Sunday, June 25, 2006

One Day Closer

I woke up with a hangover. I think it was that rum & coke after all those glasses of wine that pushed me over the edge. All night I tried to pretend it was just my birthday party, not my going away party.

That tactic didn't really work very well.

Thanks to my fantastic friends, it was a great party. Dumpling and Supple and Jenny Two Times, Mike and Meagan, Mom, JB, Valerie, Alan, Bret, Marnacakes, Bird & Ama, Rae Rae and Shaun, Jules, Mikey, Pat, Titsy, Wendy, Andrea- thank you for making it a memorable night!
This morning I woke up thinking about expectations. When I originally thought about having a going away party, I envisioned some grand affair where I would be able to say good-bye to countless people, share memories, have some laughs and cry some tears as I looked back over the past 12 years. And most of that did happen last night, just on a smaller scale.

What I am noticing as I transition closer and closer to my move date is that many relationships are falling away as the most important ones take center stage. All the people I thought would come last night or who aren't making an effort to say good-bye to me maybe aren't people I should be expending a lot of energy on anyhow. That's been something I've struggled with- putting too much energy into relationships that don't give back. Leaving one town for another is an opportune time to shift that misguided energy. How liberating!

As I looked around the room last night I saw the faces of my dear friends, I felt so loved. I saw people who show up for me in so many countless ways. Such good people with such beautiful hearts. My life touching their life- what a gift. To be able to say good-bye, to say thank you, to say "I love you" means so very much to me.

8 comments:

Anthony S. said...

So long as you drank with those you loved, there is no reason to not wake up with a hangover after such a party.

It's good to see I'm not the only one that writes on weekends; it's also good to see someone who writes about sentimentality who sounds genuine, Ms.

If they (employers) don't hire you on the spot after seeing that smile, they are out of their goddamned minds.

Claire said...

That's been something I've struggled with- putting too much energy into relationships that don't give back. Leaving one town for another is an opportune time to shift that misguided energy.

Abso-friggin-lutely. It's good to know who you can really count on; those friendships will endure despite the distance.

Bill said...

I'm glad it was a lovely night. And I'm glad all the goodbyes have been full, if bittersweet. But now ...

Time to look ahead to the adventure!

New place. New people. New ... who knows what? My own experience is that it is scarey as hell. But wildly fascinating!

As Hamlet says, "... There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so"

So think good thoughts. And it will be so!

jeopardygirl said...

Look out Seattle!

Bre said...

That sounds so wonderful, to feel so loved and appreciated! Also I quite adore all the nicknames that your buddies have! deeelightful!

Lushy said...

You look gorgeous! Seattle will not know what hit it when Sizzle waltzes into town!

cb said...

I'm new to your blog -- but wanted to say what a beautiful smile you have!

Becky said...

I saw that you were moving up here on Jules' blog. I uprooted myself back in November and went through much of what you are also going through. I love it here, and I wish you luck with your move!