chef life – Tate Basildon

When Faith, Sarcoidosis, and a Curious Chef Collide

Growing up Catholic leaves you with a spiritual starter pack—some guilt, a few hymns you’ll never forget, and a reflex to question everything, especially when chronic illness enters the chat. Living with sarcoidosis only sharpened those questions, but not in the “Why me?” way people expect. More like, “Okay universe, what lesson are you clearly dying to teach me this time?” The real story sits somewhere between faith, frustration, and a chef who refuses to stop asking uncomfortable questions…

☀️☀️

Trading Cold Showers for Sarcoidosis: From Caribbean Surf to Upstate Snow

It wasn’t the cold air that woke me up—it was the memory of cold showers in the Caribbean, decades before I knew the word “sarcoidosis” would take over my vocabulary. One frosty morning in 2025 Upstate New York, I stepped into a hot shower and was transported back to simpler times when my lungs were clearer and the water was somehow always warmer, even when it wasn’t. And yeah, maybe I didn’t know how much those ocean swims mattered… until they weren’t an option anymore.

☀️☀️

Farewell, Pish: A Love Letter to the Unexpected Fish Who Swam Into My Heart

I never thought a tiny fish would wreck me like this. But here I am, staring at an empty tank and feeling more emotional than I did when my last favorite spoon broke. Sarcoidosis doesn’t prepare you for this kind of heartbreak. Come find out why this fish mattered more than he ever should have.

☀️☀️

Why Fatigue Hits Harder Than a Chef’s Knife: Living with Sarcoidosis, Heart Failure, and Zero Patience

Tired? Try living with sarcoidosis, heart failure, and a side of snark. In this funny, raw, and relatable chef’s diary of chronic fatigue, I explore what happens when your brain wants to do everything and your body files for early retirement. Fatigue, chronic illness, medication side effects, and stubborn hope collide in this reflective rant — served with humor and a bold refusal to give in.

☀️☀️

Germaphobe Chronicles (Couples Edition): Our Life as the Pen-Hating, Laundry-Obsessed Sarkies

Long before sarcoidosis turned my immune system into a half-functioning smoke detector, my wife and I were card-carrying germaphobes. Yes, both of us. We cringe at communal pens, we wash clothes after stepping outside to walk the dog, and we carry more Purell than snacks. Here’s why we’d rather bring our own pen than touch yours—and why every shirt that sees daylight gets washed. (sarcoidosis included)