The figure of speech "a like a thousand years" can be referred to as a day that seems to be delayed due to challenges or eagerness for something good.

Good things you heard about boardinghouses made you eager to resume high school, and the day you were to be taken to the school, your Dad had a meeting, and the allotted 2:30 pm seemed delayed because of your eagerness to be in school. I enjoy reading your post, and I wish you all the best in this contest.