Whoa. That’s all I have to say for the month of June. I don’t know where it went. All I know is: I’ve been drinking coffee, sleeping in hotel rooms more often than my own bed, and I can’t remember the last time I smashed an avocado on toast. All of these things throw me way off kilter, but it’s been so worth it.
But things are very, very good. And that’s because of you. Today, I want to say THANK YOU. Thanks for coming to this site. Thanks for commenting and emailing me. Thanks for making my recipes. And most of all, thanks to the person (hi Judy!) who emailed me recently to say that I’d been posting too many alcohol recipes and was concerned I have a problem. You guys really care, and that makes me feel so warm inside. (Truth be told, most of my cocktails go to my neighbors. Except when I juice. But that's just healthy).
Here’s the thing: this year, I’ve been chasing my dreams big time. In this last year of my 20s, I actually realized what I want to do with my life. At the beginning of this year, with a friend's encouragement, I made a list of pie-in-the-sky goals. I taped it next to my nightstand, and I look at it every day. Something about seeing it each morning makes me put energy towards it daily. I do one little thing each day to help achieve the goals. We're only six months into the year, and I’ve achieved almost all of them. And that is all thanks to YOU.
This website has made me realize my true passion in life. If it wasn’t for my partner taking 3 bites of the first meal I ever cooked for him and telling me ‘this is what you should do with your life,’ I don’t know that I’d be in this state of mind. If it wasn’t for him noticing that after a long exhausting day, I still had the energy to open my laptop and work on this site, I don’t know that I would have realized that I have bigger dreams waiting for me to go after them.
I believe telling people your goals and dreams is the best way to hold you accountable for pursuing them. So, I’m going to tell you the last remaining goal on my list. I hope that expressing it will help give it life and float. Please don’t laugh. This is my life, my goal, and my desire. I don’t expect anyone to understand. Maybe, there’s even someone out there who can help. Here goes. Deep breath. I want to replace Giada on the Food Network. Much love and respect to my idol, Queen Giada, but I want to have a food tv show, too. I want to share my love of cooking for two with the world. I have so many tips and tricks to share with small households. Plus, my recipes are easy to scale up if you happen to have a large household. So, I’m putting this dream out there so you can hold me accountable. If you want to help me, push me. Ask me how it’s going. Ask me what I’ve done lately to achieve my goal.
Soon, I’ll be sharing some videos that I’ve been working on of me cooking while talking (side note: it's harder than it looks). I’m going to need your criticism. I’m going to cherish your feedback and use it to get better. Then, when Queen Giada gets ready to retire, I’ll take her place and make tiny 6” cakes for all of you who helped me get there. Deal?
Can I help you? Please, tell me one of your pie-in-the-sky dreams. I want to help. I spend an hour each morning lifting up friends and responding to emails to encourage others. I believe we should all spend a portion of each day giving back. I give my time to help others achieve their goals. I'm so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to chase my dreams, so I want to help you with yours, too.
Thanks for listening to this. Thanks for holding me accountable, and thanks for sharing this journey with me.
XOXO,
‘tina
Andrea says
This post made my entire week! You are a beautiful person inside and out. Is great being around and seeing passionate people at work and play, it naturally motivates all those around you. That spark, that drive, goals, and determination-never lose that (or we'll have AM pep rallies before I've had my adderall)!
Anyway, I can't wait to see you on TV. It's only a matter of time, and I can make the celebratory cocktails! Cheers to you mon amie!
Xx, Dre
Jamie Dunn says
That is amazing! I wish you the best! Even just getting to this point where you decide to go for it and not give up is really hard and you did it :) My pie in the sky dream is being published and a solo art show.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme says
Jessica is the best when it comes to pushing you to go for your dreams! You are too! Not gonna lie--I might take you up on that email thing ;) I totally believe that writing down your goals and dreams is huge , and having people in your life that push you to go for them. Sometimes, you just need someone to believe in you too and that makes all the difference.
My biggest goal right now is to work for myself, write/photograph a cookbook, and potentially do some sort of e-commerce business that incorporates design--> Why is writing that so intimidating?
Kavitha sekhar says
Hi Tina,
The moment you memento you mentioned Giada, my eyes literally popped open! But that's an amazing dream to have. It's a kickass dream and I love the way you openly said that out loud. I am happy and proud of it. After you mentioning about how you see your goals everyday, it is inspiring to do so for me as well. Great experience being a fan of your blog. I wish one day I could express half as much as you do. But whatever it is I must admit that's ours is the only websites that is out there which gives measurements by just 'two' people. And I am sure upscaling the measurement works just fine in your recipes. I am a total fan of yours and you go girl kick Giada out from foodnetwork.com. No comparison, you are awesome anytime. I would be glued to your show if you are on TV. I also searched for recipes of your on YouTube, but I didn't get much. So finally, I am a total fan of gifts and a tiny 6" cake is an absolute 'yes'. So, did I win the mixer yet? :)
Rachel Cooks says
Awesome girl! I can't wait to watch you achieve your goals -- I know you will.
Julie says
You already know that I would so watch you!!! You would be perfect, and dream big!! xoxo
Liren says
I love how you are owning your dreams - there is no doubt in my mind that you will get there, you are well on your way!
ZoZobaking says
I adore Giada too, but I wish you all the best :) Imagine it..see yourself doing the show and before you know it, you will ;)
gracie says
I think there is plenty of room for both you and Giada on the Food Network. What about applying to compete on Food Network Star? You have an interesting and different POV and from what I have seen of your videos, an appealing camera presence.I imagine it must be hard to even break into that venue but look at the Pioneer Woman...she went from blog popularity to a couple of one shot Food Network appearences to her own show. Why not you as well?
However it happens...and it will if you envision it...I wish you all the best and look forward to your show!
Jessica M. says
I think that is awesome!! I'll be looking forward seeing you on tv one day :) I love following your blog. I think you have great recipes, photos and a of personality on this website that really makes it feels like you're reading something a friend wrote even though we've never met! Good luck with your goals!! You can do it!! :)