I'm 19 and a freshman in college, and last year began to cook dinner for my family sometimes. I'm an old-fashioned girl, and like to do things the old-fashioned way, like making things from scratch. My dad's mom was an excellent cook and seamstress, and I find that as I get older, I'm getting more interested in cooking and sewing and in improving those domestic skills. My first attempt at cooking was in the 4th grade. I was trying to make instant mashed potatoes. (I know---how can you mess up instant ANYTHING?) I didn't read the directions correctly, and I ended up burning them. My dad made me eat the whole batch. I now know how to make homemade mashed potatoes, and have done so very successfully! :)