Wow. A year ago today I had not much but a couple of full suitcases and excitement of landing in NYC to temporarily, maybe permanently, move back to the east coast. Looking back, it seemed so easy. I had school every month, a wonderful new group of ladies I was befriending and just the anticipation of being someplace completely different. I tried to stave off all the pressing questions of “Are you going there for good?” “When are you coming back to l.a.?” “What are you going to do after school?” “What are you going to dowith that?” Questions of the future often unnerve me as, although I can be somewhat of a control freak, I am not much of a planner nor do I attempt to predict every little twist and turn my life will g take. First x, then y. Not so much me. And I don’t like trying to explain that to people, especially when I sense disapproval.
But I could never even have imagined what would be in store for me this past year. SO many good times, wonderful memories and beautiful friendships and loves in such a short period of time. Even the events you wouldn’t expect to be good (like getting hit by a car, a relationship that pushed me to my edges, a painful break up, my grandmother’s terrible fall) are all benchmarks in a year full of growth, maturity and success for me. And the ones you would expect (fun parties for school, amazing dinners in the city, a wonderful romantic relationship, U.S. Open visits, new friends and flings, professional successes.) were all present as well.
Oddly enough, all this happened just within the parameters of my 35th birthday. I turn 36 in less than a week. (Yikes, should I be disclosing that information?) Oh well. Nevertheless, while I try to look ahead and plan for the next year, I remind myself not to. Because, given the example of the past year, things can happen that I could never dream for myself. Yes, I set goals. Yes, I cultivate positive thoughts, as I try to everyday, that are filled with love and not fear. And I am looking forward to what this year has in store for me, without expectation.
So there is no new recipe associated with this blog. No new food revelation. Although, if you are ever in Portland, OR you must must must try the coffee at STUMPTOWN. I just returned from there to shoot an amazing infomercial for NordicTrack (stay tuned!) Some of the best lattes I’ve ever had, only because of the excellent quality of the beans and the espresso preparation. Try it and you’ll understandwhy so many people bash Starbuck’s!
Anyway, I was just looking for the space and the outlet to reflect on an amazing life which I’ve been blessed to have and to tell those that have been a part of it (which means YOU too if you are reading this!), “Thank You.”
Posted on
Mon, February 15, 2010
by Jennifer Galardi
filed under