Life

I’m ALIVE (with some book reviews too!)

September 9, 2015 by Michelle 1 Comment

I swear I didn’t fall off the face of this Earth after I last posted. I’m ALIVE!

Things here have been busy, as they usually are this time time of year.

shocked

School started, soccer started, L’s dance classes started, MY dance class started (more on that in a minute), Fantasy Football started, and half marathon training has picked up. There was also my annual girl’s night out and Melissas came to visit.

Dude. When did they get so big????

This MIGHT be my favorite picture of us…ever. Even better than my favorite Chicago picture.

Missing a few of my favorites, but I love these ladies!

As much as I complain about how busy I am, we do much better when we have routine and when we have way too much to do. It forces us to enjoy the quiet time we do have – and even enjoy sitting at the table catching up a few times a week.

As I mentioned above, for the first time in MORE than 20 years, I am taking a dance class. Last year, a few of us joked about taking an adult hip hop class and apparently they didn’t think we were joking, because I’m taking it. AND there’s probably going to be a recital. SAY WHAT? Talk about getting out of my comfort zone! It’s fun even though I’M SURE I look ridiculous.

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This quote is kinda my mantra right now and in some ways helped push me (along with my friend Jackie) to sign up for this class. Not I think I’m great or that dancing for fun is taking a risk. I do however, believe I am learning something about myself — how to embrace my inner idiot. Amy Poehler Great People In running news, I ran a little more than 70 miles last month – with the hopes to run closer to 100 this month. It helps that my everyone in my running group is training for a marathon. Untitled

I am not remotely sad that I am not running one (OK, maybe a LITTLE nostalgic about Chicago, but if anything it fuels my fire to run it again next year!), but I love enabling people to run — and to run their first marathons. I volunteered to run up to 16 miles with my friends too, because I am nice (ha!). More than 16 miles involves taking ice baths and I’m not interested in doing that right now.

As for racing — I’m still not really focusing on speed because it’s too damn hot. I’ve done a few “fast” runs where I hit a few sub 9-minute miles in 100% humidity, but then I turn around and run extra slow miles even though I feel like I’m working my ass off. It’s humbling, that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to the cooler weather (that can arrive ANY FREAKING TIME now) to see what I’m really capable of. I feel like a PR could happen this year.

Fast miles… and slow miles…

And finally — I keep wanting to do a post on books I’ve read lately (and recommend) but I haven’t had the time. So, you’re getting a list instead:

1. In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

Read this! I read it in about 36 hours. It’s a “fun” read in that it doesn’t require a lot of thinking. It’s Gone Girl-ish without being infuriating. The characters didn’t annoy me like they did in Girl On the Train (which I also read and didn’t really love, but didn’t hate). I feel like I can pick up the plot twist about 80% of the time and I did not expect this ending.

2. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

I loved, loved, loved Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians and this is a great follow up. Read both if you haven’t read the first one. It’s like an Asian soap opera (these books would make an excellent TV show!).

3. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson

This book was so incredibly disturbing, I decided I could not handle going on a cruise ship after reading it (Note: Don’t read this while on a cruise vacation). Erik Larson doesn’t disappoint though and even though you KNOW the ship sinks, there is an element of surprise. The German submariner perspective is interesting as well.

4. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Aziz actually annoyed the shit out of me at times on Parks and Rec, but I love his standup. However, this book was a huge surprise. It’s really well thought out and he (and his writing partner) did so much research! I am not dating (thank goodness), but I enjoyed reading about how dating has changed (for the better AND the worse) in the past 20 years. The book is sprinkled with Aziz’s humor as well as heartfelt stories about his dating life and his parents (who have been in an arranged marriage for more than 30 years).

5. In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

I have deep, deep love and adoration for Judy Blume. One of my favorite books growing up was written by her (Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself — I honestly don’t know why I latched on to that one so much, must be because the main character moved to Florida in middle school?). I also really loved Summer Sisters (if you haven’t read that one – you should). So this book was a TINY bit of a disappointment for me. HOWEVER, it is a true Judy Blume book and I still enjoyed it. It was just a little…depressing? A little lengthy? A little verbose? Maybe a little all of those. It was also a slow read. Not her worst, but definitely not my favorite. By the way, when I was reading this book, I discovered that THIS GIRL has never read a Judy Blume book in her entire life. I mean, how did she learn about getting her first period???? I’m obviously still not over it.

Soooo on that note… Does anyone have any book recommendations for me?? Did I mention I’ll be in Mexico in less than 3 weeks for vacation? I need some good reads!!

Hitting The Reset Button

April 8, 2015 by Michelle 4 Comments

This morning I had an epiphany. It happened when my alarm went off at 5:30am and scared the shit of me. My epiphany? I didn’t want to workout. It’s a pretty amazing epiphany. And yes, after I yelled at my 8-year old being awake (and trying to play on my computer — what the hell kid?), I went back to bed until 6:45. It was glorious and needed.

I haven’t regularly been working out in the morning for months – instead I’ve opted for night workouts. I would work out after dinner — and then I would have the energy to work until midnight (or later). Since I’m not working till midnight (at the moment), I decided this week that THIS would be the week that I would start working out in the morning again. Except it just wasn’t happening.

Every morning this week I’ve had an excuse. I realized, I crept back into bed today, that I wasn’t going to want to get up tomorrow or Friday either – so why make myself? I’ve also enjoyed going to bed at a REASONABLE time (10:30 <–how old am I?), so I don’t want to ruin that with a nighttime endorphin rush.

So, I’m sitting on my ass.

nodothing

I figured it’s not often I take an entire week off of working out. The last time this happened was probably AFTER Evan was born almost two years ago.

It’s actually harder than I thought it would be to skip my workouts (I was SO tempted to throw on my running clothes after work and go out for a quick run – I really do like how it helps me decompress). This just means I’ll be ready NEXT week to start waking up early again. Umm. Sure. (yes, it’s really going to happen)

Until then… selfies and funny faces with the baby are my workout.

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Best.workout.ever.

When’s the last time you hit the reset button?

Call It A Comeback…Maybe?

April 6, 2015 by Michelle 14 Comments

I’ve spent the last few weeks attempting to write about the last two half marathons I’ve raced in (I use that term loosely) — and I just haven’t brought myself to do it.

I guess this is mostly because they were less than ideal races (personally – the races themselves were great and well-managed), but also because the idea of writing about running while I’m not enjoying it felt tiresome…feels tiresome.

However, I DO miss writing and sharing my (not so special) life, so I think making a comeback. Or at least I’m going to attempt to write more often. Probably NOT about running (despite the blog name) – although, I am hoping to make a comeback there too. Eventually.

So with that… a re-introduction and an update on my life…

You may have forgotten – my name is Michelle.

I’m tall and I’m socially awkward. I don’t like hugs. I’m married to a redhead (12+ years), and we have three kids. None are redheads.

I somehow now have an almost 9-year old, a 6-year old, and an almost 2-year old (how is that possible? Wasn’t I just pregnant?).

I recently went through a phase where I thought I would grow my bangs out. It was a mistake. The bangs are back.

By day, I am an instructional designer (click here if you have no idea what that means!). I’m technically a project lead/manager and last month I drove to Mississippi with my two bosses, so I’m clearly living the glamorous life.

Bonus, I learned how to spell Mississippi without having to do the rhyme (kidding. maybe).

My other job is, of course, mom — aka dance mom, soccer mom, helicopter mom, mommeeee mom, personal chef, and chauffer – among various other titles.

I often question my sanity, which is why I drink a lot of wine.

Nah, just kidding. It’s my favorite job. The hours are tough, but I love my little family. This year we’ve made a bigger effort to experience more with them and it’s given me an enhanced perspective. Plus, there’s less yelling. And more fist bumping.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching TV, working out, napping, avoiding cleaning until I can procrastinate no longer, eating, drinking wine, and drinking wine with friends. I’d like add running back to this list. We’ll see where this year (and racing hiatus) takes me.

So that’s me and where I’ve been for the last 6 or so months.

Let the comeback begin!

Things Lately

August 8, 2014 by Michelle 11 Comments

Hey, remember me? Is this thing on?

*crickets*

As you can probably tell, things have been…busy lately. Maybe busy isn’t the right word, because I swear I’m always busy. Hectic? Beyond busy? Chaotic? Yeah, that’s it. Needless to say, my life has been blowing up in front of my face — and for some reason I feel compelled to document it.

1. Rhode Island is GLORIOUS in the summer.

Today we got a little lost and ended climbing over rocks (cue anxiety!) before hitting the Cliff Walk. Still ended up chasing the sunrise with this amazing view. #seeonmyrun #newport #wooendorphins #sunrise

I could probably post 25 more images that look vaguely similar, but different than this. I was in Newport last week for work and while it sucked being away from my family – the rest of it really did not suck. Although, I think I said “I wish I was on vacation…” about 100 times a day.

While I was in Newport, I squeezed in some awesome runs with my coworker.

What’s funny is that this was taken at 5:30am — those are some EARLY sunrises!

I love that I work with people crazy enough to meet me at 5am for a good run! Both times we managed to hit the Cliff Walk at sunrise and both times is freaking amazing. The second day, however, we got a little lost and I ended up climbing over rocks with a very apparent look of terror on my face.

I’m a wuss.

The last night we were there we took a group trip to the Cliff Walk and it turns out that Woody Allen was shooting a movie.

All of that lighting was for the movie.

We didn’t see him (nor did we really care to), but we did see Emma Stone. Truthfully, it was more exciting to hang out in the beautiful weather, with my coworkers. You can tell we were having a horrible time. The weather was just terrible.

Oh, I ate a eat gigantic lobster along with some mussels and clams. Give me alllll of the New England food, please.

Newport, why must you be so fantastic? *sigh*

2. Girl’s Night Out happened. Again.

For the 3rd year in a row, a bunch of us got together, got silly, and drank waaaay too much.

This year we went to a super secret speakeasy (which, I loved – maybe I’m a hipster?), a rooftop bar where I managed to tweak my knee dancing (don’t ask), a bar where one of my friends almost won a twerking content (technically she did win because we got free shots), and a club/tattoo parlor (?) with stripper poles.

I don’t even recall taking half of these pictures. For more fun check out Paula’s post...

3. The Girls’ Night Out plague is REAL.

The first year we went out, I ended up with an ear infection and a horrible summer cold. Last year,was just NOT a good year for a bunch of us. I was in a postpartum/baby haze, so I don’t really remember details. This year was GREAT, until we got home. One person has pink eye, another ended up with a stomach virus. While I didn’t get sick – B came home with stomach issues and E ended up with Coxsackie virus (OMG THIS VIRUS IS SO HORRIBLE).

What sucks? Coxsackie virus What doesn't suck? Hanging out with this guy. Just wish it was for a happier reason.

Poor baby.

It does not keep him from being adorable though.

This week was exhausting. But it was worth it. Well, the hanging out with my ladies was worth it. The kids being sick though? Totally sucks.

Oh and one side effect of this whole ordeal is that E refuses to nurse (can’t blame him) — so we might be done. I’m still pumping (barely any milk) in the morning and at night – just in case this is a strike (he still loves the milk), but it’s not looking good. I never thought I’d wean this early (it’s early for me!) and without any kind of warning. My Dr. wasn’t kidding when he said “third kids tend to be a bit of a wild card.” The saddest/possibly most ironic part is that it’s during World Breastfeeding Week. Sigh. Bad timing.

4. I found myself a long-run running buddy!

Cut back week! 10 miles with Tyler. Running buddies are the best.

It’s funny because even though Tyler and have raced together — I never thought to harass him to come run with me. Although I think we are very similar in that we don’t necessarily NEED to run with anyone, but the company is always nice. He’s also training for Space Coast (you know that OTHER marathon I am running this year?).

5. I MET MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!!

FundraisingRMHC

I actually had to change this writing my post because I received a donation from my aunt that tipped me over. Wooooo-hoo! One less thing to worry about. Now I just have to worry about running that race. #cuepanic

But in all seriousness — THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who have donated! I can’t wait to share my Chicago Marathon experience with all of you.

6. I finally FINALLY cut my damn hair.

Suddenly, I feel 5 yrs younger and 10lbs lighter. I also feel kinda like a douche taking a selfie in these sunglasses.

I’ve been procrastinating – but the last time I had my hair done was in JANUARY. I love it though and I love my stylist. She is seriously the best.

I’ve gotten a little wiser and scheduled my next appointment already. It’s 2 days before I leave for Chicago. I might have to go a little crazy… hmmmm.

7. If you need a good dystopian book to read, I’m currently reading/rereading the MaddAddam trilogy. I’m pretty sure I read Oryx and Crake years ago — but I have book amnesia.

maddaddam

Apparently, it’s going to be a series on HBO, so you should read it now and throw in your friends faces when they get addicted to the series and want to know what happens. Not that I would do that.

And with that… it’s 9pm and time for bed. I have 14 miles in the morning, Taste of the Nation Orlando tomorrow night, and a whole bunch of other stuff in between.

What’s the last book you read? Where’s your favorite place to vacation?

Volunteering at Second Harvest

July 20, 2014 by Michelle 7 Comments

I’ve been saying that I’ve wanted to volunteer with my kids for years now. It comes up, I think about it for a few days, and then I do nothing about it. Part of it is because it’s HARD to find volunteering opportunities for kids and the other part is that I’m just full of excuses about being too busy and too consumed with my own life.

That’s changing.

This week I FINALLY had a chance to volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Second Harvest collects, stores, and distributes donated food to more than 550 feeding partners in six Central Florida counties. Their food goes to food pantries, daycares, soup kitchens, emergencies shelters, and senior centers (to name a few). Over 50% of their food comes from retail stores – but chances are, when you donate goods in Central Florida, it ends up at Second Harvest.

Second Harvest has many, many volunteering opportunities for adults, but every other month they offer a “Family Night” where kids from ages 5-9 can volunteer, which is where I went (with B and L) last Wednesday night.

Also joining us was Paula, who, by the way, my kids decided they want as their new mom. #tryingnottobeoffended

And just think, she only thought she was signing up to volunteer for a few hours!

We got to Second Harvest 5 minutes before 6 (the program ran from 6-8), signed in, and then was sent to the volunteer break room. The whole process was very simple. We waited for about 10 minutes before they raffled off two tickets to Fun Spot (that thankfully we did not win — shhh don’t tell the kids I said that) and then we were directed into the warehouse to sort food.

And sort food we did! There were 18 pallets of food (about 15,000lbs) that we placed into a variety of bins (cans, dry goods, chemicals, non-food, candy, etc.).

It was a simple activity, but seeing all of the kids working hard was so fun! B especially got into it, while L made friends with an older boy (seriously) and helped collect the empty boxes.

Is it too early to lock her up?

We ended up smoking through the pallets (they anticipated 12 pallets taking 2 hours and had to bring in 6 more after 45 minutes – which still wasn’t enough) and finished up a little early.

Paula and B REALLY wanted to take home the candy, but I’m mean and I said no.

As we were leaving B BEGGED to come back (he actually wanted to stay and do more), so I signed up for September as well. As of right now there are still about 25 spots left if you are interested in volunteering with kids!

And by the way, another event that Second Harvest is involved in is Taste of the Nation Orlando which is coming up on August 9th.

Taste of the Nation is a HUGE fundraising event for both Second Harvest and the Coalition for the Homeless – raising money together for their No Kid Hungry campaign.

It also happens to brings together some of the BEST local restaurants (as well as a few chains) where you can eat and drink your little heart out. It’s a one of a kind event where you can feel gluttonous about eating massive amounts of food, while also feeling good about the cause.

You may remember that I went last year as Paula’s date and had a FANTASTIC time. I cannot wait to head back again this year!

So, long story short — if you’d like to dedicate a few hours of your time check out the Second Harvest Food Bank. If you aren’t local, it’s worth checking out your local food banks.

AND If you are looking for something to do in August, which just so happens to support a fantastic cause, you can buy tickets HERE. Do it! It’s for the kids!