As the New Year nears, it’s time for all of us to reflect on 2010.  For me personally, it’s been such a crazy year.  But despite it all, it turned out to be pretty darn good.  As I reflect, I thought I’d do the Best Of for 2010.  After all, how could we start the New Year without reflecting on the beauty of the old? 

Without further ado, I give you my Top 5 Best of Memories for 2010…

5.   Green Mangos Catering had its best year yet!  We thank each of our clients for their patronage and entrusting us with their special events.  From the corporate parties to the intimate weddings, we have been honored to be a part of your day.

4.  Tom’s surprise 40^th Birthday celebration.  After almost 9 months of planning, we celebrated Tom’s big birthday bash with a hot-air balloon ride.  The weather was perfect and the view over the St. Croix Valley was sensational.  Words cannot describe the feeling I felt as I stood next to my best friend while floating with the wind. 

 3.   Auditioning for the Food Network.  After hearing about our catering business, I was approached by a television producer to audition for the host role for a new cooking series.  After auditioning with 85 other chefs, multiple cooking demonstrations and many interviews, I made it to the Final Four.  Alas, although my time has not yet come for cooking on national T.V., the opportunity is something I will not soon forget. And maybe someday, just maybe, you’ll see me cracking crazy jokes while cracking fresh farm eggs on the Food Channel.

2.   Putting our home on the market.  After years of talking and wishing, Tom and I decided to seek new residence.  I will now admit that it was a bit of a scary process.  We definitely saw our ups and downs throughout it all.  However, now that we’re settled and I look around at our new home, I know that it was the right choice.  I look forward to seeing what new memories will be created.

 And the number one memory for me in 2010?  What else?

 1.   The many special experiences I shared with Tom and the kids.  From feeding donuts to the seagulls in Duluth (I don’t think we were supposed to do that…) to being bit by nasty bugs at the apartment pool to experiencing our first Christmas together in our new home, I will always cherish each and every memory that I experience with my family.  Thank you for yet another wonderful year.  

 And to the rest of you, my loyal readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May 2011 bring you much peace and joy!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, my friend, for Auld Lang Syne.
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet for days of Auld Lang Syne.