When it really hit me? When the lightbulb went off with all of the bells and whistles?
When I had supper with Captain Bob and Jtrain.
That was when I could clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel. What it is that all of the ratings and CFI'ing and stuff is all for.
As long as I don't steal an iPod along the way in an airport...I could very well have my very own tiller one day. That is the 5 year goal! But, before all of that nonsense, I got to finish up the IR and CMEL/CSEL. I'll be there very shortly though...very shortly.