This year I…

• Paused my career in anticipation of our move to Germany for my husbands career. Leaving my career has been a challenge for me mentally, and though my new coworkers are twice (three times?) as demanding, there is no place I’d rather be.

• Developed a deep(er) affinity for quality time in the kitchen. It is my touchstone.

• Learned to parent at home full-time for the first time(!) since my children were born. (Spoiler: working outside/inside are difficult and wonderful in their own way). Parenting full-time at home during a pandemic without childcare of any kind is a lengthy conversation for another time.

• Passed my German driving test on the first try - after no less than five(?!) panic attacks (and having our hotel print the entire 100+ page handbook) in anticipation.

• Prioritized reaching out for insomnia support after struggling with chronic exhaustion and poor sleep habits for as long as I can remember (earliest memory is middle school).

• Learned to grocery shop in a foreign country/language - it is deeply humbling, and I am grateful for the courage to lean into the unknown despite many a meltdown (read: full sobs) among the aisles.

• Transitioned my hair away from chemical straightening to my natural hair texture. My last perm was in March. I did a “big chop” in November. Learning to care for my new hair texture and style is a masterclass in patience. Of which I have none.

• Traveled with my family to: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Köln, Amsterdam/Haarlem, Rudesheim, Hamburg/Lübeck and Trier with endless plans to continue exploring once its again safe to do so.

• Made the decision to home educate my children this year. Joining a play-date group has been a bright spot not only for my kids (we didn’t know a soul for five months!), but myself. Making friends as an adult is difficult, and I feel incredibly lucky to have created new friendships.