One Year

One year ago today I was laid off. In the last 52 weeks I feel like life, though incredibly difficult and upsetting and trying and stressful, has really been a good thing... in retrospect, of course.

I was able to start grad school, and while I was never entirely excited about the idea at first I've come to really enjoy it. I think I picked the right program and I am anxious to see what more I learn and where I eventually end up. I still have 4 semesters left, but I am optimistic about them and where I go from here.

I've learned that Matt and I can survive pretty much anything. I never doubted the strength of our relationship, but it is nice knowing so early into our marriage that we can overcome tough obstacles and hold tight to one another in difficult time. And even though we've had a fair share of tough, stressful, cry-your-eyes-out moments we've somehow made it though. We've opened up to the idea of moving again, going somewhere new and exciting (ideas: Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, and a few cities in New England) and we know we will be okay no matter what.

Along those same lines I've learned that Matt and I can rely on one another even if we can't rely on anyone else. And we know we can make it as long as we have each other.

I've definitely had to eat some humble pie, going back to retail after having a dream job, but even that has turned out fine. I'm going to be a permanent lead, meaning a little pay raise (making what I did at Caribou in 2008, yay!) and more responsibilities, along with more, steadier hours. And while it's not my life's ambition to sell lotions and candles I do enjoy it, and I like my co-workers, and a retail job could certainly be much worse.

I lost almost 30 pounds in a little less than a year, and despite my back problems I am determined to start a yoga regimen, hoping to go at least twice a week (three times when I am able to!) and hope to achieve the "body shape" goal now that the "body weight" goal has been reached.

So despite all the trials and the insanity of the last year... while I can't say it was a good thing that I was laid off, I will say that I now know the strength that we possess. And even though it is often cloudy and uncertain, "on a clear day I can see a very long way."