What Will The Week Bring?

It’s Monday, 0620 and I’m sat wondering what I will be up to this week at work. My diary for the week so far has about three things in it for the entire week; Last week I could not see the paper for the numerous scrawls reminding me just how busy we were. Over 1000 extra people to feed, food dispersed to other locations, meetings, buffets, coffee for meetings, the list was endless, the week relentless.
 Tuesday was my favourite. 500 people in for lunch for my colleagues to deal with, and I was tasked with organising a small team to feed just 25. How can that be right? Well, my small group of lucky diners consisted of HRH Prince Edward - The Earl of Wessex and various entourage plus guests. A simple, relaxed fork lunch, and a chance for HRH to chat with some selected personnel about their roles within the establishment. After chatting to the guests, he chatted to me and my group about our role, and the food we created that day. Prince Edward was extremely polite and approachable, and even during a pressured schedule made time to make you feel welcome and valued. A true gentleman.

By Thursday the hype of the Royal visitor had been all but forgotten as we were still feeding almost double the amount of people that we are used to. We are chefs, it’s what we do. There is a real “Let’s get on with it” attitude about my team, whether tasked with feeding 1300 people in one breakfast, or preparing food for the heir to the throne it is done with a vigor and enthusiasm that makes you realise why you became a chef.

A rare occurrence also happened Thursday - I took my lunch break! Not sat at the desk eating, I took time out to go and look around the biggest aeroplane I’ve ever stood in. It was a RAF C-17 Globemaster, a huge thing capable of fitting other aircraft into the back for transportation. A real eye opener. Beats sitting at the desk flicking grated cheese that’s fallen from my sandwich off of my keyboard!

So as I type, you can imagine why I’m thinking what will the week bring? I love my work for it’s diversity, and the challenges it brings, but I also love the fact that as I’m sat here at home I can’t even remember what the heck I have to do this week; Until I go in and see my diary. I am quite lucky to have the ability to switch off from work when I leave - Work is for work - Home is for the family. Rest assured in an hours time I will know exactly what I have to do and this settee and laptop will be gone and forgotten about. Well until 1730 at least!! I wonder what’s for tea?? ;-)