See You Later!

We handed over our one-way tickets to the ticketing agent and boarded a plane bound for our new home in Georgia yesterday. One. Way. Ticket. It’s a strange feeling to not have a return trip ticket. It’s not good, it’s not bad, but it is weird with a side of “holy crap we are really moving.”

Goodbyes make you think.
They make you realize what you’ve had, 
what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted.
– Ritu Ghatourey

We’ve known about this move for close to two years. That’s a long time to live in limbo. On one hand, you try to soak up as many moments and make as many memories as you can. On the other hand, you try not to get too emotionally invested in any one thing because, in essence, you have short-timer’s syndrome and you know you’ll have to give it up, let it go or say good-bye.

How lucky I am to have something that makes
saying goodbye so hard. – Winnie The Pooh

To be clear. We know what goes into a cross-country move. This isn’t our first rodeo. My husband and I have moved 7 times in 15 years. However, this is the first time we’ve moved with two children. Do you know how much stuff 2 children have? Goodness gracious. I digress. The important thing is factoring schools into the equation. It was so much easier to move when you didn’t care what school district you were in. Trust me on this.

I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy,
I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it. – Art Williams

So, in a way, it feels good to finally have an end to the limbo-land we were living in. However, that meant saying good-bye to friends and family. It’s tough. We originally moved back to Oregon to be closer to family. And after 6 years in Oregon, we finally made friends! (Apparently, I’m a real “people person.”)

Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end.
It simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again. – Unknown

I’ll be honest, I’m a rip-the-bandaid-off-and-get-it-over-with kind of person. So I apply that same philosophy to good-byes. If I dwelled on it for too long, it would bog me down. Instead, I opt for a quick good-bye and then try to focus on the upside, whatever that might be. So if you wanted more drama from me, it’s not that I don’t care deeply…it’s just a mental health issue. And we all know our mental health is important!

Though miles may lie between us we are never far apart,
for friendship doesn’t count miles it’s measured by the heart. – Unknown

People have asked me if I’m excited to move. I’m excited for my husband and the opportunities this will present for him. I’m excited for an adventure that we can share together as a family. I’m excited to expose our children to different cultural experiences. I’m excited for what the future may hold. I’m excited to see toothless smiles like this…they make me happy!

Have a happy day!

P.S. It’s not good-bye, but we’ll see you in awhile!