As the final days of the year unfold, it’s an understatement to say that 2013 has been anything but ordinary; it has been an exhilarating, transformative, and truly unforgettable journey. This past year has presented a tapestry of unexpected challenges, profound personal growth, and monumental shifts that have permanently reshaped my path. From navigating unforeseen natural disasters to courageously embracing a completely new professional direction, 2013 stands out as a landmark year, brimming with experiences and reflections that I am eager to share with you all.
The close of the year delivered a particularly dramatic and challenging climax. Just last Saturday, our community was engulfed by a devastating ice storm, leaving a trail of significant damage and plunging many, including our household, into darkness. Our power remained out until the early hours of Christmas Eve, creating an unexpected pause in our modern lives. For two challenging days, we adapted to a simpler existence: holiday preparations were meticulously carried out in the precious daylight hours, and as dusk settled, our evenings were illuminated by the dancing flames of the fireplace. My primary nighttime activity became a seemingly endless series of solitaire games, played in the cozy glow, a quiet ritual that contrasted sharply with the usual holiday hustle.
Then, precisely at 7 AM on Christmas Eve morning, electricity surged back into our home, instantly transforming our temporary sanctuary into a bustling kitchen. I hit the ground running, embarking on a whirlwind of festive culinary creations: baking batches of homemade rolls, crafting delicious pies, and preparing a magnificent prime rib. The subsequent days were a beautiful blur of cherished Christmas traditions – the warmth of gift exchanges, joyous family gatherings that filled our home with laughter, and delightful brunches shared with loved ones. It’s been a continuous celebration, leaving little room for quiet contemplation or post-writing, until this very moment of calm.
Now, as I meticulously edit and compile a few new recipes that I’ve already had the pleasure of developing, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to pause and share some of the most significant highlights from the past year. It truly has been an extraordinary 365 days, packed with moments of profound change and unexpected blessings, and I’m still marveling at everything that has transpired. While this blog often serves as a personal journal, a space to document my culinary adventures and daily life, there are a few pivotal experiences that didn’t quite fit into a regular recipe post. These are the stories that deserve a dedicated reflection.
So, without further ado, let’s embark on a comprehensive look back: my year in review.
Embracing a New Chapter: From Emergency Room to Full-Time Food Blogger
Perhaps the most monumental decision and significant accomplishment of the year for me was making the courageous leap to leave my long-standing job. For those of you who might not be aware, for a remarkable 14 years, I dedicated my time and energy as a unit coordinator in an incredibly busy emergency room. My journey in healthcare began when I was just 19 years old, fresh out of my teenage years, facing a career crossroads: either this challenging role or an unconventional position as an undercover shopper, tasked with apprehending shoplifters at a major department store (was it Macy’s, Hudson’s, or Marshall Field’s back then?). Given that I’m not exactly inclined to tackle someone to the ground, I chose the emergency room position, despite having absolutely zero prior medical knowledge. My primary motivation, at that initial stage of my life, was the essential health insurance benefits it offered.
Over the years, life evolved. Pat and I welcomed our beautiful children, and the hospital’s flexible twelve-hour shifts, combined with the invaluable support of my mother-in-law, allowed me to manage my work schedule without needing traditional daycare for my girls throughout their early years. Then, in 2010, this little corner of the internet, Simply Scratch, was born. For nearly four years, I meticulously juggled three twelve-hour shifts a week at the hospital, navigated the beautiful chaos of family life, and passionately pursued blogging on my precious days off. It was an undeniably crazy schedule, a constant high-wire act of balancing demanding responsibilities. Yet, amidst the intensity, blogging emerged as an unexpected and much-needed creative outlet, a space where I discovered a passion I never knew I possessed, a true sanctuary for my culinary explorations and written expressions.
This past June marked the beginning of a significant transition when I cautiously shifted to a part-time schedule at the hospital. This decision, while a tad scary initially, proved to be an immense relief and a crucial step forward. Reducing my shifts from three twelve-hour days to two dramatically freed up my time and energy, allowing me to channel more focus into what I truly loved: the art of cooking and the craft of blogging. It was a taste of what could be, a reaffirmation that I was moving in the right direction.
Then, during the transformative autumn and winter months, after much contemplation and preparation, I officially submitted my letter of resignation. Simply Scratch has grown far beyond just a creative hobby; it has blossomed into something so much more profound and substantial. I can now proudly, and with a sense of immense gratitude, declare that it is officially my full-time job. The very act of my fingers typing those words still feels surreal, almost unbelievable. Because, honestly, this has been a deeply cherished goal and a long-held dream of mine, and I have poured countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion into achieving it. The thrill of this realization is truly exhilarating. The ability to be home, to fully immerse myself in family life, and to dedicate my days to doing what I absolutely LOVE—it makes every late night, every grammatical error, and every moment of effort entirely worth it. It is a dream realized, a testament to perseverance and passion.
Therefore, with a bittersweet and heavy heart, I bid farewell to a colossal chapter in my life, one that has shaped me in countless ways. Yet, it is a chapter I will never forget and for which I will always be profoundly grateful. The emergency room taught me resilience, compassion, and the invaluable skill of multitasking under pressure. Now, I carry those lessons forward into this exciting new adventure.
Conquering Fears and Forging Connections: The BlogHer Food Conference
Another monumental life experience that indelibly marked this past year occurred just this past June. It involved a significant personal triumph: I hopped on a plane, flying solo to Austin, Texas, to connect with friends and immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 2013 BlogHer Food conference. This trip was not just about professional development; it was a deeply personal journey, as it meant confronting and, I believe, ultimately overcoming my long-standing fear of flying. The experience of soaring through the clouds, entirely on my own, was both terrifying and incredibly empowering.
The conference itself was a whirlwind of inspiration and connection. Between attending insightful sessions, participating in lively parties, and having the incredible opportunity to meet a multitude of amazing bloggers—and yes, indulging in a few well-deserved margaritas—I walked away with far more than just new knowledge. I forged some truly incredible friendships, bonds that I cherish deeply, and gained a renewed sense of confidence. It was an exhilarating weekend, packed with learning, laughter, and the shared passion of so many talented individuals. I can honestly say I have never had so much fun or felt such a strong sense of camaraderie with so many inspiring women.
A Mosaic of Memories: Rounding Out the Year with Joy and Adventure
The remainder of the year unfolded with a delightful collection of moments, both big and small, that contributed to the rich tapestry of 2013. Each experience added a unique hue to this memorable year:
1. Our First Winter in a New Home: We savored the cozy comfort and new traditions of experiencing our very first winter in our new home, creating fresh memories in our cherished space.
2. Pitching Pride: Witnessing my oldest daughter excel as she pitched in her girls’ fast-pitch league filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for her dedication and talent.
3. A Joyous Union: We celebrated the beautiful marriage of our wonderful friends, Lynne and Dave, sharing in their happiness as they embarked on their new chapter together.
4. Godparent Duties: Pat and I were honored to become godparents to Will, the adorable new baby boy of our dear friends, Mike and Heidi, a truly special moment of connection and responsibility.
5. Magazine Feature Debut: A thrilling milestone was seeing Simply Scratch featured in my very first magazine! It was an incredibly validating experience to see my work recognized in print.
6. Childhood Milestones: My youngest daughter experienced a classic childhood rite of passage: she lost her two front teeth. For those who know me well, it was a surprisingly sentimental and bittersweet day.
7. Musical Road Trip: I embarked on a fun adventure with my friend Heidi, traveling across the state (the “mitten”) to see one of our favorite up-and-coming singers perform in concert, a fantastic night of music and friendship.
8. Green Thumb Success: I successfully planted an herb garden this year… and, to my delight and surprise, managed to keep it alive and thriving, a small but satisfying personal achievement.
9. Thrill-Seeking Adventure: Pat and I took a courageous leap and went zip-lining! It probably resulted in one of my worst pictures ever (those blue helmets didn’t do us any favors!), but the sheer thrill and excitement were unmistakably plastered all over our faces.
10. Whole Foods Discovery: I experienced the wonders of Whole Foods for the very first time. I can only ask myself now: what on earth took me so long to discover this culinary paradise?
11. Creative Partnership: I had the incredible opportunity to partner with Simply Organic, collaborating to create some truly delicious and wholesome food that aligned perfectly with my culinary philosophy.
12. A Fitting End: The year culminated with an unexpected power outage (bringing us full circle from the beginning of this post!) and the delightful arrival of a brand new Dyson vacuum, a small but welcome comfort after a year of such immense activity and change.
Looking back, 2013 has been extraordinarily kind and generous to me, showering me with blessings, opportunities, and invaluable life lessons. I can only begin to imagine the exciting possibilities and adventures that 2014 will undoubtedly bring. I am absolutely thrilled and deeply committed to giving this full-time blogging endeavor my absolute best, because, as my oldest daughter wisely puts it, YOLO! (You Only Live Once!) – and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. This is my moment to fully embrace my passion and turn a dream into a thriving reality. So, from the bottom of my heart, I extend my profound gratitude to all of YOU for stopping by day in and day out, for trying my recipes, for sending me your thoughtful emails, and for sharing the wonderful food you create with your own loved ones. I truly couldn’t, and wouldn’t, be able to embark on this incredible journey without your unwavering support and encouragement!
I sincerely hope that you all have a safe, wonderfully fun, and absolutely delicious New Year celebration. I am genuinely looking forward to embarking on my 5th year of blogging with all of you by my side, continuing to share recipes, stories, and the joy of home cooking.
Cheers to new beginnings!
Warmly,
Laurie
XO