gray and yellow

Your perception of self inevitably influences your attitude towards others. Whether consciously or not, your inner colors do show outwardly (most vividly to those closest to you, from whom you cannot hide things with a smile). The eye of whatever tornado you find yourself in may feel calm, but be wary that those around you are probably being swept up in its inclusive winds. 

I have been feeling a bit gray this week. I would like to blame it on the weather, which has been gray as well, because I fear blaming it on my confining cubicle at school since I still have to sit there and study diligently for the next 4 months or so. I also do not want to blame it on others, as I should daily have the strength to deal with anyone in front of me (right? right?). I am still not sure what to do when these moods strike. The most light hearted advice I have received thus far was from my big brother, who suggested that I pour myself a glass of cold milk and sit in front of an episode of Jersey Shore.

I know that we must be conscious and intentional in righting our inner perspective first in order for us to genuinely focus on someone else. Otherwise we will rub off on them our gray… and really now, who needs that?

so steamy

Lemon Garlic Thyme Chicken

4 big boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

several good glugs of olive oil


2 onions, diced


8 cloves of garlic, minced


2 lemons, cut 4 thin slices and juice the rest

2 zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
in large chunks

8 branches of thyme


2 cups chicken stock


salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Do not worry about cooking the chicken through just yet, as you will be simmering it for awhile later. Remove the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Warm up another glug of olive oil over medium heat. It’s fine if you’ve got some bits of meat sticking to the bottom of your pot, it will come off once you add your liquid. Sautee the onion, garlic, zucchini, thyme, and lemon slices. Stir it all together and allow the vegetables to just begin softening, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken back to the pot and pour the stock and lemon juice over top. Give it all a stir, turn the heat down a touch and simmer for 40 minutes with the lid off (occasionally give it a stir). Taste before you serve (always) so that you can salt and pepper as needed.