If you are a follower of my blog then you know that I am a recent graduate of the Faculty of Education. Going back to school at my age, with a husband, two teenage boys and a tween girl was hard I will admit, but my struggles are not yet over. Now that I have that very expensive piece of paper that says I am a qualified teacher, I have the daunting task of finding employment.
As is true in most provinces right now, teaching jobs are few and far between where I live. Since we are deeply rooted here in our little corner of southwestern Ontario, moving abroad is not an option for me. Fortunately, I've managed to secure a spot on the occasional list. Being on this list will ensure me sporadic work at best. Now I, as well as 399 other teachers intent on obtaining a full time gig, lie in wait of a 6 am phone call. This means that I have to hope for a nasty bout of the stomach flu or a recurrence of the plague in order to get called in to supply teach. Seeing as many of my friends are teachers, I feel a tad bit reprehensible for even thinking in such a way.
That said, it became clear that I needed to adjust my sails. So, with resume in hand (actually it was in a cute cupcake folder, but I digress) I pounded the pavement. Not surprisingly, I decided to narrow my search to local bakeries. After two years of emotional baking I've learned that baking not only makes me happy, it makes others happy too. As I've mentioned before, one of the main reasons I love to bake is to see the simple pleasure it brings to others. I'd like to say that my baking is a selfless act, but that would be a lie. The very act of baking soothes my mind and warms not only my kitchen, but my soul. Studies have shown that doing something that occupies one hundred percent of your attention while you are engaged in it will make you more motivated and focused. Both of these feelings are said to promote happiness. Baking equals happiness; this I already knew. So I figure if I can't land my dream teaching job, I can at least help to make ends meet by getting paid to do something else that I love... bake.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Renee of Renee's Fine Cakes and Colleen from Sweet Revenge Bake Shop. Not only did I enjoy a decadent and deliciously artful brownie and a mouthwateringly divine "hoppin' carrot" cupcake (did I mention that job hunting was hard?!), I also enjoyed talking with women who share my baking passion. It was evident by the ambiance of both of these sweet shops that these ladies love what they do. It was delightful to meet you both and if nothing else, you have a new customer in me. Life is sweet, stay the course.
A Perfectly Huge Brownie!
A Hoppin' Carrot Cupcake
Ps- Thanks to author Allison Winn Scotch for the great quote!
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