On the Thursday of MWFF, I left the pre-con to go to an interview for a data management/analysis position in the Chicagoland area. It went great, better than any of my past interviews. Well, this afternoon, I received a phone call from the company's staffing manager. He called to offer me a job with the company. But it's more than a job. It's a career. It's something that I can stay with for years to come and something that will assure that I am employed for as long as I wish to be!

First off, I am going to miss Columbus and I am going to miss Ohio. I grew up in Ohio. I've spent practically my entire life here. The state is a strong part of me. I have family here. I have countless friends here. As for the friends I've made in Columbus, they will be an important part of my life forever. Without them, I don't know where I would be. Possibly back in Celina flippin' burgers. Thankfully, Chicago is close enough to where I can visit on a fairly regular basis. But, I can't downplay how important each and every friend I've made in Columbus and the Buckeye State has positively affected my life.

Assuming I accept this job (about as much chance as the Browns missing the NFL playoffs), I would move to Chicagoland and start in early-to-mid-December. So, there are a lot of things to think about between now and then. The most important is living arrangements.  robypanther has been a fantastic landlord and roommate. I have truly been blessed to live with someone who keeps the place clean, communicates well, and has been more than respectful to me and the 9 things I own. I doubt I will find another Roby in Chicagoland; that's a very high standard.

I would like to find a roommate in the Chicagoland area who is responsible, clean, reliable, and communicates well though. I have no issue with living on my own, but why throw so much money away when I can peacefully coexist with someone else? Ideally, I would like to live either west or southwest from work (about 8 miles south of O'Hare), but still not have a nightmarish daily communicate. (Is there such thing in Chicagoland?) But, beggars can't be choosers.

Another concern is furniture. I own a shitty bed, a desk, a chair, a shelf, the "Fuck You" table, and that may be about it. So, until I put together some money, looks like a lot of nights, watching Netflix on my laptop while laying in bed. Sounds pathetic, doesn't it?

All-in-all though, this is an exciting opportunity for me and my future. So many years of hard work, sacrifice, and being surrounded by so many intelligent and kind friends have led me to this point.

I love you all. Thank you so very much for joining me on this journey. And do you know what the exciting part is? We've only just begun!