i used to absolutely hate anything that had to do with cooking or baking and really just being in the kitchen period. but then i got married, had a kid, now we have two kids as well as another on the way, and we can't simply eat boxed or frozen dinners, or take out every day. not gonna lie, i kicked and screamed (inside), and cried and had melt downs at first when things went wrong but now i am actually kinda liking what can happen in the kitchen. i am really enjoying making meals and munchies from scratch, and occasionally adding a little bit of my own flavor. i love to bake, esp. desserts and breakfast breads. i still find dinner and appetizer recipes a bit intimidating but the more i make them, the more confident i'm becoming. esp. when i hear all of the "mmm's..." and "this is really good, Jenn!"s =) a tradition i started on my own a couple of years ago was making lots of yummy fudge for the Holidays. hopefully over the next few years i will start making fun traditions in the kitchen with my kids and husband. so far i have not burnt the house down so i think i must be doing something right! unfortunately the cleaning fairy has not yet found my dirty dishes and messy counter tops after cooking! oh well.. such is life. =)