7 things we are thankful for
It’s that time of year again, that time of year when we get to look back and reflect on the last few months and think about the things that we are thankful for. Last year we wrote a post very similar to this around Thanksgiving. Our 2019 post will read similarly, but quite a few big events happened this past year, allowing us to expand our list of things to be thankful for.
Our Home – If you know anything about me, you’d know that I have been saving for a home of my own since I started my first full time job. Of course, once I met Zach and we added Navy (then Duke) to the mix, we expanded our search from a condo, to a townhome, and then to a single family home. It really wasn’t until we brought Duke home that we realized we really needed more room. In June we made the decision to not renew the lease on our small ~800 sqft apartment and start the search for a home. Boy was it a crazy ride! You’d just think finding a home is easy–you know what you like, what you don’t like, you know your budget, and you have an idea of the area you want to live. I learned the hard way that everything that you think you want in your home will completely change. When we initially connected with our agent, we wanted to look for townhomes in the Arlington/Alexandria area. Zach and I eventually found a home for Navy and Duke in the suburbs of Loudoun County, Virginia and honestly, it is our dream home. It’s crazy to think that in our twenties we have such a beautiful home that we worked so hard for.
Family – Family is something I value most in life. Zach and I are so blessed to have such great relationships with our immediate families and our extended families. Our families have never failed to love and support us with every decision we make–we are so thankful for that.
Our Jobs – We are so thankful that 1) we are both gainfully employed 2) we have great jobs and 3) we have relatively flexible jobs. Zach and I are both striving for that work-life balance now that we have a home to enjoy and two pups to take care off. We really are so lucky that our jobs are flexible enough to allow us to take the time off for our vacations, appointments for ourselves and the pups, and allow us to see the world. Though my employer does not allow pets in the building, they offer “emergency pet care” for up to 10 days per dog. That means Duke and Navy get 10 days of daycare or boarding, complementary–cool right?
Duke and Navy – If this is our first post you are reading, welcome! We brought a new puppy home in April, Navy’s full sibling Duke. They aren’t the best behaved, but when it comes down to it they both such good dogs. Navy and Duke have personalities. They love to love, they love to play, they love each other, and they love people. Honestly, their smiling faces and wagging tails is the best thing to open the door to every day.
Friendships – This year, 2019, was the year of friendships. Some of our closest friendships really grew this year. We’ve also met some really cool people through our two dogs. Making friends as an adult is hard! I am grateful Navy and Duke help break the ice for us. 😉
Health – Navy and Duke are healthy dogs and for that we are so blessed. Not only are they healthy, but Zach and I, and our immediate families are healthy as well. We deal with our fair share of stress and anxiety with work and life, but thankfully we are healthy and can overcome these obstacles with the support of friends, family, and our two pups.
Opportunities – Zach and I get some pretty cool opportunities with our jobs. Not many people get the opportunity to travel for their jobs — we are lucky to do so! Instagram and this blog has opened so many doors for us as well. Navy and Duke have been on TV — TWICE this year! This year we had the opportunity to hike the Shenandoah National Park and collaborate with Getaway House DC, we traveled to Orlando and met the Central Florida corgi group, we took Duke and Navy to NYC and collaborated with Staypineapple Hotel (!!), and we had the ultimate staycation with the Alexandrian Hotel. We’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing brands (Vital Essentials, Chewy, Hoover, Seresto, Loyal Companion, Rover, Swiffer, and Halo Top–to name a few). We’ve also been able to give back by donating supplies, money, and our time to support our city and local rescues in the DC area.
This is just a short list of the things we are thankful for. Thank you for taking the time to read our post and get to know our little family a little better. We truly hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
What are you thankful for?
what do you think?