Originally from SW Pennsylvania I moved to Central Florida in 2005 when I took a job transfer. I am a systems analyst and spend most my life in cube-world. As my outlet I go to the gym and like to cook and bake among many other hobbies such as photography and cross stitch. My husband works field service so he's away a lot and I don't find it fun to cook for one. So I stock up on new recipes while he's gone and like to cook when he's back home. He's always appreciative after eating out all the time while on the road. I still miss my gas stove I had in PA...this electric stove I have in FL is for the birds! I'm known for my Christmas cookies and baked goods, but I enjoy cooking anything. I like to try new things, but unfortunatley I am a picky eater. Our family really doesn't have any cooking traditions unless you consider my baking the Christmas cookies for the whole family every year a tradition. Now I have to ship my cookies to Pennsylvania so I need to be very careful with my choices of cookies and packing of the boxes. Every recipe that turns out good is a triumph, good cooking is something you have to develop. So I celebrate every successful dish. I've had my share of "learning experiences" as well, but nothing I would consider a tragedy. A tip for others...don't use soy milk to make instant pudding :-)