It always seems to be that whenever I settle into an organization with a long-term commitment, but still has a definitive end point, that “end point” always seem to sneak up on me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a college or university, a military enlistment, or even a long period of travel, it always seems like I just wake up one day and realize that it is going to be over in a few days. Not only that, but I need to put together a plan for life after the commitment as quickly as possible.

I suppose it’s common for a lot of us to get into a reciprocating pattern and settle in, and if the commitment lasts long enough it starts to feel like something that will just go on and on. I know that’s how the Army first got me to re-enlist; when I was in my early 20’s, my commitment to the Army was one of the few steady and reliable things in my life at the time, so the idea of us going our separate ways seemed like a bad idea.

And then there’s Joe, who probably should learn to internalize a bit of concern… at least a little bit.