dedication

Fate with a little bit of Fitness added in…

I knocked out my AB challenge tonight, and even made it to 24 seconds with my plank vs. the required 12 seconds.  Weak…I know.  But it’s progress so I’ll take it.  I also walked 2.5 miles today, and my thumb is healing nicely so I hope to hit the trails next week for a couple miles!  I think God was actually doing me a favor this week, as we have sub 0 temps with negative wind chills to add to the winter fun!  Those of you that know me, know I struggle in the winter.  This winter my goal is to keep movin’ despite the frigid temps, and laugh. and then laugh some more…:-) And for those of you bragging about your warm temps in the winter, I am not affected.  Winter is SUPPOSED to be cold and snowy.  It’s not always FUN…but it’s winter, and the beauty of a fresh fallen snow is still priceless.  My face, does still hurt tho…just sayin’…

Pretty much...lol
Pretty much…lol

Today at work, I had my weekly meeting with my boss to discuss any issues, happenings, budget, etc etc.  Often times we get off on a tangent, and today’s tangent coupled with a later conversation that  left me smiling. This lesson didn’t hit me until later in the day when one of my peers came to my office red faced and flustered.  This woman has become like a Mother to me, so I immediately asked if I could help.  She had received the news that her daughter had lost her job, and her heart was heavy trying to carry her daughter’s grief.  And instantly I got choked up, remembering last year at this time, when I had found out my position was being eliminated.  She and I talked extensively, both being women of great faith and I shared my story again of how I was at my wits end last year, as the time ticked by where soon I’d be jobless.  But then I got the call…THE call for an interview for my current job, and everything fell in to place.  Nearly 10 months later and I feel like this amazing group of people have welcomed me in with open arms and have made this my current ‘work’ home. It isn’t always about a hefty pay check or lofty raises that make the job satisfying. Nope…

Truth right here...
Truth right here…

It’s about the people you choose to surround yourself with, each and every day.  In my weekly meeting with my boss earlier today, he verified that he is working on my less than stellar pay, and reminded me that I am appreciated.  And that my friends, is enough for me…

So yeah…the pay check would be nice, but at the end of the day it’s about THIS.  People, moments, relationships, family, and friends.

Keep Movin’ forward!

❤ Michelle

food, goals, moving forward, running, strength

Two things, Tuesday…Gluten Free goodness and more!

Something…is different. But we will get to that a bit later.

Topic number one is….DINNER!
As I spoke about in my last post, I am working making quick yet healthy meals during the week since my work hours no longer allow 2 hours of prep time and cooking in the kitchen.
Although I am not gluten intolerant (at least by what I know medically) I do know that avoiding it has helped my IBS tremendously. I try to buy all gluten free pasta, quinoa, rice, sauces and dressings when I can find-them which is more times than not as the selection has truly grown 10 fold in the last few years. I picked up some gluten free soy sauce last weekend, and figured a nice stir fry was in order for dinner tonight.
What you will need:

A Wok for the stir fry
A sauté pan for the chicken
1 pot to boil your water for the noodles

Ingredients:
1 package of skinless chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces (place in a bowl)
ADD to the chicken:
2 teaspoons of Chinese all spice seasoning, pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons of gluten free soy sauce
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Mix well, and set aside to marinate

Veggies:
What is in your fridge? The selections are limitless!
I used:
2 cups of shitake mushrooms, sliced
6 radishes, julienned
1 baby Bok Choy, sliced at an angle
1/2 of a red onion, chopped
2 cups of fresh broccoli
2 scallions, chopped, and set aside for garnish

Pasta:
One package of Gluten free rice Pad Thai noodles

Next, fill 4-5 cups of water in your pot to boil for your rice Pad Thai pasta…
Then, quickly sauté your chicken in a skillet until cooked through, and set aside, should take about 10 minutes.

Your water should be boiling now, but before your drop in your pasta, heat some light oil (avocado or Grape seed) in your Wok on high heat.
Drop your pasta in salted boiling water (cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente), and then stir fry all of your veggies in your Wok. Season the veggies with salt and pepper, and a dash of the gluten free soy sauce. The last 2 minutes add your chicken to heat through
Drain your pasta, and serve the delicious stir fry mixture over the top! Garnish with the reserved scallions, and serve! Quick, and easy and on the table in about 30 minutes.
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Topic number 2…are you ready?
I have been retired from the Air Force for almost 3 years now. In those 3 years I have felt lost, tired, and have lacked more motivation then I care to admit. Frankly, it was tough to hang up my uniform, and put on a different ‘hat.’
It’s early to judge…but so far, I am really liking my new hat. I am letting go of things I can’t control, and embracing the future.
It is a pretty cool feeling…

Sweet dreams, Movers…

❤ Michelle