"My calling"

I am a very impulsive person. VERY.

So far, the last five trips I've planned have been completely last minute (Shannie can vouch for this), and I just book tickets to North Carolina for next week. Even when I go home, my flight back to SD is never as I booked it. Good thing Southwest has the credit system...

With that said, I've been thinking a lot about my decision with culinary school. "Is this an excuse to get out of Engineering?"..."Is this one of many of my failed hobbies and passions that I've been wanting to pursue?"..."When it gets tough, am I going to give up and find another excuse?" "Is this an impulsive decision?"

I had a conversation with my mama yesterday. Let me first enlighten you of this mother of mine. She's not the type to beat around the bush; she's straight forward to THE bone. However, she has the softest heart, and she is always seeking the best for everyone even if her execution seems otherwise. She has so much wisdom that no matter how "right" you think you are, you're not, and it honestly makes me want to strangle her at times (and yesterday was one of those times).

I was on the phone with her discussing my future in the culinary industry. Now that I look back, this discussion was more of a reality and personality check. She insisted that this decision of mine was momentary and that my passion will dissipate once I start actually working in the field. She reminded me that I have the mentality to easily give up and move on to something different. And of course, at that moment, I was negligent to accept her concerns and instead, trying to convince her that the culinary arts is more than just a hobby and a passion. This phone call was basically a 3hr sales pitch.

However, now that I've let my stubbornness aside, her concerns are legitimate. Culinary school is going to be tough, no doubt, and the future following is going to be even harder. I've heard that the drop out rate of culinary is by far one of the highest. I've been thinking to myself...am I being naive? ...Maybe I'm lying to myself, and when it really does get tough, am I going to book it? However, the more I reflect, the more I think otherwise. I'm convinced that it is "my calling". Food is pretty much what I live for. I've had someone seriously say to me, "Make sure you don't make food an idol over God." THAT in itself explains it all. So impulsive? I don't think so.

My mom calls back later, and her exact words are, "I understand how tough and grueling engineering was for you, and as for culinary school, you are going to insist on going until I send you there. Therefore, as a reward for getting your degree in engineering, I will send you to CIA in New York. I will convince your dad." I love my mom.

The question now is....CCA in SF or CIA in NY....