I’m Thinking of Branching Out

Life is an evolution.  In order to grow, we need to branch out, take some risks and get out of our comfort zones.  I have always said I am forever a work in progress.  I am constantly in motion.  My life before COVID-19 was pretty busy, but all that changed when the world was shut down.  My life as a swim coach and water aerobics instructor is on hold, indefinitely.  None of the pools are opening up, so not only can I not swim for myself, but I can’t teach or coach either.  No one is swimming at the moment, and a lot of schools and colleges are cancelling their sports programs, which means it is time to re-evaluate things and come up with anther plan of action, at least temporarily.

The other day, our friend Jonathon came over for a short visit and we were talking about this and that, and one of the questions he raised was “what do I want to do”.  HMMMMMM!  I gave it some thought, and came up with a couple of long-term ideas that I am going to present to all of you.   I am always open for suggestions.  I value your input and suggestions, so please let me know your thoughts, and if you have any insight on the “hows” I would be forever grateful for those as well.  I know a lot of you have experience with these things, whereas I am just a novice.

  • I love to teach and share information.  I love to do this with people of all ages.  So one of the things I thought about was to take “A Jeanne in the Kitchen” on the road, so to speak, and to start teaching cooking classes to cooks both new and old.  I was thinking of doing this both in the Boys and Girls’ Clubs and for the older, more seasoned communities as well.
  • As an extension of teaching cooking classes, I also thought about doing some instructional videos, maybe on YouTube, or something like that.
  • Then there is always the idea of  “A Jeanne in the Kitchen” cookbook.  That idea has been in the back of my mind since day one.  I certainly have plenty of recipes to fill a cookbook or two or three, or more.

All of these would require a lot more research and learning on my part, which I am certainly willing to do.  At the moment, I have plenty of time on my hands.  In fact, that is the problem; I have TOO MUCH TIME on my hands.  I am NOT one who likes to rest on my laurels or to sit around idly.  I need to be in constant motion.  I need to be constantly challenged.  Not only do I like to share information and to teach, but I also LOVE to learn.

So, please give me your feedback.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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Stay safe and stay well Everyone.  ‘Til next time.

 

 

 

 

Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

73 thoughts on “I’m Thinking of Branching Out”

      1. I say go for as many of those things as you feel you can pull off comfortably. Reach out for help as you go with any parts you need help with. It all sounds great and I’m sure you’d be so good at it. I can’t wait to see you fly!

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  6. I love the idea of the video and books…but also something to think about…it might be silly but a recipe app for phones and tablets. It doesn’t have to be complex either…you can keep adding recipes that way and they get them through updates.

    Whichever way you go…please have an “easy” section for people like me. I’ll bring them up again but the reason I did the onion rings right away because they were simple but completely effective…and maybe list substitutes like the lemon juice for buttermilk. When I was cooking in those two months I would search the net for substitutes if we were out of something… that might be dumbing it down too much…but I’m one of the dumb ones lol.

    Some interactive thing would be cool…but I don’t know how you would do it.

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    1. I LOVE it! There is no such thing as “dumbing things down”, at least NOT in my world. We all have to start somewhere. In fact, I am the dumb one now, because I have NO idea how to do a recipe app. I love the idea, but I have no idea how to do it. It’s part of that learning curve I need to work on. Thank you for the great ideas. 🙂 AND keep on making those onion rings! 🙂

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      1. You will need to find a programmer for the app but they are the “in thing” right now so the prices have probably gone down. You could include an inventory list in it… like for Spices. Most people well some…don’t know what they have…but an inventory list would help people know what they have and don’t… I would buy it!
        You better believe I will…My wife loves requesting them.

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  10. I think whatever you do, it will be great! I love the idea of the instructional videos and the cookbook. You could do these during covid, and add the in-person instructions later on to keep it fun for you. In the last three months, I finished my family cookbook, and I joke that when a writer has to keep her butt at home, she comes up with a 310 page cookbook in three months! This is just for family, but now I’m taking this framework and trying to adapt it to a regional cookbook focusing on farm or garden to table regional dishes, many of which are on my website already. It’s been fun, and it is keeping me busy, entertained, and cooking, of course! Good luck, keep it fun!

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  12. Cookbook and cooking videos sound awesome. Maybe with seasonal dishes – incorporating some of those beautiful pictures you take in your nature walks in between in the cookbook with a bit of a write up going along with it will make it unique.
    And in your videos, hopefully you can bring along some your lovely friends to be guests on it to share their recipes. Or if you are keen on the interaction part. Once you start videos you can schedule times where you will livestream on YouTube.
    But I must say I am not too good on how to go about all of it ( technology is not my strong point).

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  14. A YouTube channel could be a lot of fun. Especially if you chat up the history, etc. of dishes. I really enjoy it when you geek out on your blog. You could also get into the restaurant business, if not on your own, as a cook.

    My family has been totally upended by the public pools closing too. My dad went every week for physical therapy after his aneurysm, and now the lack of motion being stuck at home is taking a toll on his health (physical and mental). Swimming was so, so good for him and maintaining his quality of life. I am so tired of the coronavirus stuff, it isn’t funny.

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    1. You and me both!

      I don’t think Larry wants me to go back into the restaurant business. I was in it from the time I was 15-42. I’ve had enough of the restaurant industry , at lest for now. I got really tired of working every night, every weekend, and every holiday.

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  17. You should come over. I try to swim every day during my lunch break.

    I think it was meant to be for you, Jeanne. You were fed up with the politics at work anyway, right?

    Let me tell you what I think of your ideas:
    1. I think teaching cooking could be very rewarding for you. As a person who likes to teach, I can totally relate. However, do you have the patience? Are you able to give clear directives (exact measurements) and let them mess things up? I’m asking because I know how fluid your cooking is and how much you improvise. Also, how important is money to you? Are you prepared for this position to be rather of a volunteer than a paid position?
    2. I think a YouTube channel would be a great idea for you. I don’t have an account, but I might consider making one just to watch you… “in the kitchen.” This could totally take off. IF you are comfortable with being on camera (which I think you would). Are you going to be editing those videos or just posting uncut videos? Based on that answer, you might have to consider other things (do you know how to edit videos?). Do you have a good recording camera/mic? You’d have to worry about light, etc. (I think this might be fulfilling for you and grow your brand. But again… the money might not be there. At least in the beginning. )
    3. A cookbook would be great. I totally see it as something that’s been on your bucket list for a while. It’s something I’m sure most (if not all) of your readers expect from you. At some point.

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    1. I LOVE these ideas. I am going to work backwards.
      3) To me a cookbook seems like the easiest of the possibilities. I actually was working on one years ago, with my cousin in Australia, but it kind of fizzled out. Long story.

      2) I have absolutely No idea how to do a YouTube video. That is one of the things I have to learn how to do. But you know I will. 🙂 I already teach and coach in front of large groups and am very comfortable in a teaching role. The most important thing is to have fun. And when I mess up, because I always do, just laugh it off and continue on. “The show must go on”.

      1) If I have to give clear directives, I certainly can, but where’s the fun in that? I would much rather teach someone how to “wing it”. But I hear what you are saying. Yes, I can and do quite often. $$$$ – not really much of a concern. Financially, we are in very good shape.

      We are actually tentatively thinking about a trip down your way. DIVING of, course. But so far, everything is up in the air.

      As always, I love the support and input. You are a true GEM. To coin your phrase – Stay Golden. 🙂

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      1. You can always count on me to help you brainstorm. You’ve been posting quite a bit and I feel bad for missing some. I’m just having trouble finding enough time to do everything I want. So I apologize. You have my email, so feel free to message me directly in case I don’t respond on your post.

        Of course, let me know, if you’d be nearby!!!

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      2. No need to apologize. Life happens; to all of us. I know i can count on you, and for that I am very grateful. 🙂 I too have trouble finding time to do all the things I want to do.

        We don’t have anything planned yet, but because we cannot travel internationally anytime soon, there are plenty of places to see and so much to do right here “at home” too. 🙂 I will keep you posted.

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