The Decision

Over the summer I read the book Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously, and I found myself a bit jealous of Julie. Here she was, challenging herself, blogging about it, and out of all the highs and lows that came with her challenge sprung a book. "Why can't I do something like?" I lamented to myself. Once I was finished with the book, though, the hustle and bustle of motherhood, work, my day-to-day routine, and life in general consumed me, and thoughts of Julie & Julia were far from my mind.

Recently a co-worker began taking flamenco dancing lessons. And again, I found myself experiencing pangs of jealousy. Here she was, stepping outside her box, taking a chance, and falling in love with something different and new. Seeing her enthusiasm was the kick in the pants I needed: it was time to challenge myself.

Deciding on a challenge, though, wasn't easy. I needed it to be inexpensive, as finances are tight. I also needed it to be flexible. Between work and a toddler, my spare time is limited. So this was not the year to decide to start training for running a marathon or something equally time-consuming.

I love to read, and have been reading only a few books a year since my son was born. I considering setting a goal of reading a book a month. But since reading is something I love, it didn't seem like much of a challenge, other than finding the time. Then one of my favorite food bloggers suggested I combine my love of books and cooking, and once a month create a appetizer/entree/dessert based on one of my favorite books. The idea had merit. But it overwhelmed me a bit, too.

So in the end, I decided that in 2010, my challenge will be to write and cook an original recipe for my family once a month. No Giada DeLaurentiis. No Rachael Ray. Just me, my love of food, and my surroundings to inspire me.

And my family to eat my creations.

Hopefully they'll taste good.