Strange coincidences

I was just looking at New York Magazine's website and I noticed that both of my bosses have been listed in New York Magazine as being the best at something. My previous boss, Saud A. Sadiq, M.D., specialist in neuroimmunologic diseases and specifically Multiple Sclerosis and my current internship mentor/boss is Pastry Chef at Jean-Georges, chef Johnny Iuzzini. It's interesting to note the parallels between the two fields and being aware of the fact that though it seems they are not similar at all, they have many similarities...art, science...treating people with medical care versus treating people with an experience like none other in a dessert. Both extremely rigorous, physically demanding, mentally challenging, not for the faint of heart type careers. Both professions are extremely taxing on the mind and body. Both require creative and intelligent individuals to push their minds to the limits and create a solution to a problem or solve a puzzle really, whether it is with flavors or finding a treatment pathway. 

I loved my career before and I love my current profession. It's not easy but I do it because I have to because I cannot see myself doing anything else but this. 

A humbling experience

I realize that the hierarchy of the kitchen exists and I've been through this militaristic peckdown order from my medical career. I don't condone it, I just live through it because it is necessary. I don't believe in being disrespectful to people who have much more experience in the field BUT I do believe that everyone should be allowed to voice their opinion at the appropriate time. I also believe that everyone should be allowed to defend their position if it is not a time crunching situation. I don't believe in face to face combat but I do believe that a healthy argument, voicing each person's concerns is the right way to address a problem or conflict. I also believe that American Gladiator is an excellent way to let out one's aggressions and I strongly believe that if everyone were allowed to take their company retreat to a hand to hand combat situation like paintball or an American Gladiator arena or even a padded boxing ring, well...we might all get all of our aggressions and harbored resentments out in a much healthier or health promoting manner. 

Katie's cake

She loves it. She has been getting a slice every day after dinner. I'm so happy that she loves it. I also love my new decorations for the birthday cakes. It's adorable!