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
Eden says
My pie in the sky dream is to one day own my own brunch spot/bakery and just make people happy with good service and amazing food :)
Heather C says
The hardest part of attaining your dream is that first step, you know its what makes you happy and you're good at it - so go for it, I look forward to the videos. Have so enjoyed your blog site and recipes.
Kim | a little lunch says
Christina, from what I've seen of you on video, you're a 'natural' with an engaging, friendly, appealing, genuine personality. As for your recipes, well, good heavens girl! I've been enjoying them for years, whether I've made them for me 'n' my man or upsized 'em for company. Your hubby's 3-bite observation was an affirmation of your 'path' -- not to mention an indication of the kind of support you can expect from him as you pursue your dreams. (Double blessing!) Go for it!
Courtney says
I would love to watch you on the food network, I love how your recipes are made for two people and they never sound impossible to make. I hope you reach your goal/dream. And I hope to see you on sooner than Giada's retirement!!
Melissa Shultz says
What an awesome dream! With your determination, amazing cooking skills and celebrity type personality there is no doubt that you will achieve your dream. I always loved watching Giada when I had cable. No need to replace her, you can share the network with her and make a new name for yourself. Looking forward to watching this dream come to life.
Melissa
Stephanie @ long Distance Baking says
I cannot WAIT to watch you on tv someday! Maybe you could have some sort of kitchen spin off on HGTV though...then you'd be one step closer to You Know Who ;) I so so sooo appreciate all of the help and advice you've given Kelly and I. I'm excited to see how this all unfolds for you! When you're famous I'm going to brag to all my friends that I know you. xo
Donna says
Love your recipes and can't wait to see you on TV!
Debi says
I adore you but I do not adore Giada so if you take her place I will watch. You need to apply for The Next Food Network Star! I'm watching it this year right now and only a few have my attention. You have a very unique point of view and you need to get on this show before someone steals it. I'm a widow so I love using many of your recipes to cook for just myself and especially the baked goods. Most widows I know "cook" frozen dinners or eat fast foods but I love to cook. My kitchen is my favorite room in my house and it's where I go to play with my food. I do have a TV in my kitchen and I would love to be watching you on the Food Network while I'm cooking or baking for one. Why would anyone laugh at your dream? It's most definitely attainable for you so go get it! Make it come true for you!
Big Hugs!!!!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
You're going to do this, girl. I have no doubt. And I personally can't wait to add your name to my DVR list. I need some accountability to actually taking the time to make some specific goals. I'm good at vision--I have a grand vision where my blog is a space that combines my love of community, justice, and food. I have visions of people gathering around the table to talk about things that matter--to cry and share and pray and hug and laugh our heads off. I've got the vision, it's just the specifics that I have trouble crafting. I know I need to sit down and write out some little steps to get me there. I think my first goal will be putting a reminder about it up by my bed. That's specific, realistic, and achievable right?
Lynn Lovejoy says
I would LOVE to watch you on the food network! My goal is to get more readers into my blog, but I think I'm starting to help that along by posting more often and I recently revamped the site to give it a much cleaner look. Right now I'd be happy to get up to 1000 followers but maybe one day I'll be as cool as you and get on tv :) My biggest goal is to be able to retire from law and only work on my food blog (way before retirement age!) Can't wait to see your videos!