movin’ forward – Movin' it with Michelle

Motivation in many ways…

February 10, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t sleep very well last night. The never ending thoughts of, “Can I do it all” haunted me as I rushed around packing lunches, drying snow pants, and signing the infamous “daily folder” to avoid the nasty note from the teacher. Oh, and did I wash S’s ballet uniform for Monday night? Crap…her tights need to air dry. Lemme throw that last minute load of clothes in at 10 p.m. LOL

But we had a ~~mostly~~ successful Monday morning with only minor drama as I dropped off S at the neighbor’s house before taking J to school. This calls for a win in my book. I also woke up to a loss of 1.4 lbs. Double WIN for a Monday!

But as I drove to work this morning sipping my yummy protein shake, (insert sarcasm here-pass me the bacon and eggs please and thanks) I thought about several things. What motivates me, what inspires me, and what keeps ME movin’ forward.

The last few years have been pretty huge for me. Between Marathons, my MasterChef tryout, and moving on to a new job this past year-I finally feel like I am finding my groove. But that underlying voice saying “GO chase your dreams” is still very real.

repeat, sorry, but a darn proud moment! (MasterChef try out)

See, I’ve always been an oddball. A stand out…a person who never really fit in with any crowd. I’ve always felt…well…different. And that’s ok…truly. I like who I am…who I’ve become. But I’ve always felt I had a bigger purpose in life…

So while driving home tonight, I decided to think, pray, and reflect on what motivates me to keep movin’ forward. Here is the list I came up with, in no particular order:

1. To be a better Mom. I’ve failed sucktastically at this more times than I can count. But may my girls never have to feel an ounce of the sadness I did growing up. (To no fault of anyone-just life circumstances).

2. To be a better Wife. See…there’s this dude, that I call B around here, whom I love dearly. He’s made me a better ME. I can only hope to do the same for him.

and lastly…

3. To be a better ME. I have done more, pushed myself further, and tried harder to live life to the fullest in the last 3 years than I did in the last 42 years combined. And isn’t this the example I want to give to my girls?

You’re darn right it is.

I drove home tonight nearly in silence as I thought about ALL of this. And I realized, no matter what, my voice matters and I need…to KEEP MOVIN’ FORWARD.

And in perfect time for this post, my J came downstairs to say goodnight, in tears. Someone told her today she looked ugly, and immediately my Mama bear came out in full force. I took a deep breath, reminded her of the importance of kindness and hugged her tightly. Being a parent is so tough, yet rewarding…And THIS fuels my fire. daily.

What motivates you? Tell me!

❤ Michelle

weekend wrap up

Weekend wrap up and stuff

February 9, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Well my writing/running/cooking streak came to an abrupt end when I woke up Thursday with a terrible headache/migraine. This also sidelined my run, and when this happens a dark cloud likes to hang over my head…such is Midwestern life in the winter, at least for this runner.

Knowing I wasn’t feeling myself, my hubby brought me THESE beauties to cheer me up.

Flowers for no reason? Yes please... — Flowers for no reason? Yes please…

See, he is leaving (now has left) for the better part of the next 3 weeks which leaves me in charge of not only my job, but managing my kids, the house, the kids activities and my sanity. No easy feat, let me tell ya…I’ve done it a million times before, but sadly it never gets easier. Maybe because he really is my best friend, through and through, so being apart from him leaves me feeling low. I don’t need someone in my life to make me happy, don’t get me wrong…but the select few humans I’ve chosen to keep near are a part of me-people I WANT in my life. My people…so now that my #1 person is far away, well, let’s just say I saw him off at 4:30 a.m. and several tears were shed.

Also, every time I see him off, I am reminded back to a time when I saw him off to war. This was a time when war meant you may never see your loved one again. And every time he walks out the door, I have to swallow the lump in my throat. My life just doesn’t work without him in it…Ok sorry, babbling over. He is gone, and time to suck it up…lol

I woke up with yet another headache brought on from tears I am sure, so when I got a text from my virtual RBF Maria asking if I wanted to run, I almost said no. But I didn’t say no…I drank some water, washed my face, and changed clothes to run on the ‘Mill. I only ran 2 miles, but it definitely helped turn my morning around.

2.2 miles and my #Plankchallenge to start my day!

Lastly, I took my mini-persons to see the movie “Into the Woods” today, and we enjoyed it. A bit drawn out, but I am guessing live this show is amazing.

Aren't we cute? LOL — Aren’t we cute? LOL

With that, I’ve prepared snacks and helped the kids prepare for the week. Ballet outfits are washed, school papers signed, and Valentines filled out for my mini-me who has a party this week. The trash cans are even taken to the curb. Go me, LOL!

My goal is short term this week, as I pray to just make it through Sunday because I also am working all weekend. The hubs will be home Saturday afternoon, but turns around and leaves again shortly there after. Weekend duty is always my nemesis, so wish me luck!

Questions! How was your weekend? Does your spouse travel for work/military? What was the last movie you saw?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, Uncategorized

The rebirth of so many things…Weekend wrap up!

April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have had, the BEST weekend, nearly EVER. Ok, that is exaggerating…but this weekend truly was stellar. And in being a part of this amazing weekend, I was reminded of how far I’ve come in life.

Friday night was spent with my family and friends watching our good friend’s son perform in his last high school performance of “Guys and Dolls.” We’ve watched him grow from a young sophomore, to a well seasoned senior that literally stole the show. I was in awe of his talent, and seeing him come out to greet the audience waiting to cheer on the performers yet having him zero in on my 7 year old holding a single rose to congratulate him made me swallow a huge lump in my throat. The adults spent the remainder of the evening huddled around a fire drinking wine and talking and I thanked my lucky stars for all the amazing people I’ve met since retiring from the Air Force.

As posted in my previous blog, I got my long run done on Saturday, and it was a really great run. We were lucky enough to spend the evening with friends again Saturday night, and I went to bed happy. The Easter baskets were set out, eggs hidden, and my alarm set for church.

I woke up to my husband snuggling with me, and my 7 year old crawling in to bed to wish us a Happy Easter. Can you get a better start to a day? I don’t think so…My husband was even so sweet to surprise me with an Easter card that held an ITunes gift card…he knows me too well.
We went to church, saw my RBF and her family, and I felt so blessed with such an amazing service while being surrounded by my family and friends.
We went out for breakfast, and came home for our annual at home Easter Egg hunt, and spent the rest of the day outside. I truly felt reborn having spent the weekend with some of my favorite people, running, and catching some much needed Vitamin D.

We grilled out tonight, and my hubby made some amazing steaks. I only had a small portion, but it was yummy! I did make a delicious roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash that was off the chain! Holler if you want the recipe!

Grilled steak with chimichurri, roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash and good ole corn on the cob!

I’ve learned a lot since retiring from the Air Force…stripes, race times, money, PR’s, NONE of that validates who I am. Nope…I validate ME. I let others dictate my happiness for far too long…It feels good to take control. And as always, KEEP MOVIN’FORWARD.

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