It's Not Where I'm Going, it's What I'm Leaving Behind...

I couldn't figure out why I was more emotional than usual. I could cry at a drop of a hat. I thought maybe I was hitting early menopause or going a tad crazy. About a week or so ago, I figured out that moving is hitting me full on in the face. I've moved many times before and I always leave feeling good, thanks for the memories, keep in touch!

But this move is much different.

I'm excited about moving to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. I've heard terrific things about the country, the people, the food and the climate is exactly what I need. Being in a warm environment, living a more outdoors lifestyle is right up my alley. I'm ready for the change.

But it's what I'm leaving behind that's throwing me for a loop.

My friends here in Shanghai are funny, supportive, kind, crazy...the kind of people I want to spend time with. I've had so many hysterical times over the past 4 years. Just eating lunch in the Food Court can be a riot! I laugh everyday, many times a day! It's good medicine! It's difficult to accept that my time with them is limited.

Once I figured out why my emotions were on overdrive, I felt better about it all. Just identifying what was going on always helps me deal with things. I'm the type of person that has to talk things out and I finally knew what I had to talk about!

So my solution is to enjoy the next 4 months and leave with no regrets. I feel fortunate to have worked with such an amazing group of people. I know I'll be a mess when I leave in June, but that's just a testament to the friendships I've made here in Shanghai.