Time flies. Fast. Like bananas. And before you know it, it’s time to move on, whether you like it or not. I’m not one for extended goodbyes, which is one of the reasons why I barely ever dropped my boyfriend off at the airport (and visa versa) during our 4-year long distance relationship. I’d rather do my crying with a delay of a few hours, preferably in the privacy of my own chair on train, plain, or automobile, and protected by my headphones with some appropriately sad music. And I am glad to tell that so far, all my goodbyes have been bitter-sweet. Bitter because it meant leaving behind people and places that I came to know and love. And sweet because each time there was an exciting new adventure up ahead. It is no different this time. Do I look forward to finding a place of my (I should say “our” of course) own where I can stay for longer than a year or two? Am I excited to see my family and friends back home? Am I super happy I can keep working for my current employer? YES to all those questions! But at the same time, I am sad that I have to leave a place I finally started to become familiar with; I am sad I will no longer be working in the most amazing office environment with the most amazing colleagues/friends; I am sad to realize that an “era” of my life is coming to an end. Melancholic songs were written for moments exactly like these: when you cry and laugh at the same time.

I don’t like to say goodbye, because I don’t like the “final” feeling of the word. In our connected and globalized world, staying in touch with people at the other side of the world is easier than ever. Believe me, I have been doing it for over 4 years now, and will continue to do so. But nothing beats the physical proximity of people that make you feel happy, that are there for you, and that make you feel at home no matter where you are. So I like to think I will see the people here again, at some point in time, somewhere in the world. And therefor, I refuse to say goodbye, but I’ll use the Chinese version, which literally, and more appropriately, means “see you again:” 再见 America,  再见 friends and colleagues, 再见 buckets of coke, 再见 tater tots, 再见 monster trucks, 再见 .

It’s Friday 4.30 PM. Time for beer o’clock!