How is it already August?

I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised that this summer is flying given that I’ve been flying all over the place every week. This week I’m going to Philly which means I’m driving and I can already taste the freedom of just good old fashioned traffic.

On my red-eye back from California a few weeks ago, I ended up with an entire row of seats to myself. WHAT?! That never happens. I patiently sat with my feet firmly planted for take-off, with plans of pulling up those arm rests and sprawling out with my neck pillow and airline blanket for a solid 5 hours of mediocre shut-eye.

Right before we were taking off, I heard voices behind me. “Is there anyone sitting in the row in front of us?” “Yeah, just one person.”

Before I knew it, a girl scooted around and plunked herself in the aisle seat in my precious row. I thought, okay. I can deal. I still have the middle seat.

But just as we were getting up to our cruising altitude, this devil disguised as a teenager pulled up the armrests and laid down in the middle seat. MY MIDDLE SEAT. And didn’t move for the entire flight.

Even if I were the type of person who could sleep on a plane with my head rested against the window (I’m not) I was so mad at this rule breaker that I almost raised my hand for a flight attendant to report the injustice. Instead I sat there steaming and sleepy.

Another, lesser issue I have with travel is eating. I know I posted about eating and exercising while traveling a few weeks ago, and I still think I’ve been pretty successful with it. (The person I traveled with in Tulsa said the average employee gains 7-15 pounds during their training period- no thank you.) But eating out all the time is still kind of a drag.

I’ve definitely been to some good restaurants and it’s fun to explore the food in other cities, but I like to have control over what I’m eating. I know those of you who know me in real life are thinking, “Wait, she likes to be in control?! I don’t believe it.”

So when I’m home and cooking for myself, I try to make simple and healthy stuff. Enter, chicken salad.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

3 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded

1 container plain, non-fat Greek yogurt

2-3 tablespoons light mayo

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped with seeds removed

3-4 tbs finely chopped red onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbs chopped fresh dill

1/2 tsp dried oregano

handful cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup crumbled feta

salt and pepper to taste

pita bread for serving (or lettuce cups! this would be great)

This is pretty self explanatory. Cook chicken. Chop other stuff. Stir together. Season to taste. Chill before serving.

Is there a better word out there than tzatziki? I think not.