after a long absence...

I met a fabulous Sommelier at our James Beard Event back in June. After only a brief "what do you do" introduction, she smiled and immediately turned to me and said, "Yeah, I could tell you were in the hospitality business. You totally have that hospitality vibe," and motioned her hands around my beaming aura (haaa). Maybe I was excited just to be at the James Beard House. Hellooo, it is "the" James Beard House. But being that Lee Campbell seemed super sweet (and later proved to me that she is also a master at her trade), I knew it could not have been a bad thing for her to say, so I took it as a compliment, and it sort of stuck on me. In a good way.

I called my boss this past Saturday to see if they needed extra help at either of our restaurants, Liberty House or Stone House. With the exception of special events, duty calls 9-5, but I feel ready to work beyond that. Hence my disappointment when I spoke to both locations and they told me they were okay for the day.

I'm guessing my eagerness and willingness to work, as opposed to hating one's job, stems from this one simple fact. For the first time in my career, I feel like I belong in the industry that I've chosen for myself. Granted, there are still a million and a half things I have yet to see and learn in the hospitality industry; however, I'm liking what I've seen and learned thus far. There are so many facets to this business. Guest relations, events, marketing, outreach, operations, FOOD... all of which I do and love. And yet, I can't get enough. I am so proud to be where I am and to be surrounded by the talent around me. This business sucks you in. And I love that I've been suckered in.