Memory
I did something tonight that I have not done for a long time. In May of 2008, I moved back to Billings from Spokane. In Spokane, I worked at Valet Garage doing everything automotive, I mean everything(I rebuilt my engine the year before). When I moved back, which I knew was only going to be temporary, I washed dishes for Gene who is the owner of one of my old restaurants. My knees were getting tired very quickly and hurting, that is one of the first times that I could see MS symptoms. I just figured that I was not a dishwasher anymore. I was only there temporarily, I was only there before I moved to Germany. In Germany, I worked at a small kitchen in the Bowling Alley(Bowling Center) and I really noticed pain in my knees, so I wanted to get back to where the doctors speak english. It has been since I was in Germany that I cooked last, until tonight. It was just a simple sweat of some green bell peppers, onions and some mushrooms. I hurt in many places, but it was a sucess. I need to get a chair that is taller. Food is my life and always has been. I certainly can't cook like I used to, but I do know tricks of the trade that will help me and you can buy most of the vegetables prechoped. I hurt, but the mushrooms had to be cooked and mushrooms go really well with green peppers and onions. I still can cook, but it does make me a little sad that I can't do the extreme cooking that I used to do. Operating many sute pans at once, and the fryers and the oven. I call cooking an exercise in controled chaos. I can hardly believe all of the different recipes and dishes I have prepared. All of the ingredients I have prepared. I used to cut meat and prep everything. I especially liked sauces. I miss cooking, but I have just me and it is very hard to cook for just one.
Replies
I know what it is that I miss. With the ataxia shutting down my right hand almost completely, I miss my knife skills. I have got a really good knife and that helps. It is one that I have had for over a decade. It is a J.A. Henkle of Slinger, Germany that is made in their classic style, the tang goes all the way to the hilt. and I like that it is more lightweight than others because it is in the Santuko style. Goodness, I know a thing or two about knives.
I also have knee pain. I wasn\'t sure it was due to the ms though,. Maybe it is. I know what you mean about not being as good with a knife. I was never that good unlike you, but now with the tremors I am down right dangerous. I still cook anyway and would have loved to have my own restaurant or cafe. However, even when I didn\'t have ms I was never a fast chopper. We both know how important it is to be fast, accurate and efficient if you are cooking for many. I am glad you are trying to cook again even if it is difficult. I know it brings me a lot of joy when I do. I do get worn out from it sometimes. I just cook for my husband and I.