26: A Big Year

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It’s official, I’m 26 today! I woke up to a dreary sky, unnecessarily high temperatures and hot, misty drizzle. Not exactly the best conditions to start a birthday. Then, of course, I got on the metro and the mood plummeted. Then, I made the wise decision of looking at my bank account, which made me tear up. So, I walk into work with a large, symbolic, stupid grey rain cloud over my head, fighting back tears. I get off the elevator, walk pass my bosses and they both blurt out “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” and proceed to give me a giant hug. Mood elevated by a few points. Then I walk to my desk, and see these, and practically break down in happy tears.

Dark rain cloud immediately dissipated. My lovely boss, the fabulous person she is, got me birthday flowers! And then, in the middle of a meeting, a man showed up with a box of flowers from my husband!

These little gestures are what make birthdays so special for me. Sure the presents, the fancy dinners, the all night binges are fabulous too, but flowers at work and the small gestures really make this day amazing. The weather is still crappy and it’s still only Tuesday, but…IT’S MY BIRTHDAY. And I’m going to smile today!

Or make that face.

I’m no psychic here, I can’t look into a crystal ball and see what the future holds, see if tomorrow will bring great fortune, a baby or a house, but I can BELIEVE that 26 will be the best year thus far of my crazy, jam-packed, outrageous life and that belief is enough to push through. I mean, I’ve got some exciting things on the docket.

1. I’m going to be writing, eating and creating recipes, aka, my dream. Starting a new year, a new age with my DREAM job is fan-freakintastic, don’t you think? However, I may end up looking a little too much like this guy if I keep eating EVERY single thing I make, double time.

2. I’m strongly pursuing a new journey in school! And not the school you think. I still want to get my masters, but there’s another school in my future that will require less books and more of this:

and might require me to wear one of these…

and use a few of these…

Create masterpieces like this:

[via Gretchen]

and will one day (hopefully) get me one of these, with my name on it!

That’s right, CULINARY SCHOOL! It’s a long way off from being a reality, but I’m actively pursuing it, applying for it and talking to administrators at the school to make this a reality! It’s crazy, I know. I’m terrified but SO EXCITED! Cooking has become more than just something to do to de-stress me, feed me and give me content for my blog. Cooking is more than just my job now, it’s a passion. It’s something that I love, with everything in me. Call me crazy, but cooking is one of the loves of my life. Why not learn how to master it, work in a kitchen, open a new restaurant? The sky’s the limit!

3. This man, this handsome man, and I will be celebrating one year of marriage.

I can’t believe it’s been over 6 months already!! I remember this time last year, I was anxiously planning my wedding and now we are planning our 1 year anniversary. It’s nuts, time flies so fast. But it’s been a fabulous year and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner 🙂

4. This blog. This year will be SO BIG for this blog. I’m working with one of the most talented web designers out there to create a beautiful, gorgeous, lovely, perfect, fabulous site and I’m THRILLED. Carolynn from Two Brunettes is going to turn this website into a piece of art and I’m LIKE, DEAD, of excitement. I mean, look at her website? Absolutely stunning.

GUSHING. I’m obsessed.

But the most exciting thing of all about 26? I couldn’t tell you, because it hasn’t happened.

[via Pinterest]

Those moments, those spontaneous events, activities, unions and days where the most amazing UNPLANNED things happen aren’t predicted. They aren’t something I can say will happen now. And that’s the most beautiful thing about life. You don’t know what’s going to happen in a year, better yet, an hour, a day, a month. Life just happens and sometimes it’s exciting and sometimes it’s scary, but that’s what the ride is all about. I’m just blessed to have another year to be here, do what I love, make incredible friendships and live. 

SO THANK YOU. All. So much for your incredible birthday wishes, your support and for being you. I love ya! 

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Comments

  1. Posted by Kiri W. on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy birthday! :) Have a great day and don't let the weather get you down. You have a fabulous year ahead of you!!
  2. Posted by Alicia on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday! I can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!!
  3. Posted by Maggie Wescott on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday!  You have some exciting things in your 26th year on this  planet.  Good luck with the culinary arts school applications.  I cannot wait until the day that I too can start this process.  Its a dream I'll pursue some day.  Hope the rest of your day continues to soar!
  4. Posted by Ashley V on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    I almost did a Pastry degree at AI of Washington! They have a great program! Good luck to you and Happy Birthday :)
  5. Posted by Jennifer on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Aw happy birthday lovely!  I hope this year is the most fabulous ever! Congrats on making the decision about culinary school.  If I didn't think that the idea of a 100% hands-on school and working in a restaurant was completely scary, it would definitely be something that I myself would consider!
  6. Posted by jules on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy birthday! So glad you are pursuing what makes you happy. Love your photo journery.
  7. Posted by Jessica Trimble on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Eeek! Culinary school! So exciting. Happy birthday  my sweet friend :D
  8. Posted by Lauren on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday! Aww love the pics :)
  9. Posted by Layla on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy, happy birthday! It sounds like you have a wonderful year planned full of fun and exciting things with a lot to be seen, as well! I hope your 26th year turns out to be everything you want it to be and more. Happy birthday, friend!
  10. Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday--sounds like 26 will be a BIG year!
  11. Posted by Bake Your Day on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    happy birthday, Claire! Hope it's a great one!
  12. Posted by Macaroni and Cheesecake on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday!! 
  13. Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    Happy Birthday Claire! I have to say..I am so glad I read this post, because I feel so connected to it! I feel the EXACT same way, and in the exact same boat as you! I just turned 28 on Halloween and I know this will be MY year as well! Keep it up and lets do it! (Sorry for the rant..haha)
  14. Posted by Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    I love your new attitude. You certainly have a lot of exciting things to smile about! Can't wait to see all of these things come to fruition for you!
  15. Posted by Lois Gazdick on
    Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
    lLate for your BD by one hour and 13 minutes....I am getting better, almost on time with a Happy Happy Birthday. We will shop when you come home my sweet Claire bear from Gram
  16. Posted by Kira on
    Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
    So happy for you, Claire! Happy birthday!
  17. Posted by Sarah@SarahCupcake on
    Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
    Happy Birthday and good luck with all the amazing things going on in your life :)
  18. Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
    Happy birthday, Claire!  It sounds like you've got yourself quite together already for only 26 :)
  19. Posted by Tequilacupcakes on
    Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
    Happy Birthday! Good luck with all of the wonderful and exciting things going on for you!!
  20. Posted by Anonymous on
    Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
    Aww happy birthday! You make 26 look good,now I know what to look forward to!