Free (file under like the wind)

Aldous Huxley once wrote; “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.” I have often referred to myself as a work in progress. Naturally the core of who I am is the same today as it was many years ago. But, over time, with maturity and an inward looking desire to improve I am constantly searching. Ultimately, to improve myself, but hopefully, everyone that knows me too.

That search has by and large left me free to explore areas of myself that are uncomfortable. It has caused me to come to grips with parts of me that I don’t like but also those that I do.

I feel today that I am freer than I have ever been in my life. And let me tell you, it is so liberating.

I didn’t write yesterday because I have had lots going on. Yesterday’s specials that I came up with were;

Pizza; Grilled Eggplant, Green Olives, Andouille Sausage and Asiago Cheese

Pasta; Roasted Red Pepper Cream Risotto with Red Peppers and Mushrooms.

For tomorrow I came up with;

Pesto Chicken, Mushroom, Red Onion and Red Pepper Pizza

Bowtie al’olio with black tiger shrimp, lemon confit, mushroom and red pepper.

I made Health in a Glass for the General Manager yesterday. It had Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Banana, Raspberries, Blueberry Yoghurt, Fresh Orange Juice, Ice and an egg. After a while she comes back in stating how delicious it was and that because it tasted so good it had to be jammed full of calories. I told her I didn’t know the caloric intake of the smoothie but that I would find out. I have since found out that a glass of my concoction had 184 calories (+ or -). Pretty darned good when you consider that for those 184 calories you are also getting 200% of your daily recommended Vitamin C as well as at least 80% of your potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, Calcium, Selenium, Iron, Vitamin 8, Folate, Vitamin B6, Niacin and Vitamin E.

In other words, HEALTH IN A GLASS is definitely the right name for the smoothies.

Today was a good day. Extremely busy. I was working on prep and daily specials until around 10:45 am. At that point we got swamped until around 1:30 pm. It was fun, challenging at points, but the attitude in the kitchen is light and it makes it easier to work when you are swamped.

There was a little bit of an issue getting food out today but I think it was because we got killed all at once. That and the person who I work with in the morning seemed to be a little off today. Possibly hungover, definitely tired.

I am absolutely appreciating the fact that I am free. A lot of which has to do with being in an environment which is extremely well suited to my needs. I go in and do more than is expected of me (as has always been the case). I have conquered many of my demons and leave any negativity at the door when I leave.

I have come to embrace fully the belief that today is today. Tomorrow is a new day. An opportunity to start fresh. AND IT FEELS GREAT.

So of course it is a beautiful 20 degrees outside and while I could sit here and regal you all with wonderful tales of the kitchen I’d like to get some Vitamin D.

Buddha once said; “To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear. Water surrounds the lotus flower, but does not wet its petals.”

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM