The Storm on the Horizon

8 days...

I feel like I am standing on the shore looking out at storm clouds building out over the water into which I must wade. They are darkening by the minute, obscuring my view of what is ahead. The lightning is flashing between the cloud tops hinting at the risk of heading where I must go. The wind has died down and the waves calmed. It feels eerie, surreal, like if I closed my eyes I would never know what was bearing down on me.

Half of me is excited; look at this big powerful thing that I am heading towards, it will definitely change my life forever, I will be a part of this thing.

The other half of me is scared out of my mind; this thing could kill me, destroy me, hurt me or just wear me down.

And all I can do is wait. It's coming, there is no way around it. There is no one on the beach to look back on for help, I must face this one alone.

My loans are coming in. I finally received my Visa. The packing has commenced in earnest. I am eating my favorite "home" meals. Making my last contacts with friends, family, and places I love.

I am already exhausted.

It's game time and the only thing left to do is put my shoulder down and head forward with everything I have left.



In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade,
And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down,
Or cut him ’til he cried out in his anger and his shame,
"I am leaving, I am leaving."
But the fighter still remains.
-"The Boxer" Simon & Garfunkel-