All In The Family.

You never know just how much you rely on the everyday things until they are taken away from you.  The simple things, like being an independent individual who can walk without the assistance of crutches or a walker.

Six weeks ago, I was thrust into an entirely different world.  A world where once I was an self-sufficient person had now become one where I was dependent on just about everyone around me in order to function.  After succumbing to a wet floor one night out at a friends birthday party, I found myself trying to re-learn how to live and work with a broken ankle that required surgery with a plate and nine screws.

My life suddenly was no longer my own.  

My first thought, was my job.  This is the busiest time of year for the catering company I work for.  I felt as though I had let down my boss.  I felt guilty.  After the doctors prognosis, I was certain I would lose my job.  My boss could not have been more supportive.  If I could have figured out a way to work a ten hour day in the kitchen carrying around sheet trays on crutches - I would have.  Completely impossible.

So, what's a girl to do?  I love to bake, to cook, to create.  Not only is it my livelihood, it's what I do for fun...

Enter my family, and my friends.  Needless to say, I could not have survived the last six weeks without them.   With their help, I managed to pull off some pretty impressive stuff.  All from the comfort of my couch!  While Pastries Not Potatoes is my own company, suddenly I had to find a half dozen employees - who were willing to work for free!

There was the Yelp Summerfest for 2200 people.  My parents did the shopping. My brother did the baking.  Beer theme desserts and a little brother with loads of culinary experience; but no training in pastry whatsoever.  We made it work.  People loved everything.

Then the monthly Iron Cupcake Challenge...I've competed every month since it started, and certainly did not want to miss out.  The savory theme competition was a struggle, and again - my little brother stepped up to the task.  On crutches, I walked away with the prize for not only Best Presentation, but Best Tasting for Pumpkin Sage Ravioli Cupcakes.

The final challenge?  An out-of-state wedding.  Again, enter the family.  Mom and dad did the shopping, little brother doing the baking; all while I was laid up on the couch.  My friends Kate and Jim had asked me months prior to the accident to make all of the sweets for the big day.  After the accident - they said it would be totally understandable if I had to step down.  I just couldn't do it.  I had made a promise, an important promise.  I would just have to find a way.  And I did.

The thing that I've learned from this is that, no matter your situation - nothing is impossible.  The people with whom you surround yourself can either make you, or break you.  My friends and family have made me not only accomplish the impossible, but have brought to my attention just how many people I have in my life who truly care about me.

Thanks Mom, Dad, Brandon, Megan, Kate, Jimmers, Vanessa, Sarah, Lauren, Megbo, Laura, Ken and the countless others who have helped get me through the last six weeks.  A special shoutout to my girl Allison G. - you have more inspiration to me than you know!