Looking back to look forward

What a crazy year.

My husband graduated with his Ph.D. in Cellular Biology after 5.5 years of working hard for it. I am so proud of him. He is working as a Presidential PostDoc now at Novartis in collaboration with UCSF.

I started a job with the American Heart Association in February. It is challenging, but my co-workers and volunteers keep me motivated to navigate through this challenging year. Anyone want to be a fundraiser in this economy? :) Matt found a great link about how to survive in this economy, and we are living our lives by the writer's suggestions to be creative and work harder through this.
http://calacanis.com/2008/12/04/the-120-solution/

When Matt graduated and I got my new job at the American Heart Association, we decided to move back to the Bay Area from Orange County. We moved in with his parents for a month so that we could find a place to rent. One month turned into nine months because we thought that we could buy a house if we were all willing to sacrifice personal space for a few months. My in-laws could not be better in-laws.

So, in November, we moved into our new house. While we were in escrow, the economy really went crazy and the world as we knew it changed. We vacillated every day between buying or not buying. As I sit in our new house, decorated for Christmas, getting ready for friends from Orange County to come stay the night, I am so grateful for the path we have chosen.

Matt and I have lived simply for a long time always with the future in mind. We continue to live simply, but we are starting to enjoy the present and all that we've worked toward. He is my best friend and my favorite person. I chose my partner well. This morning I am overwhelmed with gratitude that it is him that I wake up to every morning. I get to take care of him when he's sick, tease him when necessary, live the mundane day to day with, and love him always.

Our house is a refuge and a joy. We have been able to entertain friends at our house comfortably for the first time since we got married. This life is so much fun. Thank you, my husband!