GGC nominated me, so here's my AMA. First off, shout out to Hokietopher for the idea of these AMAs. It's been pretty cool to get to know many of you and I hope this continues throughout the summer.
Let's start with a gif:
Yes, my screen name is based on the one and only Chazz Michael Michaels, who along with McEleroy is the only gold medalist pair to win a gold medal with two male competitors by successfully completing the famed "Iron Lotus" maneuver.
Ok, onto the real info:
I went to VT, graduated in '05 with a degree in chemistry and biology. When deciding on colleges, I honestly chose VT because of the football team and Michael Vick. The instate tuition helped make that decision even easier.
I first worked at biotech in Gaithersburg MD and lived in Arlington (next to the Italian store). Found out the only real way to move up in biotech was to get a PhD and thus matriculated into the Biomedical Sciences program at UC San Diego in '08. About my 4th or 5th year in the PhD program, I decided to pursue a career in patent law. I defended my thesis in 2014 and began law school about 1 month later at the Univ. of S. Calif. Graduated in 2017 and have been a patent attorney since , assisting start-up companies and universities draft and procure patents in the life sciences among other IP-related tasks.
I wouldn't bother asking me parenting advice as I'm a divorcee with no children. I do have some lovely nieces and nephew that live in MD.
I'm a true science-nerd, especially in the life sciences field. I am also a fanboy of the Hokies and Nationals. Other hobbies and interests include hiking, travel, cooking and chilling with my b*tches Ola and Luna:
Now, ask away.
Comments
Are you a fan of the trojans at all?
Is there a best patent strategy for startups and does it change based on maturity of the company? My company has a "try to patent everything" strategy and it's a little exhausting
The school or the prophylactics? (or is that redundant? /s kinda)
the ancient warrior poets
both? Definitely both.
I am very much a peripheral fan of the Trojans. The game-day experience is pretty fun, tailgating on campus grounds, good fanbase, etc. The stadium is iconic, but not great for a collegiate game (too big, weird seating, crappy concessions). It's pretty cool to see the banners and Heisman trophies on the campus too. And I like the fact that they will be back in a major way here soon.
But, the Hokies are my first and true love, and I don't have the time or desire to follow two collegiate teams in great depth. I more or less know the starting lineups and 2-deep of the Hokies but only the national-brand stars of the Trojans (which there are a lot, so it's easy to be a peripheral fan).
There is definitely a variety of patent strategies for start-ups and the best strategy needs to be tailored to the company needs. Most of the companies I represent are technology and IP-driven, but are often cash-strapped, so identifying the core and most valuable technology for patenting is important. It's important to consider competitors (other startups vs giants like Apple), potential licensors or companies that would want to acquire the company, VC funding, and most importantly, the company's business plan. From there, the decisions are whether to file provisional applications (and whether the provisional should be cost-saving or fully enabled) and then which countries to file the nonprovisional patent.
I realize that's not a particular strategy, but that's more or less the gist of what to consider for each startup client.
Patenting everything is an OK strategy, but definitely not the best strategy. There is some value to volume of IP. When a company gets bought out or IP licensed, often the purchase value is based in part on the total number patents granted/undergoing prosecution. But identifying the core IP that would have value to your company and to your competition and not pursuing the others can save a company (especially cash-strapped startup) a lot of cash and slow the burn-rate. It's also valuable to determine which patent applications have the most value and thus can obtain patents in more countries and more continuation claim sets than patents that would have less value.
ugh, that was a long answer, lol
TL;DR: I'm a peripheral Trojans fan and patent strategy should be tailored the company's needs, especially their business model.
Sound track to your life?
Favorite food?
Hmm...
For soundtrack, I'm going to say GotG Vol. 2 soundtrack. I'm a huge fan of that series (and Marvel generally) and the headlining song is The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. Not only a banger with killer baseline, but pretty pertinent with my recent divorce. (It was for the best after 14 years, but definitely was not easy.
Favorite food: If I had enough money, I'd be fully pescatarian. I did recently give up beef and pork and try to keep poultry minimal, but it is too cheap to give up completely. I'll go with pan-seared halibut with a nice lemon, adorned with brussels sprouts. I also love fish tacos and elote.
I see you are team donut. What is the superior donut style/flavor and where are you getting it from?
Am I team donut. Lol, I probably put that because all 4 choices are top notch.
A few years ago, this would hands down be maple bacon bar and I had favorite shop in San Diego called Donut Touch. Now, not so sure. I definitely prefer yeast-risen donuts to cake-style and one can never go wrong with a simple glaze, especially hot like Krispy Kreme (which isn't the best shop, but hot donuts are *chef's kiss*)
I wouldn't say I'm a pie guy, but I'm pretty sure the best dessert in the world is perfect key lime pie. All other pies are mostly meh (except apple).
If you could have lunch with 5 people from tkp, but it has to be all at once, who would it be?
I knew this one was coming, was thinking about it, but it's hard. There is definitely some nerds up in here, whether science, engineering, statistics, and that seems right up my alley.
What are some of your favorite places you've traveled?
What is the travel destination that you were most disappointed with?
What are some of the favorite hikes you've made?
To start, I'm traveling with gf to Hawaii big island in July and I'm super excited to be hiking all over that island. Green sand beaches, volcano national parks, 10000+ foot summits, it's going to be good.
Machu Picchu and Inca trail for for travel and hiking. Alaska cruise was super cool. Italy is an amazing country to tour. I loved the city of Vienna. Jackson Hole in WY is pretty neat spot too. For hiking, I like some of the 10000 foot summits here in SoCal (I've done and enjoyed Mt. Baldy and Mt. San Jacinto). And I just like to find any random trail on the AllTrails app where ever I'm at and just do it.
Most disappointing moment of travel is a little bit of a story: For our honeymoon, my wife (at the time) and I traveled to the Costa Del Sol in Spain. We were staying in a timeshare resort that was a given to us a wedding present. On the first night, we decide to just walk around and find a local place to eat to try some good local food. On our walk, we see a few restaurants: first was David's Bar, then Harry's Pub, then John's Bar; none of these sounded appetizing or what we were looking to eat at. After passing all these bars and pubs, we find one restaurant named the Green Isle Restaurant, and go in, realizing this was the best option we've seen thus far. Turns out, it's an Irish restaurant and every item on the menu was 2 types of meat with 2 types of potatoes. We ended up eating there, but we were so disappointed. We found out our resort happened to be in very popular British holiday location and apparently, British people, like to eat British food while in Spain. And, as you may have guessed, the food was horrible.
We were able to make up for that by finding some amazing Spanish restaurants driving away from our resort, including one Tapas restaurant that I still rave about, but that was definitely a very sour beginning to our trip.
Also, weird side note: the table next to us let their 8-year old or so cousins make out with each other at the dinner table. Super weird and disgusting.
So I'm not the only one that has had weird experiences with European kids being overly affectionate?
(nervous laugh)
I've had two experiences with this, one being much weirder than the other. We were at Disney riding on a bus from Epcot back to AK resort. There was a family speaking Spanish across the aisle from us. Mom and Dad and 2 kids. Daughter was about 10ish. Son was about 8ish. The parents were in the seats in front of the kids. The whole ride the daughter was all up in the son's face, and at some points on top of him constantly kissing on him and acting like she was going to french kiss him but then pulling away at the last second. The whole time he seemed really bothered by it. It was truly awkward.
The second episode was probably 10 years ago at Universal. Again, a Spanish speaking family that we were in line behind for the old ET ride. Son was about 12 or 13 and daughter was about the same age, but slightly older. They didn't interact in any odd way, but the daughter was wearing a sheer tank top with the side cut open and no bra. I feel creepy even talking about it, but it had to violate some sort of dress code and it was really odd with a sibling very close in age. Granted it was like 105º with 100% humidity. Now, as European families are very open with non sexualized nudity, maybe it wasn't a big deal to any of them. I was just a little taken aback because I wasn't expecting it and maybe they weren't aware that Florida is full of unsavory characters.
We will be on the Big Island in September. Would love to get any recommendations when you return.
How about the volcano erupting yesterday/last night? I have seen volcano steam, but never lava.
Oh, that's awesome and it looks like it won't do any damage. I recently checked and they suggested it was just a matter of time before it erupted, but it would be super cool if it's active for the next few months. Seems like the average is about a month or so though, but can be up to a year or beyond.
It's also weird to cheer for a "natural disaster" that can be really dangerous and devastating. Eruption in 2018 took a lot of homes, but as long as it erupts "safely" I'll be super excited to check it out if it's still flowing when I go. Well, I'll check it out regardless, but that is something I've never seen before.
Further, you interested in doing one of these AMAs? You want next?
While I would gladly take a turn, I am out of pocket this weekend through Wednesday.
Hey Chaz- got another nomination?
I've got LBT, Kville Hokies, and Frostys Dad on the list to circle back to. No word from Highty Tighty....Chaz or anybody else wanna nominate someone else?
1. I was TA during my grad school, but it wasn't fun. Too many PreMed students that only cared about the letter at the end of the semester and not the content. But, I'd still say I'd teach bio and maybe specifically pathology.
2. No. Immunity is good. But I'd probably say yes if it was a terminal and/or painful sickness.
3. Shaving, easy. I have patchy facial hear and while not pretty, it's not super thick and thus not super bothersome.
What are you cooking these days?
I can make some top-notch fish tacos. I also love cooking Tday dinners, including smoking the turkey.
How do you cook your fish tacos? What type of fish? What cooking technique, what toppings, etc?
First -- buy the fish frozen. If you can afford frozen at the source and shipped direct, that's best. When I had money (ahem, prior to losing my dual income and paying alimony), I would get monthly shipments from Alaska (from Sitka Salmon Shares) but now I am poor and I just usually buy what's in the freezer aisle. Anything wild caught that isn't frozen definitely isn't fresh and will be fishier. If you're good with farm-raised or can buy from the dock, then feel free to buy fresh.
For fish tacos, I use mahi mahi or a white fish like cod. Thaw the fish o/n in the fridge. Brine the fish 1T salt per cup of water for an hour or so. You can add a little bit of orange juice or some citrus too. If adding lime or lemon, wait until last 20 mins or so, to prevent the citrus from ruining the tenderness. (I can't tell you how much brining improves the outcome of fish for virtually all fish types and recipes. No more dry fish!)
Prepare toppings: chopped cherry tomatoes, onions, chopped mango, canned green chile drained, chopped cabbage. (Cabbage isn't typically in my house, so I use chopped lettuce or fresh spinach; but I think cabbage is best). Of course, adjust to your likings.
Also prepare any sides, like rice or any veggies. I really like white rice, and after cooked while still hot I mix in a small amount of tomato sauce until rice is reddish and then mix in drained can of rotels. Season with salt and pepper.
Back to the fish -- after brining, pat dry the fish and cut the fish into taco-sized portions. Coat with olive oil. Season with red chile powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Coat with a small amount of cilantro paste.
Cook the fish hot and fast. Grill, pan fry, or air fry. The fish will take about 5 to 7 mins to cook, depending on method. For air fry, I do 390 for 6 mins on my machine.
Warm up tortillas. I prefer corn or corn/flour mix, but may people like flour for fish tacos.
Assemble taco: Fish and toppings. Further top with sour cream, crema, or some other sauce. I most often use Bolthouse Farms Cilantro and Avocado yogurt dressing.
Nice. I've been thinking about fish tacos my local grocery has has mahi mahi at a decent price lately.
This sounds like something I just might have to work into our beach menu (heading to the OBX in a week); thanks for sharing! Also +1 to brining (wet or dry), it's definitely worth doing. Oh, and if you're open to trying something new, the NYT fish taco recipe is also awesome.
just looked it up. Uses a milk coating. I'll have to try that.
First concert?
Best concert?
Movie you've seen the most times?
Musical group/artist, or song that you like, even though most people do not like it?
First (at least on first on my own volition) - Britney Spears (me, my buddy, and 4 female friends)
Best - There was Jimmy Buffet at Nissan Pavilion (i think the name is different now) that I went with a bunch of friends from VT -- everyone is wasted, it's pouring down rain, and it was just crazy fun -- someone set a tarp on the lawn and everyone was slip-n-sliding
Movie - the technically correct answer is probably one of those syndicated movies that was always on in the 80s and 90s -- Breakfast club or Ferris Buehler's Day's Off -- But my favorites that I would play on repeat were Old School and Step Brothers
Music Group - Hall and Oates -- they are really popular with women over 55, but I think for my males of my generation, I don't think they're highly regarded
Hall and Oates are incredible songwriters. No shame there.
also not really a question, but 12 years of higher education is no joke
how many billable hours do you generate a week nowadays?
does litigation ever get super cutthroat? do you do any litigation work? or mostly the drafting/filing process?
My PhD was 6, so it was 13 total years. The running joke is I spent more time in in post-secondary school than secondary school. It was a lot (too much).
My firm works mostly on flat rates, so most of my work doesn't bill hourly. But, I'm working like crazy right now. We just had someone in the firm leave so my docket nearly doubled as we look for patent agent to help take some of the load off.
Litigation can get quite cut throat. Especially in the med device field. All the medical device companies are consistently challenging the validity over every competitors patent. I support litigation work but do not do it directly. My work mostly entails drafting, responding to the patent office, and due diligence on patents (assessing the quality of patents). I also do some freedom-to-operate, assist in trade secret practices, and other peripheral work related to patents.
What San Diego food is worth getting if visiting from the east coast, and what east coast food do you miss living in San Diego?
San Diego:
Fish tacos from South Beach Bar and Grille
California burrito from Super Sergios
A lot of good sushi spots.
East Cost:
A few years ago, I would have said Carolina pulled pork. I have since given up beef and pork. I still eat it pulled pork on very rare occasions when I'm visiting NC, but the weird thing is since I gave up beef and pork, they aren't as good as it used to be. Except bacon, bacon is still really good.
San Diego spot with some solid seafood options, highly recommend checking out Bencotto in Little Italy if you haven't. They have a squid ink pasta with shrimp and spicy sauce that's the best fucking Italian dish I've ever eaten.
agreed. That spot is good. Little Italy has a few really good restaurants.
Went with a group of guys from my squadron in 2017, maybe three weeks after checking in, and I still didn't really know them very well. Ordered a negroni, and one of the guys snaps his head around, looks all serious, and asks "the fuck did you just say??" Almost became my callsign.
negroni, want to do an AMA? tell us some more stories?
Sure, I'll do one.
Ok- fire up a thread buddy. You're #12
Awesome. I'm sure you got some stories.
"I went to VT, graduated in '05 with a degree in chemistry and biology."
Has the Biochemistry program changed into this, is it that you were a double major in Biology and also in Chemistry or is there now a degree in "Chemistry and Biology" that is distinct from the Biochemistry program? I'm puzzled how a school could have 2 separate programs for Biochemistry vs. Chemistry and Biology if this is actually a separate degree.
I double majored. I also convinced the guidance counselors to let some of my bio and chem classes count for biochemistry, so I threw in that degree the last semester, so I technically triple majored (but with an asterisk).
By the way, do you happen to work with Acadia Pharmaceuticals? If yes, be careful of my psycho ex-fiancé!
Talk about TKP spreadsheet material...
No, but I know of them. Never meet anyone from there though, but I'll keep my out for any psychos. I think Acadia makes pharmaceuticals that can help with that...
want to do an AMA? We can get some more info on that dating history, lol. But for real, it be great if you could do one.
Frosty has always been a mystery to me! Please do one
I'm fine doing it, but I will be on vacation in the UK part of next week and the entire week of June 19. It would probably need to be the week of June 26.
And my life is a bit boring.
What's the dumbest thing you have ever done?
Whats the nicest thing you have ever done?
What's your favorite sound?
What's your guilty pleasure?
Whats the oddest/strangest thing you have ever seen happen, where you literally said to yourself: 'I cant believe that just happened right in front of me?
If you could remove one thing from existence in the world, what would be? It could be a person past or present, a thing, an emotion, .....anything.
Dumbest -- too much school, the amount of school is pretty much a pre-requisite for what I do, but it just took up too much of my adult life -- no regrets, but there are much more efficient ways to get into similar and better positions than what I am in now.
Nicest -- the amount of alimony I agreed to pay -- it's killer, especially with SoCal housing market and cost of living
Guilty pleasure -- McDonald's fish filet sandwich. I love it. Reminds me of childhood and fish sticks.
Oddest/strangest -- probably those 8-year old British cousins/siblings that were making out in Spain (see story above)
Removal -- I've spent most of my life in the field of removing or mitigating disease -- I'll say pediatric diseases that are debilitative and inhibit the ability of a child to live a child-like life
Construct your go-to sandwich for both Pre Pescatarian and Post Pescatarian.
I like this question.
Pre-pescatarian - the Italian store in Arlington, I loved the Napoli but honestly the whole line is phenomenal
Post-pescatarian - Fish is not very good reheated and it can stink up a microwave. I have found that the best way to use left over fish is to make fish salad (similar to tuna salad) and use it as a sandwich or on crackers. And the salad doesn't have to be only the traditional style with pickles, celery, etc. I made fish tacos the other day with some cod, which were seasoned with chili powder, cumin, lime, etc. I turned the left over fish into fish salad and mixed it with some mayo, bell pepper, roasted green chilis, onions, and some Cholula hot sauce. It was phenomenal. The key is include some crunch and some acid/spice.
Here's how I reheat fish.
Essentially it's poaching in butter.
preheat oven 350F
Take softened butter and slather it onto your piece of fish on the top only.
When at temp put fish in over for about 6 minutes. the butter will warm and melt and then flow through the fish keeping it from drying in the oven heat and warm the fish as it flows through it.
Remove from the oven when it's at the temp you like.
Butter left behind can be used in a sauce, add fruit or juice or pepper,etc.
I do both. Last salad was leftover trout (rainbow), softened cream cheese, mayo, butter fried capers, finely diced red onion, tomato, lemon zest, and dill. Ate some as an appetizer on crackers and some on a bagel for breakfast. I often reheat fish for a quick taco for lunch. I use salsa verde for mild fish, red chili sauce for fishier fish, and a mole for meatier fish. Coat in the sauce and put in the toaster oven at 300 for 10 minutes while I pan heat the tortillas and dice the toppings. I also like cabbage on them - mandolin sliced with peppers and tossed in lime juice, salt and chili powder, or fermented in a home fermenting kit kraut style.
good suggestions here. I'm taking notes.
yup me too.
That sounds good as omlette fillings.
nice, I'll have to try that out.
What's the one thing you want to be remembered for?
i would want my tombstone to read:
My brother doesn't like fish, but he said my fish tacos weren't bad.
Lol, it's true. My brother actually liked my fish tacos even though he doesn't eat fish. So, I'll take that and run with it.
I am also in a failing marriage that's on its last legs. When did you know it was over and how did you rip the band aid off after a decade of marriage to end things. I need advice
I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you both find peace - either having it work out together or apart.
Oof. Tough question.
First, I'm sorry to hear that. When we get married, we never intend to divorce, but honestly it can be the best outcome for each of you. Even with that in mind, it's crazy difficult, and can be pretty hard on the mind. I am so glad I started counseling as I was going through it, and even though I was doing counseling, I ended up finding myself in a depression. I'm out of that funk now, thanks in part to some meds, but it was bad. And the thing is, you don't realize how bad it is until you get better.
My wife and I struggled for a long period of time. We had lost intimacy and even opened up our marriage. That worked for several years, and we were pretty compatible otherwise, but neither of us felt complete. One day, a little over 2 years ago, my wife and I looked at each other and simply asked, do you think we should get divorced? It was a civil and mutual discussion. Tragic and hard, but mutually agreed upon.
Many marriages end more one-sided. One person wants to hang on while the other wants to move on. And if that's the case, the conversations are likely going to harder and the split is going to be even more combative. I don't have a good experience in that scenario, but I think the conversation just needs to be had.
In any case, I honestly think personal counseling and/or marriage counseling is super helpful. That is probably the best advice I can give.
I've never been married or divorced before, but one common thread from those around me who have is that they are either very thankful they did mediation instead of court, or they wished they had done mediation instead of court (and didnt or couldn't for a variety of reasons).
yea. Court is way too expensive. Way too combative. And ultimately yields just about the same results. Mediation is definitely recommended.
Thank you for response Chazz needed that more than you know
Cheering for you brother. There is definitely light on the other side, whether or not that's within or out of your marriage.
This may be none of my business and full disclosure, I had my tonsils removed on Friday and I am on opioid pain relievers right now, but if your divorce wasn't one sided, why alimony? I'm sure there's a ton I don't know or understand and quite honestly, you can tell me to fuck all the way off because it's none of my damn business, but I thought alimony was usually only paid when one party cheated or something.
The idea is that both individuals can continue with their lives to a degree. It's not entirely fair for someone to instantly go down 6-fold in income upon a separation and there shouldn't be incentive for someone to not get a divorce if it puts them instantly in a financially difficult situation.
That said, in my case, my wife was the breadwinner when I was in school for so long, so there was also the idea that she supported me for a long time but I supported her for only a short time after I graduated and until our divorce.
That makes sense and seems fair. You are noble for honoring such an arrangement. Good on you. I hope you can both move forward and be stable financially.
Thanks. Appreciate it.
Yeah my ex had medical issues and was unable to work much at all After some initial contentiousness, we came to an agreement where the $2000 a month I paid was all considered child support so it was not taxable nor tax deductible for either of us. Paid until all three kids were 18- in cash and on time or early each month. Split the tax exemptions/credits for the kids whichever way maximized the $. So nice to not have rancor or resentment, and we remain cordial twenty years later.
If you were back in your undergrad years, what campus organization would you want to be a member of this time around?
Good question.
I was honestly pretty selfish in undergrad in the sense that I studied hard and partied hard, but not much else. My typical week was classes and study M-Th, drink until I pass out every Th, Fr, and Sa night; wake and bake/day drink Fr, Sa, Su. I didn't really get too involved with any school-related extracurriculars. If I went back, I would want to take Ut Prosim way more seriously and get involved in the NRV community. I'm not sure which of the organizations specifically, but any that had a primary focus on charity.
imagine you're "independently wealthy" but still need to do some "daily work" kind of gig to keep the money, at least 3 days a week. it can be anything and you don't need to worry about reeducation first. what do you choose to do?
hmm...
Run a research institute, I guess. It would take more than 3 days a week, but I really do enjoy experimental development and seeing results. I definitely wouldn't want to be at the research bench again, but heading up a group where I don't have to worry about getting funding and doing some top end research to make a difference would be my dream. (I am also adding in that this institute is already fully funded, and perhaps that's because I'm Bill Gates independently wealthy.)
Other than Hokie stuff or other sports memorabilia, is there something you collect? We have a collection of antique kitchen/cheese graters and small oil cans (not like a can of oil you put in your car, but little half dome tin Oilers you use to lubricate small intricate parts)
I do have some pretty cool VT memorabilia. I do cherish my Frank Beamer signed football and this really cool art that was done by a New Orleans artist for that UM/VT (let's not talk about the catch) sugar bowl. I have some cool Nats memorabilia too. I was at the first game at Nats park (Zim hit a hr to win in the 9th), kept the stub, newspaper, etc.
I honestly don't collect a lot of other stuff, besides junk in my garage.
As an alternative response and as something I think you'll appreciate, I took care of over 30 roses bushes on the property of my my former house. When I bought the house, I didn't think that much of it and I didn't realize how much work it would be, but maintaining the roses became a great hobby for me. I really enjoyed taking care of them and learning how to maximize their blooms. I had to sell the house with the divorce and all, but I hope to get back to gardening again.
Very cool that you maintained the roses!
You've addressed some of the questions I've asked in the other AMAs already, so
1. What are you reading?
2. Do you drink bourbon, and if so, what are your top three?
3. You have the power to remove one college from existence, which one and why?
Reading: Patents an science articles non-stop. Wish I had more time for leisurely reads, although my leisurely reads do include science articles.
Bourbon: Yes, but sparingly. I've actually given up a lot of drinking. When I drank more, I stuck to the Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare distillery brands quite a bit. Would love to try some of their Pappy, but I can't fathom spending that much.
College: I'm against any for-profit universities: ITT, Univ. of Phoenix, a certain University named after NY real estate mogul, etc. -- they should all be removed from existence.
I attended cert classes from some of these for profits and found them to be filling a niche nicely.
I understand why some are against them but, I'm not at all. I get baffled by the hard line against them.
It's the exploitation and false promises that I find troublesome.
I gotcha.
lots of that going around.
Yale and places like that are for profit schools too.
Aliens land in your backyard. They come up to you and invite you to go with them on the spot to travel throughout our galaxy. They tell you if you join them you will never ever return to Earth again, you can't take your dogs with you, and you will never see anyone you know again. You will see the wonders of the Galaxy beyond the things you can imagine. You will never get sick and you will live a long and meaningful life of at least 200 years as part of their community. You will have everything you ever need to survive with them. You cannot wait to make your decision, you cannot leave a note, and no one will ever know what happened to you. It will be like you disappeared Without a trace.
Do you go? Why or why not?