NotterSchool of Pastry Arts

...I awoke this morning to a loud unfamiliar chime from my brand new cellphone.
I laid in bed staring out the window blinds observing the early rise of Florida's beautiful sunshine.
My nose sniffles..
Wow.. Orlando really does get chilly during earlier hours and late in the night.
I rushed to the bath for a hot warm shower and begin my thoughts for the day.
This morning was probably one of the more significant mornings of my life. Thoughts ran through my head~...my expectations; my aspirations;...the fear..the uncertainty...I couldn't contain my excitement!
As I stepped out of the bathtub; my toes fell into a big puddle of water. My mind snapped out of deep thought for a second as I made mental notes to purchase a shower curtain for my new place after class. Wandering out into the hall also made me realize there was so much more that I needed to do to make this place a home. A home I'd be living in for 6 wonderful months of pastry and sugar arts! My new IKEA furniture were still in their boxes and my clothes have yet to be taken out of my suitcases. I made another mental note to finish all of that after class today. I wondered where I should get a cable for my tiny TV I had purchased? I can't wait to watch FoodNetwork on cable TV; I heard it's really good! Well..for once I might actually be glued to the tube *laughs* I can't imagine myself watching anything on TV for more than an hour. I guess if I'm watching FOOD it could possibly get my attention for longer.
Maneuvering my way across boxes and bags everywhere; I grab the city road maps on the way out with car keys in hand. I prayed for less traffic on the road as I started the car engine. I was driving from the left passenger seat! Everything was the opposite of what I'm used to driving back home! I knew I had to give it 110% attention if I were to get to the school safe and on time. Armed with sufficient confidence and good coffee; I couldn't fail.
Beverly; part owner and administrator of the school met me at the door as I bid hello to a fellow classmate who I befriended on the way in. Everyone had arrived! I was 5 minutes early; but in terms of class standards...I was LATE! *laughs* oh well.. I grabbed a seat and introduced myself to the boys close by. My heart was beating at record speed! I didn't say much to anyone; I was too concentrated on containing my excitement.. making small talk wasn't exactly easy.
As we eased in into introductions and common icebreaker sessions...I began to feel a little more comfortable. The staff at the Notterschool are amazing..they are talented; knowledgeable and patient. I really admire their professionalism and ability to stay humorous and disciplined at the same time. Displays of Ewald Notter's sugar artistry were arranged throughout the school's hallway and his medals and achievements adorned the walls in long extended rows. He is no doubt one of the worlds best pastry chefs.
The works of chocolate and fondant covered cakes from both students and instructors "wow" me at every corner of the room. I can't wait to make something like that! No.. what I should be saying is; i can't wait to make something BETTer than that ;) *grin*
The whole day was about getting us comfortable and communicating our aspirations and expectations of the course to our instructors. We also had the opportunity to put on our mathematical thinking caps to solve a couple of simple equations to do with conversions of recipes from pounds and ounces to the metric system. It really does make alot more sense when Mary our instructor help put the calculations into perspective.A couple of hours before we were dismissed; James gave a short lecture on the different cuts of vegetables and fruits as well as how to use a knife correctly. He then gave us a short demonstration and sent us off to pull out our chef knives from our brand new tool kits given out that morning.
Handsome, isn't he?
I have homework to do on my first day of class; I better get started on writing that research paper! As soon as I get my kitchen set up; I'll be cooking lots for myself with the local produce here..can't wait!
Catch ya later guys~