Consider That Bullet Dodged

So I get a call from The Girl last week, calling me from some hotel room in either Boston or New York, I can't remember which, asking me how I would feel about moving to Manhattan.

Hmm.

You know, if she'd asked me that question even 6 months ago I would have been excited about moving back home, would have started packing before I even answered the question. Strange, then, that I felt so differently when she posed the question to me last week. All of a sudden I realized- I don't want to leave.

I told her that I knew it would be good for her career and at least I would be back in the states, closer to Chicago, etc., etc., etc.. Except, the thing is? To me it was actually very bad news. It took a little while but I kind of feel like Hong Kong is my home now - I realized it when my plane was landing at HK International after our trip to Chicago at Christmas.

I've made friends here, I love my job, the people and culture are fascinating and (for the most part) cool, there are interesting countries to visit all within a short distance, crime is fantastically low and, let's be honest, the weather doesn't suck.

On the other hand, there are many things that I don't miss about the states. Drive-by shootings would be one example. Rob Schneider's movies would be another. Intolerant, right-wing, religious fundamentalists cramming their beliefs down my throat, horribly mismanaged public transportation, Paris Hilton, horribly mismanaged public schools, Necco Wafers, frivolous lawsuits, "Gangsta" Rap, reality tv shows that celebrate and reward the stupidity of the contestants...I could go on but you get the idea.

I guess the truth is, while America will always be my home, I have another one now and, really, the only things calling me back to the US are my friends and family. And quite frankly? I can see you mopes whenever I want to endure a 15 hour flight.

Not that I take you for granted, of course.

Anyway, as the week went on, I accepted that we would probably be moving away and made my peace with it. Although, one thing was really frosting my ass- I mean, for the Love of God, could there be a worse freakin' time to move back to the states?!?!? There's no jobs to be had and I don't relish the thought of standing outside a soup kitchen singing "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", foraging for nuts and friggin' berries or dumpster diving for curly fries.

I went out for dim sum with some friends and I felt kind of sad that I wouldn't be able to do it anymore after I moved away. I mean, other than not having to do homework most Saturday nights, it's the thing that I look forward to the most during the week.

Though I tried to act excited about the impending move, The Girl knew better and she was as surprised at my reaction as I was. Thankfully, for me anyway (not so much her career) , it's all come to naught as her company has decided to keep her in the Hong Kong office.

So, although I Love you guys and miss you all, I have to admit that I'm glad I won't be seeing you soon. Of course, as always, most of you are welcome to visit whenever you like.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go have dim sum. And then I'm going to come right back home.