Arrivederci

"So long, farewell
Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight
So long, farewell
Auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Adieu, adieu
To you and you and you"


How do you say goodbye so that it means something, so that it sticks? How do you say gooodbye after weeks and months and years have gone by? How do you say goodbye after so many memories have been made, so many good times have been had?

How do you say goodbye and not dissolve into a torrent of tears? How do you say goodbye while wondering if those you're saying it to will remember you years down the road?

How do you say goodbye when it kills you to leave?

Bachelorette parties, inaugurations and moving -- oh my!

I've been neglectful of my trusty ol' blog. But what can I say, life has been crazy. Ca-razy. Crazazy.

Let's see, there was a fun-filled, friend-filled bridal shower a couple weekends ago. Games, good brunch food, friends, presents.

Then there was a little bachelorette shindig for Mel in Myrtle Beach. Ten gals, a limo, some cheap champagne, coats and scarves and gloves and freezing temperatures, dinner at a swanky restaurant were all involved. Good times.

Oh and then there was this event on Jan. 20, a swearing-in of sorts for a pretty important guy. Traveled to D.C. to see our 44th president sworn in. Snagged a spot on the lawn of the Capitol up close and personal. Hobnobbed with Annie Leibovitz, Dustin Hoffman, Samuel L. Jackson, Don King. You know, the usual.

Whew.

Now, my house is filled with boxes and bags and clutter. I'm packing my life into cardboard and plastic and saying goodbye to the familiar.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Full-blown stress has definitely set in. Two weeks left at work. Going to DC to cover the inauguration. Helping put together wedding-related festivities for BFF and beautiful bride Melanie. Trying to find a job, well, because I have only two weeks left at work. Not quite sure how I'm getting back from DC. Moving out of my house. Need boxes and movers and to start packing at some point in the near future. And did I mention I'm leaving my job in two weeks?

Happy 2009

The confetti has settled. The last notes of "Auld Lang Syne" have faded. The newfangled, twice-as-big, super fabulous ball has dropped and is now probably in its new display case.

Now what? What happens on Jan. 5? And the 6th? And the rest of the days?

I hope you have a plan in place that will get you through this year that has more substance than a resolution. I hope you have a fantastic, revolutionary 2009.

'09

In 2009, I will leave the job I've held for the past three and a half years, my first since graduating from college.

I will watch my roommate of the past three years and wonderful friend Melanie get married to a terrific man at the end of this month.

I will bid farewell to 25 and say hello to 26.

I will try in earnest to be a better person.

I will make mistakes and I will fail. But hopefully I'll come out a little better for it.

NYE

Auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear,
And days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne,
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld ang syne.
We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne.
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.