And Counting

I've always had a thing for countdowns. So many weeks left here, this many days to go there. With so much to get through - days, weeks, quarters, semesters, years, degrees, it's encouraging to look towards a date and eventually pass it by. I've written before about our monthly calendar, and it continues to serve us well. But lately, other countdowns have made significant gains and, inspired by their progress, I feel myself chomping at the bit for more. Tonight I can physically feel my neck straining forward of my body in a vain attempt to pull time itself ahead toward the next milestone.

The first marker is directly to the left of this post - we are at sub-400 and counting until Graduation Day. Our Philadelphia experience began at day 920 and we have bitten off, chewed and swallowed 525 bitter, sweet and everything-in-between days. At this point, we are closer to the end of this endless chapter than the beginning.

On Friday, we met up with some of Gus' classmates. It feels good to be around these people, folks in the same boat who get what we're experiencing. The other spouses and I always compare and commiserate on countdowns, and we all dream about life post-anesthesia program. This time, though, something new! A "One Year To Go" party has been planned for next month, to celebrate and mark the passing of this important moment.

And finally, a new date to train an eye on. Today, Gus spoke with the chief CRNA at his top hospital choice, and she encouraged him to apply six months prior to graduation, which means May of next year. With the final year laid out before us, this allows for a goal halfway through, with the strong potential of having the reward for our labor in place for the final half year stretch.

How do you eat an elephant?

                                             One bite at a time.