Michelle Hurst

Recently, I went to the local running store and let them charge a ridiculous amount for a new pair of running shoes. I used to run, just like I used to do lots of things, but lately, I have been slow to get off the couch. I quickly found my brand and style of choice. The owner came up from the back and asked me about my selection. Runners are very particular about their shoes. I told her I needed something to absorb a lot of the impact. I tell her that I overpronate just a little. I tell her that my knees creak, but I never mention the hole in my head. I tell her I’m a distance runner, not a

Ever have 43 things on your to-do list, and instead of getting them done, you fill out one of those silly internet/Facebook questionnaires that ask great questions? You know, the kind where you check off books you’ve read, movies you’ve watched, states you have visited, favorite breakfast cereal, etc. I am a sucker for them. I mostly don’t even post them, I just read and answer them. I have taken almost every personality test out there. (Enneagram 7 here with a strong 8 wing, ENFJ). I read somewhere that people take personality tests, even the bad ones, in hopes of learning something new about ourselves. Figuring Out Who We Are We are all trying to figure out who we are… and maybe

When my daughter was young she could sniff out a baking mix from a mile  away. Once I purchased a box of banana nut muffin mix at the store and my then four-year-old had it out of the bag and was waiting for me before I could even set my keys down. I sliced up a few bananas while she put paper liners in the muffin pan. She insisted on adding sprinkles, and I said, “Why not?” We whisked and poured and put them in the oven. Banana Muffins Can’t Be Brownies As soon as I closed the oven door, my daughter started asking if her brownies were ready yet. Her slightly older brother piped up from doing his homework, never missing

A friend recently sent me slightly condescending meme about tattoos. She was trying to be funny, but I reminded her that I have over half a dozen (although none in such obvious places as the picture). I thought about it while I washed my hair—and about how my hair was also once purple. I wondered what kind of memes could be found about people with bold hair choices or pierced noses. Other than the first two tattoos, I did none of these things in my youth. All were in my 30s. Currently, my hair is a plain brown color, styled in a sensible cut. My tattoos are all easily hidden by most clothing and only my ears are pierced. As this decade