Today is the first day of my junior year of college, so obviously I have school work I am currently avoiding. I only have class two days a week this term so you would think I could could get myself to focus those 2 times per week. And my answer to that is, I can and am choosing not to right now. So here we are, my dear reader. Hopefully I'm keeping you from something you should be doing too.
I have been a little low on ideas for writing on here since I have spent the majority of my time working. After talking to one of my closest friends about this, she came up with the idea for me to write about my job. And seeing as that's essentially the only thing I've been doing lately, I thought I'd go ahead and do it.
I work at a comedy club/ restaurant/ events center... It's a big building. My official job title is an events cook, but that's not the only position I occupy. First and foremost, I work in events. I execute the food that goes out for parties, weddings, meetings, etc. If there's an event going on somewhere in the building, you can pretty safely assume I'm in the kitchen. I really love catering and working with events, its always been one of my favorite aspects of the business. One of the most important things I've learned working with events is timing. Timing is everything, especially with banquet dining. Let's say you have an event for 200 people (which I do frequently) and you have a full menu to prepare- apps, salads, and a full buffet. Sometimes the client wants the courses to stagger and the food to come out in phases, and sometimes the buffet opens at 6:30 and everything has to be ready... AT 6:30. Each method has its challenges but it all boils down to this- hot food needs to be hot and cold food needs to be cold.
Prep time for these events usually look/are pretty leisurely until about a half hour before the event. Then it quickly turns in to organized chaos. Trying to time it so that everything comes out at the same time.. and ON TIME is tricky at first. Everything that is served cold can be taken care of in advance, get it out of the way. Then it's all about heating or reheating the items that take the longest to the ones with the shortest cook time. It requires some juggling with different cook times- but don't forget about the dinner rolls in the oven and burn them to a crisp!!... Not that I know what that's like or anything.. Shut up.
Another trick with working in events is how much food is enough for 200 people? Or how much is too much? There are a lot of general rules we follow for that sort of thing. 3 ounces per person of this, 5 ounces for that. But that's not an exact science. There have been a few of times where the guests apparently liked the chicken way more than the beef and we had to scramble make several more trays of chicken and had trays of beef left over. It's almost never perfect but the less waste, the better.
When I'm not working an event, I'm generally doing one of two things- working on the line if its the weekend (our restaurant is only open for dinner on weekends), or doing administrative work or other projects for our chef.
When I'm in the kitchen for the restaurant, I'm generally in the pantry station. All apps, salads, and desserts for both the restaurant and the showroom come through my station. And on a night where we have sold out shows and a full restaurant, it can get pretty crazy. That's why there's generally 2 or 3 of us at this station. When I'm working in the restaurant I definitely get my fix for the rush and the high energy I miss when I'm working my events.
The computer work I do is definitely more dry than the rest of my work, but that's not to say I love it any less. I just won't bore you with specifics, but I've gotten a lot of invaluable exposure to aspects of this business- ordering, inventory, costing, etc. I'm really lucky to be getting this kind of experience. Especially if I plan to have my own place some day (one of the things on the list).
So there you go, folks. A not-so-brief description of what I get to do week in and week out. It's a lot of work but I'm having the time of my life. Every day I go into work, I learn something new and that's so exciting to me. Obviously, I understand school is important and I'm learning a lot of (expensive) information while I'm here. That being said, I'll leave you with a great quote from Mr. Mark Twain, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."
Go out and learn, nerds. :)
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Power of Pen & Paper (Or In This Case, Computer Keys)
Well. Here we are almost 9 months later and my new years prediction about my new years resolution has come true. Until about 10 minutes ago, I completely forgot I started this thing just as 2013 was beginning. Apparently I even tried writing an entry in February, got about half way through, and forgot about it entirely. But I'm back for another try.
I've come to the realization that I've been going about this whole blog thing the wrong way. Back in January I made the very arrogant assumption that I had enough interesting life lessons to bestow upon the world that I could keep this going. Well here's the thing- I'm 20 and know next to nothing about how life works. I have some observations and very liquid opinions about things that I completely intend on sharing, but then rolling my eyes at in the next 1-3 years. And that's what brought me back. Instead of setting out to drop some knowledge on my fellow internet surfers, I want to treat this more as a diary or a scrapbook completely made up of words. If you stumble upon this and find it interesting, I invite you to keep reading. And if not, well this blog is still serving its purpose
That brings me to the title of this post. I don't know about you (whoever you are), but I have always found something deeply cathartic about writing, all facets of it. That's not to say every time I'm stressed, I sit down and write a novel. But some of my favorite stress relievers revolve around the written word. Whether it's sitting down listening to someone else's written word in the form of music while doodling or copying down those lyrics, or reading a book. I've never been one to consistently keep a diary, but every so often I just need to sit down with a pen and paper (or in this case, computer keys) and spill my guts. It provides the perfect opportunity to be more honest with yourself than you could ever be out loud. To say exactly on your mind without interruptions or fear of being judged. Sometimes I'll sit down and write page after page of everything I'm feeling, and sometimes I'll babble on about nothing. Either way, when I set my pen down, or stop typing, it's as if the world has left my shoulders. I guess, in a way, it's a version of talking to myself without seeming super crazy.
If you find yourself stressed out, take 10 minutes out of your day and write it out. Write out exactly what your stressing over and what you plan to do about it. That last part is important because let's be honest, if you don't use this as an opportunity to find a solution, then you're just whining. You don't necessarily have to write about yourself either. Write a story, or even read one. Writing doesn't have to mean staring your problems in the face, use it as an escape.
As I stated earlier, if you find my advice stupid, feel free to ignore it. This post, and most future posts, are my escape. If hundreds of people read this, or no one at all, this blog is still doing its job.
I've come to the realization that I've been going about this whole blog thing the wrong way. Back in January I made the very arrogant assumption that I had enough interesting life lessons to bestow upon the world that I could keep this going. Well here's the thing- I'm 20 and know next to nothing about how life works. I have some observations and very liquid opinions about things that I completely intend on sharing, but then rolling my eyes at in the next 1-3 years. And that's what brought me back. Instead of setting out to drop some knowledge on my fellow internet surfers, I want to treat this more as a diary or a scrapbook completely made up of words. If you stumble upon this and find it interesting, I invite you to keep reading. And if not, well this blog is still serving its purpose
That brings me to the title of this post. I don't know about you (whoever you are), but I have always found something deeply cathartic about writing, all facets of it. That's not to say every time I'm stressed, I sit down and write a novel. But some of my favorite stress relievers revolve around the written word. Whether it's sitting down listening to someone else's written word in the form of music while doodling or copying down those lyrics, or reading a book. I've never been one to consistently keep a diary, but every so often I just need to sit down with a pen and paper (or in this case, computer keys) and spill my guts. It provides the perfect opportunity to be more honest with yourself than you could ever be out loud. To say exactly on your mind without interruptions or fear of being judged. Sometimes I'll sit down and write page after page of everything I'm feeling, and sometimes I'll babble on about nothing. Either way, when I set my pen down, or stop typing, it's as if the world has left my shoulders. I guess, in a way, it's a version of talking to myself without seeming super crazy.
If you find yourself stressed out, take 10 minutes out of your day and write it out. Write out exactly what your stressing over and what you plan to do about it. That last part is important because let's be honest, if you don't use this as an opportunity to find a solution, then you're just whining. You don't necessarily have to write about yourself either. Write a story, or even read one. Writing doesn't have to mean staring your problems in the face, use it as an escape.
As I stated earlier, if you find my advice stupid, feel free to ignore it. This post, and most future posts, are my escape. If hundreds of people read this, or no one at all, this blog is still doing its job.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Hilarity of New Years Resolutions
As one year comes to an end and another one begins, society creates this need for change and betterment. We make ourselves promises to make some sort of personal change. Whether it be to lose weight or have more patience, we all fall victim to the same idea that this year's going to be different. Not that this year can't be different; just that come March, most of us have already forgotten what it was we were trying to change in the first place.
I'm certainly no special case. I guess in a way, maybe this blog is my New Years resolution. Who knows, maybe in March I will have proven myself correct and forgotten this blog even exists. Every year, I set the same goals. Usually revolving around "you need to work out more." To my credit, every year I get better and better about my work out habits. But that's not to say I'm not like every other die-hard-January-gym-junkie that turns back into a couch potato in February. I know that I wont be able to get near the gym for the next 2 or so months unless I go at 8 am (we're college kids.. mornings are not our friends). But as soon as March rolls around, the novelty of the year starts to wear off and people settle back into their old habits.
Lack of commitment aside, most of these half-hearted resolutions are just far too unrealistic. Too many people get a little over excited by the "new year, new me" concept and set themselves up for failure right out of the gate. Someone who hasn't eaten a vegetable in months suddenly wants to become vegetarian. Or, for consistency's sake, there's the couch potato that suddenly wants to start working out 6 days a week. These lofty goals seem like a great idea until the New Year goggles wear off and they realize there's a reason they weren't a vegetarian or a gym rat before this. It's hard. I think that if we were more honest with ourselves, these New Years resolutions would have a greater chance of sticking. But the problem with that is saying "I'm going to be a vegetarian" is way more exciting to tell people than "I'm going to do a better job of folding my laundry...sometimes."
Of course, the start of a new year is always exciting; there's no denying that. As most of us go on and begin to forget our resolutions, I truly do hope that 2013 brings you joy, challenges, and self improvement that will continue to build in years to come. Hopefully tomorrow I'll make it to the gym.....
I'm certainly no special case. I guess in a way, maybe this blog is my New Years resolution. Who knows, maybe in March I will have proven myself correct and forgotten this blog even exists. Every year, I set the same goals. Usually revolving around "you need to work out more." To my credit, every year I get better and better about my work out habits. But that's not to say I'm not like every other die-hard-January-gym-junkie that turns back into a couch potato in February. I know that I wont be able to get near the gym for the next 2 or so months unless I go at 8 am (we're college kids.. mornings are not our friends). But as soon as March rolls around, the novelty of the year starts to wear off and people settle back into their old habits.
Lack of commitment aside, most of these half-hearted resolutions are just far too unrealistic. Too many people get a little over excited by the "new year, new me" concept and set themselves up for failure right out of the gate. Someone who hasn't eaten a vegetable in months suddenly wants to become vegetarian. Or, for consistency's sake, there's the couch potato that suddenly wants to start working out 6 days a week. These lofty goals seem like a great idea until the New Year goggles wear off and they realize there's a reason they weren't a vegetarian or a gym rat before this. It's hard. I think that if we were more honest with ourselves, these New Years resolutions would have a greater chance of sticking. But the problem with that is saying "I'm going to be a vegetarian" is way more exciting to tell people than "I'm going to do a better job of folding my laundry...sometimes."
Of course, the start of a new year is always exciting; there's no denying that. As most of us go on and begin to forget our resolutions, I truly do hope that 2013 brings you joy, challenges, and self improvement that will continue to build in years to come. Hopefully tomorrow I'll make it to the gym.....
Welcome
I feel as though I should start out with some sort of introductory post. Although as I'm typing this, I'm really not sure where to start. Welcome to my blog.. Hope what I am about to say is at least somewhat interesting.
Well... I'm currently a college student. I attend Johnson and Wales University where I am studying Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. I have been asked over and over what I want to do with my career. My answer is always an elaborate "I don't know." I know it will have something to do with food- and that's my starting point. I have a long list of things I'd love to try, from chef to food writer to sommelier. I'd love to at least try most of them. So far, I have been unsuccessful at narrowing it down any further.
I very obviously love cooking but some of my other hobbies include listening to music, snowboarding, spending far too much time on social media sites, and writing. Going to school in Colorado has given me a chance to really appreciate the outdoors. I love to escape to the mountains to hike or snowboard as much as I can. Unfortunately with going to school and holding down a part time job, it's not as often as I would like.
I hope to update this blog as often as I can with my random observations and thoughts. Being in culinary school, you can bet I'll include some food adventures as well. I guess this was sufficiently introductory, so let's get to it... Here Goes Nothing..
Well... I'm currently a college student. I attend Johnson and Wales University where I am studying Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. I have been asked over and over what I want to do with my career. My answer is always an elaborate "I don't know." I know it will have something to do with food- and that's my starting point. I have a long list of things I'd love to try, from chef to food writer to sommelier. I'd love to at least try most of them. So far, I have been unsuccessful at narrowing it down any further.
I very obviously love cooking but some of my other hobbies include listening to music, snowboarding, spending far too much time on social media sites, and writing. Going to school in Colorado has given me a chance to really appreciate the outdoors. I love to escape to the mountains to hike or snowboard as much as I can. Unfortunately with going to school and holding down a part time job, it's not as often as I would like.
I hope to update this blog as often as I can with my random observations and thoughts. Being in culinary school, you can bet I'll include some food adventures as well. I guess this was sufficiently introductory, so let's get to it... Here Goes Nothing..
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