Almost there...

T-3 days to go.

Still in the packing process, but we are almost done.  The movers came on Wednesday and picked up our shipped boxes- most of our clothes and household stuff has been sent over and should arrive the day after we do.  Just down to some clothes for the suitcase and some things to go in the attic or to our respective parents' homes for safekeeping.

Yesterday I had lunch with some close friends, and we had a really nice farewell from our regular Thursday evening drinking crew last night.  Today I have one more special lunch date, with two more close friends.  I am not OK with this being the last time I see all these people, but I think I am holding it together relatively well.

** Hold on- phone ringing- it's Daddy!  Just checking in, I've borrowed my mom for a few days of help and sanity.  He and I had a really nice chat about how handy knowledge of East Texas back roads is when a massive wreck brings I-20 to a standstill for 10 miles or so. **

So... where was I?  Oh, yes, friends.  The family you choose, and I must say I have excellent taste. Again, the missing of the people is what is going to be the hardest for me, and these folks I will miss something fierce.  Especially my Binnie.  I know there was a time before we were friends, but I don't remember it.  She's become my confidante, my sounding board, my "OMG can you believe J just said that?" IM buddy, my road trip partner, my conference roomie, my tamale hookup, and so much more. She has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, by example of doing it herself.  She has pushed me to be a better advisor, by being a damn good one.  Thomas is my hubs, but my Binnie is my soul mate and I am going to have a hard time not seeing her frequently.

And then there is Murdock.  Again, I know there was a time we didn't know each other, but those days are long ago Dark Ages.  I first met him at some work event, and we discovered that we share a similar (warped) sense of humor and a taste for good whiskey.  He has become not only my friend, but also my mentor.  And he is, despite appearances, quite modest about it- but he is one of those who leads not by words but by example.  Another I am lucky to have in my life.

(And when the three of us get together... better look out.  Shit gets DONE.  We are the very definition of "Power trio.")

And my book club girls, can't forget them- they keep me ever so entertained with their kid stories, and with their frank, down-to-earth, no bullshit attitudes.  They keep me grounded.  We've already vowed to have regular book club meetings via Skype.  Thomas always knew that when I said I was headed to book club, that I wouldn't be home before 10pm.  Hey, we hard important stuff to discuss; and can I just say, they have definitely expanded my literary horizons!

My paternal grandmother had her quote picked out and inscribed on her grave headstone forty years before she died (not creepy at all, Mamaw...); it read, "Her friends were her life."  And while I am a long way from dying (I hope) this quote is just as true for me.  I have been so richly blessed and enriched by the friends I have made here in this college town, people who  have really pushed me to be a better person, better professional, to follow my dreams, to show me a different perspective on life, who have opened my eyes and my world.  You guys better get your Skype acccounts set up, because you can't get rid of me that easily.

MUCH LOVE to you all.  You know who you are.