1,000

This is my one thousandth post here at Mango & Ginger.

When I started this blog, on September 7, 2005, I was just starting to gain a little headway in the learning-to-cook department. We'd moved into our house less than a month before and I was cooking in a kitchen that was big enough, but severely outdated (it also had the ugliest, buckliest linoleum floor ever). Cooper and I were married, but there was no Dixon just yet.

I'll spare you most of the milestone-post navel-gazing...but I will say that it's been a good four years both in the kitchen and out, and blogging has been a part of that. I'm still far from the world's best cook (or even the best cook in my zip code), but I've come a long way, and learned a lot about what I am good at (sauces) and what, well, I'm not (pastry crust).

I've also met a lot of smart, funny, interesting people, both online and in real life, and had some opportunities that I wouldn't have had, if it weren't for M&G.

After 1,000 posts and God knows how many actual words, I've learned a lot about food and culture, and about what's important to me when it comes to both of those things. Plus, I've learned that blogging, well, it suits me. I like it.

Finally, to everybody who's read my posts, commented, emailed me, eaten my food, listen to me whine, etc.: Thank you. M&G couldn't exist without the people around me - virtually and in "real life" - and I definitely appreciate all of your support.