SEN10RS :)

our senior project journey has finally come to an end!

everyones presentations were amazing and showed how

hard everyone truly worked. thanks for an awesome year :)

senior project seminar - class of 2010 xoxo.

Now or Never!?

todays the dayyyyy :)

Field Trip #15

The above picture, in case you were wondering is a piece of white fondant getting ready to be dyed. To dye fondant you add a certain type of food coloring on a tool pick to the fondant, a lot goes a very long way, trust me learn from experience. From there, you knead the fondant in your hands and mix all the coloring into it until you get the color of your dreams! Well, today was probably if not one of the final times I went to visit my sponsor. My main purpose for going today was to take pictures. I am doing a power point presentation along with my final and I wanted to get pictures of the bakery and some of the stuff they make. I also wanted to get pictures of all of the employees and explain their roles in the bakery but of course, everyone hates pictures so I did not get them. In the end, I got some very good pictures that will add the finishing touches to my power point. Before going to my sponsor, I have my mentor fifth period in class and I practiced working with my fondant. I rolled it out and colored it to see what colors I liked best and wanted to use and just messed around and had a good time with it. All the pieces to the puzzle are finally coming together and I getting excited to do my final presentation for everyone but I am still very nervous that something will go wrong. Today was a very successful day! :)

Project Connection #14

Well, it is coming to the very end of senior project and my final presentation is rapidly approaching! My presentation is June 2ND which is basically a week away, scary right? Today, I will be venturing to the store to pick up any last minute ingredients and materials I will need for my final. Also, this week; I will be staying after school with my lovely mentor, Ms. Porter to do a trial run of my cake and work on perfecting my fondant creation. Hopefully, all will go well and I will not have to do any fixing or trying to learn new stuff in time to make my presentation amazing. I really have not had the chance to work with fondant a lot in the bakery because my sponsor never had the time, but I am challenging myself to see what I am capable of. This is why I am somewhat nervous as to what my project will turn out to be but that is why I am doing a trial run. Stay tuned to see how it all turns out :)

My Choice #13

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Lately, I have been thinking about the past, the present and the future. A chapter of my life is slowly coming to an end and a new one will be opening. In twenty-one days, I will no longer be a high school student, I will be a freshman in college starting my life all over again. Therefore, this particular quote by Maria Robinson, a graduate of the Writing Seminars at John Hopkins University, symbolizes exactly how I feel about my life. No one can go back in time to fix what was broken in their lives but they can start from where they are and make the best out of what is left. I feel that I have messed up many things in my life but I did not wait around dwelling on those things, I looked past those obstacles and made the best out of my life. I think this quote is extremely powerful and makes total sense because no one has had a perfect life and I am sure everyone would like to go back and fix things, but that is impossible.

Field Trip #14

Sorry, I was not in school on Friday because I was on the six flags physics trip or I would have posted this then. But since I am here now, mine as well right? I went to see my sponsor on Thursday and of course she was busy as always and one employee short. Butttt, it was still very successful! I did not work on anything but while she was working on pastries I sat and talked to her about my project. I have wanted to do this for the past three weeks or so and never had the time so thankfully we finally talked. She helped me so much with the final touches and supplies for my presentation and gave me advice and tid bits on what to do. After leaving the bakery on Thursday, I actually felt accomplished for once. Now, I feel as though I am ready to finish up my project and presentation and I feel confident in doing so!

Project Connection #13

Lately, I have been doing a lot of baking for many people and it is making me feel very good about myself. I love to bake for people I know and give it to them personally. I made a layer cake for a friend of mine with jimmies inside, a color icing in the middle, and a different color icing on top; something like a funfetti cake! It was delicious might I add. Unfortunately, when I do all of this baking, it makes me wish I had more experience from the bakery. I really have not learned anything new that I didn't already teach myself. This is a major issue in my mind because I wanted to walk away from this whole experience learning tons of new ideas and tips and techniques. I guess; if you really want something, you have to work for it on your own and not rely on other people. Even though I have been somewhat "down in the dumps" about everything, I am still continuing to work on stuff for my final presentation and started to come up with different ideas. Overall, everything is not horrible, or at lest not yet!

Field Trip #13

Unsuccessful! Very very disappointed. I left earlier then I should yesterday because I was not feeling well. Even though I did not feel good, I still went to my sponsor because I am such a good student(ha ha). Once again, she was way to busy to take time out to talk to me. This is getting annoying and frustrating. I understand the business and how it works but I do not feel one hundred percent confident in my final presentation and I can not even sit down and talk with her. I have been talking to my mentor a lot more than normal lately because she understands where I am coming from and knows how to help me figure out what is next. In the end, I think that Ms. Porter is going to help me with my project and presentation instead of my sponsor because she knows just as much an actually has the time to spend with me. Lets hope all goes well.

Project Connection #12

Lately, I have been working on my brochure and everything for my project. It has been so crazy because I have been working a lot outside of school and late at night. I am determined to sit down with my sponsor this week and figure everything out so it is set in stone because I am starting to get nervous. My brochure is coming a long very good, I have the design and the layout; I just need to make more then one copy for everyone to be able to have one. Also, I am trying to work on a portfolio/powerpoint about my whole project and my experience at the bakery and all of my project connections. Everything is slowly coming together and I am trying to get it all done a head of time but time is of the essence so I need to get to work!

My Choice #12

- iNSPiRaTiONAL SONG -
Lately I have been listening to a song called Airplanes by B.O.B. For some reason this song is very catchy and I enjoy listening to it. From observation, this song appears to be very popular among many teenagers. The lyrics are very inspirational and make so much sense after you listen to the song a few times. Something so simple as an airplane connection can change the way you think, based off of a song. It makes you ponder about your life and what would you do if you had a genie, a dream, or a wish. Many people go through their lives hoping and wishing for things that they want, some of which are unrealistic but hey everyone can wish! I recommend this song to anyone who has not heard it yet and if you have, keep listening! :)

.. Can we pretend that airplanes

In the night sky

Are like shooting stars

I could really use a wish right now

Field Trip#12

Time is ticking! This field trip was not the best of them all. She was extremely busy because of mother's day weekend and barley had any time. I wanted to sit down and talk with her about my final project and what I need to get done or what is left to do, but I couldn't. I hate to say it but I am over the whole sponsor thing and am ready to just do my final project and be done. What I have planned for my project,I have no clue how to do yet because I have not learned it yet and I only have less then a month to learn! It is so frustrating to try and do this more or less, on my own but hey what can you do? So I spoke with her and we planned to sit down for at least ten minutes next week to talk about what needs to happen in this last month. Hopefully, all goes well and everything gets figured out. Keep your fingers crossed :)

Project Connection #11

Yesterday, my project was useful to my mentor! As everyone knows, or should know; the event being held Friday night is a dessert extravaganza and a showcase full of talent. I have Ms. Porter during fifth period everyday and we were working on making decorations for the event. She wanted to make large signs in shapes that go with the theme of dessert extravaganza and fifties. We made cutouts of ice cream sundaes, chocolate covered strawberries, and cupcakes. This is when my project came into effect, she needed to make a cutout of a cupcake and I was somewhat of a help. My brochure for this class is in the shape of a cupcake and we decided to use that as a cutout. They turned out so cute and will look great for Friday night. Also, being in that class and getting ready for the showcase, desserts are everywhere! This makes me pick out the good, the bad, the ugly, and the tasteful aspects to all of the desserts. Before entering senior project, I would have never done this but now through this is experience I have an eye for dessert.

Field Trip #11

My picture of the cookies I made! Sooooo, last week I went once again to visit my sponsor. It was a busy day at the bakery and I kept occupied. Once I arrived, she put me to work! I decorated already made shortbread cookies. I decorated cookies in the shape of strawberries, with red icing and green leaves and black seeds, white and yellow flowers, and plain pink squares. I was really proud of myself because I had only done that once before and it was difficult. This time around, I was so impressed with my work and how good and fast I finished them. Everyone at the bakery was so pleased that I could help them out by doing that and the fact that they turned out good, made it even better! Next week, well this week actually; I am hoping it is not too busy so I can sit down and make time to figure out exactly what I want to do for my final. Overall, the sponsor visits are going good and I am satisfied.

My Choice #10

I stole Kristin's idea, my blog is based on fun facts about food since it was somewhat hard to find fun facts about specific dessert foods. I tried to find as many dessert related foods but some are food facts. Hopefully my blog will be insightful and interesting and you will leave my page learning something!

• Whenever a recipe for cake or muffins calls for oil, applesauce can be substituted.


• The world record for eating cheesecake is 11 pounds eaten in nine minutes – by Sonya Thomas, who weighs 105 pounds.


• The smaller the size of a berry, the sweeter its taste.


• Each American eats an average of 51 pounds of chocolate per year.


• World wide, consumers spend more than $7 billion a year on chocolate.


• Americans eat 20.7 pounds of candy per person annually.


• The average chocolate bar has 8 insects' legs in it.


• Every second, Americans collectively eat one hundred pounds of chocolate


• To burn off one plain M&M candy, you need to walk the full length of a football field.
  

It is crazy to go on a website and find random facts about things you could never imagine! I think it is a good connection for anyone to research facts about their project to learn new things and possible give people insight that will make them think. As shown today in class, everyone was so overwhelmed about what they were hearing or reading about things that they see or do on a daily basis. I recommend everyone to google random facts about their senior project and then write a blog about it and everyone will be shocked as to what they read. Overall, I learned a lot today by researching facts about food and desserts.

Project Connection#10

Over the past few weeks, I have been working with my mentor, Ms. Porter to help with the senior citizens event for this upcoming May. This year it is a showcase of performances and a dessert extravaganza based on an old school, fifties theme. Since she is my mentor and knows everything about my project, she decided to give me the rains to help with all the desserts. So every fifth period, I have fashion two and instead of working on a sewing project, I have been delegated to work with whatever food and desserts are left over and finish cutting or baking whatever it may be, cookies, bars, etc. This gives me the role of being in charge and making my own decisions because Ms. Porter is always too busy to answer everything, I make the choices myself. Overall, it has been going good and it gives me a good experience to be my own chef and do my own thing. The event is just around the corner and things are going to get hectic but I am looking forward to being a part of it and helping out as much as I can. I have done this event type thing for the past few years and loved every minute of it; so I expect nothing less this year.

Field Trip #10

Unfortunately, I was unable to see my sponsor last week for more than one reason. I was in the leadership conference Thursday all day and tried to leave as soon as possible to get to my sponsor. When I finally left, I gave her a call to see what was going on and explained why I would of been late and such and she said to not worry about coming. She also stated that she was very busy and did not know what she wanted me to do. I never miss my sponsor, ever until this time. Therefore, since I was not there to work and learn; I read my Taste of Home magazine and learned a few new things. It is a magazine based on food and articles about new food trends and delicious recipes. It was insightful since I was unable to see Krista but I tried to make the best out of my time alone. I will be going to visit her this week on Thursday and I am hoping she will have time to sit down with me and figure out my final project and what I want to do and my overall vision. So stay tuned to this weeks field trip blog. =)

Project Connection #9

I think my senior project is finally starting to pay off! I went to a baby's first birthday party this weekend and of course there was food there. After food, we all know comes cake and desserts; the best part of the whole party and the most fattening! They had a beautiful cake made by Shop Rite, it was chocolate chip cake with pink and brown icing because that was the color scheme of the party, it was very delicious. Along with the cake came brownies, cookies, and fresh fruit such as grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple, and strawberries. Here is where my project starts to pay off and people start to notice that I actually know what I am talking about.
The brownies were sitting out on a tray at the table where I was eating. I decided to grab one because it looked very moist and thick and yummy. As I was eating the brownie, I could tell that they were in the oven or the pan they were cooked in for too long. They did not look burnt or taste that bad but from eating so many kinds of brownies and pastries, I could tell that it had a funny, burnt taste to it. Therefore, I mentioned it to a few other people and they asked how I could tell and then they ate one and understood. It made me feel good to know that people actually trust what I say and they could see what I was talking about.

My Choice #9

Favorite Quote :)

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

- Walt Disney

As you can see, I am still in the Disney mood from senior trip therefore; I decided to pick a nice Disney quote to blog about. I really like this quote because it is self explanatory and to the point. Anyone can dream but it takes a real person to dream of something and go through with it. Everyone dreams, some of which are unrealistic and others that can really come true if one tries. I believe that a person can do whatever they want if they have the courage and believe in their self. Walt Disney is the man of dreams and imagination that is why we have Disney World; it is a place full of dreams to get away to and escape from reality. I truly believe everyone should use this quote or live by it because it is very useful and will help in a persons life. Another famous saying that goes hand in hand with this is; if you can dream it - you can live it!

Field Trip #9

Yesterday I took my adventure again to the bakery and had another good visit. They were rather busy with personal orders and we also had a lot of customers come in and buy tons of goodies. I did not do much yesterday but I did watch and observe a lot of new things. I watched one of the employees make hand sculptures of little animals for a baby shower cake, they were so adorable. It took her a while because she had to look at the picture and do it all by hand out of modeling chocolate and fondant. I also watched my sponsor, Krista make a layer cake with tons of icing and layers of cake. It looked so simple and easy but the way she cut it took forever; it had to be perfect. Something else I found very interesting was a women called about a baby shower cake that she wanted a price for. She stated that she called another bakery and got an estimate of eight hundred dollars, which was totally outrageous. Her budget was two hundred but the cake she was expecting to get made was very detailed and took a lot of work and time. Krista gave her a price of two hundred and fifty dollars and that was the best she could do. This gave me a view of the business side of the industry and how to make deals but keep their business. Therefore yesterday was more of a learning experience and knowledge building rather than hands on stuff.

Blog Connection - Disney!

Senior trip was amazing and I wish I was still there but unfortunately, that is not the situation. Before we left, Mr. Abrams told us to think of our project and remember to make connections over the four days we were in Florida. Being the good student that I am(ha ha), I made some good connections. Disney is full of food and good stuff as everyone knows, therefore I had no problem finding sweets to connect to. Every store we went into had lollipops in creative colors, shapes, ingredients, etc. This made me realize what it took to make them and how they made them and also how popular they are among all of the young children.

We went into a candy store full of candy, lollipops, candied apples, and tons of stuff and I saw a huge rice crispy treat in the shape of Mickey Mouse, it was awesome. They also had little cookie treats in the shape of mouses decorated in all different outfits. I loved seeing all the Disney treats, it made me feel like such a little kid, I wanted to eat everything I saw.

Also, something I thought was really cool while we were at Universal Studios yesterday was; a candy store was called Katie's Candy Company. Of course I went in and bought salt water taffy's from there and the guy gave me a discount because my name was Katie. (: Overall, I made a lot of good connections to all the delicious sweets there were in Disney.

Field Trip #8

Sorry I am so late on this post, with spring break, the holiday and senior trip fever I kept getting sidetracked. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with this gorgeous weather! But anyway, last Thursday was the Thursday before Easter which meant the bakery was very busy! I did something somewhat unexpected, I rolled coconut and peanut butter Easter eggs into their egg shape. It was actually rather easy and kind of fun, each one had to be the same size and oval looking. I also helped bag tons of Easter cookies for people to pick up, they were in shapes of bunnies, eggs, and chicks, decorated with beautiful pastel spring colors. Thursday was probably the busiest day since I have been there, birthday cakes, Easter bread, cookies, and personal orders, it was nuts. There was barley any room to move around with all the hot trays and four of us trying to work on our own little projects. Overall, it was another good experience, tried something that I have never done before but I want more challenging projects. I guess only time will tell whats next for me to do.

My Choice #8

WHAT IF ..

What if you could go back to a certain time period in your life and relive that moment all over again? Crazy right, I know many people that would love to go back to a period in their life and either relive the moment because it was so great or change that moment to make it what they want it to be. I know that I think about this all the time, going back to when I was a child just to see and remember what it was like or going back to a rough period and fixing what was broken. Realistically, we can not do that but there is a thing called second chances. People get second chances because they need to fix what happened the first time, and start all over. Yes, you can not go back if given a second chance but you can look ahead and be thankful that a second chance was given because someone believes in you. I would love to know what people think about this and what period of time they would relive. Speaking from my own point of view, it would take me a while to think of what time I wish to go back too.

Project Connection #8

This is something kind of related to my senior project but more into the food aspect. The newest flavor of water ice at Rita's is peep water ice, made after the cute little Easter shaped candies full of sugar. It is amazing as to what people are coming up with, they are taking the small things that everyone loves and making them into all different things and kinds of food. When you first hear the word peep and water ice together, many people think eww or that's disgusting. But, I experienced first hand what the water ice tasted like and it was not that bad, at least not as bad as it sounds. It is extremely sweet and full of sugar! Last year, Rita's made Swedish fish water ice and it was very popular and came back this season. I believe that the new fad with water ice is starting to be candy and how they can make water ice out of popular candy types, flavors, etc. It is an eye catcher and all the little kids love it and I am sure their parents think water ice is better to eat than candy. New foods and such are starting to become crazy and no food is made for one thing, every food has multiply uses. Crazy world we live in today.

Field Trip #7

Successful yet again! This week I was somewhat hesitant to go to visit my sponsor. I felt this way because the past two weeks I did the same thing each time and it was not teaching me anything nor was I learning new stuff, I was more or less observing. Butttttt, this week I finally started something new and more difficult called flooding cookies. Shortbread dough cookies are hard cookies in the shape of different things that are decorated with colored icing and such. I had to decorate Easter egg cookies, cupcake cookies, and plain square cookies. It is rather hard, specially for the first time and working with a pastry bag full of icing and trying to stay on the cookie and make straight, crisp lines. After I outline the cookies, I have to go back and fill in the cookie with the same icing to cover the top of the cookie. It is fun to do but takes a lot of patients, a steady hand, and of course a lot of time! Overall, I am very happy that I am moving on to bigger and better and more challenging things.

My Choice #7

Emotions Towards Class

Lately, I have been second guessing myself about taking senior project as my English class. I love the aspect of the sponsorship and leaving once a week to better my career but I just do not care for the in class stuff. Sorry Mr. Abrams but this is a choice blog and I am being honest. I love English and everything but I hate doing the same stuff every single week for a month or so. Also, I feel like whenever we come into class, it is always a struggle to get this done or do what you ask, stuff on that line. I stuck it out this long but now it is starting to get to me and I needed to get this off my chest, so I decided to do this blog. I thought this class was going to be more into the project aspect rather than the English aspect and I would rather work hands on and be involved.

Project Connection #7

Over the weekend, I watched a cake challenge on the food network. They are on all the time and I usually put it on while I am trying to get stuff done around my room or whatever the case may be. Every time this show is on, I am always amazed as too how much more modern cakes are becoming. The traditional white icing, vanilla or chocolate batter, with pretty decorations barley exists anymore. Now a days, everything is bold, outrageous, and modern. Cakes come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, flavors, and filled with crazy decorations and ideas. On this show, the cake decorators were making a cake for an elder couples anniversary and it contained everything they liked as a couple. Each decorator had to do their best to interpret what the customer wanted and make a beautiful cake to their liking. I love watching shows like this because it gives me a different view of how the cake world is changing all the time due to surroundings and such.

Field Trip #6

Cookies, cakes, icing, breads, and fatty foods everywhere! Yesterday my visit to the bakery was just as good as the past few weeks, possibly even better. This week, I felt more comfortable and adjusted to the employees as well as the bakery. We spent a lot of the time working but also talking and I got to know more about the employees and their personal lives and such. It felt reassuring that I know and understand the people I spend my Thursdays with. She was extremely busy yesterday, making all different kinds of stuff. It was my sponsor, two other workers, and me and each of us were doing something different. I know where mostly everything is now and don't need to ask and I am getting to learn so much just by watching. I worked on cookie dough yesterday while watching her make and decorate a cake. I also learned some of the business aspect of the bakery. For example, setting up appoinments and drawing sketches to fit the customers wants, and how to price the pastry. It is rather insiring to watch Krista(my sponsor) answer the phone and randomly give a price and a date and then get the job done. Overall, it was a good visit and I am looking forward to next week back at the bakery. Oh yeaah, she made a tiffanys box cake when I was there with buttercream icing and fondant, it was amazing to watch!

Project Connection #6

Yesterday I had a family birthday party to go to and of course, all birthday parties must have cake and cupcakes! After we sang happy birthday I decided to get a cupcake, it had chocolate icing and to my knowledge, I thought it was vanilla but I was wrong. As I bit into the cupcake, I found out it was strawberry (yuck). I did not finish eating it, instead I gave it to the trashcan and got a vanilla on vanilla cupcake! This made me realize that I need to start to open up to more pastries and try new things. I admit, I did try the strawberry cupcake but I did not like it. I am going to be making tons of pastries and sweets, therefore I need to try everything I eat to make sure it is good enough for other people to eat. It is better to try things and find out if I don't like it rather then say I do not like it and never try it.

My Choice #6

What is your view on life?

My view on life is cherish everyday like it was your last and live life to the fullest. Throughout my eighteen years on this planet, I have been through the good times, the rough times, the fun times, and everything in between. Having been through so much, I have came to the conclusion that everyday is important and should be taken for granted because you never know how long you have to live. Also, always leave the ones you love on a good note because if you leave on a bad note, you never know if you will ever get to see that person again and be able to mend things. Live life to the fullest is many Americans motto, and everyone should live by it. Have fun and enjoy your life, you only live once so make the most out of it! It is still good to be serious and work hard but it is a must to make time for yourself and just have a good time. If I lived my life like this from the beginning, I would be better off than I am right now, but hey better late then never. So just remember; enjoy your life, cherish what you have, have fun, and most importantly... be yourself!

Field Trip #5

Yet again, another successful sponsor visit! Yesterday, I went to visit Krista at the bakery for the second time and it was another learning experience. I stayed for about two hours or so and just gave her another set of hands. She was extremely busy yesterday so I scooped chocolate chip cookies for her because she needed a thousand of them for today. I also met another employee yesterday, she was very nice and I took time to get to know her. Next week, the bakery is going to be very busy and she said she could use all the help she could get. Therefore, next week I am going to spend more than two hours helping out. Overall, I am enjoying my time at the bakery and even though I have not done a lot yet, I am still learning each and every time. Keep you posted for next week's visit!

Project Connection #5

As everyone already knows, Easter is just around the corner! Lately I have been out doing shopping and running errands and always see the beautiful pastel colors, the flowers and butterflies, all the things that remind one about spring. I spend my Easter with my family, we have a big dinner that my grandmother prepares then I go to my boyfriends with his huge family for another dinner and desert and egg hunts. This year, I have came to the conclusion that I am going to make something that has been a tradition in my family for years and take it over there for everyone to enjoy. Every Easter, the girls in my family get together and make a bunny cake, shaped like a bunny with decorate, edible whiskers, ears, nose, the whole nine yards. I normally would only do this with them but this year I decided hey why not, mine as well show everyone some of my hidden talent. I am very excited and can not wait to get all the ingredients and decorations. To this day, I still do not realize how much stuff is connected to my project until I sit down to write my blog.

My Choice #5

.. WHAT IF ?

Everyone always asks people what if they could do this or what if they could do that and the other person always has a response of what they would do. Therefore I propose another one of those lovely questions, what if you grew up without fast food restaurants? I know, this is a totally random question to ask people but I am sure the responses will be worth reading. We have been known to stop at Wendy's or McDonald's when we are in a rush or just can not find anything else to eat. Imagine if there were no places to stop, what would America do? I know I would not be too happy if there were no fast food joints around because it is a money saver and is in demand when I am in a rush or need food! Respond to this blog please with your answers, I would love to know what this class thinks.

Field Trip #4

Now the icing is on the cake! Finally after all the problems and miscommunication, I met with my sponsor! It was such a relief to know I have a secure, yet very fun and professional sponsor. Yesterday was the first time I met Krista and I thought it would be awkward but it was actually really laid back and relaxed. I left school early and went over to the bakery to get started. Once I got there, Krista and I connected right away and started talking and getting to know each other. Also, she did not waste anytime putting me to work on my own project. As we all know, St. Patrick's day is right around the corner, therefore I made Irish potatoes. It was good to know that she trusted me already with making the mixture and rolling the potatoes. I stayed for about three hours and it was amazing. Now, I will be going to the bakery every Thursday and learning something new each time. This upcoming week I will learn how to roll shortbread dough and decorate cookies! Overall, hard work does pay off in the end and keep trying until you succeed.

Project Connection #4

Yes, I have this book in the picture above. Since my project is pastry arts, my eyes are pealed now for bakeries, cook books, pastries, etc. Every time I am out driving, I see bakeries and wonder what they make, how popular they are, and the type of clients they handle. In stores I come across the book aisle and automatically go over and start looking through all the books. Mr. Abrams you would be very proud, my book collection is expanding a lot over the past few months. This is something I am very interested in, therefore I love to get books and recipes and read as much as I can. A lot of the books I have are specifically recipe books of deserts, brownies, and such. Even though it is not an actual book, it does contain words and directions and pictures, but it is a very good learning experience. I love learning about my topic and want to continue to learn as much as possible.

My Choice #4

What song have you been listening to lately, and why does it move you?

Lately I have been listening to the song "Live Like We're Dying" by Kris Allen. The song basically tells the listener that they only have a certain amount of time to live, therefore that time must be cherished and valued. There are many examples in the songs that give people a view of life and how it could change in a matter of time. For example, "And if your plane fell out of the skies, who would you call with your last goodbye, should be so careful who we live out our lives, so when we long for absolution, there will no one on the line, yeah." That is only a selected part of the song but the overall song is amazing. It explains that there is only 86400 seconds in a day and each second matters, so make it count! Also to tell the ones you love that you love them before its to late and things on that line. Overall, I believe this song is beautiful as well as very motivational and everyone should listen to it at least once.

Field Trip #3

Well, Thursday I was suppose to visit my sponsor, but once again things went wrong. I figured I would wait it out over the weekend and see if she had time to meet with me. Finally today I got a hold of her, not another employee or answering machine, her and instead of visiting her this Thursday, I am going to see her Wednesday. It is now wedding season and she is very busy with consultations and such, but is free Wednesday afternoon. It is a great relief to know my internship is about to start after waiting for weeks. Hopefully all goes well and I will be able to keep her as my sponsor and not have to search for a new one. It has been a rough road, but I've waited it out and kept pushing and now it is starting to pay off. So far, I believe I have had the worst luck with a sponsor and visits but it is all about to change! Stay tuned for the actually visit, and cross your fingers for me!

My Choice #3

Relate someone else's project to your own

I am related Miss C. Pretty's project which deals with fashion to my project on pastry arts. Many cakes are specially made for certain people and they ask for a particular thing. There are tons of cakes made that resemble major fashion designers, expensive shoes, handbags, patterns, and colors. For example, a year or two ago for my sisters birthday, we bought her a cake with a Juicy Couture handbag on it because she loves that particular brand. Cierra is all about fashion and whats in style as well as keeping up with the designers and their crazy ideas. Some cakes turn out gorgeous and people would never think they were made out of cake! It has become more popular over the past few years that people order cakes resembling their style. I think it is becoming a new fad and will continue to rise above because fashion changes daily. Thank you Cierra. :)

Project Connection

As everyone knows, my project is pastry arts and my research paper deals with chocolate. I am trying to prove how chocolate can be beneficial to people rather than considered a fatty candy. One of my jobs is working as a sales associate and cashier at Hallmark. We sell candy there such as, chocolates, covered pretzels, etc. Since the week of valentines day, I have came to realize that many people do understand the concept that dark chocolate is better for you. Many customers buy chocolate covered pretzels of all kinds, milk, white, dark, nuts, candies, and much more! I took care of a lady the other day and she asked for every type of dark chocolate pretzel we had because she no longer eats milk chocolate since it is less beneficial. This made me open my eyes to how my research paper will help people better understand and give them more information to feed off of. It was somewhat of a relief to know that some people actually do know the pros and cons of chocolate.

Field Trip #2

Yet again, another disappointment. I went to see my sponsor and what do you know, she was not there! I spoke to an employee and she took my information and claimed she would give Krista the message. As of right now, my sponsorship has been a total failure and nothing but stress and aggravation. Therefore I have came to the conclusion that I am in search of a new sponsor and will hopefully have one by next week. I understand how business works and I think she is too busy to take time to have an intern. This whole situation does not make me feel good about my project and where this is going but I can only hope for the best outcome. If all goes well, a new sponsor will save me and make everything better. All I can do is try and keep pushing and have a positive attitude.

My Choice Blog!

Who Inspires You?

My inspiration is my mother and my grandmother. I am so moved by the people they turned out to be after everything they have been through. I can honestly say that their lives have not been a walk in the park, and they kept going with a smile on their face. My grandma is 75 years old, can barley see, went through cancer, heart attacks, and strokes and is still kicking! She has motivated me to always be happy and never let any thing get in the way of what I want to achieve. My grandma lives with me, therefore she is always there when I need someone to talk to and always knows how to make me smile. My mother on the other hand is my best friend and I would not be able to survive without her. I admit, we fight all the time and disagree on just about everything but I love her to death and I know she is only looking out for me. There was a period in time when I could have lost my mother and it did not hit me until after everything was over. My relationship with her, as well as my grandmother after I realized they both could have left my life changed for the better. Overall, without my two angles in my life, I would not be who I am today and I wake up everyday thankful for the two lovely ladies in my life.

Field Trip #1

I feel like I have the worst luck with my sponsor so far! Unfortunately, I did not get the see my sponsor this past Thursday due to the lovely blizzard. At least I attempted to try and figure something out with her. Thursday we were off school, so I was planning to meet with her earlier and spend a little more time at the bakery. I figured I would call to make sure it was okay and everything was good but I spoke to another employee and she took my message. My sponsor was extremely busy due to back orders from the inclement weather. I called once again and left another message and thought I did my side now her turn. I understand how business works and she was busy therefore I did not keep bothering her. I felt horrible about the situation and really wanted to meet with my sponsor but it failed. I am in great hope that this week will be much better and if it falls through for the second time, I think it will be time to search for another sponsor, just one of the many aspects of senior project! Don't be disappointed Mr. Abrams I tried and will continue to try, in hope that it will all work out.

My Choice! Favorite Quote

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

This quote is from Winnie the Pooh, as you can see from my picture above. Even though it is from a silly kid cartoon, it has a lot of meaning. Many people overlook the symbolize in young children books and movies. I think this quote is very true for most people in our world today. I know from my own life and experiences that the smallest things do mean the most because it is something so simple. If someone can take the time out to do something so minuscule and small for you, that has more meaning than anything big and outrageous that they did just to impress you or get your attention. Many relationships these days are bought with immaterial things and expensive gifts when a simple flower and candy or something thoughtful will do. I love this quote and it is definitely one of my favorite. Learn it, love it, live by it!

Project Connection

Yes, the above picture is a cake, believe it! As I was watching television this evening, I turned on one of my favorite shows, Cake Boss. It is a show about a bakery in North Jersey and they make extraordinary cakes for all occasions. The owner took his family to Disney in Florida for his daughters birthday. As he was there, he went to a few kitchens and met the pastry chefs and even baked in one of them. This reminded me of our class conversation today that dealt with senior trip and possibly taking pictures related to our project while we are there for a grade. It made me realize that it would be a fun project and would give us a chance to be creative. Also, it made me realize that it would not be as hard as I thought it would for me to find pictures. Everyone loves deserts and cakes, especially in Disney!

Sponsor Aggravation!

Finally, I spoke with my sponsor for the first time on the phone today! It is very unfortunate that she just got back to me, but hey what can you do. Sometimes things do not always work out in your favor. After speaking with her, we came to the conclusion that we can not meet this week. She is extremely to busy this week and the weekend to find an hour, shame for me. We both agreed to meet for the first time next week on Thursday. Hopefully all goes well and we will figure out our routine to a tee. Making time between two peoples schedules can be a very difficult process. School, work and activities are hard to work around and she owns the bakery and works all the time, making it very frustrating to meet. Let's see what next week brings!

Sponsor This!

Which day will you be visiting your sponsor and why did you select this day?

• I chose to visit with my sponsor, hopefully every Friday of the week. It is not set in stone yet because I have yet to meet her but I am anticipating Friday's. I decided on this particular day because it gives me a good start into the weekend, leaving school early, practicing my career, then two days off. My project is something fun and I want to enjoy it.
  

How will you get to your sponsor?

• Thankfully, I have my license and I will be driving to see my sponsor over in Haddonfield.
  

What difficulties with the the student sponsor obligation can you anticipate at this point?

• A difficulty I think I will experience with the student sponsor obligation is timing. My sponsor is a pastry chef, which means she is at the bakery when the sun rises. It is going to be hard to figure out a set schedule with her. Another difficulty is holidays. During the holidays she is a very busy women and I hope there is time for me to help at the bakery and make her job somewhat easier.
  

Write a paragraph explaining what exactly you want to get from your sponsor. Be specific.

• What do I want to get from my sponsor? My sponsor is in the career field that I wish to be in someday soon and I want to understand and learn as much as I can on my own with the help of her before college.

Connect - Today to Project

Cupcakes are the new fad apparently. Lately in the news and articles I have been reading about cupcake stands and decorating parties and such. Even though this was not today, it was close enough. Over the weekend I went to the Deptford mall and as I was walking past the food court I happen to glance over at Cinnabon. Normally you see a bunch of warm cinnabons with delicious icing but I noticed something new. Cinnabon now sells little mini cinnabon cupcakes. They are glazed and wrapped like a little bun and are the cutest thing. I was half tempted to buy one just to experience the taste but I decided not to. And I am sure they are over priced anyway like everything else at Cinnabon, but it is worth it every once in a while!

Weekend Growth

Over the weekend I learned that people aren't always what you think they are. I was having a conversation with my mother one night and we were talking about people, friends, family and different situations. It made me look at a few people in a different way and think, wow they really are that way. Sometimes the people you think you know the most about, you really know nothing about. A lot of people in our world today portray more than one image around certain people and I believe a person should be their self twenty-four-seven. Stay true to oneself and do not worry about pleasing others. After our conversation, I now look at people in a different view, not a bad view but rather a more "cautious" way. In the end, do not judge a book by its cover but do not give in to everything a person says.

Current Events

As well all know weight has become a major issue in our world today. Americans are keeping fast food places in business with millions of dollars a day. People try to eat healthy but can't because they do not have time to cook a healthy meal so they resort to a fast food restaurant. I recently read an article "Getting lunch to work for you," which was about planning out your week and thinking ahead. If a person wants to try to eat healthy, he or she will take the time to plan out their daily meals. Healthy, filling lunches consist of wraps, burritos, hearty salads, soups, and small snacks. Americans can even eat something sweet and it still be healthy, such as dried fruit and yogurt. If Americans keep eating the way we are, everyone will be obese and unhealthy. If all fast food joints were to go out of business, most Americans would not know what to eat or how to make something. Overall, I just thought I'd give everyone some insight on how to eat healthy lunches without being on a strict diet and making yourself unhealthier.

Good deeds and maturity

Over the past week or so I have came across some issues in freshmen seminar with another mentor. There are four of us in one class and we all had different views about a certain subject. As adults, the four of us sat down and put everything out on the table to be discussed. Overall, we came to the conclusion that we should of handled things better and in a different way. We came to the understanding that we all do things wrong sometimes and need to be told about those times and work together as a team to fix the problem. I believe that our meeting was very successful and now we all have a better understanding of how each of us can bring something different to the freshmen as mentors. Also, it is always better to work as a team rather then push people aside and forget that we should be working together. Mentors stick together! Instead of teaching the freshmen to work together, we should have focused on trying that for ourselves.

You are what you read!

"Angels aren't always outfitted with halos and wings, some come equipped with bowls, beaters, and lots of cake pans." I receive the Taste of Home magazine monthly and there was an article that interested me. The article was called Angles in Aprons and it talked about a non-profit charity called Angel Cakes Charity. This charity sponsors cakes for special occasions for underprivileged children, hospice patients, veterans, and many more. The organization started in 2008 out of Boise, ID and averages about 50 cakes per month. Angel bakers donate the ingredients, decorations, time, and delivery for their special customers. The charity's founder, Tina Ellis said "Angle cakes Charity was born out of my love for baking and the realization that there are children not receiving a cake to celebrate their birthdays." I think this is a great idea for people to do what they love and still help others. Hopefully one day I will be able to contribute to someone in some way using my baking knowledge and skills.