Happy Thursday! First week of February, how did we get here? I haven’t done a proper brain-dump thinking out loud post in a while, so here’s a small collection of random.

*We all have our ways of dealing with emotional situations. I’ve been cleaning a bunch and cooking my feelings lately (so what else is new?). Apparently my feelings are ancient grains and sautéed mushrooms & shallots. How did I manage to go so long without eating farro? Crispy chickpeas with greens and fried egg have also been on the menu.

And so. Much. Soup. 

The other night I made a chickpea pancake and topped it with leftover greens, some avocado, and nutritional yeast. That was good too. Why don’t I do it more often?

*My hospital switched electronic medical record systems this week, and s*** got totally real. I’ve been practicing my “I’m totally calm” face all week. Speaking of my clinical job, seagulls kept trying to fly into the RD office window all morning Tuesday. Logically speaking, I’m sure it was just a weird reflection from the spring-like light confusing them, but it really freaked me out.

*Here’s a soup I was making this time last year. And this other one. I should revisit that. It was good.

*Eli on a plane! 
Little dude went on a trip with his grandparents this week. My mom was sending cute pictures throughout their vacay, which really helped me calm down when I thought I was going to lose my mind.

*Flowers help too. I am eternally gratefully for the $5.99 bouquets at Trader Joe’s. Always a good impulse buy.

Do you cook when you’re upset or stressed? If so, what do you make? What calms you down when you’re having a rough week? 
This post has been part of another Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.