So my time here in Colorado is winding down… Never thought I would say it but I’m welcoming it (I’ve already started packing). I have enjoyed my time here don’t get me wrong. I’ll miss the people I’ve met and gotten to know for sure. I’ve leaned a lot over the course time here not only in the classroom but life lessons as well. I know I’ve grown a lot as a person out here. The Denver that I’ve gotten to know has been with individuals that wont be here (or be here long) if I chose to stay. I would have to start all over again. I know that I want to be closer to home so I would much rather have the new start in the place that I will be for some time.

I’m truly am going to miss the Denver that I got to know. The friendships that I’ve made will always be cherished. I know that our planned reunions will be just as much fun as the days together at the park or the nights out on the town. I will not hesitate to call if I’m in the same town as they are. I’m grateful for everything that has happened to me because it has made me into who I am now. It is crazy to think that I started out here in September and it is already May. My time here has been short but eventful and educational.

My labs and classes were fun and challenging, which I enjoyed. The quirky tid bits from chefs on the processes of items, the chefs that were always encouraging and the ones who weren’t have impacted me in positive and negatives ways (All of which I’ve learned from). For one thing I’ve learned how to bite my tongue even better than I did before. It is just not worth it sometimes and works in your favor in the end. There are individuals in my labs that I know I’ll remain in contact with over the years. I’m excited to see what they will be doing next.

The only thing I’m dreading about going home is the long drive. It’ll be my dad and me in two vehicles. When you are driving a Prius, it’s kind of hard to fit everything in without riding on your rims.

So I’ve gained and loss in the course of time here… More gains than losses. I’m looking forward to my time home before I head to France this fall for my internship. I’m excited and nervous about it, but I know it will be fun. That will be an experience I’ll be keeping all of you updated one!

Trying to keep this blog updated is hard to do. I do find it challenging to keep it recent... my apologies. So in somewhat of a brief fashion... I'll bring you up to speed with what has been going on.

Spring break was a lot of fun... Started off rough but all turned out well. My road-tripping partners hit the road at 6:30 AM and it had already started snowing... the weather the whole drive to California was interesting to say the least. Thought we were going to be blown off the road at some points. But we made it through... obviously. While in California we did the whole southern cal experience... Hit up Hollywood and actually got to see all of the set up for the Academy Awards. It was so awesome to see the whole set up and actually get to step on the read carpet! It was covered but I still walked on a part of it. Drove around looking for celebrity's houses and saw the sunset at Santa Monica beach... Beautiful.

Getting to Vegas was fun! We had an awesome view of the Bellagio fountain... No I didn't end up swimming in it or any other fountain. I behaved. It was fun walking around seeing all of the different shops and casinos. I want to go back!

Spring break came so early. Seems like other schools are on it now or had it at least 2 weeks after we did. Our break came at a good time I feel but was just a tease... I'm so ready for summer. I've enjoyed my time here Denver, but I haven't developed a deep connection with you. Its been fun here but I miss a lot of things about home. Classes are still fun and challenging but I'm ready for classes to be over! I am counting down till the end of May. Last day of classes is on the 19th then I'm loading up my car and a u-haul and trekking back East to the South.

I found out just before my spring break that I got the internship that I wanted... I'm heading to Yssingeaux, France to attend a school there in the fall. The school is called Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, or for short... ENSP. I cannot wait to get over there and get that started. Getting this chance to live and learn internationally is unreal! Who knows, I might even stay over there! Then I might come back and move to Austin, TX. Who knows...

Right now, my countdown is to Easter weekend... I'm getting to fly home and see my family and friends. My parents came out here to visit me last weekend and I had such a good time! Got to go fly fishing with my dad one day, shopping with my mom, and then just getting to hang out with them was such a great refresher. The last time I saw them was New Years... Long time. I'm obviously a big family person. Only 8 weeks left till I'm back in the South for summer! so ready to be there!

Now I have to get to work and studying. Have to finish a project for class and do homework for another. So cheers for now... Oh and for those of you who do still read this... I'll be starting a different blog soon about my preparations and adventures of going and living in France. Be on the lookout!

Lots has gone on since the last time I posted! Having only a two-week break for Christmas was not enough. Three weeks would have been just right. It was weird with it being in the middle of a term. I’ll tell you one thing, it is tough being with the same group of people since September for 6 hours a day for 4 days a week sometimes 5 days. I am glad I got the break when we did because I don’t know if I would have stayed sane.

Christmas break came at the right time. I got to relax some and decompress. It was much needed. Still had to help out around the place with getting food ready and gifts wrapped. I didn’t get to see everybody that I wanted to see over break but I did have a nice surprise getting drinks and dinner with some old friends from high school and getting to catch up. I enjoyed being back around my family. That is one thing I’ve missed most about being so far from home.

Since I’ve been back out here I got to help out with a dessert for a dinner. The dinner was for the contestants, judges and advisors for the Intra-Collegiate Culinary and Pastry Competition, which was between all four of the Johnson and Wales campuses (Providence, Charlotte, North Miami and Denver). Got to put together an apricot compote with pine needle (which is edible like rosemary), chestnut pancakes with a honey chocolate sauce, and a tonka bean soufflé.

It was a lot of fun coming up with it and putting it together. The three part dessert was served on a plank of cedar that had been treated and added another element to the dessert. The coooolest part of the night for me was when we were presented to the dining room and given credit for our creations… I just so happened to be next to the table that the judges were sitting. Chef Keegan from the foodnetwork was one of the judges and I was right next to him. He leans over to me and taps my shoulder and asked me if I was really from Oxford, MS (we have to wear name tags with our names and they have on there where we are from). When I told him I was, he grinned ear to ear and said… “Hotty toddy.” Yes we did a hushed hotty toddy cheer together, too. He went on to tell me that he went to Ole Miss for a year or two before he transferred out to Colorado, and continued to talk about Oxford and other stuff as well. MADE my night.

Right now I'm a week and a day away from spring break!! So excited. Road tripping with two friends from here all the way to a friends place in Upland, CA, then on the way back stopping in Vegas for a few days. So excited! This break cannot come quick enough! My dad is coming out here to visit for the week after my spring break. That will be fun! But anyway, I need to keep this as short as I can b/c I have to get up early in the morning to go to my chocolates and confections class... love love love this lab!! 6 hours of chocolates!