Trapped in the Kitchen...and paying tuition to be there!

Before I begin, apology for my lack of recent updates. Not that, I suspect, my infrequent posts give reason for anyone to be dismayed (save perhaps my Mother), but I apologize all the same!

It's true...or rather, it's TRU! I am a student once more! Not to be dramatic, but I never thought I'd live long enough to see the day I willingly returned to school. But, alas, the time has come! I am currently enrolled in Professional Cook Training Year 1, which sounds far more glamorous that it is. Though there is some theory, most of the course is practical, hands-on work experience, which I am so looking forward to. As first year students, we will be cooking for the University's cafeteria, open for both breakfast and lunch. Early mornings and off early enough in the afternoons to have plenty of time to work outside of school. I will pretty much have no life outside of a kitchen for the following months. My future husband will be very pleased indeed...

I confess that I was less than thrilled upon arrival today. Though some of you reading this know me as a funny, occasionally obnoxious, lovely lass, I have to say this: I DETEST CROWDS! Especially crowds where I am new and have no immediate connection to anyone or anything. It honestly makes me want to run for the hills. I literally had to force myself to even introduce myself to people today. I can't blame it all on being exhausted (barely a lick of sleep last night) or personality traits. I can say I was beyond nervous for the first hour or so, for no apparent reason either. It's not like the students and faculty are out to kill me (as far as I know...). 

If anything, the thing that reaffirmed that I'm not in fact insane for enrolling was this: I'm really not here for me. Listening to the instructor talk about how food creates an experience for people, that you can go anywhere with these skills, that in the kitchen it's all about a "Family"...I remembered that I'm here for people. I'm here to meet people in my course who have incredible passion and to be inspired by them and be inspiring for them. I'm here to learn from my instructors, all of whom I'm sure have fantastic stories and who will instill in me a passion for creating something beautiful (and delicious). And I'm also here because I want to bless people in years to come; Not only by the food I make for others, but by teaching others skills they can use to bless their friends and families, skills to help people get back on their feet and move forward in life. I want to use my passion for people to fuel my passion food, not the other way around. 

So, I look forward to learning how to filet a fish, make choux pastry properly and put together a divine product. I look forward to it because, for me, it's not about the food itself, but rather about the people who enjoy it and are with me to see it through.

Hope this sentimental and rather sappy blog post makes you smile! And think, as you read this today, tomorrow, or months down the road...what skills and passions do YOU have that you use to bless others? And are you, indeed, blessing others with them? So go out there and make someone's day today! Lot's of Love to one and all!