Just in the last few days, the reality of moving 1400 miles away has really started to sink in. I'm excited about the job, and the place where I'm moving. I'm very happy to not be broke anymore, and to be out from "under the thumb" of an advisor. But, for the first time, I really feel gut-punched by the whole idea.

I mean, damn: Montana far is y'all!

I think we'll love it out there, but I *do* think I want to come back to the upper Midwest someday. In the next decade even. I'd like to move out there, do my thing for a few years, and come back "home." My real concern is family, obviously. But I dunno: Maybe it won't be as bad as I fear, and maybe I'll love it out there just that much. So much, that coming back here seems crazy. I'm not being rash about it. I think I need to *tell* myself that I'm coming back soon, to making the going a little easier. White lies never hurt anyone.