Celebrating 7 Years of Blogging…

Gosh, I can't believe it's been seven years, you guys. (The actual anniversary was yesterday, December 7th.)

You have probably heard the story already but my sister is the one who pushed me to start. After telling her over and over that I wanted to start a food blog. The last straw for her was when I told her I needed to get a good camera first. She told me to get off my ass and just do it.

Yeah, so I did, within 48 hours, I started The Little Kitchen. And while the look has changed over the years. The main reason why I started and why I blog each week hasn't changed. I wanted to share recipes with family and friends. And as readers of The Little Kitchen, I consider you my friend.

My friends who come back every week or every so often to read my stories, to make my recipes. I appreciate each and every one of you.

The last seven years, I have had my share of bumps in the road, there were ups and downs. But I'll just reflect on this year. For many, this year has been a huge struggle. Sending you virtual hugs if you're one of those people.

I got really really sick earlier this year and it turned out to be tuberculosis. I was sick for months, not getting answers and when I finally did, it was a huge relief. That relief didn't come until I got rid of the denial of the diagnosis though. I didn't want to believe it because they weren't able to figure it out for a long time so why should I believe them now? The maze of doctors, tests and having to take a huge amount of medication led me to not be able to work for 3+ months.

While I wouldn't wish this on anyone, my illness changed my perspective, for the better. I'm not worried about the little things that used to bother me. I'm over it. And truly, I'm grateful for you, my friends. And for my in real life friends who stuck by me. Because some couldn't, some weren't able to. And I don't fault them in any way, sometimes things come to an end. And that's okay too.

Because like one of my good friends has said so many times, life is too short for crappy food and crappy friends.

I finished all of my medication for the TB in October and just had a follow-up CT scan…which I'm hoping will be my last for a while. I have also thought about sharing with you all about my treatment and my hospital stay. It was my first time in an ER (as the patient) and my first time in the hospital (as the patient) and it opened up a whole new understanding for me, on our healthcare system and just dealing with the amount of doctors and nurses. I'm still letting that swirl in my head so you'll see it here if I decide to share.

Things I have learned over the years:

• You can't make anyone happy nor can anyone make you happy…YOU have to do that for yourself.
• You can't care what others think, it's such a waste of time.
• Make sure you do what you love, don't be a jerk (unless someone deserves it) and take care of yourself and the ones you love.
• Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down. This goes along with taking care of yourself.

As we get nearer to the end of 2016, I hope you'll enjoy this holiday season and have an awesome 2017 filled with happiness and good health!