Gratitude: 2012

2012 has been one helluva year.

When I accepted my job in Paris, I also accepted the fact that this would probably be a boring year: no travel, no adventure; just a year working and studying French. Well that was a laugh, because 2012 was an even crazier adventure than 2011.

But I’ll get to that next month, in my annual travel wrap-up.

For Thanksgiving, I wanted to list the things I am most grateful for this year. I did a gratitude post earlier this year — which I’d also recommend reading because it’s appropriate, given the time of year, and of course everything in there still rings true — but this post specifically relates to the past eleven months:

LONDON 2012

No words. Absolutely no words can describe what it’s like to achieve your greatest lifelong dream. And for that, I have to express thanks to the press association who brought me out, mentored me, gave me tickets to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and every swim final, the opportunity to interview Khaliah Ali, and so much more. I’ll never forget it.

I’m also grateful for my job in Paris — to have employers who are so kind and understanding, they let me take two months of leave this year (for London, then Azerbaijan) as I pursued my dream career.

ENGAGED!

I wrote down all the reasons I’m grateful to have Mike, but I realized I was going to make people sick. So I’ll just say this: I’m incredibly thankful for finding this amazing person, and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. Plus I’m grateful to have wonderful future in-laws, and that I feel nothing but joy at the thought of marrying into his family — you won’t be hearing any in-law horror stories from me!

(But seriously, how awesome is a fiancé who puts up with 6,000 miles of long distance and spends thousands of dollars on 14-hour flights just so he can put me and my career first? Sorry I just had to say it again.)

LIFE IN PARIS

We all know Paris hasn’t been my favorite expat move. But I’ve still had a pretty spectacular year here, full of adventure and love (and also drama-free! which is a first that I totally appreciate) and deep down I do love being able to call this city home. So thanks for such a memorable year, Paris. I’m a lucky girl.

MOM IN EUROPE

My mom had never been to Europe, so when I left home I told myself that one day, when I was successful and rich, I would treat her to Paris. Well I might not have the successful or rich part down yet, but thanks to my expatriation this year I was able to do just that (and we even managed to pull off a day trip to London!). I’m grateful to be able to give back to my mom for everything she’s done for me over 23 years of life, even if it’s just one little trip at a time.

TRAVEL

I had resigned myself to the fact that 2012 would probably not be a year of travel due to my job, so I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to travel as much as I did this year. Ireland, the French Riviera, England numerous times, Azerbaijan — and my travels for the year aren’t even over yet! Just goes to show if you truly love something, you’ll always find a way to make it happen.

MES AMIES

I’m thankful for every person I have met in Paris this year — whether we have lunch every week, or just met up once for coffee at Kooka Boora. My life in Paris would be terribly boring and far less meaningful if I didn’t know this wonderful and diverse group of ladies (and I mean seriously diverse. Some of the most random but awesome background life stories I’ve ever heard have come from the expats in Paris).

THIS SITE

I really threw myself into writing this year, and it’s been so rewarding: from being Freshly Pressed on WordPress, to meeting and becoming friends with readers and fellow bloggers. Thanks especially to those who have contributed to my expat neighborhood and entrepreneur series. I don’t run this site for money or glory, but thanks to everyone who reads and comments and has made me feel like part of the travel/writing community, everything I’ve put into this site has been worth it.

What are you grateful for this year?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!