tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74849669455002931772024-02-20T14:35:09.458-08:00Rebel ChefA journey at midlife
to follow a dream...
the hard way.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-5111414873146132322012-02-16T17:11:00.001-08:002012-02-16T17:11:53.412-08:00No more "fussy" nights out...Most romantic dinner escapes require uncomfortable shoes (ladies) and clothes you certainly look great in but would rather not send out to be dry cleaned after the meal. Include valet parking (with tip), tipping your server, the sommelier and anyone else with their hand out ensuring your evening out is tops, not to mention the mark up on the generally overpriced small portions and there you have it. A very expensive, somewhat uncomfortable, "special night."<br />
What if all the hassle and fuss could be removed from your evening? No traffic, parking or any of the above mentioned issues.<br />
What if you could receive a fresh, above standard, three course meal by candlelight in your favorite comfy clothes, with special attention to personal service, including your favorite wine and never leave home?<br />
Now you can.<br />
"Dinner for two," provides just that. A meal with your favorite food, prepared the way you want it, personally and expertly prepared in your kitchen (no off site preparation) served with your comfort in mind, and clean up provided.<br />
Food cost and labor are rolled in to one flat fee, including salad, entree, wine and dessert. Contact 214-994-2350 to bring romance back to your dining table.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-75531993552320704832012-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:002012-02-16T11:40:00.533-08:00Hitting the wall and turning left...Done. Had it. Fini.
The "biz" finally wore me down. My love and passion for food just couldn't keep up with the public and behind the line bullshit.
So I've started my own business, preparing and serving romantic dinners for two, in home. Since I really do suck as an employee, being my own boss may help me to not get fired...unless of course I fire myself.
I also started an affiliate internet busines promoting food, foodies and all things food related. Below are some examples that one may find interesting. Simply click on the links for more information. Cheers...<br />
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</div>Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-69766972204075351952010-02-16T22:34:00.000-08:002010-02-16T22:37:20.520-08:00Quite possibly the last post.I've decided I have lived my life publicly by writing about it for long enough.<br /><br />Nothing really comes of it and I fear I am simply trivializing my daily existence by doing so.<br /><br />I will leave both my blogs up but am retiring from writing them.<br /><br />I don't know how much time I have left in life and think I would like to keep the rest of it to myself.<br /><br />Thanks for reading. GGeoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-68511619565737550532010-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:002010-02-11T09:33:04.749-08:00I can see it from here...A year sober...coming up April 23. Not too far, but so far away from a year ago it's like a different life.<br /><br />Quite possibly in my top five hardest years of my life category actually, with the life lessons rolling in.<br /><br />They say the best students get the hardest lessons. I must have made the honor society.<br /><br />Applied for a second job yesterday. I have an interview with the Executive Chef next Tuesday.<br /><br />We shall see.<br /><br />Pretty much stopped the whole dating thing...can't do it. Too much. My "dream girl" is simply that...a dream.<br /><br />One normally gets to peek under the crazy covers about five months in to a relationship...I am obviously in the accelerated program.<br /><br />Better off alone. Really.<br /><br />I can lie to myself just fine...don't need someone else doing it.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-85090072032280372372010-01-30T22:52:00.000-08:002010-01-30T23:40:18.686-08:00My time is gonna come...Like the song says's..."I'm not gonna let you overwhelm me anymore." No, not any one in particular, guess I'm talking to life.<br /><br />Looking for a second job, which as every one knows is slightly less fun than a gum scaling, but it's necessary. I need to make a living.<br /><br />At the moment, I'm making a surviving.<br /><br />Not unusual, been doing that for the better part of eleven years, hacking at child support, bit by bit. But hell, I do like to eat...and drive...and not sleep in my truck. Selfish ass.<br /><br />Not a peep from my gal pal that chose her addictions over a better life either.<br /><br />She text messaged me three days ago and the text stopped in the middle of a word. I called back a couple hours later and an Hispanic guy answered, said he had gotten the number from Metro PCS a couple of hours before.<br /><br />That is not a good sign.<br /><br />So sad. Not that we're not together, that she made that choice. But it's one I've made far too many times, so if one of us had to do it, let's just say I'm glad it wasn't me.<br /><br />You may ask, isn't this blog supposed to be about my journey becoming a Chef? And right you would be...but it is.<br /><br />This is all part of the journey.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-88062341179147753792010-01-27T19:16:00.000-08:002010-01-27T19:23:20.617-08:00The path...On the 23rd of this month I celebrated nine months of continuous sobriety.<br /><br />It was also the time my girlfriend of six weeks, also in recovery, informed she she was back out, using and drinking again.<br /><br />I can't deal with that. My sobriety is more important to me. I had to cut her loose. I will miss all the good things about her and give the rest to God to care for.<br /><br />There are people in life whose paths include someone loving to come home to, with enough finances to be comfortable and children who love and care about them.<br /><br />I am not on that path.<br /><br />I am not falling into morbid reflection when I say I may never be on that path.<br /><br />Broke; alone, cleaning up the wreckage of my past, work, recovery, rented rooms and second hand stuff are the path I'm on.<br /><br />I may never get off.<br /><br />But I will stay sober, one day at a time.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-6154984511323038572010-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:14:40.901-08:00Opportunity is not often illuminated by the fires of a burning bridge...Doing the right thing...not always easy.<br /><br />Wrestling with my impulses and knee jerk reactions...again, not easy.<br /><br />Deciding to go with the flow, or at least try to, until opportunity presents itself gracefully.<br /><br />Work is simply that...I've stopped learning so much about cooking and receiving lessons about interactions with people...boils down to shutting up and keeping my head down. Two activities I have never been that good with...but I suppose it's time.<br /><br />It helps so much having found someone in my life that truly share my ideals and dreams, faults and strengths. All of them.<br /><br />I never thought someone so like me could turn into someone so special.<br /><br />When we're together, it's a drama free zone. We can even be silent together...and still be perfectly OK.<br /><br />This is turning in to a very interesting start to a brand new year.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-26784274396802339942010-01-06T08:58:00.000-08:002010-01-06T09:12:54.288-08:00Learning...Always. In all areas.<br /><br />Work, of course...life..and learning things about me. The three seem to coincide.<br /><br />Yes, I march to the beat of my own strange little drummer but am finding out there are parts of me that are noble and strong, regardless what others may think.<br /><br />Being open to the "new" helps. Not being locked in to old ways of thinking, or engaging others in their own personal drama, as well.<br /><br />People are who they are, and do what they do...it's just not my deal.<br /><br />I try to stay under the radar as much as possible, but on occasion I poke my head out and voice an opinion. Not that it's worth anything...it's just mine.<br /><br />Trusting that I am on the path that a power greater than myself has chosen is hard...wish that path was winning the lottery, lol...but apparently it's not.<br /><br />Being grateful for the simple and small things has served me well.<br /><br />This takes practice as well..Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-49188724932725941952010-01-01T19:30:00.000-08:002010-01-01T19:44:08.506-08:00New Year...Well that was fun...a drama filled, chaotic, rough ass year interspersed with brief moments of bliss.<br /><br />I'll have more bliss please.<br /><br />My goal for this one..not to make the mistakes I made last year.<br /><br />No drugs or alcohol...no exceptions. No suicide attempts or visits to the nut hutch...been there, don't even want the t-shirt.<br /><br />No flirting with homelessness or getting engaged...and yes... there seemed to be a connection.<br /><br />No giving myself fully to a woman in an emotional capacity until...well, a long time.<br /><br />Pay closer attention to what God's telling me.<br /><br />Not paying attention to the "fringe" people who really don't matter. Allow me to define this fully...if you're not helping me stay sober, related to me, a true "friend," paying my rent or sleeping/in love with me...go do whatever...enjoy yourself.<br /><br />I promise... you are not on my radar.<br /><br />Cheers...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-16308948341196441392009-12-25T10:21:00.000-08:002009-12-25T10:26:16.711-08:00Christmas Day...I slept till noon. The best gift I could have gotten. Actually the only gift but as I am not really much of a fan of this season, don't consider it a big deal.<br /><br />The treacherous weather didn't deter my large family from getting together and I was able to spend the evening with them and my darling twin daughters.<br /><br />About to make my way to the grocery store for some meager eats, then back in. I'm not going anywhere other than that today.<br /><br />Yawn....I know, not much of a post, just trying to be disciplined enough to write everyday.<br /><br />Takes practice. Cheers.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-13266356732363287782009-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:002009-12-23T08:32:17.152-08:00A mercenary lifestyle...The restaurant business has always been rather mercurial to those in it. The lure of better money, more opportunity, even the myth of a little respect, will always be the draw.<br /><br />Cooks and servers; bartenders, dishwashers...we come...we go...new ventures, new openings...it is what it is.<br /><br />More like modern day gypsies and pirates...on the lookout for better hours and more cash, easily beddable waitresses, with maybe a bit of swag thrown in.<br /><br />We know we can stand shoulder to shoulder and crank it out during a rush, that we can put up with the Ego's (for a while) because ultimately, whether or not we care to admit it...for some of us, it's still about the food.<br /><br />We are a proud lot, sometimes too much so...so we pack our knives and throw on a different apron and hope for a little better...maybe this place, I can land and stick...then one day the "snap" occurs...and the cook listings on Craigslist become bookmarked, resumes updated and here we go again.<br /><br />Some of us have solid significant others...while the rest of us...hell, nobody can put up with us for long...search for a love as fleeting as the search for better working conditions.<br /><br />The stress of the holidays certainly don't help. More work, more unreasonable demands, and the obligation to be "happy" because it's Christmas becomes too much to bloody well take.<br /><br />I just got called in to work...here we go...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-56709151200578774332009-12-22T21:38:00.000-08:002009-12-22T21:52:09.125-08:00"Delivery." ..."What is it?"..."Your ass, sign here."What a freaking day.<br /><br />Very busy night...no problems until the 44 people from our sister company showed up for their Christmas Party.<br /><br />Not one issue from any items coming out of my station. Not one.<br /><br />Then the ridiculous pasta orders started rolling in and the roof fell in.<br /><br />Our Chef, whom I have never treated with anything less than total respect, and who was attending the party, and liberally sampling adult beverages, came completely unhooked...I stepped in to the saute station (not my station tonight) to attempt to help and he literally starts screaming.<br /><br />"If you can't handle it, get off my fucking line!"<br /><br />Really...seriously?<br /><br />Bending over backward, working 60 or so hours a week, never late, never called in sick...attempting to pull these orders together and that's what I get?<br /><br />I am a grown assed man. I know I have to pay my dues, but I never have been, nor ever will be any body's punk. I am the oldest cat in the place, which normally is cause for lots of laughs from the fucking children I work with. It will not happen again. Or it may be that God's trying to tell me to move on.<br /><br />I hate it when he works in mysterious ways.<br /><br />We will talk...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-32009394038879559082009-12-22T08:43:00.000-08:002009-12-22T08:57:20.045-08:00Season's beatings...Four more days and Christmas is over....good. Too much undo pressure financially...and I'm already pressured financially...don't need it.<br /><br />A lot of hours at work...a little drama...some kitchen politics....just have to keep my head down and cook.<br /><br />Was wondering yesterday if starting this career at my age was really a good idea...but hell, too late now. Have to find strength and resilience and keep going.<br /><br />I get Christmas Eve and Christmas off...first two days off I've had since August...can't afford it financially...but require it physically and mentally.<br /><br />Met another lady on-line...still in the texting/talking stage...but now her phone is down, so waiting to see. Will I hear from her again? I hope so...she's sweet...beautiful and lovely but I know I'm not for everybody.<br /><br />Not selling myself short...just being realistic...not too many women could handle the hours I work, or the finance issues because of child support. It is what it is...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-62062731005864755862009-12-18T22:30:00.000-08:002009-12-18T22:41:39.554-08:00Still holding...Not that anyone is reading this...but if so, sorry for the lag.<br /><br />Very focused on work right now, getting faster, and better every day.<br /><br />I still make mistakes as the hours I put in keep me close to whipped most of the time, but there is a satisfaction in keeping up when my station is slammed. (mine is the busiest on the line...I always have dishes to prepare.) Knowing I'm stocked, as I did the stocking myself, so no matter what is thrown at me, I can handle it. Nine tickets in a row, three to four items per ticket?<br /><br />No problem. Just keep out of my station, let me roll, try to help and I'll run over you.<br /><br />My Chef said I'm the last one to ever ask for help on the line, and that if I did, it would be OK...I get it...but I will not go under.<br /><br />I am proud to do what I do.<br /><br />One week till Christmas...good. First two days off I've had in a row since August.<br /><br />My day off, yes, only one, is Thursday, so Thanksgiving...yeah, Christmas Eve...right again. No rest for the weary.<br /><br />Don't know what I would do anyway...with no "significant other" it makes it easy.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-83466986984724709042009-12-03T22:10:00.000-08:002009-12-03T22:21:12.361-08:00The flow...Going with it...no need to struggle, downstream is just fine.<br /><br />The Holiday's are slowing the restaurant down a bit, but speeding up my logistic responsibilities.<br /><br />Manning the saute station as well as sandwiches and apps, occasionally doubling as garde mangere,(that's salads for the uninformed) and whipping on the fry station as necessary. Whew.<br /><br />Cool...loving what I do has opened up an entire chapter of life for me. It's hard, with little thanks but the personal satisfaction and learning experiences are priceless.<br /><br />And on a personal note...<br /><br />I was seriously considering pulling the plug on the whole Internet dating thing when...<br /> a lovely phone call from someone totally out of the blue on the way home...hmmm...he am working mysteriously again.<br /><br />Which is cool...just don't know why my prayers can't be answered in a point A to point B fashion. It would save on gas, flowers and expectations, that's for sure.<br /><br />But it wouldn't be quite as interesting, now would it.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-84525869896441277042009-11-25T10:22:00.000-08:002009-11-26T08:30:22.403-08:00Dreams...This was originally designed for the road I would follow to pursue my dream of becoming a Chef. Still is, but I'm coming to think it may also reflect an older, deeper dream.<br /><br />To find the last love of my life. (I refuse to think it's over, that she was found and lost.)<br /><br />Last night at work was kicking. Unexpected busy...for a Tuesday.<br /><br />Our expo was obviously suffering from a head injury of some kind...what a nightmare. But the food came out on time and well prepared. So can't complain.<br /><br />Couple of new emails from new ladies...ya just never know.<br /><br />You win some and you learn some...but you never, ever lose.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-90757223937259187612009-11-24T07:30:00.000-08:002009-11-24T07:35:41.100-08:00New day...New day, new possibilities...on with it. I do not look back nor do I go backward for anyone, ever again. Made that mistake and paid nicely.<br /><br />Received a new email from a lady that seems lovely...but they all seem lovely until the UPS guy shows up, hands me a box, and my ass is in it.<br /><br />So tired last night I accidentally began "following" my own blog, and I can't get rid of it, lol.<br /><br />Going in to work soon, another day...and the universe opens up....Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-11824616964363505722009-11-23T23:21:00.000-08:002009-11-23T23:25:37.896-08:00Burned again...No, not at work.<br /><br />The one I was "taking it slow" with.<br /><br />Three weeks, two dates, a visit to the restaurant with her girlfriends for food (cooked by me) and drinks. Daily texting (referring to me as sweety, signing off with hugs) phone calls, etc.<br /><br />I get home tonight after whipping it hard at work again, to a freaking Dear Geoffrey email. It's not you, it's me..really...nice.<br /><br />WTF ever...next.<br /><br />Dating sucks ass...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-69481999403240168772009-11-23T05:30:00.000-08:002009-11-23T05:42:55.305-08:00Paying dues...122 hours worked during this last pay period. My schedule only reads 5p to close, six days a week.<br /><br />My Chef is allowing these extra hours to "see what I'm made of" in an effort to learn all I can about the process for becoming his Sous Chef. I may be a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them. And the position is not a "given"...it's still in the wait and see category. Someone could come along and snag it...and if so, OK...still have valuable experience, and a lot of hours worked, so, who's to say?<br /><br />And life continues to roll. My roommate didn't check his lease when he advertised for the room for rent on Craig's list. (Who doesn't do that?) So after a surprise visit from the landlord...long story short, moving again. <br /><br />Our salad gal at work is giving me a free computer and TV...nice. That helps.<br /><br />Good thing I have a lot of Irish Gypsy in me...otherwise, this could be stressful.<br /><br />So, Thanksgiving week, looking for place to live, working my ass off, attempting to say and do all the right things with my new "Lady of Interest" shall we say, trying to go slow...but at what point does slow turn in to "stall" ...OK, we all pretty much know I don't know shit about relationships...but at least I'm making the effort to do this the right way. And if it tanks...oh well, on with the show...but I shall remain positive.<br /><br />Did I mention I'm tired...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-23100160368527512972009-11-19T19:40:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:47:47.851-08:00New things...The job is growing more "responsibility laden" by the day. And that, is a good thing.<br /><br />I am ordering product; checking in product, setting up stations (not just mine) making dressings, sauces, briskets, chicken, marinating fish, and cooking, always cooking.<br /><br />We have an opening for a Sous Chef and I have heard rumors I may be in line.<br /><br />Hate to jinx it, it would be quite the accomplishment. But if it is it is, if it's not, it's still great experience.<br /><br />I have three 14 hour days ahead of me after a wonderful second date tonight on my only day off with someone new.<br /><br />We are going slowly, and that is also a good thing. I think she's worth the wait...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-15555134862820922002009-11-10T22:22:00.000-08:002009-11-10T22:31:55.841-08:00The dream narrows...Did it. Quit the limping day job and was given a raise and promotion at the "real" job. Managing the prep crew during the day and cooking on the line.<br /><br />Mastering the zen of the sandwich station, seriously, it's an art, while learning saute and grill.<br /><br />Managing my motley band of prep monkey's during the day, two of whom are so stoned they can't be allowed near anything sharp, and organizing the weeks parred items and walk in cooler. Several 14 hour days a week and one day off. Not bad-don't need much time off, not yet at least.<br /><br />The fledgling relationship I was starting just seemed to dissolve...not sure what happened...I probably did something, that's usually the case, but no harm...still putting myself out there, knowing I'm worth the effort...for the right one.<br /><br />Not much to post; kids are great, job is fine, recovery strong, and heart still open...let's cook.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-79721336738168145102009-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:002009-10-26T12:57:39.354-07:00Changes in momentum...It happens. Circumstances alter. The key is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rollin</span>' with it.<br /><br />Or as they say, when opportunity knocks, don't be scared of the noise.<br /><br />New manager at the day gig; this being my last week, pulled out all the stops trying to get me to stay. Great guy, noble intentions...wish him the best.<br /><br />But I'm afraid not. If I'm not growing, I'm going.<br /><br />New opportunities with my other Chef, learning how he orders, and keeping the walk in organized to his specs. Also 55-60 hours a week straight time...still cranking it out on the line, but learning other requirements for eventually being a "real" Chef. It is so much more than just cooking well...and I look forward to the opportunity.<br /><br />This weekend on the line was one "Brock Samson" beat down after another, but I held...whew, it was tough.<br /><br />Quite possibly the best Sunday I've had in a long time...really nice, for all the right reasons.<br /><br />My twins are going through one of the hardest things one has to deal with...the loss of someone close. Their first, bless their hearts...I'd make it better if I could; but all I can do is offer to be there if they need me, all the platitudes in the world don't amount to a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pinch</span> of salted shit when the hurt is that deep.<br /><br />I know, all too well.Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-18999414020070690712009-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:002009-10-21T13:34:44.937-07:00And the fifties begin...Great day yesterday...fifty is looking promising. I can honestly say my forties blew. Hard.<br /><br />Thank God I gave my notice at the day job...it just keeps getting stranger. We have, oh for arguments sake, let's say, no customers. 'Kay?<br /><br />What's the answer the owner comes up with?<br /><br />Hire more staff. WTF? Seriously....? Very bizarre.<br /><br />But, more hours at the other gig, starting today...time for a second wind.<br /><br />Best birthday present yesterday...a bag of kitchen tools, sweet!<br /><br />Best birthday present coming up...lunch and a day off on Sunday. Really looking forward to that.<br /><br />It's nice to look forward to things again.<br /><br />Not really much of a post, I know, but I'm sure some unsuspecting civilian will do something untoward at work soon enough and I will be able to say, "Let the Royal Rumpus begin..."Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-33611326803057338862009-10-19T13:13:00.000-07:002009-10-19T13:26:45.734-07:00Last day of my forties...Yep, it is. And things are looking up.<br /><br />Just gave my two week notice to the day job...if they're even still open in two weeks. Damn shame...the illness the place contracted looks terminal. The GM that started two weeks ago left her key and a note this morning.<br /><br />The writing has been on the wall, and I learned to read at a very early age...I have to take care of my responsibilities...to my kids and to my dreams, so adios m.f.<br /><br />I stopped learning, and stopped really cooking...if I wanted to put out fires I'd be a freakin' fireman.<br /><br />The owner thanked me for the two weeks. I'd like to think I have integrity, even when no one is looking, so it was simply the right thing to do.<br /><br />The night gig is opening up into 55-60 hours a week straight time, so maybe two gigs just aren't necessary anymore.<br /><br />A little time off would be good for the soul.<br /><br />Speaking of..I may have met someone who, well, honestly gets me. I think she's wonderful...sarcastic, pretty, open and honest...and she seems to like me just the way I am...faults and all.<br /><br />Wow, unexpected...but it's made my days a little brighter...just knowing she's out there...nice...I forgot what that was like. (And she hates to cook...perfect.)<br /><br />Allow me...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484966945500293177.post-36062161545553860282009-10-11T19:17:00.000-07:002009-10-11T19:30:16.244-07:00Paying dues...Sure I am. What do you expect when you start at the bottom?<br /><br />But I've moved up two levels, in a very short period of time. That's not to say I don't make mistakes, and incur the wrath of Chef. I deserve it. He depends on me to have my shit together.<br /><br />And usually, I do.<br /><br />But lately, the tired is creeping into my performance. My attitude has been short with servers I should be gentler with...they seem to be disadvantaged.<br /><br />I know not to let personal issues into my station...but the "single" issue has been weighing on me.<br /><br />It's only been ten years since my divorce, I should be used to being single. And I am for the most part, but sometimes, it would be nice to come home late, and have "her" (the mythic her, no one in particular) here.<br /><br />Or know she was thinking of me, in my corner.<br /><br />Oh well...it is what it is...time to shake it off and stay focused. Maybe I'm just one of those guys...too sweet for his own good, and too much of an asshole for anyone else's.<br /><br />The turning 50 next week deal is on my mind too.<br /><br />Lucky no one killed me yet...Geoffrey Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13080214498552396193noreply@blogger.com0