Weekend of Joy!

Last weekend was insane! It started with "Dancing in the Streets" in Atlantic Beach. I had an excellent time beach cruising, perusing and dancing. Oh yes! I danced my ass off with the encouragement of a few margaritas. I met a very beautiful and nice lady who was definitely skilled in dancing... we danced... it was awesome. On Monday I witnessed one of the greatest shows of my life. Flogging Molly played at Mavericks. There, I was moving to a different tune, and that tune was aggressive Irish punk. Needless to say, I moshed for about half of their set. It was a freaking fantastic night! The only complaint I had was the feeling I experienced the following day. I felt like I had been ran over by a truck. Random bruises, random aches, but well worth it. Here's a little taste of my experience.

Falafel Chicken and Hummus Slaw

I have another delicious recipe that deserves to be tried at least once. It's on the wholesome side, so all the health freaks will love this one. Here's what you'll need:

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup falafel mix
• A pack of pre-sliced whole wheat pitas
• 6 tablespoons hummus
• 1 lemon
• 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
• 6 radishes
• 1 cup fresh parsley

Begin by slicing down the middle of each chicken filet. Each cut should make 1/4 inch thick strips.

Place the strips of chicken in a large bowl, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of falafel mix. Time to get your hands dirty! Mix the concoction so the chicken is completely coated.

Let's get chopping! Take your parsley, and chop it up until you have enough to fill 1 cup.

Not done with the chopping knife just yet. Halve your your 6 radishes, and dice thin.

Time to bring that lemon into the equation. Use a cheese grater to obtain your lemon zest.

Go ahead and turn your oven on. Preheat until it reaches 425 degrees (American Style)! Use canola oil to grease a baking sheet, and place in the oven while it preheats.

While the oven is getting hot and ready, scoop 6 tablespoons of hummus, and place in a large bowl. Squeeze your lemon so its tangy juices fall into the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water. I also like to add a pinch of red cayenne pepper. Save 2 tablespoons of the sauce, keep to the side.

Now add your parsley, lemon zest, radishes and coleslaw so that a medley of deliciousness is created. Go ahead, mix the ingredients, let them mingle. 

Keep your hummus slaw off to the side. By now your oven should be at 425 degrees. Place your chicken strips on the sheet, and cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes your falafel chicken should be cooked. Place the strips on a plate, and drizzle them with the 2 tablespoons of sauce.

Finally, take your pitas, and stuff them with as much hummus slaw and falafel chicken as you can. You're ready to dig in!

A Hedge Maze: Life

The last few weeks of my life have been like a maze. I’ve been trying to navigate, striving to find the correct path. My goals are clear: be ready for Never Quit, prove successful at my internship, and graduate. But, what comes after? I’ve never felt so unsure. After graduation I hope to secure a career in the advertising field, and I’m willing to travel across the country to find it. First, I need a break. I’ve been discussing plans to embark on a journey with two of my best friends, Hagood and Wade. We all seem to be floating in the same place, stuck with a huge, daunting fork in the road. My friends and I need some serious self-reflecting. We need time and space to figure shit out. I can’t think of two better places than Costa Rica or the Appalachian Trail. Costa Rica offers local vibes, beautiful surf, fishing and hiking, but will cost us. The Appalachian Trail is close, economical, and provides the solitude of nature and freedom. So, here I am with a choice. I may not have the opportunity to travel for a long time after a decision is made, so it’s crucial I make the right one. Then, I’ll hopefully have details about my life figured out, and I can begin a new chapter.