6 Months

Six months ago today, I got married. Seriously, it has been the best six months of my life. I feel so in line with Kyle and genuinely happy. Not that I wasn't happy before, but just as all the people told me before I got hitched, something does change, but you just can't put it into words. Sure, what's mine is now his, my name changed, but there is something deeper to our connection. I love this feeling and I wouldn't have it any other way. Getting married was the best decision ever.

While in the planning stages of our wedding, I joined theknot.com. They send you a countdown to your big day, usually every month along with stuff you should be getting done. What I didn't know was they also send you count-ups after your wedding. Today, I got this email from them with the subject "Pregnant? New Parent? Trying to Conceive?" The body reads, "Believe it or not, it has been six months since we helped you plan your big day...here are some links to the top parenting websites, blah, blah, blah." PREGNANT?! No way. Now I know that many people do things in their own order these days- having babies then getting married, not getting married at all and having babies, etc. I'm all for what works for people. That's just not me or Kyle. We decided a while ago that we want to spend a few years as a married couple, enjoying each other before we add another element to our relationship. That email I got today was a shocker! While babies are cute and wonderful, we're not ready for that. Check back in maybe 3.5 years. There will definitely be a puppy before a baby!

Today also marks the one-month down, five months to go at school. In this first month, we got oriented, did some basic skills, learned about mousse cakes and have started wedding cakes. I can tell that I've learned a lot and my skill set is increasing, and I feel really good about being in school. I know that this is what I'm supposed to do because I'm finally enjoying what I'm doing.

Wedding cakes class has been eye-opening. I worked with Susan on some weddings and she taught me about icing a cake and laying fondant and piping. But we never made gum paste flowers. I've painted them before, but never made them. That's what I've been doing for the past 22 hours at school- making flowers. 5 roses, 3 carnations, 3 daisies, 6 little blossoms, 2 lilies and 2 orchids- and they aren't done yet! It makes me appreciate this art form, but I'm not sure it makes me want to run out open a wedding cake shop specializing in gum paste flowers. I'll post the progression of pictures soon so you can see what I'm talking about.

Yesterday we spent the last hour and a half at school learning how to cover cakes with fondant. With Susan, this was the thing that I was least good at and was actually weary of doing. You can't be weary in the kitchen classroom. You have two chances to get it right before your fondant rebels against you. So, I warmed it up, tinted it ivory, rolled it out and covered a cake. I DID IT! It looks pretty good and I'm hoping to post pictures this weekend. We're covering three Styrofoam tiers, decorating them and topping it with our gum paste flowers. Then we get to keep it forever. I've got to decide where in my tiny apartment this 16"x14" thing is going to live.

I slept in today- yay! I work for the next two days from about 8:30 to about 3 or 4. My saree and blouse are ready, so I'm heading to little India tomorrow to pick it up and probably go to the awesome grocery stores and pick up a few treats. A dinner out with some friends from school is happening either tonight or tomorrow, so that should be fun. PIE HOLE comes next weekend and then the weekend after that is Sarah's WEDDING! :) August is a great month.

Connected

Ahhh, back to the connected life. It is good to be back; I can look up directions, update my blog and check my email. However, I kinda got used to not having a computer. I read a book and a half. I got more sleep. Out of the 63 emails in my box, only 3 were actually important. Along with learning that you don't pack your computer in your backpack when it is downpouring, I learned that I can still entertain myself without a screen.

That being said, Kyle arrived on Friday night with a handy loaner computer from my dad. It's tiny- maybe a foot long and 8 inches deep. Tiny little screen and keyboard; I can't imagine my dad using it with his big daddy hands. But it connects to the interwebs and that's all I need for now. When my student loan comes in, to the Apple store I go for a new 13" mac book pro!

Kyle is here! I am so happy he came back to spend some more time with me down here. As he puts it, he can spend a little time with me (in between work and school) in Chicago or no time with me in Madison. Good logic, I think. Friday night we came right home to have dinner (pizza) and dive into the cake I made on the last day of cakes class. Another chocolate one- chocolate mouse, a vanilla cream layer, chocolate cake, more mousse, hazelnut crunch, more mousse and a final layer of chocolate cake. All topped off with a beautiful glaze. It is decadent and wonderful. I would like another piece right now, actually! We also made Pithivier, a puff pastry- almond cream confection that is amazing. We learned how to make the puff pastry by hand, then assemble this beautiful "cake". I have pics, but don't want to clutter this computer up, so those will have to wait. Google it to see what I'm talking about.

I had my first evaluation; I'm happy to say that I'm in the 'succeeding' category for the whole rubric. Did I mention that I also passed my SafeServ sanitation course? 98% baby. That's only 1 wrong! And I got to know my new partner for the next three weeks- Cristina! She's cool. I was dreading the partners this time around because there are few people who I don't want to be partners with and I felt that by feeling that way, it was bound to happen. But it didn't! Sad to not be with Alix anymore, but I'll still see her and walk and ride the L home with her, so our connection won't be lost.

I had to work yesterday (Saturday) at 7 until about 3:15. Half-way into my shift, however, our coffee brewer started spewing out grounds and coffee all over the place. I was in the float position, so I decided to clean it up. I thought that all the coffee had collected in the urn and grounds were just overflowing out of the filter area. Wrong. I pulled out the filter holder with my right hand and over 200 degree coffee mixed with grounds spilled all over my hand and onto the floor. OUCH! I remembered Chef Kristen saying not to put a burn under cold water, but lukewarm, so that's what I did instantly. I think all the adrenaline pumping through my body made it seem not as bad as it was and I continued to clean up, periodically running the burn underwater. Finally it hit me and the pain was awful. I stepped off the floor into the back to find the first aid kit.

Burn gel acquired, I slathered some one and waited. With me off the floor, my manager had to step in because we were uber busy. I called Kyle. I tried to call my mom, freaked my dad out calling him to find her, and then called GHC urgent care to see what they recommended. Kyle was the only one I got a hold of. He urged me to come home and that it didn't sound too serious like I needed medical attention. No big blisters, just very swollen and bright red. Finally my manager came back and gave me the go ahead to leave, telling me that I was doing a great job, even if bad things kept happening to me! I clocked out and made my way home, walking a mile to the bus stop, riding the bus to Walgreens to find some more burn gel (without luck!) and then home. I bumped into Kyle in the lobby; he had run out to get ice, bread and surprise me with ice cream. I was blubbering about how much it hurt, but he took good care of me.

We laid low for the afternoon as I nursed my hand back to health. I decided with the intricate work of Wedding Cake class starting Monday, it was best to rest the hand and not go to work today. The boss was understanding. It was a good decision; the burn is better today, but still really sore, like the worst sunburn you can imagine. Like Kels said and I felt at the time, I just couldn't catch a break!

Kyle and I got Ben's Noodles for dinner and took the 147 downtown to see Inception with a couple of ladies from school. It was a great movie; made my mind spin and heart race. Then we went to Navy Pier just in time for the fireworks. Then a ferris wheel ride, a walk down the pier and the long walk to the L. We got to hear some fantastic free-style rap on the train on the way home. We finally turned in about 1am without an alarm set for the morning.

What a great feeling! We woke up when we were just done sleeping and then Kyle made French toast and turkey sausage for breakfast. After showering and double checking directions, we were off to the Lincoln Park Zoo for the afternoon. Overall, it was an okay trip. A lot of the animals weren't in their exhibits, but the ones we saw were entertaining. The highlights were a gibbon that peed on the human spectators (not us, thankfully) and the jaguar in a box in its enclosure. And the gorillas. We made the trek home, stopped for some broccoli to accompany our pasta dinner and have been relaxing since. I think that's the plan for the rest of the night, and that's just okay with me :)

Lessons Learned

Saturday, July 24th started like any other day: rise early to head to work, shower, dress and leave the house. I had set out all my things before hand so I could just grab and go. I packed up my backpack, containing my computer, iPod, a book and my work clothes. I planned to head to Weight Watchers after work, so I wore my weighing-ing clothes (atheltic shorts and a t-shirt) to work and packed my work clothes. I noticed it was raining, so I grabbed my rain jacket and I was out the door.



Not two minutes into my walk to the L did it start downpouring. I reached the L and immediately regretted not also grabbing my umbrella. Oh well, at this rate, I would be late for work if I went back, and probably more wet. I hopped the next train, rode down the one stop and started the 9-block walk to my Starbucks. Within the first three blocks, the sidewalks started to flood and my sneakers and socks were drenched. As I crossed the street to the fifth block, I decided to take to the street which was less flooded. The skys opened up and it just poured. There was no oasis, no awning under which to stand or trees large enough to provide shelter. So I just walked and got drenched.



I got to work and it looked as if I swam in. The only part of me not wet was my mid-section. Even my underwear were soaked! Good thing I had my work clothes in my backpack, right? Wrong. They were wet too, in the worst places: the crotch, the shoulders, my neck. So, sans underoos and socks, I donned my damp clothes, apron and hat and started work.



Remember I mentioned my computer was in my backpack as well? Yeah, my worst fears were confirmed when I had my first break and tried to get on the internet. It wouldn't even turn on. I took out the battery and dried it the best I could and just kicked myself for even bringing it to work. I didn't NEED it at work, I just wanted something to DO on my breaks. Then I was pissed that I didn't just follow my instinct and grab a cab to work. And then I was mad that I had to work at all. Bad day just got worse.



Now some of you may think that it's just a computer. It can be fixed or replaced. To me, that computer is much more. I'm in a new city all by myself. That computer provides more than facebook updates and emails from my mom. It tells me how to get to new things in the city, things that are happening, helps me with my homework... basically, it is my link to the city and to my home in Madison. I couldn't even book a mac Genius Bar appointment, figure out where the Apple store was or how to get there from work. Thankfully Kyle helped me over the phone and I got a genius bar appointment after work.

I did follow my original plan and went to Weight Watchers after work. This was one of three bright spots in my day. I reached my 25 lb milestone! That made me happy, especially since this was the first week we've gotten to taste and bring products home from school. Yay!

From WW, I ventured on a bus whose AC was shot to the downtown Apple store. I met with a Genius and he informed me that the "repair" (i.e. drying out) to my computer would be $795. GASP! Not happening. He did remove the harddrive and did get it to work despite a little water damage, so that is good to know. Then I met with a sales guy to discuss a new computer. I had been planning to upgrade, but not this soon. I was waiting for my student loan to come through, about another month. After we discussed, I decided on a computer. Then came the financining. I wasn't instantly qualified for their credit program and they wouldn't take Kyle's credit card number over the phone. So I left the store more saddened than I had been entering it. I had a soggy computer, an out of whack iPod (don't ask about that one) and no hope for a new computer in the near future.

I got home on the L in just enough time to shower, change and meet friends for dinner. I made these plans the day before, so as much as I wanted to blow it off, I knew I couldn't. I knew I needed to go, to see familiar faces and have a little fun. I'm so glad I went! I met with Tracy, Anette and a few of Anette's friends at a Mexican place in Wicker Park. The food was alright, the margaritas excellent and the company was fantastic. Tracy and I decided not to go to the after-party and ventured home on the Division bus to the Red Line. Tracy got off at Fullerton and I kept going.

I got off at Berwyn to stop at the grocery store. I bought 10lbs of rice and large ziploc bags in hopes the ol' rice trick will help my computer. Third bright spot of the day: I fould the cookies needed to make Tasty Sh*t! I couldn't find them for the longest time and there they were! Got home, filled the bags with rice and now all I can do is wait. And use the library computers.

Glaze is Sexy

Wow, almost 10 days have passed since my last update. Sorry about that. I've been trying to find my groove with all the new stuff happening. I think I'm getting the hang of it, and maybe even liking Chicago a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I'll be happy to say goodbye in December and return to my beloved Madison, but for now, I'll enjoy being here.

Let's go for highlights of the past 10 days, as a summary would keep both you and I up way too long. And I don't know about you, but I value my sleep more than about anything!

The end of Basic Skills week at school was good. We made pate a choux (cream puff dough), pastry cream and dry caramel. Put those together and you have the best bite sized morsel in the world! Kyle and I scarfed those down in no time. We also made French meringue, and used it to practice spreading and piping, but also piped a few and baked them. I think my mom would love these! (I put some in the freezer for you, Momma!) Lots of learning happened that week, especially how to do things the French Pastry School (FPS) way. It was good preparation for this week, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

When I say 'we' I mean my tablemate and I. At school, there are 18 people in a class, or Stream. I'm in Stream 3. There are only 8 tables in the classroom, so we are assigned partners and they change every couple of weeks. I hit the tablemate lottery this first time around. Alix is my partner and she's awesome. We are a good team, work well together, can talk about things beyond if our cream is the right consistency, and have similar ideas about how to go about getting things done. These first 9 days in the kitchen have been much easier because of Alix and I will be sad to have to get a new partner after next week.

This week started our first actual class of school. Each Stream does a different class, so the two morning Streams are in two different classes in different kitchens. I think one is doing Breads and the other Chocolate Candies. The other afternoon Stream is working on Sugar Candy and we are doing Cakes or Entremets (EN-tra-MEY). These are not your 2-layer cherry chip with buttercream icing cakes (cou*UNCLE TIMMY*gh). These are mousse cakes with layers of dacquoise, genoise, or biscuit (types of cakes), candied fruits, gelee and dried nuts. It is so interesting to learn about them and actually get to make them!

We've made a Nougat Mousse Cake and Coconut Passion Cake already and started a Hazelnut Chocolate number that is going to be AWESOME. The Nougat Mousse Cake is comprised of pistachio cake, passion fruit-apricot gelee (a jam-like substance) and a delicious honey flavored mousse studded with dried apricots and cherries and toasted pistachios and pecans. Ohmygoodness, is this one tasty. The other one I brought home today is the Coconut Passion Cake which has two mousses, one coconut and the other passion fruit with thin layers of coconut cake and candied pineapple. This one is my least favorite of the two, perhaps because it is has a little less going on and kinda reminds me of sunscreen. I think my gramma would love it, though, and it may be a contender for her birthday cake. The final one we've worked on this week has chocolate mousse and cake, hazelnut cake and mousse and caramelized hazelnuts. We're going to glaze that one on Monday. I can't wait to taste it!

So, I've learned a lot this week about gelatin, mousses, whipping cream, spreading cakes, slicing cakes, new tools, candying fruit, and the list goes on. The new chef instructor is very knowledgeable and accomplished (a World Pastry Champion!), but is quiet and doesn't circulate/give feedback as much as I would like. I just don't know how I'm doing or how my products stack up to what they are supposed to be. All I want is for him to come by my table and comment about how I'm doing whatever I'm working on- good or bad! We've got one more week with him, so maybe it'll be better in the coming days. We have a Verbal Evaluation next Friday, but have no idea how that goes. I'll keep you updated about that one.

The other thing keeping me busy is work. Starbucks again, about 28 hours a week on average. This time, I'm in a store without a drive through and in a very heavy foot traffic area. I like the neighborhood and the people. I like my coworkers (for the most part). I just don't like working. Some days, I start work at 4:30 IN THE MORNING. Because of the commute, I usually wake up around 3:30 and leave by 4. Work until 10 or 11, back home for less than an hour and then leave for school by 12. School gets done at 7:15ish and I'm home by 8ish. This is a looooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg day. The days I start work at 6 are better, but still exhausting. I talked to my manager and he agreed not to schedule me for more than 2 4:30 days in a week, and not back to back openings. That's a start. I may have to reevaluate this working thing while going to school in the near future.

Kyle's been here a fair amount since I moved down. He went home for about three days over his birthday, but then came back for a good 10-day stretch. He's back home now, back to his real life. I get it, but I miss him! Kyle wants to go out and see lots of the cool things that Chicago has to offer, but doesn't want to do it alone. I'm busy about 70 hours of the 112 waking hours of the week, which doesn't leave much adventuring time. We did get out for two dates this past weekend, however. Hamburger Mary's in Andersonville was our dinner date on Saturday and it was tasty! The sweet potato fries were crispy and delicious and the burgers were juicy and yummy. We tried to see Despicable Me the same night, but it was sold out once we got there. Sunday night, we got to see it after I got off work. Worth the wait! Very funny and touching.

Okay, that's a summary of my life in the past 10 days. I will try to get some pictures of these cakes up soon. More adventures to come!

Happy Bastille Day!

I'm dog-gone tired. Today was the first Starbucks morning, school afternoon combo. I worked 6-10, school from 12-8 (including travel time). Phew. Another early one tomorrow (work at 4:30am- yikes!) followed by school. This might get old quick.

Here's a short summary of school today: cut and weighed some butter, watched a bunch of demos, made some streusel, egg wash and simple syrup. Got to use my new knives cutting up apples and chocolate. Then we learned the paper cone, filled it with chocolate and wrote with it. Harder than it sounds. I will be practicing this weekend for sure.

I'm off to bed. Happy Bastille Day, everyone!

Toothpaste as a jewelry cleaner.

Sunday. Day of rest needed, indeed this week. After the marathon shopping session in Little India yesterday, I needed a day to get some things done and get mentally prepared for school tomorrow.

I woke up, showered and was out the door by 7:45am. My goal was to make it to the 8:30am Weight Watcher's meeting on Clark. I planned out the route last night and was confident in the plan. It started off well, then my colon interjected. A quick trip to Starbucks to use the facilities and grab an Americano made me miss the first and second L I planned on, but it was meant to be! I bumped into the pastry chef/owner of Hoosier Mama Pie Company and we chatted a bit, mostly about the crazy/wonderful sanitation teacher we've both had for the SafeServ classes. I think I might try to stage at her bakery. She has a great background, lots of experience, and I think I could learn a lot!

Anyway, jumped on the next L, rode to Belmont and walked to a mall on Clark where the WW meeting/storefront is located. I weighed in and lost this week! Total shock to me since Kyle and I sampled some of Chicago's great treats like cheese and caramel corn, hot dogs and not to mention that half-eaten carton of PB cup ice cream in my freezer. Nevertheless, losing this week was a welcome surprise. With this loss, I reached and surpassed by 10% goal! I liked the leader and a couple of people came up to me afterward to introduce themselves and chat. It's nice to have a support group like that no matter where I am!

I ventured home, got off at Bryn Mawr just around 9:45am. 15 minutes until the tailor shop opened up and I could pick up my uniform pants. I walked around the neighborhood, scouting out places to take my in-laws for lunch later in the day. I got to the tailor just as he was opening up, procured my pants and walked home. Did a little cleaning up, talked to my father-in-law to make plans and got ready. Did you know that you can use toothpaste to shine up your silver/sterling jewelry? I had a pair of earrings I wanted to wear but were looking a little sad and discolored. I remembered reading that toothpaste would do the job in a pinch, so I tried it and it worked! Good to know.

I met my in-laws at Ben's Noodle and Rice in my neighborhood. Good to see them and catch up. Nice to hear about things happening at home and adventures they are going on. It was so nice to see more familiar faces when Kyle isn't around. I've been lucky so far; Kyle left on Thursday and Friday was the only day I didn't see someone I knew from life before Chicago. It was a tough day, but I know can't to get used to being so spoiled with friends and family passing through the city. Use of the aforementioned big girl pants will have to increase.

Came home and chatted with my parents a little bit. Did I mention it is Kyle's birthday today? Kinda stinks to be apart from him on a special day, but we can't really change that. I'm planning a fun date for him tomorrow night when he arrives. Tomorrow is the last night I have before my crazy schedule starts: work at 4:30am, school at 1:15pm, sleep and repeat. I hope I don't keel over when that starts. I hope that I can get used to it, but if not, something will have to to give. And let me tell you now, it won't be pastry school, that's for sure.

Alright. I don't know what I'll do the rest of the day. Maybe organize notes from lecture on Friday. Maybe a walk or the beach (not swimming- E. Coli infested waters closed our swimming beach). Or grocery store. Hrm... the possibilities!

Enjoy a picture!

Numbers Game

My day by numbers:

1 and only 1 hour spent sitting down today so far. All the rest were walking or standing.

2 great friends (Sarah and I) with 2 great moms (Sarah's and Brennan's) as shopping buddies :)

3 minutes late to pick up my uniform bottoms and the shop was closed. Drat.

4 packs of tea biscuits from a grocery on Devon Ave.

5 texts sent to my hubby throughout the day.

6 saree shops visited, at least.

7 of us ate lunch: a great spread of dosa and channa bhatura.

8-ty. The number of dollars spent on a custom saree blouse, a fall and petticoat. I hate money.

9 hours shopping for saris, jewelry, shoes and eating delicious Indian food and sweets.

10 or more... the number of jewelry sets Sarah tried on until she found the perfect one.

And the best quote of the day, spoken by the saree shop owner where Sarah ultimately bought her saree:

"That color [turquoise] looks good on you [white] people."