la dia ultima

Today, August 27, 2009 (A.D. In case anyone wasn't clear), was my very last day in Astoria. For a while, anyway.

The truth is, I'm not really a good-bye kind of person. I'm more of a see-you-later type of gal. So when it came time to bid farewell to my favorite Astoria folk today, it was admittedly a little bittersweet. It doesn't seem like it should be that way, though; I haven't lived here for very long. I leave frequently. And I don't have any friends. That combination would, in most cases, indicate that I should feel detached and be itching to flee. Sometimes I feel that way, but not usually. It's because I possess one of the most genuine gifts a person could ever have... people that love me.

People that will not just fade in and out of my life, but will remain by my side. And the bottom line is, even though I live in a place where I didn't grow up, and don't have that concrete feeling of establishment that provides friendships and familiarity... I do have my family. It's comforting to be surrounded by such loving, caring people when I'm here. And although I didn't choose them, I honestly wouldn't have chosen any differently.

And besides, it's on only a brief (87 days, who's counting, though?) period of time until Thanksgiving! And I'll undoubtedly be back here for that festive holiday. Poker, anyone?

Okay, I just have to add... my sister is the sweetest. She packed me a huge sack (of the Costo variety. Reusable, even) of groceries! It might seem like a small and insignificant gesture, but to me it speaks volumes. She said it was just some 'extra stuff' they had in the pantry. Works for me! The ziplock baggies, tinfoil, applesauce, peaches, noodles, etc. is all stuff is that I now won't have to buy. Everybody wins.

A beautiful parting:
Me: Goodbye Albus, my sweet. Goodbye Albus, my faithful companion.
Albus: *lick*
Me: Thanks, boy *pat*pat* thanks.