GOING TO THE PHILIPPINES!

Time to start a new blog! I leave August 19th!

Medically Cleared Today!

Got a voice message that I've been medically cleared; although, it isn't reflected on my Tool Kit on the Peace Corps website. I'm sure that'll change soon.
I can't believe that it's taken so long. On one hand, I was ready to go when I applied, but I'm glad that I've stayed home for this long. I've been able to see family more and travel around the country. Going to NYC and DC in two weeks! woo hoo!
I'll post an update when I hear something again. Until then...

Small update for anyone who cares to read

I should have written a blog a couple of days ago, but forgot. I was contacted by the Peace Corps requesting an update on my resume. I honestly haven't done much volunteer work because my current full-time job is so demanding. They assured me that this is ok as long as I continue to get experience in my assigned area (which is what I'm doing right now).
Today, I got a call from the Medical Office requesting a small bit of information on if I take any prescription meds or over the counter drugs. I don't, so I had to write a brief statement and fax it back to them.
I hope this is all a good sign. We shall see what is to come. I'll keep ya'll posted.

Something actually happened!

Wow... Something actually happened recently. I sent in my medical and dental forms months ago. Haven't heard anything since. I actually contacted the Seattle office and they said this is pretty normal. I understand, yet, don't like the fact that the process takes so long. I've almost forgotten that I've even applied to the PC in the first place! A lot of the zeal and passion that I felt when I first signed up has waned a bit. Is that normal?
In any case, I just got my refund checks back form OMS. That has to be a good sign! I'm starting to get excited again. The recruiter at the Seattle PC office said if I don't hear anything by May, then I should see what's going on.... but until then, I sit and wait anxiously.
That's all for now... hopefully something exciting happens soon!

My Laptop Died Last Night :( Is Anyone Taking Yours Anyway?

So, my fourth hard drive took a massive dump on me last night. It sucks because I'm outside of the warranty date, so I don't get a new one. I will never buy a Dell again.
I figure that I'll want a laptop to edit my photos, blog, write while I'm away, but do people really take their laptops anyway?

Anyone Saving Up?

I've been thinking about this lately. I've been spending money like it's my job. Trips, toys, food, yada yada... I know the Peace Corps helps with some expenses, but how much money are y'all savin' up? I don't leave, supposedly, until this summer - July - but I really should be stowing away my earnings. Anyone have any insight or heard stories from other people? Thanks.

Completed Dental Review. Check.

Got an email today saying that my application status has been updated. Anxiously, I logged on to find that my medical review had been completed. This is what the updates look like. For some reason, it still says that the Peace Corps has not received my physical exams; but I presume they must have, because I sent them all in together. If it doesn't change in a week, I'm going to extend a phone call; just to double check. Otherwise, I sit and wait for the next update.
It's about month #3. I feel like I'm moving slightly quicker than most people, but I've seen some real roadrunners in these blogs. 4 months from beginning to end is the quickest that I've read so far. Anyway, I will return with an update as soon as I hear anything new. Until then...

Finally... Med Forms Sent

Took me over a month, almost two, to get all of that stuff done. I'm not going to type everything that I did, because I don't really want to relive it all. It's mostly a blur now. I took the packet to the post office and had it next day delivered; $26. Why did I do that?... 'Cause I'm tired of messin' round! I'm anxious to hear anything, and everyday counts.
I read an e-mail from the PC OMS and they said only about 15% of applicants fill out their forms properly... I just can't wait to hear about what I did wrong! lol :-P
So, yet another notch on my Application Timeline. I'll be posting anything new that I hear. Until then...

Small Update for My Timeline

Dental work is all done. A+ all around.
Had my physical exam today. I had so much paper work for the physician to fill out, they have to finish everything and have me come back in on Friday :-S
Then after that; crazy person papers. I had troubles sleeping and some anxiety back in the old school, so I need to get a letter from the shrink who helped me rest my noggin that says all is good now. I don't take any meds, or haven't for many years, so that makes things a little easier.
If all goes to plan, I should be getting this bad boy sent after Christmas! Yay! No more paper work...... ya right :-P

Medical and Dental Forms

I have a feeling that I'll be writing about this subject a lot :-X I called the DC Office today, after getting an email back from my recruiter suggesting that I do so, regarding the matter of previous therapy sessions many years ago. I informed them that the office of the therapist I saw had no records of me being a client. The DC Office just asked me to get a written letter from the therapist stating the situation, along with a personal statement from myself as well. This is sort of a relief. I hope this situation doesn't cause any hangups or rejections.