I fly out one month from today. So I’ve been running around my apartment doing Gob-like magic moves, singing this song:
But, to be real, it’s funny how the imminent move has shifted my perspective. It’s changed my focus on what’s important, and how I want to spend my time. There’s lots I should be doing—sending pitches and queries, putting my furniture up on Craigslist, working six days a week and stockpiling money. There’s plenty of What Ifs I should be stressing on, that I really ought to be stressing on.
But having a tangible ending in sight has done the opposite: it’s zapped me into the present. It’s made me think about what’s important, forced me to think about how I want to spend this time—this precious, short time—before I leave.
And my main focus isn’t on all the shit I have to do (which is a lot) or trying to manage all the unknowns (which are a lot), but on how I can best enjoy this last month, how I can best soak in this little life I’ve had here. Today, it was by sleeping late, eating an enormous Fenton’s sundae with friends, rereading a book I love. And by dancing around to this ridiculous song…
Lonely Girl Travels 
As soon as I saw the title on my Twitter feed, I was hoping there was going to be a Gob reference! Congratulations on your decision to move and all the best as you move forward towards this new chapter.
First of all, I love GOB! Second of all, this song rocks, and third of all, this post struck a chord with me. My sister is moving to Australia (she was gone for a year, and has been back a few months, and is now moving away again). She’ll be gone by the end of the year, and i can’t help but want to be with her as much as possible before she leaves because i might not see her for a very long time. So, in my case, as is yours, nothing matters more than being with her and spending quality time before she departs, once again.
Congratulations again, Lauren! Glad we had a chance to meet at Travel Massive in Oakland. Truly inspired by your story and can’t wait to hear about your adventures as an expat in Phnom Penh! Safe journey and let the countdown begin. 🙂 -Q