Statistics.

Manhattan has 70,595 residents per square mile; the block I grew up on was a square mile and was home to more cows than people.

The population of Manhattan ALONE is 1,620,867. I just passed an updated sign for my hometown; it read 3,406 (that's a population spike of nearly 400 since the old sign made its debut, folks).

The most expensive Upper East Side penthouse (in The Pierre Hotel) was listed in the classifieds for approximately $70 million, and the most expensive townhouse was listed for $75 million. In the newspaper earlier today, I saw that in my hometown you can rent a brand new one bedroom apartment for $300 a month.

That is all.

SOS.

In the word's of Steph, WISCONSIN IS SUCKING MY WILL TO LIVE!!! The signs couldn't be more clear - I belong in New York. And it can't come soon enough.

In related news, I was browsing the Diane Von Furstenburg site (not only for the fab styles, but to figure out how to be Whitney's new BFF so that I can guest star on The City), and I came across my horoscope:

TAURUS

April 19 — May 19

Ideas involving new pursuits or offers to travel to interesting but unfamiliar places intrigue you. What you gain from spreading your wings this way won’t just be interesting, it could lead to a course of study that brings you new excitement, and perhaps new profits. Doubts mustn’t be allowed hold you back. You’ll only regret what you didn’t do, not what you did.

Now, I'm not sure what sort of authority DVF has on astrology, but hey, I'll take it. Might sound silly, but that was just the type of reassurance I needed. Well, that and being miserable here at home.

T-minus 1 week, 6 days

A mere two and a half days ago I learned that I would indeed be fulfilling one [of many] life-long dream[s]: I would be relocating to New York City. I should be exhilarated, proud, ecstatic, and I am...However, I am also stressed, confused, and, in a way, doubting myself.

I'm just a Midwestern girl -- could I survive in the big city? All of the VP's and Account Execs I interviewed with seemed to love the fact that I am from the Midwest, so why can't I? I somehow was able to sound quite convincing in my interviews when I said that I would bring the hardworking values I learned in my middle class, Midwestern roots to the job at hand.

At first I was so confident and sure of myself, but now, now I am questioning not only the move, but myself. I know deep down that my experience and education points me down the path of success byway of New York. I know I shouldn't doubt myself--I have no reason to.

In the next week and a half I will be tying up loose ends here in Minnesota and at home in Wisconsin, with my arrival in New York coming on January 3. First day on the job? January 5.

Life happens--and changes--fast.