Q: "Parlez-vous Francais?"

A: "NO!"  I have, however, been fortunate to have worked amongst several great French chefs in the last couple weeks.  Pictured above (photo taken 1/14/13) are French Translator: James, Yours Truly, and French Chefs Yannick Jagernaud, and Frederic.  These guys have helped me and my classmates make some of the most beautiful food I've ever laid my lips on!  Tomorrow I have my French Gourmet Dinner, which I'm extremely excited about!  I volunteered to help with the Amuse Bouche (pre-appetizer) which has proven to be just as challenging as I'd hoped it'd be!  Look for pictures of the final products, here are several taken during the demos that Frederic and Yannick prepared for us.  I'll update with names in the next few days. 

Lobster Salad with Avacado

Amuse Bouche (L-R: Foie Gras Bonbon, Parmesan Crab, Pate Choux with Cauliflower Mouse, Caramel-Covered Cherry Tomato dipped in Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sauteed Shrimp in Red Pepper Risotto

 

                                                                                  

Begin Sequence: Countdown til Graduation! Starting in 10, 9.....

Hi.  So for whatever reason, I decided (just as randomly as I'd initially made the decision) to participation in the graduation ceremony in May.  So, now I'm counting down to May 1!  I GOL (giggled out loud) as I submitted my application; they asked height, how you want your name to appear, so on, so forth....the application asked for the cap size.  [play track: empty space, crickets chirping]  Umm, do what?  I haven't worn a hat since.....  [play track: empty space, crickets chirping] ..... so I have no idea (!) what size cap I'm going to need!  I guesstimated (yeah, I SAID IT!).  I'm aware that I have a big head as it is (stop laughing!) and with the size of my hair making it even more mammoth, I picked one of the biggest sizes.  Fear not though, I have several months to figure this out!  I'm excited though because now I get to figure out who to invite, invitations, and all of that rigamarole!  I'll be graduating with honors, assuming I don't completely flub through this final semester! 

In other news, today was the first day of the semester.  I greatly enjoyed the 3 week break!  Going back was exciting.  Met some new instructors, went over everything anyone thought needed to be gone over (which this nerd thoroughly enjoys!), but urruhhumm, some of my classmates drive me NUTS!  Pray for me.  Again, countdown til May 1! 

In Today's News....

HEADLINE: WENT TO THE GYM (like I ALWAYS do!)
So I've been working at least 5 days a week since.......at least summer time (seriously, I have!).  My membership to the YMCA is the best investment I've made in a very long time!  I love the group fitness/cardio classes.  Their equipment is great.  My struggle: I want to lift weights but there are always a bunch of macho muscle-bound masculine men around!  I haven't used weight machines in YEARS and don't exactly know how they work.  I don't want to be the dainty female who can't figure out how to use the leg press.  CORRECTION: I AM the dainty female who can't figure out how to use the leg press!  Am I bogus for wanting to use the downtown Y because I think there's a room that only women can use? 

FINALLY TRIED "INSANITY" WORKOUTS
A friend of mine sent me the "Insanity" (r) series last summer.  I've watched them plenty of times since then.  ((Did you notice that I said that I'd watched them?))  I finally began trying them and they're not that bad.  Far less abusive as P90-X!  I'm resting, comfortably at 181.6 pounds, for the time being.  Even if I don't shed a pould, I'd like to not feel guilty for donning my two-piece bathing suit when I go to Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, SC this year!  Wish me luck!

I'M BORED OUT OF MY MIND
After finishing Insanity this morning, I layed across my bed and watched my pet squirrel (for those of you who I've shared that story with!) eat the carrot trimmings I'd thrown outside earlier.  Who does that?  Only 2 more days of Christmas/Winter break remain and I have not a thing to do!  If any of you reading this have any "must read" books that you care to lend, I obviously could use the brain activity! 

Enough for now.  I'm off to read my cousin's blog.  www.ninahbee.blogspot.com.  I think I saw something really cool about thrift shopping that I need to catch up on!  (Which reminds me that I should visit the Salvation Army tomorrow, haven't been in at least 2 weeks!)

Toodles!

Hello? 2012? ARE YOU THERE?!?!

So, apparently, I blogged once last year and then........  Yup.

I'm not sure what I was busy doing, but I PROMISE I'll (try to) do better!

Well, what's new with you all?  Did 2012 treat you well?  What's new with me, you ask?  Not a whole heck of a lot.  Still in school.  Graduating in May (technically, I'm "finishing" in May; I don't plan on participating in the Commencement Ceremony).  My 5 year old has taking up dance - he tap dances on my nerves ALL DAY!  Gained 20 pounds (yes, I CAN admit that).  Still single.  kinda.  Loving life.  Very much in love with God!  I started Zumba over the summer and I'm completely addicted.  I'm something like a Zumba-junkie. 

Since 2013 is here, a lot is up my sleeves in the next few months.  Website, new business, success - and I'm getting nervious!  Still considering the Dietetics program at ISU; I hope to have my decision made by next Monday!!! 

I hope to get back to where I was with this blog - posting several times each week with fun little nuggets of information.  I'm really enjoying the questions I get from my peeps these days: "what kind of cookwear should I buy?  Do you have a recipe for ________?  Can you come over and show me how to make ______?"  Keep the questions coming, folks!  Stay tuned and be blessed. 

All Love,
Denise