Perspective: A Bird’s Eye View

perspective
How a Change of Perspective Can Effect Understanding

I was in Big Lots having a whole out-of-body experience because my imagination jumped up and started sprinting toward my thoughts on perspective.ย 

So, my ex-bf is the tallest person I have ever seen and probably one, if not the tallest, I have heard of that is not a celebrity. When I was in Big Lots looking at the extendable dusters, it struck me that, generally speaking, he would not need a product like this.ย 

I started trying to picture what that must be like. However, that quickly turned into walking into a room and undoubtedly seeing the dusty tops of everything. Literally ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ to eye with corner cobwebs and inch-thick dust rugs on the top of bookshelves. Meanwhile, I look up into the corner, asking, is that web or a shadow?

Perspective man. It can change so much. We can see how our lens, through which we move through the world, affects how we understand and interact with it. Moreover, if we can pause to look at the world from someone’s point of view, we can gain valuable understanding and compassion for one another.ย 

He can look at me, thinking how nice it is not to duck all the time, but it sucks that she needs step stools to reach the top shelf. I can ponder his view by noting how hard it must be to find clothes; however, it is neat to have a visual aspect of the world that the majority does not get.

Standing in each other’s shoes can widen our perspective and align us with a deeper understanding of ourselves, the world, and those who inhabit it. One key is always looking with a heart of comprehension, not judgment or shame. Be open to learning.

Poached Whole Chicken

raw chicken for poached whole chicken post

Poached Whole Chicken is juicy and tender with hundred of uses in the culinary world.ย  From soup to quick meals having poached chicken on hand will come in clutch at mealtime.ย  I always have dark, white, and mixed chicken in my freezer.ย  Use the meat in almost any recipe that calls for canned or rotisserie chicken.ย ย 

Regardless of it is longer cooking time, this recipe is straightforward to prepare.ย  If time is a problem, an Instant Pot can help. Moreover, boneless and skinless chicken breast and thighs and bone-in and skin-on legs, thighs, breasts, and wings provide another way to save time.ย  However, boneless and skinless options will yield a broth instead of a stock.ย 

What is Poaching?

Simply stated, poaching is simmering food in liquid on the stovetop.ย  It is an excellent cooking method for fruit, eggs, chicken, vegetables, and fish since it does not break down food or rob its moisture.

Furthermore, the simmering liquid ranges from broth to wine, depending on the desired flavors. Fruit is often poached in wine.

Aromatics are also used to impart flavor into the food.ย  Typically, onions, celery, carrots, whole peppercorns are added to the poaching liquid; however, stronger flavors such as whole cloves, star anise, and ginger can be used. On the other hand, water alone may be more appropriate, like when poaching eggs.ย 

While using an Instant Pot, is technically not poaching it does provide very similar results in about a quarter of the time. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the bird.ย  Refer to your manual for directions.

Uses for Poached Chicken

Poached Whole Chicken is great for chicken salad, leafy salads, soups, stews, enchiladas, tacos, sandwiches, and casseroles.ย  The list goes on and on.ย  Furthermore, this recipe keeps the ingredients simple to allow for customization in the final dishes.ย 

It can be especially beneficial for those on a special diet such as soft foods.ย  Poached chicken has been on the menu for dieters for years.ย ย 

Additionally, a delicious collagen-rich stock is leftover waiting for use in other dishes once the chicken finishes cooking.ย  The stock can serve as a flavor base for soups, gravies, stews, rice, and more.

Poached Whole Chicken

Tender and delicious whole poached chicken is versatile, and you can use it in unlimited ways.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cuisine: American, Poultry
Servings: 8
Calories: 337.99kcal
Author: Tay M.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken 3 to 4lbs
  • ยฝ tsp black peppercorns whole
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 ribs celery
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 onion brown
  • 2 bay leaves dry
  • ยฝ bunch flat-leaf parsley
  • Salt optional

Instructions

  • In an eight-quart stockpot or dutch oven, add chicken
  • Optional add remain ingredients, except the salt, to a square of cheesecloth. Tie off with twine and add to the pot.
  • Add enough water to cover completely.
  • Bring to a boil, then drop the heat to low
  • Simmer for 60 to 80 minutes.
  • Remove from heat when the external temperature reaches 160F on a culinary thermometer.
  • Cover and allow to cool in stock until cool enough to handle
  • Remove cheesecloth if using, then strain. Reserve the leftover stock.
  • Discard skin and bones.

Notes

Store stock for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or six months in the freezer.
Use the chicken for soups, salads, sandwiches, and much more.

Nutrition

Serving: 3g | Calories: 337.99kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.46g | Protein: 28.44g | Fat: 22.7g | Saturated Fat: 6.49g | Trans Fat: 0.15g | Cholesterol: 112.5mg | Sodium: 122.2mg | Fiber: 0.91g | Sugar: 1.27g | Vitamin A: 155.15IU | Vitamin C: 9.81mg | Calcium: 36.33mg | Iron: 1.76mg
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Glamour Magazine’s 2021 Community College Women of the Year

glamour community college women of the year

Glamour Community College Women of the Year

How it Started

It has taken three months for me to sit down and write about July 13, 2021, when I was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Community College Women of the Year. Since then, I have been riding a wave of emotions as I processed this enormous acknowledgment placed before me.

In late May, I received a Zoom chat message from my boss in the Writing Lab that only said, “You may receive an email from some thing I filled out. I am not sure lol.”

I replied to him with a resounding, “Ok!” Oddly, I had no idea what he was talking about in his message. Usually, I am pretty curious, but I did not ask any of the questions spring up in my mind for some reason. However, on June 3, 2021, an email answered all my questions. My boss had nominated me for Glamour Magazine 2021 College Women of the Year, community college edition. I received a request from Perrie Samotin, the digital director of Glamour, in my school’s email account. She wanted to speak with me about my nomination.

The Setup

The very next day, which was a Friday, I found myself nervously waiting for a Zoom call to start with Sam. We spoke briefly, about ten minutes. Mostly, we talked about myself and my goals. At the end of the meeting, she mentioned the editor-in-chief, Samantha Barry, likes to speak with candidates and would be available for a quick five-minute conversation. I agreed, but little did I know I was not prepared for what happened next.

The following Monday was the date set to meet with “Sam.” There was a lot of the hustle and bustle around getting an agreement signed to use parts of the Zoom called with the EIC for promotional reasons. I did not have objections and got the forms over ASAP to ensure everything was in place for Monday. They also asked for my phone number. At this time, I only had a small thought in the back of my head that all these preparations were somewhat extensive for a short chat.

In truth, I started thinking maybe I had already been selected, and the fanfare was in place to make the announcement. However, I could not get my hopes up. I spent the weekend combating the “what-if?” voice tap dancing around my head.

A Surprise Coming

Glamour made the official announcement on July 13, 2021, and my college and local media picked up the story along with Spectrum Newsย andย WHIO, who came to my home to interview. I had features with Dayton.com, Dayton Daily News,ย Sinclair Community College,ย Today.com. In addition to the articles written for theย Glamour website.

Margarita Harris is the fantastic writer who interviewed me for myย profile on Glamour. I love how the piece turned out, and it made me sob uncontrollably. There were seven winners in total, and two of us spoke with the FLOTUS.

For me?

Finally, Monday evening rolls around with me, ready to make a good impression in a limited amount of time. I decided just to let my natural personality fly and see what happens. I donned my best Naruto X Hello Kitty T-shirt and perched comfortably in my chair. As I waited, I would get text messages from the Glamour staff asking, reassuming they were coming. No worries, I would have waited as long as needed. I was already in the Zoom meeting, just waiting on Sam to turn on her camera.

When the camera clicked on, it was not Sam Barry, editor-in-chief of Glamour Magazine. Instead sat Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), staring back at me. In all honesty, I thought it was someone’s Zoom background until she started to speak.

To say it was a surprise would be the biggest understatement of my life.ย 

The Aftermath

Looking back, I had not thought much about it at the time, but I was mentally exhausted. Oddly enough, I did not understand how extended excitement could wear me out. It is so engaging and funny how I can continue to learn about myself well into my 40s.

It has been since early June that I have been on various emotional or mental highs. I knew the lows could be draining but not the joys too. Daniel, my therapist, and I had talked about this for several weeks.

Consequently, I admit it had been a little different being in a state of gratitude, humbleness, and modesty, excitement, and so on at the same time. While I am used to being my own cheerleader, it’s how I built my self-esteem, self-worth, self-love, and self-respect; it was weird that so many are cheering me on. Often, I have felt bad for not knowing how to respond aside from politely.

Shortly after the announcement, I had a celebratory party at my home. It was beautiful seeing my living room full of friends from work, school, and other places. It had me in tears; I have never felt this visible in my life.

It is beautiful.

Glamour community college women of the year drawing with seven women of varying ages and ethnicities.
drawing of Tay Mosely glamour community college women of year
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Two students via zoom. Glamour community college women of the year