And Then There Were None. It seems that one by one, most of my closest friends have packed up and moved away out of Texas. Sure, there's a scant few left, but what with grad/med/law school or whatever, hanging out just ain't what it used to be. I dunno, I guess it's just harsh realizing that you'll never live out that dream you have as a kid of growing up and having all your best friends as like your next door neighbors or something. And yea, you realize that people really do have to go where their destinies (i.e. their careers) lead them, but it doesn't make things any easier to deal with.

"I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged - their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend."
~Shawshank Redemption

At heart, I guess I'm just having to come to terms with the idea that coming home to Plano will never be what it used to. I dunno, I always tell companies that I'm totally open to relocation, but when it comes down to it, the thought of leaving Texas is a lot scarier than I at first imagined. And yea, it is looking more and more like I'll be leaving to find work. I guess I just always saw myself as the stalwart, being the one who would be here for people to come back to if they left. Maybe Houston at the furthest, but somewhere in Texas at any rate. But I guess I can't even guarantee that much. Life's funny like that, huh? =/

"Come back to Texas
It's just not the same since you went away
Before you lose your accent
And forget all about the Lonestar State
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
and I got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks north of here anyway"
~Bowling For Soup - Ohio (Come Back to Texas)