Fulfilling Dreams

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Remember being asked that as a kid and not knowing how in the world to respond? When I was little I had the cutest nurses outfit, complete with a Clara Barton cape and small nurse kit, so naturally, the idea of being a nurse was very cool, especially if I got to wear the cape.

Fast forward to high school and during my senior year, for 1 semester, I actually considered life as an Accountant. Really. Even though I had gone to Summer School for failing Freshman Algebra, the whole balance sheet thing made perfect sense to me till I failed the final and received a big F on my report card.

Okay, the restaurant business was looking better and better, especially after I earned the coveted Broiler Chef certification and then moved on to Crew Chief and ultimately Assistant Manager.

But something was still missing. My Uncle Paul, while visiting our family, opened my mind to the possibility of attending culinary school and becoming a professional chef. Encouraged, I talked my way into an apprentice chef position at a big hotel and applied for and was accepted into culinary school. I quit my job at the restaurant and felt that for the first time in my young life I knew where I was going and what I was doing.

(que the sound of screeching tires)

Not so fast. Life had other plans for me and I set aside the dream and went back to my reliable job at the steakhouse and life kept moving on.

Twenty-nine years and 3 careers later, I am now ready to fulfill my dream of becoming a chef....actually, a Pastry Chef. Last night was the first class in a 16 month program at the Culinary School of Ft. Worth and it was thrilling. I was terrified and thrilled at the same time, worried that I would get yelled at by the chef just like Gordon Ramsey does to the contestants on Hell's Kitchen.

Along with my usual posts about what I've baked, I'll be writing about my experiences at school all the while thanking my dear daughter-in-law, Jackie, for inspiring me to do what I love and to just go for it. Your courage, Jackie, in leaving your career and diving into the Frech Culinary Institute is remarkable and inspiring, and I can't wait to see you in November to trade stories with you.

I'm so thankful to all of the people along the way who've encouraged me to keep baking and to my wonderful husband for his support and encouraging words as I was pulling out of the driveway last night on my way to that first class...."Remember, Ginger...God gave you two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you talk" Yes dear. My father's words are always with me.

Me and my first teacher, my Mom