The Waiting Game

I have a countdown feature on my cell phone--16 days, 20 hours, and 24 minutes until my plane leaves from DSM. Everything's final; I've signed everything and have booked the flight and car and the apartment has been reserved as well. A co-worker went to the Waimea station this week and took a suitcase for me. A suitcase of my clothing and toiletries is in Hawaii. And in two and a half weeks I'll be there as well.

I've been keeping really busy between working 2 jobs and trying to see and do everything that I want to see and do before I leave. I had to say goodbye to Wyatt the other day as he left for Chicago to start his "real job." It feels more final than anything I have yet encountered short of death. And I've been talking with Ann a lot lately about how we're growing up and how none of it really makes sense. When my grandma was 23, she was married with 3 kids and one more on the way. And here I am, 23, with no real responsibility and without a clue as to how I want to spend my life. But I do know that I seem to feel more comfortable with myself when I'm truly appreciating the world around me. And I tend to learn the most, or a least observe the most, when I'm in a new situation. I'm excited and yet nervous. But more excited.

16 days, 20 hours, 9 minutes.