My Dreams...

 It's no secret, for those who know me well, that I want to work for Disney World. I've been talking about it for a very long time, and I finally did something about it.

Long Time No Blog

It seem's like forever ago that I created this little food blog, and started culinary school. I have missed my little food blog, and have been thinking of it recently!
I haven't given up on culinary school, though! I'm still an active student.
I did have a few minor setback's, though. Earlier this year we lost my grandfather rather unexpectedly. I wasn't in such a good place when this happened and so I took a step or two back. I'm in a much better place emotionally now, and am back on track, ready to graduate in the Spring.
 Though he was 92, he had been in his right mind for most of those 92 years. Last September, when I saw him on my grandma's birthday, was the last time that I ever got to see him in his "normal" state. Seems he had dementia, or an onset of Alzheimer's disease, we're not clear. Whatever the case may be, he was still around with us, just in a very confused state. He was convinced that my grandma wasn't his real wife, that she was someone who was pretending to be his wife. After 60+ years of marriage, that was probably the most heartbreaking thing to have to witness. I can't fathom how difficult it must've been on my grandma.
My papa passed away on Feb. 19th, 2014 and we buried him on the 22nd. Just one week later, my older cousin got married and it was entirely bittersweet. Entirely.

 Also this year, my daughter announced that she was pregnant. I was deeply depressed and upset in the beginning, for she isn't married and is very young, only 21. In time I learned to accept it, and even became excited for the birth of my first grandchild. We now have Sebastian John in our lives, and I am one proud Grandma. Sebastian carries as his middle name the first name of my grandfather, and his son, who is also gone but not forgotten.

 This past Summer semester, I took off. I'm done with humanities and anything non-culinary (except business math which wasn't offered) and took that time to prepare for the baby's arrival. I painted all of the used furniture that we have acquired. Changing table, crib and whatnot. Deep into Summer my mom's baby sister, my Aunt Kathy and I took my grandma to South Carolina to visit with her family. She got to see her elderly uncle who was 97 or 98. He passed away a few short weeks after our visit. We even took a trip up into the North Carolina mountains. Everything seemed to be going in the right direction, just when I thought that thing's were looking up, on our trip I got a phone call that during a horrific storm 2 trees had fallen onto our double-wide home, and almost completely destroyed it. With a new baby on the way, coming very quickly, and a dog we set out looking for a place large enough to house all 4 of us + new baby, 1 dog and lot's of furnishings. It proved to be a very difficult task, and we stayed with my brother in law and sister in law for about 5 or 6 weeks until we finally settled on the rental we have now. It's not perfect, but it's home, for now.

 I am still planning on relocating to the Orlando area, when I graduate. My boyfriend and I, and our pup - Tucker. My kids aren't interested in going down there right now, so it looks like we'll be empty nesters for the first time in 15 years. I'm not really sure that I am ready for that chapter in my life, I'm having a hard time with accepting this.

 So, in a nutshell, I have had one very stressful and difficult year. One thing remains, I have my family, I have my loving boyfriend, my 2 children who are awesome and 1 gorgeous new grandson. Our love will never falter for each other.

 I am happy in school. I love being back in class. Garde Manger is my favorite class this semester. So far we have done canning, made sausage and discussed/tasted various cheeses. Chef will soon be teaching us ice carving, and we'll carve our own block of ice with a chainsaw! LOL! I don't know if I'm excited or scared about that :)

Hopefully I will be active in this blog once more, and not forget what it's all about.

I'm leaving you with a few food pictures that I have taken over the last several months.

Happy cooking!
-Mellie



Black bean, potato, spinach and chorizo hash. YUM!




Delicious deep fried apple fritters. On a whim one day my daughter and I decided to make these, after seeing a recipe posted on my Facebook wall!



My new grandson, Sebastian John. He was exactly 3 weeks old in this picture.

Muffins, again.

     This Tuesday, in baking lab, we made some more muffins. The last time that we made them, we used buttermilk. We were the only group that got to use buttermilk, then. This week we all used buttermilk and instead of blueberries, this time we used dried cranberries in our group. The muffins turned out pretty well! We also used the creaming method, to make sour cream muffins, and chef coached us through the process, using the kitchen aid mixers. It's a lengthy process, and in the end, it is so worth it. What your result is, is a moist, and fluffy muffin that was almost to die for. I don't think anything can compare to the sour cream muffins and I am going to definitely be making some of these at home. Yum-Yum!

     Chef also made a fresh batch of streusel topping, using only sugar, flour and butter. It tasted similar to an unbaked sugar cookie dough.

     Thanks to another group, who did not measure properly, we got to see the results of that. What was left was a sunken/concave of a muffin. They browned up nicely, though they did not have a crown. Those would have been beautiful muffins had they risen properly!
It's definitely interesting to see what can happen, and what result's you achieve with various ingredients in place of. I'm loving it more and more.


Here's our pan of sour cream muffins with streusel topping.

Whew!

The past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and sickness. I haven't hardly had time to breathe, much less blog! I have learned SO MUCH, already, and I'm hungry for more.

I am having fun with my classmates. The above photo is from our first day actually baking, in bakery lab. Those are country biscuits. Man, were they good! So easy to make, too. Who knew?!?!

This is 2 of my classmates, Joe and Shanna. They are part of my group in baking lab. The photo's include the 4 of us :)

Today, we made blueberry muffins, and chocolate chip muffins (because Troy is allergic to blueberries ;)  )

I hope to have more and more pictures to share here on the ol blog, real soon.

New Year, New Me!

      I finally got the cut I have been wanting. I saw it on Ginnifer Goodwin on Pinterest and I knew I had to have it. Of course my hair isn't as thick as hers is, but it works for me! I'm especially grateful to Jeanine, my beauty lady, for such a great job! She is amazing!

     So, with just 2 day's left until classes begin, I'm a bundle of nerves right now. I'm excited, and anxious all at the same time. I have to get out of my vacation-frame-of-mind and back into my school-days routine. It won't be hard. I'm used to waking up early, yet, somehow when I'm supposed to I don't quite want to. Weird how that happens, isn't it? Since I have been on vacation from school, I don't think that I have slept past 8 o'clock, even once! lol

     I got a new mug/cup thingy from my aunty, for one of my Christmas gifts. It's called Tervis, it's got polka dots and an orange lid, that is meant for hot beverages. I fully intend to put that thing to good use on school day's, with fresh coffee from my Keurig!

Until Next Time...

Exciting news!

 As a culinary management student I am required to complete courses that aren't food related. In my first, second, and now, this semester, I have been completing all of those basic college courses. I'm almost done with all of my pre-req's and can now look forward to getting into the kitchen. On Monday of next week, I have made an appointment with the head Chef and we will be discussing everything it entails. I am beside myself with excitement that I get to go in and speak with Chef, one-on-one. *squeal* Wish me luck! Ü

Week 2

This is week 2 of Summer semester. So far, I have written 2 Art papers, and one autobiography. I got a 100 A+ on the latter. I still haven't gotten any grade for my Art paper. I wonder if my teacher is one of those that is too busy to teach a real class, so she "teaches" an online class, instead? I'm beginning to get annoyed with it, already. I'm definitely one that worries over my grades and I don't settle down until it's all said and done, sadly.
I think this semester won't be anything less than a worry-fest over that one single class.

Next post, Chicken Picatta. It's what's for dinner! :D

Sweet Summer...errrr semester

 So, with the Spring semester wrapped up, I have begun my Summer semester. I'm only taking two classes. Important ones nonetheless. English and Art. Kind of boring but easy grades in my opinion. :)

I'm looking forward to the end of the semester, in late July, so that I can have some me time before I have to start in August, for the Fall. I'm kind of hoping to squeeze in a vacation between then, with the family. I would like to see my daughter and that means traveling to Missouri.

I have decided in the Fall, I'm going to bite the bullet and take 4 classes and tomorrow I can begin the online registration for those. Here's my plan:

Dev. Math 2 (not a college credit, but unless I want to test out I need it)
Biology
Survey of Film (humanities)
(This completes all prerequisites)
Food Service Safety and Sanitation OR Intro. To Hospitality.

I believe the latter is offered mostly as an online course, or at least it was this Summer. After Fall semester is over I will only be taking my Culinary courses from then on out. How exciting! I'm getting there! :)

Welcome to: The End.

 -Sigh-
 It's been a fun filled and fast journey, to say the least. I am enthused with the new friend's that I have made, and not so sad about the loss of one person who I thought was my friend. Emotional? You could say that this semester has been a variable, sorta roller-coaster of emotions, yes. But I am happy to report that this semester is down to it's final day's.
I have learned so much, in such a short time. For example, who knew that I would have made such good grades in math? Math! My weakest subject in all of my years in school. Me? Yes! Me! I have managed to sail through the lessons and maintain an above average grade of a B+ all semester long. (Not to be superstitious or anything but I really hope that me saying this doesn't make me do horribly on my final exam). I'm a tad bit proud of myself, even if nobody else is.
I'm also happy to report that I made an A on my final exam for my English/Reading class. I'm actually done a few week's early with that class. Fine by me! This free's up more time and allow's me to focus on the class that I'm not doing so great in: Psychology.
I would be flat out lying through my teeth (or fingers in this case) if I said that I did not dread-dread-dread the final exam. I have to keep my confidence up and have Faith that I can, and will, pass it with flying color's. I just have to. Period.
So, off I go. There are notes to take and subjects to be read. I can't wait!

-Sigh-

Week 6

This week, and part of last, I have been very, very sick. Turns out I have a bad sinus infection and ears. Oh joy! I had to miss class last Thursday and again on Monday.
I made an A+ (100%) on my vocab test last week. But, I made a D on the psych test I had been so worried about. I'm not happy at all about that. I studied for that test for over 2 weeks and was popping off answer's in the class during the test review. I have no idea how, or why, I made a D but, I did.
I have another math test on Thursday of this week and I think it'll be a bit tougher as we're going to be giving definition's as well as doing actual math problems. Should be challenging!

Here's to wellness!
Till next time...do good thing's!

Week 5

This marks week 5 of my life as a culinary student. I made an 85 (B) on my math test that I was so worried about last week.
Tomorrow, I have a huge psychology test that I have been anticipating since day 1. My prof. kind of put it off because of a few thing's and I think that only made it worse.
I also have an A in my reading class. Yesterday, my prof. told me that she loves me. Previously she told me that I was an excellent student and that it is hard to keep an A in her class, which I have managed to do. I also have a vocab test in her class tomorrow. :)

Today is math class, and we're learning even more new thing's. I think I'm hanging in there just fine though. :)

Looking forward to Spring Break. We're going to Walt Disney World! Some friend's of our's have decided that they'll be going down at the same time as us. I'm looking forward to that. It's their first time at "the World" and we have lot's to show them! :)

Until next time...do good thing's!

Week 4

Here's a progress report. This is week 4 of classes. I have my first math test, today. I'm nervous.
I have had 2 assignment's in my Reading 2 class. I got a B+ on the first one but, yesterday I got an A= (100%) on the second. I was stoked!
I'm still in lecture's for my Psych. class and we'll be having our first text in about a week. There is so much to remember! We're doing 2 chapter's at a time. I think I can do it, though.

Til next time....do good thing's!

Week 2

Week 2 is over and as I write this, I am preparing to charge into week 3 of classes.
My math is going well. I've only had to have help once or twice. That's an accomplishment, for me! Reading is also going well and as for Psych. class? It's a lot of remembering, which I don't do so well at. I am anxious about my first test, to see how well I actually can.

 Over the weekend, I bought myself a Kindle Fire. Then, the router went wonky because we factory reset it. Now, it doesn't even get picked up. Time to buy a new router, I think! I have 2-3 book's that I am going to purchase on my new Kindle, can't wait! One of which is by a local author, Trina Ward. Check her out!

I have class this morning so off I go.

Till next time...do good thing's!

First week...

Week 1 of college is done. Wow. College. I cannot believe that I am a college student! It's mind blowing, to say the least.
Can I just brag on myself a little tiny bit? I'm proud of me. I never ever thought I would be able to call myself a college student, yet, here I am!
The homework is killing me, it's horrific. I have to find the secret to studying and taking note's all over again.
Math is super duper challenging, to say the least. I'm learning, and am happy to be doing so.

Until next time...do good thing's!

Day 3

 Day 3 was much more eventful, than the 2 previous days. I went to my reading 2 class and we had a sort of test. We had to read a new's clipping and write a small paper on it, answering questions the teacher had outlined for us. My topic was, a very biased opinion, about how you should/shouldn't be allowed to use gadget's while walking and/or driving. Did my paper and then worked on some vocab. Not too eventful.

 Got to my psych class and had a lecture. I know that in the past, I haven't seemed very excited about that class. Let me just clarify that right now. I think I love this class. My professor, though she is a bit odd, tell's great stories in her lectures, I laughed! I was in a hypnotic state, listening. I have completely changed my mind about her class and I am definitely looking forward to the future. It's become so much more interesting than I thought. Thank goodness I didn't drop this class! I hope to make a very good grade in it!

 After classes, I went to get me some lunch at the grocery store. I had an hour or so to kill before my appointment to see about my book scholarship. I arrived 15 minutes early, only to find out that the woman called in sick. I should have been notified that she was unable to keep our appointment, right? I mean, turn the tables here. Had I just not shown up for that appointment, I would probably be turned away altogether! How rude! The good news is that I don't need the psych book until next Wednesday, because of MLK day, we're out of school on Monday. The bad new's is that I have no idea when she will be able to see me. I had plenty of other important thing's that I could have been doing!

-sigh-

 So, now I am home. I'm going to start some laundry and read chapter 1 of my (OLD but, all I got) psych book and also look for some notes that I can print out online. Until next time....do good thing's!


 

Day 2

Hooray! Day 2 is complete. I have now attended all of my classes. I have to say that my reading class is still my favorite. I like my math teacher, whom I met today, a lot too. I also found out about a program for women that allows you to borrow your text book's! This way you don't have to spend any money out-of-pocket, or otherwise, on your books! I took 2 tests at the career center, and I have to bring in some paper work tomorrow to an appointment and that's all!
I have a few item's that I need to buy for 2 classes then I will be all set.
Until later...do good thing's!

Day 1

 Success! 1 day down, and who know's how many to go!
I met 2 of my instructor's/professor's and I liked my reading class the best. I'm an avid reader, anyway. I'm thinking I can fly through this class relatively easy. She pretty much allows self pace, and said that we could potentially be done in 8 weeks, and wouldn't be required to attend classes after that. My new goal is to be done in 8 weeks!

 My psychology professor is... well, quirky, at best. I don't think I will have a problem with her class. I have my friend to study with, should the need arise. I think I'll do okay. I have one problem though. I have to buy another book. I was given a book by a former student of her class and it's second edition. I need third edition. :(
Such is life. $102 + tax...Oy!
Till next time...do good thing's!