10-14 Business Days

The start is growing ever closer. Anxiety and nerves are reminding me of my upcoming adventure with every day I tick off my calendar. Other than food, I think I have my pack figured out, although hiking in mud and slush this weekend has me wondering about a hammock concept. So, maybe things will change with my pack!? 

One thing that has helped me realize how close I am to starting is making sure all my I's are crossed and my It's dotted. We were wrapping up taxes, and my husband reminded me that my driver's license expires on my birthday this year. So, I got online and renewed. After paying, the receipt notified me to expect my license in 10-14 business days, but possibly up to 30 days. I looked at the calendar, and realized at that point that I only had 10-14 business days until I head for the start. So, I may at some point be walking with an expired driver's license while my updated one is safe here at home. That's ok with me. I don't plan on driving. If I get carded in a town trying to buy alcohol, and they deny my purchase, then it will be for the better. 

Besides making sure licenses are up to date, this past week at work was the first time I had to actually tell some of my patients I'm leaving soon. Other patients have known for a year or more, and I feel like that came out in casual conversation. The conversations this past week brought the reality of my departure closer to home. Basically, you're telling your family that you're leaving them. They are all so supportive, excited, worried, and probably so many more emotions, while also wondering whether I will return afterwards. At certain points, I feel like I'm abandoning them. Luckily, my fellow nurses are amazing, so I know everyone will be well taken care of. 

With my current anxiety, I decided to go back and read my blog posts from the start of the Appalachian Trail. It appears I was probably equally nervous for the start of that trail. So, all I need is to get out there and start walking. Everything will fall into place at that point. Luckily, my husband has informed his job that he might be out an extra week around the start of this adventure, as he may need to provide extra support. It is really going to be tough leaving him for such a long period of time. Thank goodness he is looking to join me more on this trail than on the A.T.