The Best Way to Communicate with a Chef

I don’t know about you, but there are times when I feel my like chef/husband is a stranger because I haven’t see him much.

It’s not always easy to get a hold of him when he’s at work.  So when he finally has a day off, I could talk his ear off (but I try not to)!

With the limited time we have together as a chef couple, what’s the best way to communicate both while at work and at home?

When I think about communication with my chef/husband, there are really a few ways I go about it.  It’s very different trying to talk with him while he’s at work vs. when he’s at home.

Let’s start off with home.  I don’t know about your chef, by my husband is pretty exhausted when he gets home at night and on his days off.  I usually have a few things I’d like to talk to him about, and there’s usually time.  It’s finding the best time that’s important.  I have found it best to never, ever, ever, ever, ever talk to him about something important when he’s tired.  It never goes well.  If he’s too tired to think clearly, that’s not the time I want to be talking about money or problems with the kids.  (It’s the same if I’m totally exhausted as well.)  If a good time presents itself (kids are occupied, chef/husband is rested, etc.) then we talk about the important things.  If not, there’s always plan B . . . (more…)

Are There Any Chefs Without an Injury of Some Sort?

are there any chefs without an injuryI’ve asked it before, “Is the restaurant killing the chef?”

Ask any chef wife or significant other whose chef has been working in the kitchen for a while about their chef’s injuries and well . . . you better grab a cup of coffee and a chair because you might be there for a while.

Over the past 19 years we’ve dealt with cuts, burns, a broken back and torn ligaments, just to name a few.

Now it’s not totally fair to put all the blame on the career.  When my chef/husband makes eating healthy and working out a priority, he can physically handle the job easier.  However, when things get really busy as work, those are the things that tend to be pushed to the side.  (This happens with many of us, not just chefs, right?)

However, no matter how good of shape you are in, sometimes injuries happen.

Right now, my chef/husband is sporting a lovely black cast on his left arm.  (I would show you a picture, but decided to skip asking him if I could take one as I know he hates it when I take his picture.  You can take a peek at it in this Facebook post from New Year’s Eve.)  He’s left handed.  He doesn’t have any broken bones, but has torn ligaments in his elbow from repetitive movements (chopping, working the sauté station, etc.) Even with the cast on, he’s in a lot of pain. (more…)

What Activities Can We Do Together When My Chef is Exhausted From Work?

question markYou know how your chef comes home too exhausted to really do anything, but you want to spend time together?  What do you do besides sit around and stare at each other or the TV?

Earlier this week I received the following question from a reader on another blog post.

“What activities can we do that are not too exhausting for him, are not on a precise date, and can be done after 5 pm (his morning shift ends and I can afford to get off work)?”

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10 Most Popular Posts of 2014

Every time I look at the calendar, I am amazed that we’re in a new year.  2014 just flew by for our family.

Somehow in the midst of the craziness I started blogging.  I had no idea how much I would enjoy writing and really wasn’t prepared for all the comments and emails I would get from so many people around the world that could relate to my life!

Today I thought I’d share my 5 most visited blog posts/pages from 2014 and also my 5 personal favorite posts.

Emulsified Family Top Posts of 2014Top 5 most visited posts/pages of 2014:

You’re Dating a Chef?  Please Read This! – Every month, this post is at the top of the list!  Dating a chef is not easy!

How to Clean a Chef Coat – Yep!  It’s a pain, but somebody has to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Being Married to a Chef – Just trying to dispel the crazy myths about being married to a chef.  (No, they do not cook for us every night!)

You Know Your Dad’s a Chef When . . . Part 2 – Our kindergartner wrote Modernist Cuisine on her homework and I tweeted about it.  Modernist Cuisine tweeted back and my site went crazy with visitors!  Woohoo!!

Stitch Fix – This has absolutely nothing to do with raising a family with a chef, but all about me falling in love with this company.  Who doesn’t love having great clothes show up in a box at your doorstep?  I tweeted about this page. Stitch Fix pinned in on Pinterest and people visited.  I doubt any of them were chef wives, but you never know. 🙂

 

My 5 favorite posts from 2014:

Letter to a Young Chef Wife – I loved putting together a list of things I wish I knew 19 years ago when my husband first started working in a professional kitchen.

The Hands of a Chef – I asked for pictures of chef’s hands on Facebook and received such a great response.  🙂 (more…)