A month ago, I was asked to submit a budget ($4 per serving or less) recipe or meal to the Whole Foods Market Budget Recipe Challenge. At first I wasn't going to do it since it would take me some time (that I didn't think I had) to pull together a recipe for them. A few days later, I decided to do it anyway and threw together a summary of three recipes (Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Braised Brussels Sprouts, and Capellini Aglio e Olio) that I would eat as a complete meal.

Last week, I found out that I was one of six finalists. Whole Foods also ran a bio Q&A on me if you're interested.

I find it difficult to be enthusiastic about posting or even know what people like to see (I found out months later that people actually liked the What I Ate series even though I didn't receive any comments on three months worth of posts), so starting October 2008 I'll try something new: I'll Paypal $10 to the commenter of my choice (probably random unless that month there is a comment or series of comments that I like the best). The following rules apply:

• Spammers won't get any money
• Remember to leave your email address when you post (either make an account or leave it in the form - it's not posted to the site, so don't worry) so I can contact you if you win

Click here to read the rest of
I'll pay you for your comments…

A tufted puffin splashing at the Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska.

Handheld, 1/1500 sec at f/2.8 on ISO 800, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens