...I moved to Ireland.

Correction: I will be moving to Ireland in 3.5 months.

Call it self-discovery. Call it a personal quest. Call it what you will, but the decision has been made. I decided, after much tumultuous debate mainly between me, myself and I, that instead of completing my PhD, I will finish my MS (which thankfully was an option in the department so that the data I had collected wouldn't be obsolete), and follow my dream. Sounds utterly clichè, right? Well, the saying wouldn't be a clichè if it hadn't held some truth in its core after so many years in circulation.

I completed my MS one week and one day ago. I found it only fitting to begin this journal with the ending of my career as a professional student. Shown in the picture is a neuro-circuitry diagram I drew during the oral exam portion of the defense. And yes, I even drew a mouse (upper right corner). That's right. I drew a picture of a mouse and they passed me.

The title of the blog came to fruition during a car ride with my friends Ethan and Katie. I was talking to them about how I wanted to start this blog as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, post pictures, the whole 9 yards.

Katie: "What are you gonna call it?"
Me: "I'm thinking...FakeItTillYouMakeIt.com."

[Silence. Birds chirping.]

Katie/Ethan: "Why? What are you faking?"
Me: "I...I have no idea."

[Pause.]

Ethan: "How about just instead of a PhD because that's basically what you're doing."

Such genius in the simplicity.

So there you have it. Although I would love to take all of the credit for coming up with the catchy theme of the blog. I can not. It would be unjust. Alas, dear Ethan o' Progenitor of the Blog, I bequeath you full credit.

I know I pulled it off like I came up with the title during my Masters thesis seminar when I announced to the faculty and students in jest, "...that you can stay up-to-date with my adventures abroad at www.insteadofaphd.blogspot.com." Roaring laughter ensued, a hefty portion arising from the faculty members themselves. One might think that this act could be interpreted as abig F-you, I'm too good for you and this program. But luckily I chose a program whose members have a killer sense of humor. The talk was one of my favorite moments of the day (next to actually passing the oral exam). The buoyant behavior of the audience said to me simply, "Hey, it's ok. A life in research isn't for everyone. You have to eat, breathe and live grant writing--er, I mean, scientific research. We [the faculty] don't blame you for opting out of the program and trying something different. You gotta do what you gotta do. And we understand."