The first time I had this tiramisu I was being courted. Randy was managing Il Bistro in Seattle, and the dessert arrived at the end of a meal I do not otherwise remember. I asked the chef for the recipe. Twelve birthdays later, the recipe is mine.

Yesterday we celebrated a very quiet birthday. Rudy turned twelve — the corgi who arrived the day I met my husband, who has been with us for every chapter since. He moves a little slower now. The days feel a bit more precious. Some of what that means.

Fifteen years ago I came to Seattle on a Microsoft contract. Now most of our belongings are in Mexico, though I'm still here most weeks for work. Half-moved is the honest word. Here are the nine reasons we made the decision, and the things I still can't bring myself to stop loving.