Last year, as I was sitting in a small moldy apartment in Amsterdam with our best friends Drew and Josh, making New Year’s resolutions, I never pictured 2009 going this way. Long conversations about my career were had with Drew, one of my best friends from the ballet world, but I never dreamed I would actually retire from ballet when I did. I mean, AM I CRAZY?!
Wet stones, burnt arms, gashes from knives, and hours and hours of chopping were not in the master plan for my life, people. The repertoire of sewing pointe shoes every other day, working out for a living, and having false eyelash glue constantly stuck in my eyelashes was my protocol. The world of a ballerina was all I ever knew.
My career wasn’t ripped apart from me like a death. It was a slow, gradual change in my heart. I am happy for that.
My heart is happier for that.
2009, you gave me some amazing experiences on stage. Experiences I never dreamed would happen. Which, I think is why I was able to slowly relinquish my first love, ballet, and give it over to something new. I was fully satisfied.
The cooking part seemed to fall in my lap, a natural affinity, you could say. That is for sure. I fit in, ironically, even more than as a ballet dancer. Maybe it is because it’s new? Or, maybe it is because I am a mature adult deciding my career, rather than a pre-pubescent teenager. But, I couldn’t have done it without patient chefs, my perfect husband, and lots of hard work.
2010 has its own challenges waiting for me in my new profession. Some lofty goals have been set, and I am not one to let myself fail, if you hadn’t already noticed. I will continue to write about the life of a cook but maybe (actually) on Anticiplate, probably continue to burn my arms which need to be covered by lots of tattoos (kidding Mama), and hopefully hopefully start to come into my own as a chef. And, I have a hunch that the recipes are gonna get better on here, too. I am excited for that!
Thank YOU ALL for being here to support me in this major transition, read my unprofessional writing, and sit on the bench at my dinner table enjoying the food that I cook. Even if it is just in pictures. 2009 wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Here is to a full belly in 2010! And, maybe a bit more exercise than I did in the later part of 2009.
xo
Kari
January 1, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Well, perfect might be a stretch…
January 1, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Happy 2010! I’m sure we all be able to eat your creations very soon. All the best for you and keep writing
January 1, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Happy new year! And gorgeous table. Every time you show pictures of your home I’m so jealous…
January 2, 2010 at 12:16 am
Love your table, Kari, beautiful! Here’s to making our dreams come true in 2010!!! (and also to less gashes from the knives :)).
January 2, 2010 at 12:47 am
I love seeing pictures of real peoples tables!! There is something about a table that says it all!! It’s so weird …but before we have company over for anything, I take a pictue of the table. Best to you in 2010 and Delancey! See you soon.
January 2, 2010 at 1:47 am
Brava, Kari! Looking forward to continuing to follow the rise of your new career.
January 2, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Kari, happy 2010! I’m glad you enjoyed you’re time in Portland, though I’m kinda disappointed that I suggested Lauralhurst Market and it didn’t quite live up to expectations.
On another note, I too am someone that changed careers for a life behind the stove. I spent half my life behind a microphone, 13 of it in the radio industry. I enrolled in Culinary School (graduated officially in October, though I was done in June). So I know a lot of what you’re going through and can completely relate.
January 3, 2010 at 2:02 am
I admire how you had the courage to change careers, especially when it seems you were already doing so well in one. I think that’s amazing. You are inspiring to say the least!
January 8, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Hey Kari,
Just dropped in to say happy new year and see what you were cooking! It all looks beautiful, like you!
Love the new table and I hope you are happy with all the new changes in your life!
Best,
Stacey