Three Things Thursday!
Ok, so my Three things Thursday post is going to go a little like this:
1. I’ve been at my current job for nearly 10 months now. I’m finally settling in, feeling more comfortable, and really making connections with my staff, peers, and Pathology staff. I’d been told a pay raise was in the works, as my annual merit raise was pennies since I was only with the hospital technically one quarter of last year (June 30th ends the fiscal year for our hospital). Today when checking my pay stub, I saw that my raise kicked in and I smiled. It’s not huge, but it made me feel really good that my hard work is recognized. YAY. Every little bit counts!
2. Today marks the 2 week anniversary of my self mutilation – aka Christmas injury. You can read about it here: https://movinitwithmichelle.com/2014/12/27/christmas-injuries/ I am happy to report that for the first time in 2 weeks, I was able to take a REAL shower without my uber bandaged thumb. The wound is healing NICELY, I am able to cook again, and am looking forward to RUNNING next week!!! Tonight is the first time I have a regular Band-Aid on the wound, but will probably add more padding when I leave the house-just for safety purposes. It’s still very tender, hasn’t closed completely quite yet and is still very bruised. But…it gets better every day, and soon I’ll be back it all with full force, despite lacking a slice of my digit LOL!!
3. We are currently experiencing Polar Vortex #2 with our 3rd day in a row of a crazy artic blast. Temps have plummeted, schools closed, and winds are blowing at top speeds. I also just found out that I’ll be back on single Mom duty for the next month and a half while my husband travels off and on… SOOOO….What does that mean?
COMFORT FOOD!!!! Here’s my take on a healthy beef stroganoff:
What you’ll need:
1 lb of beef chuck roast, cubed, and seasoned with kosher salt and pepper. Place in a bowl, and sprinkle a 1/8 cup of flour (I used gluten free, Namaste brand-my fav!!) Set aside.
1 can of low fat golden mushroom soup/1 cup of low sodium beef stock.
1 white onion, diced
3 gloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of mushrooms, chopped (I used Shitake, but any brand will do)
2 tablespoons of low fat sour cream (add this at the VERY end)
4-5 splashes of Worcestershire sauce
Thyme, chives, and parsley-pinch of each
1 cup of gluten free rice (or the rice/pasta of your choosing), cooked to package directions
Preheat your wide sauce pan with EVOO at medium to high heat. Cook your beef until golden on each side-do not cook through. Remove from the pan, and drain the grease. Add a touch more oil, and sauté your onions, garlic, and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Add back in the beef, and increase the heat just a touch. In a separate bowl, add the mushroom soup and stock and mix well. Pour over your meat. Add 4-5 splashes of Worcestershire sauce. Season by adding the Thyme, Parsley, and Chives. Lower the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes (I use this time to cook my rice). Add in the sour cream in the last 2 minutes, stir well and get ready to plate. Taste for seasoning, serve, and enjoy!!!
Time for 3 questions!!!
How do you handle recognition/raises at work? Is it frigid where you live? What’s your favorite comfort food?
Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!
❤ Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 
Michelle, very happy to hear about your raise and your thumb! Glad it’s healing! Also, sorry to hear about the freezing temps. It was really cold here yesterday, but will be a little bit better today. The wind is bad, though. Have an amazing Friday and weekend! XOXO
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Our wind is crazy, Kristin! The temps would be almost bearable without it! I’ll be working this weekend, but hope to make the most of my time! XO!
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So freaking freezing here!! My absolute favorite comfort food meal is meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn, with lots of brown gravy. YUM! My mouth is watering just typing that lol. So glad your thumb is on the mend!!
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Yum!! That sounds yummy too! Thanks!!!
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Congrats on the raise!
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Thanks, Cutter!!!
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I’m very hush-hush about raises. Temps aren’t even hitting 60 here but it’ll back to the mid 70’s by Sunday … this is Florida after all. And comfort food for weather especially like this ummm a good hearty, and meaty chili with a side of cornbread mmmmm!!! So do you have a yummy recipe for that chef Michelle lol 🙂
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Our raises are annual, so it’s no big secret thankfully. I was just excited as being former military, you only got raises with promotion. I’ll work on a chili recipe for you!!! ❤
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Great news about the pay rise. And your thumb. Not so much about the frigid weather but, hey, who cares when you have comfort food!
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Yay for the raise and healing! You have my sympathies about the cold weather. I’m such a wimp when it comes to sub-zero temperatures. I feel very fortunate that our little northwestern corner of the country has missed the polar vortex.
That stroganoff recipe looks delicious. I know my kids will love it!
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I’ve always said I won’t live here forever…TOO cold for this girl!
I hope you try and enjoy the recipe! Thanks!!!
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Congrats on the raise! That rocks! And so happy to hear your thumb is getting better! Do you start training for Grandma’s soon or is that still in a few months? 🙂
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Thanks! Training starts mid-February! Can’t wait!
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Three answers: 1. I work for the state, so raises or the lack thereof largely depends on the budget, the legislature and the governor. We get what we get and are glad to get anything. 2. Although we don’t have to deal with the polar vortex, by California standards it’s been cold here. A week ago it was 29 degrees when I headed out to work in the morning. Nothing by Chicago standards, but rather severe around these parts. It has started to warm up a bit the last few days and is mostly in the 40s and 50s. 3. Now that I’m a vegan, I’d say that my favorite comfort food is probably tzimmes. Yes, it’s ethnic cuisine. If you don’t know what it is, you ought to look it up!
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Ah, having been military for 20 years, I empathize with #1. Will definitely check out what tzimmes are, thanks!
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