WOW!

So much going on, and so much to say. Wow barely covers the range of emotion.
Last night I had by far the biggest happy hour I've had. It was the "official" going away from Target, and incredible the number of people who showed up. As someone who, well, ok, wasn't what you'd call popular, it was sure humbling to have that kind of turn out. From mentors to our VP to friends from teams I worked on years ago, and across all areas of Target from Finance to Six Sigma to Distribution to Travel, it was really a great testament to what an awesome team I work with/on at Target. And reinforces how many great people I'm going to miss while I'm gone.
I've had what seems like an endless string of good-byes over the past couple weeks, and as we now count off the "final" good-byes with friends and family, it is really hitting home that we are almost "gone." It's both a wonderful sign of the support and love that we are blessed to enjoy, and a bittersweet reminder of the good times we will miss while away on our adventure.
This weekend we tie up the final pack lists, separating out the pack with us / air freight / storage / send to mom's / dispose of piles. That's Saturday's mission. Sunday has the final good-bye with my extended family, followed by a gathering at a friend's. Monday the movers come and Monday night is our last gathering with our good friends the Coopers. We will really miss them, and it will be the first good-bye for Caden with one of his friends, their daughter Keriann. I am anxious to see how that goes. I'm not sure Caden really understands yet the "move" concept, and I'm nervous for the time it sinks in. We have been really open in talking about it, but I think even for us, it hasn't been quite "real" yet. Monday also boasts the final lunch at Capital Grille with my best friends at Target. Mmmm, I can almost taste that last juicy hamburger. And Tuesday is my last day... not much planned there yet. Wednesday we will wake up, wash and pack the bedding underneath us and the final details, then our "last" lunch at our favorite restaraunt, the Chianti Grill and off to the airport...
Wow.