I Love Count Downs

I'm not sure why I'm such a huge fan of knowing the number of days to a big event, but it seems that I always have. Maybe it's my need to plan and prepare for events like a race, or seeing that reward getting a little closer, like knowing when I can start running again. I don't know. I do know that right now I have 4 count downs: days until the arrival of my grandma & 2 aunts, days until I'm California bound, days left to get all my 2013 resolutions accomplished.

The 4th one? Well it's the one that tells me just how many days left I have in Bella Napoli, according to my current paperwork. 247 days if I truly stay my 3 years; but given the pattern I've seen with folks moving in/out things never go quiet as planned.

So what's next? Oh me trying to get motivated to go job searching within government agencies that aren't restricted to hiring freezes. Me looking on maps to identify just where some of these openings are located. Reaching back to my supervisor in the states (yeah, my real boss is in Norfolk). Trying to figure out the answer to complete the sentence...when I grow up I want to be____. Turns out I can buy myself royal title and a tiara to go along with it, but I'm not sure how Nico could fund his mice habit or I my travel addiction if I go that route.

Needless to say, it's decision time around here in the upcoming weeks (and months) and all prayers and encouragement for me to make the best decision for me would be greatly appreciated. The first major step, completing my letter of intent, is coming up soon. My supervisor is hanging on to it as long as he can while I keep exploring options, but eventually I need to provide my answer if I want to stay in Naples for 1, 2, or no additional years.

And for those that were around when I was doing the Monterey, Stennis, Naples game 2.5 years ago- you know how I don't do well with these decisions. Decision tree has been made. Research started. Gym trips increased. Sleep less satisfying. A little fear is good- it keeps me moving. Change? Yeah. I could use some of that too. At any rate- here's to my next adventure...even if it's still a big fat unknown.