Staring At The Sun

Classes start next week after Labor Day. Garde Manger, English Composition and my third quarter of apprenticeship. Needless to say I am not thrilled. I'm not bummed either. Just not thrilled.

I have decided that next spring I will have the "Mega-Garden". That's right, "Mega". I will be expanding to include more onions, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, carrots, peppers and herbs galore. This summer was a success as far as I am concerned. Next year will be the "Year of the Mega-Garden"! MEGA-GARDEN '07!

I have also decided that rhubarb is pretty much a worthless plant. Sorry rhubarb lovers, it sucks and takes up way too much space. Oh, and IT NEVER DIES!

Rock.

Running Down A Dream

As of late, I have been in a rut. It's one of those day in-day out kind of ruts. You wake up, clean the house, take out the trash, drop the kids off and go to work. I spend eight to nine to ten hours or more under fluorescent lights in what to me, resembles a hole. Stainless steel everywhere. I prep. I cook. I clean. I cook. I clean. I wait. I read. I cook. I go home. It's a rut. I do realize it will get better. I do realize only I can get myself out of said "rut". So I have been doing things to keep my mind and my hands busy. I have been prepping the specials the night before. I have been reading about famous and top chefs, not the ones from television. I have been absorbing what goes into food other than the ingredients. The attitude behind the dish. The simplicity and beauty in a single tomato. The ease and satisfaction of a burre blanc. Stuff like that. I'm not trying to get all weird. I'm just trying to have more fun with it. It's really not that bad. Oh. I have to register for fall quarter. Fun fun.