Taking the Kitchen Challenge and Then Some

This initiative did not start with the desire to learn how to cook. It’s really not a Julie & Julia kind of thing of honing your skills. It’s not about the fact that homemakers must know her way in the kitchen (but I still agree).

This goal started with the house rule that whoever doesn’t cook must wash the dishes. I hate that rule. Of course it’s fair, but I hate it! Because it’s a sure loss for me since Chef is, well, the chef in the family, and I, I eat. When Chef cooks, he goes all Chef-y on me with one million pots and the use of our large serving plates. And I have to wash them all because they can’t go in the dishwasher. Everyday since we’ve been living together that I had to do the dishes, I remember our maids in the Philippines and how I wish I could easily grant my nanny’s request to bring her here.

Anyhoo, I really need to cook so that the tables will be turned. So, I got this “best of” magazine with just a bunch of recipes. Notice how I didn’t grab one of Chef’s books. I actually bought a magazine because I had to set a realistic goal. Baby steps, right. But, since the rule does not specify the magnitude or grandeur of a dish, as long as I’m the one making the dish, I don’t have to wash the dishes.

This brings me to my second goal. Since the wedding, I have gained 7 pounds. That’s a massive 7 pounds for me because that is 7% my normal weight! I biked around the neighborhood for two consecutive days. I pigged out today. I have to work out tomorrow. Seriously.

To some people, this is easy and would come naturally. But to me it takes such effort! With regards to the exercise goal, I don’t get motivated by the “It’s summertime, I want to look good in my swimsuit” kind of mantra. It’s because I’m pretty okay and I really don’t care. But, with a brand new kitchen that we seem to just gravitate to all the time, I have to control myself, otherwise, I see roundness in my future! Yikes!

Well, here we go.