If you are married to or dating a chef, you know what I mean. It’s not that we don’t like the holidays, it’s just that we don’t see our chefs much or at all during the month of December. So once January 2nd comes around, we are pretty excited!! Things “should” slow down a bit in the restaurant, our chefs will be home trying to catch up on sleep and family time and we can all breathe a sigh of relief!
(Although January 2nd falling on a weekend might mess that up for us this year.)
Whatever the case, I’m ready for the new year.
Now looking ahead to Valentine’s Day . . . just kidding.
We survived the Christmas season as the family of a chef, although it was a very different month for us. Things have really changed in my chef/husband’s career and while the hours were still really long, he was off 3 weekends and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. That has NEVER happened. The days he was working, his to do list was very long, but it actually didn’t have anything to do with the Christmas season. So it was a different season for us. Good, but different (and not what I had expected at all!!)
With that being said, I have absolutely no idea what the new year will bring. What I’ve come to know as the wife of chef is changing by the day. While I’m excited about these changes, there’s a small part of me that is anxious as well. I’m not a big fan of the “unknown,” but we’ll just take one day at a time and trust in God’s plan for our family. (more…)
One thing I struggle with is finding time for myself and finding time to do the things I would like to do instead of just doing the things I have to do. I believe finding this balance is so important because if I’m a mess, how in the world can I take care of myself and my family.
Before we had kids, this wasn’t a problem. Yes, I worked full-time, but my chef/husband worked more (big surprise) so I always had time in the evening for hobbies (or to watch TV and do nothing).
If I wanted to spend time with friends or go out and do something, I could. No problem. (I might add that I could also afford it as we were both working full time.) (more…)
When was the last time you looked at the hands of your chef?
My chef/husband is at work as I’m writing this, but I can picture his hands in my head . . .
The few scars on them from working in the kitchen for so many years. (One large one that I remember vividly from a catering event he did for my work 15 years ago.)
His left hand without a wedding ring when he’s working, as he gets a big callous when he uses a knife a lot while he’s wearing it. (This doesn’t bother me, in case you were wondering.)
The shiny appearance from being near the oven or stove on the line for an extended period of time.
Bandaged up with a bandaid or krazy glue, whatever worked better at the time.
Gentle enough to not crush delicate herbs.
Steady enough to plate small items intricately.
Holding a chef knife and cutting an onion so fast that my eyes don’t even have a chance to tear up.
Stained from working with beets when he was rushing and didn’t put gloves on.
Occasionally having a strange smell on them after work.
Seasoned to pick up a hot pan without a hot pad or towel.
Every month on the 10th day, I grab my camera and capture my day with 10 pictures.
Today started off early, getting up with my chef/husband and helping him pack for a 3 day business trip to work with one of his restaurants. Packing for a chef is easy when all you have to worry about is chef pants and coats, underwear and socks. Wish packing for myself was that easy when I went away!
He just LOVES it when I take pictures of him, so I chose not to this month. You’re welcome honey!
So a day in the life a chef wife during the Christmas season . . . no time with the chef. Are you surprised? Nope. But we are about halfway through the month!! Only 19 days until January 2nd. 🙂
We said goodbye around 6:30 am as he left and I went back in the house to get my day started.
Breakfast? Just kidding. I just thought it was cute.
Like every month, I’ve collected a few of my favorite things I’ve found online that have to do with either being married to a chef, chef life or having a family with a chef. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did!
Apparently there is a secret list of banned words that you should NEVER use when writing about food. I wonder if they apply when I am just talking about food with my chef/husband? (Just kidding.) (more…)
If you are married to or dating a chef, you know what I mean. It’s not that we don’t like the holidays, it’s just that we don’t see our chefs much or at all during the month of December. So once January 2nd comes around, we are pretty excited!! Things “should” slow down a bit in the restaurant, our chefs will be home trying to catch up on sleep and family time and we can all breathe a sigh of relief!
