goal number four

my biggest challenge for myself in my 4 simple goals, was number 4:  make one meal a week by myself. 
this might seem funny to those of you who don't know much about the family i've married into.  you might think its strange that i've been married 3 years and still don't make dinner every night for my husband. 

but here's the thing:  my mother-in-law is practically a gourmet chef and she taught chris sooo much in the kitchen.  so he loves to cook himself and does a really good job at it.  now i get in the kitchen and all i can think about is how high his expectations are going to be, or how bad my food is going to be in comparision to what he's known all his life.  so for the last 3 years i've just let him do it.  i help a lot; boil water, cut veggies, etc.  chris calls me his sous chef.  but i have never really "cooked a meal" all by myself in our kitchen. 

and i want to change that!  i know that the problem is me.  that my husband isn't going to criticize what i cook and that he will be supportive.  i really just need to get out of my own way and do it! 

so last night i did!!

i made rice with chicken broth as the liquid, cubed chicken fried with garlic and onions, and green beans with a garlic butter sauce. 

i hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship with my kitchen!  :) 
have some fun recipes you think i should try??  please send me links!!

pictures of jaimin

this is my sweet friend jaimin.  she has a contagious smile, a giving spirit and a full and trusting heart.  it was my honor to take pictures of her yesterday.  we caught the sun and that magic hour, brought along a vintage chair and some balloons, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. even her cousin jessica came for a few pictures. you can view the whole album HERE.  these are some of my favorites from our shoot. 

this one took my breath away as soon as i took it.  <3

here is one more shoot to add towards my goal number 3.  i am so excited about learning and trying new things and becoming a better photographer.
thanks for taking a peek. :)

4 simple goals

like i mentioned in my {things i love} thursday post from last week, i was really intrigued by Elsie's 4 simple goals concept. the intention is to accomplish these goals before 2011.  i really enjoyed this.  i took some time to put together a list of things that will make my life richer, will push me to fulfill my dreams and give me some fun motivation.  there are a lot of people participating and its been fun to see everyone's goals.  here is my list:

1. studio space, 2. lilah... my new laptop, 3. i'd rather take photos., 4. Cooking

1: create a unique and inspiring studio space ~ i've got my ideas collected and my curtains made, but now its time to make my dreams a reality.  once we sign the papers on the house, im buying paint!!  i am eager to decorate and make a place that feels like home.  and also a space that is functional for everything i do and am going to do in my studio. 

2: type every day ~  i am going to use this goal to motivate me in a few ways.  specifically in my medical transcription course.  if i do a little bit every day i will finish.  this makes it seem not so daunting in my mind.  i am also including in this goal efforts to be a better blogger.  to type from an authentic place and really make my blog everything i want it to be. 

3: continue to perfect my craft ~  my photography is something that i want to give more attention to.  i want to develop my own artistic viewpoint and really capsulize who i am as a photographer.  this means planning more shoots and practicing all the time.  taking pictures has brought me so much joy this year...i can't wait to see where it continues to take me.

4: make one meal a week by myself ~ chris is the cook in our house.  and he is damn good at it.  which is why i've just let the kitchen been his realm for so long.  i've felt like my "skills" in the kitchen could never match up.  but it is my goal to TRY!  i want to learn to be better.  so my goal is to make at least on meal for chris all by myself.  something that will help me reach this goal is the cooking lessons chris' mum is going to start giving me once they move into their new place.  i am soooo excited about this!!


lets go out with a BANG! 2010!!  these 4 simple goals will be steps toward my biggest goal:  leading a happy and fulfilled life. 
playing along??  leave me a link!!