November 22, 2009
Happy Fifth Birthday to...Me
- I need some virtual balloons.
Actually, five years and seven days. But it's close enough.
I started this blog about five years ago on November 16, 2004 during my sophomore year of college at NYU, and my first year in their food studies program after transferring from Vassar College. I had blogged for years before during high school, touching upon the typical teenage topics of how much school sucks and whining a lot, but decided to go the food-centric route at NYU considering that, from then on, my life would become food-centric. In Vassar, I followed a raw food diet, which didn't make for the most compelling writing ("Today I ate 12 plums").
My first blog entry is embarrassingly bad—I chose to forgo an introduction and type whatever food-related thoughts came through my head, whether or not they flowed well or sounded intelligible—but I'll point it out for the purposes of showing how much things have changed since then. (For one thing, in my first post I wrote about macarons, a central foodstuff of my obsession, without even knowing its real name.) If it weren't for all of you readers, I might still be posting brain farts instead of stuff that's actually helpful. (A part of me enjoys the stuff I wrote a few years ago more than what I write these days, but I think that's a casualty of being out of school and working—life has changed. I'm getting old...er. Etc.)
So thank you for reading. Bucketloads of thanks. Giant buckets. FLASHING BUCKETS. I'm blown away by how many people enjoy my blog—seriously, my brain can hardly process the idea, "MAN, ALL THESE INTELLIGENT PEOPLE READ MY STUFF? FOR REAL?" Writing this blog has made my life way better—it's how I made new friends, got my job, made me care more about photography, and forced me to learn more about food. Hell, it even helped me find my current roomate. IT'S MAGICAL. And what I learned over the past five years is that I know very little about food compared to many other food bloggers and food-loving people I've met who are more qualified to write a food blog than I am, but I suppose have less free time or require more sleep than I do. No one has yet to take much issue with my lack of food knowledge though so...thank you for still accepting me. :)
If you need help sifting through my archives (which are terribly organized, in that they aren't at all), here are some highlights, aka "When I Left the Country" (dates do not reflect actual periods of my trips):
- Norway (summer trip): June 9 - June 17, 2006
- Paris (semester abroad): September 7 - December 28, 2006
- Paris (spring break): March 18 - April 2, 2007
- Italy (fall trip): September 28 - November 9, 2007
- Iceland (spring trip): April 26 - June 29, 2009
I visited other awesome, less far away places too—my trips to Toronto, Phoenix, New Haven, Philadelphia, and Virginia are all special to me. But my close friends know that Paris is my monumental "special place" for being such a fun, beautiful city to roam around if you like hopping from one patisserie to the next. (I do. Oh, how I do.)
- Hug.
I'm afraid I'm not very good at converting heartfelt feelings into prose—I do much better with plush toys. If you're ever in my hood, I'll hug you with my giant manatee. Until then, I bestow a virtual giant manatee hug on all of you.
Posted by roboppy at 10:13 PM
Comments (66)
YAY! Five years! Here's to 500 more!
Posted by: michelle at November 22, 2009 10:42 PM [#]
Happy blog birthday! I've been following for several years (I'd say three, at least). Your photos and candid descriptions (good to know I'm not the only one who forgets to take detailed notes sometimes) have allowed me, and my grad-student budget, to vicariously consume so many awesome things. And for that, I thank you. And wish you many more food excursions on the awesomeness-level of manatees.
P.S. It was great to finally meet you at the Hot Doug's event! It took me a bit of courage to introduce myself, but I'm so glad I did. :)
Posted by: Anne at November 22, 2009 10:44 PM [#]
happy blogiversary dude! here's to many more eats to come!
Posted by: chocolatesuze at November 22, 2009 11:09 PM [#]
Hell yeah! Congrats 'boppy :)
Two more things:
1. Your post on Vassar sounds just like the past 2 years of my posts on grad school. I'm out of that crazy place now, and am glad you are too.
2. Somehow I missed or blocked out your Toronto posts, but am so excited to find them again because my boyfriend and I might be headed there for a week in January. So um... YAY!
Happy blog birthday! You've made my blog hopping a lot happier over the last five years and I do remember reading one of your older posts way, way, way, waaaaay back when I don't know what was happening in my life. May TGWAE live long and prosper!
Posted by: Mila at November 23, 2009 12:30 AM [#]
Gwen: Thank you! And ahhh, if you ever see me again, please say hello! :)
Michelle: Thanks, I too hope to live to be 524, YEAAAHHH I'll be a ROBOT!!
Anne: Thank you! I'm glad you came up to me. NO ONE SHOULD BE AFRAID OF TALKING TO MEE, I'm more afraid of everyone else I'm sure. Like "oh no now it's me in real life, I wonder how differently I come off ahhuhuuhhmumble."
Suze: Thanks!
Nicholas: Thanks! I feel like blog years are like dog years. Or something. So this is probably..an old..dog..yes.
wix: Looking back at the Vassar posts, I can't believe how much school work I did. I mean, I had nothing else to do. I actually read everything I was supposed to and spent all day on papers. Sad thing is by this point, all this effort doesn't really show. My reading comprehension sucks and my ability to write an academic paper is poopy. SO LET'S HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO DO EITHER EVER AGAIN, HA HA HA wow I hope I didn't waste my college years too much.
Marvo: Thank you! Manatees! Everywhere! [tosses a bunch of manatees your way...they're really heavy, be careful]
Mila: Thanks! I hope you have a better idea of what you're doing with your life now. Not that I know what I'm doing..hehe..haha..[sob]
I love your blog! its cool and it makes me happy! :)
and its a hell lot of food porn!!! I LOVE IT :)))
Keep it up :)
Posted by: D at November 23, 2009 1:01 AM [#]
Your blog is great to read. It also gives me great thrills to see when you've posted on a place I've been as well; interesting to compare notes, yanno. Overlaps, yesssss. Thank you for writing (and writing so well)!!!
I too get embarrassed about my early teenage blogging years. Those have since disappeared into the black hole of the internets, thankfully.
Posted by: Jenny Famewhore at November 23, 2009 1:29 AM [#]
Happy blog birthday :)!
I've been reading it for probably about 5 years now and still find it as entertaining as ever.
You should come visit Australia sometime, lotsa yummy food here though Aussie cuisine itself is somewhat lacking hehe.
Posted by: Sue at November 23, 2009 4:02 AM [#]
I've always had your blog bookmarked for some reason for several years. Haven't quite been able to figured it out.
Posted by: RONW at November 23, 2009 5:02 AM [#]
Hello Boppy! I've been secretly following (more like stalking ahem) your blog for about more than a year but congrats! hehe :D
Posted by: Jung Heather Han at November 23, 2009 5:40 AM [#]
Happy blogiversary!!!!! :D :D :D Many manatee hugs to YOU for writing such a fun/funny/delicious/awesome blog. Keep it up :)
Posted by: Lauren at November 23, 2009 7:11 AM [#]
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! :)
Posted by: VeggieGirl at November 23, 2009 7:36 AM [#]
Congrats! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: EyeNoU at November 23, 2009 7:49 AM [#]
Congratz! Your writing is really fun to read and your pics always make me hungry.
Posted by: Kevin at November 23, 2009 9:10 AM [#]
I've spent a loooong time reading through your archives and I'm addicted to 'boppy! Your writing has its own voice and its own wonderful, fresh, fun, looney character and I'm a huge fan!
Pleasepleaseplease don't ever stop eating or writing!
"Live long and prosper...!" (teehee!)
Posted by: Lila at November 23, 2009 12:46 PM [#]
Hi,
I've commented maybe once or twice but I check my sidebar everyday to see if you've posted and it makes my day if you have. I've been reading for about a year now, or more. I love your blog very very much. Thanks for taking time out to write this so often. I'll go back to lurking now. =D
Srin
Posted by: Srin at November 23, 2009 1:07 PM [#]
yay! happy blogbirthday! more boppy years please!
Posted by: janet at November 23, 2009 1:44 PM [#]
Happy Birthday Robbie's Blog! Your blog is in my weekly repertoire. Thanks for keeping it that with your humor, insight and beautiful photos!
Posted by: Kristina at November 23, 2009 1:58 PM [#]
HI!
I have been reading for about 2 years and absolutely love every blog! I live in the UK, and to begin with I started reading to avoid my dull job. Now I have a great job and still continue to read!
SO thank you for being such a wonderful distraction!
Posted by: Katie at November 23, 2009 2:40 PM [#]
Wow, wow. Just when I was talking about how our blog USED to be with someone. What a coincidence! Has it been that long? Five years?! Yes, it has.
You forgot South Korea as your trip? Or you prefer that to be left out since it was work related?
Posted by: eatyourheartout at November 23, 2009 3:13 PM [#]
D: Thanks!
Jenny: Thanks! I hope our taste buds have overlapped. I started making websites in 1997 or 98 (uhhh man, can't remember anymore) and that stuff is LONG gone, but I sort of wish I could read what i wrote back then. It was probably terrible in a funny way.
jyoh: Thanks! I like the sound of "cute"...haha..
Sue: Thanks! You've been around for a while, whoa. I'd love to visit Australia...I wish it were closer though. :[
RONW: I hope it's a good thing you have me bookmarked!..unless you change your mind now.
Jung Heather Han: Thanks for stalking! I'm down with that.
Su-Lin: Thanks!
Lauren: Thanks! Aw I get a manatee hug.
VeggieGirl: Thanks!
EyeNoU: Thanks!
Kim: Thanks! I leave out the parts where I'm depressed and stuff buutuhh YEAAH!!
Kevin: Thanks!
Esther: Thanks! According to Flickr, I have over 26,000 photos. :O I need to whittle that down to the best...god knows most of them are crappy.
Emily: Thanks! I didn't know my blog was your introductory food blog..blog! :D I'm glad it was useful for something, hehe.
Joyce: Thanks!
debbie: Thanks! And woohoo for not letting our blogs decay!
Emily: Thanks!
Lila: Thanks!
Srin: Thanks! I LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE DELURK!!
Janet: Thanks! I too hope for many boppy years.
Kristina: Thanks!
Katie: Thanks! I'm glad you still read even without the dull job. ;)
eatyourheartout: Ever think about how long I've known you? OVER TEN YEARS. Now that's long. ;)
Yeah, I left out Chile and South Korea since I didn't really blog about em here. But those are definitely highlights of my Serious Eats career.
Congratulations on five years of increasingly laudable writing! You have a unique voice and you use it to speak truthfully and amusingly. I can always trust your opinion, and I look forward to observing your development.
Posted by: Marsha Calhoun at November 23, 2009 4:08 PM [#]
Happy Birthday! I love your blog and hope to be reading it for a long time yet to come :D
How apt is the anti-spam word today? 'Spoon'. Perfect!
Posted by: egeria at November 23, 2009 6:24 PM [#]
Sarah: Thanks! So glad to hear you tried Shake Shack..that's my FAAAVE!
Marsha: Thanks! I look forward to observing my development as well...this is assuming I develop..hooohohuhohuman.
Danny: Thanks! YOU CAN DO IT!
egeria: Thanks!
Edd: Thanks! There's plenty of food here for another trip's worth. :)
yoko: Thanks for sticking around for so long!
Your posts are always fun to read and thats what I like about it. Just simple fun straight from the heart...or stomach food writing. There's no BS, there's no trying to analyze what ingredients were in this dish. If you say something is good thats all I need to know.
Happy 5 Years! Hope many more 5 years to come.
Hey wanna hit up shake shack soon eh? =)
I am so appreciative of your blog! It is always makes me smile and get a kick out of how your mind works and you humorously phrase things.
I haven't got to visit New York yet but you've totally inspired me to shake up my eating in Vancouver. I've found things on your blog (hello pea leaves/shoots how did I ever live without you before Boppy?!?!) and then sought them out in restaurants here.
Your hamburger and sandwich posts have even made me be less idle and more creative in my cooking in my own kitchen.
I also see the subtext of your posts; that you have a really nice group of friends that value you. I hope you know how many readers you have that adore you also!
Posted by: Shine at November 24, 2009 2:11 AM [#]
Belated happy blogiversary!!!
Posted by: Alaina Browne at November 24, 2009 6:06 PM [#]
I've been reading you for about 2 years. You crack me up, and I've probably tried about 10 of your recommendations just because you make them sound so interesting. I haven't been disappointed yet! Thanks for making so many strangers so happy, and please don't stop.
Whee!! Happy belated b(log)irthday, Robbo!! :D :D
Posted by: sandy at November 24, 2009 9:45 PM [#]
Robopppy - I tried to post a comment yesterday but failed. Connection decided to quit and take a Pringles snack break I guess.
ANYWAY. Just wanted to (re)say "Happy Blog Birthday!"
Btw, Paris is a "special place"! It was, after all, where I met you! Thanks for foodin' with me there. And here's to more foodin' adventures in tah future. :)
Shine: Thanks for your kind worrds! PEA SHOOTS ARE THE BESST HOO BOY.
And yeah, I do have an amazing group of friends. AND READERS! Which is becoming very apparent right now. :)
Shane: Thank you! I strive to gain more knowledge so I can fulfill your PS. ;D
Julie: Thanks!
Alaina: Thanks!
Ellen: Thanks! I'm glad I haven't given any disappointing recs. If I ever do, let me know!
sandy: Thanks! :D :D
adelyn: Thanks! YESS YOU WERE PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACE! I'm so glad we were there at the same time. Ahhhhurgghh man can we go back to Paris please? ;_;
Yay! Happy Birfday! Manatee hugs to you and your blog. So glad you require less sleep and have more free time. You make me feel almost normal.
Posted by: bionicgrrrl at November 25, 2009 2:57 AM [#]
Happy Blog Birthday! Love reading you at SE and happy to have added you to my weekly blog reading.
Posted by: nithya at hungrydesi at November 25, 2009 1:53 PM [#]
Happy blogibirthday! I remember stumbling upon your blog sometime during my first year of university and my jaw just being like 'buh', falling on the table from all the food porn! And there have been 3 years of pictures (of increasing quality) since then! Thanks for being awesome.
Posted by: katrina at November 25, 2009 3:24 PM [#]
Happy birthday to your blog!! Keep up the good work!! I rarely comment but I check back to ur blog religiously every day to see if you've updated and much glee follows if you have. Your fab photography and brilliant commentary never fails to cheer me up. Thank you!!
Posted by: Sammi at November 25, 2009 4:13 PM [#]
Happy Blog Birthday! I stumbled on to your blog more than a year ago and have been an avid follower since. Love your writing style, your stellar photos, and all the manatees - how could I forget :)
Posted by: Caroline at November 25, 2009 8:05 PM [#]
i'm a student from china and your blog is good motivation !
Posted by: sophie at November 25, 2009 9:04 PM [#]
bionicgrrrl: Thank you! NORMAL IS BORING BOOOP
nithya: Thanks!
katrina: Thank you! I like the "buh" reaction. I say "buh" a lot.
Sammi: Thanks! I try to make the glee.
Caroline: Thanks! Yes NEVER FORGET THE MANATEES.
sophie: Thanks! I wish I could try the food in China. Someday..
Your blogs are awesome! Your writing style is so cute!! It's hard to believe anyone could not fall in love with your blog!
Happy belated this blog!
(At first I was like...HUH??? I was sure her birthday was in August...)
Posted by: Jamie at November 26, 2009 9:18 AM [#]
I also just noticed that you actually respond to ppl's posts!! Holy crap!! No need to respond to me! Just throw a manatee at me!
Posted by: Jamie at November 26, 2009 9:24 AM [#]
Happy BB-Day.
You should know that your "frosting shot" photo (God Bless America) provided succor to a homesick ex-pat in Paris this weekend.
Let us know when you are coming this way again...
Happy Holiday!
Posted by: Elizabeth @ lunchinparis at November 27, 2009 5:00 AM [#]
Happy Blog-birthday Robyn!:) I think your blog is probably one of the first blog experience for me- which started about 3.5 years ago. Haha I've been following your journey for quite some time (not in a creepy way LOL) Anyway, I will keep following you and watch you eating amazing stuff, wishing I was there with ya. Keep it up and Thanks Robyn!!
Whoa hey I am way later on this than anyone else, but happy late bloggy birthday, your blog is awesome, your pictures are awesome, you are awesome, and we should eat food together soon again.
Posted by: Sarah at December 3, 2009 10:25 PM [#]
Congratulations!
I am a big fan of your blog posts. It is great to read posts by someone who enjoys food.
yours in pea shoots
Posted by: Lisa in Toronto at December 5, 2009 10:52 PM [#]
Post a comment
If you comment under your business's name, I will unpublish your comment. I'll unpublish anything that looks overly self-promotional or doesn't appear to be from a real human. This only applies to 0.5% of you guys; as for the rest of you, stay awesome.
If you have something to ask me that's unrelated to this entry, please email me instead.
: This is the 
Happy birthday to you and your blog! May you have many years of awesomeness yet to come.
p.s. This summer I saw you at Otto (actually my husband spotted you) - you were at the next table taking pictures of your food with a fancy camera - but I didn't want to interrupt. :)
Posted by: Gwen at November 22, 2009 10:30 PM [#]