Good-bye, farewell, auf wiedersehen… the time has come for the cats and I to pack up the car and head out on our next adventure in Atlanta.

I will never forget my first visit to Ahoskie.

The plane landed Norfolk and I jumped in my rental car, directions in hand and headed toward North Carolina.

After two days in Ahoskie, and meeting the staff at the News Herald, I knew it was the place for me.

I dreaded getting back on the plane and heading back to the frozen tundra of northern Michigan.

A few days later, the phone call with the job offer came in and my car and cat were packed and ready to go.

Over the past two years, I have realized I was meant to be southern.

I love everything about the south, the people, the food (with the exception of barbecue), the weather, even the way people here react to a little snow.

I can’t see myself living in the north again; it is too fast paced for me.

I have never lived in a town bigger than Ahoskie.

My hometown is the northern equivalent of Rich Square.

It does not even have a stoplight; at the end of town is a blinking yellow light.

The nearest decent mall is an overnight experience.

We went twice a year, once to Christmas shop and in August to shop for school clothes.

I thought it was great to live here and only have to drive a little over an hour to get to Chesapeake.

Those who read my column about my driving abilities, don’t worry about your friends or family in Georgia; I found an apartment on the train line so I will almost never have to drive anywhere.

I am looking forward to sitting on the train and letting someone chauffeur

me around.

I have never met a stranger in the Roanoke Chowan area. Every resident (with the exceptional few) I have had to the pleasure to talk to or meet was very pleasant. I will miss having the interaction with the public and subscribers on a daily basis.

It is a happy and sad time. I am excited to get my feet wet in the corporate world, but sad to leave my second family at the News Herald.

The time I have spent at the News Herald has turned me into a better person, personally and professionally.

I feel like Miss America giving up her crown, taking her last walk across the stage.

I feel confident whom ever takes over at the reigns of circulation manger will have the same experience I have had.

Wish me luck on my eight-hour car ride with two noisy cats this time as we head further south to start over again in &uot;that there big city.&uot;

As my grandpa used to say &uot;See you in the funny papers!&uot;