I am a Registered Nurse. I should be retired, but I like working and I like my "walking around money" so I continue to work part time. I decided to upgrade my cooking level past Intermediate because I think I'm beter than that! However the next level -EXPERT, does seem a little extreme. How about this - "Better than most, not as good as some" Good quality meats and fish in a healthy no fuss fashion. I choose fresh vegetables over frozen anytime! Good cooking should be healthy, easy and not take excessive time, energy or ingredients in order to prepare and serve a really good meal. I also enjoy making reservations at nice restaurants. I make a dish we call Irish Potatoes that the whole family loves. I make good pies, when the spirit moves me. Problem with the sweet stuff is that I have a "sweet tooth" and I end up making a pig of myself. I would love to get into candy making but it would probably be my downfall. TA DAH ! Gosh, I don't know. "Triumph" seems a little over the top. I've thrown some good grub on the table in my day. Christmas Dinner 2008 was great. Simple. Ham with glaze, Irish potatoes, fresh green beans, sweet corn for the son-in-law who ONLY eats corn, homemade Orange Cranberry sauce and creamed onions. My daughter Gail made her wonderful Winter Salad that consists of greens, manderin oranges, cranberries, sugared walnuts and her special dressing. I guess I need to post the Irish Potatoe and Winter Salad recipes, don't I? Anyway, it was all EASY and everyone including the kids loved it. THAT to me is a triumph! I have had my share of cooking tragedies and I would rather not re-live them.