Top Ten of 2010

I meant to have this post up before the New Year, but alas, it's already January 2nd.  My family is such a distraction!  (more on that later)

Anyway, although it has already passed, I want to give the proper reflection and goodbye to 2010.  And since I am and always will be a list person, here is my--

TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2010    


10. Snowpocalypse

It hit DC hard.  For some, electricity was out for days.  Grocery aisles were emptied (check out these photos to see what I mean).  Metro rails were shut down.  The federal government closed for 5 days in a row.  And I beat the entire game of Donkey Kong Country (the old school version) on my own.

9.  Moving to the 'burbs

I got a working kitchen with actual countertops, a balcony with a lovely view overlooking a construction site, temperature control, and proximity to all the Korean food I could want.

8. National Geographic Explorer: 25 Years
It was an honor to work on such a long-running, highly regarded documentary series, and earlier this year I helped "Explorer" deliver their 2 hour long 25 Year Anniversary special, highlighting some of their most memorable shows.  Patrick and I also attended the premiere party where former host Lisa Ling was a guest speaker.  Here is a music video I found on their webpage that gives a glimpse of some of the shows featured in the special:


7.  Chuseok in Korea

It was great returning for the first time since I taught there in 2007.  But my grandmother called me out on not studying Korean at all since I left.  So my New Years resolution this year will be to study Korean!

6.  Family Reunion in Colorado
Every year Patrick's (maternal) extended family vacations together.  This year we were in Breckenridge, CO where we participated in feeding frenzies, white water rafting, endless games, and a beautiful bike ride around this lake--

5.  The Shuttle Launch  

Earlier this year I traveled with Patrick and his parents to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch for its final mission (actually there are talks that they might launch it again pending the decision from Congress to fund it).

4.  My Parents' Visit to DC  
I've already said plenty about this here and here.  My favorites have to be the Natural History Museum dinner and touring the White House for the first time.

3.  Jordan and Lindsey's Wedding  

I got a new sister-in-law this year and couldn't be happier for my big brother!

2. 1st Anniversary in New York  
Patrick and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary with a trip to New York where we visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, had dinner at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, saw Promises, Promises on Broadway, and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.

1. Applying to Culinary School
Although I don't start culinary school for 2 more days, it will always be this year that I finally made the decision to don an apron, trade in my pens and stapler for a set of knives, and leave my cubicle to hang out in a kitchen :)

Who knows what craziness 2011 has in store for any of us?  For now, let's all enjoy the New Year!

oo,