Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Shopping for Free

So the furniture hunt has been on, and it's pretty exciting to picture the furniture we are collecting and how it will fit into and create our home. Our first piece of furniture that we bought together was a game table. We were in the salvation army, and happened upon this mini foosball table. I didn't even have to think about it twice, I was sold. After I called out for Chris and he rushed around the corner in alarm, he discovered that not only was this a foosball table, but a multi gaming table! Which includes: a bowling lane, a pool table, backgammon,  table hockey, ping pong, and many more. It was super exciting when we packed it away and then unloaded it into my room at home. This was months ago, we did not have a place to  put it, but we had a gaming table.


So as I am quite a list person, I recently started making a list of everything we had for our apartment, and everything we needed. The list began with the foosball table on the have side, and everything else on the need side. At first this was very overwhelming, what was I going to eat and sleep on the foosball table? Plus furniture is so expensive, how the heck are Chris and I supposed to come up with all of that money in order to build our home!? Well. First my mom made sure that I had a bed, she offered the bed in my sisters room up to me (Because of course...as soon as I move out, my sister is moving right into my room.) Then she said "Ohh I have a table and chairs for you!" And the next list began. The funny thing is, that my parents have owned the King Ferry Hotel for many many years, and they have always had an abundance of properties, but I never thought any of that would do me any good. (Look where I ended up---Culinary school..huh.)
The Studio

Well yesterday my mom needed help moving furniture out of one of the biggest rooms in the hotel because an artist by the name of Alice Dalton Brown, has rented the room to use as her studio over the summer months. Before moving all of the furniture to storage, we first started a pile for all of the items on my "shopping" list. I asked my mom about a kitchen table that we had when I was a girl, a metal enamel table top, with wings. We walked around the bend in the porch and there was that table which held so many childhood memories. As my sister and I carried it to our designated area, I thought of all the memories that I could build on top of already fond memories because my mom was allowing me to have the table. We then lugged a mattress and bed frame down the stairs for Christopher. There really is a surplus of furniture. Then after that my mom gave me a choice of two dressers that were not in use, and mentioned I might need an end table. I was just so happily surprised by all of this shopping that I was able to do, and for free! After digging out two chairs that were hand painted and used to live in our kitchen nook when I was eight, and setting aside a few items I was not sure Chris would approve of, I was very content.
new to us kitchen table

It astonishes me how many pieces of furniture my parents actually have gathered through the years. Each piece has a story or a garage sale steal that each treasure was found at. It was quite fun to shop around for all of the furniture that will make me feel more at home. The list has become quite smaller, I think we only need a book shelf and maybe a couch, but that we may have covered as well. I am such a family girl, so it doesn't surprise me that the furniture my family has used will comfort me when I move away from what I know now as home. And the best part is that I am not the type of person who wants brand new everything, I am a unique antique gal, and all of the old cute furniture we acquired is just that.

Monday, May 27, 2013

ABC 123 Baby you and me

I know I have really neglected my writing post lately, and I appreciate all of my supporters out there, I am sorry if the last few weeks have been disappointing.

Long story short:

1) Our background check went through, and we were approved for the apartment that we applied for, we are moving in June 1st- that's four days!

2) We graduated. Holy cow. It was surreal, and still is that we graduated and are no longer college students. It hit me hard the day after graduation at 3pm. I found myself super hungry, and realized that I had to make my own sandwich. Because of the meal plan at school, I have not had to make my lunch in a very long time and so when I finally realized that I hadn't eaten because it wasn't as easy as swiping my meal card and downing my usual tuna sandwich, it was nearly time for dinner! I miss a lot of friends already. Some of them will be returning to the school to continue on to the bachelor's program, so maybe Chris and I will head downstate in the future to visit them. We also survived the weekend. It's a little crazy that we were in class until midnight the night before we graduated (at 9:30am). But everything aside, I made it through the weekend, and even more impressive-Chris did. He had family hailing from Michigan and Florida and they all made it to dinner where we were able to serve his mother's family, his father's family, and my own (which was a treat). I left soon after the graduation and Chris stayed to be ping pong-ed between his families, and I am happy to say, that even though he wore his graduation outfit for over 24 hours, he made it out alive.

3) Did I mention four days?! Yeah Insane. I'm sure many of you have moved in your lifetime so you know where I am coming from but this is my first real move. We moved from Newark, NJ to Upstate New York when I was very young so I don't exactly remember that. We have since moved to three different houses in the area, all of which I was not responsible enough to have to pack more than two boxes. Well let me tell you, this is hard work. I first had to pack up all of my belongings from my dorm room and combine them with all the packing that is going on here in my room at home. I have to give myself a little credit, I have a ton packed. I worked really hard in order to throw out unneeded items, and of course give away clothes that no longer fit me. (I would "hand them down" to my sister, but it doesn't really work when you have to hand them up because she is taller than you.) Anyway, so I have been packing items, labeling them and stacking those items that are ready to load into the car in my mother's living room. Now she has not made any comment about how our living room is overflowing yet, but it might be coming soon. It's a bit crazy going through all of my things from my childhood that I felt important to save. I think for my parents it's a little saddening. Their little girl is moving up and out. While they find it exciting as well, I catch a tone in my dad's voice when he questions "you're going to be here for your birthday, where else would you be?" "Well Dad, I am moving before my birthday" (which is in one week by the way). "Ohhh" he sighs, like he forgot. Anyway, the plan is to have 98% of everything packed by Wednesday when Chris returns from Michigan with his "new to him" car. Then we will sign the lease Thursday, work Friday, and Move in Saturday. Phew. It's going to be a lot in not so lot of time. Keep us in your prayers!


I will give you a sneak peak title of tomorrow's blog post "Shopping for Free". Stay tuned

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

High Hopes

9:28- Late start, we wanted to be on the road by ten...

9:34- Tricia in shower.

9:45- Tricia out of the shower.

9:49- Chris in the shower.

10:08- Call from unknown number. Turns out it was the New York Wine and Culinary Center who received my resume a month ago, and want an impromptu interview while I am conveniently in Rochester. 

10:10- Change of outfits begins. Urging Christopher to get out of the shower so that he can shave. No response. 

10:35- Finally out of the driveway, Christopher in passengers seat making call to Wegman's Next Door Bar and Grill, left message. Set up appointment to view second apartment.

10:57- Incoming call from Wegman's. Officially offered Chris the job. Our day is off to a good start. 

11:00- Stop for gas. We paid $3.36 per gallon. The perks of living near an Indian reservation. Chinese fire drill. 

11:45- Call to K2 catering company. Will meet up around 12:15pm at property. 

12:08- Pull into K2 catering, knock on back door alone. Lovely young woman answers. Invites Chris to come in as well.  Meet with Chef and tour the newly remodeled catering headquarters. Start up business. Smells of fresh paint. Enthusiastic about farm to table. New and exciting. Exchanged dates of big events. No constant work, sporadic. 

12:45- Left K2, pulled onto Cedarwood Terrace for our first appointment. Unsure from the outside. Spoke excitedly about the day and our hopes.

1:03- Agent arrived and we were escorted into the downstairs apartment. Bigger than we expected. Sun room, living room, dining room. Lots of natural lighting. Hard wood floors. Old house. Wonderful window treatments. Freshly painted. Large kitchen. Gas stove. Old fashioned sink. Two same sized bedrooms. Washer and Dryer in closet. Large claw foot bath tub. Internet and Cable included. So. Exciting. 


1:34- Shook hands and took an application. Excitedly hopped in the car. Chatted about how much we love the place.

1:46- Found a neat pizza place. Gorged on unique slices before our next meeting. 

2:00- Parked for our apartment showing. Apartment complex. Flight of Stairs. Hard wood floors. Small bedrooms. Large open kitchen. Attic space. Almost "too big" in Chris's words. We mentioned we would get back to the owner. 

2:25- Walked to car, discussing how much we loved the first apartment. 

2:35- Pulled into the Pittsford Wegman's parking lot. Huge store. Lots of Chef's coats. Bought an artsy DIY magazine.

3:00- Departed Pittsford, headed towards Canandaigua. 

3:35- Entered New York Wine and Culinary Center Parking lot. Watched eight people in Chef's coats exit building. Sat and looked at the outside of the center. 

3:50- Entered building, sat and waited for the Food & Beverage Director. 

4:05- Started interview. Position available assisting Chef with teaching classes. Exciting Opportunities. Took the tour. Beautiful center. Should hear back within the week. 

4:45- Met up with Chris at the car. He explained that he read everything in the car with words on it, including but not limited to; DIY magazine, Finger lakes brochures, lyrics to 2 Mumford and Son's cds, the nutrition facts on a Subway napkin. 

4:50- Headed East. 

6:12- Arrived in the 607 safe and sound. 

Overall we had a really successful day. Lots of steps in the right direction. Many opportunities. Sending in the housing application. It's the right place for us, and we are so excited. When you know, you know...right? Lots of smiles here. Keep us in your thoughts. Night for now. 


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Cross Your Fingers.


Home Again. Happy mother's day. The green is back. In just one short week, the leaves bursted into emeralds. But the temperatures are down. Chris and I are worried about the vintage. We have already mentioned the damage the weather will have on the foliage, but what about the apples? Last year, after debating over which state produces more apples, (it turns out New York, home of the BIG APPLE, has about 5,000 more acres of apple orchards than Michigan) we ended up paying about ten bucks for one gallon of apple cider. Hopefully this "May frost" will not hurt our apples this year.


Chris is in the middle of plating dinner for my family. What a good guy. He came home and wanted to cook. We have been out of the kitchen for over a week, so I don't blame him. While he cleaned the artichokes, fabricated the broccoflower, and cut the asparagus, I made us a fruity shake. I used strawberries, kiwi, peaches, orange juice, lemonade, and a few scoops of Ben and Jerry's mint and cookies ice cream. It tastes quite good. Little bits of chocolate and hints of mint where you do not expect them. The salmon was lovely- nice crispy layer, cooked perfectly, moist and well seasoned. It was nice to sit back, I didn't touch any ingredients- only the smoothie girl. We ate as a family, and then gave mom our gifts. Margot and Lansing presented her with chocolates. When Dad and Lans picked up the card and some flowers, apparently there was no envelope. My father asked Lansing where the envelope was and my brother exclaimed, "You have to pay extra for the envelopes Dad!" We all laughed as Lansing tried to dispute the fact that the card always comes with the envelope. Mom started unwrapping our gift next. It was Chris' bright idea to put the outfit we got her in a cereal box because we were out of clothing boxes. Everyone laughed. Yesterday Chris and I found our way to TJMaxx looking for a mother's day gift. We found her a cute tennis skirt and nice bright top. I tried it on to make sure that it would fit, as well as look good- my mom and I not only look alike but are about the same stature. She has lost a lot of weight in the past few months and so I think she deserves a new wardrobe- she also looks stunning. I found myself looking in the bathing suit section. With summer on my mind it's hard not to think of sun bathing and swimming. Chris granted me the bathing suit approval, and as I have lost 10 pounds I figured a bikini would not hurt anything. I hit the jack pot. A three in one bathing suit. The top changes into three different looking tops, and it is stellar.


Tomorrow is our big adventure. Chris and I are off to Rochester to look at a few apartments. I am very excited. As well as the apartments, we are hoping to stop by Wegman's to see the store, and maybe have lunch at the Next Door Bar and Grill. Chris is supposed to hear from them tomorrow with good news (cross your fingers for us). I have also connected with a private caterer in the area and will get to stop by there. If we find our selves with time on our hands, we might visit the zoo. Although that is weather dependent, I am not digging these snow flurries I am hearing about.

Our Wrapping Box 
Besides hunting for furniture and preparing for graduation, there is not much else. Last night, Chris got to serve Bryan Miller, who was a critique of the New York Times between the eighties and the nineties. He dined out 5,124 times when he was in the critique position. That is insane. I was very excited that he had the opportunity to meet and talk with Mr. Miller. Others were not as excited. But if Grant Achatz walked through the door everyone else would go CooCoo for cocopuffs. Still, it's really cool, and he is a very accomplished writer. As I mentioned before, I am in the middle of Ruth Riechl's book: "Garlic and Sapphires", which is extraordinary. She followed him as the restaurant critique for the Times, and mentions in her book what a struggle it was.

We are getting down to the wire here with graduation, apartment hunting, job securing etc. Stay tuned for tomorrow's story. It ought to be great. :)

Song of the Day: You & I

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Welcome Home

I was lucky enough to be able to come home this weekend and spend some time with my family. It had been too long since I had been home last, and I was happy to get up early and make the voyage North. We discussed the foliage and how incredible that in May, the majority of the trees were not yet green. It is sad actually, how the seasonality cycle of the trees has been set off track because of the cold weather we have been having up until the past couple of weeks. Shouldn't all of the trees be green by early April? Once Chris and I got off the highway, we rolled down the windows and opened the sunroof. "Do you smell the grass?" Chris asked, as I took a deep breath in. Boy did it smell good. And the view was gorgeous. Lush, green fields dotted with cows grazing on the hills. I think that everyone gets a little touch of seasonal depression by turn of winter. How could you not? And our moods have been lightened by finally being able to enjoy the shining sun.



"On a Bench" @ the Culinary Institute of America

My family was traveling back from Florida when we arrived. They were on the annual vacation for my father's business trip. I always enjoyed traveling with my family, especially because we were fortunate that the convention my father has attended for twenty years, has been located in a different city each year. Although I am not a world traveler, I have been able to visit many places around the country thanks to my father's work. Some of my favorites include; Seattle- Washington. Albuquerque- New Mexico, Tybee Island- Georgia, and the Grand Canyon-Arizona. I'm lucky that I was able to take part in those trips, but this time unhappy that I had to miss the sunny beach in Florida. Apparently the sun stayed here in New York though, because it was cloudy the whole time they were in St. Pete's Beach. 

While waiting for the troops to arrive, Chris and I strolled outside to pick some flowers and explore the hay field. Pheobe joined us, wagging along and stopping every few yards to make sure we were still behind her. We urged her to cool off in the pond, although she could only make the skirts of it, as she was not able to wade through the cattails blocking her from open water. We laughed and hand and hand strayed from the path to trudge through the long hay. I fashioned a crown out of dandelions and Chris' food-tuition (:An INtuition you get from paying TUITION to attend culinary school that intrigues you anywhere at anytime to think like a foodie) led him to reach down for the greens and to pick some of the hay. He asked me to taste each green he plucked with his knife. He found something in the mint family, I could tell not only by the smell but the sweet touch to my tongue. Then the car pulled in and we made our way towards the house, Pheobe now panting behind us. 
"Home, Home on the Range" @ Lansing, NY


Mom greeted me with open arms. They all had uneven tan lines from bathing suits and were wearing plane clothes. After showing me the newest bathing suit in her collection, Margot hurried down to the barn to check on her horses, and minutes later she was riding out in the field. She is preparing for her international competition in August, and is very committed to her riding responsibilities. 
Lansing was fashioning a goofy hat with sunglasses on top, and he seemed uninterested in my arrival. Everyone is growing up, he is now a teenage boy. It seems like just the other day that I took him to the movies to see "Meet the Robinsons" and had to carry him out because he had growing pains in his legs. He is now anti social and a teenager-not the brother I remember. But is right into baseball season, and almost an "upperclassmen" in middle school so, it's gotta be a rough life. 
My dad was so happy to see us. He always gets teary and hugs me with a "how are you my girl?". It's amazing how many small actions add up to the comfort of home. Surprisingly he did not make it onto the lawn mower at all when they returned, even though I bet Chris it would only take forty five minutes for that to happen; he saved the lawn for another days project.
I was able to have a little stress release session with my mom, which was much needed. I explained that I was worried that my future is to start in just three weeks and there are so many variables that have not been solidified yet. She told me not to worry, that everything would fall into place and work out. She told me that she was not worried that I have not found a place to live yet, or a job which reassured me that I was not letting the family down by not having my plan set out for me. She told me not to put so much pressure on myself, and I relaxed a little. It's nice how the comforting sound of my mother's voice is able to soothe me and recycle my unproductive feelings. 
"Love @ Sunset" @ Myers Park on Cayuga Lake

After we gorged around the dinner table, the younger crew went to the park to bike/blade around a bit before the sun set. We arrived just as the sun hit the horizon of the sparkling lake, and it was a wonderful sight. Lansing biked ahead, racing after Chris (on his rollerblades), while Margot and I were able to do a tad bit of long needed sister bonding. My sister is six years younger than me, and often is too hard headed to ask for my advice, although I really wish she did more often. My mother assures me that as we both mature, we will grow into great friends. As we finished the loop, Margot mentioned something about ice cream and we all jumped in the car. We decided that if you didn't make the trip, you missed the ice cream, and we all enjoyed our first cone of the season, only to find that mom had rushed out to get us all Ben & Jerry's. She was happy however that we were all able to enjoy one another's company without any sibling bickering. As everyone peeled off to their beds, Mom and I continued to reassure Chris about his interview the following day, and then we all said our goodnights.

It's very comforting to wake up in your own bed. Not that I have ever woken up in someone else's bed, but I mean your own bed, where you have slept the majority of your nights. I slept like a rock- do rocks sleep? I know babies don't so I am not sure why people say that they enjoy "sleeping like a baby". Anyway, I ironed Chris' jacket, and laid out his clothes while he hopped in the shower. My dad made us pancakes and then we headed towards the hotel so that Chris could drop me off and he could go off to his interview in Rochester. I pointed him in the right direction and he was off. I decided I might go visit my cousins and helped my mom with lunch. She got hit pretty hard for a Monday, and ended up preparing 44 lunches. I made two sleeves of burgers and one tray of cookies, and was able to help her out through the rush. I then traveled to visit my cousins. 

Sarah is about to turn three, and she is the energizer bunny. She is up and ready to go go go! My aunt goes through a lot in order to keep her in line. I'm not sure how she handles it, but she does a great job. Claire is my god daughter, and she has been through quite a lot in the short time of one year. Claire was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder when she was about six months old. Luckily she only had the temporary form of the disorder and grew out of it and is now, healthy as ever. She is going to turn into a bright young lady. Although she is not walking quite yet, she is the happiest baby I have ever seen. It seems like she may turn into somewhat of a tomboy, which I'm not upset about at all. Quietly proud I guess you could say, I was not the girliest of girls and although my current pair of slippers are pink, and I enjoy sun dresses, I am still not afraid to get my hands dirty. So it was nice to visit with the girls. It's difficult now that I have to work on Saturdays, because I missed Claire's birthday party, and will miss Sarah's as well, but it was nice to catch up with them on a sunny day. 


My mom and I were on our way to my sister's softball game and I made a few calls, lining up appointments for Chris and I to look at apartments in the Rochester area for the following weekend. I then started a list of items we would need to gather for the apartment, and those furniture items that we had already. My mom and I talked through the list, and she mentioned a few things that she had that would work well in the apartment. She also mentioned she would keep her eye out at the "re-use" center for other listed items. She is very good at hunting down "like-new" furniture for a bargain of a price. We sat next to the field in the sun, enjoying the conversation and the game. At home I gave Margot a few pointers on her batting, but she rejected the advice. Turns out at her next game, she changed her mind, and decided she had nothing to lose- next thing you know she is hitting a home run. 

Dad grilled some chicken for dinner, and I made a fruit salad. The five of us sat around the island. "it's just like old times," Dad exclaimed. And it was. I felt very much at home, and as if nothing had changed. I helped Mom with the horses, it felt good to be romping around in boots again. After dinner, Mom and I patiently waited for Chris to arrive home. 

His interview went well. He also had to stage at the restaurant, which means that he had to work there for a day, so that management could observe his habits and skills and also so he could get a feel for working in their kitchen. He explained that the interview was different than any he had been in before. There were many culinary knowledge questions; they quizzed him on his knowledge of the products and basic culinary terms. He assured us he knew every answer except for one, which I feel is great. As he sat there, describing every detail of the restaurant, I could almost picture it in my mind and instantly wanted to go check it out. They told Chris that they would make a decision within a week or so- now it's just the waiting game. 

We have a three day weekend coming up at the end of this week. Although it really spans from Sunday- Wednesday, we have adjusted to that weekend schedule. As I mentioned we will be going to look at some apartments during that time. And in between we will be able to spend time at the local zoo and around the area of where we will possibly be living. It's very exciting. Also the fact that we will not only be looking for our new home, but be able to spend time with my family again. Family is what makes home so special. It was tough leaving. I am excited to start building my own home with Christopher. But I will always celebrate those members of my family who have been able to give home such a wonderful meaning to me. This chapter of my life is coming to a close, and I am preparing myself to turn the page. This is the end of my time as a student, but I cannot wait to step into a new way of learning, through the new experiences I am about to face. When God closes a door, we all know He opens a window. Cheers!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Neverland.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

 I remember browsing through many professions when I was young, and often being asked this question. I always wanted to be a teacher. I admired each teacher's different techniques and envied their personal libraries. Then I saw Legally Blonde and of course wanted to be a lawyer. Then I wanted to be a writer. And I still have a strong desire to write. I love the feeling of the pen in my hand, the way I can make the blank page, full.  Poems were a certain interest of mine. I never was much of a haiku writer, more of a rhymer. I could rhyme for days, making silly little sayings that had the same end sound. I recently found a book of food poems. Entirely related to ingredients and some of composed dishes. That's a thing, someone seriously  wrote that. Maybe I could write that. Would anyone buy a copy of my witty foodie poetry? Hmm. I remember my little sister always used to tell us that she wanted to be a "face-painter" when she grew up. You know, those who paint characters on children's faces at the fair, or birthday parties. She did not want to be an artist. But a face-painter specifically.

My mom and I used to cater together. We would do a funeral reception, or a few baby showers. I would clear the tables and she would make the food. I did not mind peeling a potato or two, but stayed mainly in the dining room. One day she wanted to switch places, and well that's how I ended up in the kitchen. I still like the dining room, I actually enjoy the customer interaction. But whenever I order lunch at my family's restaurant, I still always retreat back to the kitchen and stand munching on my sandwich, chatting with who ever is behind the line. I grew up in the kitchen; I played with serving utensils instead of toys made by FisherPrice. I guess it came as second nature to me, being in the kitchen, living in the kitchen. Family always congregates in the kitchen, and family is very important to me.

So where is all of this going? What do I want to be when I grow up? Well you thought you knew already. I guess the only definitive profession that encompasses all of the above is a Mom. I want to be a mom when I grow up. I will get a chance to be a teacher when I am a mom. I will get a chance to be a lawyer and represent my children. I will get a chance to write cute little poems in their lunch boxes. I will be able to create dinner for them every night and be their personal chef. And maybe I can even take them to their Aunt Margot's house so that they can get their face painted.

My mom has always been the best example. She has encouraged me to strive for my dreams and thanks to her in 21 days I will be graduating from the best culinary school in the nation. And the question of the hour is what are you going to do when you graduate? Some people may find me crazy. When I look ten years down the road, I would rather be a mom and have a happy family than be the executive chef of a five star restaurant. That's what is important to me. I will graduate three weeks from today, and Chris and I will be moving to Rochester to start our next adventure together. I hope to maybe find a job writing a food column for the paper or maybe even a magazine. I have to start off slow, and build my "portfolio" at Chris' recommendation. Maybe I will even find a butcher shop that has a hiring sign out front, and I can do that for fun.

Everyone rushes through life, hoping to beat each other to the next best thing. Why don't we take a moment and slow down. Enjoy the life we have, who knows what will happen tomorrow? I recently attended a talk by Anthony Rudolf, who is a graduate from my school. When he gave the talk, he was the director of operations of Thomas Keller's restaurant group in NYC. He is 33. Now before hearing him speak, I assumed that he was going to talk about how important education is and how it gave him tremendous success at such a young age. Instead, he discussed 11 values that you need to have in order to be successful, including: Patience, the power of awareness, sacrifice, skyscraper attitude, hospitality is a team sport, talent is overrated, a positive frame of mind, seek first to understand, know who your guests are, in order to be a general you need an army, and last but not least- change is inevitable. It would be a moo point for me to try and explain his entire lecture because I cannot capture his life as well as he did. But a few points that really hit me were theses:

Positive Frame of Mind: Other people throw barriers at us, why should we have to bound over those barriers and also deal with barriers that we put up ourselves. Do not create your own road blocks. Positive actions leader to positive results.

Seek first to understand: The window in which each individual sees the world is different. This is called a paradigm. Here he referred to "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (of which Chris has a copy). He spoke of how we seek to impress upon others instead of trying to understand them, and this is where misunderstandings occur, thus putting up those barriers which are unnecessary.

Sacrifice:  He explained that when you decide to work on Christmas, you are not sacraficing, because you are doing what you love, you are having fun. The people who are making the sacrafice, are those that you are not able to spend the holiday with. They are unhappy that you are not there. While you may feel bad and wish that you were there, you are the only one who could make that possible, your loved ones could not. So understand that they are the people who suffer.

Then he released that in three weeks he would be leaving the restaurant group. And so the question came; "What is next for you?" Well he told us the honest truth, he would be taking some time off in order to "be that guy at the coffee shop in the middle of the afternoon." He wanted to know how it felt to just do nothing. He said that he was going to "get to know his wife better," something I assume should of and could have been done earlier but hadn't. He forewarned us not to dive in, but to build ourselves up. He was forced to slow his career down in order to redistribute balance in his life, he told us this should happen from the get go. Why rush to get somewhere when you can just enjoy the ride. We only live one life right?

I guess that although there is a lot of pressure with graduation and the ultimate job search, the best thing I can do is establish myself. Define my values, put some balance in my boots. But I am going to take it slow, going to make decisions everyday, and going to face challenges as they meet me. I don't need to put ads out saying "looking for a Mom position". I will be a mom one day, in good time. But for now; happiness is the journey, not the destination. And in the words of Peter Pan “To live will be an awfully big adventure.” 

Let It Be.