Written By: Michael Sandoval

Utilization

and Compelling Creations

Respect has always been a core value within my family. It was very easy to transition those values into my profession years later. It became very natural for me to respect, love and admire the dedication and sacrifice that it took to be a Culinarian.

When it came to food, growing up in a middle class family of six, my mother had to be creative and also needed to pinch the pennies. She would utilize every single piece of whatever food that she purchased.

On Monday, Braised Chicken “stew”......By Tuesday the braised chicken would turn into pulled chicken tacos. By Wednesday the remaining broth with floating vegetable would turn into a pureed soup etc....

That is what home cooking was all about. The ability to open the cupboard door and then the refrigerator... Be inspired, sometimes through necessity and begin to create lasting memories for yourself and often others.

Although the majority of the topics on this web page will be about food, let us not forget that "Utilization and Compelling Creations" can refer to various things in our lives. For example; how will we utilize time and create compelling moments? How do we refer to history and utilize it to our advantage?...... I have realized that the last 19 years inside of the kitchen has really taught me somethings about myself. Life in a restaurant has provided me with success in many areas other than the Culinary profession

These last few weeks I have had the time to reflect on what was really important in my life. We have been faced with making decisions based on restrictions under our current circumstance.

"Restricted" from the following:

Driving: Although driving has been allowed, we are sometimes not able to drive to the places that make us happy. This may "drive" us insane.... Remember that while you are driving, you are in control. Practice "driving" your day. I mean, be in control. Plan where you want to go and what you want to do. Take advantage of the "time" that we never have. Spend moments of your day doing what you love and master the craft and or artistry you desire! These are all of the reflective directions that I have been giving myself.

Working: We have been limited in our ability to go to work. Some have been trusted to work from home and many have been unfortunately asked to part ways with their positions temporarily. This has Thankfully (dependent on how it is viewed) allowed us the opportunity to spend time with the people we love.

There is something that I’ve always contemplated. I have never had nor made the time for my loved ones. The profession that adore the most has been my ultimate muse!

In my life, there was always a reason why something or someone had to be missed. "The Call of Duty" was not only a phrase meant for those in the military. I was always either present at work or non-present with the ones that I loved, thinking about work.

The last few weeks have given me a chance to determine how mindful I could be about my life. How I could integrate my personal and profession existence together rather than attempting to "meet the balance" as we are always told…..

I never really understood that phrase.... "Meet the Balance"? I used to imagine a circus showman spending their entire life wearing a uniform and attempting to balance a chair on their forehead.....

Seems daunting, stressful and most importantly impossible to do forever. So why do we try? Why do we attempt or allow the things that we love the most to compete with each other? I have chosen to attempt a different approach. To integrate the things and people that I love together....

If I have lost you.... Let me explain and or give an example......

Throughout my Career I have had pride in being early for work. I have chosen to never be late and ensured to never leave early. Why was it OK that I would always be late for a date with my girlfriend or leave early from my sister birthday so that i could be at work?

I thought I was trying to balance the world on my shoulders and it wasn't easy. Instead I should have been thinking of how I was going to integrate my strength into all portion of my life within the world.

Today, I have chosen to apply my personal and professional attributes to daily living in efforts to become the best person that I can be.

During this moment (The World Wide Lock Down) I have the time to "WORK"..... On Myself!!!! I am grateful!