For the last 10 years or so I have always enjoyed taking some time at Thanksgiving to reflect on the past year of my life. I do it now because it is the time I am the most homesick. I have also usually just finished a set of reports and parent conferences and it always makes me wonder why I choose this crazy life. So here it is. The top 10 moments I was thankful for in the last year.
10. Our final desert camping trips. Mostly becuase of the amazing people we got to take with us. I know I complained about the sand, but desert camping was too easy.
9. Getting Vaccinated. (Especially the 3rd and 4th time with Pfizer.) Boom Shakalaka. Now I can travel again!
8. Christmas, just us 2- Usually I get to travel at Christmas, but Simon and I decided not to risk it. I actually really enjoyed cooking breakfast, dinner and dessert for just us two and watching a variety of the best Christmas movies.
7. All my time with friends and family this summer- From a weekend in the Dells, a camping trip to Madeline Island, to catchups with friends old and new. Thanks for all the experiences and for always keeping in touch.
6. Breweries with our new friends- I am quite pleased with the ample number of breweries in Quito, and with how many friends we have who are also keen to explore.
5. Finishing the Quilotoa Loop- It is good to remember that I am capable of hiking 3 days in a row.
4. My first day back with all my students- Okay...maybe not. Maybe it was just the joy of closing my zoom session for the last time. The first day back was actually quite stressful
3. Looking at the stars while camping this summer/ just being able to camp so much this summer.
2. Our farewell happy hour in Abu Dhabi- Farewells are never easy, but it was great to see how many people came out or messaged us to stay in touch.
1. Our first night in our new apartment- Good to have a home that feels like a home.
