Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Today was my official last day of work (although I really haven't done much since Wednesday in general). We had a happy hour to celebrate, which was fun. My husband finally got to meet a lot of the people I have talked about over the past few years (he had met a few of them already). It felt very strange to leave my first job. It was a good proving ground - I learned a lot and met some fantastic people that I would be lucky to work with again.

What made it feel even a little more weird was this unusual situation where I was due up for my annual review but was, of course, leaving to go back to school. Still, both I and my team wanted to complete the review and document my activities / progress over the past year. That was finished earlier this month and I just had my debrief today. Incredibly, the result was a promotion! How many people get promoted on their last day of work?! I was honestly quite impressed with my company that they gave the go-ahead on that decision when I had one foot out the door and was extremely happy about it. It was a very nice way to go out, and of course, leaves the door open to return.

Other than that, I have just been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :) I'm in the midst of packing my apartment, finalizing my pre-term registration details, and getting ready for my trips to Central and South America (all of which needs to be done by next Thursday). I guess the craziness that has been my life recently is good practice for what is coming up next!