As The Bubble Bursts....

Nov 14 8:38pm Paris

Finally I can jab at my Blackberry and make this post happen. Not sure why I'm sitting up straight with this aching lower back pain I have... After ironing a few uniforms as I start my first day of work tomorrow...sigh.
Before the ironing my Jollof Rice craving was settled... More or less running from church and almost wishing the train could move any faster I arrive 5 floors up my apartment building and change to my raggedy clothes and in a frenzy my stew and what would be eventually jollof rice was well on its way. I had perviously raosted some "awo" aka Guinea fowl so protein solved too!

After much ado... Late Lunch/Dinner was served.

Anyway.... My bubble and euphoria of my Graduation on Friday has reduced dramatically size wise and should burst finally when my alarm goes off at 7:14am tomorrow morning! Yes the excitement of dressing up, looking like a million euros, collecting your certificate being cheered yes all that jazz would turn into "real life" tomorrow

Graduation
The Morning of graduation started off with me thanking God and sending messages to my family thanking them for their support and also, calling my mum who was already losing it that I hadn't called her.... So I speak to her and my Dad... Prayers were said and all the mushy stuff included...
Then had to deal with some BBM messages... Then it was dress up time and my 1:30pm I was out of the door

Walking through Madeleine Metro station making my way through Rue Royale past all the Prada, Hermes, TODs, Gucci and all the designer royalty on Rue Fabroug Saint Honore my friend Michael and I confidently strode past whlist locating the building where my ceremony was going to take place...
Yes in my C/A, Celio and David Wej ensemble... I walked like I could buy the street if they vexed me... Yes I did... Some day I would..True Story but for now... I"ll just walk on by


Arriving the the grandeur trapped in concrete..aka the venue... All the asians where already there in their usual group...my friend and I enter I and figure out how to make sure my friends who were coming could get in without
Me coming to get then since they were going to be late...
As my friend and I and in the foyer chilling and taking preliminary pictures, who does he spot... James Cameron! I didn't even know what he looked like but... All I needed to hear was that he directed Avatar and Titanic... *kaching!*
So trust me.. I knew his wife was my friends mum and I went the mum route and got to him... To cut a long story short.. During the ceremony he calls out to me and congratulates me and I ask for a picture and he says "why not! Sure!" Voila!!!! Picture below *SmileyFace* *yyyaayyy*

The ceremony was mercifully not dragged... To the point though with some "speeches" but still good... All my friends looked good..but if I must say.. Male wise... Yours Truly killed it!! Yes I gave them GQ baby! LOL!
On my way to pick my award.. I didn't know when I did a small victory dance... Yes ... It was my graduation I could dance if I wanted to!
Only for my friend to be squeezing face that why was "I showing myself" I replied "ah! You where shy of me??" "Eh.. Some people didn't like also, they were looking at you funny" he replied... Then I looked at him squarely and asked him in pidgin "Na them pay my skuu fees??, Dem gimme money chop? Dem pay ma haus rent?? Abegi! Make dem cack!!!!!" He smiled, shook his head and I made it clear that my Joy knows no bounds today hence this raining on my parade buisness wasn't just going to work!

At this point I think I can I truly say that really success has many friends and failure has none! My phone just kept on going off with alerts everywhere... Facebook, Twitter, BBM... Everything!!! I was so humbled! People I hadn't heard from in forever hollered at me and have already booked me for weddings.... But trust people Nigerians espcially... All ready asking for discount! *hiss*
And everyone was so proud of me saying that I took an unconventional step and I made it!
Sigh... I thanked as many I as I could and made a general shoutout to everyone.... Thanking them and reauesting that all this "support" be bankable in near future....

My Japanese friend Hitomi made 2nd Best student and Won Hoo made Best student and no one could contest!!! He's the baba of Food! Ahan! Kilode!!!

After much talk and picture taking, the ceremony is over and its time for champagne and hor d'ourves aka small chops... After 3 glasses of bubbly and my almost savage grabbing of the seared Tuna steaks and Pain des Epice I switch to juice... And start chatting with the endless graduates and people at the gallery...

After the cocktail... I meet up with my friend Chantily ..I'm the only one that ever talked and bonded with her in class so.. We love each other a bit ... My friend Chigba was with me and we all had some drink and by 7pm I was off to Hotel De Ville to meet up with Zoe for her Dinner paid for by her parents... *freefoodrocks!* *LoL!*

Dinner was at a Restaurant called Robert et Lousie in the Marias... Its an open fire grill restaurant. The restaurant was a like a live spectacle for good interpretation of the medieval times... Been open for almost 50yrs I think... Brick walls, benches and wooden chairs... A non fancy grill with staright up firewood and Huge Steaks grilled with Lard... No hanky panky stuff... Just real-in-your-face food

Dinner was great... Antonio and his mum present, with Zoe's younger brother, her godfather (I think) Leonardo and Antonio's friend from Portugal as well... Between all of us... We probably ate 20kilos of Beef!!!!!

Good times....

I couldn't make it to party extra as I was like an crocodile who had used up all his lactic energy and was now big and near lifeless after such a long day.... I think the Adrenalin had finished in my body!

On my way home as I took my whole day in... The emotions finally came through... I really considered the sacrifices made by my family, the opportunity I had to do this, the inspiration everyone told me I had been.... I had to hold back the tears... And everything I said about not being selfish.. I started reconsidering... I wish my at least one person was here.... I won't lie was jealous of Antonio ...LOL he had his mum...

Getting home... My plan was to type a few words but watching a show was an easier chore...but 5mins into the show... It all became blurry and it wasn't the computer shutting down....

As I finish this post I'm on the semi-bumpy ride to Work.... At 9am this bubble would finally burst....

Hello Reality?

Merci Segnieur Vous etês Tres Encroyablè!!!

A Bientot!

Graduation.... Call me Chef Fregz

Its 5:40am in the morning and I'm sleepless in Paris… sigh

Today is graduation… the climax and bestowment of a piece of paper that seals the deal to the sweat and hard work I have put in, in the last 9 months… wow how time flies…

After updating my BBM status to the above title…I intentionally fell asleep after that because I knew such an update would get me many open chats….and was to tired to answer.. I mean it was 12 midnight.

Waking up this morning to the responses was bliss…the word “congratulations” really does feel rewarding and fulfilling…

Yesterday the 11^th, making sure I rose as my alarm went of said my prayers and started getting ready for my appointment at the restaurant I would be working in for 11pm I needed to get my contract signed but guess who was running late? Sigh… I get there just on time and prayed in tongues for the best of my French to come out of my mouth so I don’t look to stupid in front of the chef….anyways I as I arrive through the doors from rainy exterior, I mention I have a meeting with the chef and I was led downstairs where the kitchen was and to my semi-discouragement all the workers there where all illegal immigrants from Martique, Madagascar, and some real “dudus” from some French speaking African nation, they made up a good 95% of the cooking staff whilst the only French workers were the head chef and like 2 others…. And in my mind I'm like “sigh….so I'm the Nigerian who will look like me too I don’t have papers in their eyes abi? LOL!!!” but it just had a weird feeling to me… but what had a stranger feeling and shock to me was the head Chef…. The average Chef in the world has some serious meat on his bones or at least a pot belly to show for all his endless sampling of food and so on, but in France generally I have come to deal with the fact that men come in tooth pick sizes! And you wonder where all the croissants and butter filled food they eat goes to! But the head Chef gave a new meaning to “skinny” gosh!!! He even looked anorexic!!!! All his facial bones where sticking out, his waist was visible through his apron! It was not a very good sight….had to keep a straight face and pay attention to all he was trying to say to me…

we get the Contract signed, he gave me a tour of the restaurant, and he even spoke some level of English! But I'm only counting on that for emergencies because I really want to improve my French!! And I wanna keep hearing it till it just makes sense! So I start work 9am and finish and 5pm on Monday…. I'm just keeping an open mind…

After Market, I head to Chatelet to “fix-up-look-sharp” for graduation hadn’t been to that area in a while and I needed something “inexpensive” but sharp for today… so after much roaming I pick up a few things including a white and purple shirt and some socks and ties. C&A never fails me! LOL! Thanks to RIM and their BBM witchcraft, I called on my best friend Tayo Ola to help decide what to buy, so I made my combos and sent the pictures via BBM and he sent me a suggestion that was an excat consideration of mine! So….we agreed on the look and the deal was sealed…. Pictures soon so you would see the final product!

At this point…I couldn’t tell what was going to burst first, my bladder or my stomach. I had made the effort/mistake of having a sandwhich and one litre of water in this cold weather so…a few hours later my body reacted and it wasn’t good… I did all the dances possible to stop me from being a one year old who couldn't control his bladder actions… coupled with the hunger… I was on the verge of fainting!

Sadly MacDonald’s was my only hope… more sadly in the light of feeling healthy, I had a Coke zero and a lame salad that looked good on display but crap in reality… but I ate and relished it as the hunger was almost eating my insides! Afterward si even got some small size chunky fries…. Yes I was that hungry! And proceeded to cut my hair…

If you read my last post about cutting my hair, you already know that I always have stories to tell well…

Making my way through the metro and walking briskly enough to ignore all these hair hustlers, I make it to my zones where my Nigerian guys are at and do it with a sense of familiarity now… but my regular guy isn’t around so another guy who is “Bini” (benin) is in charge of my hair today…. Then he starts to talk!!!!!! Chai!!!!!! With his undeniable benin accent (I could even hear it when he spoke French!) he started asking me (with a dead attempt of “phonetics” ) some questions and trying to strike up that barber-barbee convo!

Barber: so are you have been living in france for a loon tym?

Me: no, na school I dey

Barber: so you have your parent living with you here right?

Me: no na, I tok say I dey school!

Barber: ehen so… ah so your parent are the wan sponsoring you here right?

Me: *inmy mind* ah!!! This one thinks he has seen “boti” kid! Hahahaaaa I laugh at you!!! Did they write dollars on my head!!! *hiss*….. “no oh…I was working before I came we shared it…”

Barber: ah… releey.. ah… you know  it’s not easy… to be staying in this Europe

Me: *my mind* yeah tell me something I don’t know!

**pls try and imagine the barbers questions with the most despicable attempt at phonee/yankee accent

Anyways…. He went on and on with all the questions that were aimed at finding out how rich I was..but put him straight and informed him I even grew up in Benin…and all this misbehavior his doing…he should stop it… at the end of the day… he did hook me up with an amazing hair cut… so I gladly handed him my 10 Euros and walked out feeling like I was GQ cover ready!

Sadly again… as I approached the house… there was a rumble in my tummy once more… but after all that food in Normandy I promised myself I was gonna go a strict diet and exercise…. So I picked up some courgette and leeks from the supermarket and recreated my friend Inigo’s Courgette cream soup… but my mine was the skinny version… and roasted some “awo” aka guinea fowl… with pepper and had that for dinner whilst on Skype with Omowale…

So basically yesterday was good even with the cold and the drippy rain, constant hunger and the risk of wetting myself….

Today has to be even more fun… my graduation ceremony, dinner at Zoe’s ….hmmmm….

I'm forever indebted to God…. Jesus my life is yours… continually use me for your glory…. Help me honour You more…

To all my family members… I knew if you could make it you would… I'm not going to be selfish and sulk that no ne came for my grad… if you didn’t make your sacrifices there would be any graduation sef!!!! May God increase everyone of you! Your children will not lack any good thing!

I will make you all proud… by God grace… it’s a promise!! You have sown on good ground… your seeds will bring forth fruit!

I hope today won’t be too emotional too… my small group of friends… we would really miss each other…

I'm gonna try and really take today in… because my bubble would be burst when that alarm goes off 

tomorrow morning meaning I have WORK!

A Bientot!!!

Normandy.....La Fin

Nov 10 2010
Today is the final day we are on the way back to Paris...typing this as I take the scenery in as we ride past, I have Oleku by IcePrince and Byrmo pumping in my ears as I do this...after all the drama that transpired last night, the kissing and making up this morning...the reality is really setting in... We are all saying goodbyes slowly...

At this point I'm not sad or depressed like that but at the same time its kinda hard to see this amazing 5days of feasting and laughter just end like that and its back to the reality of Paris, work, stinky metros, my five floors of stairs I need to climb everyday ....*sigh*

Moreover there's the issue of really running again! I'm strongly convinced beyond reasonable and unreasonable doubt that I have put on maybe 10billion kilograms! I mean I didn't hold back.... Fatty Bacon, Salami, Baugettes, Creamy desserts, Endless sugar filled treats, Apple Crumble, wine... Yes the whole nine yards! Sigh! My stomach I'm sure would remind you of the recently beached whale at the beach in Lagos or a sun bathing Walrus...sigh

But it was all worth it... This trip dug deep into my pocket also..but I live once, so...oh well, I was inspired, my passion for cooking and food was fuelled, got to know people better, grow as a person... So at the end of the day its a small price I have paid... And thankfully God has already provided!

But I would love to re-live this experience again.... Looking at cows grazing on picturesque fields, calm horses chewing every last strand of grass from the earth, drinking fresh milk from cows!, seeing the dramtic backdrop of the autumn spiked vegetation, plucking apples from the trees....hmmm
My friends and I have planned to do this in another 2 years... Re-union things, And I want some of my Nigerian friends to do this as well and even my family...just anyone one would be as exposed as me and open-minded to do this

We almost in Paris now... *sigh* but as I think and allow my mind replay everything, I just stand in awe of my Lord God Almighty.... Sometimes I just feel this is too much... I'm not faithful but he blesses me...Thank You Lord..help me to honour You more

If your are reading this and you wonder why I ALWAYS thank God... Please search for him through Jesus..The Truth The Way and the Life... Who has made all this possible for me...He can do the same for you and more importantly save your soul...

This post is dedicated also to my Aunty Yemi Shonubi... I see I have not done you justice by mentioning you.... You were the one that God used to spark this dream into the reality it is today....God bless you aunty! Thanks for the "Monday deadline" and the encouragement to research schools online.. You are the best aunty! Your children's dreams would see the light of day!

To my family and everyone that is pushing me...I love and thank you!

A Bientot!

P:S The post for the previous days are still in the works... So...pardon my apparent not so smart move! Post soon!

A Fine Saturday in Normandy

Nov 6th. Day 2 11am
Morning

Waking up to tranquil,quiet and cows moo-ing ibreaking up the silence is definitely better than the sirens and the rush hour traffic horns I wake up to from my 5th floor apartment and also the bell of the bus I seem to constantly miss on my way to school... Sigh

Yes waking up this morning had a real holiday feel to it... No 8am class to rush to or even a 3pm class to consider... At 7:04am I was the first to get up... After strolling to the kitchen and having 2 glasses of orange juice I go back to my room to pray and commit myself to God and the remainder of the trip. And I read my Bible... Good stuff!

Eventually everyone gets up... I run to Zoe's in particular to see what she looked like first thing in the morning because she usually is all prim and pretty in her black ensemble and her Sarah-Jessica Parker Shades and coffee in her hand with her cigarette that always makes her look like a movie star! Any ways she refused that I see her especially as she was hungover! But after much pleading I catch a glimspe she still looked beautiful I thought....

After much do we are on our way to the fish market that we suspect we. Are extremely late for! As I type this I'm starting to feel sick. Maybe it was the pasta I ate before we left... Sigh. I'm looking out to the mountains and hills with the dramatic art of autumn. Gosh! its beautiful the country side! For me this was what I read in enid blyton novels or scenery out of a semi-medival movie of pictures from classic english movies that invoved mountains, small farm houses, cows grazing, I even saw some white goats...they looked exremely cute! Check out the black version we have in Nigeria...*sigh*

Evening 4:26pm
I still feel terribly constipated with a couple headache... I feel blue and bloated..I won't lie too much to eat and drink...sigh...
However the market trip was fun! First of all though we missed the fish market! But It was still great to walk down an almost endless aisle of fresh produce and other artisians selling other. Regular items like clothes and DVD for example. Tonight was Brazilian Night so Leonardo was cooking but finding prawns was proving quite difficult but eventually we found the "Possionerie" aka Fish Shop that was next to this old cathedral it looked abandned but good dramtic looks. My friends picked up like 2million Oysters and all d shellfish they needed..Then I picked up some red onions for my jollof rice and Leo got the rest of the stuff he needed then we headed to the supermarket then home to start cooking.
At this point I must say I really loved the way all of us "Chef" are in one house cooking... Even though its Leos Night everyone put in a hand to help with e cooking, Hitomi (the Japanese girl who I'm convinced has in built steroid reserves as she is just way too efficient!) She was. Chopping something, I was drinking something, Zoe was shucking the Oysters, and Inigo was making us a spanish Tortilla (Eggs and Potatoes, Mayonnaise...yes not a waist friendly dish) but sadly it didn't work out but in it mushy state it was delicious! His mayonaise was light and tasty! Hmmm!

Most people starting with me took a nap and everyone except me went to the cheese makers next door and when they returned the couldn't hold the excitemrnt on how amazing the experience was milking cows themsleves and seeing how their cheese was made. Too bad I missed. Anyway after much ado in the kitchen Brazilan food is served! "Camarão na Moranga" "Prwans in Pumpkin.... All I can say... I have to make that dish again!!!!!!! What! That food was DELICIOUS! Ahan!!! Leo made "" a pumkin and seafood cream sauce with vegetables and with basmati rice that had parsley and olives in it! Before bed we played this funny hand game and one by one we signed out to our respective bed rooms. Well that was before we dozed of to "No Reservations- Anthony Bourdain"

So I'm about to pass out now...some gas is getting out of my constipated self... I'm looking forward to cooking my Jollof rice tomorrow... Sucks I can't go to church or even church online... Oh well...

Before I sign out I would like to Thank God for Life to be able to experience this and also for provding for the trip! I don't work but I have more than enough...Jesus you are to much!

Normandy

As I type this I'm on the metro to a friends place from which the group of us from school would go to Normandy...

Wow... So 8months gone like that.... I still feel Numb and no feeling of anything... I think I'm still worried about my mishaps at d last minute in my exam...or that I finished and nothing more....don't even know

Last night I decided to just spoil myself a friend and I went to have Breakfast at 8pm! Saw 2 movies while I was half asleep in them...then at midnight I decided to induldge in MacDonalds! Yes me the weight loss activist... Sigh Actually what I bought was small and it suprisngly tasted good! Anyway is was an indian spiced thing.... I had being craving. Sprite so had a medium one... And a small bag of fries (pls don't judge me! I was celebrating)

Waking up this morning was like conquering mount Everest... I felt like I had to much to drink and was suffering the reverse consequences simply termed "hangover" yes I felt heavy... Drained...
But I had to get up and get ready for my trip...and I had to clean up my kitchen a bit....and my room... But time went so fast! And I had to hop in and out of the shower like a hurdle athlete rushing to the finish line. I make to my friends house just in time for the meet up to go the the house in Normandy

Anyway I as I type I'm in my friends car driving through the beautiful near endless green vastness of vegetation and fields. Seeing helthy cow calmly grazing was actually beautiful...
It was like a real road trip you see in movies...not like sleeping through the bad roads and boring vegetation on Ibadan express or the highways to Osun state or Onishta while the poor driver endures endless hours of driving. Anyways I slept and I don't mind putting up a picture my friend took of me with my phone! Beacuse we had run out of gist and games to play!
After much checking of Google maps and finally figuring the house address... About two and a half hours to be precise...

We arrive at the house... Its an endless vastness of hectares with a pool, the main house a horse stable, a table teniis and garden area, an like 10 apple trees! Apples were all over the floor! There was also a horse chilling in its zones...

Stepping into the house was amazing! The owner Paul and his wife had done nothing short of an amazing job to what used to be an old stable and created a fine balance between old and new. The outer part of the house were old brick walls and the interior was well furnished with updated furniture, flat screen TV, sound system... THE KITCHEN!!!! I can't even start to do justice with a description! Its was spacy with a huge centre wood top that doubled as shelves for plates and all which aslo could double as a dining table, it also had. Chopping board fitted into it...had everything we needed tho the knives were a bit blunt but oh well!
The dining room proper was just superb! We all were starting to feel like we are at some fancy mansion/hotel! The rooms too were just simple but great. I got a room that had this huge fire place but its wasn't too cold to light any fire and I didn't want to stand the risk of committing arson anyway.

Our spanish friend Inigo cooked his grandmothers pasta with creamed courgette soup for us... Delicious! And we are still looking forward to Paella! And all the other themed nights we going to have. And Yes my own theme is Jollof with Stew and dodo. I think if I wanted to do Eba or poundo they would curse me!

By dinner I had had a bit too much to drink and resorted to drowning out the alcohol with water I felt like a walrus! Heavy! Oh well...

Its about 2am by now... I didn't mention I have been banned from using my Blackberry when I'm around everyone... I can only use it now because I said I was going to bed and I just needed to blog about this....I've already been teased about not having my crack and if I'm twitching yet? If I also needed my fix... Well honestly it felt like that.... One hour without my BB I felt like my shares at the stock exchange were crahsing and if I didn't chat or check my twitter I wouldn't be able to save them! *sigh* God bless RIM all the same!

So this is day One.. Four more days to go... Graduation next week and also my IT....

Le Finale......

LE FINALE….

Its 12:07am and i just finished ironing my uniforms that i would wear officially for the least time as I cook my final dish at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, Paris France.

As I type this…I won’t lie I'm somewhat emotionless…. I don’t know whether I feeling like I'm at my ninth month and I'm about to drop the baby or if I'm contestant on a live reality TV show and I'm waiting for the announcement to be made that would crown me the winner or the taker of some prize or as my friend Bolaltito Ladoja would think “maybe I'm about to told I'm “Top Chef” by Padma Lakshimi and given agreement nods from Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio” *sigh*

All these run through my mind….. but nothing …. still….

However, as I consciously look back… I see I have come a long way! Referring to the Facebook message I got from my sister 20mins ago… she asked if I was up to standard now and if I was better than when I arrived Paris…. My answer “MOST DEFINITELY I have learnt soooo much!!!!!” so yes I'm definitely a better cook and my skills have been pointed in the right direction. And again I look back and see how blessed and fortunate I am to have had this experience… like we would say in Nigeria “ it’s not a beans or a poraro”  aka it not easy to live and study in Paris… it’s the sweet and good Lords doing and I'm so grateful

And if your thinking and wondering “ermmm so you are a chef proper right?” errr NO!!!

Cordon Bleu isn’t your paid stamp to being a Chef…. But I'm in transition… all I have learnt from Cordon Bleu usually take other years to learn… but what I have learnt in *months I still have to practice it daily and improve and with time (5 years plus I guess…) metamorphosis would take place and voila….. “CHEF!!!”  but I know many people aren’t going to give it a rest…. And so would I ???!!!

 I am “Chef Fregz!!!!”  LOL! Yes so know who I am!!

I'm looking forward to my Trip to Normandy…. (Its another region, north of France) 5 days in the country side in the middle of the “woods” with friends….. it should be fun I hope… because it was quite the pocket driller….

As I stop to type and end this post I would like to apprieciate my Father in Heaven and Jesus the lover of my soul… I'm not worthy at all of what I have… but all the same… daily I'm loaded with His benefits… then my grandfather… Prof A.B  Kasunmu…. I don’t know how to thank you! Uncle Segun who sparked this Paris thing… my awesome Aunty Toyin … you really fought for me…  Aunty Tosin…. Hmmmm God bless you… happy I could always talk to you… Aunty Bola…. I saw another side of you I never knew….youre so loving and awesome… also Aunty Bola Odukale…. Infact… your own is just too much!!! God will bless you!! 

Ok….im having brain freeze now… erm Uncle Tunde Kasunmu and Odukale….silent but very supportive!! Thank you… ohhh!lest i forget! My darling grandma!!! If anything… you always pray for me! And thanks for the support too! love you much!

To my Mother… I can’t but thank God daily for you… (though we almost want to annoy each other to oblivion) you’re special to me….  I will make you and everyone so proud!

Daddy thanks for doing what you could…. I appreciate it so much!!! I know would do much more if you could! Thanks!

Toju… I love how we loved each other more when I moved far…. So proud of you

Ok now… if you’ve ever supported me in anyway prayers, calls, BBMs, what have you…. Thank you…

Funny thing is as I end this journey another begins…. So this is to better and brighter days ahead…

I shall work with the best and be the best…. My life from here just has to be more awesome…

so im gonna cook my life out tomorrow!! i hope to make time and just be on point! i go in with my Father's blessing and help....

A Finale…. Je Prend La Victorie!

A Bientot!

Could This Be Real?

My Main Dish

Verrines of Oyster Tempura

COULD THIS BE REAL?!

yes ... even i am in a bit of shock i am actually posting this...im just as bewildered as you...ha!


As I type this post.. I'm not sure the degree of shame/embarrassment I feel…four whole months…sigh

I will confess the honest truth and not use school or any of my activities to be the blame carrier for my gross complacency. So truth be told, I have allowed a chronic case of laziness and procrastination take a strong grip and hold of my life…in the last four months….but I won’t stay defeated forever…

I move past all the guilty feelings, the “distrust” you may have in me… and break the cycle and post this…

Part of my struggles with ding this post was that…all my stories would have lost all its “flavour” and the novelty would be gone…but I would tap deep into my mind and make sure I do good “blasts from the past” and make sure I keep writing from time to time. And my life hopefully would be to boring in the near future! I strongly doubt that!
This morning as I woke up too my annoying alarm, after scrolling through twitter I just looked at my computer and opened my Microsoft word (which I had almost forgotten where it was…) and said to myself….i shall post!!!

Finals

So, so far so good…..like a dream I finish my Le Cordon Bleu journey on Thursday! Yes this Thursday! My final exam happens at 10:50am! Wow! I remember when I was running around for visa, not too sure where the funds were coming from, my first few cold nights in Paris, my first day at school, being catered too and left to gorge on excess croissants and orange juice…. Now I'm Superior, having my final exam on Thursday and kissing my Cordon Bleu whites for the last time….wow….God is faithful…all I can say!

It’s been an amazing journey but I'm not Joel Robuchon yet!… and like I told my Unlce Tunde when he asked me “so are you a good chef now?” I couldn’t say yes because I definitely didn’t not have the 20 years experience some of my chefs had, so my 8months of learning at their feet even with all my expensive school fees doesn’t give me the right to say yes! So I answered “no Unlce, but it’s been a whole learning experience! Learning from other students who had from 2 to 10 years experience…I can’t be messing with them”… Yes you read right 2 to 10 year’s experience!!! So who was a Nigerian-Self-Taught-TVShow-Junkie supposed to be next to them?! Don’t get me wrong… I rock in the kitchen…I know I'm good but I have a lot to still learn… however, one of my chefs continually tells me how he’s so proud of my improvement since Basic….. Yes I got that comment like 3 times now and that all the encouragement I need.
However, my million dollar tuition fee hasn’t been in vain either… learning all I have learnt is priceless it takes some other people years to learn what I know in just 8months so it’s worth it anyhow.
The food in Superior was really good…a few things I still couldn’t relate with or plain hated… but in general great stuff and we were allowed to be more creative with our food and do “almost” what we wanted.
As I type this I am anticipating typing my menu for my exam as well. I have chosen to make the below
Amusbush
(the appetizer to the meal)
A Verrine Of A Tomato Essence With Bloody Mary Ice Jelly With A Basil Granita And Oyster Tempura

Main Dish

San Choi Bow
(A Lettuce Wrap With A Mélange Of Chestnuts, Walnuts, Scallops, Golden Chanterelle Mushrooms, Parsley, Soy Sauce) Served In A Scallop Shell With

Cumin Spiced Monkfish on A Pumpkin Puree With Crispy Bacon And Chives Topped With Salsify Chips

With a Caramalised Onion and Cognac Sauce

So yeah that’s my dish….and pictures below….from my practice

I know you may go “wow…that’s awesome” but I'm nervous as ever!!! Cos I have to meet the time and my speed has to be mega on point!!! And that’s still a not so strong point for now but I'm just leaving everything to God’s hands….I have no other choice but to be fine!

MY LIFE….

Apart from all my school drama, etc… I think I'm doing well …Hillsong has been of great help helping me stay focused with my dear Jesus. I'm not going to be all self righteous and say I haven’t done some shameful things….but I have learnt all the way and that’s what counts…
don’t worry for those of you who know me…I have done nothing too extreme…. I haven’t been drunk yet for example…(though I was at the toll gate! LoL!) Yes nothing to serious… hahaaa
But did I mention I am ready to stay in Paris for another year? Well I'm saying now… I'm trusting God for a job so I can move back for a year there about and gain more experience… and keep living the dream….
Many may ask… “When are you going to set up your own thing” well right now I can’t answer definitely… but all I can say is “soon” … annoying answer right? But I'm sorry that’s the best I’ve got! For now at least…. And when I happen you would know!
Before I sign off I would like to say I'm shocked how terribly addicted I have become to my blackberry…and it didn’t help when my best friend got one…and with Twitter as well….*sigh* I need rehab! But it helps me keep in touch with home and a world I know very well!
I have also via my Blackberry met and made people I consider are very good friends now….cant wait to meet people like Jibola Lawal, Ugochi, in person and also people like Aizehi I haven’t seen in forever!!and Seun Williams whom became such a good friend via BB… though we went to the same school for 4 years together we never said more than “hello, hi , wassup” to each other.. now we are planning things to do when I get back! And also some of the “old friends” that have decided to turn their back on me nko? Sigh….such is life….

I leave for Normandy on Friday…another Region of France with a couple of classmates… we are calling it the last Hurrah! I pad for that trip to give one last chance to bond with people I hope I can call true friends and an excuse to do something different I hope would be serious fun and an experience I would never forget!

Lest I forget I start my IT on the 15th on November and I'm expecting the worst! “Gbubemi! Why so negative??” you may ponder or even ask out loud…. Ermmm this is my argument… I'm going to be free labour….and I want experience…. So who’s gonna do all the dirty work? Yes you guessed right… but it’s overcoming the worst that makes one stronger? Right?
I'm going to be working at a restaurant called “Market” quite an upscale restaurant that does fusion food which is my area of passion and core interest… I'm truly hoping it would be a great experience in the long run.


And I am happy to announce I have actually lost some weight!!! *someone shout halleluyah* but I need to keep up with my running which I have abandoned in the last month (shameful face) don’t want to get comfortable and pile up all the excess luggage again!!!!
So yes expect some blasts from the past….I will break free from this laziness and procrastination streak!!! Yes I can!!!

I can’t finish this post without thanking God for my family who made this possible…. I promise to make you all proud!

A Bientot!