Last notes from Norfolk

Before we pack up the computer ...

* One of our co-workers and her husband hosted a barbecue for us at their place Sunday night, and we got to say goodbye to a number of our friends and colleagues here. It was really lovely. One of the toughest things about the move is that while it took a really long time before Norfolk felt like home, we've become very attached since that feeling set in. Leaving is going to hurt.

* Janelle, my closest friend here in Norfolk, busted her ass to get us a goodbye front page -- and it's brilliant. (It's like a roast, but in A1 form.) Mike, Lauren, Nick and Janelle deserve huge props. It was a fabulous surprise, and I can't stop looking at it.

* On Friday night, Rich and Janelle coordinated a goodbye night out at the bars with the night side, and that was fun, too. Rich and I drunkenly stumbled home -- oh, how we'll miss the walkability of Ghent -- with a pit stop at the Sev. Lord help me, I've gained eight pounds in a week.

* I really want to see "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Woody Allen's latest offering (I've been a huge fan of Woody Allen movies for years) -- I'd been trying to figure out when the hell I could go when I realized that Rich is abandoning me THE NIGHT BEFORE I START MY NEW JOB for some stupid fantasy football draft. (I'm a tolerant woman and a huge sports fan, but the number of leagues he's in really tries my patience.) The silver lining? I've found myself a good distraction from what will be a nearly incurable case of nerves, and Rich can find his own time to see the damn movie. I'm going Sunday.