I was a professional chef for over 20 years, unfortunately I developed a condition called fibromyalgia which began limiting the amount of physical work I could do. I held on for as long as possible, but had to retire about 10 years ago, and I still miss it. That always depends on my mood and my energy level. I love seafood and have many quick, easy and delicious recipes for that. I also love baking bread when I have the energy, but I don't like the bread machines. There are very few things I don't like cooking when I have the energy, I find pastas, soups and salads to be 'doable' when I'm not well. I love to eat. I was born in the deep south and still love southern cooking, the traditional recipes, but they aren't the healthiest so I usually only cook them on special occasions. I have a strong Germanic background, and sometimes make my grandmother's recipes, especially the soups and breads. I think I am 'spiritually' Italian, though I have no Italian blood. Hmmm...this is a hard one. I think anything I put my heart into is a triumph, and certainly these days managing to put together a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner for a number of guests is a triumph, because it usually involves 'mind over matter' to get it all done. Again, this is a hard question as most of my 'tragedies are many years in the past, and I really cannot recall them..we call this 'fibro fog' in fibromite land. Sorry, but I really think I didn't have too many kitchen failures in my adult life.If I remember any later, I will change this.