Good Day, eh?

Today was a good day at the restaurant. I needed a good day. I was starting to let exhaustion overcome me and take the love out of the job.

And then... the troops came marching in. One by one and two by two, the friendly faces were all around. Regular customers who are more than just that. They're not customers, clients or guests, they're friends. People I love seeing. I love cooking for them. I love serving their desserts. They came in droves today. (Ok. they came in Toyotas and Fords and Chevrolets, but they came in. ) And their visits gave me a lift. They gave me energy and the necessary reminder that my restaurant is valued, and I am valued.

Restaurant life isn't easy. It's 80 hours a week of cooking and prepping. It's hot and tiring being on your feet all day. It's always trying to please someone else. But I love it. And I believe I do it well.  And the reason I keep doing it and trying my best is for the people who genuinely care and make me smile in return.

Just the other day, a regular customer took a moment to pass on a compliment before he left. He got my attention and said, "Thanks Cathie, those chicken fingers were perfect. It's just what I needed."

Now really, chicken fingers aren't a big deal. We serve 1000's of them. They're pretty hard to screw up. But, I believe he was genuinely appreciative of the effort and the hot lunch and maybe it really was just what he needed that day. But the compliment, well timed and so appreciated made MY day.

Sometimes all you need is a pat on the back, and the day becomes a little easier to bear.  So a sincere thanks to all those who lifted me up today and gave me the pep talk I needed.