Life Update

I apologize for my absence. I rarely several days go by without a post, but life has been very busy and very stressful.

Here’s a brief summary of what I’ve been up to.

Over the weekend, Craig and I went camping with another couple from our church. I did not take a single picture while we were there, so you’ll have to enjoy this picture from a previous camping trip.


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We spent two nights camping at Quartz Creek Campground which is on the Kenai Peninsula. It is definitely one of my favorite campgrounds because the lots are well-maintained, there is ample room to spread out on each lot, there are trees and vegetation all around you, and you have beautiful views of Kenai Lake.

Highlights of the trip:

– I ran 3 miles on Saturday morning. It is always a big accomplishment for me to run while camping.

– We had very little rain. . . .and a little sun.

– My Therm-a-rest sleeping pad was super comfortable.


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(Source)

Lowlights of the trip:

– I froze my butt off the entire time, which is normal. 😕

– Not eating enough vegetables.


Workouts

I am starting to get back into the groove of running.

Last week’s total mileage: 24 miles

My goal for this week: 33 miles


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So far I ran 6 miles on Monday, 4 miles on Tuesday, and 7 miles (3 x 1 mile repeats) this morning.

I also went to the gym with Craig on Monday night to lift weights for 45 minutes. Now I am super sore, but I love it!


Meals

I have been slacking on cooking and baking lately. I did cook a couple of meals at the beginning of last week that we ate for leftovers the remainder of the week.

For our camping trip, Craig did cook a big pot of White Chicken Chili, which is must-try if you haven’t had this before! And tonight I am going to make Curried Tofu with Israeli Couscous <—also a good one.  

My mid-morning snack one morning was this Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bar—a new granola bar from Kashi. I got a free sample sent to me in the mail, which is always exciting!


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Overall, I was impressed with the granola bar. I liked the flavor and would consider buying them in the store.


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Work

Two words: VERY STRESSFUL!!

Even more stressful than last year!! Things have not been going well for me. 🙁

I was hopeful this school year would turn out to be okay, but the kids are no longer scared because it is their first day and they are giving me a run for my money.

I hate having to be someone I am not and am struggling to find motivation to teach each class. I am not sleeping well, I dread getting up in the morning, and I can’t believe it is only September.

I also started taking a class on Tuesday nights in order to renew my teaching license. (I have another class that will start in November as well.) These classes will definitely take time away from my blogging because of attending the class and working on homework. So I don’t think I will be able to blog very much this semester. Hopefully, it will pick up again next semester.

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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20 Comments

  1. 9.14.11
    Megan (Running Foodie) said:

    Oh, Michelle! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having a rough start to the school year AND you’re taking evening classes 🙁 You’re in my thoughts and prayers, for sure.

    • 9.14.11
      Michelle said:

      Thank you! I really appreciate it!!

  2. 9.14.11
    Megan (Running Foodie) said:

    Oh, Michelle! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having a rough start to the school year AND you’re taking evening classes 🙁 You’re in my thoughts and prayers, for sure.

    • 9.14.11
      Michelle said:

      Thank you! I really appreciate it!!

  3. 9.15.11
    Holly said:

    Sorry to hear about the stressful school year. 🙁 That’s so frustrating! Is it behavior issues? I hope things will die down and it gets easier!

    • 9.15.11
      Michelle said:

      It is not just behavior issues. There are things going on at the administrative level as well. 🙁

  4. 9.15.11
    Holly said:

    Sorry to hear about the stressful school year. 🙁 That’s so frustrating! Is it behavior issues? I hope things will die down and it gets easier!

    • 9.15.11
      Michelle said:

      It is not just behavior issues. There are things going on at the administrative level as well. 🙁

  5. 9.15.11
    Krissie J said:

    I’m sorry that the school year is already causing you so much stress. 🙁 Take as much time as you need to get what you must done. We’ll all still be here and I would much rather see a few posts here and there than have you burning the candle at both ends trying to balance it all. <3 Hope things get better!

  6. 9.15.11
    Krissie J said:

    I’m sorry that the school year is already causing you so much stress. 🙁 Take as much time as you need to get what you must done. We’ll all still be here and I would much rather see a few posts here and there than have you burning the candle at both ends trying to balance it all. <3 Hope things get better!

  7. 9.15.11
    Sarah said:

    sorry things are super stressful for you right now! and don’t ever feel like you have to apologize for not blogging…real life is way more important! hope you can relax this weekend.

    • 9.15.11
      Michelle said:

      I know I shouldn’t feel like I need to apologize, but for some reason I feel better about apologizing?!?!? Not sure why.

  8. 9.15.11
    Sarah said:

    sorry things are super stressful for you right now! and don’t ever feel like you have to apologize for not blogging…real life is way more important! hope you can relax this weekend.

    • 9.15.11
      Michelle said:

      I know I shouldn’t feel like I need to apologize, but for some reason I feel better about apologizing?!?!? Not sure why.

  9. 9.16.11
    Kristy said:

    Yay, I am glad you got your free Kashi granola bar in the mail! I got the same one 😉

  10. 9.16.11
    Kristy said:

    Yay, I am glad you got your free Kashi granola bar in the mail! I got the same one 😉

  11. 9.16.11
    Susan said:

    So sorry you are having a stressful year. I’ve worked jobs I hated & it’s hard not to let it drag you down. Hope things get better.

  12. 9.16.11
    Susan said:

    So sorry you are having a stressful year. I’ve worked jobs I hated & it’s hard not to let it drag you down. Hope things get better.

  13. 9.16.11
    Jenn said:

    I’m so glad you got some sun on your camping trip! It’s definitely starting to feel like fall here. Sigh.

    Sorry the school year has been stressful – I’ll keep you in our prayers. =)

  14. 9.16.11
    Jenn said:

    I’m so glad you got some sun on your camping trip! It’s definitely starting to feel like fall here. Sigh.

    Sorry the school year has been stressful – I’ll keep you in our prayers. =)