I like part 61 and the cross country requirement. There is a certain amout of seasoning, experience building, and confidence building that the cross country flying gives you. I wouldn't worry about how the long the break is. If you can afford to keep flying, then just keep at it. You could do it all in a month, or do one flight a month and have it take longer. Remember, you have your PPL, so you can make these fun flights. Go somewhere cool. $100 hamburger stuff.