South Lake Tahoe

FINALLY!!!I get some relaxation time.

Got to Tahoe later than planned so today was just some simple fun in the snow, and buying new gloves! I walked in my first snow to the Lake and took pics which I wish I could upload but maybe tomorrow I'll figure a way :)

We rented a 3 story townhouse! I love staying here! Lakeland Village Resort is great in the summer and winter! I will miss it! My room in on the first floor which seems to be the only floor heated by the heater! TG! I have barely gone upstairs since it chilly! Sucks that the fire place isn't working :( boooooo!

But I am STARVING! Was going to cook since there is a full kitchen here but I'm the point where something yummie, quick and satisfying is a must!

Tomorrow; SNOWBOARDING!! woop wooop! Cant wait! Kiddos are excited too! I'm so happy they love the snow! *points for Chicago!!!*

I'm also happy I finally got the wi-fi figured out... mobile Internet don't cut it all the time!

So I'm off! In search of some food and I think, a drink or few are in order!

Shameless Loves... (compliments of Yeh )

I finally browsed a few blogs today and one of my FAVORITE blogs to read is Yeh (pronounced yay) and she has a button of "shameless loves" I finally decided to "click" the link and was entertained with lists upon lists of the many shameless loves of strangers :) and since I have been on my love of a certain fruit all day long, I was intrigued to write my own list of "shameless loves" ***and yes, I will submit them for her posting with the hope that she will add it to her loves, shamelessly***

Jasara's list of Shameless ♥Loves♥

1. Grapples - I love these! The smell good and taste extra

yummy!

2. Mani's and Pedi's - every 2 weeks like clockwork!

(every woman should treat themselves!)

3. T-E-X-T-I-N-G - "hi, my name is Jasara and Im a textaholic"

4. Hearty foods - the love of Gnocchi, chicken scallopini,

chicken parm, picatta, cacciatore, capellini, mashed potatoes,

smothered chicken, jambalaya, gumbo, etouffe.... my mouth

is watering from just typing it!

5. Chick flicks - my most fav's *Under the Tuscan Sun* / *P.S. I Love You* /

*The Time Travelers Wife* / *Julie and Julia*

6. South Lake Tahoe in the summer

7. Heels! - I would say shoes but every shoe I buy is a heel!

Being a shorty, Im a big fan of them!

boots, sandals, open toe, peep toe,

dressy, casual, pumps, stilettos...

can never have too many!

8. Dresses - I seem to have picked up a liking to dresses the past year

and have a nice collection of sweater dresses especially!

9. Mustard - yes. I do. all kinds. :)

10. Baking just because - as if I dont bake enough cakes from

orders, when i have nothing to bake, I bake!

*look up baking in the dictionary, you will see my face!*

11. The dollar store - its amazing how many things you end up buying!

12. Chicago - annual trips are a given

13. NYC - I left my heart there!

14. snuggling with my Dru-Bear ♥♥♥

Rest and Relaxation

With no cakes to do this week, I'm taking a lil R&R up in South Lake Tahoe.

I love Tahoe! Taking a trip to the snow, going to cozy on up in

a lil cabin fully functional with a fireplace :)

Miss having a fireplace!

Hoping to attempt snow boarding for the

VERY FIRST TIME!

*BIG GRIN*

I feel funny saying I'm going to the snow

when most of my mid-west and east-coast friends

are looking to escape!!

I wonder if by next winter, will I be missing

my California weather?!?!

I'm sure I will.

BUT...

I'm adaptable.

Feeling a bit better.

In regards to my future and all...

No decision yet but

I've had some wonderful encouragement

that has lifted the blue veil :)

Hoping my book comes by tomorrow so I can read up on this industry

and make an informed decision on what path

I want to and should take.

I realize there is a path

it's just a matter of which to take

:)

Working out too now

more regularly anyways

forcing myself to the gym on lunch

not just the occasional at home work out.

And one more week of YUCKY pills!

Just call me ' Blu '

I'm glad I waited until after I worked out to post in my blog today, my anger would have been unmistakable earlier had this post occurred this morning.

I haven't been the happiest of people since reading that article. Then having people tell me, they told me so, or "it's for the best".

GEEEEE, THANKS FOR THE FAITH AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

And so

I've felt even worse,

like having a best friend move away or

losing your job or

losing the love of your life.

But it hurts more...

The thought of not being able

to live out my dream

to do what I love

because the

industry

sucks...

sucks.

I feel crushed. I feel lost.

What do I do now? Pursue it with the risk of not being successful

and putting myself and family in debt?

Not pursue it and try and do, and learn and struggle

on my own?

Just give up on the dream...??

It has demolished the High mountain I was on.

I try and think, am I over reacting?

Should I just give it some time?

I don't know. Right now, in this moment,

I don't want to even look at my application.

Search for another scholarship.

Bake.

I feel defeated. So many out there talked bad on me

and my decision. Said I was all talk, "she wont make it"

or just didn't want me to move and attempt to

live my dream.

Your still young. Wait 10 years...

10 years? 10 years!!!

That's exactly why I have shut everyone out.

I have no real friends or support where I'm at.

Just judgements and non believers.

Why are so many so quick

to jump on the

NEGATIVITY?

and

never on the

positivity?

or at least

encouragement?

I can not imagine life with out flour, sugar, eggs and butter.

They are my purpose.

My existence.

They are niche into the fibers of my being.

I hate being down and blue.

I know I will come out of my funk soon.

But I'll be full of

doubt

worry

stress

No longer will I be

confident

directed

right.

For the few friends that know my sorrows and have made me smile, thank you. My heart warms knowing I do have a few special somebodies out there that do care. Do believe. :)

a glimmer of hope

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/food/2037513,bakery-pastry-boom-021010.article

this lets me breathe a lil.... :)

Bummer

So... I have had this website under my favorites and have referred back to it for different reasons through out my culinary ventures.

www.reluctantgourmet.com

Last night, reading through the links and what not, I finally decide to read one link in particular that I have purposefully overlooked the past couple weeks and I must say, ones intuition is usually on point.

It totally BUMMED me out. *sad face*

The link title was "Cooking School is not for everyone"

It was based on a book written by Chef Leslie Bilderback, Certified Master Baker and author of Success as a Chef. Not only did she attend a “big name” culinary school, but also taught at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA and then was the Executive Chef at CSC when it partnered with Le Cordon Bleu.

Here is her response to a mother inquiring about her daughter wanting to go to school for baking and pastry arts;

I have a couple of points to make. First, here is the low down on culinary schools: They are expensive, and they do not necessarily prepare you for the real world. Big or small, the education is generally the same. Cooking skills don’t change much. And the name of the school will only get her in the door. It’s her skill that will get her the job.

***at this point, I'm still feeling generally O.K. about everything***

Please understand, I went to a big culinary school, I taught at one, and I was the Executive Chef of one. They can be terrific for the right type of person. But most students are not the right type. *** Still O.K. since I believe I'm that "type"***

The right type knows exactly what their dream culinary career entails. They have researched the job market, including job availability, salaries, and competition. **done that!**They know from experience what a food-service job entails, because they have already worked in food service, and they love it. (They love the sweaty heat, the tired aching feet, the foul language, alcoholism and drug abuse, low pay, no paid vacation or health insurance…unless they join a union.)

***uhhhh, have never worked in food service other than my own kitchen, but I still believe the hard work, achy back and long hours I've invested somewhat qualify me***

They are comfortable working for someone else; they know how to take direction, and criticism. Also, the right type of culinary student has no delusions of grandeur. They know, and are comfortable with, the fact that very few culinarians become rich and famous. ***well I didn't think all of em did but I did think if it was their dream and goal that it was at least possible***

(Most barely make it a year in the industry. Some hang in for 2 or 3 years before giving up.) The success rate of small restaurants and bakeries is pretty low, too. ***And this is where my heart sunk, my color faded and my dream just dissolved in the mist of 3 sentences***

The culinary schools are not packed with these kinds of students because they have little criteria for entrance. We use to joke that all a student needed to get into our school was a checkbook and a pulse. *** Geee, that's encouraging :/ ***

I know there are schools out there with integrity. I’m just not sure which ones they are. (In my book, I have lists of questions you should be asking these institutions).***note to self, purchase book***

My second point is that the best pastry chefs are good cooks first. *** well, I have a passion for cooking and am quite good at it (semi smile returns)***

It is better for a career to know it all, and then specialize. You are more marketable, more versatile, and more respected if you have a culinary degree, not just a pastry diploma. It’s like going to high school and only taking electives. You won’t get very far. *** and there goes another shot to the heart, culinary school as well as pastry school?!?! seriously??????***

One last thing… *** pondering at this point should I even go on to read, I mean, I'm already struggling to tug my dream from under the boot you smashed it with!!***

As a food service professional, and a parent, I strongly encourage kids to at least get an AA degree, if not a full on BA. If this means a couple years at the local JC, (perhaps while trying out a food service job) it’s totally worth it in the long run. Many, many things change in the future, and no one gets very far, even in food service, without a degree. *** whoa, couple years, and that's not even dedicated to the field! I don't have time to invest like that!!!***

And FYI mom, culinary school ain't cheap. ***no shit!*** And student loans are hard to pay back with a $9/hour bakery job.***what!? I immediately open up www.salary.com as I want to check up on this for self, unfortunately not too helpful*** Be sure to look into that end (also covered in my book).

Sorry to be kind of a downer. ***yeah. thanks.*** It is a problem in our industry, thanks to food TV, that too many of the wrong type are flooding the market. They graduate school, get a job, decide it’s not for them, and then quit. The restaurant is then saddled with more recruitment and training costs, which in turn keeps overall salaries down. We will never raise this industry to the level it deserves unless this stops. So people out there…be sure it’s what you want!!

And that concludes the reply. So I bought her book last night on amazon. I figured, I'd rather be in the truthful know, than the pseudo light. Ill be purchasing a couple other books on working in the culinary field as well. Now, my focus has completely shifted, I want to know. Everything

EVERYTHING!

Before I start school in August. Yes, I'm still planning on attending. Still holding on to that dream. Maybe now, I'll be more prepared for the culinary world.

And initially my bummedoutness has me feeling like I'm doomed, but in the back of my mind I realize how beneficial this knowledge will be to me in the long run.

Yet, still, it is a downer. Yet, still, I want this. I want this. I WANT THIS!

Productivity

I truly wish there were more

hours in the day.

My mind races with

ten-zillion-billion things

that I want to do,

and I find myself

multi-tasking

trying to do them all at once!

My dad always said

"You should of been born with a second pair of arms!"

*giggles* lol

I must agree.

So today on my list of to-do's

that I seem to add

a new "TO-DO"

every hour,

is;

• catch up on my shows via computer (i just don't have DVR time lately)
• Finish my last essay question for my school application
• ♥ BLOG ♥
• work out on lunch
• sketch out my business logo
• order business cards
• Scan the CD cover in so I can finally add graphics and send to the group

And the list goes on....

I'm so wrapped up in cake right now its ridiculous!

Cake fever?

think so!