The end is near...

As I sat on my mother's couch today in Glendora, CA vegetating because it was too wet outside to go out and play - yes, it sometimes rains in California - I realized it had been some weeks since I last wrote in my blog! I then spent the rest of the afternoon thinking of something worthy enough to write about. If anyone is reading my blog these days, it's likely those eager Johnson School applicants looking for some insider information that might reveal the secret to getting in...or maybe my readers are my "fans" that I often direct to my blog to get some info on what I've been up to lately.

Sadly, I don't have any truly exciting stories to tell or recent travel tales to share. The one idea that kept piercing my mind was how close I am to finishing school. Yes, I still have another semester to go but this fall semester flew by so quickly that I can still hardly believe its over! I remember feeling a little sad during the last week of class earlier this month as we applauded at the end of each last class meeting in appreciation of our professors' contributions to our education; sad because I am quickly realizing that I don't know what's next. Okay, okay...I admit I'm in a more fortunate position than I'm giving myself credit for. I mean, I finally signed my offer letter from Deutsche Asset Management to become part of their global consultant relations team in New York City, but I've dreamt about getting my MBA for so long now that I am scared I don't have a goal as grand to replace it! For someone as ambitious as myself, I find this thought to be quite frightening.

Just before I left Ithaca, I got together with some friends that would be leaving Ithaca for good. More friends than I am comfortable with will be traveling abroad in the spring semester. Their farewell get togethers were even more reminders of the end growing ever closer. I've said this before, but Ithaca is truly a magical place. It's been home to me for nearly six years of my life and I am grateful for every moment I've spent there. I don't imagine it will be hard to say good bye to the late night studying, frigid winters, or living on a student budget. But I also know it won't be easy to say good bye to friends who I now call family, easy access to some of the most amazing researchers and resources in any study, and student discounts!

Happily, I learn about more and more of my classmates accepting job offers in or around New York City. It's going to be like a big Johnson reunion! Staying east has been a dream of mine for some time. Its a tough decision to make, considering my family is in California, including two young nieces and a nephew, but I know this is something I have to do for me. Its safe to say I'll always be a Cali girl and this will always be home, but I'm ready for the new challenge a new city and a new career can offer.

If you are reading this before the holidays, enjoy them and treasure the moments you get to spend with family! You'll hear from me again in the New Year...likely from anothe part of the world!

Cheers!