Temporary hold

Of course I'm still in negotiation for another place. I don't even want to go into it... Let's just say I had negotiated for the place once before, it came back on the market and I was trying again. And then... last Friday hit. Our governor (that actor guy) decreed that all state workers take a 10% pay cut, take two days off a month without pay and he was going to lay off state workers in order to balance California's budget. Now, I am a contractor, not a state employee but everyone's job is in jeopardy. Then there is our economy. I don't need to discuss that one. And last but not least, some of my caterers who wanted to use my kitchen are no longer answering email.

So, I decided not to open this year. Or next either. It has been the most gut wrenching decision I've made in years. I've been working on this project for three years and to now give it up, even temporarily, has just about killed me. However, it is the right decision. I could well be without a job any day and when my contract is up in June I may have trouble finding another contract. It would be foolish to encumber myself with a $5,000/month lease in addition to my normal living expenses for myself and my son, and then be out of work. I'd be broke in a matter of a couple months.

This project of mine is only temporarily on hold. I will definitely open my kitchen but not when I wanted. I've also decided to look for more space than what I originally thought. I think there is a real market in small wedding receptions where the bride and groom can choose their chef and their menu. I have heard many woeful tales of being forced into a specific menu that some venue made the bride and groom take just to have their reception there.

Thank you to all of you who encouraged me along the way. It has been an adventure and I'm looking forward to continuing it.

Happy holidays to all

Gail