I got quite a bit done yesterday. In addition to packing two totes of my belongings (which probably contain most of what I'll be bringing), I also took Jenni grocery shopping and hung out at her apartment for a few hours afterward. Maybe it sounds strange to consider hanging out with my sister "getting something done," but it's surprisingly difficult to find the time to slow down and just be with the people I love when I'm so close to leaving. There are so many other things to think about, I need to keep reminding myself that in less than two weeks, I won't get to see these people on a whim anymore. I don't want to take for granted the time I have left to share with them. It's just stressful juggling everything at once. My mom and I have had minimal quality time together since Dale moved in. And Jenni's going through a ton of changes right now, forced on her by others -- my mom's moving back to New Hampshire in the spring, and Jenni's best friend, Justin, is moving west with one of his buds before long. I know she's afraid of being even more lonely than she already is. But then, I also know she'll be all right. She's always been the truly independent one. She's incredible. I'm just trying to be present in every moment I spend with them and to treasure the bonds we share. My family is one of the few things in this world that make me believe life isn't a waste. It's too easy to neglect the intangible.

Well. I should try to pack a few more things before I get ready for work. Adios, amigos.