last week i developed an whole new level of respect for those who engage in the art of cookery as a profession. i filled in full time for the chef at work while she was on holiday last week. she'd prep'd the "important" meals before the dumped them into the deep freeze so i didn't have worry about getting those right (or messing them up too badly). so in addition to my regular duties of stocking the break rooms on three floors i took care of baking and making sandwich lunches.

simple right?

i finished every day with my back aching and by the end of the week my whole body was sore. i've done 12 miles of hiking with fewer aches at the end. from 6.45am (when i left for work) until 5pm (when i got home) i found myself on my feet and needing to do something. whether it was washing dishes, or making a batch of scones for a last minute morning tea, or making sandwiches, or chopping fruit. there just doesn't seem to be time to sit down. even breakfast and lunch are eaten standing up so that recipes can be read over or the oven can be set or stove turned on.
all in all, the week went off well. everyone got fed and nothing disasterous happened. i think my favorite happening of the week was discovering a youghurt pound cake recipe on this site. i served it with a fresh kiwi sauce. it was very good.

i have been very happy to leave work after my two hours this week though. making a batch of lemon curd is enough excitement for me...