Kitchen CLOSED

Ahhhhhhh…. The feet are up, the tea is steeping, and I am slouched on the couch with the laptop in, well, my lap. This feels good. Really good. With the floor mopped, the microwave wiped, the stove scrubbed, the fridge organized, the grout cleaned, the sink bleached, the dish towels and apron spinning in the washer, and the stand mixer detailed, the clatter kitchen is now closed until further notice. (Ok, I didn’t clean the grout, but the rest really is true.) After spending the last five of seven days baking countless hours for an event clatter’s affiliate, Delectables (or is it that clatter is Delectables’ affiliate? – I guess it doesn’t matter since it’s the same girl), had this morning, the kitchen needed a good scrubbing and Allison could use a vacation. Tonight’s dinner might consist of wine and microwave popcorn.

Well, turns out it’s exhausting to balance two careers - lawyer by day, baker by night. I learned this week that trying to handle everything myself when baking for a crowd of 300 in a kitchen apartment with one small oven and limited freezer space while having another full-time job can be a challenge (I had to call in my associate – my mother – to handle some of the load). I also learned that trying to make as many of those multiple step, complicated desserts I’ve been wanting to try when I have limited time and resources is not always the best idea. I still had a blast this week, and aside from the two minor floods in the kitchen yesterday (not the most convenient time for my dishwasher to give out) and pissing off my downstairs neighbor (again) for playing my music too loudly, the preparation, execution, and reception of the desserts went without a hitch. As an added bonus, I didn’t burn myself once all week. I still can’t believe it.

With all the time I spent writing briefs in the office, schmoozing with lawyers outside the office, and baking in the kitchen this week, naturally I started thinking about what it would be like if I switched careers entirely – to give up a life in law for a life in the kitchen. Of course, when making any major life decision, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. So, I’ve come up with a few considerations of my own. This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Heck, I’m only getting started!

PROS:
1) The baker's attire doesn't require ironing or dry cleaning. Apron or business suit? This is a no-brainer.
2) The baker sees the results of her hard work, from raw ingredients to finished product, within hours.
3) Did you hear about that baker with the greedy/seedy/slimy/sleazy/dirty reputation? Yeah, me either.
4) The baker loves what she does. So does the lawyer…but it’s the exception, not the rule.

CONS:
1) The lawyer bills her client for one hour of work what the baker receives for days’ worth of labor.
2) The baker suffers from achy legs/feet/back and risks life and limb with occupational hazards such as high temperatures, sharp tools, and sophisticated appliances.
3) The baker lacks intellectual stimulation and legitimate excuses to make arguments for the sake of making arguments.
4) The lawyer can show off the prestige and sophistication that comes from her higher education and corporate experience.

Of course this list is all in good fun (as speaking in absolutes and stereotypes often is) and maybe I’m not quite ready to take the plunge (I’d say to the dark side, but I guess I’m already there), but it’s still tempting sometimes to throw pragmatism - and my well-earned, expensive education - out the window to work in the kitchen. I think for now though, I’m just going to look forward to my future, unpredictable and full of possibilities. I’m looking forward to that glass of wine tonight too.