I arrived at the second job last night anticipating another round of lugging food, watching the buffet line, clearing plates and refilling drinks with a smile. I was greeted with "Oh, you didn't have to wear your uniform, this is just a staff meal." Nice. I don't know what was posted on the schedule but obviously it led me to believe this was a full-out banquet. Wrong-o. Quite honestly, I'm not sure why he scheduled me to work. I think the 3 of them could have handled it without me, especially since there wasn't even 20 people in attendance! I just realized that so now I'm irritated.
Anyhow, I think there is tension between the Boss and his assistant. The assistant left the pork in the oven too long and the edges were bordering on burnt. They exchanged words about that. Earlier I heard the Boss basically snap at the assistant and say "BECAUSE I WANT TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING!" He didn't yell, he just said it in an irritated and impatient voice. I don't think they see eye to eye on a lot of things. The Boss is a bit of a perfectionist. Ok, maybe not a perfectionist. He has a certain way of doing things and wants them done his way. It is his kitchen so that's to be expected. I believe most of his methods, etc, are efficient and make sense so I've not questioned anything. I don't plan to, because I'm pretty sure I'd get the evil eye and nothing would change, and I'm fine with that. It is his kitchen. He is also big on presentation, which is why he was irked that the assistant didn't monitor the pork. It tasted fine (quite good, actually) and not burnt at all but I know the Boss was not pleased.
Today I begin the search for a new full time job. I'm hoping to find something in foodservice but I'm not very optimistic due to my serious lack of experience and the shaky job market in my area. I'm not going to rule out another office position but I'm not all that excited about the prospect. I know I want a much smaller company where I might actually be valued (a pipe dream, I know), but I'm also leaning toward a non-profit group- something that serves a purpose. I want meaningful work that will make a difference. Jeez, I sound like some idealistic 23 year old straight out of liberal arts college and headed for the Peace Corps.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Actual food content
Ok, so I really haven't been blogging much about food. My apologies. I read other people's food blogs with envy because they have fabulous experiences and live within walking distance of 50 different restaurants. I think I live within walking distance of about 6. Small town life is grand.
I've requested a digital camera for Christmas. If I get it, I can start snapping pix of my culinary triumphs and sharing them here.
I am considering doing informal reviews of local restaurants but since a.) no one is reading this and b.) I'm trying to remain anonymous, it probably doesn't make much sense to do that. But I can at least describe the food and the experience just to work on my writing.
Here's some food related content: last night I made some darn good beef and bean enchiladas. The fiance enjoyed them which is good as he'll have them for dinner again tonight. I'm working a banquet at the camp so they'll have to fend for themselves.
For the first time ever, I have little desire to make Christmas goodies. I don't want it around as I'm sure I'll eat everything in site. I always tell myself that I'll only make enough to give to people then I won't have to eat any but that NEVER works. I have to taste test, or I end up making more than I need then I'm compelled to eat it so it doesn't go to waste. Sigh... if only I could contract myself out and make other people's holiday fare. Then I get the satisfaction of baking/cooking with out adding to my fat layer.
I've requested a digital camera for Christmas. If I get it, I can start snapping pix of my culinary triumphs and sharing them here.
I am considering doing informal reviews of local restaurants but since a.) no one is reading this and b.) I'm trying to remain anonymous, it probably doesn't make much sense to do that. But I can at least describe the food and the experience just to work on my writing.
Here's some food related content: last night I made some darn good beef and bean enchiladas. The fiance enjoyed them which is good as he'll have them for dinner again tonight. I'm working a banquet at the camp so they'll have to fend for themselves.
For the first time ever, I have little desire to make Christmas goodies. I don't want it around as I'm sure I'll eat everything in site. I always tell myself that I'll only make enough to give to people then I won't have to eat any but that NEVER works. I have to taste test, or I end up making more than I need then I'm compelled to eat it so it doesn't go to waste. Sigh... if only I could contract myself out and make other people's holiday fare. Then I get the satisfaction of baking/cooking with out adding to my fat layer.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Old folks and Blog fears
First, the Old Folks. Last night I worked a banquet for a church group of around 50 people. The average age of our guests HAD to be at least 70 so I knew we were in for an interesting evening.
My co-worker and I were manning the drinks when we noticed a gentleman slowly totter by gingerly carrying two mugs of coffee. Well, he THOUGHT he was carrying two mugs of coffee. He was actually carrying two coffee mugs up-side-down. The poor thing grabbed them from the tray next to the coffee machine (they are stored upside down) and proceeded to fill them, only he didn't really fill them since they were bottoms-up. What he thought were full mugs were mearly upside down mugs with a little bit of coffee sloshing around in the little well on the bottom. He had no clue until he reached his table another (younger) gentleman took the mugs from him and explained what he'd done. The younger gentleman kindly filled the mugs properly and took them back to the table. I certainly hope the old guy didn't drive.
The co-worker and I giggled a bit but only because we know full well that in 20 or 30 years that will be us.
I wondered aloud if there was coffee all over the machine and floor but neither of us had an opportunity to run out and check. The facility director came in just minutes later to grab a towel and announced that there was indeed 'coffee all over the place' so our suspicions were true. The poor thing. It is hell getting old.
Now, the Blog Fears. I just read a post on one of my two favorite foodie blogs (www.amateurgourmet.com) regarding bland, boring posts with bad writing and no pictures. "Oh no!" I thought. "AG found my blog and is publicly trashing it!" I highly doubt he has found this pathetic spot, but it got me thinking.
I'm not blogging entirely for the enjoyment or entertainment of others. I like writing and everyone once in a while something funny or wacky does happen to me and I want to share my thoughts about them. I don't know if I can be as open yet anonymous as the author of my other favority foodie blog, www.thefoodwhore.com. She is HILARIOUS. She shares intimate details of her life as a restaurant owner and caterer. She doesn't divulge her business name or her own name, but I know she's in the Northwest. I'm assuming there is a high concentration of nutso people in the Northwest because she has some incredible stories about rudeness, bridezillas and general idiotic behavior from customers and clients. She doesn't post many pictures but her site is asthetically pleasing and the posts are always entertaining or insightful.
So, do I want to be wildly popular with thousands of readers and more comments and emails then I could ever read in my lifetime? No. Do I want a few loyal fans and the pleasure I get from writing. Yes. Yes, I do.
I'll work on jazzing up the site and maybe someday I'll be bold enough to ask AG and FW to add my link to their sites.
My co-worker and I were manning the drinks when we noticed a gentleman slowly totter by gingerly carrying two mugs of coffee. Well, he THOUGHT he was carrying two mugs of coffee. He was actually carrying two coffee mugs up-side-down. The poor thing grabbed them from the tray next to the coffee machine (they are stored upside down) and proceeded to fill them, only he didn't really fill them since they were bottoms-up. What he thought were full mugs were mearly upside down mugs with a little bit of coffee sloshing around in the little well on the bottom. He had no clue until he reached his table another (younger) gentleman took the mugs from him and explained what he'd done. The younger gentleman kindly filled the mugs properly and took them back to the table. I certainly hope the old guy didn't drive.
The co-worker and I giggled a bit but only because we know full well that in 20 or 30 years that will be us.
I wondered aloud if there was coffee all over the machine and floor but neither of us had an opportunity to run out and check. The facility director came in just minutes later to grab a towel and announced that there was indeed 'coffee all over the place' so our suspicions were true. The poor thing. It is hell getting old.
Now, the Blog Fears. I just read a post on one of my two favorite foodie blogs (www.amateurgourmet.com) regarding bland, boring posts with bad writing and no pictures. "Oh no!" I thought. "AG found my blog and is publicly trashing it!" I highly doubt he has found this pathetic spot, but it got me thinking.
I'm not blogging entirely for the enjoyment or entertainment of others. I like writing and everyone once in a while something funny or wacky does happen to me and I want to share my thoughts about them. I don't know if I can be as open yet anonymous as the author of my other favority foodie blog, www.thefoodwhore.com. She is HILARIOUS. She shares intimate details of her life as a restaurant owner and caterer. She doesn't divulge her business name or her own name, but I know she's in the Northwest. I'm assuming there is a high concentration of nutso people in the Northwest because she has some incredible stories about rudeness, bridezillas and general idiotic behavior from customers and clients. She doesn't post many pictures but her site is asthetically pleasing and the posts are always entertaining or insightful.
So, do I want to be wildly popular with thousands of readers and more comments and emails then I could ever read in my lifetime? No. Do I want a few loyal fans and the pleasure I get from writing. Yes. Yes, I do.
I'll work on jazzing up the site and maybe someday I'll be bold enough to ask AG and FW to add my link to their sites.
Monday, November 27, 2006
We put the 'fun' in dysfunctional
So Thanksgiving was last week and there was family drama all around. The fiance's mother and aunt (sisters-in-law, not blood relation) got into a cat fight over what desserts the aunt would bring. They just happened to be in a local restaurant when this all went down. The fiance was present and mortified to say the least. He's not fond of public displays of any kind so this was too much for him. I don't think the aunt even brought what she said she would bring so it was all in vain. Then the aunt told her offspring to be at the fiance's mother's home 30 minutes earlier than the agreed upon time. How thoughtful. But, the future MIL kept her cool, everyone got plenty to eat and that's all that matters.
THEN, the fiance and I go to my dear cousin's house. We arrive, I introduce the fiance to those who haven't met him yet and we sit down. I realize almost immediately that my dear uncle, who is about 77 years old and has serious heart problems, is drunk, as is his wife who I believe is at least 80 if not older. Now the aunt is basically a pain in the ass even when she's sober. Add some Crown Royal to the mix and the fun really begins. She'd asked me 2 or 3 times when the wedding is (March Xth, I said patiently each time) and repeated herself about not really watching television at least twice. When the uncle and his step-daughter (also tipsy if not totally drunk) decided to play pool, we all shifted our chairs to allow ample room for the cues. I only got whacked once, thankfully. Luckily the fiance has already met the aunt, uncle and step cousin several years ago and was not taken aback by their actions. I, however, was mortified and almost wishing we hadn't come. The uncle was loud and obnoxious, the aunt more annoying than usual and the step-cousin, well, I managed to avoid her while we were there so I don't know how she was.
My other cousin (not the homeowner) started drinking earlier in the day as a means of coping with her immediate family. I heard something about a tavern and a chance to win $1000 but I'm not sure how the two are tied together. Her brother, the homeowner, was outside playing a game with his BIL and drinking mightily as usual. They come in, the cousin announces that the BIL owes him $50 and makes him pay up. A day or so later, my mother informs me that the cousin fully admits he is an alcoholic and has a gambling problem but has no intentions of dealing with either affliction. Huh. Imagine that.
As we're leaving, I hug the female cousin who'd been drinking all day and she mutters something about reconsidering and do I really want to do this a second time? She was referring, of course, to my impending 2nd marriage to a man with the patience of Job. I mutter something back (I don't even know what I said, I was pissed) and she turns to the fiance and repeats the same sentiments to him. When we got to the car I apologized for everyone's actions and we both agreed that planning a dry reception was the smartest thing we'd ever done. I also told him to ignore the female cousin as her first husband is/was a drug addict of some sort and the current live in boyfriend/mooch didn't find it necessary to divorce his wife but finds it ok to live with her and her mother in her mother's house. I'm assuming this is a rent free situation and I seem to recall hearing that his employment record is/was somewhat sketchy. So, I don't plan to take any marital or relationship advice from an alcoholic whose signifcant others are total losers.
Once again, an open bar spells disaster for my family. Perhaps I'll get liquored up before the next gathering so I can fit in.
Happy Holidays!
THEN, the fiance and I go to my dear cousin's house. We arrive, I introduce the fiance to those who haven't met him yet and we sit down. I realize almost immediately that my dear uncle, who is about 77 years old and has serious heart problems, is drunk, as is his wife who I believe is at least 80 if not older. Now the aunt is basically a pain in the ass even when she's sober. Add some Crown Royal to the mix and the fun really begins. She'd asked me 2 or 3 times when the wedding is (March Xth, I said patiently each time) and repeated herself about not really watching television at least twice. When the uncle and his step-daughter (also tipsy if not totally drunk) decided to play pool, we all shifted our chairs to allow ample room for the cues. I only got whacked once, thankfully. Luckily the fiance has already met the aunt, uncle and step cousin several years ago and was not taken aback by their actions. I, however, was mortified and almost wishing we hadn't come. The uncle was loud and obnoxious, the aunt more annoying than usual and the step-cousin, well, I managed to avoid her while we were there so I don't know how she was.
My other cousin (not the homeowner) started drinking earlier in the day as a means of coping with her immediate family. I heard something about a tavern and a chance to win $1000 but I'm not sure how the two are tied together. Her brother, the homeowner, was outside playing a game with his BIL and drinking mightily as usual. They come in, the cousin announces that the BIL owes him $50 and makes him pay up. A day or so later, my mother informs me that the cousin fully admits he is an alcoholic and has a gambling problem but has no intentions of dealing with either affliction. Huh. Imagine that.
As we're leaving, I hug the female cousin who'd been drinking all day and she mutters something about reconsidering and do I really want to do this a second time? She was referring, of course, to my impending 2nd marriage to a man with the patience of Job. I mutter something back (I don't even know what I said, I was pissed) and she turns to the fiance and repeats the same sentiments to him. When we got to the car I apologized for everyone's actions and we both agreed that planning a dry reception was the smartest thing we'd ever done. I also told him to ignore the female cousin as her first husband is/was a drug addict of some sort and the current live in boyfriend/mooch didn't find it necessary to divorce his wife but finds it ok to live with her and her mother in her mother's house. I'm assuming this is a rent free situation and I seem to recall hearing that his employment record is/was somewhat sketchy. So, I don't plan to take any marital or relationship advice from an alcoholic whose signifcant others are total losers.
Once again, an open bar spells disaster for my family. Perhaps I'll get liquored up before the next gathering so I can fit in.
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Third time's a charm
So I've changed the name of this blog three times now, and I think this one is it. I am all about the food, and the other names just didn't do it for me.
If I ever get any digital pix worth sharing I'll jazz up the place. It doesn't appear anyone's looking at this (or if they are, they're not posting any comments) so maybe that will attract som readers. Hopefully I'll get a digital camera for Christmas and will be free to snap and download photos at my leisure. Or at least when I'm not doing anything at work. Which is often.
My mom got receipes from my cousin that will soon transport me back to my childhood. There were two foods that were nearly always present at family gatherings involving my dad's siblings: popcorn balls and pecan tarts.
I know what you're thinking: 'What the hell can be so good about popcorn balls?" They are sticky, chewy and wonderfully sweet. That's all I can say. I'm sure mine won't taste as good as my aunt's, but I'll do my best. The pecan tarts are the bomb as well. Now that I see the receipe I know why I liked them so much: there's cream cheese in the crust! What could be better?
If I ever get any digital pix worth sharing I'll jazz up the place. It doesn't appear anyone's looking at this (or if they are, they're not posting any comments) so maybe that will attract som readers. Hopefully I'll get a digital camera for Christmas and will be free to snap and download photos at my leisure. Or at least when I'm not doing anything at work. Which is often.
My mom got receipes from my cousin that will soon transport me back to my childhood. There were two foods that were nearly always present at family gatherings involving my dad's siblings: popcorn balls and pecan tarts.
I know what you're thinking: 'What the hell can be so good about popcorn balls?" They are sticky, chewy and wonderfully sweet. That's all I can say. I'm sure mine won't taste as good as my aunt's, but I'll do my best. The pecan tarts are the bomb as well. Now that I see the receipe I know why I liked them so much: there's cream cheese in the crust! What could be better?
Monday, November 13, 2006
Slow, painful death
My Real Boss (a.k.a. the guy that runs the kitchen at the camp) finally posted a schedule for the rest of November. I am working Friday night and both mornings next weekend and I have no idea how I'll survive. I worked 5 hours Saturday night, then I had to work yesterday morning from 6 to 9 and I was WORTHLESS the rest of the day. How am I going to survive working all three days!?!?! If this were my only job (oh what a pleasant thought!) it would be a piece of cake, but I can't work 40 hours at the Day Job then spend an entire weekend at the Real Job!
So, I've decided I'll work all these hours this weekend since its probably too late for him to find someone else, but I'll have to tell him I can't do it again. Especially next month. I know we're going to be busy with banquets but I've got the full time job from hell, Christmas shopping and wedding plans to contend with PLUS, I need to finish my dining room remodel and clean up my house for an appraisal so I can get it refinanced. WHEW!
But first, I REALLY need to call my instructor and find out if these hours will count toward the 220 hours I need to fulfill the intership requirement. It will be difficult for me to get them all in one semester- I'm sure I could do it but don't really want to attempt it, you know? If he decides to be a butthead and refuse them because I didn't ask permission I'll be ticked. Or if he decides the job isn't suitable, which is possible, I'll be really ticked. He's got to understand that I have limited options and can't make a 2 hour round trip drive for a part time job. If I could quit this darn office job and work full time in foodservice I'd do it in a heartbeat, but I'd like to keep my house and car. Food and clothing would be good things, too.
I just keep telling myself it will all be worth it in the end. I'll get the experience I need, hopefully establish a good reputation and eventually find a job I like.
So, I've decided I'll work all these hours this weekend since its probably too late for him to find someone else, but I'll have to tell him I can't do it again. Especially next month. I know we're going to be busy with banquets but I've got the full time job from hell, Christmas shopping and wedding plans to contend with PLUS, I need to finish my dining room remodel and clean up my house for an appraisal so I can get it refinanced. WHEW!
But first, I REALLY need to call my instructor and find out if these hours will count toward the 220 hours I need to fulfill the intership requirement. It will be difficult for me to get them all in one semester- I'm sure I could do it but don't really want to attempt it, you know? If he decides to be a butthead and refuse them because I didn't ask permission I'll be ticked. Or if he decides the job isn't suitable, which is possible, I'll be really ticked. He's got to understand that I have limited options and can't make a 2 hour round trip drive for a part time job. If I could quit this darn office job and work full time in foodservice I'd do it in a heartbeat, but I'd like to keep my house and car. Food and clothing would be good things, too.
I just keep telling myself it will all be worth it in the end. I'll get the experience I need, hopefully establish a good reputation and eventually find a job I like.
Friday, November 10, 2006
A beginning
I am truly a wannabe chef, hence the blog name. I can't guarantee wild and wacky adventures but I hope to entertain you as I start my culinary journey.
I am finally finishing a culinary degree after 8 long, hard years. Yeah, it took me 8 years to get a 2 year degree. During that time I continued working full time at an office job, got a divorce, moved 3 times, bought and starting remodeling a house, starting seeing another man and got engaged to that man. We're planning a March 2007 wedding (yay!). Oh yes, I can't forget my darling child whowas quite understanding when mommy shuttled him around to relatives and friends so she could go to school, then dragged her tired butt home at 11pm to peer at his sleeping face and collapsed into her own bed. Sigh...I don't miss those days.
Typically I was only able to take one class per semester which is why it has taken me so long to finish. Did I want to quit? Hell, yes. I got very discouraged with just 4 or 5 classes left and was on the verge of dropping out but my darling son said "You can't quit now. You've worked so hard." What parent can give up any dream with that kind of encouragement?
So here I am, finally realizing a dream. I'm currently working at a Christian camp/retreat to fulfill the internship portion of my degree. The kitchen manager/chef is a lot of fun and easy to work with. He isn't at all overbearing and I'm pretty sure that's because of the Christian atmosphere. I think this was an excellent place for me to gain some experience as he is patient and the pace isn't too crazy. A restaurant would have been overwhelming, especially since I've never worked in foodservice before!
I am finally finishing a culinary degree after 8 long, hard years. Yeah, it took me 8 years to get a 2 year degree. During that time I continued working full time at an office job, got a divorce, moved 3 times, bought and starting remodeling a house, starting seeing another man and got engaged to that man. We're planning a March 2007 wedding (yay!). Oh yes, I can't forget my darling child whowas quite understanding when mommy shuttled him around to relatives and friends so she could go to school, then dragged her tired butt home at 11pm to peer at his sleeping face and collapsed into her own bed. Sigh...I don't miss those days.
Typically I was only able to take one class per semester which is why it has taken me so long to finish. Did I want to quit? Hell, yes. I got very discouraged with just 4 or 5 classes left and was on the verge of dropping out but my darling son said "You can't quit now. You've worked so hard." What parent can give up any dream with that kind of encouragement?
So here I am, finally realizing a dream. I'm currently working at a Christian camp/retreat to fulfill the internship portion of my degree. The kitchen manager/chef is a lot of fun and easy to work with. He isn't at all overbearing and I'm pretty sure that's because of the Christian atmosphere. I think this was an excellent place for me to gain some experience as he is patient and the pace isn't too crazy. A restaurant would have been overwhelming, especially since I've never worked in foodservice before!
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