For many years I have used denial as a coping mechanism. And it does a pretty good job. I find it ironic that I, of all people, utilize this way of making it through the day. Being a glass-half-empty-kind-of-girl, this seems like a contrary way to cope.Lately I am having trouble with it though. I am leaving my home and friends and family in ten short days and I haven't made any effort to see people before I go. You can't schedule a goodbye if you don't really think you're going anywhere. And goodbyes are SO hard. I prefer the French way of saying 'à la prochaine', meaning 'until next time'. It's so much less...well...sad. So to all of my dear friends who I have not contacted to say goodbye I offer my sad excuse of denial and want you to know I will be thinking of you often and most certainly missing you more.