of friends

Saturday I was up early to get ready for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party.  My parents were driving in, as well as my sister and her family and so many awesome friends and neighbors.  Slight drama ensued as my toilet lid broke off the night before, so after 2 trips to Home Depot (note-universal toilet seats go by the shape of your toilet.  I learned my bowl is ROUND, not oval, LOL), a trip to pick up balloons, and picking up the cake and we were ready to get this party started!!!!

make a wish!
make a wish!
This little person took the time to read each and every card.  She has such a big heart.
This little person took the time to read each and every card. She has such a big heart.
THIS...this is what makes my world go 'round...family, friends, and fun.
THIS…this is what makes my world go ’round…family, friends, and fun.
My wonderful parents...
My wonderful parents…
Cake!
Cake!
Bouncy houses make everything better, and the adults even had fun bouncing!
Bouncy houses make everything better, and the adults even had fun bouncing!

I was blessed to have my oldest niece spend the night, and today was her 15th birthday.  WHA????????????????  Where did the time go?  I woke up the eldest children early despite grumbling and we enjoyed a yummy birthday breakfast.

Jordyn and Jenna <3
Jordyn and Jenna ❤

My day ended with a much needed nap, and now as I sit here writing while listening to my laundry whirl in the dryer I find myself feeling so very  blessed.  Despite a rough week last week, it all came full circle and I realize I have the best friends and family EVER.  Ok, I may be partial, but it’s true.  I thank you ALL for being a part of my life.

❤ Michelle

Thursday

Three Things, Thursday

Three things, Thursday…
 
Sometimes we try really hard in life but just can’t seem to get one foot ahead of it all.  It all being issues that relate to our careers, our hobbies, fitness, relationships…well, all things LIFE related.  Right?  I used to be a pretty go with the flow type of person, but I have noticed that the last couple of years I have so much LESS patience when it comes to all things fake/lying/negative/mis-treatment of me or my friends/family.  What the heck am I talking about?  Bear with me here…I’ve been up since 2 a.m.  I will keep this sort of vague to protect feelings, but last night and today I found myself very HURT.  It seems, that you are truly often damned if you do/damned if you don’t.  Last night I ‘did’ and it slapped in the face like a hot dagger.  And it made me very sad.  So what did I do?  I called my Mom…because although we only talk once every few weeks or so, talking to your Mom makes everything better, even at the age of 41. 
 
Sometimes I feel this way...
Sometimes I feel this way…
 
Tonight after work, instead of going home and cooking a nice dinner I have to go to…THE DENTIST.  I loath the dentist, in fact, believe I woke up at 2 a.m. due to anxiety of said appointment.  My stomach hurts, I have a headache, and yeah…I get to have my teeth drilled on for almost 2 hours tonight.  Looks like I will be missing my Thursday run, and having that extra glass of wine tonight.  (We got back together, don’t judge-lol).
 
Thankfully my dentist looks NOTHING like this...
Thankfully my dentist looks NOTHING like this…
 
Despite my icky night and lack of sleep I still came to work with a smile.  I work with a pretty crazy group, and they make smiling so much easier every day.  We also ordered stuffed pretzles for lunch from a local place called “Gnarly Knots” along with soup and they were DELISH.  I chose a plain salted pretzle with French onion soup.  What’s not to smile about?
 
photo credit to gnarlyknots.com
photo credit to gnarlyknots.com
 
Questions-
Do you ever feel like you’re hitting you head against the wall in regards to certain aspects of your life?
What medical appointment, if any, do you despise?
What makes you smile?
moving forward, running

Marathons and Child birth

Two of the hardest and best accomplishments of my life, were definitely running a full marathon (x2), and childbirth (x2).
Here is how I think I looked during my first marathon…lol
LOL
LOL
I celebrate the later of these two accomplishments today, as we celebrate the 8th birthday of my youngest daughter.
Let me back track almost 15 years, to the birth of my first daughter.  The pregnancy was difficult, I had several miscarriages, my then marriage SUCKED, and I felt completely isolated and alone living far away from my immediate family.  Childbirth was difficult but my Mom drove out to be with me thankfully.  Despite my love for my first born, immediately I swore…I’d NEVER. EVER.  have more kids.  My body wasn’t made for this, and this one little gift from God was mine, and I couldn’t want for anything more…
Fast forward almost 4 years, and I met the love of my life who not only loved me, but my daughter as well.  A year later we were married, and a year after that we decided to try and have a baby.  Within the first month I was pregnant, and nearly just as quickly I lost the baby.  I wasn’t sure I could do this again…but we didn’t give up, and mid fall of 2005 we found out we were going to have a baby.
My pregnancy went without a hitch or hiccup.  I was healthy as a horse (and nearly as big as one too) and worked up until my due date.  Little Miss Sophia was almost a week late, deciding she would do things on HER time.  (And that hasn’t changed a bit, lol).  August 5th, 2006 my beautiful princess was born.
This post is dedicated to my daughters…may YOU never feel less then AMAZING-every-single-day.  For your sense of wonder, inner beauty, passion for life and quirky personalities amaze ME every-single-day!!!  Never, ever let the system squash your spirit!!!  At the end of the day, it’s the effort you put forth in life that reaps the benefits.  Be it in running, goals, parenting, careers, or relationships…it is ALWAYS worth it in the end.
Let there be cake...oh, and ice cream!
Let there be cake…oh, and ice cream!
dedication, food, moving forward, running

It’s been a busy week…

I have really tried to keep up with my blog, as I truly love this outlet for writing and sharing my story.  But sometimes, life tends to get in the way of allowing us ‘free time’ for things we love.

But this week I spent the week doing things I love.  My job, running, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

Here is my week, (more so weekend) in pictures.

My work week was busy to say the least, and despite wanting to crawl in to bed Friday night and ignore life and my upcoming alarm that was set for Saturday morning at O DARK 30, I knew I needed to get my gear ready for my 9 mile run.  It still amazes me that 9 miles is now LONG for me, but I embrace it all the same as I’ve taken this year off for full marathon distance.

I made my obligatory pasta, set my gear out, and hit the hay by 10 pm.

gear
gear
Rice pasta with sausage....yum!
Rice pasta with sausage….yum!

I wish I could say my 9 mile run was great.  But it wasn’t.  It sucked.  It was humbling.  And I thought back to last year when I was at 16 miles at this point…I couldn’t hold pace…I thought I was going to #pantsmypoop and I wanted to die…a little.  But I finished.  And despite major suckage, I felt strong regardless.  #nowwhereismyfoamroaller

 

Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be...
Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be…

I came home, showered, and tried to nap before heading out to my nieces and nephew’s bday party.  Sleep was not happening, so I got up showered, and was blessed to spend time with my immediate family.  I love these people.  More than life itself, and I found myself hugging them all a little tighter.

Aug2cousins

It truly baffles my mind that my kids, and nieces and nephews are growing up so fast.  Where does the time go?

I spent the evening later, with my amazing friends who live next door, talking, laughing, and drinking wine/water while sitting by a fire.

 

 

Love evening fires
Love evening fires

Today was a busy day filled with school clothes shopping at Once Upon a child and Plato’s closet.  I refuse to buy brand new, and simply can’t afford to do so…200 dollars later, my kids are set.  Plus we had fun planning for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party.

Birthday party fun!
Birthday party fun!

Aug2sophiaheels

At the end of the day, I realize this…my training runs may not always go as planned.  I may  not always have enough time or money to keep things moving forward.  BUT.  I always have my friends and family to keep my spirits UP.

Tonight I made stuffed zucchini that I acquired from my amazing next door neighbors.  It was easy, healthy, and delish!

Prep time, layered with pork/beef, eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese
Prep time, layered with pork/beef, eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese
Finished product, served over quinoa with oyster mushrooms
Finished product, served over quinoa with oyster mushrooms

My youngest daughter turns 8 on Tuesday…which means no more car/booster seats in my future, and another milestone knocked off my list.  My kids are growing up, and I find myself growing up with them….

I have a bad temper, lack of patience, and have too much on my plate most days.  But THEY have helped me be a better person, Mom, and friend.

But all of these joys that I continue to pour myself in to each day make all the bad just a little bit better.  I used to tell myself that one day things would get easier.  Yet I’ve realized things DON’T get easier, EVER.  You just get better at dealing with it all….

And it’s never easy.  But you get stronger, every single, day.  If you choose to do so…

So this week will be crazy busy, and I am ok with that…because I choose…to keep movin’ forward.

How was your week?

Do you lay your running gear the night before?

Do you like to cook?

❤ Michelle