Confessions of Cheryl Shimmin

The people and the ability to be creative.

The long hours.

Raising two successful, loving children.

We’ve catered two weddings. I think for a hospital foodservice department that’s a little different.

A forest ranger at a national park or a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld.

To sing well.

Not to rethink situations or problems over and over and over.

I don't know. I'm not really afraid of heights, snakes or water.

Brennan Acres. He’s a local tennis player. He has two children faced with genetic disorders. No matter what he’s been given in life he always has such a positive outlook.

My grandmother’s sauerbraten recipe, sweat and sour red cabbage and mashed potatoes.

Wine tastings.

A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Green washing. People are doing environmentally friendly things in name but not in practice.

Hot pot soup in China. It’s made with a variety of meats, including snake.

Morning, especially with a good cup of coffee.

Focus on where we have been before we complain about where we need to go. Always look at the silver lining or the positive side.

Hot pot soup in China. It’s made with a variety of meats, including snake.

Hiking the Grand Canyon.

Albert Einstein. He was down to earth yet intelligent.

We have a lake house, so going there for a month of hanging out, relaxing and doing water sports.

Being accepting of who we are.

Michael Symon from “Iron Chef,” because he’s very down to earth and uses a lot of local products.