I think I have mentioned before how I sometimes like to essentially meditate and reflect while cooking in the kitchen. Today, I finally had the chance to do this again and just spend time with myself.
Augh, I missed this feeling.
Yayitzel’s partly cloudy playlist on Spotify and orange olive oil cake is how I spent my Saturday. The light from a cloudy sky just barely illuminating the kitchen. The energy vibe was like a wave of relaxation pouring over me.
Today I made a cake. For no reason. I just baked in order to make some art. I took my time. I made as many dishes that I needed. I juiced all the fresh fruit by hand. I even made citrus curd! I just pressed pause on life for a few hours.
I had a lot to reflect on today. Lately, I have been really working on my energy. I am still dealing with adjusting to this non kitchen life of mine. Still getting used to not running on adrenaline and after work drinks. I actually had my first reiki session last week! It was quite enlightening and I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt much lighter and positive afterwards. I picture the energy flowing through me like that scene from Avatar: The Last Airbender where Guru Pathik explains chakras as pools of water to young Aang. In case you have never seen this show, please enjoy the clip below.
I am really working on not absorbing all the energy that surrounds me. I’m going to say no to that subconscious stress now, thank you. In addition to added stress, though I realized I was building up a lot of anger. This was the anger that I was able to release (a lot) while in the kitchen. Anger that I have no place for anymore.
You know in a kitchen, everything happens so fast. Yes there is shouting, there is anger, BUT there is also teamwork. One thing I appreciated about the kitchen was how no one really played the blame game. When there was a problem, there wasn’t an hour long meeting to argue about whose fault it was. There was simply not time for such things. In a kitchen, the focus is less on blaming each other and more on how to resolve the issue. “Okay, you f*cked up, but here is how we are going to fix it!” Then the problem is fixed and by the time the rush is over, everyone almost forgets about it. There is no time to dwell. After a rush, it’s more about being grateful that you made it through.
As Ted Lasso says, “be a goldfish.” Why? Because goldfish are the happiest creatures with their 10 second memory and ability to quickly move on. At times, I think offices should be filled with more goldfish. Take a second to be upset, but then focus all your energy on fixing the problem. In the end, what matters more? Who caused the problem or that the problem is being fixed and we are learning from it? I understand if it’s the same person making repetitive mistakes, but most of the time we should really just move the f*ck on. Maybe it’s just me and the amount of time I have spent getting used to not having any time to think at work, but it’s some food for thought.
I miss my fellow kitchen goldfish. My sous chef was an excellent example of a fix it and forget it Ted Lasso goldfish. If he didn’t live all the way in the middle of the desert now, I would have brought him some of this olive oil cake.
WEEKLY ROUND UP
Music
If you read the tagline, you probably knew this was coming.
Song of the week: “Energy” by Tyla Jane
Cooking
Well, olive oil cake!
Isn’t she cute?
Here is the link to the recipe from Fig and Olive Platter. I am pretty sure I heated my citrus curd too much, but it still tasted great. Also my whipped cream is flat because it came from a can. Gasp! I know, but I had what I had and wasn’t trying to stress about it.
Shopping
Okay, so I am low key looking for a stellar wedding guest dress that is elegant, but unique. If you know the shops to visit, please help a girl out lol.
I will trade you for a couple of these cool new boutiques I found: