the party's over

Paraguay is a week away. I had to start taking Chloroquine (the anti-Malarial medication) today, which they say causes one to have intense and wild dreams, so tonight should be interesting.

Anyway, I threw myself a couple of going-away parties this week – Thursday night at a casual little bar up north with friends from work, then another one this afternoon at the beach with the usual potluck crew. They were both laid-back affairs, which gave me a chance to have some good conversations with friends. Everyone was so sweet and wished me well, seemed excited about the project my subsequent 'TBD' plans.

As folks left the parties and the mood tapered to mellow, I started seeing a metaphor. In a way, the last three years of my life was a party - it started slow and a bit lonely, then the pace became overly high, the insanity went on slightly too long, and then it refreshingly switched gears and I found a comfortable and enjoyable camaraderie with all my Chicago friends as the party came to an end. This week is like making the last round, saying my good-byes, and stepping out into the world.