Maybe I am getting a case of the holiday nostalgia bug- but I have been thinking a lot about the last year and trying to process all of it. I love Thanksgiving- the idea of giving thanks is so simple. I love that it’s a non-religious holiday that everyone can celebrate. This time last year Andy was in the 6-week long process of losing his job. It was one of the most agonizing and painful times we have had in our lives.

For the record—I never really wanted to move to Portland, I was happy and content living our lives in Durham for a few years at least. We had friends, family nearby and New York was a short plane ride (or long-ass drive) away. Andy was offered a job here- after much debate we decided to take it and make another life for ourselves.

The weekend before Thanksgiving Andy’s company put him on unpaid leave with hopes of him starting back in the New Year (he didn’t). I don’t really want to get into to details of this process but I will put it this way: they are fuckers. It was Thanksgiving weekend, we were all far away from our friends and family and feeling so lonely and worried. Our dear friend Julie (our first friend in Portland) invited us to her family’s Thanksgiving. It was so sweet of her. While we felt sort of awkward at her family’s event we were so grateful to have a place and so warmed by her friendship and sweetness that it made it a really it a memorable holiday.

Let’s jump forward a year later. Last night we had an impromptu tree trimming party (yeah yeah I am a unabashed Christmas Jew). We had 17 people come over and had only planned the party in 2 days. Julie commented on how much has changed in a year. I had such goose bumps. We have found people, we have made a community, the adoption is moving along. Andy loves his new job. LOVES IT. They get him, he gets them; they are kind-hearted Canadians who have a very different set a values than most American companies. I love seeing Andy so happy in his job. I am so proud of him. I am so proud of us for getting through last year. To quote those t-shirts that make me cringe- Life is Good. It really is. I am grateful and thankful for all of this.  It felt wonderful, amazing and surprising to have a houseful of people and kids. This is our community that I have been craving. I am grateful, thankful and frankly humbled.