It would be an understatement to say that I’m obsessed with Top Chef.

I screen my phone calls when it airs on Wednesday nights. I’m careful not to schedule any plans during those nights too (although some dates have had to endure watching the 11 p.m. repeat with me). I read the blogs on bravotv.com. I cry when the booted off contestants give their tearful goodbyes. And I even derive life lessons from the show.

The episode that resonated the most was from the season 2 challenge when the contestants were told to make a hearty breakfast dish only to later find out that they would be cooking this meal…at a beach. This was one of the harder challenges as the chefs had to re-think their plans and battle wind and sand as they prepared their dish over an open fire. This challenge even tripped up a strong contender like Sam aka Chef McHottie.

I’ll never forget Tom Colicchio’s remarks at the judge’s table. Actually, I can’t remember word for word because my memory has dissolved thanks to hard liquor but I do remember the gist of it. He basically talked about how you have to be prepared for the unexpected. And the mark of a true top chef is to see how he can ride out that hard wave. Does he balk under pressure or does he make the most of the situation in order to succeed?

I’ve been thinking alot about that episode these past couple of days. Life has definitely thrown some curve balls. I’m not really sure if I quite want to blog about it but I do know this: you can either cry and say “why me?” or you can assess the situation at hand and make the most of it. And succeed.

When life unexpectedly tosses you lemons you can make lemonade with vodka and fresh basil (my favorite drink recipe).