8 hours left in Hong Kong. And I am a jumble of emotions - I don't think I can even articulate myself.
(And maybe that's how it should be - no rationalizing, no overanalyzing ... right?)
For the first time in my life, I am leaving home with no idea when I will next return. No idea what my future will look like a year on out.
And... it's terrifying.
But aside from this fear (or perhaps as a result?), I'm also overwhelmed with gratitude - for the most amazing family and the world's best friends anyone could ever ask for, for their unwavering belief in me and unconditional love.
So, as I sit here contemplating, it seems imperative I make a trip down memory lane...
A couple of days ago, I was cleaning my room and dug up all these little treasures I've kept throughout the years. All the birthday and Christmas cards I've gotten (since 1994!!!!!), all my old (s)watches (Flik Flak!), my sticker collection, my stamp album, my leaf collection (the smell of pressed leaves is strangely addicting), old cassette tapes, floppy disks and zip drives (yes, those clunky old things!)
I found them in exactly the way I had placed them so many years ago. Little trinkets, old ticket stubs, paper clips, little keychains... (back in the day when every little thing was awe-inspiring and worth keeping) all placed neatly in tiny old tin cans or old chocolate boxes.
As though no time has passed.
On a side note (since we are on the topic of nostalgia), grandparents really do have the best life stories if you'll give them the chance. So I urge you to do it, do it before it's too late.
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Be humble.
Work hard.
Be nice to everyone.
And always, always choose to be morally upright.
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For now - good night, good night.
And for those of you who got through this whole mumble-jumble - I applaud, applaud you.
