New Year’s Eve + 3 Year YMC Anniversary

I sit here, as I’ve sat on many New Year’s Eves.. and just really take a bit to think about the past year. 2012 has been a big one for me- and I’ve worked harder this year than any year before, so although I’d love to be bashful about the success that has come my way I want to take a moment to really bask in it. Too often I don’t give myself enough credit for the things I have accomplished. Not this year, and it feels good.

3 years ago today I started a small blog- just something little to keep myself busy and allow my friends and family to see a glimpse of my life since I live so far away from them. Every day for 3 years (give or take a few here and there) I have written on this site and it blossomed into something I never thought possible.

I’ve made new friends through YMC, gotten emails from readers that have so inspired me, and in times of doubting whether or not to share large parts of myself I realize that I’ve touched someone’s life- these have been my favorite moments.

These last three years of YMC have meant so much to me. You guys have been there through lots of firsts- my first online cooking show on Fox (two years ago), my first television segment last year (in January) in Salt Lake City.. to my first national shows this year. You’ve watched me create a cookbook- and cry when it was finally published. I’ve shared pieces of my past struggles with body image, and my Mom’s heartfelt response to that.

You’ve laughed with me (at me?) on twitter when I’ve decided to do something batshit insane like making 500 cake truffles (by myself) in two days. Followed me on instagram as I document a sometimes crazy but beautiful life.

Two years ago I was given a camera, from my husband, for Christmas. That camera changed my life- I taught myself how to take photos that I could actually share on here and feel proud of (that year’s resolution). Last year on New Years I told myself I was really going to put it all out there and try to make the television thing work. I think I’ve been good to my word on that…

This year? Well, I’m still trying to figure out a big goal. Bigger than big actually. In the meantime I’m going to share with you some small, silly, ones- because resolutions don’t always have to be crazy. They can be little things too.

{1} Eat real ramen + steamed buns for the first time
{2} Find the best pizza in NYC
{3} Finally get to Momofuku Milk Bar and eat this crack pie everyone talks about
{5} Go to the trapeze school on Manhattan’s West Side (and actually jump!)
{6} Try out one new workout a week, anything and everything goes
{7} Do 1 kind thing daily for a stranger, big or small
{8} Be better about keeping in touch with friends + family
{9} Send one handwritten note a week
{10} This is the big one, I’m still working on that

2013 looks to be a big year in this house. My 30th birthday, 5 year wedding anniversary.. and who knows what else is in store! I’m excited about it all… 2012 has been incredible. Happy Happy New Year to everyone. Let’s ring in the New Year in style (and by style I mean I’ll be in my comfy pants sitting in front of a fireplace).

xx
YMC