But it’s hard to sleep these days, even when I’m exhausted. It’s the stress and the excitement and the long list of things to get done.

In a little over a month, I’ll be in a new place. It’s not where I expected to be 6 months ago. But I’m excited and happy about it, even if a little anxious too.

More than 4-1/2 years ago, I met this guy. And, with no small amount of trepidation, I fell in love again. For the first year, we were a short flight part. Then I started a new job, still a train ride away. The location and the job were great though, and we both understood the importance for me to have a fulfilling career. For the last 3-1/2 years, we’ve traded weekends between our respective cities and spent amazing vacations together.

We talked about one day ending up in the same city. I looked for some jobs in his city, he in mine. But the cards just weren’t quite what we needed.

Then an opportunity arose. On the opposite side of the country. He got a great offer. And I have an offer at another institute in the area, pending the usual final hoops.

In just a week, I’ll work my last day of my first job after leaving biomed research. People doing biomed research occasionally ask me if I miss being at the bench. I honestly say no. This was the right way for me. And this job in particular has been interesting and rewarding. I’ve learned soooo much, and I’ve worked with some wonderful people.

I’m sad to leave some things behind but also eager to start some new ones. Life is dynamic. It’s time for the next things.