Goodbyes

"A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again."

Goodbyes are never easy.  It doesn't matter if it's a break-up (good or bad) or you are moving across the country, saying goodbye is always pretty difficult.   A few weeks ago I found out that I got a job at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in Monterey, CA.   This is obviously a huge deal and an amazing opportunity.  Monterey Bay is arguably the best aquarium in the country and is well-renowned throughout the world.  It will be a great place to work and will open up numerous doors to further my career.


Of course a move of this magnitude stirs up all kinds of emotions.  I am extremely excited to be working at such a prestigious establishment but I'm also nervous to just pick up and move across the country.  And of course I'm leaving behind my friends and family so that saddens me, especially since I do not know a soul in Monterey!


When I left for Florida in 2003 it was easy because I was straight out of college and I didn't need to think about it.  I was young and stupid and didn't want to live in the cold northeast anymore.  I never had a second thought about it...Key West at 22 is a pretty simple decision.  It's a little different now, being old and stupid, but there's more to think about.  I originally contemplated moving to California because I was in love with a girl that wanted to move there.  After a few visits out I absolutely fell in love with the west coast and knew that it was a place I could live on my own if need be, so when we broke up it was still very easy to make the decision to move.  This was a decision for me and my life and wasn't influenced by anybody else in it (such as my move back to New England).  The job, the pay, and the location were all major influences.  I'm also at a point in my life where I can make these types of decisions.  I'm single, not anchored down in any one place, and I'm ready to be starting anew in pretty much every aspect of my life.


So the decision has been made and my time in Massachusetts is almost up.  I'll be off to California soon on a solo road trip across the US and I'm going to take my time exploring this beautiful country.  I can't wait!  I will be stopping at numerous locations to visit some old friends and catch up with people I haven't seen in years.


To all of my friends and family in New England, I love you all and I'll see you later!