The Next Chapter

Today is my last day at Thornley Fallis Communications. While it's a bitter sweet goodbye, I'm fortunate to have worked with such a talented group of people (@theyellowline @jennifergordon @ykashefi @terryfallis @thornley to name a few). I'm also blessed to have shared a million and one laughs with coworker, and good friend, @ipulpan. Ingrid, thank you for being such a great mentor, partner-in-crime, and irreplaceable friend. My experience wouldn't have been the same without you. And @ykashefi, you're awesome (however, I feel as though you might already know that :P) Needless to say, the past ten-ish months has been a wonderful learning experience and I am incredibly grateful.

Where am I going now? Well, as most of you already know, I'm packing my bags and moving to Melbourne, Australia. I'm returning to school (gulp) to complete my Masters in Media and Global Communications at The University of Melbourne. My program is competitive, with only 30 odd people enrolled, and it encompasses both communications and business strategy courses. I admit I'm a little nervous to jump back into essay/exam mode, but I'm incredibly excited to travel and learn in completely new territory. When my program ends (in 1.5 years) I plan to stay down-under, work in communications, and embrace whatever else comes my way! It's the opportunity of a life time and I cannot wait to soak up every moment of it. To make it even more special I get to share it with someone I love. My boyfriend, @alexanderwatson, is already there!

@alexanderwatson was relocated to the PwC office in Melbourne and is working hard to ensure our fridge and cupboards are stocked with all my favourite necessities (chia seeds, flax, almond milk, cinnamon, oats, agave, almond butter, nuts, spelt flour, Lara bars, fruits, veggies, and an endless supply of kale). He is going to LOVE living with me, no? :) Note: Alex is neither vegan nor health crazed. But that's okay, he'll have less say once I invade the kitchen and take over.

With my ticket booked, VISA approved, and professional projects wrapped-up, I have approximately five weeks to do whatever I please. It'll be a nice chance to enjoy time with friends and family, pack my life into a few (many?) suitcases, spend ample time at my gym and in the kitchen, and of course relax. I also look forward to completing starting my Christmas shopping, free of the crowds and chaos.

I depart on Wednesday, December 29th, just in time to celebrate New Years on the beach. It'll be strange to go from the chilly temperatures to blazing heat, but I'm not exactly complaining.

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I will eventually return to my home in Toronto, but that date remains unknown until I'm presented with the next chapter. Come 2011, I will be blogging a full day ahead of the Eastern hemisphere. I'll catch your evening tweets as I rise, and vise versa.

Thank you, Thornley Fallis and thank you to everyone who has shared their support and encouragement along the way.

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...almost there. One month and counting.