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It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend. One time I had a dog who passed away and I left my farewell wishes here.

I've used this space to talk about a lot of things. And since I've been in the Hill Country, I've learned a lot and have shared it here with you. I've been able to share good things going on in the community, controversial topics and things that didn't quite seem right.

I've learned that most people here don't care about local politics. I've learned that our fire chiefs are as good as you're going to get. I've learned that folks here really care about the public school system and that they'll never be completely satisfied with the entire school board.

In 2006 I supported the proposition on the ballot to use 4A funds to build an arena in Cedar Park. In 2007 I mocked the selection process of the future tenant. Later that year I asked to drive a Zamboni if the thing ever got built. In 2008 I wrote about how nice it will be to have the Cedar Park Center and in 2009 I wrote about what opening music acts the arena should choose.

I've talked to high school state champs. And in all my years of covering sports, it's never been easy to talk to a team after they lost. But I've never seen a group hold their heads high like the Vista Ridge volleyball team did after they lost in the state final in 2006.

We've had controversy here like Tumbleweed Hill, Vandegrift, hockey jerseys and the regional animal shelter. There was a $550 million bond package for the schools. The floods of 2007. The drought of 2008. Hurricane Ike. Swine flu. Threadgill's is coming. Threadgill's is not coming. MetroRail is coming. MetroRail is not coming, yet. In the 32 months I've been here, I've only seen one mayor and one city manager in each town. Bond ratings went up, big business came to town and Cedar Park was one of America's top 10 places to raise a family.

We've had interesting police reports - like a stabbing over text messages and backing over a boyfriend in a car. We've had tragedy. We've had triumph.

I've learned the economy can tank at any moment and that gas prices can rise to $4 a gallon. I've learned that I'm not smarter than a fifth grader and that the pen can be mightier than the sword.

And most importantly, I've learned to appreciate our loyal subscribers over the last 150 weeks. You made our job all the more worthwhile.

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