a wife

For the first 1 1/2 years of marriage, I never used the kitchen. Sure we needed to eat. That's what C was there for.

Growing up, I had minimal interest in the kitchen. When I did have a little spark, my mom never had the time to teach me. She had her reasons. Good ones I might add. You see, in her mind, once I grew up and was on my own, it would mandatory that I would have to cook for the rest of my life. So why start already? I respect that.

So for over a year, I came home to a ready dinner. It worked out. I came home later than C did anyway, so it just made sense. Until May came around and changed my kitchen-free life for good.

For a long Memorial Day weekend, C and I decided to visit my sister about 4~5 hours away. Well actually, more like 6~7 hours from where we were at the time. It was a nice relaxing weekend, nice to get away sometimes. My sister and her husband have demanding careers. They both worked long, late hours. But during that weekend, I realized that my sister, who works over 60+ hours a week, comes home and tries to have dinner on the table every evening. Sure, I was tired from work. And sure, my commute was ridiculous at about 4 hours a day. But she somehow managed to do it. I became determined. If she can do it, I can do it. So I made a promise to myself that day. I will try to cook dinner at least once/twice a week.

It was nervewracking. I have never attempted more than making instant ramen noodles for myself. So to cook a meal that C and I could both eat, and not kill C in the process was a challenge.

Today, I am proud to say I am a decent cook. I could whip up dinner with ingredients that I have on hand without panicking and constant turning to the internet for help. While most of my interest lies in baking pastries and sweets, my success in the kitchen as a regular cook does me pride.

To see C's reaction when he comes home ready to a fully prepared dinner, it's worth all the trouble. His *sniff sniff* "Mmm, what smells so good?" is enough to make me beam with pride.

Oh, the things you do to make your spouses happy.