My last day at work.

This is my column from Weekender today. It's all true. -- Jamie G.

It's all about...

Not knowing what to say.

Why? Because I’ll move to Atlanta in March for a job at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I’ll leave behind all these wonderful friends and co-workers and continue this ruse that I’m a Midwesterner on an extended vacation in the South.

This is my last column here. It’s All About, the blog, will live online for a while, until it shifts over into that techno-purgatory where old, neglected Web sites dwell. It’s tough to leave with many reasons to stay, so many things left unfinished.

What’s going to happen to The Dame, Buster’s, our music scene, our nightlife?

When will the Kentucky National Guard unit I embedded with in Iraq make it home?

Will I even recognize this place when I swing through on the 12-hour trek back to my parents’ homes in Michigan?

I think so. I hope so.

In three years, I’ve met more thoughtful and engaging talkers, artists, haters, lovers, underdogs, egos, sweethearts, activists, geeks, fanatics and pals than I ever expected. You can find all those on the walk between Rupp Arena and the Kentucky Theatre if you’re willing to make eye contact and smile. As I’m leaving, I have a few wishes for you:

• That you won’t believe it when people say there’s nothing here to do. You live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. There’s plenty to do. We built LexGo.com just to track it all. And whenever there’s an empty space or a free moment, some creative type here takes it into his or her own hands and fills it. Smile and make eye contact with those people, in particular.
• That the University of Kentucky will have a hugely successful and inspiring basketball season — the stuff of triumphant TV movies and serious local pride. It’s one of the few things here that would give almost everybody a moment, if not a year, of joy, and I want that for you.
• That Kentucky will continue its strange brand of pop-culture dominance, whether it’s through George Clooney at the Oscars, David and Mary Conley on The Amazing Race or the never-ending supply of youngsters on the Jeopardy Teen Tournament. Just be careful about the reality shows — we’re easy prey, but we’re also smarter than that.
• That a few menus in town will always, always, always include black-bottom banana pie, doughy pretzels the size of my hand, vegetarian burgers (even at dive bars!) and Ale-8-One served in a green glass bottle.
• That you will stay scrappy and romantic about whatever causes, scenes and ideas you believe in. This is your city, and inside it is your neighborhood, your block, your home. Turn them into places you want them to be, not the places you think they should be, or the places they were when you showed up.

I recently spent time with a Transylvania University class trying to focus some community-building attention on the North Limestone neighborhood. Last week, a writer from Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine area talked to the class about loving her neighborhood when nobody else did, and how powerful it was to start writing there. To her surprise, people wanted to hear what she had to say. She wished the students all the best, along with any of the other hangers-on who had gathered around the back area at Al’s Bar to listen. “I want the best for you because you’re sitting here listening to me,” Melissa Mosby said. “It is so important to be listened to.”

That’s what I wish for Lexington: You’ll listen to each other, your history and your ideas for the future. Listen to what’s going on around you. I’m honored that you listened to me, even when I didn’t know what to say. I adored making it my job to listen to you. When I’m back in town, I hope you’ll smile, make eye contact and wave, because I’m quite sure now that’s what we’re all about.

Comments

[Alison]

Oh noes! Say it ain't so!

We're going to miss you, JamieG. All the best to you as you move on to the next!

[lolliloobedoo]

Sad. So sad. There you go...taking another brain down the drain out of our town....your "Goodbye" column shows just how much you "get it"... you really get it...and I'm so sorry to see you go. I wish you the VERY BEST in everything you do. Stay in touch! Lexington LOVES YOU!

[Allan]

Congratulations on the new gig. It sounds exciting.

Happy trails to you...

[Juror # 2]

Leaving? Darn, I should have chatted you up more in that jury pool while I had the chance...

[Kremena Todorova]

Jamie,

How ironic is it that after reading your last column in the Weekender, I wish more than ever before that you would stay?

As we know, irony can be beautiful.

I hope you fall in love with your new community in Atlanta. I know it will love you back.

[Marion E]

I had heard of your move earlier & though not surprised, I was saddened at its reality. You touched all ages in your uncanny ability to connect. I've been a faithful reader even before those wonderful articles from Iraq. Knew you were apt to move on to bigger places, but grateful for your time here with your insight into what is good here & what could be improved. Best wishes & do keep in touch.

[Ol' Chief]

Can/are you taking Merlene with you? Huh? Please -- maybe the editorial board? Huh? Please!
kb

[Joe Grimm]

Good luck at the AJC, Jamie!

Don't forget the Mitten.

[Elissa]

Congrats lady! I wish you well!

[mick]

well, well, miss jamie---

best wishes to you in ATL..

send news please

Trivial Thursdays will miss you.

I'm listening to Stars right now in yr. honor.

--mick

[Ryan Huff]

Jamie, I'm holding up a mint julep to toast your success in Lexington and good fortunes in Atlanta. Now I have totally identified myself as a Californian who only passes through Kentucky for the Derby.

[T.J.]

Oh no! I hope you have success wherever you're going. I'll miss reading your witty commentary. Have fun!

[Bill]

Best wishes with the new job. I've really enjoyed reading this blog and will look for you on the AJC website.