Delays, Diners, and Disappointment

I mentioned two weeks ago I signed up for a cookbook class. It is in Chalmette at Nunez Community College. From the time I booked it to the day of the class, it was a time to find someone to watch the kiddo. Typically, his Nana watches him but she was watching the other grandkids (she can’t handle three kids on her own. I mean, can anyone, really?) 

We finally found someone to watch the kiddo (shout out to friends with kiddos the same age). I made plans to drop him off at 9:15am so I could get to class on time, 10am. The universe was not here for me on this day. The kiddo and I woke up at 8:45am. He ate something and we left the house at 9:15am. I realized I needed the address to my friend’s house. It’s on the Westbank, which is like driving to an unknown foreign land. My friend doesn’t pick up nor does Chad. I happen to remember she put her address on a Facebook event a few months ago. After 6 minutes, we are on our way. 

Everything is good. As we cross the bridge, the kiddo and I talk about the things we see out the window. We get off the bridge and drive down to River Road to find it closed off by police. There were no signs or warning. Remind you, I’m now in “foreign terriory”. Google Maps is redirecting me and I think, great, we are going the right way. Wrong. It just takes me back right where we were. I happen to get behind a truck who takes a left turn down a road and I follow. It was the right move because it leads me to the expressway. I now know where I’m at. However, we are not going to get to my friend’s house until 9:50am. Mind you, Nunez is a whole 35 minutes away from my location. 

I drop the kiddo and head on my way. You would think, smooth sailing from here. Absolutely not. I start out good, then Google Maps, takes me for a ride. I get turned around once I get off on my exit and it detours me an extra 15/20 minutes. 

At this point, I’m going to be a whole hour late for my class. 

I finally make it to Chalmette after many delays. I see Nunez ahead but that damn gps does not want me to be great. I turn where I’m supposed to but the library is not clearly marked from the road. I proceed to drive past it 4 times before I check to see if it’s the place or not. 

The door is propped open with a small sign in the left corner saying class to the right. The library is unlocked but no one is downstairs. It is completely empty. I walk around downstairs, looking for a sign to point me in the right direction, nary any in sight. 

I walk out the library to see if the group could be somewhere else-nope. I go back to the library and notice the stairs and a sign that says books upstairs. I walk up and find class at 11:15am.  

Finally, the delays are over. 

Diner

When I was driving around lost, I passed up a Burger King. I was starving and made a mental note after class that I was going to treat myself. Since I had some time before picking up the kiddo, I wanted to take the time to write. I make my way to Burger King, park, and try to go inside. I'm informed that I have to go through the drive thru. Not going to work for ya girl. Just when I thought the delays were finished I was delayed again. 

I Googled restaurants close to me and happened upon a diner, The Parish Diner. The photos looked good and it was just around the corner. 

I get there and wonder if I made the right decision because it looks kind of sketch. I go inside. I'm greeted immediately by a southern accent from a young man busing tables. I let him know, I'll be sitting at the bar. "yes ma'am", is his reply. I'm already happy about the decision.

As I take my seat, I'm greeted at the bar. I place my drink order, sweet tea, and look over the menu. There are so many choices I don't know what to do. After debating about breakfast food or a sandwich, I choose a sandwich, brisket and grilled brussel sprouts with sweet potato fries. 

As I wait for my food, I begin to write. I’m focused and churn out the words with ease. Even after my food arrives, I take bites and continue to write. My server keeps my tea refilled. I love the sounds of the diner. The ladies complained about other co-workers, the view of the kitchen that is playing rock hits, and the banter of the young man talking with customers and asking questions he didn’t know the answer to. I was reminded how much I miss being able to take time for myself. But, I think about how much of a hassle it was to even get these few hours of reprieve from taking care of everyone else. 

The atmosphere and ease of writing makes me want to find a diner to frequent. I’m reminded of those movies where journalists go to meet contacts and write a great story. 

As I get close to finishing my food, I notice the sky getting darker. Rain is expected so I figure I should get going. I pay, box my food, and the server gives me a sweet tea to go. I’m in love and contemplate driving to Chalmette just to come to this diner. 

I get on the road and hit the most ridiculous weather back to New Orleans. There is a shelf cloud in the distance and I promise a mini tornado is about to touch down. I can barely see and just pray to make it to pick up my son. 

Disappointment

As I’m driving and cursing myself for leaving so late, I start thinking about the cookbook class. It was not made for me and I was disappointed. The information that I heard once I arrived was information I already knew, in regards to writing recipes and formating of said recipes. The class was more geared for family cookbooks or smaller printed cookbooks. 

The day had been filled with so many delays, it didn’t seem like the class was worth the hassle. 

No knocking the teacher or the students, it just wasn’t what I wanted or thought it would be, hence the disappointment. 

I talked to my sister afterwards and mentioned how disappointed I was about the class. I said, “I could have taught the class when it came to recipe writing.” She said, “we have a tendency to doubt ourselves and our ability.” Ah, imposter syndrome roaring its ugly head again. 

What I Learned

In the end, I learned:

I am good at this writing thing when I have time to focus (I wrote over 500 words in an hour, while eating.)

I need more me time to be successful and happy

I am knowledgeable about cookbooks, recipe writing, and writing in general

I have to trust other people to be helpful

Until next time,

Xoxo~Christilisa