Florida. We almost decided not to go because of Ernesto. We almost couldn't go because my sister is having problems with what the doctor thinks is her gallbladder. We are, however, going to Florida! We may be passing the storm as we drive down and it blows up, but we figure we can always stop at a Hotel along the way if it gets too bad. The doctor said J could go as long as she watches what she eats. So, we are leaving today (Wednesday). I'm not sure when we'll get there...or how much time I'll have to spend with friends. We plan to stay until Tuesday. I'll call around when I have a better idea of what time I'll have free...or feel free to call me and tell me what time you have available. We are going to the family reunion on Saturday at Manatee Springs...provided the storm doesn't cause any flooding or anything...and my friends are more than welcome to come and hang out there too if you want..it's a really cool natural spring and sure beats the heat of Gainesville, and there'll be plenty of free food! Anyway, let me know if you want to hang out, or whatever, and I'll call you in the next couple of days, Lord's Willing.
***It is now Thursday night...we are at my Grandma's house in Bell, Florida just outside of Gainesville. I thought I should write an update to let everyone know what my plans are. Unfortunately because of several factors we didn't leave SC as soon as planned, and ended up stopping in Valdosta because we were too tired...so we didn't arrive in FL until today. That is unfortunate because we are going to Chiefland tomorrow to see other family as they come in for the reunion. One of the days I had set aside possibly for a trip to Gainesville was today and that didn't work out. So...a long sad story short...I don't think I'll be able to come into Gainesville to hang out this trip. I am very sorry for that, but there really just isn't enough time for me to come in to town and spend any respectable length of time...so, as I said before, anyone wanting to escape Gainesville for the weekend is more than welcome to join me at my Grandma's on the Suwannee or at Manatee Springs, just give me a call and I'll give you directions...but I won't be able to go into town. I'm sorry again, and am very sad, but I've been thinking about it all day, and I'm afraid I just can't make it work. :-(
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Fou...Loco...Vie
Crazy...Crazy...Life. Have you ever had one of those friends, or family members whose life just seems out of control. They are constantly changing their minds and plans. They change majors, change careers, date random people, and just don't seem to have a clue about what they are doing. Over the last couple weeks, I've come to the realization that I am that person. Well, sort of anyway. I have been through at least 50 phases and plans in the last week alone, and still am not completely sure of the current course I've chosen. I haven't let too many people in on each option, because I didn't want to freak anyone out prematurely...I good decision since, for the moment, my choice isn't too drastic. The past couple weeks, however, I've given a great deal of consideration to going in the military. I've also checked into attending Marshall University in West Virginia. I've emailed extended contacts; I've talked to an ex-boyfriend that I hadn't heard from in a long time, who is now in the Army, stationed in Georgia. I've emailed a recruiter. I emailed a department head at MU. I talked to my grandma about sleeping on her couch for a year.
Many things have spurred this renewed search for direction in my life... It's now been a year since graduation, I'm about to conclude my second Summer of peach vending. Saying that I recently graduated and am looking for my "career job" seems pathetic to me, since I've been looking so long. I'm starting to really fear that it's not going to happen now...I don't believe I'm qualified so how will anyone else? I therefore decided that I must take the bull by the horns and take some serious action to get some experience and make things happen. Many people have suggested that I move...it sounds like a good idea, and I'm not opposed to it, but it would not solve the problem. No experience in SC is the same as no experience anywhere else. I then had to develop ways to get experience...that are in my control. Two clear options developed...military or school. I know most of you are thinking that school is the clear choice, but I've always been interested in the military, and the big sign-on bonuses and loan pay-offs certainly help. But it does seem drastic...and though I have been losing weight and toning up, I'd have to do it much faster.
School, on the other hand, is less drastic, but still kinda complicated...or at least seemed to be. You see, what I want to eventually obtain is my Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification, or Medical Technologist degree. Now it gets more convoluted...UF and many other big Universities don't offer the MT degree. On the other hand, niether do most small Colleges...so you have to find the schools that fall in between...such as Marshall...a small University. So, my path seemed a little clearer...go to MU, get my MT...get a job. So, I emailed the department head there and they made things more complicated and easier at the same time. She said she'd be glad to help me through the admissions process, etc...but that MU has a 2+2 MT program...meaning you get your 2 year MLT (Medical Lab Tech) degree and then come back and get the 4 year MT degree. She went on to say that many people that already have a B.S. degree go through the MLT program, and get jobs in labs working at upper-level MT jobs and then qualify for the MT certification. It seems that this career is one of the few in which there are several routes to obtain the same objective. By combining my B.S. in Microbiology, a year or so of intensive lab and clinical training, and some work experience, I can get exactly what I've wanted all along...a good paying job in a lab. So...what that means for me is that all I need to do is go through the MLT program at Greenville Technical College (with in-state tuition and only about 30 minutes from home). So, very long story short...I'm now corresponding with GTC advisors to see what I need to do to get in their MLT program. See, simple and confusing at the same time...
Continuing in my crazy life theme...I just completed the migraine study. It went really well. I gave a urine and blood sample, had an EKG done, and filled out some information sheets. I then got a migraine, and tried the new medicine. It worked very well...I can't wait till it's on the market. I went back to the lab, gave another urine sample, answered some more questions and got paid $70! If the drug is put on the market it is probably going to be called Trexima..so any ladies out there that suffer from migraines should look into it in the next few years, lol.
My vida loca continues in my love life. I am still dating José. We are now the talk of the Farmer's Market. He's very sweet and funny. We have been meeting at lunch time and after work when we are able, and talk on the phone pretty much every night. It is fun, but not too serious. I like him, but I'm not in love with him. I also keep thinking of reality...and how fast it's approaching for us. The peach season is only supposed to last until Labor Day weekend. After that, I won't be making a delivery at the Market everyday. He will, however, be working there everyday until 6 PM except Sundays. Still, it could work...but he lives near Simpsonville (close to an hour away) and has to be at work early, so he doesn't stay up late. Still it could work...but added to our many differences it just becomes another hurdle, and I'm not sure if our young relationship can jump it...or even really if we should try. It could just be forever a fond memory...a highlight of a crazy time in my life....but then, he is really sweet and fun...so who knows...these days I don't presume to predict any part of my future...
...except for the week around Labor Day weekend...my family is supposed to be going to a family reunion in North Florida! I'll be spending alot of time with family stuff, but should be able to sneak away for a while to hang out if anyone is in town and has some free time. We are supposed to be there from August 30th-September 5. Let me know...and I'll call around before then, since I doubt if anyone is still reading my blog since I keep not updating it :-)
Many things have spurred this renewed search for direction in my life... It's now been a year since graduation, I'm about to conclude my second Summer of peach vending. Saying that I recently graduated and am looking for my "career job" seems pathetic to me, since I've been looking so long. I'm starting to really fear that it's not going to happen now...I don't believe I'm qualified so how will anyone else? I therefore decided that I must take the bull by the horns and take some serious action to get some experience and make things happen. Many people have suggested that I move...it sounds like a good idea, and I'm not opposed to it, but it would not solve the problem. No experience in SC is the same as no experience anywhere else. I then had to develop ways to get experience...that are in my control. Two clear options developed...military or school. I know most of you are thinking that school is the clear choice, but I've always been interested in the military, and the big sign-on bonuses and loan pay-offs certainly help. But it does seem drastic...and though I have been losing weight and toning up, I'd have to do it much faster.
School, on the other hand, is less drastic, but still kinda complicated...or at least seemed to be. You see, what I want to eventually obtain is my Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification, or Medical Technologist degree. Now it gets more convoluted...UF and many other big Universities don't offer the MT degree. On the other hand, niether do most small Colleges...so you have to find the schools that fall in between...such as Marshall...a small University. So, my path seemed a little clearer...go to MU, get my MT...get a job. So, I emailed the department head there and they made things more complicated and easier at the same time. She said she'd be glad to help me through the admissions process, etc...but that MU has a 2+2 MT program...meaning you get your 2 year MLT (Medical Lab Tech) degree and then come back and get the 4 year MT degree. She went on to say that many people that already have a B.S. degree go through the MLT program, and get jobs in labs working at upper-level MT jobs and then qualify for the MT certification. It seems that this career is one of the few in which there are several routes to obtain the same objective. By combining my B.S. in Microbiology, a year or so of intensive lab and clinical training, and some work experience, I can get exactly what I've wanted all along...a good paying job in a lab. So...what that means for me is that all I need to do is go through the MLT program at Greenville Technical College (with in-state tuition and only about 30 minutes from home). So, very long story short...I'm now corresponding with GTC advisors to see what I need to do to get in their MLT program. See, simple and confusing at the same time...
Continuing in my crazy life theme...I just completed the migraine study. It went really well. I gave a urine and blood sample, had an EKG done, and filled out some information sheets. I then got a migraine, and tried the new medicine. It worked very well...I can't wait till it's on the market. I went back to the lab, gave another urine sample, answered some more questions and got paid $70! If the drug is put on the market it is probably going to be called Trexima..so any ladies out there that suffer from migraines should look into it in the next few years, lol.
My vida loca continues in my love life. I am still dating José. We are now the talk of the Farmer's Market. He's very sweet and funny. We have been meeting at lunch time and after work when we are able, and talk on the phone pretty much every night. It is fun, but not too serious. I like him, but I'm not in love with him. I also keep thinking of reality...and how fast it's approaching for us. The peach season is only supposed to last until Labor Day weekend. After that, I won't be making a delivery at the Market everyday. He will, however, be working there everyday until 6 PM except Sundays. Still, it could work...but he lives near Simpsonville (close to an hour away) and has to be at work early, so he doesn't stay up late. Still it could work...but added to our many differences it just becomes another hurdle, and I'm not sure if our young relationship can jump it...or even really if we should try. It could just be forever a fond memory...a highlight of a crazy time in my life....but then, he is really sweet and fun...so who knows...these days I don't presume to predict any part of my future...
...except for the week around Labor Day weekend...my family is supposed to be going to a family reunion in North Florida! I'll be spending alot of time with family stuff, but should be able to sneak away for a while to hang out if anyone is in town and has some free time. We are supposed to be there from August 30th-September 5. Let me know...and I'll call around before then, since I doubt if anyone is still reading my blog since I keep not updating it :-)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Cobaye
Guinea-Pig. I am going to be a Guinea-Pig. Tuesday evening I recieved a call from a research center that is a part of my doctor's office. It seems they are doing a study on women that suffer from migraines that they believe are linked to their Estrogen levels. I, as some of you may know, am afflicted by this problem as I have a week of migraines most months. There isn't currently a drug on the market that is capable of delivering the right hormone levels without causing Estrogen-withdrawl migraines. My doctor gives me a lower level patch that helps to control the migraines but that amount of hormone is still too much for me to have a normal cycle. This new study is attempting to combine two drugs that are FDA approved and currently on the market in the hopes that it will provide the appropriate hormone levels and not cause migraines. I thought it sounded like an interesting study and anything that would help me to have a normal functioning body and not give me mind-numbing headaches is something worth being a part of. The study also has a couple of perks... two doctor visits, free drugs, and $25. My first doctor's visit is tomorrow (Friday) and is a complete physical. They said it would take about an hour and a half and will be a total check-up including an EKG. I think it's pretty neat that I get free doctor visits, something I took for granted back in my carefree insured days. They also said that if the drug combination works well on me, they will be able to perscribe both pills until the combination pill goes on the market. Otherwise it would be pretty sucky to find something that works and then not be able to use it until it's mass produced. The 25 dollars isn't bad either...I'd never pass up free money. The woman on the phone said she used to tell people that they buy you a tank of gas...she said now they just buy you about 5 gallons, lol. I'm not looking forward to spending that long at the doctor's tomorrow, but I'm excited to be a part of the study anyway.
In addition to my $25 for the study, I made a random $10 yesterday at the peach stand. I sold a pocket knife that my dad gave me. It wasn't any heirloom or anything, just a knife he bought after he lost his, and then he bought a better one later and he never really liked this one. I thought it was cute, so I asked if I could have it. At the stand we have a sample peach that people taste before buying our fruit...I forgot the usual cutting board and knife that we use at home where it was being washed one day, so I just used my pocket knife and a paper towel for the sample. This woman saw the knife and became obsessed with it. She asked me where I got it and was looking at it and everything. A few days later she asked if I would sell it because she hadn't been able to locate one like it. I didn't have it with me that day but I said I'd think of a price and bring it some other day. She came back the next day, and after talking to my dad who thinks he paid between 5 and 15 dollars for it, I decided to ask for 10, and she paid it! More easy money, haha.
I haven't really written about the West Virginia trip yet, I know. Since we got back I've been working from 7:30 AM to 6:45 PM (and not actually getting home until about 7:30PM). We have been having record high temperatures with the heat index around 105 degrees! So, when I get home I'm much more concerned with a shower, food and bed than with my blog. I've missed writing regularly, but at least my sister is finished with Summer classes, so for the next couple of weeks I won't be working quite as much. I do plan to eventually post some pictures of the family reunion as well as some pics from my recent Florida trip. As far as writing about WV, there really isn't much to say. It was dramatic and tiring, although it was nice to see alot of family members we haven't seen in a long time. My Mom's cousin, Jerry Lee, had a heart attack at the reunion, so that was a major event. The attack was severe with a 99% blockage in one artery, but he was fortunate that not much damage was done to his heart and we just hgot word that he has been released from the hospital. Praise be to the Lord.
We were constantly harassed by this stupid old woman that wouldn't recognize a good time if it walked up and slapped her in the face! Mamma and Dora are living in a senior citizens apartment building that has a code to get in the door. Each tenet gets a code that they use to get it...and originally they were told they could give it out to whom ever they deemed trustworthy. Consequently, they gave it out to the many family members that came and went out of their apartment throughout the weekend. This crazy old bat would stand in the lobby and watch to see if people entered a code and then tell them repeatedly that the letter said no one but residents were supposed to have the code (an intersting side note is that the letter didn't appear until halfway through the weekend when everyone already knew the code). Also we stored some chicken and eggs in a downstairs refrigerator and when two family members went to retrieve it, Crazy asked them if it belonged to them and they told her "yes" and then later the woman told us that they were very hostile...I guess they should have said "yes, you crazy old stick in the mud, it is our chicken!" haha
One other note-worthy moment was when my Mom and I sang karaoke! I've never done that before in my life and almost chickened out, but ultimately decided it would be more fun than embarrassing and it's just family anyway so who cares? Our song of choice was one of our favorites and a number often featured in our home singing sessions..."If I Had $1000000" by The Barenaked Ladies. If you don't know the song, you should, it's funny. We were surprisingly a big hit, and we earned many cheers and applause at the conclusion. Later, Mom, Jenny, and I joined several other family members to sing "Lean On Me" and of course "We Are Family" although it quickly became clear that everyone knew the chorus much better than any of the choruses. It was starting to get addicting by the end...I can see how people go sing it all the time. It was crazy, fun and nerve-racking...much like the rest of the weekend!
In other news, my friend Stacy stopped by my stand yesterday on her way from WV back to Florida. She wasn't able to stay long, but it was really nice to see her, and to meet her friend, Joe. I'm glad that so far I've been able to maintain some of my friendships since moving to SC. I don't get to see or even talk to my wonderful friends as often as I'd like...but know that you are always on my mind, even if I am terrible at picking up the phone! Take care friends, and thank you for hanging in there and reading my sporadic entries!
In addition to my $25 for the study, I made a random $10 yesterday at the peach stand. I sold a pocket knife that my dad gave me. It wasn't any heirloom or anything, just a knife he bought after he lost his, and then he bought a better one later and he never really liked this one. I thought it was cute, so I asked if I could have it. At the stand we have a sample peach that people taste before buying our fruit...I forgot the usual cutting board and knife that we use at home where it was being washed one day, so I just used my pocket knife and a paper towel for the sample. This woman saw the knife and became obsessed with it. She asked me where I got it and was looking at it and everything. A few days later she asked if I would sell it because she hadn't been able to locate one like it. I didn't have it with me that day but I said I'd think of a price and bring it some other day. She came back the next day, and after talking to my dad who thinks he paid between 5 and 15 dollars for it, I decided to ask for 10, and she paid it! More easy money, haha.
I haven't really written about the West Virginia trip yet, I know. Since we got back I've been working from 7:30 AM to 6:45 PM (and not actually getting home until about 7:30PM). We have been having record high temperatures with the heat index around 105 degrees! So, when I get home I'm much more concerned with a shower, food and bed than with my blog. I've missed writing regularly, but at least my sister is finished with Summer classes, so for the next couple of weeks I won't be working quite as much. I do plan to eventually post some pictures of the family reunion as well as some pics from my recent Florida trip. As far as writing about WV, there really isn't much to say. It was dramatic and tiring, although it was nice to see alot of family members we haven't seen in a long time. My Mom's cousin, Jerry Lee, had a heart attack at the reunion, so that was a major event. The attack was severe with a 99% blockage in one artery, but he was fortunate that not much damage was done to his heart and we just hgot word that he has been released from the hospital. Praise be to the Lord.
We were constantly harassed by this stupid old woman that wouldn't recognize a good time if it walked up and slapped her in the face! Mamma and Dora are living in a senior citizens apartment building that has a code to get in the door. Each tenet gets a code that they use to get it...and originally they were told they could give it out to whom ever they deemed trustworthy. Consequently, they gave it out to the many family members that came and went out of their apartment throughout the weekend. This crazy old bat would stand in the lobby and watch to see if people entered a code and then tell them repeatedly that the letter said no one but residents were supposed to have the code (an intersting side note is that the letter didn't appear until halfway through the weekend when everyone already knew the code). Also we stored some chicken and eggs in a downstairs refrigerator and when two family members went to retrieve it, Crazy asked them if it belonged to them and they told her "yes" and then later the woman told us that they were very hostile...I guess they should have said "yes, you crazy old stick in the mud, it is our chicken!" haha
One other note-worthy moment was when my Mom and I sang karaoke! I've never done that before in my life and almost chickened out, but ultimately decided it would be more fun than embarrassing and it's just family anyway so who cares? Our song of choice was one of our favorites and a number often featured in our home singing sessions..."If I Had $1000000" by The Barenaked Ladies. If you don't know the song, you should, it's funny. We were surprisingly a big hit, and we earned many cheers and applause at the conclusion. Later, Mom, Jenny, and I joined several other family members to sing "Lean On Me" and of course "We Are Family" although it quickly became clear that everyone knew the chorus much better than any of the choruses. It was starting to get addicting by the end...I can see how people go sing it all the time. It was crazy, fun and nerve-racking...much like the rest of the weekend!
In other news, my friend Stacy stopped by my stand yesterday on her way from WV back to Florida. She wasn't able to stay long, but it was really nice to see her, and to meet her friend, Joe. I'm glad that so far I've been able to maintain some of my friendships since moving to SC. I don't get to see or even talk to my wonderful friends as often as I'd like...but know that you are always on my mind, even if I am terrible at picking up the phone! Take care friends, and thank you for hanging in there and reading my sporadic entries!
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