pastime

This is so much more civilized than just yelling "shotgun!"

clarification

Last week I believe I made the mistake of blogging before I sorted out all my emotions. Sorry to confuse anybody, I am NOT leaving Oklahoma City. However, one of my very dear friends is following in the footsteps of Heather and Mary and heading toward a US coast.
There's a little bit of jealousy behind that post. I don't get to travel as much as I would like. There's disappointment of course, at lunches and "girls nights" lost. There's excitement for their opportunity. And, as I said before, there's hope in meeting again.
It's just a big change, that's all.

era passing

Starting in 1997 (when I left WV for college), I was relocating all my worldly belongings at least twice a year. After graduation, the frequency increased to a whopping four times between June & August of 2002. Finally in late summer of 2003 I finally settled in my own apartment. I loved living alone. I enjoyed my job, the nature of which actually encouraged me to keep reasonable hours so I could develop a social life. Oklahoma City was growing & changing, for the better! Yet I had a strange feeling in my stomach as I walked down to the office to renew my lease on the apartment. Restless? Extraordinarily so. Was it time to find a new apartment?
Rationality prevailed over romanticism ... month to month rent would have increased my living expenses 5%.
As I pride myself in my self-attributed ability (or perhaps propensity) for adaptation it does not protect me from the emotions pouring out of me today. The ordinary movement of life requires a cycle of "hello, nice to meet you" through "goodbye my friend, I will miss you." It is what it is - the time between is what varies. The tragedy is in lost company but there is joy in the prospect of reunion in another state.
So, goodbye my friends. I will miss you.