I got a call early this morning from my chef. It was around 9:45, which for me is early these days. I usually don't get home from work until 1:00 lately, so by the time I go to bed it is usually between 4 and 5am. I didn't answer the phone; I just hit the silence button and rolled over for a minute. Then came the mind piercing beep of a voice mail. I have a strange sense of responsibility, which demands when someone tells me they need me to come in to work I will not say no. I never call out sick, I always show up. My wife likes to make fun of me for the willingness I have and the loyalty I have to my job. The Chef needed me to come it because they were going to be especially busy for lunch today. I groaned, cursed under my breath and headed for the shower.
Fifteen minutes later I was pouring coffee into my to-go thermos and gathering the final few items I would need for a day at the office.