For the last 42 years, ok not that long but for a LONG time, I have hated my birthday. I wish I could honestly figure out where this hate comes from, although I have a few sneaking suspicions that I will keep to myself. Yet as I have grown into a middle aged adult, I truly have worked at embracing my birthday as a day of celebration of life vs. a battle of time.
And this weekend, I was reminded how very blessed I truly am. I was surrounded by friends and family, and made to feel more special than I can even describe in words…
So this post will have less words, and more pics, because I truly can’t find the words to describe the blessings I feel today, and always. And of course…food pics. Because isn’t this why we run so much? LOL!!!
Make a wish! You’re never too old, right?Cherished gifts from my first Chicagoland friend, Carolyn. XOMy kind of birthday cake….Crème BruleeBirthday wine at Fox Fire in Geneva IL, delish!These amazing people planned a surprise birthday brunch for me. #sighBirthday dinner of twin lobster tails, YUM!Me and my friend Melissa ❤Walked today, for #megsmiles
So after quite a bit of deliberation I found myself looking hard at my circle of friends once again today. I am cutting back more on social media, removing negative forces from my world, and realizing not everyone has the best wishes for us in life.
But…some people DO want nothing more than the best for us…and those are the gifts that I hold true to my heart on days/weekends like this…
Here’s to a new week, more miles, amazing relationships and even better food!
Questions….Do you enjoy your birthday? What’s your favorite birthday treat?
First off, I am so very pleased to have been asked by Christina @crazymamarunner to tell my story about why I chose to run a marathon. I was highlighted on her blog this week, and you can read the story HERE . I found my eyes welling with tears as I read what she wrote, and re-read what I submitted to her. Please take a moment to check it out!!
Secondly, as most of you know I have struggled with my running this and last winter. Initially due to the artic blast we received far too early this winter, and ultimately ending with a nasty cut on my thumb Christmas day…in case you missed it, the story is HERE . For the first couple weeks my thumb throbbed so terribly I could barely sleep, and hardly fathom running. Along with this lack of motivation came laziness and poor eating. Woops. I fell in to that trap. Darn it all to H E double hockey sticks. Yeah…I went there. LOL
LOL
But this weekend despite crazy work hours and schedule I decided since my hubby was leaving at O dark 30 to travel this morning, I would run on the dreadmill tonight after work. I told my family, and posted on my FB fan page to hold myself accountable. I NEEDED to run at least 2 miles.
In stepped my friend Maria from @Runningflaps FB fan page. We made a virtual date, and I was so giddy to have ‘someone’ to run with even if it was virtually. I picked up my youngest from after school care and headed home. And as I pulled on my shorts and tank that was just a bit too tight for my comfort I found myself cringing. I shook it off, and headed down stairs to the mill. I decided to take some of my followers advice and turned on Netflix, season one of Grey’s Anatomy. I started slow, and found myself wanting to give up. And this I received THIS text:
#This
I made it two miles, and although they weren’t pretty miles, I didn’t give up. I feel like I am starting from square one, but I am at least starting. It’s truly amazing what a month+ can do for your endurance…or should I say how it KILLS your endurance.
Pretty much how I feel…LOL
So I ran 2 miles, and although it was tough I finished.
Ugly, but done!
Day 13 of the AB challenge is done, and I am realizing quick I need to get myself in to gear for next month when my “real” training starts. Darn my passion and love for food at times like these. Give me ALL. The. Veggies and someone take away my quinoa chips…PLZ. #alwayshungry
So tonight’s Truth is this:
Don’t give up, no matter the obstacles, what the scale says, or how your clothes fit. Keep movin’ forward, and the pieces will fall in to place!
Ah, it’s been a while since I did a five things, Friday post. This week my 5 things come with photos of a few of my favorite things this week…because isn’t every good blog post filled with pics?
Here goes:
First…tonight I had a day off because I am working the next 6 days and IL law states you can’t work more than 6 days in a row. What did I do? I set my alarm to take my eldest to school so she wouldn’t have to wait outside in sub zero temps, I took a nap, I cleaned my house, did laundry, my AB challenge, and cooked this beautiful meal for my family. Once I perfect the recipe, I’ll post it!
My deconstructed “Burger and Fries with homemade BBQ sauce.”
After picking up my mini me from after school care I checked the mail. It’s been a while as our drive way is hella long, and well, it’s darn cold outside. I received this beautiful hand made apron and pot holders from my dear friend Michelle who is the most self-less person I know. While she battles her second bout of cancer, she sews me an apron because she is concerned about my thumb, and over all well being. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Wow.
A gift from someone who deserves more gifts than I can even dream of giving…
And then there’s this guy…We’ve had our fair share of struggles. He travels more than I’d like. He plays too many video games. But at the end of the day, HE supports me and loves me, even when I am pretty tough to love. Which is often…lol
This dude…yeah…
THIS day. This. The day I put off for over a year because I let self doubt win, over. and. over. ALL THE DOUBT. And none of the confidence. But this day I took a chance. It may have not panned out. But darn it I sure tried and will continue to do so. #chefwannabe My life will be forever changed because I took this chance…
A reminder of a day where I chased my dreams full force.
Lastly there’s this little fella…this dog, this FRIEND who hasn’t left my side in years. True love right here.
My little prince, who’s now 7 years old, but still a puppy in my eyes and heart.
My point to this post, is to hang on to the things you love dearly. I lost a friend from high school yesterday, without warning, and I am again reminded how short life really is. So these are just a few of my favorite things that have touched my heart this week.
What keeps you going? Do you have pets? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?
I knocked out my AB challenge tonight, and even made it to 24 seconds with my plank vs. the required 12 seconds. Weak…I know. But it’s progress so I’ll take it. I also walked 2.5 miles today, and my thumb is healing nicely so I hope to hit the trails next week for a couple miles! I think God was actually doing me a favor this week, as we have sub 0 temps with negative wind chills to add to the winter fun! Those of you that know me, know I struggle in the winter. This winter my goal is to keep movin’ despite the frigid temps, and laugh. and then laugh some more…:-) And for those of you bragging about your warm temps in the winter, I am not affected. Winter is SUPPOSED to be cold and snowy. It’s not always FUN…but it’s winter, and the beauty of a fresh fallen snow is still priceless. My face, does still hurt tho…just sayin’…
Pretty much…lol
Today at work, I had my weekly meeting with my boss to discuss any issues, happenings, budget, etc etc. Often times we get off on a tangent, and today’s tangent coupled with a later conversation that left me smiling. This lesson didn’t hit me until later in the day when one of my peers came to my office red faced and flustered. This woman has become like a Mother to me, so I immediately asked if I could help. She had received the news that her daughter had lost her job, and her heart was heavy trying to carry her daughter’s grief. And instantly I got choked up, remembering last year at this time, when I had found out my position was being eliminated. She and I talked extensively, both being women of great faith and I shared my story again of how I was at my wits end last year, as the time ticked by where soon I’d be jobless. But then I got the call…THE call for an interview for my current job, and everything fell in to place. Nearly 10 months later and I feel like this amazing group of people have welcomed me in with open arms and have made this my current ‘work’ home. It isn’t always about a hefty pay check or lofty raises that make the job satisfying. Nope…
Truth right here…
It’s about the people you choose to surround yourself with, each and every day. In my weekly meeting with my boss earlier today, he verified that he is working on my less than stellar pay, and reminded me that I am appreciated. And that my friends, is enough for me…
So yeah…the pay check would be nice, but at the end of the day it’s about THIS. People, moments, relationships, family, and friends.
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 ❤
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
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?
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…
What a perfect sunset!
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.
Sole sisters and shoe twins!We did it!
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.
Yum!
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.
I drizzled the final dish with black truffle oil. YUM!
And so we plate….here is this week’s Sunday Supper.
Dinner, is, served!
With that, I leave you with a smile, a ready palate, and passion that is unending. Keep Movin!
Today is a new day. My daughter, the tough little cookie she is, is doing fine…I think Mom took it harder than daughter when reality slapped us in the face.
But today, after not a lot of sleep, I rolled out of bed and hopped in the shower. It was time to pick up my race packet and hit the expo for a race I haven’t trained too terribly hard for, but that I know I can complete. My #doepicshit friend Andrea was working the expo until 1 o’clock, so I wanted to make sure I got to see her.
And see her I did! She graciously handed me my packet, and I shopped around while I waited for her to finish her volunteer shift.
Free chair massage? yespleaseandthankyou!
Meet Rico…my massage dude that was stuck in the 80’s sporting his spray tan and gold chains. But hey, he worked the knot in my back like a mad man. WIN.
Afterwards, we decided to grab a bite to eat to celebrate having some time together. Living an hour apart, and both working crazy hours we don’t get to see each nearly enough.
Blue moon beer counts as carb loading, yes?
After talking race strategy (run..walk…move…don’t die, and finish), we parted ways and I headed home to get my flat runner ready.
Flat runner ready!
Upon my arrival home, my hubby asked what our dinner plans were? What? I am running a half marathon tomorrow…I’m. not. cooking. LOL! So he prepared some yummy pasta for us…DELISH!
True carb loading, LOL
And now, with my gear set out, my Garmin and IPod charging, I am relaxing in an almost too quiet house. Wait…is that possible? LOL…
My plan for tomorrow is quite simple…take all the stressors I’ve been dealing with the last few weeks, and let that energy fuel me for 2+ hours. Leave the yuck on the road, and run with my heart. I nearly tried to wimp out and either 1. not run the race or 2. just finish it half assed…But my friends know me far too well, and I just don’t work that way.
So I’ll meet up with my amazing friends before the race…shiver, hug, and embrace all that is right in the world by surrounding myself with these people. Will the race lead to a PR? Doubtful…realistically I am just a little rusty from the last few weeks. But I’ll finish, and give it my all!
Thanks to you all, for your amazing support these last 2 days!
Movin' it with Michelle 