Celebrate the good, Deployment thoughts

The Final FINAL Countdown

You’ve got that song in your head now, don’t you…ROFL!!!

Gosh…where do I begin.

Wait. I know. MY HUSBAND IS SAFE ON U.S. soil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does it get any better than that?  Gosh, I can’t even tell you the weight I feel that has lifted from my heart/shoulders. I received this picture from a fellow Army wife late on Saturday evening and I couldn’t. STOP. STARING. That smile says it all…and that smile has been missing from my life for a year now. But I feel the effects it brings to my life by looking at this picture, so pardon me while I give it another look…<3  But I digress….LOL!

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My daughters asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I immediately said one last girls trip to the city before their Daddy gets home. So, Saturday the girls and I went to the city for the day. I had pre-planned this before knowing of the anti-Trump and women’s marches so I was a little apprehensive after seeing all the riots in D.C. after the inauguration. Thankfully everything was peaceful and had disbanded before we got downtown. We spent the day eating, walking around the city, and catching the sites at the Shedd Aquarium. The weather was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better day.

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I’ve reached the final stage of this deployment, which I like to call the “nesting phase.” I am cleaning like a mad woman, and recleaning what I’ve already cleaned just to make sure it’s clean. Yes, I know my husband could care less about anything other than the fridge being stocked with beer and wine, but hey…I couldn’t help it. Both our fridges are scrubbed, cleaned, and checked all expiration dates. (Can you tell I work in a lab? LOL). I also scrubbed (with the help from Soph) my bathroom, and vacuumed and dusted the entire house. Don’t worry, I am sure I’ll do it 3 more times before he comes home. And while I can’t say what day he’ll be home…I can officially say it will be LATE NEXT WEEK. Yes…I said NEXT week…all the feels!! WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

My next post is going to go over the highs and lows of this deployment. I have learned so much about myself and others, as well as made some wonderful memories with my daughters that will last a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to those who not only are there to celebrate the highs, but have carried me during the lows…for these are priceless gems in my life. #foreverfriends

Thanks to YOU ALL for joining me on this year long journey. I truly appreciate you hanging around even though this blog is for running and recipes as well. Real life took over, but you know what? I wouldn’t change a single thing.

The final countdown is ON until I am snuggled safely in my husband’s arms, and I CANNOT wait! ❤

Cheers!

Michelle

dedication, food, goals

Two or more things, Tuesday…

I have realized a lot this past week and a half. First, I LOVE being home, keeping things clean, organized, and running whenever I want to! LOL! But I know I need to work!

Today was a rest day for running so I knocked out my 90 pushups, and decided I deserved to get my hair done! I haven’t had my hair professionally highlighted in nearly a year and a half, but was proud to say the stylist said I did a great job. Of course I didn’t splurge on a salon due to being frugal, but I was pleased with Cost Cutters today.

not professional styled, and no foof...but under 50 bucks, and I was sold.
not professional styled, and no foof…but under 50 bucks, and I was sold.

I was supposed to go consignment shopping today, yet the snow and icy road kept me close to home. I did however attain a new pair of khakis and 2 long sleeve shirts (is spring EVER coming?) from Ross. And yes, I eye-balled the workout gear like a crazy women, yet I refrained.

Tonight’s dinner was a simple baked parmesan served with garlic and mushroom red sauce over rice pasta. Our side dish was sautéed broccoli and cauliflower with garlic. YUM.

Quick, and easy…

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Butterfly two chicken breasts, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside
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Next, mix 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of low fat olive oil mayo, and Italian seasoning together.
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In a separate dish, pour in about a half cup of panko bread crumbs.
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Slather your chicken with the parm/mayo mixture and coat in the panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 425 until done, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

I keep my sauce simply. We have the BEST local market that makes amazing marinara sauce, so I sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms to add to the sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, and you are GOLDEN.
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Cook your rice pasta according to package directions, making sure you salt your boiling water, and serve with your favorite veggie!

Dinner is served!
Dinner is served!

I finished the night cleaning out my closet. I try to do this at least twice a year….great success, and I even located my Mickey Mouse socks… 🙂

Mickey Mouse socks=win.
Mickey Mouse socks=win.

Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes...lol
Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes…lol

So my 2 things this Tuesday are…

1. Be who you are, and be true…
2. If you aren’t able to love your career, love your life all that much more.

DO what you LOVE. Even if it’s outside of work. For me it’s family, fitness, friends, and so many things I have a passion for-like cooking, organizing, writing…

Yup…

❤ Michelle