My journey to becoming a pastry chef

Why did I choose to do this?

2011-08-31T00:38:00.000-07:00

I started going to school in the 90's and was not quite sure what I really wanted to do with my future. It was just the fact that I was going to school for something and that was what I thought would look good to many people when I went to look for a job. As time went on I decided that I was not meant to be a teacher for young children. It just was not something that I could see me doing everyday for the rest of my life.

After I met Paris I had the chance to go to school for free at Millikin University. I have always loved art and always thought that would be something that would be good for me to do since I enjoyed it. Again, I was not exactly sure what I wanted to do with it. I knew since I had classes in early childhood that going into Art Therapy might be a good choice for me. While I was taking classes there I realized that I was not going to be good as a student at Millikin. Plus there were three people in my class that were graduating as Art Therapists and there were no jobs to be found that they thought to be worth their time to go for.

While I was sitting at home with Paris one night he mentioned to me that someone that was in his Weight Watchers meetings worked at Richland and they said that they had a culinary program there. Then it hit me,
"why not do something with baking"? I love to bake and know that I would enjoy myself while doing it. This could be something that could make me happy as I get older and go to work each and every day.

I went and I signed up for classes and there were actually quite a few obstacles that I had to get over before I could even get into the program. Since each class only has room for so many students there is a waiting list to get into the program. The first time I signed up, things came up at where I worked that made it hard for me to get started when I wanted to. I had to wait and then I tried again almost a year later. Again I was on a waiting list and had to cancel at that time due to Paris going to Taiwan. I had the chance to go with him and that was something that I felt was a good choice for me. Finally I was able to start school when I got back. I am happy that I did it. I am happy that I stuck with it.

I have always said to myself that this is it now. There aren't any other choices of things that I would really want to do each day when I say I am going to work now. I can say that I am going to be a chef/ pastry chef. It might take me time, but there is no hurry. I will make it and then from there we will see where life takes me then.

Big changes coming my way! Keep checking back for more info.

2009-10-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

I just posted on MySpace and think I will start to blog here again since it seems that more people still come here quite a bit. Check out MySpace for now until I can get back here and write. I am going to bed now. Way past the time I should have gone.

One day and counting.....

2009-08-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working at the day care center that I am now for one year and two weeks. After the summer progran was over they cut my hours and made a lot of changes at work. Maybe good for them, but not always for everyone else. I guess that does not matter though sometimes when you have to think about what is good for business. The only thing I can say though is that when you have employees that depend on a check to live on then maybe you would help them out as well. WTF! Whatever.
I was supposed to have 33 hours a week because of school. I was told that they were going to give me 2-6:00 each day only. I cannot live on 20 hours a week. I have other arrangements now that will start next week on Monday. I will be watching the two kids that I have had during the past two summers. I will pick them up from school and then have them until their mother is done with work at Millikin and then she will pick them up from my house. I have to help them with homework, feed them dinner, and drive them to soccer practice and to tumbling. I will see what it is like to have kids now, only if it is for a few hours a day. lol.
I guess I will go out next week and look for something part time during the day that will give me a few extra dollars to have for spending

Amazing where life takes you!

2009-05-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

I hope that this is it for me. I mean with school. So I have attended College of DuPage for about three years and then I have been at Millikin University the last year. Now I have decided that I am wanting to go to Richland Community College here in Decatur, Il. for their Pastry program. I really hope that I am happy with the program and classes and can finish this in two to three years. I cannot give up and get discouraged because I have to do this.

This is my last hope for me as far as I am concerned. I wish I would have done this some years ago, but I guess it had to take me going to school for art therapy to realize that I want to bake and decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, etc.... This will be my form of art. I can still be creative and know that I will probably have a better chance of getting a job almost anywhere I go or live at in the future. If all goes well down the road I can do my baking out of my home or own bakery one day. That would be something, to do what I want when I want to would be kind of nice. I am sure it would be just as rewarding as well for my hard work of completing school and graduating.

Graduation was this past weekend at Millikin and I was a bit jealous of the students that worked hard to earn that for themselves. I wanted that to be me, but now realize that it probably won't happen at a four year university. I still have the oppoutunity to take classes at Millikin in the future which is a nice thought. My main concern and focus will be on the pastry classes though.

I was reading an article the other day in a magazine and it was talking about people that are married, they appreciate their spouse more if they think about what life would have been like if they had never met each other and were not where they are today. It made me think about that and how my life has actually been so much happier since I have met Paris four years ago. I would have never had the chance to experience school again if it weren't for him. Along with many other things that I have done during this time that we have been together. Life has been almost perfect in many ways. I love Paris and I am very grateful to have him in my life.

Who are you grateful for and who has made your life better?

Other then that, I am getting my new queen size bed delievered tomorrow. It is my second wedding anniversary present from Paris. It was something we wanted to get, but was not something that was going to be purchased anytime soon. We got a great deal on it and it would have been crazy to pass up. Paris told me that is my gift and I can live with that. :) More room equals a happy and well rested Tracy! lol.

Feel like writing

2009-04-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have felt like garbage for a week now. It is an odd feeling. I do not have a cold, feel achey, or know what is the matter with me to be honest. I have a slight temperature from time to time and I started coughing a lot Friday night. I am coughing so much that I wake myself up at night, losing my voice, and my sides hurt from coughing so hard. Ugh!!!

Yesterday was a relaxing and wonderful Easter spent with Paris. Early in the morning we got up and exchanged baskets that we got for each other. I'll post some pictures soon. I got Pinnochio on DVD, a sock monkey, and some candy. I got Paris a gift card to Best Buy, some candy, and a friend brought me back three cookies from Disney World that Paris loved while we were there. He was happy I think about what he got. Since he did not have a w.w. meeting we hung out at home for awhile. We bpth went out into the yard and pulled a lot of weeds. For lunch we went to a buffet place for lunch and then shopping at Menard's and Wal-mart to get some mulch, plaster for an art project, and a few other things.

I am watching Paranormal State right now and listining to Paris eat a pear noisily. Ugh!!! Soon I am going to bed so that I can be up for work in the morning and not be tired.

Back to the real world

2009-01-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

Happiest Place in the World........ Walt Disney World

(This picture was taken as we were entering into Walt Disney World property and it was a sunny and and warm day. High of 83 degrees.)

Paris and I got back last night from Florida around 6:15. We were there for our late honeymoon to Disney World . When I planned this trip, Paris was going because it was something that I really wanted to do. I have been to Disney twice before and this was his first time. This wouldn't have been his first choice of a place to spend for a week to relax. I kind of gave a small laugh and told him you do not go to Disney to "relax" for the most part, you go to see and do as much as you possibly can in as short of time that you have.

Since he has not been there before, there was so much that I wanted him to experience, see, and do. Plus I figured that if I would not be going back there for who knows how many years to come, then I was going to do as much as I could get done.

I'll give an overview of the first two days and then you will understand how the rest of days sort of went.

Sunday Day 1:
Got to Disney World property at 9:45 a.m. (Florida time) and went to check in at Disney's Pop Century Value Resort.

From there we hopped in the car and went to the Magic Kingdom to spend the afternoon. We got into the park around 10:30 and our day began. Walked in and I realized that I was going to be able to enjoy all of the Christmas decorations without the craziness of the crowds that are there at Christmas and new Year. The trees were wonderful, the lights, the windows in the stores were the best as well. It was sensory overload and it just over takes all of your senses and it is the most happiest feeling that over comes you when you get into the parks and realize that you are there. As a matter of fact, the moment you drive into Disney property I start to smile and become automatically happy. I think they pump something into the air there and put stuff in your drinks to make us all so happy and giddy as little kids. lol. You have to take your picture going in and standing in front of the castle along Main Street. Paris really does look happy and I think he was starting to get into it slowly.

From here you then decide which way you will go first. Will you go to Tomorrow Land to the right or off to one of the other three areas. We chose Tomorrow Land since it was off to our right. When planning this trip I saw that it was considered off season and it may have low attendance. Well as you see in the pictures, it was slightly crowded and I was upset for a bit until I realized that it can be worse and that this was a Sunday in Magic Kingdom. We rode a few rides, the Tea Cups and got the Mad Hatters signature and picture taken.

By now Paris was having fun as you can see and liked the Tea Cups. I think because he could spin me around and make me sick. From here we went to a few other rides and shows in the area. We spent at least three hours in this area. Longer then I was planning on actually and then I realized that there was no point in running like crazy because it wasn't going to work and I am not in as good of shape that I could have been in. My plans were to come here until our dinner at the Crystal Palace with Tigger, Eyore, Piglet, and Pooh character buffet at 5:00 p.m. From there we would go over to the MGM Studios by 6:45to see their Christmas light show which was the last night. I realized that we may not have been able to make it and that there were still so many things we didn't get done at Magic Kingdom. Plus I knew that I wanted to see the parades at the M.K. in the evening. So that is what we did.

That was the best idea actually because were able to ride some more stuff, have dinner at a leisurely pace, and then see both parades and firework show. We were done by 9:10 with all of this and back to our hotel and checked into our room by 10:45 p.m. So we were at this park all day long and enjoyed ourselves as much as we could. We came back Monday morning to ride a few more things that we couldn't get to and then travelled over to Disney Hollywood Studios from Noon until 9:30 p.m. in the evening.

The following days were just as busy. Tuesday we went to Animal Kingdom and then to Downtown Disney in the evening for dinner at Planet Hollywood and a little shopping. We also spent a half hour at Disney Quest playing some video games. Back to the hotel room by 11:00 p.m. to go to bed. Wednesday we went to EPCOT for the day and were there until the evening for another character dinner with Princess Belle in Norway. The dinner was wonderful and we even got a free pack of pictures taken with Belle. Paris thought she was hot.( we weren't dressed for the dinner since it was something we called for at the last minute and were lucky to get) lol. It is usually not easy to get into the Character meals unless you make reservations far in advance.

Our dinner here was wonderful and tasted great. Dessert consisted of School Bread which was filled with custard, the middle was a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, and a traditional rice pudding for Christmas in Norway with Strarwberry sauce on the far left. All very good stuff. For dinner we had something from Norway that was good plus a small salad bar before dinner.

Thursday was our last day and it was spent at Downtown Disney shopping and playing video games at Disney Quest. We left and were back on our way home at 4:30 p.m. Florida time. More pictures and info to come soon on our trip.

Troll in Norway in one of the stores. He is big and I know I would be afraid to see something like this no matter how nice he looks. lol.

New times

2008-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to my family and friends. I hope for happiness and good health for all of you all through 2009 and on.

Whoooweeeee!!!!!

2008-12-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Paris and I went to Border's book store in Champaign for a few hours before coming back home for the day. We do not have a good book store here in Decatur. The only one we have is a Walden book store in the mall. I do not like that store much since they do not have a large selection of books on anything I enjoy. So while I was there I looked at the new 2009 Disney Book to help me plan some more for next week while we are at Disney World.

Paris did his Weight Watchers meeting early in the morning and I was not sure if I was ready to start again and he thought that it would probably be a good idea if I started back this week before going on our trip next week. I sat in on the meeting and felt somewhat re-motivated, but still needed that extra boost and kick in the butt. Later in the day Paris gave me an incentive to help get me back on track and help me to earn some spending money while we are there so that I can go shopping. Yahoo! So I asked what it was that I would have to do. I have to track each day from today until Saturday. This means I have to write down every single thing I eat throughout the day and stay within my points range and exercise one day for 30 minutes. This would earn me 50.00. Then if I exercised the other four days as well for 30 minutes each time, I could earn another 20.00. That would give me alone 70.00 extra on top of any money that we would have for spending.

Well, today I have written everything down that I have eaten and on top of that when I got home I used my Wii Fit for 1 hour!!!!! Not just 30 minutes, thank you. My body hurts and I am so tired. Gosh, I am out of shape and it is terrible. It is amazing how you can feel your body feel sluggish when you gain weight or don't move around as much as you used to. I am determined to weigh 5 to 10 pounds less by the end of the week. Yes, it is possible for me to do that if I stick on the program and exercise each day. It will be more movement then I have had in the last half year, plus the way I have been eating is not the best.

Disney here I come!!!!!!! Oh and Paris too. :)

Merry Christmas one and all

2008-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I had a relaxing day. Not much excitement went on. Paris and I exchanged gifts to one another when we got home from my Dad's house. I got some wonderful things that I wanted and needed.

I received a table top art easel to help me paint and draw easier and maybe a little better. I got a leather art portfolio, and a book on World Art that will help for my classes. The best gift Paris got me was my new camera. I took these pictures with it.

Besides all of that, I hope everyone had a great day and got what they wanted the most.

This year has gone where?

2008-12-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

This is our mantel in the front room.

I cannot believe that Christmas Eve is here already. Where has the time gone? Here is a picture of my tree in the front room. Yes, it is leaning slightly forward due to a lot of ornaments on the front and not the back. lol. I still love my tree. I also am not ready to take any of my decorations down yet because it does not feel like Christmas should be here yet. That is why I say days run into one another.

We are heading to my dad's house today until tomorrow evening. Then Paris and I will come home and do out Christmas together like we have done the last three years. It's nice to open gifts to one another on our own. We were going to go to Grandpa Earls' but he called to tell me that the roads are completely iced over and he does not want us to make the trip there. I guess we will try on Saturday to do that.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and gets what they want the most. Most of all, remember to take lot's of pictures. There is some major scrap booking that has to take place in January or February!!!! :)

It's Hardrock, Coco, and Jo and you can't forget Frosty too!

2008-12-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

Here comes Suzy Snowflake

2008-12-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am starting out new!

2008-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have decided to follow in Alycia's footsteps and start a new blog here again. I have been thinking about it for sometime now, but never made the attempt to do it. So here I go.

I just finished my psychology final and I am hoping that I did alright on it and not fail it completely. I know I am guranteed a D in the class, but I would like to get it up higher if possible. That would be good for me and give me hope that I can do this school thing. It is discouraging some days and I ask myself if I can do it sometimes. Will I continue on for the next four to five years and not give up? I really hope so. I have got to do this for me, my future, and I guess for Paris and myself as well. It would really help out a lot for me to get a degree in something.

Let's take it a step at a time and see what comes of next semester which starts in January on the 13th of 2009. That will be here before I know it, so let me enjoy my time off from here after tomorrow, for my art final is due by 12:00. Good luck to me. I think I will need it down the road.