goodbyes

We're down to 49 days until we leave this country on a jet plane with nothing but our maxed out baggage, memories, a little more life experience and each other.

Naturally, it will be really hard to say goodbye. This has been our home for almost 4 years; the first 4 years of our marriage and adulthood. First jobs, first close friends as a couple. A foundational time.

There's a lot to think about. There are a lot of things I'm really going to miss. And, many....not so much.

I WILL miss: loosely enforced speed limits

NOT so much: countless speed bumps and massive pot holes

I WILL miss: a gorgeously long autumn with endless sunny days and vibrant colors

NOT so much: wind storms that rattle our 15th floor veranda windows day and night during monsoon season

I WILL miss: dirt cheap apartment bills

NOT so much: dryer-less laundry and 5-minute spirts of hot water doing dishes or showering

I WILL miss: our first home

NOT so much: foam flooring, chipped paint, no bathroom outlet

I WILL miss: our peaceful, slow-paced life

NOT so much: living an introverted lifestyle.....as an extrovert

I WILL miss: the price of organic veggies

NOT so much: the price for good coffee

I WILL miss: the familiar

NOT so much: being an outsider

I WILL miss: dirt cheap medical bills

NOT so much: often leaving the doctor more confused and unsure

I WILL miss: being salaried
NOT so much: exchange rates

I WILL miss: ultimate Frisbee

NOT so much: trying to do aerobics videos in my living room without knocking anything over or injuring myself

I WILL miss: underground subway shopping where $50 gets me a bag of the cutest and trendiest outfits 

NOT so much: one-(mini/petite) size fits all

More than anything, I WILL miss: the special connections I've had with some very special people. My life is better because of you.