One of my favorite shows, Never Have I Ever, recently ended its four-year run. Brilliantly written and developed by Mindy Kaling, the Netflix series was a pure delight from start to heart-tugging end.

During the final episode, protagonist Devi and her high school friends engage in the game from which the show takes its name. Following their lead, I’m reflecting on 2023’s significant firsts.

Until this year, never had I ever…

Hosted a podcast. For 18 years now, my husband Steve has delighted listeners around the globe with his award-winning podcast Stuck in the 80s. In March, we became a two-show household when I launched Open Book: The Diary of A Hopeless Romantic. Drawn from more than 100 journals, it has given me the chance to revisit my past in a fun way. And to celebrate once again how everything that I’ve gone through brought me to this beautiful present.

Attended an event as a published author. Every year on Independent Bookstore Day, the Oxford Exchange in Tampa hosts a Book fair highlighting indie authors. In April, I had the pleasure of being one of them. The afternoon event featured dozens of writers representing diverse genres, from fiction and self-help to YA and supernatural. Connecting with fellow authors — and being reminded I am now part of this great community — was beyond inspiring. So inspiring, in fact, that it sparked new creative momentum for me and my hubby. Since the book fair, I have been plugging away on a revised, expanded version of Notes from A Single Gal In The City, while Steve is working on a memoir about his much-beloved podcast.

And, saving the biggest first for last, never have I ever…

Lived in a house of my own. Growing up in the concrete jungle of New York City, I always resided in apartments. As an adult, especially after adopting my beloved pup Benji six years ago, I fantasized about having a home with a back yard. That dream finally came true in January, when Steve and I moved to Orlando’s Dr. Phillips neighborhood.

Nestled on a bucolic, tree lined street, our dream house has everything that apartment living did not — high ceilings, a spacious eat-in kitchen and a lanai that nourishes my spirit in a way that only being surrounded by nature can. Oprah once said your home should rise up to greet you every time you enter it. Ours does this and so much more.

Speaking of new homes, my blog is also getting one. While I will always be a New York City Gal, that descriptor no longer reflects who and where I am now. So I am moving future musings to my namesake website. Hope you’ll visit me over there — and heartfelt thanks for nine great years on here!