For My Friends

I've hardly had time to write recently...mostly because I've been busy trying to close up shop here in the states and move to another continent, which is a big fat pain in the ass as you can imagine. The worst part is saying goodbye to all of the friends I care so much about. The past two weeks have been filled with coffees, lunches, dinners, and phone conversations all centered around one thing...goodbye. This has helped me to realize two things: 1. I have the best and most supportive friends ever; 2. I am an idiot for leaving the best and most supportive friends ever.

I feel that anything I write will trivialize the depth of gratitude I feel towards those who have been closest to me over the past few weeks. But I will say this; each day it becomes more and more obvious that each person (even those of you not pictured in this post) has played a crucial role in getting me here, to today, 4 days before my departure. So much so that when I look back over the past two weeks, I feel as if someone has literally picked me up and dropped me off here, for I am quite certain it was not my own strength that pushed me forward through this time of goodbyes, separation, stress, and anxiety. And so I know that I am a very lucky girl to have such friends, and I promise to never take that for granted.

With Ashley (a.k.a. Swiss Alps) in New Orleans.

With my Sassy Gay Friend, Michael Dibble.

With my Bulgarian friend from Chinese class, Katya.

With Catherine, whom I have been friends with for 21 years (can you believe that Catherine?)

At Au Pied du Cochon with my business world mentor, Martha Jo Katz.

At Cafe Intermezzo with Katie, who inspires me to make every action a good one.

With my NBT at Amicalola falls.

With Rich at my farewell dinner...Rich who picked me up and carried me safely through my last weekend in Atlanta.