Let’s be honest, this year wasn’t great. There were more lows than highs, sadness than happiness, and much more heartache than needed.
But, when you sit back, unplug and take a sip of your coffee, you’ll see that this year really made us sit down and think.
We spent so much of our time alone or with those who live in our house. We had to spend so much of our time internally within our own minds, there were no distractions or events to attend.
2020 was really the year that we had to learn who we really were, what we wanted, and above all else remind us of the great people and things we have in our life.
This year I have so much to be thankful for.
Home w/ Internet
I’m very thankful for my nice cozy home. Full of artwork, Alexas, tons of warm blankets, and so much love from Zoie. With having to work from home, and Zoie having to do virtual school we thankfully have enough space to get our work done, but also still feel close together.
A Good Job w/ Great Co-Workers
At the beginning of this crazy year, I started working as a Software Engineer at Dealer Venom. About a month into my new job the world started to go downhill and started work from home. Who knew I’d spend my first year at this new job I’d be working from home.
This first year has been great! I’ve had the chance to really put my skills to the test while learning so much, while also being challenged. Even with a niche in the automotive industry, every client has their own needs.
Also, my co-workers are pretty great too. It’s nice to have a support system while at work, and outside. Who are there for you, and even laugh at your jokes (well sometimes).
Oh and getting promoted to Director of Front End Development was a nice way to end the last half of the year.
Supportive Friends
Words cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am for my friends this year. Just like everyone else in this world 2020 wasn’t the best year, I received not so great news in the middle of the year that really set me on a different path.
That path has been full of supportive and amazing friends. Who have been there all hours of the day; 2 am and 2 pm, listening to me talk or cry, who have helped me cope. They’ve been to drop things off because I couldn’t go to the store and were there when I had no clue how to handle what was going on. And they also put up with my many zoom calls so we can see each other’s faces.
But, in the end, just like every other year we lose friends and gain new ones. This has been the year where I’ve really found my support group and I’m so thankful for their weirdness and everything in between.
Good Beer
If you know me then you’ll know just how much I love a good beer! This year has been no exception. With being able to order anything for delivery or curbside pickup my beer game has been stronger than ever. I’ve had the chance to try SO MANY local Pittsburgh beers, while also venturing out to some nice craft beers! My beer palate is ever-growing, and I can’t wait to try the next one!
I’m always taking beer suggestions, so send me a message! Also, don’t forget to follow me on Untapped to see what I’m drinking and no longer drinking.
Also, huge shoutout to Duffys Beer for having such a great variety of beer!
Zoie
My main girl, my number one. 2020 has surely put our relationship through the ringer. Everyday together for months, homeschooling and being confined to a space. It hasn’t been great I won’t lie, lots of tears have been shed, things have been broken. But, this year I’d say has brought us closer together.
Our lives have always been go-go-go. Work, school, freelance, part-time jobs, errands, events, volunteering, etc. Always on the go! Even now; wake up, check emails, breakfast, and right into meetings for both of us. It’s still pretty much go-go-go, but I’ve made the initiative to be more present. Trying to make sure we at least have lunch together two or three times a week, and not work through it. Putting my phone down to play a game of Uno or to read a book.
I’ve learned so much about her in the past year being home with her, and just children in general. One thing I want to take out of this year with her is to be more present, just that couple of hours on Saturday or Sunday. But, throughout the week.
We don’t really know what 2021 will hold for any of us. If we’ll be continuing to stay home, or if we’ll get to go back to the office and school (I really hope so). But, in the end, all we can do is our part; stay home, wear masks, sanitize, and just be there to support another.
As I sit down with my family at home on Thanksgiving and around the computer on Friday for Friendsgiving I will be reminded of just how thankful I am. How this year may have been rocky, but my support system was there every step of the way.
Happy Thanksgiving Tiff 🦃
