Indeed I just graduated, and I'm getting a lot of "What's next, Lauren??" and "Find a job yet??" and even a few "The real world is scary! Are you ready??"
So, what is next? Here's the story...
After careful consideration, I've decided to move back to Phoenix. Pause for reaction.
I've mentioned it in blogs here and there, and perhaps alluded to my excitement for returning to my hometown. The truth is, I miss it.
Yes, I love, love, love Manhattan. I have developed a sincere passion for this big city lifestyle. But, I'm ready for something else. Will I find it in Phoenix? Maybe. But, I know I've looked for it here, and I haven't found it. The next year will give me the opportunity to seek some field experience, now that I've completed my degree. And, I'd like to obtain my PhD one day, but the reality is... Money is a bit tight and it would be wise to spend my summer making a genuine investment in my future, that is studying for the GRE (Yikes!) and writing phenomenal letters to schools. And even better - spending some quality time with my family and friends. I miss my dear Miss Kate, my wonderful Sister, my supportive parents, and my lovely friends. I'm ready to make Phoenix a home, even if it's a temporary transition to something else. Sure, I've gotten some grief from some pals here in NYC, like I'm giving up on this lifestyle, like I couldn't hack it, like I disliked it all along... They joke, of course. But, the reality is... I did succeed here. I'm not giving up, simply moving along, heading in another direction.
So, I have a wicked to-do while I'm home! I still have four crazy weeks left in New York City. I've got some research to wrap up, and a few tasks to take care of. Naturally, I plan to make the very most of my final days in the city, embracing the grace and charm of this city. But, here are a few things on my mind...
1. Eat at Pita Pit with my gal pals.
2. Shop at the H & M in Scottsdale with my Sister (Cha! There are H & M's in NYC, but I'd like to dig into a little big city shopping as a desert rat.)
3. Central Coast Wine Tour. 'Nuff said.
4. Dance. Dance. Dance.
5. Take an Aqua Zumba Class
6. Canoodle with my Mom, Sister, and Baby Kate
7. Go swimming. In a swimming pool. While it's 100 degrees outside.
8. Cosmic Bingo! My friend Kristin piqued my interest yesterday.
9. Drive. A car. With the windows down.
10. Get a good haircut. (I really only trust my hairdresser in Phoenix. Snobbish? No, just selective.)
12. Do the Scottsdale Art Walk.
13. Go on a hot air balloon ride.
14. Go Salt River Tubing.
15. Find a job? Whoa, how did *finding a job* make it on this list?
16. Visit the Cave Creek Thieves Market. Have you ever heard of this??
17. Visit First Friday in Downtown Phoenix, hosted by ArtLink
18. Go Bowling.
19. Join the gym again. Amen.
20. Surround myself with family and friends.
yay for postino! i've always wanted to do first friday too :) count me in!
ReplyDeleteI recently graduated as well and made a similar decision to head home in order to get my life on track. It is an adjustment for sure, but I think that financially, and emotionally, it is the best decision.
ReplyDeleteLive up your final days in NYC, I know that you will!
Ahh, thank you, Emmy! I'm so nervous, really excited, a wee bit anxious! Surely I'll be blogging about my terrifying transition! Happy Wednesday! :)
ReplyDeleteBrie, I can't wait! There's another wine bar over on Central I think we'd like!