Kalyn’s Kitchen Celebrates a Birthday with Four Questions for Readers
(Four Year Birthday Graphic from ClipArtStock.net)It sounds like a cliche, but when I wrote the first post on Kalyn’s Kitchen four years ago, I never imagined how much this blog would change my life. I was just a fourth grade teacher who liked to cook, and I’d never thought about photographing my food or writing about it on the internet. Now I’ve got shelves full of “blog dishes,” a collection of notebooks filled with recipe notes, and I’m about to trade a 30 year teaching career for the job title of food blogger. I feel constantly thankful for all the good things blogging has brought into my life, not the least of which is connections I’ve formed with other bloggers and readers from all over the world.
As my nephew Ethan once said to his mom when they arrived home from the store with his birthday party decorations, “Let’s get this party started.” For my birthday, I’d like to take the day off and let those who are reading talk about themselves for a change. If you feel like playing along, here are some questions to talk about in the comments:
- What’s one way your life is different than it was four years ago?
- How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
- If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
- What should Kalyn be sure to do once she’s retired?
Thanks to everyone who’s been reading, commenting, or providing moral support these last four years. In the moral support department, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my brother Rand and his partner Bradley who are the design and technological brains behind Kalyn’s Kitchen. I’m also grateful for the many blogging friends who inspire, motivate, and nurture me daily as I write this ongoing chronicle of what’s on the menu in Kalyn’s Kitchen.
More Blog Birthdays:
Kalyn’s Kitchen Turns One
Kalyn’s Kitchen Turns Two
Kalyn’s Kitchen Turns Three
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79 Comments on “Kalyn’s Kitchen Celebrates a Birthday with Four Questions for Readers”
Kalyn!!!! (That’s four exclamation points for four terrific years.) That’s so exciting, and congratulations.
My answers:
1. Four years ago I hadn’t even left DC yet, so I was still a Teamster, living in my sweet apartment with a miraculous view, and not even beginning to think about blogging.
2. I can’t remember exactly how I found you, but I know it wasn’t long after I started the blog. I’m pretty sure I stumbled across someone else’s Weekend Herb Blogging post, which led me back to you, of course, and then I started participating in that and the rest is history!
3. Definitely champagne. And maybe some really good fried chicken. 😉
4. I like the suggestion that you not set an alarm clock. And the traveling suggestion (my house is always open to you!). And if you write a cookbook, I will most definitely buy it.
Happy blog birthday and congratulations on your retirement!
1. My daughter left for college, my son started high school and my husband was out of the country on business. (I consoled myself by eating A LOT OF BAD FOOD!)
2. I don’t really remember how I found your blog but I suspect I was searching the internet for help for my bad food addiction.
3. Cajun shrimp fettuccine.
4. Do whatever you want and best wishes to you.
What’s one way your life is different than it was four years ago?
I hope my cooking is better. I try new things with a bit more confidence. I’m less intimidated perhaps.
How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
I think you were one of the first ones. I just googled cooking blogs. I didn’t leave a comment for months and months. Talk about intimidated.
If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
Roasted cauliflower!
What should Kalyn be sure to do once she’s retired?
Enjoy.
Congrats Kalyn!!
4 years ago: Finishing up my last year of teaching (like you!!!) My life is full of freedom now. Love being able to do what I want, when I want.
Yours was one of the first blogs I found. Not sure how. It might have been when I was doing South Beach diet. I've been reading for a couple of years now.
My bday menu: Spaghetti Carbonara, a really great salad, cheesecake, cannoli & pinot noir. All horribly evil things that I avoid like the plague (except the wine & salad, of course).
What should your next move be in retirement: A cookbook!!!
Best of luck w/ your next year. I can only imagine that Kalyn's Kitchen is going to get even better 🙂
1.My life is different in that I am now retired and I’ve adopted a very funny dog – welcome to retirement, Kalyn!
2.I found your blog through facebook, although I have heard of you from other bloggers before.
3.If today was my birthday, I’d want something My Beloved prepared as a surprise for me.
4.Based on my long experience (of just one year), I’d say spend the first bit of time indulging in just what you want to do. Take “should” out of your vocabularly and don’t wear a watch unless you need to get to an appointment. Then, when that becomes too slow, think about what you can add to your community now that you have more time, and go do that, but don’t lose the leisure to sit and think and nap and laugh.
Happy birthday to Kalyn’s Kitchen and Happy retirement to you! By the way, my fourth grade teacher made a huge difference in my life in all kinds of ways. Mrs. Vohs – I’ve never forgotten her. I’m sure you have made a similar difference in your students’ lives. I wrote today about another teacher I loved, too, if you’d care to read it: http://zoomiestation.blogspot.com/2009/04/foraging-for-memories.html
Happy blog-birthday, Kalyn! What an amazing milestone. 🙂
> 1. What's one way your life is different than it was four years ago?<
We were lucky enough to spend three years in Seattle and meet some wonderful people, but about three years ago were were even luckier to be able to move back to San Francisco — our home. Lots of other little differences, but that's the big one!
>2. How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?<
Gosh, it's been so long, I don't even remember! I didn't really start reading food-blogs (other than the ones written by friends) until we started our own, so I guess July '06. And I am guessing I first found you through BlogHer, but that's just a guess.
>3. If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?<
Well, it's definitely not South Beach approved, but: Fried chicken, potato salad, and a custard cream pie (coconut or black-bottom).
>4. What should Kalyn be sure to do once she's retired?<
Come visit San Francisco more often!! 🙂
Congrats Kalyn! Love your blog and love you! I appreciate your friendship and never ending help!! You are the best!
I am married now and own a house. That is a big change:)
You were my neighbor! I had so much fun living next door to you! You taught me all about the blogging world and shared your fabulous garden produce. I miss those days. I need to come by to see the new house!
I would choose homemade gnocchi with pesto, caprese salad, and gelato!
I think you should RELAX! Go on a fun trip and enjoy your new house…and maybe host a dinner party so we can catch up..ha!
Again, I just adore you and your blog! Cheers to you!
Happy Blogiversary!!!
1. I’m living in Alabama and loving it!
2. Found the blog…not sure how. When Terry (my fiance) first got diagnosed as having Diabeates, he was told to go on the SouthBeach diet…I found her blog by serching the internet for South Beach recipes. We’ve since abandoned the diet as too difficult to maintain but I still love reading her blog!
3. If today was my birthday I wouldn’t want to cook – I definatly would want to go out to eat. And I’d want my favorite…Barbeque!
4. When Kalyn retires…she should work on her garden, relax and maybe write a cookbook!
happy 4-year bday!
1) four years ago? i was in high school; hadn’t had a real first boyfriend and definitely didn’t think that i was the type to like to cook or bake.
2) i don’t recall how i found the blog, but i’m sure i was captivated by your photos and recipes and just had to subscribe to you 🙂
3) if today were my birthday, i’d like vegetarian steamed dumplings, made by my mother.
4) kalyn should cook and look into getting a cookbook published! 🙂
Congratulations, and happy birthday!
Lots of changes in the last four years: changed to freelance work status, had a baby, moved. Life is good!
I found you in 2006 when searching for recipes, have been reading ever since.
For my birthday, I want a Maine lobster dinner with all the fixings.
I hope you enjoy retirement! Keep blogging and take time to do things that make you happy.
Happy Blog Bday Kalyn!!! I loved hearing how your life has changed because of your blog. It’s crazy how things turn out sometimes, and how something so (seemingly) small can have a huge impact. You are so lucky to have had a wonderful career as a teacher and now a new career based on your other interests. Many people never find their ‘passion,’ and it sounds like you’ve found two. Here are my answers:
1. What’s one way your life is different than it was four years ago?
This is an interesting question! I am STILL a graduate student, although instead of being a 1st year trying to pick a lab, I’m now a 5th year trying to graduate! I’ve married my college sweetheart, which has made our relationship even stronger than I thought it could be. I am finally starting to feel like an adult (sometimes), and 4 years ago I never felt that way. I definitely do a LOT more cooking now too!
2. How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
I think you know my story, but I found your blog through a Google search for “how to cook asparagus”! I soon discovered your tips on herbs, and your wonderful recipes. I think this was almost 2 years ago, and I’ve been frequenting your blog ever since. Your blog introduced me to cooking blogs, which was the driving force behind my strong interest in cooking.
3. If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
Hmmm that’s a tough one! I think I would say Chinese food since I’ve been craving it lately – maybe Orange Chicken – and some chocolate cheesecake for dessert! Not a healthy meal, but it’s my birthday so I don’t care! 🙂
4. What do you think Kalyn should be sure to do once she’s retired?
I think she should travel!!! There are so many places in the world with amazing sites to see (and fabulous food to experience). Being retired gives you the freedom to come and go as you like.
Congratulations! How life has changed since we started blogging, you started a couple of months before me but I think we both have improved our lives incredibly! I am very happy you started blogging because in this way I met you and we became friends! big hug!
1. What’s one way your life is different than it was four years ago?
Wow, now that I think about it, crazy different. In 2005, I was a college sophomore. I have had gastric bypass (RNY) surgery, lost over 100lbs (still got a lot to go!), graduated from college, living and working in New York City now.
2. How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
I’m thinking it’s been about two years? I found you on obesityhelp.com – the high protein diet RNYers try to go by is similar to SB, and someone linked to you at one point. I’m a foodie, and was hooked!
3. If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
Hrmmm… grilled ribeye steak (medium rare), some parmesan-y risotto, grilled corn and roasted asparagus. oh, and something delicious and sweet – lime coconut cake?
4. What do you think Kalyn should be sure to do once she’s retired?
Write a cookbook! Seriously. 😉 Happy Birthday, Kalyn!
1. What’s one way your own life is different than it was four years ago?
I bake more sweets and do less actual cooking.
2. How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
Looking for dinner!
3. If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
An awesome glass of wine.
4. What do you think Kalyn should be sure to do once she’s retired?
Travel the world. Go on a repositioning cruise to Dubai.
1. What’s different compared to 4 years ago?
I’ve moved back to Estonia from Scotland, have been sharing a life with a very supportive and kind K. – and gave birth to my baby daughter (our first) early this year.
2. We both started more or less at the same time (me 6 weeks or so later), and back then it was easier to spot the good ones.
3. If today was my b-day, what would I want on the menu..
MMmm. Let me think of that. Well, today IS my birthday (how cool to share that with your blog birthday) and my parents and sis are coming for dinner. I’m serving them grilled lamb chops with roasted cauliflower and harissa-spiked couscous salad. For dessert – a strawberry meringue cake 🙂
4. Once Kalyn’s retired, she should travel and visit friends around the world and eat delicious food wherever she goes 🙂
Happy Blog Birthday! Kalyn.
4 years ago, I had no idea what food blogs were.
I have been following your blog for close to 2 years now.
On my birthday, would love some Chicken Biryani and Malai Kulfi.
In retirement how about organizing/teaching about healthy eating.
Happy blogaversary!
1. I’m not working.
2. I don’t remember how I found this blog — probably linked to from another blog.
3. Surf and turf and a big green salad.
4. Keep blogging!
Sally
1. I now own my own home with my own yard. Both are tiny, but they’re mine.
2. Found the blog through another blog. Don’t know which one, don’t know how long. Years?
3. A nice steak cooked on the bbq, with fresh seasonal veggies.
4. Whatever makes her happy. If it was me, it would be to buy a small cottage on a clean lake with room for a big garden.
What’s one way your own life is different than it was four years ago?
Wow…Honestly my entire life is completely different now than it was 4 years ago. I’m in a healthy relationship with a fabulous person. I live in a large city. I can cook dinner rather than open boxes or call the delivery man 😉
How did you find the blog and how long have you been reading?
When I started writing ErinCooks 3 years ago I also started reading zillions of food blogs. You were always at the top of everyones’ must read lists so here I am.
If today was your birthday, what would you want on the menu?
Champagne. Cheesecake. And a really perfect steak.
What do you think Kalyn should be sure to do once she’s retired?
Publish a cookbook. Travel. Not set an alarm clock anymore.
Happy Birthday, Kalyn!