It's taken me a long time to write this post, but I'm finally ready to share. Last weekend, my husband and I moved to my hometown of Pittsburgh and if you follow my blog, you know it's been on mind. I think it was around this post when I really got the itch to come back. I miss Brooklyn terribly and I'm a little teary-eyed just writing this post, but being so close to my family crushes any inkling of second thoughts.

I've already unpacked 40 boxes and I'm four days in to a new job. I've visited Target five out of my seven days so far and I even snuck in a quick bite at Arby's! Today, I'm finally getting my bearings and ready to start a routine - join a gym, start cooking again and focus on my work.

I spent ten incredible, life-changing years in NYC; made lifelong friends, became an independent woman, kicked ass in my career and met the love of my life...who knew a one-way Amtrak ticket would turn out to be the best decision of my life. To celebrate the end of one-hell-of-a-decade, I thought I would impart a few words of wisdom for the next eager PR girl determined to start a life in the city that never sleeps:

1. Research the hottest restaurant and get a side job as a hostess. Why? COMIDA also known as Family Meal. Not only do you get a sick paycheck to afford those late-night taxis, but you eat for free. I probably wouldn't be where I am today without my Nobu days. The perks of a NYC hostess make life a whole lot easier - trust me.

2. Learn your North, South, East and West. Ladies - it's NOT THAT HARD. This simple knowledge will save your iPhone battery life for days.

3. Hiring a man with a van is sometimes the best option to get you from Point A to Point B. You're going to move every year - it's a fact - and counting on your friends for help is questionable. Thanks to Craigslist, you can hire movers on the cheap and tip them with the toaster or lamp you no longer want after everything is said and done.

4. Work your ass off - it pays. Show up to work on time, listen when people talk, take notes, find your voice and speak up.

5. Never leave your apartment without an umbrella. There's nothing more painful than paying $20 for a shitty umbrella on the side of the street. If I could go back in time and listen to this advice, I'd be rich!

6. Make friends with security guards. This tip relates to number one since your new BFF as a hostess will always be the man to your right guarding your every move. Without the Vinnie's and Tony's of the world, I would have never had the chance to score VIP Letterman access for mom or enjoy home-cooked meals at some of Brooklyn's best block parties.

7. Avoid empty subway cars - it's never a good sign.

8. At some point, you will forget how to go about everyday life on your own. You will pay someone to do your laundry, clean your apartment, cook your meals when you didn't have a chance to pay someone to deliver groceries and and even cut your nails. Resist this urge for as long as you can! I can tell you now that the transition to life without these conveniences is rough!

9. Thread, don't wax. My brows have been burned by the city, so take note.

10. Keep your head up and stay positive. Depression will happen - most likely on the first of the month - but when you're hating life, just look up at the skyscrapers and know that you've already made it. I call this the Mary Tyler Moore move. It takes guts to take on NYC and nothing comes easy, but the person you become and the people you meet will forever shape your future and your future will, no doubt, be bright.

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