I’m leaving for South Africa in just over a month. I’ve been planning this move since January so the goodbye process began months ago, but my farewell tour has officially kicked into high gear.

My mother came to visit from South Carolina last weekend. This was the first time she’d visited since I moved from my townhouse in Northern Virginia to an apartment in DC, so we enjoyed doing mother-daughter activities in the “big city.” We ate copious quantities of ethnic food and gelato. We toured the Hillwood Museum and Gardens in northwest DC, which we tried valiantly to enjoy despite the 100-degree heat. I impressed her with my ability to hail taxis and navigate public transport.

Mom also trekked with me to my storage unit in Springfield, VA, helped me load boxes into the car, and drove with me to my father’s house in Maryland, where we deposited the boxes. Dad isn’t very pleased about the boxes — I think he thought the days of storing his children’s junk in the attic were over. Not so fast, Dad!

Now Mom is gone but the farewells continue. I’m driving to Dad’s again this afternoon for a cook-out in honor of my impending departure. My sister flew in from Vermont for the event, and much of my extended family will be there, including aunts, uncles, and my 90-year-old grandmother. It should be an interesting evening, as I think they all believe that I have lost my sanity. They’re a fun, eccentric bunch though. I’m sure a good time will be had by all.

Tomorrow will be fun too — my last July 4th as a U.S resident. I live in an apartment building just north of Dupont Circle with an incredible view of the DC monuments. My friend Bob lives on the top floor, so we’ll be enjoying the fireworks from his living room. I’ve lived here my whole life and this will be my first time watching the DC fireworks. I’m pretty excited.

The farewell tour continues next week — my pre-move birthday celebration! Stay tuned.