Baking

I love to cook.  Really really enjoy it.  Never baked before.  Never really had any interest.  Cooking fits my personality.  There are lots of way to do it.  Lots of ways to experiment and sometimes screw-ups can turn into good creations.  Baking on the other hand is totally foreign to me.  Its precise, calculated, and time-sensitive. 

This past week, I tried my hand at baking a little bit.  Started with a pizza dough.  Did some measuring, but not a ton.  Worked out ok, but I didn't add enough flour and it didn't end up being a large pizza.  The recipe is fairly easy so I think that will be an easy repeat performance. 

Shortly thereafter, I attempted making brownies.  The directions from the box made it seem easy, but it was way more difficult than expected.  I made the mix and then poured it into a pan that ended up being way too big.  I tried to recover by spooning the mix into a pan made for small cupcakes.  I ended up baking them for what appeared to be a good amount of time, but they were too dry.  Had it all been in a lump sheet, I think they wouldn't stayed more moist.

Finally, tried making some bread rolls.  Total failure.  Didn't taste good.  Ended up way larger than expected.  Ah well.  I admit that I'm' intrigued.  It will certainly take some more patience and precision, but I can certainly do a few things and will try out a few new ones as well.

Fantasy Football

Ah, the time of year where millions of men and women become armchair quarterbacks.  A great time of year!

I've been playing FF for probably 10 years now.  I've come 2nd and 3rd a few times, but still have yet to win it all.  This year, I'll be playing in 3 leagues.  The game, just like the real NFL is fickle.  Injuries obviously affect your team as well. 

This year, although only a week in, I went 0 - 3.  Not a great start.  I've already lost Tony Moeaki to a season ending injury on one team and probably Peyton Manning in another league. 

You never know though.  Last year in one league, I actually won my division w/ a .500 record.  Maybe, just maybe this will be my year...at least in one league.