the deed is done

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my "when to tell them" dilemma. I decided to give my company one month notice before my final day, which I did earlier this week. I really couldn't have asked for it to go any better. I was pretty nervous; it took me 2 weeks to draft the "perfect" resignation letter. I've worked at the company since graduating from college and I've developed a really strong community. Most of my friends, the people I hang out with on the weekends, are from work. In short, work, even outside of work, is a big part of my life. So, I approached the meeting with my manager with both sadness and apprehension.

When it came down to the actual talk, my manager was a bit surprised, but very encouraging. He expressed a bit of jealousy and told me that I should follow my dreams. It was a more emotional and whimsical response than I expected from my technical-minded boss.

As news has started to spread throughout my area, all of the managers have stopped by and expressed congratulations. They've also been really accommodating in terms of finding me an assignment to fill my time for the next month; I actually have more on my plate now than I did a few weeks ago! So, I guess I just worried a whole bunch for nothing. :)

Hi friends in the blogosphere... I didn't forget about you, but in all honesty didn't have anything interesting to post lately. Work is still going smoothly and pretty quietly as well. There have been tons of budget cuts and projects have been delayed. As none of the management team knows of my plans to leave, things are a bit sticky for me. I had a project close last week. There are a few things still open that I can work on that should keep me busy for a bit longer, but there are no new projects expected to open until mid-April. My last day is slated for April 25th. I was hoping to give at least 4 weeks notice, but with not a whole lot going on, I wonder if my manager will just tell me to leave. Thoughts from any of you out there? For those who did not have a current manager write your recommendation, how much notice are you planning on giving before your last day?

I did attend Open House at CBS last weekend. With the vast majority of the admits thus far being Early Decision, most of us were bound to attending, which really excited me since I know I'll be seeing most of these people in August. Initially I was really overwhelmed by the number of people and ongoing events, but after I got acclimated and into a networking groove, I had a really good time.

Moreover, I'm really excited about the changes that are going at Columbia. The entire website has been reskinned; as a software developer, I was pretty frustrated by the design, which could/should have been a lot better. It is now :). Columbia is also starting to write their own cases called decision briefs, which will have less information and more uncertainty which will hopefully mimic reality closer than a detailed case. And the new curriculum will be inaugurated with my class, allowing even those who do not exempt out of core classes, to take two electives second semester. Pretty cool!

head in the clouds

After a thoroughly relaxing holiday -- including watching all of Season 1 of Heroes in about three days, I am back at work. But work is no big deal. I spend a lot of the time daydreaming. All I can think about is the perfect New York City apartment, going to Australia with my best friend, and my last day of work, which has already been picked out.

*big smile*

Happy New Year!

Best wishes to all of you out there as we begin 2008! And good luck to those of you working on applications for those upcoming R2 deadlines!

The way the cookie crumbles

So time to 'fess up....

I actually got an admit to Columbia the week before I heard from Chicago. Given the timing (per the binding Early decision agreement, I have two weeks to send my deposit to secure my spot at Columbia) I decided to wait it out and see what Chicago said. I was SHOCKED with an acceptance. After last year when I went 0 for 4, I got accepted at my top two choices. I'm still actually flabbergasted at the thought.

For the last week, I've been struggling with whether or not to break my word to Columbia and go to Chicago. I consider myself a very ethical person, even when it isn't always easy. Having just visited Chicago and loved it... it was a big temptation. Several times I thought I had made a decision and then immediately changed my mind. Last night it became very clear to me that I should go to Columbia. I wish I could say it was some major revelation, but it wasn't. It felt like it was the right thing to do for me. (I do realize the impossible situation of making a bad decision in this scenario. I hear the world's smallest violin playing right now.) This morning Columbia got my deposit (with probably no time to spare) and I've secured my spot as a member of CBS Class of 2010.

So, all you GSB waitlisters out there, I hope one of you get my spot. BschoolDiva, you think they'll swap one Texas girl for another? I remember the pain of being on the waitlist; I was waitlisted through two rounds until August before the semester started. Just keep sending those meaningful updates and let them know that you heart Chicago GSB. And if you make it, sign up for a Random Walk for me because that was one of the things I really wanted to do.

YES!!!!!!

I got the admit call from Chicago this afternoon!!!! The only way to describe my feeling right now is pure elation.

When I step off cloud nine, I'll blog more.

counting down the days

As I wait to hear final decisions, I'm spending my time

• Playing in a work intramural kickball tournament: we won it tonight. rock on!
• Christmas shopping: I am at the point where amazon won't cut it any more so I will have to face the crowds.
• Moving: my roommate moved out so I'm moving slowly in the master bedroom.
• Recommender presents: a good time to get them thank you gifts with the holiday season. I'm planning on getting them spa gift certificates since they are both very busy women who need some "me" time. Last year, I got gift cards to a popular restaurant in our area and that went over very well also.
• Nursing my running injury: I haven't run in weeks and I think the half marathon in February will probably not happen. I may try for a 10k and half-marathon relay instead.