Double Update!

December 27, 2008

Happy Holidays!

I have had such a fantastic holiday and I have been wanting to update my blog, but couldn't steal a moment. Sometime last week, I did the typical impatient thing nominees do, and I called OMS. Now both my surprise and delight, someone answered the line right away. To my dismay the news was that they have not received my medical packet yet and that I should call back at the beginning of the year since everyone was on their way out the door to leave for vacation.

The result, total panic, convinced that my packet had gotten lost in the mail. I was in such a hurry to get my packet off, I didn't make copies of all of my forms. Word to the wise, don't skip this step!

However, in light of holiday miracles, I return home today and I check my email. An update from Peace Corps! Sweet, I already know the news, they have indeed received my medical packet...but I just want to see it with my own eyes. I log onto my toolkit...looking to see where they have said "packet received"... MORE than just my packet being received... I AM DENTALLY CLEARED! Praise the Lord!

That is so awesome for SO.MANY.REASONS. I can't even express. I was so worried about all things dental its not even funny. Now I just have to pay off my dental bill and I'm even steven :o) But that is SUCH a hump to get over and so soon! I wasn't expecting any dental/medical clearance until March or so.

*(over analytical moment)*
Now, I can't help but think...are they moving super quick on my application?
Am I going to be a candidate for an earlier assignment?
Should I/Would I go sooner? (even though I have debt that I gotta pay off)
What if its Spanish speaking!? That's totally what I want!
Did my calling help speed this thing along?
Cause if it was then that would be some more advice to nominees, stay on OMS...
*(moment over)*

Well what does '09 look like for me?
Getting my house in order.

Getting another part time gig, maybe two...
Ideally work around the clock...
The more I work,
the sooner debt is paid off,
The sooner I'm a free agent to leave up outta here and start my Peace Corps Adventure!

Happy New YEAR!!!!

***Post realizations***
1) My Dental Clearance Update came on Christmas Day...awww
2) I cannot take an assignment that leaves before June because I'm under contract with my dance school and I personally would not want to leave before our recital.

After the first week in June '09 I'm fair game...
2009 in going to be an interesting one indeed....

Not so patient

December 21, 2008

I just have to confess that I was trying to play it off, like I don't care when I hear from the Peace Corps crew updated my medical packet status....but I have been checking my email pretty consistently hoping for an email about updating my toolkit. Right now I haven't even gotten word that they received my packet. Arg. I'm sure that's the price you pay when you send it so close to the holidays and are not predicted to leave until fall '09. So I'm not sweating it, but since I just checked my email on a Sunday with hope in my heart... I realized I'm not as patient about this as I thought I would be....Happy Holidays!

Aaaand they're off....

December 12, 2008

I have have been waiting to post this since I got my nomination to the Peace Corps...

I turned in my medical packet!

Praise GOD!

Now then, I was in a rush when I was putting all the papers in the main envelope (mistake) but I had everything together for months and months, so I think I got everything.

I went to the doctor briiiight and early and she signed my final papers...turns out when I got home later today my Saint Louis Dr. Had filled out and sent the same papers. I am going to just hold onto them in case the OMS crew in DC needs my STL Doctor's signature as well. There was oooonnneee other spot that I saw that my Dr. should have initialed in three place but instead he just signed at the bottom...hopefully that doesn't come up either. I just so badly wanted to have all those documents out of my possession!

Now I just have to wait. I anticipated being on pins and needles once I sent off my medical packet, but the reality is I could use the time. I need to get another part time gig so I can pay off my credit card debt and if I'm reaally good start a "traveling around my region" savings account as well. I hear when you have a stash of dough it makes it easier to travel about on your vacations.

Again, I was nominated for August '09...I'm pretty sure I wouldn't leave sooner than that, but I am willing to leave later in the year...

So for the next 9 months I need to, focus on getting a gig..so that I can be paying down my credit card (just one!), working on my Spanish (oooops, haven't looked at not one word...), get a couple of business plans thats that I want to have in order before I leave...and that's really it!

So my updates may be few and far between from this point on... Hopefully all the news that is coming is good news!

Dental Packet Complete

December 9, 2008

Sweet, just came from the dentist and I got my paperwork completed (for free mind you!). The x-rays she gave me are not of the "panorex" variety which Peace Corps requested, but my dentist said that what she gave me will work. At this point I just want to send my stuff off and if there is a small tiny problem that I need to follow up on, I will. I just don't want these piles of papers here half completed. I also spoke with the OMS office this morning about who can sign my OBGYN papers (did it need to be my old doctor or new one?). Since I received the paperwork I need from my home city with all of my history, I can just take that into my OB's office and have her sign off on everything. So I need to follow up, but I believe her office said I can come in on Friday between 7 AM and 2 PM...however, its gonna cost me 40 bucks! Suckers! It's okay, hopefully that is the.last.dime. I spend on getting medically cleared and now I can just pay everything off!

If all goes according to plan I will be able to send my paperwork off no later than December 15th! Yay! Then it will be the holidays so I know my packet is just gonna sit AND again, I'm not due to leave until Fall '09 so I don't think they will be in a big hurry. However, it will be another milestone completed in this year long process. I can't wait!

The Sky's The Limit

December 3, 2008

Just have to repost to undo my energetically negative post from yesterday. My life is not in crisis by any means. I am currently uncertain and feeling a bit unstable about the future, but that is when life is exciting! The sky's the limit and I can do anything through God who strengthens me. Also, when you are put to the test, you get so see how resilient you are... So here we go. Am I going to bow down and let the waves of depression and helplessness sweep over me..or am I going to just keep it movin onward and upward? Yep, onward and upward, thinking of solutions not dwellin on small minor obstacles that are sure to arise. Surely, when I am given the opportunity serve in the Peace Corps I am going to really see what life crisis are... Not to mention I am definitely going to be faced with challenging and trying times. This is just a practice. Life for me is good at all times and I'm truly thankful for that. Now then, gotta go and get on the grizzly grind for reals!

Life Crisis in 5,4,3,2....

December 2, 2008

Aaaand alright... While I definitely do not want this to be a personal blog about my life... I am def about to have a life crisis...however, it related to Peace Corps so it works!

So after getting laid off in October I scored a fun gig teaching dance. Since my schedule opened up I was able to perform in a couple of shows in November and I've continued teaching dance... Now, I was looking for part-time work, and thought I had found it...but really they aren't giving out hours except for during the holidays (when, like, no one wants 'em)... So I currently a responsible for paying rent and Home Owner Association fees for my condo that has now been sold for a low low price of nothing gained to me...

If I don't pay the HOA on time every month that is going to be big issues for me. My rent...eh, who needs it. So I was thinking... since my income is unpredictable I don't want to have a lot of financial obligations. I had the idea of moving in with my friend who let me stay with her once before. Stay with? Crash, squat...would be more accurate terms to use...for two people stayin in a one bed room.

But why not? If I am seriously planning on joining the Peace Corps then I should be getting rid of stuff anyway right? Saving money and paying off debt, right? They say in the Peace Corps you can kiss your privacy goodbye...so I'll just be getting used to that as live on my friends couch... See can't be too good or glamourous for the P.C....

Sigh, I just have to decide am I really wanting to give up my room and so soon. To be fair to my roommate I would want to give her at least 60 days notice (if I can hang on that long...) So that would put me at living with my friend from March to August (if my nomination stays the same).

The chances of me leaving early are slim.. I have to stay in LA until June because the kids I teach have a recital..honestly if I really got invited somewhere that left earlier I would try to work it out with the owner of the company I work for. I also would like to spend a few weeks back in my home city...and maybe get the chance to visit a few friends... I mean I will be gone for 2 years!

Another component in the uncertainty of my life that is Peace Corps... I really have been encouraged to hold out for a Spanish speaking country...so it was suggested to decline if I don't get one (like Belize where I was told I am being nominated for)... but if I'm hangin on by a thread with my living sitch... I think I'll get an invite and jump on the chance.

I would like a Spanish speaking country...but I can a) still study spanish while I'm away b) take spanish when I return to the states. It's really not that big of deal.

Right now, I still have to get my medical stuff off (I know for shame)... In the next two weeks I have appointments to get final x-rays, medical history and signatures, so the goal to get my medical information off before the end of the year is looking good.

So first item of business is to talk to my roomie and see if she feels screwed...cause if she does I'm going to need to re-evaluate... if she's down..then its gonna be about putting items on craigslist to sell... and wrapping my head around a) being all the more serious about Peace Corps b) camping out in my gracious friends living room...or even more...apartment hopping (yeah I have a lot of nice friends...

Updates to come... I'm interested to see what next year is going to look like with this new development...

Small Insignificant Update

November 26, 2008

This week I have been trying to secure all paper work. Once I get my work schedule I'll be able to make an appointment with my dentist to get my final x-rays. I contacted my OB office in Saint Louis and they have to mail me a release form that I have to sign before I can get my past records. I spoke with my OB office here and I'm getting my results from my PAP this summer sent, but I still need to have her sign the my paperwork as well. I have a feeling I'm going to have to just roll up on her one day. I can try to make an appointment but they can be so flaky at that office, I think the sneak attack maybe the best way. I think other than that my medical/dental packet will be complete to send off! I hope I can complete all of these things by the end of the year!

2009 is going to be all about paying off debt so that I am free to sail to wherever I am sent. I also decided that I am going to start studying some Spanish and go to a language center to test myself, just in case I could be sent to a Spanish speaking area.

That's all for now, hopefully in my next few posts I'm announcing that I got my medical packet off on time!

Dental Almost Completed/Legal Clearance

November 17, 2008

So this weekend I got my impacted wisdom tooth pulled. I was soooo super nervous, but it was okay. I'm still on meds though for the next few days. Since I had so much to do that day I completely forgot about my paper work. So I am going to have to go back and get my final and official x-rays that are required by Peace Corps. So Dental is almost completed! Whew. (now I just have to pay for it all!).

I received an email today saying that I have Legal Clearance. WHOO HOO! I couldn't be more pleased, mainly because I had NO clue why there was a hold to begin with. I wonder if that means my student loans are going to be taken care of... I only have about $3,000 of student loans, but if I could use that money to pay for...I don't know, my dental costs...that would really help.

I must admit I have been being pretty slack on my medical journey. I must kick it into high gear so I can have everything sent off by December.

POAL (Plan of Action List)
Still gotta hunt down records from my OB in the Lou
Call my OB here and get my paper work from my pap this summer
Get final X-Rays from Dentist

I'll give myself till the end of November to have those tasks completed... Wish me Luck!

BARACK WINS- People Are Ready For A Change!

I don't want this blog to have any political views on it. However, the way we came together yesterday, people who are fed up with an old system, ready to break free, willing to look towards hope not war, people of different backgrounds coming together for a greater vision, THAT is what I'm supporting. To me this victory is about critical mass that is forming, people are beginning to see that we aren't separate, but we are all One. One loving, peaceful, creative energy life force and we are vibrating on a higher level. The Love Revolution has already begun and this is just another milestone as evidence. Onward and Upward we go, to a better, brighter future.

ONE LOVE!

November Check In

November 2, 2008

I'm coming off of an extremely packed weekend and have an extremely long list of "to-dos" to complete before I go to bed...but for some reason, I decide to instead organize the "October" portion of this blog instead. Now I'm tired with spicy eyes. It was interesting reading my month of progress (and bad grammer, spelling etc...) I can tell I was about to start slacking...but seeing my POALs I'm inspired once again.

Really the main thing I need to do is call OMS to see if I need past paperwork for my MMS shot and PAP records. I also need to get my paper work signed by my OB who still won't return my phone calls.

I've been so preoccupied with my lack of employment, dance performances and life's general curve balls, I had taken my eye off of the prize.

My soul sister announced her wedding day and its going to be next year Memorial Weekend so I'm sooo excited. That means that I will probably be leaving right on "schedule" i.e. around August, not sooner.

Good to know...

Hopefully by my next post Obama will be in office :) Exciting times!

Courage

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. there is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is Life, and in change there is POWER"- Alan Cohen

Surprise!

November 1, 2008

Just when I thought I made it out of the doctor's office without paying a dime....

I get the bill for the all the lab tests that were taken... let's just say its several hundred dollars....

So add that to my tab of cavity fillings that I'm already worried about paying off (charged it to the game in the mean time).

One of my goals is to most definitely to be out of debt....so far I have just racked up more in the past month than I have in years. Once I turn in my medical info I can focus all my efforts to paying everything off... I just have to keep reminding myself of that!

Moving Right Along...

October 28, 2008

This Saturday I got the fillings I needed on my right side.
It turns out my insurance covered a small fraction of what I paid the first time, so my bill is still pretty high. I think with my insurance my wisdom tooth extraction is going to be virtually free... Finally something free from the dentist.

The surgeon comes in only every third Thursday of the month, or something like that. So my next appointment is November 13th. Then I should be good to go.

That day I will get my tooth pulled and more x-rays (crap is that gonna cost me?) with my updated dental work, and I will be that much closer to turning in my medical packet.

Once I get my life more settled I will start harassing my OB.. I really should do that sooner that later...

A-O.K. and OMS

October 16, 2008

My doctor visit was a breeze!
He said everything was 100% A.O.K.
I am so relieved!

Maybe my medical packet will be completed before '09
I guess I could bite the bullet and get my wisdom tooth pulled soon after my fillings next Saturday...like days after since as it looks now, my weekday are going to be open.

I will also need a day or two to straight up surprise attack my OB and get her to sign off on my "normal" status. I will also need copies of that lab work...I hope she has all that stuff!

I also plan on calling my OMS sometime just to make sure everything is filled and complete before sending it off and just waiting.

We shall see...probably won't have an update until after my dentist appointment(s)

Obsessive and Uncertain...

October 15, 2008
I'm clearly obsessing over this Peace Corp thing, I mean I started a blog site just to help a friend out..now I'm bloggin almost everyday over this! Which I guess is okay, but I need to calm down. I feel super anxious and the soonest I would leave is August 2009.. Chill.Out.

My recruiter emailed me back, she really enjoyed my update. She basically said all things are out of her hands though. My file is in D.C. so after I complete and turn in my medical stuff, I should update them on things that have happened since I applied (i.e. Spanish lessons taken, any more certifications I have received...) so I look forward to doing that.

I think I get the process more now also, your recruiter nominates you for a certain area and maybe even country (like Belize in my case) but D.C. knows who accepts or who denies their invitation, if the country could asks for more volunteers etc...and THAT is when your assignment could change.

So that buys me time to get some more Spanish lessons since I won't have my medical packet completed before December probably.

I'm kind of nervous about going to the doctor tomorrow. I can't tell you the last time I had blood work...I think I was seriously 6 years old. They can find out all kinds of things with your blood work... so if I let my mind wonder....yeaahhh let me stop. I was a Psych major and when I took Abnormal Psych..every condition in that book I thought I had. I'm one of those! Clearly the Dr. said I was in excellent health so I'm not worried.

I have two more days left on my job and I think that has me the most stressed out. I was on a team of temps basically and we have been on the same assignment for a year and a half. It originally was supposed to be for 6 months and clearly went on past that... so we thought that gig would never end. I know I loathe rolling up to my corporate office, to sit in my corporate CUBE (no human belongs in a cube I tell ya!) hearing corporate banter about year end deadlines and what not...most of all I feel what I'm doing isn't really benefiting anyone. It was fun and cool for awhile (and I love love the people I work with) but I have lost my spirit of hustle! I really am trying to get my non-profit off of the ground and get into life coaching... The possibility of going to the Peace Corp also makes me feel like there is no point in applying for a "real" job.

I kinda wanna be an aerobic instructor or waitress or something and work on my projects. Especially since I kind of have a year deadline...If I can get some clients to coach, pay off my debt, and get the non-profit running with a solid business plan... I would feel great about leaving and August would be the perfect time...

It's an unsure time for me right now. I could just be "safe" and get another corporate gig...but maybe I should hang loose while I can.

Oh and I found out one of my dearest friends just got engaged (Hoorraaayy) I would reaaaaallllly want to be there for that. I didn't want to overwhelm her, but I did put in a plug that I maaaay be leaving Aug '09, soooo plan accordingly :)

So much uncertainty!

That's why I need to be able to sleep in...do yoga in the mornings... and get centered again (the cube is no place to get centered..)...

Hmmmm so much to think about...

Well I will obsessively post tomorrow about my Dr. visit....

Many Blogs, TMI and POAL

October 14, 2008

Have I mentioned I'm a Peace Corp volunteer blog stalker?

Surely I have, that is why I have started one...to serve back into the Universe information that I am currently feeding off of...

Anyway, today during my daily feed of a new person's blog (from 2006 mind you...) He keeps mentioning how he had his MMR shot, but the PC Med office wants verification. First of all it took him 3 months to get this information and now he has to find the paperwork. My paperwork is going to be in St. Louis with my Pediatrician. I wonder how hard that is going to be to find. I thought I was in the clear since my Doc was so cool and took my word for it...but oh the thorough ladies and gents of the PC want cold hard proof. I just want to turn in a complete packet so there doesn't have to be a lot of back and forth...waiting months and months only to hear you need to turn on something else is going to stress me out, I already know.

One of the Returned Volunteers from the dinner on Sunday said it took her 2 years to go through the medical clearance cause she kept sending her stuff incomplete and one thing at a time instead of sending it all together and completed. So I def do not have two years to be going through this!

So, I'm going to have to do some digging on the Plan of Action List (POAL)
1)I need to find my long lost pediatricians office to see if they have records of my immunizations...if not worse case, just go back and get another shot, my doctor rocks and his shots don't hurt. See I sound like such a G, being all nonchalant about getting another (this would be my 5th) shot! This is definitely a first. Maybe I am hardcore enough for the Peace Corps

2)I did email my recruiter and immediately got an away message she was out thurs, friday and monday....so she definitely has more important things to do than to respond to my rather wordy email. Especially since I don't really ask for any type of response necessarily, only if she has suggestions or insights...so yeah...probably won't hear from her...but I'm hope I do...

3)I need to also find records of my past 3 PAPs to show they were normal... (is that TMI? Sorry, I'm just trying to give helpful info!) I also need to get my OB to sign off on my PAP for two months ago... She's really flaky and may not do it (like in the same fashion as her not returning my phone calls in the first place about this...) In fact that's going to be a real headache its going to be itemized as #4

I could do it today, but my phone is broken...I at least have my Dr. follow up appointment Thurs and Dentist on the 25th...

Keepin it movin...

Easy Breezy Dr. Visit

October 13, 2008

Alright, so today I had my most dreaded doctor's appointment. It just snuck up on me! When I had set my goal weeks previous, I was just settin appointments left and right...well golly gee whiz man, who knew the dentist was going to be so much drama and now this!

Well how wrong was I, praise God! This visit was pretty seamless! I couldn't believe it! I went to see my sister's doctor and he's AMAZING he is so funny and cute and focused, he was just the absolute best. I was aaallll jitters about getting all of those tests and blood drawn... he didn't hurt me a BIT! It was awesome, he drew my blood so fast, he was so patient going through all of my paper work with me, and he was so quick to sign off on all of it! lol I was so happy. He's my favorite...what am I going to get him for Christmas...hmmm...not sure..but something he's the best. So I got my TB shot, Polio shot, all the blood drawn for all the tests (at least I hope, I have heard horror stories), I have had my MMS test already so I'm good there..(again I hope), had my urinalysis and I think that's it. He said I'm in excellent physical condition (finally some good news!) and that I am to come back this Thursday to go over the results of my TB test and so we can send of the correct lab results (he took my sugar and cholesterol as well). The only thing about coming back is he's going out of town, so I had to make an appointment with his son, who seemed totally and completely unenthused about the whole thing. It's okay though.

I'm hopeful because, not only did it go smoothly, OH my insurance paid for everything, I didn't come off a DIME! (Imma need my dentist office to Get.it.to.geth.er!) Man, now I forgot what I was saying cause I'm trippin off how much moolah I spent at the dentist..oh oh being hopeful..right..happy thoughts.. I'm hopeful because I know that you have to bug your doctors a lot to sign something they missed, or D.C. may want more information or more tests, or what have you, my doctor is really patient and kind and gets it and knows I'm in good condition, so I can picture myself running to his office getting something signed and being able to send something out the same day. So I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly that went. Maybe I will set the goal to get all my dental work completed by the end of this year so that I can send off my paper work by January.

Next steps...
I really should email my recruiter to keep her up to speed with my progress...aaannnddd maybe drop some hints about Spanish speaking... (if it's meant to be it'll be)

I have another Denstist appointment on the 25th (I'm looking at it as appointment 2 out of 3..so that's good)

Oh I still need to holler at my OB to fill out some paper work, I just had an exam at the beginning of the summer so I'm hoping she'll just fill out the paper work that everything came out normal.

In other life related news, my job that I have been temping for the past year and half is ending this friday...Holy Unpaid Medical Bills Batman!

Yeah, it'll work out, all at the right time (which is aaaannnyyy minute now, looking at naked wrist where watch should be...)

So, excited to see what's around this next corner....

RPCV Potluck Dinner

October 12 2008

Okay so this evening I went to the Returned Peace Corp Volunteer Event!

It was a potluck style dinner and it was pretty cool. At first I thought the whole thing was a bad omen... I was running late...then I left and forgot the cake I bought for the potluck...then it was so dark and I got sooooo lost...oh so lost... I felt like I was being pledged or something...like the returned volunteers were daring me to find the place, and then and only then could I be considered to walk amongst them. Well without that thought in mind I surely would have turned around and just gone home after an hour of searching (lets not forget about the gas crisis we are having right now).. but since I had my little made up story propelling me forward, I proved myself a modern day Magellan and found that sucker. Of course right in line with how the Universe works, I met some friends along the way who were also lost (I guess they recognized me as the girl zipping back and forth over the same 5 miles of land)... Three individuals in particular that live in Long Beach. Two served in Honduras and one served in Africa (I forgot where)... but we ended up sitting together eating together and they happily answered every question we newbie nominees had.

It appeared that I was the newest nominee. Most people were set to leave around March or before. I'm not set to leave until August '09. One of the biggest things that I got from the dinner was that basically unless something HUGE occurs, I'm going to the Peace Corp. Like, I was thinking, we'll see, I'll just go through the motions and when/if they still want me by next summer, then I'll start really getting psyched for it and telling people...uh-no... the application process, while grueling... is a solid one and if you make it though the process and do everything they ask, you're golden. I am claiming that I clearly am in great health and no foolishness will come up. Even if the Legal Dept comes back telling me my debts have to be paid off by a certain day to go...I'll just make it happen...this is the first time in my life in a LONG time I have had only one job..it might just be time to double up :)

All in all, I got a taste of the Peace Corp community and their great positive energy. I feel hooked, I feel like I belong, now just to make sure I have the chops to get through this process. Oh something else... Since I am nominated for Latin America clearly the advantage of going is learning a language right? Well my recruiter said since I have so little Spanish I would be good for Belize because they speak very little Spanish. My 3 informants from the dinner last night REALLY kept driving home the idea of asking my recruiter if I can go to a Spanish speaking country so that I can learn. People all night long were saying that they went to Spanish speaking areas and only had high school Spanish. I have to get up enough nerve to ask my recruiter. I think what it is, is that she is really good at what she does and I want youth development and there is an opening in Belize and to make everyone happy that's where she's putting me. We'll see though. I think I'm going to email her, and just include a little something about me furthering my Spanish with the interest of being considered for a Spanish speaking country if that were to come up as well... Who knows, if I can get all this medical stuff done and get some language going, I could be considered for another area and leave sooner! I am REALLY getting amped to go! At the end of the day, its all in God's hands and I want to manipulate the whole situation as little as possible so that I end up right where I belong.

So the event was great I ended up exchanging information with my new found friends so I think the event served its purpose and all the trials I went through were worth it and destined. We are all going to get together sometime soon and continue exchanging that good positive energy that was flowin all night long! :)

Appointment and Cavities and Costs! Oh MY!

October 11, 2008

Okay, so even thought I wasn't sure where the money was going to come from, I set my dentist and doctor appointment pretty much right after I got my packet. I gave myself the deadline of having that task done by the end of that week...

So my dentist appointment was today and I have my doctors appointment on Monday.

Well lets back up..

2 things...I hard that the medical clearance is expensive so I had to ask my dad if I could use my emergency card (the card we share that are strictly for emergencies only) for these medical expenses. He said okay, even though he is having a tough financial time right now. I was feeling bad about it, but really I shouldn't because I shouldn't be expecting him to pay a penny of it! Right? Right! Well, I just found out MY assignment at work could possibly be ending next week...hmmmm...so I have no clue where my money is gonna be comin from if that really happens....so that's just some background...

NOW, today, I go to the dentist knowing that I will probably need a tooth pulled eventually and that was going to be that on that....

Um how bout no...

Why did I have 9!!!!!!! 9!!!! NINE Cavities!!
What in the?

I mean I brush!!! twice a day!
I know weak teeth run in the fam a bit..and I know I have been killing the sugar this past year...seriously my job keeps the candy bars flowin and I always come back for more..

Granted my dentist said some of these "cavities" are not real cavities and are more or less surface grooves...but in the interest of joining the Peace Corp I should get them all filled so I'm set for the next two years...

Oh and he agrees my third impacted molar...while painless....should come out...

So I don't even want to talk about what my bill is going to be..

Insurance you ask? Yeah I believe I get a free cleaning and that's it...We'll see...
Because on top of everything, they couldn't pull up my insurance information so I had to come out of pocket today...and then on Monday they will have to file with my insurance and then refund me. The most I may get refunded is 70 bucks for the cleaning... a VERY small dent in the grand bill! I will most definitely be applying for the reimbursement that Peace Corp offers for this.

So today I ended up getting all the work done on my right side which was...what...five cavities or something ridiculous like that...a cleaning and headache!

Charged it to the game and now I gotta see how I'm gonna pay for it...It'll work out...

I have an appointment on the 25th to get the other cavities taken care of and then I don't know sometime after that I will get my wisdom tooth pulled..it may not even happen before December...but we shall see....

This really has me diving in deep ya know?
I was still considering myself a person still "deciding" on whether or not I'm going...
but man when you drop this kind of dough...you're going...

We'll see, I still have that legal hold...and I have not been given any further information on that.

Tomorrow is a Peace Corp Potluck dinner so I can't wait to pick the brains of all the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers! I hope everyone else has similar stories to mine!

Medical Packet! Yay!

October 1, 2008

Sweet, I got my Medical Packet in the mail last night.

Now I feel like things are really getting kicked off!

This packet has Everything, this is going to be quite an undertaking, both financially and physically. Ah well, the way I see it is, its probably beneficial to have a quarter life, totally body, once over anyway... just to make sure things are in tip top condition. As long as I can pay for it with ease... then I'm okay.

I guess the goal will be to set some appointments this week...

Here we go-oooo.....

Peace Corps Timeline

September 8, 2008
Sent off online application!

September 9, 2008
Received an email from recruitment Coordinator acknowledging reciept of my application. Email also includes documents about: Student Loans, Financial Obligations (eeeek!), Relationship status (n/a..as of today..), Vegetarian Doc (I try not to eat meat in the US, but else where I will), HPV Shot Doc, General Medical Info Doc. In the email I'm instructed to have all applicable documents completed in approx two weeks. That is the soonest I would be granted and interview. Also, have my letters of recommendation in as soon as possible because no interview can be granted before all three of your letters or rec are in.

This is pretty exciting. I printed off the documents and I'll read over them when I go home.

September 10, 2008-
Received a phone call from my local recruiter.
Called her back and we scheduled an interview for September 24th.
This based off of the condition that I have my references in before that time.
No reference, no interview.

I was also given a list of things to bring to the interview, that I need to start working ASAP.

-University/College Transcripts (unofficial is fine)
-Copies of any certification (such as CPR, teaching credential etc...)
-Any of the forms that relate to me from the initial email (as listed above)
- (the one I dread the MOST) A statement about your outstanding debt...(bank loan and association debts) They need a letter stating how I plan on making payments while I'm away... or that it will be paid in full before departure (hmmm maybe I can just commit to that?), If someone is going to assume responsibility, I need to have a notarized lettter from that person stating just that....

For real in real life where my stress about the debts are coming from IS that I intend on having those debts paid before departure...So if they can take me on my word then, that's fantastic. Maybe check back and six month or so...see where I am on that... I think that's fair.

So I guess I won't be buyin a MacBook after all...

September 11, 2008
Totally and completely bought a MacBook today!

That's hilarious. The only reason why I thought it was worth writing because I clearly stated...just yesterday? (is that right?) That I won't be buying one... I mean I said "I guess". I clearly guessed wrong.

A couple of things happened. First of all, my Dad gave me the okay and thought the deal I was getting was a good one. Second of all I went to a talk on Life Coaching and was VERY interested and it seemed like having a computer would make life easier when pursuing this career. Plus, I want one. I think this computer is the very last "thing" I'm really going to buy.

From this point on my goal is to get rid of, not acquire things.

Now this is all pre-interview even. Lets see if the Peace Corp group and I think that I am even a potential match for volunteering at this time!

September 12, 2008

Faxed in a request to receive my transcript and received it 30 min later

Contacted my references to make sure they received their reference form from Peace Corps.

September 22, 2008

My interview was scheduled for this wednesday the 24th @ 11:00. Due to a lunch meeting for work I had to rescedule for 8:00 in the morning so now its even earlier! I'm getting nervous!

The status of my 3 references is:

1 submitted
1 started
1 not started

So I am keeping hope alive that all references will be in before my interview. If the references are not complete. I will have to change my reschedule my interview...(again yeeps)

I'm most nervous about having all the paperwork that they are requesting...especially all of my financial responsibilites... I'm going to through all that right now actually...

September 24, 2008

What a day, what a day, what a day!
So first of all... all of my references came in. Just like I knew they would. Tori, my super nice, super cool, hardcore seriously about Peace Corp recruiter saw me even though the last she checked all of my references last night they weren't in. They were in by this morning, so that's all that matters :)

It was really great meeting Tori in person. The interview is very structured. I believe she said there are three parts to it...like..Why do you want to volunteer, questions ...about things you are absolutely opposed to (like climate, regions, practices...etc), and I think explaining more about what one would be getting into as a volunteer.

They have to forward all of your information to D.C. So she is filling out the questions on a laptop to send to D.C... so as I spoke she typed. That could have been nerve racking or distracting, but that took me back to my membership days with Detla...those who have been through such a process know what I'm talking about....

At the end of the interview (approx 2 hours I would say) I was actually nominated! But before that one thing that was intersting to me... although I have been taking some very informal Spanish lessons here and there, it didn't really count as a language because it wasn't from an accredited institution. However, the option is that I can go take a test at language center, and if I test at the intermediate level...then it could be considered. I am planning on signing up for a 10 week course coming up...so I think I just might take the test if I feel confident in my skills..

Anyway, back to the fun stuff...she read off a couple of possible places in Asia, North Africa and LAtin America...after a discussion (Which doesn't normally happen), it seemed like Belize was a good fit. In Belize they speak majority English amd that is why I would be able to function there.

Since I did not have a full time job ever working with at risk youth, I was more qualified for teaching. I LOVE youth programming, and while it has not been my day job, I'm always involved some how some way with youth development. After giving her some examples of my volunteer work, she was willing to push for me to be able to be nominated for a youth development program.

Oh and August 2009 was the date that was thrown out there for departure. Soooooo I guess I need to start wrapping my head around that...

I feel nervous...
Do I start telling everyone?
Or keep it in the spiritual realm right now...
If I DO start spreading the word...when?
Clearly if someone happened upon this blog...all the info is here...
but I tried to google it and nothing comes up.. so its locked away safe in cyber space for now...

The only thing that keep me from going is not getting either medically or legally cleared.

I had a condo and I hope the complications with that don't keep me from going on the legal tip.
All my financial debts I really want to pay off..even if that means getting a second job so that's that on my legal concerns...
Medically... I should be cool, I have like a tooth that might have to be pulled, but other than discovering something that I never knew I had (heaven forbid!) I should be straight. It's just a matter of going and getting EVERYTHING checked out. I hear this process is not cheap either...

Also, Everyone says that getting medically cleared takes forever. If I wait to spread the word then... it maybe really late...you know, to inform your loved ones that you are going to be up and outtie for dos anos (see? I'm totaly bilingual!)

So I guess I will inform loved ones...just that I am going through the application process...and who knows what will come of it... Cause... for real..who knows...

Belize huh?.....Belize....(cue: dreamy harp music as image becomes wavy....)

September 25, 2008
So I have gotten both a letter in the mail, and an email that instructed me to go to my online Tookit...

It's making it seem more real already...

Let's see, since I'm so nervous about the medical and legal clearing, I was reading all about it, just to ease my mind...

Yeah not so much...

Shots, shots and more shots....sigh... If you're leaving the country...then yes you need shots... I KNOW, but just thinking about it made me squimish. I have a thing about needles. Get over it right? Sigh...so yeah there is a laundry list of shots to take.

Also, I could see from the dental thing that I'm definitely going to have to get a wisdom tooth pulled...and who knows what else...

I suppose a couple of things are happening here...
a) its becoming more real already
b) When you are getting multiple shots, you are no longer in "we'll just see what happens..." mode...

Gasping reality, grasping reality...sigh...

Next step... waiting for my medical packet in the mail so the fun can begin!

September 29, 2008

So, just checked my email and I already have a Legal hold on my account!
Argh, its okay though, I was so anxious to stress out about something, lol, so here is my something. I want to "take action" somehow, but I think it's just under closer review, there is nothing I can do about it now. Luckily it's a year in advance lol so I guess I have to figure it out.

Also, my online toolkit says that my Medical packet was mailed out on September 26th, so I will hopefully recieve it this week.

Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous,talented, and fabulous?

Actually who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the worl.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking.

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of god that is within us.

It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.

And as we let our light shine,

We unconciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear.

Our presence automatically liberates others.


-Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech

Contemplating Peace Corps

Joining the Peace Corps is something I have always have wanted to do. When is the right time in one's life to take out two years, away from friends and family and the life as you know it? Well looking back, I think right after college, but that is no longer an option. I was in a different space then anyway. Now, would be the next "good" time. Now being, I have been in the working world since 2004 and had a new job pretty much every year. From corporate (travel heavy), to non-profit travel (heavy travel minimal pay)and now to the CUBE of Corporate America. Box Entertainment (for more on that check out http://theundergrounduniverse.blogspot.com/ The Super Sleuth Web Blomic Coming Soon!)

I have projects I'm passionate about right now. Mainly my non-profit Project Destiny Which "Promotes Self-Love, Confidence, Empowerment & Sisterhood" amoung adolescent females in the Los Angeles Area. For more information on that check out our site at
(www.myspace.com/projectdestiny07) Right now it is in the grassroots stages. I work on it in my "spare time" when I am not at work or in a dance class (my other passion).

The internal debate right now is... Continue to try to grow Project Destiny into something that I can draw and income from eventually? OR Before I get any kind of career jumped off... take the leap and cross Peace Corps off the list of "Things to Accomplish This Lifetime"?

Well, as I figure things out I figure I do have a bit of time. To apply to Peace Corps... they want you to send in your app...at approx nine months to a year before you plan on leaving on your assigment. There for worst/best case scenario.... I could apply, go through the process...(knowing that anytime I can just stop if I change my mind...even getting an invitiation and not accepting...sentencing myself to never being invited back...but it's an option)... while spending the next year to...hammer down a business plan for project destiny, make a plan for the next 3 to 5 years, maybe even secure some funds through grants...before leaving. That way, anyone can pick up the reigns in my absence...

Yep, I think that's what I'm going to do...
So even though, I could do the Peace Corp too when I'm 60... I'm going to take the plunge now. I have been plugging away at my application probably since at least March '08... I'm just going to complete it and send it on...

Let the adventure begin :)

Mother Teresa's Final Analysis

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

-this version is credited to Mother Teresa

Unconditional Love and Selfless Giving

The Sun Never Says

Even after all this time

The sun never says to the earth, "You owe Me."

Look what happens with A love like that,

It lights the Whole Sky.

~Hafiz