Day One, Quarter 3

This quarter began like any other, I suppose. White uniform (freshly pressed), checked pants, silly hat, and freshly bleached apron. I carried my giant baker's tool kit. I was late, though. Not like me--it makes my anxious. But today I had fifteen layers of dust in my kitchen, which was undergoing construction, kids on spring break and for some reason my giant dog decided to pee on the plastic between the new constuction on the existing kitchen. Really? Do you realize how much can come out of a 120 pound newfoundland? A lot. So it began...

This quarter begins with Soup and Sauce cookery. I am not a fan of soups. (Blasphemy!! so says my mother...) I like to chew my food. It gives my pleasure. I think I'd be quite skinny if I could just drink my lunch. I will have an open mind--I promise. As class begins, I'm thinking, so far, so good. Seems like a good group--which is critical because you work really closely with these people. I'm not the oldest one in the class for a change. There are several old farts like me. Old is anyone over 35 in these classes. Most of the students are fresh young things just out of high school. Yikes. Last quarter I had students calling me "mama".

Everyone seems quick with a smile and a helping hand. Each quarter I get more confindent in these big kitchens. For those of us who cook a lot it is still intimitating jumping to it with ovens you don't even know how to turn on. The day went well. I got the lovely task of digging through a vat of veggies to figure out what was still viable for stock. I would have thrown the whole lot out but waste not. The nasty moldy tomato had to go though...

The days are long. Five hour labs are nothing to sneeze at when your back hurts all the time and you are not 21. Those little young things can show up with a hangover, slug down a Mountain Dew, and work like dogs all day. I need a full nights sleep, a fiber laden breakfast, carry a snack, and when I get home I fall asleep in front of the 5 o'clock news. Pathetic. I'm only 40. This does not bode well.

I am learning. Each day I go to class. Some days more than others. Community college is the land of misfit toys. Everyone fits in. It makes me happy to work with ALL walks of life. All. Pastries starts Wednesday. I will fill you in as I go...