Are you better off now, than you were 4 years ago?

That's the question she asked me.

"Are you better off now, than you were 4 years ago?"

My answer was simple. Yes.

Her question was not as simple.

Of course this person was referring to the President's reign as Commander in Chief. I was referring to the actual question.

Yes, I am much better off.

Four years ago, I was living with a room mate. I was working a job that stressed me out and basically kept me in a little box with very little creative room to wiggle. My egyptian was in Egypt, and the Department of Homeland Security was taking their sweet time with our immigration papers. Heck, almost four years ago this week, Mr. egyptian had his embassy interview.

So yes, I think I am much better off than I was 4 years ago.

Certainly, a LOT has happened. I spent months petitioning the government to get him here. (Hey, friends.. remember those days?) I ended up with Meningitis, AGAIN, and spent almost two weeks in the hospital. My cat goes into renal failure, I had to put him to sleep. My room mate suddenly decides to move out of town, and I ended up having to spend an arm & a leg for a one bedroom. THEN he arrives, finally. Planning a reception in less than 90 days. MORE immigration paper work and shots for him and money.. and.. and.. and..
Then he gets homesick and goes home for 6 weeks. Then comes back for a month. Moves to New York City for 3 months. Then comes back. Then we fight. Oh we fight. Then I end up with meningitis -AGAIN. Then I lose my job. Then we fight. Then I lose my apartment. Then I move home. Then he moves to Los Angeles. Then I remain unemployed for 9 months.

FINALLY - I get a fabulous job, a super cute apartment, all of my old friends from my entire life back, as well as some fantastic new ones. I am close to my family, close to my niece.. and slowly but surely, I am beginning to feel like my old self (the good one..) again.
Are things perfect? Not even close. Do I have lots and lots of hope? Sure thing.

So am I better off than I was 4 years ago?

You bet I am. ;-)