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

 

 

food

4th of July festivities and foods

Well, despite our basement partially flooding on Thursday and having to fork out more money than I care to admit I have to say-this weekend has been awesome so far.
I started the weekend with a 4th of July eve 4 miler…it went fairly well, and despite still having some breathing problems I was able to hold pace.
4thofJulyeve4miler

Friday we got together with my amazing friend Carolyn and her family for the 4th of July festivities. They have included us in their family tradition for the last 3 years, and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. We met up at her folks house to gather for the parade. I missed it last year due to work, so found myself extra excited to spend the entire day with such amazing people.

My two super cool mini movers
My two super cool mini movers

Carolyn and I on the fire truck!
Carolyn and I on the fire truck!

After the parade, we dispersed and took a much needed nap.
We had primo seats for the fireworks, and I was able to catch a few really good shots. Here’s one:
4thofJulyfireworks

Today should’ve been ‘chore’ day as my house looks like a tornado hit it…I finally finished washing all the towels used to soak up the water for Thursday’s flood, but the rest of the housework is lacking. I asked my husband what he wanted to do today this morning, and he said, “Let’s go on a picnic!” Deal. I was IN. My oldest daughter was at a friend’s BBQ party, so we gathered our youngest, a cooler, our picnic basket and a bunch of yummy food and headed north on the Fox River.
familypicnic2

Someone enjoyed our food choices!
Someone enjoyed our food choices!

THIS
THIS

I finished up the day by making this amazing zucchini, squash, and potato soup.

Easy, healthy, and what a hit!
Easy, healthy, and what a hit!

Here’s what you’ll need:
2 yellow squash, peeled and cubed
2 zucchini, peeled and cubed
2 red potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 white onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 pats of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of avocado oil
2-3 cups of unsalted vegetable stock
Seasonings to taste:
Kosher salt
Coarse ground black pepper
Turmeric
Cayenne pepper
Smoked paprika
Tarragon
Basil
Thyme
Dill
Parsley for garnish

Heat a large sauce/soup pot on medium heat and add in one pat of butter and the avocado oil. Next, add your garlic and onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly translucent. Add in the rest of your veggies and seasonings, and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the veggies are soft. Next, add in your veggie stock, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender (see pic) or in your food processor.
immersion-blender
Taste your soup for desired seasoning, and add your second pat of butter. Stir well, and serve! My hubby asked for seconds! 🙂

What is your favorite way to spend the 4th of July?

Do you enjoy soup? What are your favorite kinds?

Have a great day, and thanks for reading!

❤ Michelle