If I view 2013 through rose-colored glasses, I'd say it was a great year for me and the ones nearest and dearest to me. I suppose I can dwell on the negatives in my life, but since there were no tragedies nor any major health concerns, I'd say 2013 was one heck of a great year! As I sit back and reminisce about 2013, I’d like to share with you the positives in my life and all those loved ones around me, it’s important to see the glass half full.
health
I'm most thankful my entire family, my friends, and I are all in good health. Everything else seems so remote to me if we all aren't in the best of health.
my family
This past year my sister, Mini, moved from sunny California to gloomy New Jersey with her 2 kids. The move was bittersweet. After an unfortunate loss Mini (and us as a family) had to bear in 2012, I speak on behalf of my entire family that we are all so thrilled to have her back on the east coast despite the location downgrade, but hey, family is everything! As I watch Mini rebuild her life day in and day out without the love of her life, I am amazed at her strength which in turn forces me to quit
whining about my issues. My sister is the strongest person I know with the warmest heart. To me, she epitomizes all the qualities a woman should possess... smart, confident, compassionate, independent, and one that has her own identity. It's these qualities I admire most in a person, and its these qualities that help you get thru the toughest moments in life. She is a role model not only to me, but to her 11 year old daughter, and our 5 teenage nieces. I hope the young women in our family all grow up to be strong, independent women who have a sense of self. 
My husband found a new job. It's one that brings him a lot of stress and much happiness. At the end it is about finding a job you like, and hopefully one that makes you happy too. I’m so proud of you VS.
My eldest niece, Salena, joined college this year. It's so surreal for me because I started college around the same time Salena was born. Time flies. 
My cousin, Ajay, and his wife had a healthy, adorable baby boy this past year, we're all having so much fun with a new baby boy in our lives, especially because our family is very female dominated (woohoo)! 
my friendships
My friend, Jhiane, also had a new baby... a beautiful baby girl, Malia. Malia was a total surprise for everyone, and she brings her mama so much happiness and joy. Jhiane you bring me so much happiness and joy. 
My friend, Marian, moved back to the New York area upon completion of her MBA. She wasn't too happy about it, but I was SO happy! And the best part is, she is also my neighbor. 
My friend, Anu, and I have became close again after she moved back to the States… I’m so glad to have my friend back! My life feels much happier being able to see you, Anu.
And as for me.
my job
I received a promotion this year which came as a total surprise to me. I'm so thankful I work with smart and nice people who make going to work fun, in addition to doing good work.
my travel
Amongst some of the places I was fortunate enough to visit this year, Greece was the ultimate vacation. I finally visited with my husband and it was one of the BEST experiences of my life. Santorini is heaven, I’ve never seen a place so breathtaking.
My next favorite was Turks and Caicos. The trip was so special since I went with my 2 friends - Jhiane and Marian. Jhiane was pregnant, and thus it was going to be the last trip we were going to take as "friends without kids." So memorable!![turks and caicos 072_thumb[1]](https://lh6.ggpht.com/-QOgu6BAnDLA/UsJTzUEOTQI/AAAAAAAAea8/2reauqiTx54/s1600-h/turks%252520and%252520caicos%252520072_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg "turks and caicos 072_thumb[1]")
food & blogging
I finally visited a Michelin Star restaurant for the first time in my life - Junoon! To most people this isn't a big deal, but for a foodie, it's a big freakin' deal. 
My blog hit a milestone of 3 million hits this year... I was thrilled! Thank you so much for reading and commenting, the nice comments make my day, the mean comments make me sad, but I can handle constructive criticism. Thank you guys! Also, my blog received a new makeover this year, one that I love!
For the first time this past year, I was invited to several Press Dinners in New York. Attending these dinners helped me step out of my comfort zone and mingle with new people since I tend to be shy initially, not to mention a complimentary 5 to 10 course meal with wine parings - can't beat that. Additionally, I am learning so much about unique food pairings and trying a little bit of everything even though I don't particularly enjoy... duck foie (yuck), beef, bacon, lamb, lobster (I know, I'm crazy). One of my favorite Press Dinners this year was The Masalawala.
I'm so thankful I started Honey, What's Cooking back in 2009. My blog has enabled me to grow tremendously as a person. It's given me a platform to connect with people through my writing. I've gained the opportunity to meet a few fellow bloggers in person this year with whom I share common interests. I'm so happy doing what I love “on the side,” I will probably never earn a living from blogging, but cooking, baking, and blogging bring me immense joy.
happy new year
To my family, my friends, and all my fellow readers... I wish you all a very happy and safe New Years, definitely don't do what I did on New Years Eve 8 years ago. May 2014 be your year, and mine! Many thanks and lots of love! Happy New Year!
Cheers!
TELL ME: What are your plans for New Years? Staying in? Going out? Don't care for New Years?
Joanne says
I love how you focus so much on the positive of the past year. Here's to 2014 being even BETTER.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Joanne.. appreciate it. Hope 2014 is even BETTER! Agreed! Happy New Year!
Ameena says
So grateful you started your blog as well because otherwise I would have never met you! Hope to see you more in 2014...love our lunches. I really look forward to them.
And to your sister? I have the utmost respect for all that's she's done. She is amazing.
Happy New Year!
honeywhatscooking says
Awww... Ameena, that's so nice of you to say, the feeling is mutual. It's so nice to meet you and be able to connect with you. I enjoy lunching with you too.
Yes.. thank you, I'll have Mini go back and read some of these comments. Thank you for your kind words. Happy New Year!
Dixya says
absolutely loved your first paragraph, seriously when you look at big picture - small worries and fuss is not worth it. Health, family, and a passion is def. the most important factor. Wishing you a even more successful 2014 for you and your family.. And hopefully a trip to NY (for me) or Dallas (for you)!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Dixya, so glad you liked it. Yup, gotta look at the big picture, I realize that now more than ever. I wish you and your family a happy new year as well. I hope you visit NYC... yes, and hopefully I'll visit Dallas, soon! 🙂
Mari says
It was so great to read this post. You're such a positive person! That was great reading about your sister. If there were more women in this world that possessed the characteristics that she has the world would be a much better place. The picture from Turks and Caicos is beautiful...that place is heaven on earth!! And I absolutely love the last pic of you at the end...so fun!! Have a great 2014!!!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Mari, I appreciate it. Yeah, Mini is a real inspiration to be around, definitely need more of her in this world. Turks and Caicos is a beautiful place - I highly recommend visiting. 🙂
Thanks! Wish you a great year ahead! Happy New Year!
Anonymous says
Thank you! You made me cry. Thank you for encouraging me and giving me strength, especially on the "not so good" days. Thank you for being a great sister and a great aunt. Here's to 2000 and 14 Hon!! You and me! Here's to 2014 bringing a lot more love and happiness into our lives, more promotions, more family reunions, and more well-deserved good times, and of course good health and great food :-)). Love, Min
honeywhatscooking says
Awww..sorry! You're welcome. Time heals. Here is to you, and me, and our family! Love you.
Cailee Joy says
This is such a great post!! Seriously!! I love the info about health and everything about loving what you do! Thanks again and Happy 2014!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Cailee, glad you liked it. I really appreciate it. Happy New Year!
Kitchen Riffs says
Terrific post! Really great read. Thanks, and Happy New Year!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
Anonymous says
Oh my gosh I loved this post, it was so touching to read. I'm a lucky gal to have to you as a bestie. Looking forward to what great things that 2014 brings us JC
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks JC.. glad you enjoyed it. You are my best friend, love you! I hope we can make some crazy memories in 2014. 🙂
Asha Shivakumar says
A VERY VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
What a beautiful post. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of it. It was a good year and so glad for that. I cannot agree more, Health is everything. Yay, for your job and everything.
Cheers to another great year and looking forward to getting to know you better. <3
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Asha. A very Happy New Year to you goo!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, it really was a good year in hindsight. Health really is everything. Hope you have a great 2014 too! 🙂
Chai a Cup of Life says
Great post! Wishing you a happy new year and all the best for your resolutions! Thanks for such a positive blog and easy to make recipes 🙂 We went out for the new year. Unfortunately, everything closes at 12.30 in Delhi.!!!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Amelia. I really appreciate your sweet comment. So glad you think the recipes are easy to make. It's good you went out for New Years. Happy New Year!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
HAPPY NEW YEAR, N! So glad I had the chance to meet you this year. Here's to more meet ups in the future!
And I love this post. Your friends and family sound amazing and I wish all of you the very best!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Parita.. yup, you were one of the new people I met this year.. it was so nice to finally meet you. I hope you make it to NYC this year, you'll have fun! Thanks.. I wish you and Vishnu, your friends and family a Happy New Year too!