It's Official!!!

Ok, so this is the first day post-culinary school! I have yet to wrap my brain around how hard I've worked for the past year and all that I've accomplished in so short a time period. But, I can honestly say, I'm glad to be done, complete, over, with that phase of my life. Not that I didn't enjoy it, but there were times when I truly called into question my abilities to become a pastry chef.

Today was a day filled with elation and some sadness. Elation at what I've accomplished, and how the road was not necessarily paved with cheer, happiness and confidence; sadness from the perspective that I am leaving my team at a time when they need me most. Not that I'm the most important spoke in the wheel, but to a degree I feel some sense of abandonment. Knowing me, and my memory at this stage of the game, I'm liable to forget that guilt by tomorrow. HA!!!!!

I had a blast today, learned that my co-workers will actually miss me, and this is a great opportunity that may never present itself again.

ciao, for now
-Alexis

Are You Destined for World Domination?

I thought many of you would enjoy taking this quiz (my results are below, and no, I did not manipulate them in anyway). It's a little sad to realize I will not control the whole world, but I'll settle for making my mark in the baking & pastry world. *smile*

You Are Not Destined to Rule the World

You are destined for something else... Like inventing a new type of cupcake. You just don't have the stomach for brutality. But watch out - because many people do!

Are You Destined For World Domination?

My First Blog Entry

Ok. Here it is, the most eagerly anticipated blog in all the world (yeah, no!). Anyhow, I'm extremely excited to venture into the world of blogging, especially since it provides a vehicle for me to keep in touch with those I care the most about while I'm in Italy this summer (if you are reading this, then you are someone I care for/about).

I'd like to preface this blog with a few "rules" if you will; nothing scary, dictatorial, or militaristic, just some "what-to-expects" from this site, and level-set any expectations. First, yes, I am a tech geek at heart, however, blogging is new to me, so be patient (many of you know I adapt & learn rather quickly, so my ramp up time will be relatively short). Secondly, if you see posts at odd hours, it more than likely means a) I can't/couldn't sleep so, being the geek that I am, I'm online; b) you've forgotten there is a 7 (or 8, can't recall at this exact instance) hour time difference between Italy and the US; c) I've been remiss in updating this blog, and therefore am playing catch up. Lastly, while I truly intend to "regularly" update my posts, please remember, I'm in Italy having a blast, absorbing the local culture, which, if any of you know me well, means good food & wine, sooooooooooo, the regularity of posting may not remain constant. One more thing, and let me put this out there now, forgive any misspellings, grammatical errors, and/or random trains of thoughts (there may indeed be instances where I post information for you all, after a few liquid refreshments). Go figure! *smile*

Again, thank each of you for your support of my "summer vacation" and the role you've played in helping me get to this point. I will do my best to have fun, learn lots, be open to change, and make you all proud. Thanks for coming along for the ride, I think this will be one hell of a summer. One we all won't soon forget.

talk to you soon,
Alexis