Reflections on 2014

I posted this photo last New Year's Eve on Facebook with the caption "Steak au poivre made by my hubby! Happy New Year! Seriously excited for the adventure we are about to start in 2014!"

 
Most did not even know about our potential move across the pond. The relocation was still not completely finalized and yet, we were making plans to live in London. I was equally excited and freaked out. This was a big deal.

I never thought we'd get the chance to live in a foreign country but I guess life had another plan for us. 2014 was an incredible year, to say the least.

2014 was the year our lives got flip-turned-upside-down when we moved from sunny California to not-the-least-bit-sunny-this-time-of-year London.

I've realized that I did not have proper closure on moving. When we left, our house was in a relatively normal state. We did not take everything with us. Most of the cabinets were emptied and all of M's things came along but our large furniture and randomness not needed in London remained for the movers once the house was sold. Our house still looked lived in. We left our dog behind with Davis' dad just like we did every time we went somewhere.

For a few months this whole thing felt like a trip. And yet, it was our new life. 

At some point during the summer, I went out to lunch with a new friend. I had been feeling bummed and missing everything from my old life in California. She asked me, "So what would you change then?"

It was just what I needed to hear.

Nothing. I would not change a thing.

But sure, I still have those days where I miss something or someone from our old life so very much.  

Then I ran across this article and it helped me see that what I was feeling was okay and it put this experience in perspective. Everything was going as well as I could hope for but I had to process leaving our old life behind and beginning our new one. In a new country. Knowing no one.

So I would not change this adventure for the world- even on the dark, damp, cold London days that are my reality for the next few months. 

I seriously have so very much to be thankful for. These two people (plus our doggie, Hyde) make me so very happy. I have the best husband a girl could wish for and the sweetest little lady to call my daughter.

The friends we have made here have made our transition to life abroad simply wonderful. I am so very thankful for them and their little people who play with M and make her laugh and smile.

  
So let's do this 2015. 

Here's to the adventure of life and not really ever knowing what will come next. I surely did not see the move of 2014 coming and yet I cannot imagine life now still living in California. 

We've talked about how we could stay here already. Maybe we will be London lifers!

Happy New Year!