deployment blues – Movin' it with Michelle

I swear I have lost my mind, and yesterday threw me on a roller coaster of emotions I had thankfully forgotten from our first deployment. Our final goodbyes for the year have been said, and I can honestly say that I am not sure how I survived the 60 minute drive home yesterday. After being enveloped in my husband’s arms as we all sobbed, I just can’t put into words the raw emotion that we felt. My daughters and I simply hung on to one another yesterday, and after tucking my youngest in as she cried herself to sleep, I knew I’d have my hands full this next year.

brianescort — He texted me this photo on his way to the airport. They were being escorted by veterans. SO cool.

So my sister challenged me, to keep busy, find a project, and/or journal to help the quiet of the evenings hurt a little less. So that’s the plan. I’ve got several house projects to do on my list, and plan to write a lot more. That’s the joy of my blog, it’s multifaceted, and not just about running. Plus, it’s mine and I can write what I want to, LOL!!!

I still have to remind myself to breathe sometimes. I have to choke back the sobs more times in the day than I can count. But with each day that passes, it’s one day closer to his return. And I am reminded daily of all the blessings in my life. I walked in to work this morning to find this on my desk, a beautiful gesture from my entire staff. #allthelove

flowers

I also received several texts, got a dozen hugs, and this awesome gift from my friend Kelly. I wish I had words to describe how grateful I am for all the awesome people in my life.

And as the day came to a close and my kids played outside while I did laundry and cleaned I received a text from my oldest. “Mom, come outside and look at the sunset” She loves the sunrises and sunsets nearly as much as I do.

As we watched the sun set into the horizon, we hugged each other tightly and she whispered, “Love you…” and held her even tighter.

This will be a very tough year. But we love each other so very much, that I believe in the end it will help us get through this even stronger. The crazy emotions of the week have brought on a pretty terrible headache so I put off my workout for another day because I just can’t bear to be down for the count. I’ll get back at it in no time.

Who’s your biggest supporter? Do you have beautiful sunrises and sunsets where you live? What’s your latest workout?

Cheers!! ❤

Michelle

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in a bit of a slump. With the news of my husband’s upcoming deployment, I honestly don’t feel like doing anything other than sleep even though trying to get more than an hour of sleep at a time seems impossible. I don’t want to run, I don’t want to cook, I don’t want to do much of anything…I think my husband sensed my blues setting in, so he took me on a date on Friday. We only do date nights a few times a year, so this was just what I needed.

I actually felt pretty, which doesn't happen too often anymore!! — I actually felt pretty, which doesn’t happen too often anymore!!

We had a great date, first by going out to a nice dinner, and finishing the night off with seeing the movie, “Burnt.” As a wanna-be Chef, this movie was all that and a bag of chips in my book, and it really portrayed what being a “real” Chef entails. I highly recommend it to any food lovers!

Today, staying with the theme of trying to quit feeling sorry for myself, I got up early enough to watch the New York City Marathon. A good friend of mine is running it, and I am always in awe of the enormity of this race. Watching the elites almost inspired me enough to go for a run, but my naggy Achilles and I decided to call it and clean the house instead. Because of course, I haven’t felt like cleaning either. I took out some salmon for dinner, and decided to change things up from my typical recipe of baking it with herbs and butter (recipe can be found HERE) and giving the salmon a little kick.

Spicy Salmon

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1 fillet of salmon cut into 4 servings patted dry, seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard lightly spread on each fillet

Lightly sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons (total for all 4 fillets) of cayenne pepper over all 4 fillets, season to taste

Light sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar over all 4 fillets

2 chives, finely chopped for garnish

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until the salmon flakes with a fork. Garnish with chives, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

I served mine with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa w/portabella mushrooms, sweet potatoes, garlic and onions.

What’s your go-to activity to get out of a slump? Do you like salmon? Did you watch the New York City marathon today?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Tag: deployment blues

What day is it today?

Slumps and Spicy Salmon…keepin’ it real!

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