Last Day at New Job...

I was so nervous to start working at my new job in a restaurant downtown. Between three jobs I worked really hard and some days were very long. To be honest I liked my jobs, but I felt like all I was doing with my life was sleeping and working. Any time I had off of work I was sleeping. I came to the realization that I was not enjoying my days and was working every minute of my life away. After some strong encouragement from Brian I made the decision to go back to school.

In January it is my plan to start the Master's program in Hospitality & Tourism Management. I would be doing this with the goal of teaching in some capacity. I believe that every single one of us are teachers and I personally find extreme joy teaching others. My last day was this Friday. It has been so nice to have a day off with time to enjoy my day, my house and my family. I have been making dinner and playing with the pups, decorating for the holidays and various other things that I did not have time or energy for.

I made dinner the other day. Have a look:

I decided to make Ina Garten's Lemon & Garlic Roast Chicken . It was easy to make and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

I used organic vegetables and an all natural chicken.


A rack is usually used to raise the chicken off of the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. A good way to make a side dish and not use a rack is to line the bottom of your dish with veggies. I used carrots, onions and Yukon gold potatoes.


The chicken needed to be washed.


Here is the chicken all rinsed and patted dry.


Here is the poor chicken standing on its neck. The inside cavity is generously salted and peppered and then filled with an entire head of garlic cut in half lengthwise and two lemons.


I then tucked the wings under and tied his little legs with twine. This ensures even cooking.


The chicken was then rubbed with butter and lined with bacon.

I also made mashed potatoes.


Here is the beautifully browned roasted chicken.


I cut it up and put it on a platter with the vegetables.


I also made bread pudding and served it with Haagen-Das Five Brown Sugar ice cream.


And of course Lucy looked interested in the bread pudding. Look at her teeny ears flopped back!


That meal was a few days ago. I am going to miss the creative freedom that I was given at my old job, but I have noticed a desire to cook and bake more at home. Tonight I made eggplant and chicken parmesan, lemony asparagus, pasta and an apple upside cake with homemade caramel mousse. I AM SO FULL! HAVE A LOOK AT THE CAKE:



I know this life decision will be a challenge, but I know it will make me a better person and I know that I can do it. I hope everyone has a happy week... Tomorrow is Monday :(