Laugh & Learn Folks

Before I started doing these videos, my lifestyle was a lot different. I used to play a heck of a lot of sport (looking back, perhaps too much) and worked hard at my job, which can be like every other job – very challenging at times. I also used to suffer from lots of bugs – I would get the flu and colds nearly every other week at one stage!

So when I first picked up the camera, it was a bit of an experiment, to be honest. It was around Christmas time so I had some spare time, plus the weather was rubbish. I watched some telly and perhaps by chance I caught one of Jamie Oliver’s cooking shows. Back then, I was literally afraid of the kitchen – not just cooking; if there was a tray of chips in the oven, I would have to build myself up as if I was about to skydive just to put on the oven gloves to pull those babies out! I can now honestly look back and laugh at that, but know there are still people out there that feel that way too, and perhaps they won’t do anything about it.

When I first started doing the videos, it’s fair to say the reaction from some of my friends was mixed. My first one (Poached egg http://www.myvirginkitchen.com/starters/poached-egg-on-toast.html ) was just a way to motivate myself into actually cooking and I thought, “If one person likes it, I will do another” and that’s how this has grown.

The videos have gone from motivating me personally to learn food basics to trying to inspire others and that is the ultimate goal for what I do now (“laugh & learn” is the aim.) I’m not doing this to be rich or become famous; the thought had never crossed my mind until people started asking me that, but what’s wrong with wanting to inspire others?

Don’t get me wrong; if something ever happened that meant I could provide for my family better than my current job, I, like every other person, would seriously consider it. I have to point out, though, that what I do is not cheap; there are many food bloggers out there which are probably in the same boat, and I’ve seen fellow “vloggers” come and go (ingredients aren’t free!) Luckily I’m at the point now that I can recover enough to support the cost of ingredients and also donate profits from YouTube advertising and T-shirt sales to the Jamie Oliver Foundation. I should raise 500 pounds this Year for them.

The videos have benefited me in so many ways! I interact with many interesting people around the world as if I have known them for years; the colds have stopped (due to eating healthier); I’ve increased my confidence and my editing skills (I’m no Spielberg yet), and can cook some great meals… but best of all, I am making memories and inspiring others. There’s no better feeling!

There was an Google advert on telly about a guy who emailed his daughter pictures from birth to 18 years so that they could look back in years to come, and it’s suddenly dawned on me: I have caught some great footage already! The first time I ever cooked, to my daughter (who before the age of 3 can already crack eggs) following suit, and finding out I’m going to be a Dad again – just a couple of great memories, and that’s just what I catch on camera!

It’s really crazy how this has all come about. I remember when I did my first ten videos, and as I type I’ve done over 270! One thing’s for sure: while you guys still want me to keep doing the videos, I’m gonna do my best to carry out all the requests I receive – I have no idea where this journey is taking us, but thank you all for supporting me.

Wow, for someone that doesn’t like writing too much, I’ve written quite a bit! If you have anything you would like me to discuss in this section, please let me know.

Until next time