One Week Down

I can probably speak for our whole class when I say we're itching to really start cooking. It must be our tool kit. It has us all giddy and we want to play!

Friday was our second kitchen day and we spent a fair amount of time practicing our cuts again. Um, it's gonna be a while before I'm good at that, yikes. Anyway, in reading through the lesson to prepare, I drooled a little bit because bruschetta would be the very first thing we'd make. I love bruschetta when it's done properly. It couldn't be more simple yet it's so fresh, vibrant and delicious. I think I could really live on that and wine alone. The process that we'll abide by going forward will usually be a demo from the chef, we'll cook and then present our dish to be tasted and critiqued. I was actually excited about the presenting part because I really thrive on feedback when I cook. I'm much harder on myself than I probably should be but it's well-intentioned. I just want to be the best I can be but I do need to learn not to be so serious sometimes.

The way we learned to prep the tomatoes made every difference in the world as this bruschetta was totally delicious and hey, I made it! I surprised myself by how tasty it was but this is precisely why I'm in culinary school learning how to do things right. It thought it didn't look half bad either:

It was neat for me to make something and have such a well respected chef taste it and critique it. I got nice feedback from Chef Guido and that was a boost of encouragement that I needed more than I thought! Granted, this is a very easy dish so I anticipate lots of bumps in the road later on but it doesn't take away from feeling happy about it. :)

So, one school week down and my, what a fabulous, tiring, intense, educational and exciting week it was. This 'preview' into what life will really be like going forward was totally awesome. I'm in for probably the hardest work of my life yet I couldn't be happier about it. I suppose that solidifies how 'meant to be' I feel this all is, eh? Lots to look forward to!

On a side note, I had a super fun St. Patrick's Day with great friends! Colleen had invited me over for a waffle brunch at her apartment to start our day which was so sweet and different. It's been ages since we did something like that! We had a wonderful time catching up and I give a big thumbs up to the chef:

The rest of the day was just as nice filled with beautiful sunny weather, laughs and lambrusco. Yep, we managed to actually have an adult, civilized St. Patty's celebration for the first time in all of our lives, heehee. It was fun and a great end to a hard week!

I'm A Weakling

Ok, I'm not a weakling. I'm a kitchen weakling. At this point, anyway. Today was our first full day of school, combining language + kitchen. Obviously, we all knew we'd be tired but I think I seriously underestimated how much. Part of it is definitely just the adjustment all around to a new schedule, different energy and brain power exertion and keeping up with getting to know new people. All of this is super taxing so I certainly leave room for that when it comes to how I feel physically. Everyone felt the same way though after today was over so it's nice knowing we're all in it together.

Today went better for me in language class overall. I feel like I'm catching on and sincerely enjoying the process. It's been ages since I've been in a class setting like this and let's face it, I was always asleep on my desk when I was there. I had a tough time in school no matter what age I was. I always struggled with giving up immediately when something got tough or I couldn't understand the material. I hate to say it but I have those very same inclinations as an adult and I feel that creeping up. Clearly, the difference is that I'm passionate about what I'm doing and I have a desire to be there instead of sitting through algebra class not having a damn clue what was going on and hating life. I'd say that's a plus for this situation, eh?

This morning, we worked on really conversing with one another and writing out verb conjugations by memory. It's tough work, I tell you. There are some rules of the Italian language that come so easily to me and effortlessly stick in my mind but there are other things that I simply do not understand. I'm not worried, though. Even after one week in Sicily, I picked up a bunch of stuff so I think, once we're settled in Italy, it'll be much better as we speak continuously each day. Here we are working on those tricky little conjugations:

I wish Stefania was facing the camera in the first photo so you can see how cute she is. Each one of us is obsessed with her, seriously.

On to kitchen day one! I mentioned before that I was psyched to finally get our knife and tool kit so today was a big day, heehee. Without exaggeration, I haven't been so excited about something in quite a while. Behold, our bag o' joy:

I get weak in the knees just looking at it. Professional, top notch equipment that's mine. Allllll mine. It's a bag with three compartments housing all of my tools and we got to break a few things in today! We have three days of knife skills so today we focused on the different types of cuts most common in the kitchen that'll we'll use all the time. 

We were introduced to Chef Jessica, one of our three chef instructors, and we went over a lot of basic kitchen safety and protocol. She showed us where everything is in the kitchen and talked a bit about her history and what brought her to this program. She's so accomplished and so very skilled. You could see that in the first five minutes of the demo she did on how to chop. We practiced on cipolle, carote e patate (onions, carrots and potatoes). Um, I suck at it so far. It's amazing how different it is to learn the correct way of doing things vs. how I've always worked in my own kitchen. I thought I kinda knew my stuff but nope, I've been doing it all wrong. 

After going through what felt like a pound of each vegetable,  I actually produced pretty good work according to Chef Jessica:

It's hard as balls to cut down a carrot into a square or rectangle, just so you know. The perfectionist side of me sure did come through as I kept trying to get it done just right. Will I ever learn that most things in life are a work in progress? Sigh... I tire myself out sometimes, I swear.

It was a long and tiring but fantastic day. I have a lot of studying to do tonight after I decompress a bit. 6:00am comes quick, man. I'm very ready for day two in the kitchen, though!

Buon Pomeriggio!

In other words, good afternoon!

Before I talk about school, I just have to say that it honestly is such a good afternoon. We started class early this morning so we got out early which is a-ok with me, especially on such a gorgeous afternoon! I was out of school by 12:30pm and couldn't have been happier. It's 70 degrees, sunny without a cloud in the sky and the perfect day for a run...or margaritas. Lucky for me, I'm doing both. You can do that kind of thing when you're a student again.

I've had quite a few setbacks with running over the past year so I never know what I'm gonna get when I hit the road. My most recent tumble down the bus steps has left my ankle messed up so, after seeing the podiatrist to make sure there wasn't a stress fracture (there wasn't, just a sprain), I've been taking it as easy as I can. I've just been running on the treadmill recently since it's softer but I absolutely had to take advantage of this pretty day so I ran 4.5 outside. I just have to say it...I love running so much. I hate that my knees and ankle aren't in the perfect health they once were but I just have to work around it. Here's where the margarita reward comes into play. I run through some pain then treat myself to a refreshing, cold margarita. See how that works? Don't worry, I'm not just gallivanting around the city without a care. I'm going to bring my notes and homework to study so it's productive. I love my logic with things sometimes.

Since all of you can't join me for cocktails, I thought I'd share what I'll be studying with you so we can feel like we're with each other:

These are just a few of the many pages of notes I already have to study - after just three days - so you can see a small glimpse of the intensity. We're already doing verb conjugations and it's really really tough. The introduzioni (introductions) are the easy part. Putting everything together to create sentences and sound like we're not four years old is the tough part. Of course, it's only day three so none of us are expected to be at a different level yet but there is a high expectation of our progress. This program isn't esteemed for no reason, you know? 

While overwhelming, it's also very fun to be learning this beautiful, romantic language. Something really cool that I didn't know is that 99% of all Italian words end in vocali (vowels). It's so neat! Also, if you've ever heard an Italian person speak, you know that certain syllables are deeply emphasized or dramatic, if you will. There's absolutely a reason for that! Certain words, such as pomeriggio as I wrote above, have double letters that draw out the way a word is spoken so that you're able to tell how to spell it. When you pronounce pomeriggio, the 'gg' part is emphasized and focused on. On the contrary, serata in the phrase buona serata (have a good evening) is spoken with a very quick 't' sound so you know there's only one 't' instead of two. One other fun tidbit is that in words with one 's', such as risotto, the 's' takes on a 'z' sound whereas with the word rossa (red), the double 's' makes a true 's' sound. Does that all make sense? It's kinda hard to get that across in writing, haha. I always thought Italians were just dramatic by nature, which of course they are also, but there is a true reason why the language is spoken as it is. 

At any rate, it's been a marvelous week so far. By the way, I'm only rubbing in the fact that I got out early today because it will never happen again, haha. Tomorrow is our first language + kitchen day so I basically have to relish in the fact that I could enjoy this pretty day, don't you agree? I'm definitely very very excited to get into the kitchen, though. I think we all can't wait for that! 

Ok kids, time for margaritas. Um, and to study, of course. ;)

I Miss My Lunchbox

I woke up this morning with all the same feelings I used to have when I was a kid and the first day of school was exciting. Remember that? A new outfit, fun school supplies, your lunchbox and thermos all ready to go, complete with a bag of cool ranch Doritos and a Little Debbie oatmeal creme pie if you were lucky... I remember those days so clearly and I always felt so overjoyed at the thought of a new school year. Even as a kid, I somehow knew the value of a new beginning and a fresh start.

I miss that 'lunchbox thrill'. I think we all get so far away from those childlike feelings as adults and it makes me sad. Bryan and I talk about these things a lot because I envy his ability to relax and enjoy the simplest things in life, much the way a kid does. He's got a calm nature that's a very good balance for me and it's one of the things I appreciate most about him. So, when I woke up today feeling free and giddy, it brought back a lot of those things I'd like to feel on a more regular basis and that made me happy.

After more years than I'd like to admit, I had yet another 'first day of school' and it was terrific! There isn't much to tell about today because this week is a bit different than how our normal schedule will go. For today through Wednesday, we'll only be in language class and then Thursday and Friday, we'll have language plus the addition of knife skills in the kitchen. So, we won't be in a regular, full format class until next week but I can see why after today. We had a full four hours that was intensive and in depth so I can understand the need to separate a language for the first week, at least.

Our teacher, Stefania, couldn't possibly be more adorable or wonderful. She's very sharp and serious but so spunky and fun, too. In just one day, she's brought the Italian language alive for us and, because she's so passionate about teaching, she truly catches our attention authentically. It's really going to be a pleasure learning from her!

I know that's not much of an update but fun all the same. I'm genuinely excited for day two and that's encouraging! With that, I've gotta get back to studying so I'll simply say buona notte, all. More soon!

Orientation Day!

I didn't go the traditional college route when I was younger. I was definitely rebellious and thought college was for suckers. I was totally a 'fight against the man' kind of personality and needed to do things my way regardless of how people advised me. I failed five classes my junior year, didn't take the SATs, had every punishment you can think of - including things the administration had to basically make up for me since I ran the gamut of what existed as known punishments - I mean, I was a problem child to the extreme. I didn't know that I was even eligible to graduate high school until the night before when my parents got the call saying I was cleared. It was an adventure being my mom and dad back then, that's for sure. What's funny is that I was extremely responsible in other areas of my life, such as work, so it made it tough for my parents to deal with me since I had such a good head on my shoulders with other stuff. As my dad will tell you even now, he just didn't worry about me even with all the shenanigans I pulled. Somehow, he knew that my passion and drive would lead me somewhere, most likely out of Georgia, and that I could take care of myself. I suppose that's why he didn't freak out when, at 19 years old, I told he and mom that I was moving to good ol' NYC. I was headstrong then and certainly am now.

I say all of this because, even though it's culinary school that I'm beginning, it's still school and a structure I'm very unfamiliar with. I think that's why I'd been feeling so nervous about orientation this week. I never did the dorm thing, I never dealt with professors and I certainly never went to an orientation of any kind. My only degree (and one I'm very proud of!) is an Associates degree from University of Phoenix and that required no on-campus registration or orientation. So, two days ago when I was heading down to orientation, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Well, it was awesome. It was information overload for three hours but really amazing and exciting for me. The class size goes up to 20 but get this...there are only 9 of us. I think that's incredible because I believe each of us will get some of the best personal instruction that just can't be possible in classes of a larger size. For me, it was very surreal to meet these 9 individuals who will essentially become my family over the next 7 months. What an adventure! We didn't have much time to mingle with one another but I got a really good feeling about the people I did talk with. I can't wait to get to know them more and to begin this journey together. As one of the instructors put it, we're together for better or worse so all of us are going through it as a team. There's something comforting about that, for sure.

We didn't get our knife and tool kit yet - um, something I am so freaking excited about - but we did get our uniforms and books! I swear, I'm so giddy about it and it finally feels real:

What a truly awesome new journey I'm embarking on. I really can't wait and I feel so blessed to be at a place in my life where this opportunity is possible. Bring it ON!

Down Time

It's still hard for me to believe but, as of last Friday, I'm officially finished with work. I actually still feel like I'm on vacation and will be going back. It's a very surreal time, to say the least. I'm not sure why it feels like such a big deal that I've quit my job but man, it really does and it's taking some getting used to! 

I had an extremely busy last week of work and I was trying hard to focus on the fact that I'd be rounding it out by heading back to Denver. I hadn't had time to focus on my trip so it really wasn't until I was finally boarding the plane that I was able to relax and concentrate on having a few days away. I realized as I got toward the end of the week that I was feeling very very overwhelmed and in need of down time in a big way. So, I happily shifted my thoughts toward seeing Bryan and having a wonderful weekend back in Colorado.


The trip certainly started off fantastic with the sweetest surprise. He had a gift for me when we got in the car at the airport because he thought I might be sad still about my last day at work (he was right). He'd hand-carved me this awesome linoleum block with my name on it and a little garlic bulb and herb. You buy particular paint that you roll on and then stamp it onto cardstock to make notecards! It was such a thoughtful, very "me" gift. I love it:

From the airport, we headed to The Cheeky Monk for dinner. Such a cute place with an amazing beer list!

Saturday, he cooked me breakfast and we sat and talked over coffee for a couple of hours. After, we went into town and walked all over the place all day, it was great! A huge highlight was that he took me to this balsamic and oil shop that was SO freaking awesome. It's called EVOO Marketplace which is a tasting shop and they have the most amazing infused balsamics and oils in these cool stainless steel barrels called 'fustis'. I wanted to buy out the shop: 

We'd also gone into this super cute little bookstore called Tattered Cover and had lunch at Illegal Pete's. We walked around some more to an area called Larimer Square which is so cute with shops and so on. We had sushi at Go Fish with friends for dinner and rounded out a fantastic day!

Sunday, we got up super early to go to Wildflower Cafe, which was awesome as usual, and then we drove for a bit and came back to sit outside for a while. It was so amazing out! Denver weather is incredible. The sun is warm, the air is crisp and there's often not a cloud in the sky. We decided it was very necessary to go for a motorcycle ride...my first in years...and I loved it!!! I think I need to hang up the road bike and take up a new hobby: 

We rode around for a bit and then came home to hang out before getting stuff for dinner. I cooked curried lentils with sweet potatoes and swiss chard and we drank some lovely cabernet. We also got some ciabatta and different cheeses to try which were so good. My kind of evening, that's for sure.

Sadly, Bryan had to work on Monday but I still had a terrific day. I spent the whole day outside until he got off work and it was fantastic. It was nearly 70 degrees so I read outside at Starbucks for quite a while. When I wrapped up there, I navigated the light rail (so easy!) downtown and walked all around aimlessly. I got some frozen yogurt with apples and strawberries and read again until I met Bryan. He had to drop off some work equipment across the street from a good friend's bar so we went in for a coupla beers and then we had delicious Mexican that is exactly what you can't find here in NYC.

It really was just the kind of weekend I needed before coming back to the city in anticipation of school orientation. I had a lovely mixture of relaxation and fun so I definitely felt like I cleared my head a bit. Bryan comes back to the city the first weekend of April so I'm already so very excited for that visit, as well. 

Now, it's time to focus on starting school! I feel really great about it and finally have more excitement than nerves, yay! Just a few more days...

(Bitter)Sweet New Chapter

Lots and lots of emotions are whirling around for me right now. I couldn't even really put thought to this post last week when I wanted to. I like to be really precise with things and I was going to write on the exact day I gave my notice at work but I was feeling a lot of crazy stuff. I've since had a few days to settle down so I'm feeling more at ease.

As mentioned, I gave my official notice at work last week and I've got one month left before I embark on the biggest change of my life. As of March 2nd, I'll no longer be working in the safe little comfort zone I've been in the past four years and instead I'll be preparing to start culinary school, a dream I've had for ten years. This decision has come with a very fair share of weighted thoughts and feelings but, at the end of the day, it's a decision I feel most confidently led by god to pursue. Words can't really describe what I'm feeling because, for me, making big changes without being guided by fear has been a challenge most of my life. I really appreciate that I'm an analytical, thoughtful person but those attributes have most often not played well in my favor over time. For the past couple of years, I've put a lot of work toward making changes, breaking patterns, fighting fear...I've put work toward changing my life. It's been a really tough road at times but "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Boy, has that been the case for me.

People make decisions everyday. They leave jobs, leave relationships, start jobs, start relationships - they live life and they do so in all different ways. I've admired people who seemingly make changes with ease and I've always wondered things like how do they seem so unafraid, so confident? I think I've finally figured out that having faith in something extends far wider than what my short-sighted (at times) mind can understand.

Merriam-Webster defines faith as a "firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust". Hebrews 11:1 states faith as being "sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". It's known that I'm very strongly rooted in my relationship with god but I think we can all see the direct similarity here of what having faith means whether you believe in a god of any kind or not. It means being confident in something that you can't control or see. It means trusting what you believe in. It means being boldly able to find peace in a situation or circumstance that has no tangible, physical explanation or proof. For me, having faith has become more of a joy over the past two years than a pain. I'll explain why. I think we're all driven by an inherent need to believe - in something - and, more often than not, 'ourselves' is the last thing on the list. Society, and all the opinionated people in it, drives us to aspire to be something we're not or to have false security in money, fame, power...add anything you want to that list...and yet it's substanceless, empty and false. Believing in ourselves somehow becomes something unattainable and we wake up one day feeling isolated, lonely and lost. After feeling that way far too many times in the past, I made a direct challenge to myself. I decided that, once and for all, I'd choose to release control to god and to have faith in what he'd do in my life after.

I won't talk all about that journey because it's much too personal and, let's face it, I'm verbose enough. However, the point I'll make is that holding fast to the faith I have in god and in myself has opened doors that I'd never been able to imagine. I feel free, peaceful, comfortable and confident. I'm scared, don't get me wrong, but there's a difference in being scared and being fearful. I'm really thrilled for this next step I'm taking and, while being in Italy for five out of seven months is a complete dream, I'm going to use the nerves I have to push, sharpen and drive me. I'll miss my job tremendously so it is a very bittersweet goodbye but this is such an awesome time in my life and new chapter I'm beginning. I feel unbelievably blessed and I look forward to seeing what I'm really made of. School starts on March 12th and, ten weeks after that, I'll be saying arrivederci to the Big Apple.

Onward and upward I go, taking the first step on the path to my dream. I can't wait to see what's in store...