100 Days

It's been a while since a hundred day countdown had much meaning. Just the mention of it brings back memories of the anticipated burning (or melting) of polyester uniform skirts at the end of high school. Or the impending end of college dorm life and the start of the "real world". And both of those were over a decade ago. Those moments were life changing in their own right, but singular to this new countdown because they were just about me. My life. My next chapter. Individual decisions about the path my life would take me. And while I consulted my family on those chapters, ultimately I was the one at the helm of that solo adventure.

This time around I have a partner standing by my side anticipating the same changes and exciting new journey. Once only one name of many in my best friend's Rolodex, the boy (soon to be the man) is now my partner, my teammate, my best friend. And in 100 days we're going to commit to one another for the rest of our lives right on this spot. And I couldn't be more thrilled.

Lake Placid, NY

Beyond the thrill of marrying this man will also be the very honest thrill of being done with wedding planning. Outside of the key components many girls dream of (the dress, the shoes, the hair), so much of wedding planning is fraught with stress, anxiety, and well, stress and anxiety. No one tells you this, but when you express it to others who've experience this rite of passage, they effusively agree. The same is apparently true about being pregnant. I guess you just have to earn your wings and weather through it. I'll be reflecting on that accomplishment in 100+ days when we're lounging beach-side with an adult beverage in hand in Jamaica and Brazil!