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04/04/2003 Entry: "Feeling Appreciated"

You know the feeling you get when you work hard at something and at the very end of it, you feel some sort of ‘high’ from accomplishing it? Well, that’s how I feel now – this whole week actually. I’ve just been a happy camper at work. I feel a part of the team, and most of all, I feel appreciated. I’m surprised because they’ve kept true to their word, I haven’t done any Ispahans. Every morning, Alban asks me what I want to do and he lets me do it! I guess they understand that I’ve slaved for them for 3 months so they’re taking the time to make it worth my while. Yannick even made me do the glaçage (icing the cakes) today! We ended up messing a whole tray of cakes, because I glazed them upside down! Not really my fault – it was all a misunderstanding between me and Yannick, but I still felt really bad. Ça arrive. (It happens.)

When we finished everything, Mr. Hermé called me to his office and presented me with an autographed copy of his book Plaisirs Sucrés. He said thank you for the work I’ve done and to let him know when I do open my patisserie. I went back to the kitchen holding my book and a big smile on my face. When André saw that they gave me a book, he said (translated version): “We must like you a lot here, I’ve never seen them give a stagiare a book.” Then Alban answers: “That’s because she’s done a great job.” Aah, music to my ears… ;)

Alban (Head Chef of Finission) finishing the Ivoire	Yannick doing the glaçage for Tarte Cafe
Olivier (Chef of the Chocolaterie) making chocolate decorations	Hermes preparing the Tomato and Raspberry Tart
Snagged a quick picture with Mr. Hermé when he came to say Bonjour. I look like a mess.	Team Finission -- (clockwise from left) Saori, Hermes, Alban, Yannick, Quentin, Asana, Me, Andre, Olivier