A quiet Thanksgiving before relocation

[mtbc]

This year, I am short of time off work, also busy with plenty of non-work things, both largely related to my relocation from the US and my wife's relocating from here in SE Asia. Between that, and my not presently being near anybody or anywhere that has historically celebrated Thanksgiving, I am barely marking it this year. A somewhat more normal service may be resumed next year in Scotland but, in the meantime, I certainly wish everybody else a great holiday.

It is strange to no longer expect to live in the US. It had been my long-term plan, and it was very nice to be back there for a while. School shootings may have been the last straw. Rural America might have worked for me alone but Scotland feels a rather better and safer place for my family. There is a lot to appreciate about life in Aberdeen. No one place has All the Things, at least no place I can afford, so every choice brings tradeoffs, lives not lived.

This year, I am thankful to have my wife right here in the room with me, and for our having plenty to look forward to. I easily grow attached to places. Perhaps next Thanksgiving we will all be happily settled in our new home and will take the opportunity to appreciate that.