I didn't write yesterday, a very full day. In conclusion of the freezer saga, the freezer was completely defrosted, then we had to rebake things that didn't make it through the episode. As of the end of yesterday I have already worked 46 hours this week, not including Sunday, which was supposed to be my day off. I don't say this to complain, but to let cafe dreamers know that that's what it's going to take. You are going to have to LOVE it to do it.
To recap yesterday, I came in at 5:45 am to bake for opening, opened at 6 am, worked the upstairs alone waiting for backup to come, supposedly between 8 and 8:30. My baker had to come help me a few times (busy is good!). No backup by 8:40, so we call her. She has a different memory of when she's due to come in. So I work alone until she gets here, around 9:45. I know she's going to have an attitude, so as boss, I have a choice. I can add to her attitude or I can take a different tack. I'm in a good enough mood for both of us, luckily. We avoid creating a very bad day for all, including customers, by my choosing not to add fuel to a fire. It's not easy, but that's a skill a boss has to learn and use for the benefit of the business.
So why am I in a good mood considering the tough week?? Because I have had the foresight to schedule a mini-getaway for the coming weekend. I could tell by last Saturday that if I didn't get away, I would never make it through our high season which runs through July 4th. I will go away Sat through Tues to visit a good friend and PLAY for two whole days. When you're working these kind of hours, even the flight time is like a vacation. I will likely sleep through the short flight and be ready for fun when I arrive. It's important to take care of yourself, and getting out of town once in awhile is as important as getting a good night's sleep. One thing I can say is that I don't have a problem taking care of myself. No guilt or second thoughts!
So today I'm ready for the last push, getting all details pinned down (schedule, banking, paperwork, ordering) so I can comfortably be away from the shop. Then get home to pack and get myself ready. In between I will do my usual Friday baking plus a few extra staples and deliver a tiered bridal shower cake an hour away. It will be done!
So says Betsy at BaklaJava!
