Day 76: January 10, 2011.

I had a good deal of time to kill this afternoon--well, I probably shouldn't have since I have plenty of things that I actually have to get done here before I leave next week, I'm just getting stuck in a pit of laziness when it comes to actually doing them!  Ha!  I decided to take some time in the kitchen and try to do a little cooking.  With Mom out of town this week on business, Dad looking at a busy work schedule and Morgan looking at a long convention/competition weekend ahead (meaning craziness at the dance studio this week), I have to take up a little more slack than I normally would, which is something I probably shouldn't have to do since I honestly should probably be contributing more at home while I'm here on break.  Anyway, besides getting my sister and myself ready for NYCDA this weekend and getting those last minute chores done before I leave next Wednesday, all I'm really expected to do this week is more of the driving to and from dance in the evenings, meaning I have plenty of hours to kill in the afternoon.  Today I decided to spend a few of those hours in the kitchen!

I love the idea of being able to cook well.  I envy the people who are comfortable culinarily, for that is something I have yet to master.  It's definitely going to take me some time because, like I said, I find being able to cook to be an awesome idea.  Then I go to put it into practice and I either get too lazy to even start or I find myself totally clueless at the cutting board and stove.  I started with an easy out-of-the-box cookie mix early this afternoon and made Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.  (They turned out to be delicious!  And, as with every dessert in the McGowan household, didn't stand a chance...There are only a few little squares left!)

I decided that I wanted to play around a little for dinner; my dad was going to be getting home later from work than usual so Morgan and I would be on our own and Morgan didn't have to go to dance until 7:30, meaning we'd actually have plenty of time to eat before we had to leave.  I found a vegetable lasagna recipe that looked good, hopped in the car with a list of ingredients, went to the grocery store and started chopping away when I got home.  (And called Mom a few times throughout the process for a few reassurances!)  I'm pleased to say that it actually came out pretty well!  It's pretty hard to mess up a lasagna, but seeing as I'm the queen of oatmeal and frozen microwaveable foods, I'd say this is a step in some kind of good direction! Haha! :)

Tonight, going outside of my comfortable box makes me happy!  It felt really good to attempt something that I really want to get good at instead of succumbing to the fear of failure without even trying, as per usual.  Making the assumption that we can't do things will get us nowhere :)

Also, tonight I got a signed pointe shoe from a stunning young ballerina who is going to make it big one of these days :)  She's a beautiful dancer, a beautiful person, and an even more beautiful friend!