Happy Anniversary to Newbie 2 (file under has it really been a year)

So for the past few days (a week and a half really) I have been suffering from what would normally be a crippling flu. However, in true kitchen spirit I have made it to work everyday, in spite of the overwhelming desire to roll over, and have done my job to the best of my ability. This is something that I am extremely proud of. I showed up and continue to.

It is difficult to put into words the sense of achievement and joy that I have when I think of the past year. I went from knowing virtually nothing about a professional kitchen to working in one to now operating as the number two in a restaurant kitchen. To say that the past year has been surreal would be quite an understatement.

I have found in the past year a sense of who I am. Why I am here. And what I meant to do with my life. This intimate knowledge of myself has enriched the lives of those closest to me, not to mention raised the caliber of food that they have been eating.

Voraciously I have read every book that I could. Ranging in content from intellectual food knowledge to in depth kitchen jargon and techniques I have strived to expand my grasp of what I am doing each and every day. Looking back on all the knowledge that I have gleaned this year causes me to burst with pride as I realize that I truly have embraced who I am and where I am going.

At Reservation I was a contributor to the happiness of no less than 15,000 people during events and countless others during the brunch services that I worked. I also served no less than 5000 people while working my favorite station, the grill. My shortest week consisted of 36 paid hours and about another ten or twelve unpaid. While my busiest week was approximately 100 hours. My longest single shift without punching out, sleeping, or generally taking care of my body was 56 hours. 56 hours. That shift really cemented in my mind that I was cut out for this business.

I learned a lot about the logistical side of the business and made sure to pay careful attention to details that most people would not. I kept many of the function sheets that I participated in and kept detailed notes on what I did everyday at work. When I find some time in the near future I will do a tally and share it with you, I am quite certain that the results will shock even me.

I made new friends. Found new mentors. Lived every day with a smile on my face and came to realize that a dream is not some abstract thing. It is something that is lived everyday.

In short, this past year, for me, has been nothing short of amazing. This decision has strengthened the love that C and I share. It has reinvigorated me. So, let’s get ready for another great year of challenges, obstacles, success and triumph.

Antoine de Saint – Exupery once said; “As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” And this is precisely what I am doing one day, one dish, one call, one chit at a time. Closer to forty and my dream realized.

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM