It's almost here and I feel like a kid eagerly awaiting Christmas morning. What is this "IT" I speak of? It's the first day of my private practice on Monday, July 11.
While you may know some things about me, you probably have no idea how long this dream has been in the making. Back in the summer of 2005, I walked the Inner Harbor of Baltimore City with a girl* I was dating and first put words to my dream. It was tentatively worded and quietly uttered. Thank goodness that girl is neither tentative nor quiet and has supported me over the last 11 years with making this dream a reality.
*I asked that girl to marry me soon thereafter. She said yes. Some guys have all the luck.
This time is also bittersweet because I will not be at the University of Rochester for the first time in 9 years. My post-doctoral fellowship ended on June 30, and I am adjusting to the fact that I will not see my trusted colleagues and mentors on a daily basis. The folks I came to know at the U of R trained and prepared me well for this next step, and I am excited to meet so many new people along their own journeys.
An amazing farewell gift from my colleagues. The original is proudly displayed in my new office. They nicknamed me "coach" in clinic.
So between now and 9 a.m. EST on Monday, July 11, I am taking some family time to rest and recharge before embarking on the next phase of my professional life. I leave you now with the epic imagery playing on a loop in my mind as I anticipate the days until July 11.
The 1986 hit by Europe, "The Final Countdown" - can't you hear the riff?