Tired... and satisfied

cooking for the tired and hungry...

I cook. It's what I do. For myself. For those I care about. For those who need assistance. For therapy. Because I can... because we all find relief in small successes.

As friends who've known me over the years have often said, "Robin, you can't help yourself."

Today was a full day -- following several long days. Two "optional" meetings. One this morning, one this evening. What to do? The temptation to forfeit in favor of getting 'caught up' was strong. And - TWICE - I scrubbed up, packed up, and headed out to discover the miracles waiting for me outside my office.

This evening a "Fresh Ideas on Food Policy" Reception. Hard to bend my mind around "fresh ideas" and "policy" sharing the same banner. (Too long in DC.) Stepping outside my cynicism with an open mind and heart, the evening was a huge gift to me -- and perhaps that gift will be a contribution to others. We'll see.

One of the hosts greeted me as I entered and later struck up a conversation, mentioning that as a new dad, he'd been so focused on caring for his young son, that he was neglecting himself. One consequence was an expanded waistline.

We talked about that -- taking care of ourselves when our commitments and obligations pull us in so many competing directions. And I mentioned that I'd often thought that I should write a cookbook -- or something -- called "Cooking for the Tired and Hungry."

And he said, "Promise me that you will do that. As soon as you get home. At least a blog."

And so here it is. And we will see where this takes us.

Thanks, Eric.