congratulations
I graded to the 1.st Kyu on monday and have 1-1,5 year in front of me to be a shodan. During the period, I will have a marriage, have to continue-finish my PhD thesis and working to earn my life is as usual. Hope they will not effect my practises and I can continue aikido...
congrats again, and wish you success in your future trainings and life.
yours aiki,
Bülent