regrets

One of the most important lessons my momma taught me was really simple:
No regrets.

When I die, I don't want to look back on my life and realize what I should have done differently. Or what I should have done. And things that happen that ended badly or completely unexpectedly? Learn and grown- don't let it eat you up inside.

Which brings me to my current decision. A year ago I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I thought I had everything planned out perfectly. I would get my degree in Baking & Pastry. Open my own cupcakery. Yada, yada.

And then 6 months into my first year of school, I had doubts that this was what I really wanted. I still liked baking, but i'd watch my other classmates and everything culinary related came naturally to them. I, on the other hand, would be pulling my hair out from nerves.

And then there was last quarter. I had 2 really great culinary teachers (both bakers) and I learned a lot. About baking and about myself. These teachers loved what they did. They loved baking and everything it entails. I did not have that same passion.

I hated getting up in the morning to go to class. The commute and the early hours added to the disgruntled feelings I was developing. But it wasn't exciting to me like it was to everyone else.

I realized I didn't like cooking the way I should if I was going to a culinary school. And it was ten times harder for me because nothing came naturally to me.

So I thought long and hard. And it wasn't an easy decision, either. I decided it was time for a change. So on my 3 week summer break, I visited the Art Institute of Cali in Sunnyvale. The fact that it's only a 30 minute commute daily instead of an hour and a half (more if I hit traffic) was enough to seal the deal. That I could change my major to something I'd prefer is a plus.

This week I start working on my Digital Photography degree. I think this works better for me. I get the fun of being behind the camera and working on computers. Believe me when I say that I'm 100 times more comfy working on a computer than I've ever felt in a kitchen.

And photography's the job I wanted when I first found out my job was graphics when I joined the military.

This whole post ties in together. If I'd continued down the culinary path, I'd end up completely despising it. And thats nothing I want to happen. If I'm going to have a career, it should at least be something I'd enjoy just a little.
And If I stayed in baking and pastry, I'd have regrets my whole life.

So see? No regrets. :-D