I've nearly finished the last day at my job. I've said goodbye to most of my co-workers, and will be sending a farewell email soon. I'm fully moved out of my apartment, couch-surfing for the two weeks before my flight. I've scheduled a few lunches/dinners/etc with friends near home, a last chance to hang out before I depart.
There's something surreal about it all. It may well be the last time in my life that I see many of these people, depending on where my life takes me from here.
I think about the things I've thrown away in this transition, or given to ARC or Goodwill or friends or whatever. The things I've decided I don't want to take with me, and since I don't know how long I'll be gone, I've tried to limit the things I'm keeping here with my brother or parents or whatever. A painting I made in one of those paint and sip classes, a wall clock with numbers scattered randomly around the face and the words "Who Cares" under the middle, countless pieces of paper (including drawing attempts, old writing, bills, letters, birthday cards...); a coat I've had for several years, a sheet set and bed I bought to be shared...all gone forever.
I've nearly reduced my life to a suitcase and a carry-on. There's still some work to be done there.
I used to gauge my life by whether I could fit everything in my car, as I used to be endlessly peripatetic. I never moved far, but I moved frequently. I settled down substantially about 6 years ago, but part of me has never been content in one place for long. In some ways, it's rather strange that it took me this long to get into TEFL, if only because I have the personality of a wanderer, a nomad. My brother recently commented that he wouldn't be surprised if I never settled down. I am only a little loathe to agree.
The adventure ahead is nebulous, intimidating, and exciting. And I don't regret any of the decisions that got me here. But that doesn't mean it's been easy, or that I haven't given up a fair bit along the way.
Wo henhao (I am very well).
Zaijian,
-L
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