become a pastry chef

I know that I’m not a chef, but I’m ready to call this one checked off. I’m graduated from pastry school and have a job in the industry.

I finished my externship hours and graduated from the Pastry Arts Program on Dec. 6, 2006.

I’m not sure if I am going to stay in the business, but I do know that I am glad I did this. It was something I really wanted to do for a long time, and it didn’t feel possible. But I muddled through somehow and learned a lot in the process!

I have been in the Pastry Arts Program at Culinary Academy of Austin for three months now - I’m halfway through the six-month program. We have done quick breads, cookies, yeast breads, pies, tarts, pate a choux, and many, many other things, and we are halfway through our section on cakes. I am having a wonderful time and am more physically challenged than I have ever been - a great change of pace from my writing-oriented jobs. I am also an apprentice at a top bakery here in Austin, and am finally getting paid there! Yay! This is progress!

It’s been almost two months since I wrote in here. I have since come up with the money (!), filled out a bunch of forms, and met with the folks and grandfolks. I wrote my application essay yesterday—now all I need to do is send it (and the other paperwork) in. One more step closer!

I finished my FAFSA last night and let the financial aid director know to expect it in a few days.

Next: meet with her, and get all my referrals/recommendations squared away. And write the essay. And get my transcripts sent. One thing at a time!

I went to the cooking school to make sure my FAFSA answers were correct and to drop off a check… didn’t have my checkbook. Doh.

But the money is there for me to send off the check tomorrow or whenever.

I bought my black polyurethane Birks yesterday, too! Exciting!

I’ve put half of my sitting fee down to reserve a place in the CAA course which starts in July. I’m so scared and nervous, but I know this will be the right thing for me! It’s frightening to leave academia for something less safe.