It's Not Goodbye, It's Next Time in Ireland*

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."

-Anatole France

Hi friends,

It's been a strange few weeks. In case you missed it, here's what's been going on:

• Stuart and I filed for my visa
• we got approved one week later
• we bought my one-way plane ticket for one week after that
• tomorrow, I start the long journey to a new life in the UK

I've closed my bank account, eaten at all my favorite places, and packed my life into a few small boxes and a suitcase - it's time. It's bittersweet like I always knew it would be; The sadness of a long distance relationship is that once you're in one, you're never out. If you're the one who moves it simply transfers from significant other to family and friends. And as exciting as moving to a new country is, the past few weeks have given me a deeper appreciation for all things "Southern". 

But I'm thankful for all the opportunities that have been granted to me - and I look forward to bringing a touch of Southern culture to my new home. When I come back (and I will because there's no Chick-fil-A in Northern Ireland) I'll look forward to sharing some of my new culture with all of you in the States. :)

*Disclaimer: I recognize that saying Ireland implies "Republic of" and not "Northern" and that I, in fact, am moving to Northern Ireland which is part of the UK - however the cheapest flights are more often than not into Dublin (on a Tuesday!) so most likely anyone who visits will initially see me in Ireland first before journeying north. :)