Every year we make a promise to ourselves to do things better in the new year. We often are so quick to start planning for all the new and amazing things we will do in the future, that we brush aside the past. I read an article on Happiness on my way home from LA, and got to thinking...what makes me happy? What made me happy last year. Sometimes, its not always what we think it is. Usually, its the everyday nuances that make us smile. So tonight, I want to look back on 2010 and really celebrate everything that made last year a Happy Last Year!
January 2010 - I experienced my first real snow storm..not just snow..but STORM...18 inches later, my husband and I were making snow angels and having a snow down...(watch Dexter's Laboratory episode "snow down" to get an animated version of what happened on this day, it will make you shoot milk out of your nose it is so funny) It was so much fun, and exhilarating too! We made dinner that evening and just laughed at how childish we were..and boy oh boy was it FUN!
February 2010- I discovered "Windy City." The best little neighborhood market with local seasonal produce, a plethora of Mexican and Latin American foods, and some of the best salsa I have tasted (all made in-house). The best part...imagine two full bags of produce for less than $30. It rules!
March 2010- Asparagus was coming into season in the mid-west! I was in heaven! And I experienced my first St. Patty's day in Chicago...I don't like St Patty's day in Chicago, it is out of control...seriously! I did have a first green beer though, and ate some pub fare at an Irish bar in the loop.
April 2010-My first visit home to Los Angeles since we moved to Chicago. I had a chance to see my really great friend from high school, Sarah, walk down the aisle, and revisit many years past with some high school friends I hadn't seen in 10 years! Her wedding took place in San Diego on a cliff with a breathtaking view. I was able to see my family, my friends, visit old co-workers....and of course shopping! I found an amazing pair of Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses (for 30 bucks thank you!) that I love love love! One of my best friends, Kristen, also met me in LA who is amazing and always an inspiration!
And I got another tattoo..
June 2010- I turned 31...hurray for another year of life! AND.. I FINALLY found a couch!! I searched and searched for the perfect one..comfortable, stylish, and gray! Craigslist...you never let me down! I smile every time I look at it. Its perfect!
July 2010-I had one of the coolest 4th of July's ever. Imagine riding your bike down a street, the weather over 80 degrees, and hundreds of fireworks right above your head! It was magical!...AND berries were beginning to arrive at the farmers markets. I also tried rhubarb for the first time..made orange rhubarb muffins, they were much better than I thought...I was a fan. My close friend Demi from Los Angeles moved to Chicago..and now I have a friend who is as nerdy about karaoke as I am! Peonies were in season, and are the best flower to brighten up your house!!
August 2010- Nick and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary with a picnic near Lake Michigan, then some of the best moo shoo I have ever tasted! We sipped on an outstanding white from Dry Creek Vineyards called "Fume Blanc" and ate dinner with a deep, spicy red cab from Sterling Vineyards called "Lot 45"..both highly recommended!! It was super romantic and so much fun! Our good friend from Los Angeles, Jason, also moved to Chicago (one by one ya'll...one by one!) My sister-in-law Amber also married a man she is madly in love with in Spokane,Washington. Gorgeous sunset atop a mountain that overlooked Spokane valley..breathless! Nick and I also went to Michigan for the first time and got to ride sea-dos in the lake, attempt to skim board for the first time (I actually stood up!!), and meet my friend Jenny's extremely hospitable family! I was inspired to one day own a house on that lake, it was so relaxing! I also bought truffle oil for the first time too..so good!
September 2010-My really good friend Christie came out to visit us in Chicago! We had a blast! Tasted some of the finest whiskey at Longman and Eagle, made some amazing home made chicken tacos, shopped for interesting treasures in Uptown, and laughed ourselves silly when a group of boys mooned us at the train stop! All in all...a pretty hilarious and fantastical week!
October 2010- My store was in the beginnings of its relocation, party planning, charity event organizing, and holiday prepping..probably one of my most challenging months ever in my career...and life! But it was all sweet when we opened our doors to our new, improved, and much larger Anthropologie. If you are ever in Chicago...come see it. It will definitely leave an impression on you! Gorgeous! My great friend Angel also came to visit for one night only, and we had the most decadent, amazing meal at Taxim on Damen. You will love this restaurant if you love Greek food, and a creative chef! It is to die for!
November 2010-My mom came to town and got to see my newly painted living room. I also made my first Thanksgiving dinner with a real turkey for the first time in 10 years. I started this blog!
December 2010- I surprised my husband for his birthday by arranging for his BF to fly into Chicago. He was speechless and so happy. We ate wings at Small Bar until our stomachs hurt, and had the best time. We decorated the Christmas tree, put on cheesy holiday tunes (my favorite) and sipped on mulled apple cider. We also began our new tradition of Christmas movie marathon, Chinese food, and ice cream...it was one of our best Christmas Eve eves. And we danced the year away with our good friends that we have met since we have been here. It was one of those nights where almost everyone was in the same spot, and was ready to go where ever the night took them. It was the best way to end a great year.
Already, this year has been great with a trip to LA, a promotion, and now a new appreciation for last year's highlights. This is the first time I have ever done this...but now looking back, what a great year I had! This year I look forward to more hilarious memories, funny anecdotes, sweet romances with my hubby, tons of food, great wine, taking more pictures and more blog writing!
Happy Living,
Kendra
