Wow. This has been an incredible year or so. In just 15 months time I threw two Bar Mitzvahs (one for each of my darling boys), built a new house, and wrote another book Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. I do not recommend grouping these projects together into just over one year’s time to anyone. It was amazing fun, and also incredibly exhausting.
First, the Bar Mitzvahs. Of course (as any Jewish mother would attest!) the boys were amazing at each of their Bar Mitzvahs, chanting Hebrew for more than 3 hours in front of over 100 people. What a feat. What mazel! For each of their Bar Mitzvahs we held multiple gluten-free events and get togethers over a fun-filled weekend for friends and family (no I did not cook for the 100+ people that came to each one) and had an amazing time with our tribe of loved ones. I’m glad that those huge gatherings are behind us, as they were wonderful, yet at the same time somewhat stressful.
This amazing year, 2013 was also consumed by the building of a new home. We stripped a historic house, built in 1912, down to the studs, basically building a new green home inside an old one. Installing non-toxic recycled blue denim (sound-proof insulation) as well as geothermal energy, and many, many more green features, I was up to my ears in every detail of the project. I seemed to hold it all together until we moved in and I had a complete melt down (now I’m fine). Perhaps that was because my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah, the move to the new house, and the release of my latest book were all within 6 weeks of one another. Not by my planning of course –construction schedules can be very “flexible,” and we had intended to spread things out more, but in the end it was not to be, and I was up to my ears in stress.
It was good stress of course. But I view stress the way I view food. Too much of anything is generally not a good thing. Even if one is eating healthy food, it’s important to stop when one reaches one’s limit. But the wheels were already in motion and there was no stopping the train that was 2013.
Next on my plate was the release of my latest book, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. Sometimes I wonder, why did I do this book in the middle of two Bar Mitzvahs and a house renovation? Well, being a housewife is a mixed thing for me. I’m so happy that I get to be there everyday when the boys get home from school –this is very important to me. At the same time, if I’m not doing my own projects I can end up feeling like a kept woman or a Stepford wife, neither of which makes me happy. I need to work! I’ve been doing so since I started my first business at age eight, but that’s a story for another time. I just had to fit a little bit of me into this crazy year.
So you must be wondering if I’m ok. Yes, after some deep exhaustion, I’m fine. I’ve taken extra rest this fall and am bouncing back quite nicely. Along those lines, I’m planning on a quiet, health-focused 2014, with lots of reading, research and rest –three of my favorite things.
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In this new year I’ll be sharing a bunch of healthy dinner recipes, healthy lifestyle ideas and healthy exercise tips with you, my dearest online family. Happy New Year to you my lovely readers. I hope you had a wonderful 2013 and wish you the best in 2014! Here’s to an abundance of rest and relaxation.
What was your 2013 like? Please leave a comment and let me know, I’m all ears!
Naomi de Jong says
Though a bit late: happy new year Elana and mazal tov for your sons ??? ???!!!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SITE, great pic’s, healthy, delicious recipes and interesting stories.
I came accidentally across your site and I’m so happy about it!
Nice to see you are Jewish too, I lived in Israel for 30 years and since 2002 live in The Netherlands, a mother of two, practice my profession as a dietitian and teaching Hebrew.
I also combine my big passions: cooking and photographing in my young blog.
Thank you for inspiring me with your knowledge and talents!
Shalom,
Naomi
Blushstopshere says
Gluten-free Bar Mitzvah events. Oy vey!
Debbie says
Mazel Tov on the B’nai Mitzvah. May your sons go from strength to strength.
Susan says
Congratulations on all your accomplishments in 2013. Would love to see photos of the house renovation and all the “green” elements.
2013 was a busy one, got engaged, married 6 months later, moved out of a house due to mold issues that the landlord couldn’t fix, then a month later had to move again, out of that rental due to (literally) a crazy landlord, now a month later we are finally settling into our third place in three months! Looking forward to a relaxing and healthy 2014!
Patti Robertson says
So when do we get pictures of the new old house? I, too, live in a restored historical home (1915); I’d love to see yours! Thanks.
Kelly says
This post made me smile. Not that you were exhausted of course, but how you opened up. You’re so sweet. And the photo is so cute! I love it! Missing you! Love, Kel
Deborah says
2013 was my wake-up year and now focusing on eating more healthy. I had lost my way apparently and feeling absolutely awful in July. I changed my cooking habits and it has made a world of difference. I started with getting books from Elana and other high protein, low carb, folks and it does work. I also now agree that if you break a habit for 30 days, you can continue on. I don’t crave sugar like I had before and white flour is not in my dictionary any longer. Bring on the new recipes foer 2014 and looking forward to them. You are helping my cause and I feel better than ever. The happy side effect of this is I am losing weight!!!! Thank you.
Laurena says
In 2013, my health seemed to hit a new low and I found your blog…and I read about something called SCD, did some further research and WOW! what a difference! THANK YOU for being the one to steer me in that direction! There are still struggles, BUT life is SO VERY GOOD reguardless and I thank G*d for you!!!!!
Mommy G says
I gave birth to my baby girl in 2013, so I guess I had the best kind of a year:)
http://maybetodayistheday1.blogspot.com/
Kat says
New Years was a quiet one this year, narrowly getting home in time to celebrate with my fiancé. Reflecting back on the year, it’s been filled with ups (getting engaged) and some low (family drama, not graduating) but also just a ton of gratitude for the time I have had this past year. Wouldn’t change a thing.