When I moved back to Fairfax I wasn't sure what I'd find. With all my experiences growing up in the area, graduating from George Mason University and relocating to New Jersey for work, I feared I'd find my hometown changed.

I discovered the old town, friendly atmosphere I remembered as a kid. You folks welcomed me back as though I'd never left. 

So writing this goodbye note... it's difficult. Fairfax is my home. I've met only friendly, happy faces ready to explain city budget nightmares and invite me out for beers in downtown Fairfax.

I experienced more than I expected. I survived my first (and hopefully last!) derecho, learned the ins and outs of the police and fire departments through their citizens academies, covered a controversial park, and followed a group of pinball enthusiasts.

Friday's my last day. I'm moving to Australia. It's an adventure I can't pass up.

The now over 1,000-site strong Patch.com hopes to change the journalism industry. Patch returns to the industry's reporting roots, deploying on-the-street journalists to cover the issues important at home and work. No story is too small, because all national news starts at a local level.

Fairfax City Patch readers: I'm sorry I'm leaving so soon. You guys made my late-night natural disaster and meeting coverage worth it. Don't worry, "The Fairfax Patch" isn't disappearing. We're in the process of hiring a new editor now. Interested? Email erica.hendry@patch.com for more information.

Always feel free to contact me at journorhodes@gmail.com. Hope this message finds everyone well.