Just FYI, the end of this song transitions from Vera Lynn to Lily Tomlin singing with the Muppets.
I've finally completed a fairly long period of studies, and will be getting another degree (my fourth) for all my efforts. This fall, I'll be shifting gears in a new locale and institution, finally focusing exclusively on upper division coursework, along with preparing myself for grad school. As a 37-year-old, it seems as though it has taken me entirely too long to mature into a professional career path, and my decision to return to school has made that path even longer. Despite the time that has passed, I do not feel as though it has been wasted. I've learned a great deal on a broad range of subjects that have enriched my life and, I believe, have helped me to realize my life's purpose.
I'm really looking forward to the transition ahead of me, however, it's now time for me to decompress and enjoy my summer break to it's fullest. I intend to do a bit of travel, to return to a more active lifestyle (study is pretty sedentary work), and to simply enjoy the company of others. Alas, this will likely be my final contribution to SG, so why not make it about myself?
I've enjoyed the years of membership, however, it's finally time I graduate to a professional lifestyle that leaves little room for distraction. Truth be told, my activity has decreased considerably over the past year, markedly so following the changes to the website, and the loss of community that came with it. I'm sure there are still a few old silverbacks lurking about, however, I just don't have it in me to try and seek out others and reconnect. Further, I have to admit that my character, my persona, if you will, is itself an internet fiction. Not to say that is an entirely bad thing, anonymity and engagement of fantasy are part of the package. It's been fun to share laughs, to discuss topics of interest, and to get into several heated debates, however, there is a degree of maintaining social connections to maintain familiarity among others, and I feel that has largely been lost in the last year (it was heading that way even before the site update).
Even as I depart the website, I will not do so in bitterness, or with a resounding, so-long, rather, I'll simply say, until then...
