Letter From The Editor: My 2022 gratitude list
As 2022 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to list down all the things that I’m grateful for this year. When I was younger I would usually end the year with a list of things that I accomplished - the things I was most proud of. But now that I’m a little older I realize that gratitude brings me more joy than feelings of pride. Do you feel the same?
Here’s what I’m grateful for this year!
I got to travel out of the country again. The last time I traveled pre-pandemic was November 2019, to Hong Kong. My husband and I went to a beauty conference there, right in the middle of the worst of the Hong Kong riots. It was such an experience! A month before that we were in Istanbul. Anyway, this year I got to visit Singapore and Bangkok. Still for work - this time for my jewelry brand, Nobela - but of course I enjoyed eating my way through those cities. Hopefully I can travel to Japan again soon! It’s my favorite place in the world.
I moved to a new place. I’ve mentioned on my Insta and TikTok that we recently moved to a new apartment, and I love it so far! There has been some adjustments of course but more than anything I love how there’s so much space. I’ve been busy with scouting our furniture and other tchotchkes to make it feel more, well, us. It’s also great that our club and gym are just right across the street. I’m glad that James and I waited for the perfect place to come along. We’ve been itching to move for years.
I finally have (some) upper body strength. I’ve been going to the gym with my trainer, Raffy, for almost a year now. I went for health reasons but I semi joke to people that I also just wanted to be able to raise and cut fabric (I sew my own clothes) without feeling a burn in my arms. Haha! Now I can cut a circle skirt on the floor without DYING. It’s such a work out; squats and stamina are required.
My sewing skills are coming along. I sewed some pretty interesting things this year. I’ve developed an interest in making gowns or formal wear; the last thing I made is this beautiful navy blue gown with gold embroidery for my brother-in-law’s wedding. Sewing is such a useful skill! I admit it can be super frustrating; my husband has seen me fly into rages while I sew. But yes, the result is often worth the rage.
The Project Vanity Community. I was so happy to see everyone at the PV 14th anniversary event! I may have cried a little bit afterwards. It was the very first in-person anniv event we’ve celebrated since the pandemic and it was such a great day. I learned so much from our speakers and of course, got to spend a little time with you.
I’m forever grateful to the support you’ve given Project Vanity through the years. You’ve kept me going even at my lowest, when I felt like quitting. But you’ve been here all this time and that tells me that what I do has value. I can only hope to keep helping you become your best version, your next level, for as long as you need me.
Thank you. Have a happy, fulfilling 2023!
