I'm basically a Chef... NOT

So, anyone who knows me well knows that I do not enjoy cooking. Not, it's not because of some feminist agenda that rejects the notion that a woman's role is in the kitchen. I just really don't enjoy cooking. It's pretty strange that I haven't mastered the culinary arts, considering how much I love to eat (though my body type would suggest otherwise). It's something that I hope to overcome.

It was today that I realized just how strong my aversion to cooking is, and how terribly it has impacted my life. I have been living in Chicago for a month, and I have not cooked anything since I've been here. Not one pot or pan has been used. I have either microwaved it or eaten something pre-packaged, or made a sandwich out of it, or I have gone out to eat (rarely; takeout is expensive and I basically work for free). To my credit, there are a few other reasons for this, one being: 1) The nearest grocery store is not within walking distance and, since I don't have a car, I would have to walk with heavy bags (which I did once; wasn't fun in the scorching heat).  2) I am terrified of one of my roommates (I'm subletting for the summer) and try to avoid her whenever possible, and she is a master at cooking and frequents the kitchen often. I like her, she likes me (and cooked me some fajitas that were positively ambrosial) , but she is intimidating as hell. But more about that later. 3) Well, I suppose there is no third reason why I haven't prepared any food in Chicago. Three should be the minimum number of excuses, but alas, I fall short...

I did cook in my apartment in Michigan, so it's not as if I literally never cook anything, but most of the time if I cooked it was for Boyfriend. I forced myself to get in that kitchen and put on an apron (ok, just kidding about the apron) to cook for him. He loves my cooking, and actually I like it too. But not enough to do it on a regular basis, sadly. While my cooking expertise is limited, I can do a lot more than boil water and make toast (or make Ramen Noodles, despite the picture above). And I certainly know how to read a cookbook. So why don't I do it??

Part of it is sheer laziness, which I readily admit. Though I have a job, do community service regularly, and engage in other activities, sometimes I find myself gravitating toward a sedentary existence; taking a little too much "down time." But this can't be ascribed entirely to laziness. Sometimes I'm too lazy to do household chores too, but eventually (though admittedly, with reluctance) I will do them. But unlike chores, I just won't cook, unless it's for other people or I'm helping my mother on Thanksgiving or my grandmother when I visit.

This is a something that I hope to remedy, because it is certainly more of a vice than a virtue. I want to cook for my husband, and my children, and my family and friends. I want to cook a wide array of things for a wide array of people, but more importantly, I want to enjoy doing it. I want to be like my mom (you will hardly ever hear me admit that, though she is an amazing and wonderful person). She is a phenomenal cook, and I want to be like that. I wish I was motivated enough to even learn.  Even my father and brother cook much of the time.

Cooking just takes so much preparation and time, and quite frankly I find it boring. I'd much rather eat. But I need to force myself to do it, and commit to it. I need to stop making excuses. I also need to pray that God will work with my heart to help me develop a passion for cooking. But God helps those who help themselves, so I'd better get in that kitchen!!!

How about you, reader? Can you cook? If not, would you like your man/woman to know how to cook? What can't you do that you would like to learn how to do/get motivated to do?