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 :-)