Day Four (FRI):
Who said this, "You can sleep when you're dead." ?
Today was full, mostly for my heart. I was a Serious Task Master-- I reigned in our team (chef, GM, owner) and sat us down to talk hard-core time-line, and Get Organized! I made a list of three columns:
WHO * WHAT * WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN & DUE DATE
For example:
Who: owner What: Get work done on the website / owner & web designer / Monday August 27
We talked about some difficult stuff and I thought we all did really well; we remained calm and respectful of all ideas, we were each able to say why or why not we thought something needed to be done and we discussed in what time frame (how soon before opening or why something will not get done until opening) it would get done. We checked in so that we could all here what we needed and where we were going with our lists.
It's all about lighting a fire,
making someone responsible/accountable, open communication, efficiency, all getting on the same page, learning how each of us communicates and so so much more.
Also, something I've felt lacking in understanding about since the very beginning of even hearing of the project is I wanted to know what we all thought of the name and why it was chosen. For the writer in me this was the most delicious exercise. It was about words and evocation and inspiration and hearing, through the word, how people express themselves. I love to see how sensual people get when they talk about imagination and ideas and their passions/ convictions.
I bonded with the owner. We needed some one-on-one time and it was wondrous. And it happened organically because the chef & GM walked away at some point, answering their busy cell phones.
What else did I do today? I set up interviews, thought more about my menu, made lists, met a new FOH employee, and ended the day with an interesting meal at Coi.
(FRI) day four: 1 pm to 6:15 pm.
meals eaten: 2
attitude on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best: 10
highlights of day four:
Catching up with my head shrinker
Texting Gerry {my fellow is having a hard time and I'm worried about him.}
Bonding with the owner
Watching the sun set in San Francisco
Seeing a lobe of foie gras in our kitchen
Talking about words, and writing down gorgeous quotes,
coming to a better place in my understanding of our team's cumulative vision
Texting these words to someone who asked me how I was today:
Life breathes it expands and it tightens. There's a lot of fear about the future. But at least I know it will get here. And I can be carried if I allow it.
The gazpacho at Coi
being surprised by the site of Paul and Mary Canales out on the town for Paul's birthday!
Trying to be asleep before midnight so I can wake up at 5 to sell peaches at The Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market
attitude on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best: 9
{see you soon?}
So -- wait -- last I heard you were applying for a job. Have I missed something?
Whatever, mazeltov! :)
Posted by: Sara | 27 August 2007 at 04:47 PM
Shuna - I can't do anything but dance in glee at the prospect of you embarking on this new adventure. As always, your writing intrigues, and I can't wait for the next chapter!
Best of luck!
Posted by: Claire | 27 August 2007 at 05:07 PM