Saying goodbye...

So, many people don't realize this, but I'm an introvert. 
What does this mean? 
Basically it means that I regain my energy by doing things on my own.  For me, recharging happens when I can be alone... reading, thinking, playing on the internet, taking a walk, for the most part, anything I do by my self - except tasks (chores, errands, etc). 

I know, I know, if you are a typical extrovert, you are shaking your head and thinking - wow, that stuff drains me!  So, think about this... What is it that energizes you?  is it sports? parties, hanging out with people, going bowling?  Yes?  I thought so.  That is the very stuff that drains me.  Don't get me wrong, I like doing those things.  But when I get home,  I take a deep breath and spend some time with just me, because no matter how much I like you or how much fun I was having - my batteries were getting drained. 

 I like people.  I care about people.  I do best in one on one situations, or in cases where it is just a few of us. 
Now that I know how deeply ingrained this is in me, I can ask God to help me during times where I am people or task saturated.  He can help me get past my grouchiness, my lack of desire to be around everyone when I am just tanked out.  I know that he can love everyone through me, regardless of how tired I am, or what my attitude is that day. 

I am SO thankful that I don't have to rely on me to do this!  I am even more thankful that He can do this because I know He will give me words to speak.  I'm so greatful for His presence in my life! 

What does all this have to do with saying goodbye? 

Tons. 

yesterday marked 1 week until I move from Austin.  I don't think I have ever felt so sad to be leaving a place in my life.  I love Austin.  I have since I stepped off the plane the first time I visited.  There is something about this crazy, WIERD city that just does it for me.  To me there is this amazing feel to this city.  It is progressive, intellectual, a bit on the hippy (yes like the 60's) side, a little new age, and yet it is God's city.  I love it here.  It is physically beautiful.  Lots of green grass and trees all over the place.  The skyline lights me up.  I love the shapes, the lights, the different buildings.  Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake to others) reflects the skyline, and during sunset it lights up all orange.  Wow.  Stunning.  The landscape is rolling hills, roads curve around and take you in a different direction than you think they will. 
I love love love love love this place. 

Saying goodbye to everyone here is hard on several levels.  So, if I have been cranky or grumpy lately it is because I am spending a ton of time away from home, partying, chatting, praying with people - talking, playing games and in general spending no time with me.  I'm doing relatively well. 

and then there is today.  Today I am feeling SO tired!  (I'm guessing part of that is the crappy food I ate last night) but I have declared today to be a phone free, email free, facebook free zone.  I am going to get home, watch a movie, and just relax.  Ok.  maybe do some laundry... but I really need to get that done too! 

I would go to a coffee shop, but I know that I will possibly bump into someone I know.  Nope, home is safer. 

:)