Oooh...back to school, back to school...

MK's Kitchen is thrilled to exclusively report this latest bit of public knowledge: Yours truly is going back to school.

Where and for what, you might ask? Good questions. Ever heard of a school called Johnson & Wales University? Oh? Yes, you have? Do you know what they are known for? Oh? Did you say their famous Culinary Arts program???

Yep!! Starting November 29th, I begin a 4-term program in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales in Charlotte!!!

[exhale]

...that felt good to get off my chest.

I am SO absolutely excited about this decision...it was very difficult to make and took a good bit of time and work to actually make it happen, but with the support of my husband, family and friends, I decided that it was the best next move for me at this point in my life and career.

Cooking has always been my passion, and it's definitely evolved over the years. I can remember at the age of 10 or 11, making spaghetti - out of a box and a jar - and stirring in spices and dried herbs to kick it up a notch, just to put a personal touch on it.

For years, I've always looked at it as a hobby, and at times, a form of therapy. And starting this blog helped me realize that my love for cooking can be so much more than that!

I've been unhappy in my career path for a few years now. I've become a dread-Monday-look-forward-to-Friday type of person, and that's not who I want to be. I want to be excited to get up and start my day in a career that I love, and that doesn't feel like a "J-O-B." shiver. The dreaded word.

Ok, that's a little dramatic.

But, that's what I've come to think of that word, and I don't want to continue that for the rest of my career. And yes, I want a career...I need something to keep me grounded as life goes on and a family comes into the picture.

So, it only felt right when I arrived at the crossroads a few months back - unsure of where to go, and what to do with my life - and Stuart suggested Culinary School. "Why don't you go to Culinary School?" Um...what? REALLY?!?

Immediately, my eyes lit up and a huge smile spread across my face. I didn't realize how much I really wanted to do this, until someone suggested making it a reality. From there, there was no turning back. I applied, was accepted, we began the financial aid process, and I just recently put in my notice at work. I found an apartment in Charlotte, living with a friend 3 nights a week, then commuting back home Thursday afternoon. Lots of big steps, but I just kept moving and never looked back, and now I'm only a few weeks away from starting the process of fulfilling a dream.

I realize I am fortunate to have this opportunity, and while I know the next year will be hard on my marriage, my friendships AND our finances...it will all be worth it in the end when I can look back and say I did something I've always wanted to do. I followed my passion and didn't settle.

So, thank you everyone for your support!! You know who you are. I could not have made this decision without your words of encouragement. I look forward to returning the favor with lots of "recipe-testing" dinners.

And stay tuned for many updates on life as a culinary student!! I'm sure I'll have lots to share, and you'll be the first to hear. Can't wait!!

"Chow," for now. :)