Onto Greener Pastures: I'm Finally Leaving NYC.

Final shot in my empty apartment

11 years, 3 months and 23 days. That's how long I've been in New York. I moved to the city the August after I graduated from Indiana University -- just me, my four suitcases and a plane ride toward my new life. And I won't say I never looked back, but I certainly don't regret the choice I made to move to the Big Apple. But there's something new on the horizon. Today, I'll be leaving NYC for the city of Pittsburgh.

This may come as a shock to some people who thought NYC was my be all and end all. But over the past few years, I've been searching for something new. I am so happy I made the choice 11 years ago to get on that plane, even if I did have to live with roommates I'd never met in a scary apartment in Astoria for my first few months. These 11 years have shaped me into the person I am today -- a strong, independent, fiercely loyal, hardworking woman. I don't think I would have progressed as far in my life or in my career without the time I spent in New York.

Sure, there are things I'll miss about New York. I love looking up and seeing the Chrysler Building. I love being able to order Chinese food or matzah ball soup at 2am. I love being at the epicenter of fashion and theater. I love all the walking I do around the city, sometimes 3 or 4 miles a day, just because I can.

But, all the same, it's time for me to try something new. And I am extremely excited about my next step. I don't know exactly what Pittsburgh will hold for me, but I do know it holds the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences that wouldn't be possible in New York. And I just can't wait to see what happens next.

So I leave you with a few photos of my time in the city. Some of my favorite landmarks, some of me. Here's to the next chapter.

The Bow Bridge in Central Park. One of my all-time faves.

The Empire State Building at dusk. I love to see its colors every night.

Standing in front of 1700 Broadway -- the site of my very first job, as Editorial Assistant for Harper's Bazaar!

A corned beef sandwich, matzah ball soup and super green pickles from Katz's Deli. (Yes, the site of "I'll have what she's having.")

Standing in the LOVE statue -- something everyone must do!

I may not be a diehard Yankees fan, but I love my Derek Jeter jersey!