It has been exactly one year since all hell broke loose in this household. Happy anniversary to me.
One year ago today right in the middle of me renovating out kitchen, without warning, without reason, the fella walked out the door and never came back.
The house was a mess, my life was a mess, and there was nothing I could do about it other than deal with it as best I could. And as the worst year of my life came nearly to an end, the fella's father died.
This year was a horror. It was a horrible, awful, tear and rage filled year and today it comes to an end.
If this year I am run over by a bus, have a spider lay eggs in my ear and get the gout, it will still be a better year than last year. So here's hoping.
One of the things I stopped doing this past year was make a weekly menu. I didn't do it because the fella wasn't here to cook for plus I didn't have a functioning kitchen or a real desire to cook. And even if the kitchen was technically functioning it was ripped apart, meaning my olive oil may have been in the mudroom, my big pan under my bed and the wood spoons somewhere I hope to figure out soon.
So this week, on this day, as a way to start my next year on a good note I've decided to (at least for myself) start doing weekly menus again. It's something I always loved doing. Making the menu and then making the food. I thought I'd lost my love for cooking this past year but once I took a look at my new kitchen I realized I hadn't lost it at all. It was just hibernating.
The kickstart was when I decided to make a true pie (apple, which happens to be the truest of the true) in honour of the fella's father this week. Making the dough and stirring the sugar into the apples, stirred something inside of me.
I WANTED TO COOK! And eat.
So I headed to the chalkboard and for the first time in a year I wrote down a weekly menu for myself. I can't guarantee I'll be posting the weekly menu here every week, but I will the odd time.
If you've been knocked off your rocker for any reason this past year, I hope this weekly menu might stir something in you.
Recipes
I look forward to a year of garnishes, greens and gout. And I wish the same for you.
alicia
Karen, I just read your love letter to Idris Elba and OMG! you are too funny. You should think about writing a book. The thing that I find Fascinating is that I'm #56 to leave a comment. You have 56 people who truly care about you, people you don't really know who are taking the tme to write to you and let you know that we all have been 'there' at one time or another and we are rooting for you because we love you in some strange cyber way and we support you. I've been there, the whole divorce thing after 18 years of marriage - ex-husband didn't realize you can't be married AND have girlfriends. I know, guess he didn't read the handbook or just replaced it with a book entitled "It's all About Me: How to Live the Life of a Small Man". Happy New Year Girlfriend!!
Karen
In hindsight, falling apart is okay. But taking the falling apart and punching it in the face is awesome. Cheers to that!
Mary Werner
We all need to remember to keep that key to our happiness in our own pocket - not someone else's. After reading your comments, I think you did begin the official Friend's Day as May 8th. I love the part where you said you had learned a lot about yourself this past year. What better tribute to the time you shared with him since it can and should be celebrated also.
gogothrift@etsy.com
Yes, thank you Cred for saying what I struggled to put into words. You are a huge inspiration Karen!!!!
Melissa in North Carolina
YOU have shown us you are a survivor! You make us laugh, you make us cry, after all...you are our Karen. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with us. I'd like to second what Danni said...we love you and have hurt when you hurt. We celebrate your happy days. Today is one of those days. I'm still scared having to wait for the entire kitchen reveal, but I'll get over it. Sooner or later. Happy New Year!
gogothrift@etsy.com
Yes, thank you Cred, for saying what I was struggling to put into words. You are an inspiration Karen!!!
Feral Turtle
Cheers to a wonderful new year and many new adventures....hopefully gout free!
SheriS
I'm just curious. Do you make a single serving of all of these things - or do you make more and freeze/save for another time?
Karen
Hi SheriS - I do both actually. The tart for instance will but cut into serving sizes and frozen. If I make soup, I have it as an entree one night and as an appetizer other nights. ~ karen!
marilyn
i am woman hear me roar
Jacquie
Good for you girl. I can't and don't want to cook but I appreciate it's important to you and I'm pleased it's back in your life. You give so much to others that I don't think you even know about.
If you ever want a bit of sun, history older than the Egyptian pyramids and Italian food, get yourself over here to Malta in the Mediterranean. We're only tiny but we've got room for you, any crazy sisters you wish to bring and of course your lovely mum.
Love and hugs.
Jeni
Here's to fresh starts, one meal at a time. Thank you!
Debbie
Thank you for your post today Karen. I'm very sorry for the things that happened to you that turned your world upside down. It's sad to me how one can be living a life they dreamed, then one day, out of the blue, someone changes all of that. Your fairy tale life is over. But what I'm slowly learning is that you can write a different ending to that story. I will be the first to admit, it's difficult to pick up the pen and start writing, or living. It's funny to me to see today is your start over. Today I woke, the sun is shining very brightly, and I thought to myself, today is the day. 3 1/2 years is enough suffering and self loathing. I still have my husband, but some days I think that's more difficult than if I would have just chosen to not take him back. Everyday I choose to remember the things he chose that were not in the best interest of us. Today....I'm choosing to look the other way. Today I will start living again. Hugs to you and the start of your new year.
Maria
All smiles here for you Karen. I can't think of anything more to say, as its been said above, so: You go girl!
Susan
Congratulations, Karen, on the milestone. It's now all water under the bridge.
Danni
A year already? I cannot for the life of me remember what brought me to your website but it was exactly 1 year ago i found you. I read the sadness then preceded to read past entry's and was just delighted at your quirkiness. You are a strong, thought provoking, hilarious woman whose imagination apparently knows no bounds. So Happy Anniversary his loss my gain..
Judy
Congratulations on finding your legs. We're behind you. Tiny steps. We're still here.
Oh!..and lovely menu. Thanks!
Sally
Okay. I think you need to do a post on how everyone found you. I got here because I was trying to revive some peonies several summers ago. Reading about your midnight trip to the grocery was a hoot, and I was hooked. Congrats on getting to the one year mark and I love the menus.
Robin F
{{{raising my hand}}} I had a few knocks this past year, some worse than others. I am going to take a page from your game plan and make a menu. I think it will make us all feel better.
Sandra
WOW! I didn't know you were a cook! Cookie, yes, cook, no.
Mary Kay
I can't believe a year has come and gone - so glad you stayed you <3 - and thanks for the smile and the lessons every morning.