Haven’t written in the last week. I’ve had it in me but sometimes it distracts me from deli ideas. So I’ve taken a break and could feel the Graze taking over. It’s what I intended it for. As the deli progresses it puts more on me to pull a little more uniqueness out of my butt. It’s intentional. I’m trying to revive a lot of creativity that fell through the cracks. I’ve mentioned in several writings that my creativity took a dive during Covid. It’s all completely mental I’m aware . Doesn’t make it easier. Like a closer in baseball giving up that crucial homerun in the bottom of the 9th to lose the game and can no longer throw a strike over the plate. That’s me. I’m getting a little of the rust off but my arm is tired.

I was talking to my one full time employee and we were discussing how we both ended up in this business because we are good at it. Not because we wanted to. It took me years to make peace with the fact that I’m good at something that I had no passion in. I have a passion for creativity. Cooking pays the bills.

Positives

I’m getting better with engaging with customers. I might even go a little overboard. I’m still terrible with anyone that rubs me the wrong way. I had a really nice couple come in and the first thing the lady said as she walked in the door was “BLOW US AWAY”. It was 4pm and by that time of day I’m spent. “Maam what would you like me to put on a piece of bread that will blow you away?”

They spent about $70 eating and purchasing market things. They had a good time and she enjoyed her keto box that I made with the eyes almost rolled into the back of my head. Inside joke between me and my new patrons.

I love how everyone loves the pudding. “I’ll never make that shit again” rears its ugly head.

Someone asked for a Hoochie Snack instead of a scooby snack. Also I love that I have something on the menu called a scooby snack. It’s these little things that keep my mind in the game.

I love seeing people’s faces when they walk in. The aesthetics are doing exactly what I hoped for. My old company wanted me to be the face and shake babies and kiss hands but it never worked out because I practically lived in the BOH. And after a while it became my comfort zone to hide in. There’s no hiding in this kitchen. I did this on purpose to bring me back out.

When I get excited and energized in the deli I have to pull back to keep from adding a hundred new things. I’m having trouble keeping up with my chores as it is. I’m thr salad guy in the deli. What I used to refer to as the vacation station. Pantry is usually the rook position. I pick it up because hoagies get nailed during prime time so when it gets busy I may have one salad to make or 50. Thr station is not set up for high volume. I’m real close to making market salads ahead of time and bringing glizzies in on my station. I’m a glutton for punishment.

Soups are coming next week.

Other things

I enjoyed my little two day camping trip. First night was interesting with the big tent push but I moved the next morning to one of my two top spots on the mountain. Made for a good balance. I grilled a hot turkey samdwich for lunch and enjoyed a steak for dinner. Spent the evening watching the horizon 8 feet in the air with Prine in my ears. I could almost feel my mental health purring.

And that’s why I go there.

Find your happy spots folks. They are out there.

I could sit, talk and write about camping all day long. I spend about 30% of my free time outdoors. You can’t buy these vibes from a pharmacy.

I’m taking my daughter hiking Sunday. I might wake her up to catch a sunrise. She’ll hate me for it and I don’t care. I would too at 14 but when she’s staring at this journal one day just know kiddo I love you and this memory will make us both smile when we look back on it. You’ll understand as you hit your older years how much good memiries will bring your mind peace when the storms come.

Mentally I’m on a good ebb and flow. This is my season. I survived another summer.

Fall, I love that morning breeze that drops the leaves. Pumpkins resting on porches, chilly nights and cool morning walks in my hoodie. Coffee tastes better and the meat sweats aren’t as schweaty. My music slows down with the season changes. I love slow and melancholy vibes with my feet toasting a campfire. I’ve already got hunting island on my mind when the outdoor thermometer hits below 50 at night.

Man I love a beach sunrise.

If you want, go back and reread how many times I used the word “love”. As I continue to write I try to keep from using the same word over and over.

My mental vibe is healthy and it reflects from the over usage of that word. It’s coming out honest so it stays.

I’ll ride it as long as I can.

Cheers