Day 5

I do love Fridays. This was such a nice day. I began today very uneventfully. (Thank goodness). The other day, JoAnne said they were doing Panel all morning and that she could use the extra help setting up, if I wanted to come in earlier. I figured, why not? So I arrived in my Casual Day clothes, ready to kick off  my 5th day on the job!

Breanne wasn't in yet, so I left my things at her desk and helped set up the kitchen. I realized that it would probably make more sense if I took a picture of the space to show you.

My home away from home

I'll try to explain how we set up for Panel. (I wish I'd taken one when we were all set up and rolling, but that wasn't really an option.)  We place trays in front of each of the silver domes. The domes can be opened on both sides, so we open our side, slide in a tray, and the people on the other side then open their dome and take the tray with whatever we've placed on it.

Today's Panel was special because it was for a group of specially trained tasters. They've been through the training sessions I attended with AuBrei yesterday and come every other week or so to taste the different things the Sensory Department prepares. 

Today we had 12 panelists (which was apparently a lot) and 9 or so different foods to prepare. Steph, JoAnne, Breanne and I got into an assembly line of sorts. Two would prepare the dish, while the other two would fill samples and set up the trays. Setting up the trays was a process in itself, as there was a control sample and then two test samples that we had to place correctly on the tray before sliding it through.

The walls aren't very thick between the kitchen and the tasting room, so we has to be a little less chatty than usual as we prepared things for this special panel.

The testing room!

Some of the items on the menu today were pink and purple noodles, gravies, sauces, and rice seasonings. It was so busy. As soon as we were finished with one round, we had to start the next one. 

At 9:30, Breanne and I went to a meeting with Debra from marketing. She was so fascinating. She talked about how they take an idea from and initial concept and make it into a real product. It was really enlightening to hear her talk about the processes they go through when developing a product. Everyone in the building is involved and sometimes it can take a number of years if they need to patent something or work out kinks in production. 

She was so well spoken and clearly passionate about what she does. I could have listened to her all day! But we had another meeting with Mike (who I am pretty sure is also on the marketing team, but is in a different area from Debra). He was also a wealth of knowledge and I very much enjoyed listening to him. I walked away from those two meetings feeling like I'd learned a lot about areas that I had never once thought of before. It's really crazy how interconnected everyone at McCormick is when creating a product. It requires the pulling together of many great minds to produce a successful product! And everyone is important. 

After the meetings, we went back down to the kitchen to help with Panel. Breanne left early today, so it wasn't long before it was just JoAnne, Steph, and me. I didn't mind the hush of the kitchen today. Hardly anyone came in, and they started Summer hours today, so most people left early. Although quiet days are somewhat less exciting, I find that they give me more time to get to know my colleagues.

After Panel was over (at around 12:30/ one o'clock ish), Janice popped in from the party kitchen (where she was playing the radio...see what I mean, always something!) to tell us that she had salad if we wanted any. And, once again, my lunch was provided for. :) I'm telling you, these people are awesome! While I was eating my salad, we chatted about the things I want to do in college. (though now those things are becoming a bit blurry). I really enjoyed talking to her because I'd never had the chance to have a one-on-one conversation before.

Personally, I love making friends and so having the opportunity to talk to all of the people that I respect and admire was great. Cathy was in today too, so of course I stopped by her kitchen and talked about weekend plans. And, although I didn't realize this until later, I completely forgot to tell her my opinion of the mocha cupcakes!

I realize it may seem that there was a lot of socializing today, but never fear! I was hard at work. Have a look at the pile of dishes! We didn't realize the dishwasher was empty until I'd cleaned most of them. I think my arm muscles are definitely going to grow because of this internship! Those pans were HEAVY! 

All in a day's work.

Today was somewhat serious, but JoAnne and Steph had a way of making everything fun. They were great. Everyone was, actually. I've already begun to find myself getting sad about leaving them. I feel as if I've just begun to know everyone and feel comfortable. It feels like a second home, in a way, so it's really depressing that I'll only be with them for another week. 

Nancy has mentioned my coming back a few times, and I think I'll bring it up with her next week. Unfortunately I won't have a chance until Tuesday, but it can wait, I suppose. It's just that I could really see myself working here. It's a balance of scientific and creative, which is so cool. Preparing for Panel required us to measure things like butter and water on a scale. We needed the grams to be as close to accurate as possible so that the recipes would turn out as similarly as possible. I loved it. I know many people may not think of me as a science person (and I'll admit physics is not my forte) but it was exciting. It felt very professional and official. What can I say? Science is cool and also happens to be a huge part of McCormick. 

After work, I stopped by school to drop something off, chatted with some of my most favorite teachers, and then picked Mom up so we could go out to eat.  Today we went to the Paper Moon Diner. (If you wanna know more about that, check out my other blog.) It was a relaxing way to end my day and start the weekend. 

I'm glad for the weekend, but next week is going to fly by, what with it being a four day week and everything. I just don't want to wish the time away too fast.