Sorry dude. You know that I can relate to how you are feeling here. Its pretty much certain that when a girl leaves, she leaves for good. No amount of begging, pleading, bribing, bridge building, or rationalization will change that.

The most you can probably hope for is a friendship and even that won't really feel right. Its best to move on and know that there is definetly someone out there that will be a match for you. It takes time and a pile of disappointment these days but you'll find her.

If I was on the cursed left coast, the drinks would be on me tonight.

that is crushing...i'm sorry, at least now you know. its good you put everything out there because it feels worse never knowing what could happen.
**i suppose you'll never take advice from me again** we should all go for a drink tonight..