Why I am deciding to move to another country.

No this isn't a joke, yes I am moving to another country.

 As a young girl, I have always been one to set goals, and I always was one to dream big. Well, I have always had this one crazy dream. To work in the Ritz Carlton- Grand Cayman. Yeah... that was never going to happen.

I went to the Grand Caymans a little over a year ago, and fell in love with the property, the atmosphere, and the 22 x 4 mile island. One day while swimming in the ocean, I looked at the Ritz Carlton property, and said to myself  "One day, I am going to work there". That has always been my dream.

About 2 weeks ago I talked to the executive chef of that property. He asked me to apply for a position on their pastry team. I did, and about a week later I found myself interviewing with the Executive Pastry chef. Fast forward to yesterday, when I got an email saying that he was offering me the position. Okay, pinch me, this isn't happening.

I was at work when I got the email offering me the position, and I just started crying. (I cry a lot, so it didn't surprise me). I didn't know what to do. Like, this couldn't be happening. I called my family, text close friends, and now here I am still not believing that this is real.

So here is to the weeks ahead, filling out work visa information, getting tests done, and purchasing a one way ticket to none other, than the Grand Caymans. (Well as long as my work visa goes through.)

I seriously cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for giving me this opportunity. I am so excited to be able to learn and to grow, and expand my talents. I am so blessed. I can't thank my Savior enough.

Working in another country is going to be hard work, it isn't going to be easy. There are 10 nationalities just on the pastry team. This Ritz Carlton, is one of the brands show-off properties. I am leaving my family in California. I am leaving a new niece, (who should be born any day),and some very good friends. But, I am following my dream, and the home sickness, and missing my family and friends will be worth it, at least I hope so!.

You guys, I am saying this from the bottom of my heart. Follow your dreams. Set goals. It doesn't matter how young, old, realistic, unrealistic the goal or dream is. Set it,  work for it and never give up. It doesn't matter if you don't think you are qualified, it may not pay enough, people may think you are crazy, don't think your good enough,whatever negative reasoning it may be, STOP IT.. Hard work, determination, a love for what you do, a passion for your career, can take you much further in life and bring incredible amount of happiness.. Please, everyone, just dream a little.

p.s. it still doesn't feel real.

Dream Big.

Growing up we are not always taught to follow our dreams, but rather to follow this crazy path that the world has told us we should follow.

From the time I was a little girl, baking has always been my passion. It's my escape, it;s what can put a smile on my face. Growing up I was faced with the question, is becoming a baker going to help provide for a family one day? After some thinking, I decided to put that dream away and I had my eyes on becoming a teacher. Really?  A teacher, I HATE public speaking. In the end I fell into this trap and thought that teaching was just what I was going to do. After being in college for probably a month, I realized one very important thing. MY dream, was to be a baker. I absolutely loved every aspect of it. As fun as teaching could possibly have been, it wasn't my dream. And for those of you that know me, you should know that I truly believe in following your dreams.

Choosing to follow my dream has had its challenges. I've had my fair share of people telling me that what I wanted to do was unrealistic, not possible, and not really the smartest decision. To those of you who said this, thank you. Thank you for pushing me harder to achieve my wildest dream.

I graduated college at 20. I got my 4 year Bachelor's degree in 2.5 years. Some may not have agreed with my decision to "Rush" through college, but if I didn't, I couldn't stand here and say that at the age of 21 I have my dream job. I work at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey, in none other, than the pastry department. Some dream of what their 'dream' job may consist of, but I am lucky and blessed enough to say that I get to do what I love 40+ hours a week. 

So what does this mean to you? It means to follow your dreams. Do what makes YOU happy. Some would rather go where the money is, but in the end money can only take you so far. Your happiness and well being will take you so much further. We are given one life, one chance to get it right. So why do so many of us think that we shouldn't follow our dream, but rather be tempted to follow the path where the money is? Is that going to bring you lifelong happiness? If it is, well congrats, you are one of the lucky few. 

Live your dream. Don't let anyone stop you. Ever.

-Jay