I received many emails and comments about my post called Last Chapter. I realized that it was the end of my French adventure, but a new one is just beginning. So grab that glass of wine and get cozy.

It takes place in the USA, and although that’s not as exciting as Paris, I promise it will be entertaining. Yes, you’ll be able to sit right beside me as I turn Chez Tse into a real company and attempt to make some sort of living. Perhaps it’s won’t be as hair-raising as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat. At least that’s the plan.

Now that I’m back to reality, it’s starting to hit me that I haven’t worked in 18 months. What a nice ride that was, and if I had my way, I’d still be doing it. But looking at the sorry state of my bank account, I realize I need to make some money. And fast.

I never, ever thought I’d want to work for myself. I like the idea of someone handling all the business-y stuff, and I just focus on the part that pertains to me. It also gives me structure, something that I sorely need in my life. When left to my own devices, I tend to float. So why is it that I’m suddenly finding myself turning Chez Tse into a Limited Liability Company? I’m still working that one out.

A dear friend of mine sent me a fabulous job opening working for her at a prominent health care company. It’s an event planner position, something that I really enjoy. It involves travel, planning, organizing, marketing, and negotiating. All things that sort of come natural to me. And then there’s the tempting salary and benefits package. A steady income and  the thought that someone else pays my occasional medical bills is icing on the cake.

But when I made the decision to leave corporate life, I told myself I’d never go back. The politics, bureaucracy, and red tape are something I’d like to leave behind. Although it’s as tempting as the last slice of chocolate cake at midnight on Saturday night, I’m going to pass. No, instead I’m going to take another leap of faith, and hope that Chez Tse is the right path.

So here’s what I’m going to be doing: food writing, instructing, and personal chef. I even have two opportunities. I’m the new contributing writer for a Portland online city guide called citylogue. Each week I’ll be eating out at different restaurants around the city and writing about it. Not bad for just starting out. Next week, I’ll be visiting local kitchen stores to see if they need any instructors.

I have a long way to go before I’ll see any sort of payoff. Right now, I’m reading books on food writing, researching certified kitchens, looking for liability insurance, opening business accounts, the list goes on and on. And on and on. But who knows what lies at the bottom of the cliff once I take my leap. It could be pretty fantastic.

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