The Casual "See-You-Later's"

Well, its getting very close to that time. That big time. That some-smart-sounding-synonym-for-big time. And no I am not talking about any prior stress about the name conundrum of some British king-to-be, nor am I talking about the Breaking Bad series finale (although that is a pretty gargantuan deal). I am talking about Friday, where I pack my bags and leave for D.C. only to be whisked away to Germany soon after. In order to send me off right, my parents helped me throw a party titled as "Aufwiederschwimmen" (in layman 's terms, "'til we swim again"). It was quite a joyous occasion, many of my closest pals were there as we enjoyed some German-colored revelry. The walls were adorned in black, red, and yellow, and the party-goers sipped from glass bottles covered in lederhosen cozies. I could not have asked for a better way to spend time with the people I loved. Many tears were shed, and several hugs were given, but still, the entire party seemed to be a pretty happy occasion, and avoided most melodrama. Never before have I been so appreciative of my friends. I hope that all of my friends understand how much I love them and how much I love their existence. They are a firm rock in which to place trust that allows for one to have the confidence to go to Europe. After the party was over, and the din of the crowd had been reduced to clanking of dirty dishes, I opened many of the gifts that my friends had left for me. I never asked for gifts, and I also required that all gift-givers would be instantaneously removed from the premises. But alas, I did very much appreciate everyone's gift. I received some stationary so people would force me to write along with a beautiful travel journal. Not to mention my friend John, who decided for some ridiculous reason to give me his prized Vaporeon/Jolteon Pokemon shoes...I hope my tears thanked him. Once again, I cannot state my gratitude. My friends have been with me through every faux pas and dumb mistake, every laugh and smile, and I hate to leave them. But I can earnestly promise that I will try my best to include them in my life over the next year, and that when I return the friendships that have glued us together over the years will still be holding tightly. I wish all of you the best of luck and jovial times in the next year. Stay beautiful always, and don't forget to be awesome. I leave Friday.