If I had to sum up 2015 in one word it would be “Changes.”

There have been so many changes this year, and so many lessons learned along the way.

The first big change was moving from California to Washington. My husband and I had discussed this for such a long time. It always seemed like a dream, but this year it became a reality. I’m happy to report that we’re very happy with the decision. I know I resisted this change for a long time, mainly because I hate change. Change is scary. I don’t really see it as an adventure. I see it as a threat to my security, in a way. But this is one of the lessons I’ve learned this year — take a chance.

Along with the big move was settling in and finding a new job. It was by far the worst part about moving (next to packing up and selling many of our belongings). I had an opportunity for the first time in my life to telecommute. It was kind of nice, but since I was only working part-time, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to pay the bills. Then when I found my employment wouldn’t be extended, my heart sank. Fortunately I lined up a temporary job with a company that I really wanted to work for.

Even though I disliked the temp job, the positive I got out of it was having the experience. Now I can go on with my life and know what it was like to work there. Sure, the company had its perks. But, in the end, I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to be long-term.

The surprise that came out of it was that I got re-hired by the company I had left. Thanks to one of my old co-workers, I was able to interview and get offered a position at a local office. In the process, I had to drop out of the running for one other job that I had interviewed with. So far, my current job has been OK. It’s definitely different in good and not-so-good ways from my job at the corporate office. Overall, though, I am attaining skills that I never really used in my previous position. I don’t think I’ll want to stay in this role for an extended period, but for now, it’s made the transition easier. Eventually I’d like to test the job market waters again.

By far, though, the biggest change this year was something unexpected… On October 5, 2015, I found out that I had a bun in my oven. It was and is something that I’m trying to wrap my head around. I never planned on being a parent, but am feeling a range of emotions (mostly good) about it. The not-so-good feelings are my anxieties, wondering if I’ll be a good parent and all that jazz. Right now I’m trying to take things one day at a time. Hopefully these worries will become something funny I can tell my kid about in the future.

The year 2015, though, has taught me that change is good, even when it doesn’t seem like any good will come out of it. The least I can do is see the positive in everything.

We’ll be kicking off 2016 by seeing our family in southern California. It will be a short trip, but I hope to make the most of it. It will be nice to show family and friends how I’ve progressed, as well as dish the news to our other friends who don’t yet know what’s happening.

My hope for 2016 is to continue having a positive focus, and above all, deliver a healthy baby and enjoy motherhood.