I graduated from culinary school a little over a month ago now. For the past few months I have been working nearly, if not full-time at the deli. It’s not difficult work, but it is physically demanding at times (but only just). Weird interspersed blocks of really busy for about 15 minutes, every other day or so. It just depends on how many cruise ships have docked that day or if there is a massive influx of tourists in town.

We’ve been running short staffed for months. One person cut herself pretty badly and has been out of commission since. I doubt she will even be coming back. Another person has dropped down to just a couple hours a day for only about 3 to 4 days a week, as he got in at one of the slightly highbrow restaurants in town (and a hefty pay raise).

I, however, am not daunted by my own job search. I’ve had more promise with an extremely casual job hunt as a cook than I ever have as a web developer. It’s sick just how good it’s been.

I’ve already bee on two interviews. The only reason on didn’t get the first one was timing. I was the second call back because I was the second resume to get on the desk. The second interview I went on was a total whim on the Chef’s part for a position that didn’t yet exist (he has yet to fire the slacker). That opportunity is probably still going to be good for about a month. The Chef indicated he wanted to open up the position to (I believe) nearly, if not, full-time by firing the slacker and promoting someone else who needs it. Prep and line oven cook, slinging lasagna in & out of an oven. Not bad for a first line cook out of school.

All this is tentative. It’s hard not to be hopeful, but I still remain wary of being hopeful. We will see.

The other day my Wife, Julie, made accidental contact with my aunt and uncle on my father’s side of the family. This, in itself, is not a bad thing. It might be nice to be reintroduced to that part of my past. As a result of this connection, I now know my father actually is still alive in Reno. He’s apparently trying to scrounge up enough money to get back up to Seattle. I am unsure how I feel about all of this.