Packing, Reminiscing....

I've finished work! Well, i've actually been finished for two weeks. Last week i spent my time planning things out, looking at the things i had to pack, and spent some time throughout the city.

There are times in your life when you move from school, or home, or ::insert location here:: and things just seem appropriate but a bit uncomfortable. It's similar, to me at least, to the sensation that almost overwhelms me when i've come to the end of a good book. The end of the book is obviously the logical progression, and completing it is relatively exciting, but that surely doesn't mean i'm glad to reach its end. There's the anticipation when you feel the final few pages in your right hand, and then victorious feel of completing something into which you've put so much effort. But, this a victory is bittersweet. Finishing a book has all the rewards associated with completing anything which takes time and effort, but it also comes with the heartache associated with losing touch with all the characters and friends you've made along the way. Whether it's T.S. Garp or Steven Weaven, i've lost contact with someone who has unselfishly entertained me.

But, one of the good things about packing and moving is that it forces you to go through all that you have. It forces you to see from where you've come; and, if you've been planning properly, where you're going. While leafing through my affairs i stumbled across numerous souvenirs: a few post cards from distant friends, affectionate letters from past lovers, and pictures of old friends. These souvenirs helped me to realize that it's the end of the book's job to make sure you don't forget about the first few pages that captivated you. Characters and plot don't just appear, they develop.

Alas, I'm packing my life into some "Space Bags" (which are not as complicated as they sound, nor as space-aged), large plastic containers, and anyone of the numerous pieces of luggage i have amassed in my healthy obsession with thrift-shop American Tourister. When i moved from North Carolina, it was quaint and mildly depressing to see my life fit into the back of my Volkswagen Beetle. Today, it's equally as quaint to see my "life" gathered in the living room of my DC apartment.

I move for Dover in just a few days and, as i've stated before, it's a bittersweet end to my stay in the District of Columbia. I'll not forget the Logan Circle Leisure Sports Society, Jazz in the Garden, Mr. Yogato, Georgetown Cupcake, U st, Zengo, Mien Yu, i mean... let's face it, All of Georgetown, and numerous other landmarks that welcomed me in. In my tenure, i'm glad to say that i've become a Washitonian and I hope that one day i'll make this my home, once again.

A DC landmark once told me, "What's Past is Prologue." How right it is.

Affectionately,

Brandon M. Tarbert