Cooking up some humble pie

So, as most people who will read this know, teaching can be quite the stressful profession.  You come home almost every day and feel like tearing your hair out and taking a nap at the same time(Sometimes I tear my hair out in my dreams to cut down on time...and pain).  As I was warned, everyone needs to have a stress reliever.  I figured I would just coach, play some sports, travel, and play the occasional video game.  These were okay at times, but don't really help with the physical exhaustion factor.  And the coaching thing only stresses me out more on some days.  My stress reliever has come in an unusual place.  It has come in the form of cooking.
I have embarked on something that is enjoyable to me, has a purposed, and is able to be performed in the comfort of my own home.  I'm not talking about the plain old boil the macaroni, drain, then add the cheese variety of cooking either.  I go to the grocery store, buy fresh ingredients, and take time creating a wonderful meal that I pour all of my frustration into.  It started out just being me and one of my roommates eating this huge 3 or 4 course meal.  As it went along, word spread about how tasty and interesting my meals were.  Now, it seems as though every time I prepare a meal, there are at least 5 or 6 of us here to enjoy it together.
This also quenches my need for a challenge; of sorts.  Sometimes I'll go to the store not having any idea what I'm going to make.  Since I'm relatively new to the cooking thing, I would have no idea how to prepare whatever ever it is I finally decide on.  I have to use past experience and some guessing in determining what ingredients to get.  Other times I would just take a look at whatever we have in the house(which is never very much) and try to throw something unique and satisfying together.
I really wish that doing all of this wasn't so expensive, as I would be able to do this so much more often.  I know this was kind of boring, but I have have found that I thoroughly enjoy cooking as a hobby and would love to try and do it for a large group one day.  And I know this article has nothing to do with being humble, I just like the title.  Until next time...