Final Medical Clearance!!!

I decided to just appear in my doctor's office on Tuesday to get what I needed....and surprisingly it worked!!  I got a paper with the breakdown of my results and uploaded it when I got home.  Yesterday I got an email saying that I've been medically cleared!  Sooo excited!  Also, I got info regarding staging/departure.  Apparently staging will be in D.C. on May 29th and I will leave for Seoul (then from Seoul to Ulaanbataar) on May 30th.  As excited as this is, it really is a reality reminder for me.  Why?

1.  I had just gotten used to May 30th,  now I hear that it is May 29th....a day just got cut off!!
2.  I'm actually leaving next month!!
3.  Next month is just a week away (and I haven't started packing/shopping)!!

Wish me all the luck in the world.  I hope I can fit it all in the next month!  Nothing is holding me back anymore except for myself!!

Til next time,

Bye!

Stories while browsing the PC tag on tumblr.

"Ugh. The Peace Corps is recruiting.

The “Peace” Corps—aka capitalism corps—aka imperialism corps—aka “cover story for CIA assassinations” corps—is hiring.

Guess they’re going to “depose” a “brutal dictator” soon and install “democracy”.  Transparent agency is transparent.  I don’t have any inside knowledge or elite computer skills.  I don’t need them.  Historical records and a brain not plugged into the Matrix are sufficient to figure this one out."

"Told my family I want to join The Peace Corps. after I graduate and they are shunning me. Telling me I’m gonna go to Africa (which is where I want to go) and my “lily white ass” is going to get murdered by a big black man with horns in his nose. I can’t handle this ignorance and stupidity…"

"I told my mom I wanted to join the Peace Corps and she reacted in the same way she did when I told her I was going vegan. Exasperated. 

“(Name), once you graduate college and get job offers you won’t want to do it”

“It’s for two years! Do you realize how long that is?”

“You don’t get to pick where they send you, you could end up in Africa!”

Doesn’t she think I know all of that? I’ve scoured the entire Peace Corps website; I know much more about it than she does. I know I won’t get to pick where I go, but that’s fine with me. Anyway, it’ll most likely be somewhere in South America considering I’ll be able to speak spanish by then, and my field is environmental-related. Still, I wouldn’t care if I got sent to Africa, or Asia, or Eastern Europe, or wherever. I just want to help people and travel and learn about a new culture and teach other people about the American culture. I was fine going away to Germany for a year as a junior in high school, so I think by the time I’m like 22 I’ll be able to go away for 2 years, considering I’m probably going to study abroad again during college as well. And also, my mom babysits for this kid whose mother was in the Peace Corps and she told my mom that it was too hard being away for 2 years. But lets remember, she was probably doing it in the late 70s, early 80s latest. The only means of communication she had was snail mail. Now, we have phones that call internationally, and internet that easily keeps you up to date with life back home. And even if I was put in a place where I couldn’t get internet or something, that would honestly be fine. I may be addicted to my computer, but I’ve always been okay going to camp in the summer with no electronics. I really don’t mind it. Truly.

Whatever. I have years to go, so maybe she’ll change her mind as time progresses. I also had a question for people who are currently or have previously been involved with peace corps- is it difficult to be vegan while serving, and does it limit your chance of being accepted if you’re a vegan (I don’t think it would be, but I thought I’d get some other opinions)?"

 Those are a few of the things I found...interesting to see people with opinions different from mine.  Also, what's wrong with Africa?  2 posts seem to have problems with Africa.   anyone else have an opinion on this?

The Saga Continues...

I'm here over a week later and although some of it has worked itself out (they received my x-rays and they took off the task for the eyeglass prescription),  I have yet to get results for my urinalysis.  I think I've thoroughly ANNOYED my doctor and the office.  I've contacted them a few times to get the results, and I haven't gotten them...and they're due like YESTERDAY(not literally...but they need them ASAP).  My nerves are through the roof!  I called the office yesterday and the person at the front desk said she would call me today after she talked to my doctor.  Did she call?  Not at all.  And when I called?  The message said the office was closed.  I can't believe it's causing this much strife just to get these results (apparently they were on my information, but more information is needed for it to be complete).  I just need this to all be over.

On a more positive note,  on Thursday I went to a Peace Corps events (info fair/ recognition for applicants, nominees, and invitees).  It was pretty cool.  It was the least formal PC event I've been to so far (although some people were dressed up, the event was a standing event mainly focused on the tables representing the regions). My interviewer was there and I JUST realized that he also went to Mongolia!  I don't know how I managed to forget that (I guess in all the madness, my brain missed it).  I also met a lot of great people who went to other countries.  Inside the main event they had all the invitees introduce themselves to the people at the event.  I met someone else who is also going to Mongolia!  It was cool because I didn't think there would be any one else from NY.  I also went to the Mongolia table where I met an RPCV who got back last summer.  I questioned her for a while and she gave me some great advice and information.  It made me even more excited to go (like I wasn't excited enough to begin with).  It was a great event and also, the invitees got little PC reusable bags with a luggage tag and a book discussing the experiences of different volunteers.

Now all I can hope is that everything works itself out so that I can make it!  Til next time!!

Because my life is eternally run by Murphy's law...

They say "whatever can go wrong, will go wrong".  And being the pot of gold, lucky elf I am, my life revolves around this.  What happened you ask?  After being excited that I FINALLY got all my required forms in, I get a message saying:

1. My urinalysis results are missing.

2. The dental records I mailed in about 3 weeks ago, haven't gotten in....

3. My doctor accidentally checked that my corrected vision is 20/20 (I've never worn glasses or had to do anything to correct my vision) and they need the eyeglasses prescription form filled out.

4. It would be better if my immunization records were on a WHO immunization card instead of the sheet my doctor's office uses.

This would be all well and good if:

1.  I didn't have 50 days left before my departure date.

2.  My doctor's office responded quickly when I asked for things.

3.  I could just easily get a new copy of those dental x-rays.

I'm BEYOND frustrated right now.  I feel like crying because I'm scared that my departure will get canceled because of this.  There I was thinking it would be smooth sailing from here on out.  Why do these things happen to me?

The Home Stretch!!

So here I am with an update on my paperwork!  I got to the doctor and she filled out my paperwork and took some more blood for additional tests.  So those results came back this week (all good!) and I got to pick them up on Thursday.  I just finished uploading all my documents (except the one set of results that I won't have until next week...gaaahhh) and it feels soooo good to know that I'm pretty much done.  I'll wait to hear on Monday if everything is okay with what I handed in.  I was so worried that I wouldn't make the deadline since I started so late.  On another note...I have 61 days until I leave!  But I don't think I'm ready at all.  I have no clue what I should be preparing for!  What do I pack to make sure I'm warm?  How do I decide what stays and what goes?  It's starting to hit me that I will be gone for 2 YEARS.  This isn't another one of my temporary trips.  I'm gonna need a lot more mental prep!  Well, that's all that's on my mind for now.  I'll let you guys know if I have any other news/updates!

<3

The Wait Continues...

Okay.  So  I'm still in the process of getting my forms in.  It's making me SUPER nervous!  I was supposed to have an appointment with my doctor today (just to fill out my forms since everything else is done)  but got a call from the office saying she wouldn't be in.  I've been trying to get in since I got back from Jamaica.  I texted her to beg her (since my forms are due next week) and she agreed to see me Saturday.  The only thing is that the Medical Applicant portal will be down from the 22nd to the 24th.  So I still have to wait to upload that stuff when I get them.  And of course there is the Pap Test (every female applicant must do it, regardless of if you are sexually active or not).  I couldn't get an appointment before the 26th!  So of course my results won't be back on time for the deadline.  I wish it didn't come down to now, but what can I do but try to get it all in.    I'll let you guys know how everything goes until my due date!

P.S.  I saw this (see below) post on Tumblr today (via nic0lettee.tumblr.com on the Peace Corps tag).  Anyone ever heard of it/tried it?

The Peace Corps Challenge!

Ever wonder what it’s like to live as a Peace Corps Volunteer?

Take the…

PEACE CORPS CHALLENGE - stolen from Lacy / Nora / Erin / Courtney / & a whole bunch of other Peace Corps Ethiopia Volunteers [& tweaked to cater the challenge to my own personal experience].

Best use of the Challenge: Pick one week, and cram as many challenge items into one single week as possible. You may pick & choose as you please!

Point values are assigned for each challenge item.
Some are one-time options which can be repeated at your leisure [unless a limit is provided]. 
For 1W challenges, points are only rewarded if the challenge is completed for the duration of the entire week.

MAX POINTS:  905  .

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THE CHALLENGE

1. Do not use your personal vehicle.
Options: hitching rides from others (spouses don’t count), bicycle, public transportation, by foot.
5 points per day

2. 1W - Do not leave your house after 6pm, unless you will be staying at a friend’s house.
10 points

3. 1W - Wear only 3 outfits. Rotation, rotation, rotation.
[though in reality, most of us only wear only 1 or 2 for the week.]
15 points

4. Spend an entire evening after dark (minimum 5 hours) without electricity.
Flashlights are allowed, but candles are preferred. No pre-charging of electronics allowed.
15 points per day

5. 1W - Live on a maximum of 5.00 USD per day, spending.
If you had food in your fridge and bring a sandwich to work, you’re in the clear.
This only applies to people who are not listed as a dependent on anyone’s taxes.
[Most other PCV’s set the limit to 3.50 USD, but I thought 5.00 USD seemed more reasonable]. 
15 points

6. 1W - Watch only television channels in a language in which you are not fluent.
Alternatively: Only watch TV with the sound on mute.
However, you may watch previously downloaded TV shows/movies on your computer - in any language you prefer.
20 points

7. 1W - Internet:
Option 1: Do not use the internet. [20 points]
Option 2: Use a maximum of 1.5 hours worth of internet for the week. [15 points]
If you choose Option 2, after each webpage loads, you must wait 5 seconds (“1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi, 3-Mississi…”) before proceeding [& this is included in your total 1.5 hours]. If there are photos on the webpage, you must wait 30 seconds per photo. No YouTube or viewing videos of any kind. 

8. 1W - When using the restroom: first walk outside of your house/workplace, close the door, re-enter the building, and THEN proceed to the bathroom.
At night, you may alternatively use a bucket or pot in your room to relieve yourself [called a “chamber pot”].
30 points

9. 1W - Limit your water usage to 20L for the week. This includes drinking water, cooking water, laundry water, cleaning water, etc. An extra 15L is allowed for each bucket bath taken.
[Tips: baby wipes/”wh*re baths” & water reusage & water planning]
50 points

10. 1W - Only use water from a bucket. You may refill the bucket as many times as you like from the tap [though in reality, even this is not always possible].
40 points per day
No points rewarded for any use of direct running water from the tap.

11. Do not bathe for at least 3 days (washing of face & feet are allowed).
3 days is the minimum.[In reality: I bucket bathe 1x per week —- if I’m lucky].
10 points for 3 days; an additional 5 points for each day added.
If you go one week, 70 points.

12. On bathing days, take only a cold shower.
10 points per cold shower. 10 extra points per shower if running water is not used [aka bucket bathing].
Limit: 3 showers/baths for the week. [If you go over the limit, no points rewarded].

13. Wash an entire load of laundry by hand & let the clothes hang-dry.
Note: The Breathing Washer [search online] may be used [BEST GIFT EVER from mommy & daddy!].
20 points per load washed; additional 5 points per load hang-dried.
Limit: 3 loads for the week. [If you go over the limit, no points rewarded].

14. 1W - Your ONLY food options are the following [this includes snacking]:
Veggies: onions, tomatoes, cabbage/spinach, carrots, chili peppers, potatoes [and any other veggies that grow in your own personal garden]
Fruits: bananas, oranges [no seedless], mangoes, limes, pineapple
Supplements: rice, lentils, beans, chickpeas, pasta, injera, bread products
Dairy Products: Milk [powdered & liquid] and Yogurt (plain) only. [absolutely NO CHEESE].
[In reality: My parents are sending me a jar of powdered parmesan, PTL!! Anyone want to send me Velveeta / Krafts Singles?? Hahaha]
Others [allowed]: flour, corn starch, powdered chickpeas [“shiro”], cooking oil, sugar, salt, chili powder/cayenne/paprika, oats, eggs
No canned foods or meat.
50 points

15. 1W - Your only drink options are the following:
Water, Coke (no diet), Fanta, Sprite, fresh-made juice, Tea, & Coffee
20 points

16. 1W - You may not use: oven, microwave, dishwasher.
[Stove-tops are allowed].
20 points

17. 1W - Do not open your refrigerator.
How to survive: store foods / leftovers in a pot or Tupperware on the counter.
Be sure to reheat each time you eat.
[In reality: I don’t always reheat because I don’t always like hot food, but my stomach is used to it. Yours isn’t.]
30 points

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If you get around 400 points, send me a message with your address & a brief reporting of how it went, & I’ll send you something Ethiopian in the mail. Prizes vary based on points & efforts (;

Take the challenge!

Hopefully through this challenge, [or even just by reading it!] you’ll realize [like I did & STILL do during my service here] some of the little things in life that we really take for granted. Us Peace Corps Volunteers are used to these kinds of living situations [which really isn’t bad at all - you get used to it quite quickly], but we KNOW that when we return to the States [or wherever we choose to go post-service]… we’ll be SO THANKFUL for our cockroach/bedbugs/flea/mosquito-free rooms, our bathrooms with running [FOREVER running!] water, HOT water [right out of the faucet!!], grocery stores with ENDLESS options for food [aisles of simply cereal, or yogurt —- & MEAT that’s clean, cut, & ready to go (sans slaughtering)!], CHEESECHEESE&CHEESE, being able to hangout [out of our house!] when it’s dark without worrying about getting eaten by hyenas or attacked by creepies, doing work in a language that we are fluent in, being able to SHOWER several times a week, dressing up, keeping white things white, paved roads, driving, driving without an 80% risk of death, talking at full speed in English with friends, privacy……… & the list goes on.

As for what I’m thankful for here?

I’ll write a book about it later. Haha ;D

Making progress

So today I went to the dentist (one from the list).   She was such a sweetheart and I got my x-rays and my forms filled out!  I think that was the longest oral x-ray session I've ever had (18 slides), but my teeth are all great both in x-rays and in her check.  I'm glad that that's one thing over with.  Now that that's done, I need to keep bothering my doctor to fill out my physical forms (she seems to be taking forever to get back to me).  Once all of those are done,  this stage of my stress will go away!  I'm so glad that this is all working out!  Hopefully nothing goes wrong between now and when I leave!