The Aspiring RD

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It is hard to believe that it has only been a year. I started blogging as The Aspiring RD exactly one year ago today after 6 months of deliberation and a big push from a Tufts writing class. I had owned the domain for over 3 months before I typed my first entry, and immediately I was addicted. When your schedule consists of a never-ending list of the things you “should” be doing to get yourself to the next level of the career you are so doggedly pursuing, it’s nice to finally have something you “want” to be doing.

That’s not to say that I don’t love every aspect of what I am now doing – finishing my MS, teaching spin, working at the hospital and participating in research – but getting to connect to people – to you! – is my goal. And The ARD has helped me feel as though I am getting there.

There isn’t a single post that I have written here that didn’t require some amount of research, forethought or even painstaking indecision to publish. Putting your thoughts and ideas out to the public is intimidating, but I chose this profession because I believe I have a voice that when heard, will benefit those that are listening. I hope you feel the same way.

I have learned a lot about myself in the past year – most notably that I care about what people think more than I knew. I have also overcome some large obstacles – most notably that I need to stop caring about what other people think. These posts are mine, for better or worse, and I promise you I will continue to push the boundaries and will never write something I don’t believe in, just for the sake of being “safe.”

Upon reviewing the 97 posts of the past year, I realized that picking a favorite post is like picking a favorite child – nearly impossible. I am unable to determine what meant “the most” to me when I put my heart, and sometimes crass sense of humor, into every one. But here are some highlights from my past year – hopefully one or all also struck a high note with you.

Oops I did it again…(Feb 2011) - The beginning of what eventually became the sleeper hit, DWTC

Should I Go Nuts for Coconut Oil?  (March 2011) – A great example of how a brief, researched response can help set people straight

El Centro – Gettin’ Caliente in the South End (and what the ARD Orders Out) (June 2011) – Restaurant reviews have been a great opportunity to promote small, local businesses and give tips for those who like a night out

The 3 part summer series of NYC Fitness in Review – June, July, August (Summer 2011) – To date, still the most popular posts on The ARD and an example of how just one voice can get some big attention

The 2011 ADA Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo – Review of Day 1 and Day 2 (Sept 2011) – Bringing the latest in nutrition research into the hands of consumers – in real time

Great Expectations (July 2011) – One of my most passionate battles – keeping the non-experts from giving their “expert opinions”

The Fridge Diaries - My opportunity to let you see my dressing obsession, and also answer the age-old question, “what does an RD-to-be eat?”

And finally, – A Tree Grows in Boston (June 2011) – My most personal post, revealing that a beautiful life isn’t just about the food

Here’s to another 365 days until our next anniversary, when my life will hopefully have reached it’s next stage, but my thoughts, opinions, and ridiculously hilarious sense of humor will continue on here with you.

- The Aspiring RD

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