Jo-Jo Tabayoyong Murphy prefers creating art projects more than making a meal. Be forewarned. This is not a cookbook. Blending whatever was on hand, creating new combinations, and following some steps others have taken have helped me build a life from scratch. It might have been easier to follow an elaborate plan. There may have been fewer pitfalls, less pain, and more successes if I had used an outline. Would my life have been as spicy? Nah.