An epiphany

So, its not that big of a deal... but I realized something. It's not that I don't like to cook or bake... its that I don't really like to cook or bake for just myself. Its too much work. I'd rather just eat cheese and crackers or even just cheeze-its [don't judge me].

But, I do really like cooking for other people.

Which is why I bought a cook book yesterday... and am planning on using it. Like for reals people. This is kinda big.

So basically, you can just plan on me inviting you over for dinner sometime soon. Because, the reality is that I shouldn't just eat cheeze-its... but that I won't make dinner unless there's a reason. And it just so happens that reason is you.

Don't let it go to your head.

Three's Company

ONE

I walked past the downtown McDonalds on 2nd and Pine. The scene in front of me unfolded in fury. A man was yelling at a woman.

"Give me back my daughter! Bitch!"

The woman... "No you &*$#(*&" [too crass for this blog]

"I don't want your white boy taking care of my daughter bitch!! Give me back my daughter!!"

And the woman and man tried to get at each other. Hurt and anger poured on the sidewalk around them. Their respective friends tried, without success, to restrain them. And when the seattle cops came and broke up the scene, I felt myself wondering... who is this daughter? Who is this "white man" and why is he now in the picture? And why can't the real father see his daughter? Why is life so hard for some people and so easy for others? It just doesn't seem fair.

TWO

I don't profess to be a great cook and its a good thing I don't. You see, I put my leftover quesadilla in the toaster oven at my work. I turned it on to bake at 350 and returned to my office to complete an email. Literally like 6 minutes later, I walked down to get my quesadilla and my coworker is there panting. Apparently moments ago my quesadilla caused the toaster over to explode in flames and started a fire. She was walking by and quickly started dousing it out with water and reached success moments before I reached her. Black smoke billowed everywhere. I am SO thankful that the fire alarm didn't go off... even though our office and loby (six floors below) smelled like burnt grease for the rest of the day... and the next morning. Blah. Sooooo embarrassing. I have NO idea what happened. I'm claiming fault on the toaster oven... its got to have some issues. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

THREE

Halloween. Cowboy boots. Cowboy hat. Cap gun. Bandana. Stick horse. Leather vest. Money bag. Bandit running from the sheriff.

If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.

I'm Learning

Remember this? Well, friends, I've come a long way from destroying a baked potato to creating edible masterpieces... or at least edible food. And I plan on continuing down this path of learning the art of cooking and baking.

In fact, one of my friends mom decided to start a cooking class with all of us girls. It is so amazingly awesome because:

1. Lori is a GREAT chef
2. So, we aren't just learning how to cook elementary dishes... they are extravagant... yet, amazingly easy
3. We get to hang out, laugh and learn all at the same time... it is brilliant.

Yesterday we met and created a Mediterranean feast including: Hummus, Spinach/Artichoke/Parmesan dip, Tri Tip Steak, Italian Bread Salad (SOOO GOOD!), Green Beans and Toasted Almonds, and for dessert?

Cream puffs!! With home made chocolate fudge and whipped cream to go on top. It was delicious... and SO incredibly EASY it blows my mind. I will most definitely be making these again sometime very soon.

Yes, I am learning how to cook. And it is so fun. Next on the list? Cheesecake. Enough said.