How did we become friends?

On a long drive home recently, I decided to pass the time by catching up with my longest running friend (and truly the best friend a girl could ask for!). We chatted about the usual stuff - how's your job, how's your dog, let's plan a trip, what's happening in the next year, will you be my first born child's surrogate mother? WAIT? WHAT! Ok ok, that's not exactly how the conversation went, but it did get me thinking about how you get to that point in a friendship where it becomes okay to talk about stuff like that. And what is it that drives friendships? Sometimes it's the product of a situation like a job or a book club, or maybe it's your shared values like environmentalism or being an entrepreneur, or shared experiences like mourning the death of a loved one or riding the subway to work every morning, or maybe they've just been a part of your life for so long you can't imagine yourself without them.

I'm happy to say that I have friends because of all of these different kinds of situations and each of these friendships differ because of the things that brought us together. And, as varied are the ties that bind, are the means of maintaining. I have some friends that I talk to everyday and some that I could go months without any sense of connection, and one day pick up right back where we left off. In my mind, neither situation makes one person mean more to me than the other. I love all of my friends.

I can't wait to sit back in a rocking chair on my porch one day with the people that I have grown to love over the years and tell stories about us at different stages of our lives. It feels good just to sit back right now and take in the range of people that make my life worthwhile.  

Advice? From who? Me?

I have been approached by an undergraduate professor of mine to give an hour long presentation about how to navigate life after college. Hmmmm, I am no expert, that is for sure, but who is?  I have had my ups and downs and have been on the wandering road for the past five years since I graduated from undergrad. I've held about seven different jobs, dabbled in my own entrepreneurial endeavors, traveled through seven different countries, obtained a master's degree, and managed to maintain  a stable level of sanity and focus. I guess that is just my own life's course. The experience is giving me a great opportunity to reflect on where I have been and where I am going from here even though I don't fully know that answer yet.

I must admit, I'm a little bit humbled by the fact that anyone thinks I'm actually capable of giving solid, useful advice to a bunch of soon to be college graduates, or that I can even stand in front of a class for an hour without vomiting.

I am starting my presentation planning with a little project asking all my friends and co-workers (and you...) the following question:

If you could go back in time and tell your last-semester-of-college self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

Easy enough. I have already had some funny responses like - fail every class, push off graduation and consume all my family's wealth to avoid post college graduation depression for as long as possible

...and some sappy ones like - savor every moment because these are the good times
...and some quality advice like - get an internship; never say no to an experience as you might learn a new skill or meet someone who could change your course

I will take them all. My goal is to collect a list of these responses and give it to the students. Simply to prove that everyone's course is different, and really, let's be honest, who am I to give these students any type of advice. I am trying to get the presentation recorded, not only so I can wallow in my own vanity - but also to share it with you for your own amusement as well.

Any advice you can offer or suggestions on topics are welcomed and appreciated!

Peace, Love, and Awesomeness.

Cleaning up shop

I woke up Saturday inspired to clean up a little bit and donate/recycle the things that I've thrown in the back of my closet for the past year. I love days like that! I'm happy {and a little sad} to say that I gave away an entire car full of clothes and goods. I'm not sure when I became such a hoarder but I'm feeling a full car load lighter.

While looking up where I could donate an old printer and cd player I came across a great article from WWAY with information about where you can recycle electronic goods around Wilmington. Knowing from experience that sometimes the best information is in the comments - I found this little quarral that made me laugh. Everett Hervey, whoever you are, we can be friends.

Back Home

Returning from a flippin' sweet weekend in western North Carolina to ring in the new year. Lots of hiking. Lots of beautiful scenery. Good food. Good company. Life is good.

{from}

Watching 180 South thinking about this message - 

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask

Wishing you as exciting a 2012 as I hope my own to be! 

What's something you should never waste?

What is something you should never waste? Another blog I follow {Happiness Is...} hosts a weekly question to ponder. This particular question challenged me and I wanted to take a shot at answering for you. I would love to hear your answer back (insert plea for people to comment on posts so that I know you're out there!!).

There is an Emerson quote hanging in my office that connects the dots between this question and my outlook on life in a pretty little sign - it states - Live in the sunshine, Swim in the sea, Drink the wild air. For me, the things I believe we should never waste are unique natural and social experiences. These experiences could be the tipping point in one's life or something that you may never get to share with anyone again. And for me, that's what life is about.

I have many moments that I know have shaped who I am on many different levels. Some good experiences, some bad - but all unique and I wouldn't want to take any of them away. Some experiences have challenged my ability to understand goodwill in people, others have shined a light on how much care and thoughtfulness a person can have. To have seen both sides creates a balance for me in a world of good and evil.

Nature has always been a draw for me as well. Experiencing natural phenomena in our lifetime is a gentle reminder of how much larger this world is than ourselves and the incredible amount of power behind it. I remember as a kid growing up in rural Maryland, my mom used to wake my brother and I up late in the night to watch meteor showers or when I started diving, seeing large schools of fish swim by in a hurry. These experiences have instilled a respect for the environment that I hope I can empower in others.

It's important to me to continue to experience things and never stop wanting to learn something new or try something I've never tried before. These are the things that make us who we are and connect us to others and empower to do things that are bigger than ourselves. It's unfortunate for me that I am a terrible story teller as one day I hope to have so many stories to tell. These stories are the things we should never waste.

Christmas Gifts

Earlier in the year in an effort to be a part of supporting local businesses and feel better about the gifts that I give, I vowed to reattempt to purchase only locally sourced or handmade gifts. I pride myself in trying to be as thoughtful about gifts as possible, often showing my appreciation this time of year by using my own talents to make something for someone who has shown me support and love throughout the year.

There has been a lot of talk the past two months or so about the scam that Amazon is running - to have consumers go into local shops and take a picture of what they might purchase locally and then get a discount for the item for purchasing it directly through Amazon. I don't agree with what Amazon is trying to do, but its a smart marketing tool for sure. I've blogged before about the 3/50 project and truly believe that supporting local businesses is something that we all should do when possible. My argument in the past is that it's not always possible to support locally as typically things cost more or what you need is just simply not available, but that doesn't discount the importance of thinking about it from time to time. Hell, even Seth Godin thinks it's a point worth pondering.

Back to my point and not just my rant, I tried this year to make local purchases or handmade gifts and mostly succeeded. At least better than last year, as when I started to run out of time I went straight to the big boxes and finished out my Christmas shopping.  So I've kept track of my shopping and figured out the percentages of gifts I gave that fall into each category. Out of the twenty total gifts I gave this year throughout the holiday season, sixteen of them were either handmade or locally sourced. That's 80%! I'm feeling proud of my accomplishment. Looking at the things that I did either order online or purchase through big box stores - I really could have purchased them locally. It would have taken a little more money and some time finding exactly what I was looking for but I think I could have made it happen.

I think it's easy to fall into a habit of convenience and the only way to truly challenge yourself to support local/handmade is to look beyond convenience. My key to success was truly trying to make a map of what I was looking for. I think I started back in October thinking of ideas of things I could make that would be fit for the person that I wanted to gift something to. Had I of waited I would not have been as successful.

So, I'll ask.....did you give gifts that supported local businesses (the best gift you can give to a small business owner is patronage!!) or maybe made an expression of your own talents to those you hold dear? I would love to hear some of the gifts you gave along these guidelines. Here are some of mine -

• Flower magnets (made by me!) for the girls at work to brighten up their cubes!
• Massage and locally made sundries from Down to Earth for me mere.
• Music Mix CD for my stepfather
• Calendar for my Poppop full of pictures of my family over the past year
• Watercolor paintings by me (I'm still learning, but I think they turned out okay)
• Knitted headbands (made by me)

The Art of Letter Writing

If you have known me for any amount of time, you probably already know how much I love writing letters (and receiving letters). My best friend will tell you that when we were in 5th grade (or somewhere around there) I wrote her a letter for every day that she was gone on vacation. She recently reminded me of my letters and it amazes me how long I have truly appreciated the art of letter writing. Letter writing for me is a time to organize my thoughts and feelings, construct them on paper, and express them to another. With life spinning so fast, it takes a deliberate action to sit down, process, and write for a short amount of time and one that doesn't happen often enough.

This NY Times Op-Ed sums up my feelings towards letter writing much more woefully than my own words can describe. An excerpt from this article that particularly speaks to me:

A good handwritten letter is a creative act, and not just because it is a visual and tactile pleasure. It is a deliberate act of exposure, a form of vulnerability, because handwriting opens a window on the soul in a way that cyber communication can never do. You savor their arrival and later take care to place them in a box for safe keeping.

And yes, I save every letter or card or quick note that someone leaves me. I like to look back at moments captured in time and space through these letters to remind me of the amazing people that have been a part of my life.


I recently stumbled upon this stop motion video of a miniature letter writing set. I wonder if I can find some use for something like this because it's absolutely adorable.

World's Smallest Post Service Kit - An Introduction from Leafcutter Designs on Vimeo.

Please also listen to this beautiful song that fits so perfectly -

Peace, Love, & Awesomeness!

Sami

Failure

As a future Peace Corps Volunteer, I can not help but sometimes wonder if the work I will do will actually make a difference. Sustainability is a hot topic for Peace Corps and is something that should be at the forefront of anyone in the development sectors' mind.

I stumbled upon this TED Talk that highlighted many of the problems with development/aid groups. The speaker mentions a really cool forum for talking about (and learning from) failed projects. Check out the website here: http://www.admittingfailure.com/. It's vital to the success of projects to think in a systems perspective - how will my project sustain itself when I leave. As well as, learning from those who failed before us. Integration into the community, pairing you with a counterpart, and (hopefully) working on projects that are already an interest to the community are ways that Peace Corps enables volunteers to work on sustainable projects. Of course that is all easier said then done, but a good framework for success. Soooo...here's the video:

Here is another cool video and a neat project the speaker mentions. If you are interested in learning a new language and contributing to the increased access of information on the world wide web through language translation you should sign up to participate!

Desperately Dreaming Of Distant Destinations

Birthday Dog!

Happy 4th Birthday Prince!

Don't judge that I dress up my dog. 

Top moments of 2011

Being a part of my best friends wedding.

Pushing myself to run, not only to get exercise but also to be outside with the pooch.

Adding six more countries to my “been there, done that” list.

Hosting Miss Kitchen on her visit back to the right shore.

Countless trips to Maryland to visit people that I cherish.

Surviving Hurricane Irene.

The long days of waiting for the Peace Corps to contact me.

Helping friends see the best in themselves, while having friends that see the best in me.

Creating lots of new things.

Spending a too short evening with my second family at Emerald Isle.

Having a job.

Working with amazing students at UNCW.

Spending a weekend at the beach with my family.

Not just one but three Crab feasts this year.

Learning to paddleboard with two of my favorite people.

Making gift bags for my best friends bachelorette party – oh and having a blast in Philly with some amazing ladies (even if I did start to doze off at the bar…typical)

Helping a friend coordinate their wedding

Tuesday night watching Weeds with Erin and Steph. It better not be over L

Going kayaking with Amy and Andy and Prince!

Becoming the most immune person east of the Mississipi – although getting so many shots was not actually one of my favorite moments of 2011 it is just a piece of the puzzle towards something great.

Spending an amazing weekend at Lake Gaston with my family – celebrating Amanda’s birthday, renting a jetski, having cake, soooo many great things.

Ziplining with Amy!

Run (or walk) for the TaTa’s with some work peeps in honor of a beautiful woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
 

A Few Things I Love About Wilmington

I've lived in this town for almost seven years. I can't believe it. When I first moved here I thought I'd only be here for 2 years, tops! I moved here to finish my undergraduate degree. I loved the university. I loved being near the beach. I loved the quaint historic downtown. I loved the small town feel. All in all - I really like being here. So seven years,  two degrees, and six jobs later - this town has taught me some amazing things. I'd like to pay my respects to that by offering a few things that I love about Wilmington.

I love walking down the street and always seeing at least one person that I know - never fails. Small town life is golden.

Beach options. I love that Wilmington offers options as to what kind of beach you'd like to go to. Feeling social and like you can fit in with all the size 2 teens in their bikinis - go to Wrightsville Beach! Want to try out surf fishing in the morning with all the gray hairs - go to Fort Fisher. Feel like enjoying the sound of families laughing and watching children build sand castles - go to Kure Beach! Feel like making a bet with your friend on the number of mullets you'll see - go to Carolina Beach. I love options!

Food. When my friends from Towson came down to visit a few years ago they deemed Wilmington food capital of the world. Since they grew up around Columbia, MD - which I believe is the chain restaurant capital of the world, I feel like their words say a lot. Wilmington is overrun with independently run restaurants and they are soooo amazing.

Homeless people. If you live in Wilmington and ever frequent downtown - you know at least one homeless man by name (probably Byron...). I happen to know a few. There is the gentlemen, who I think is homeless by choice, that loves to tease my dog at the park. And there is the one that walks down Market St. talking to himself and violently waving his hands, then there is the drunkard that walks around harassing people downtown. Wilmington is quite the home for a homeless person - perhaps its due to our overwhelming amount of nonprofits that offer assistance or perhaps its just due to the wonderful location.

Weather. Can't beat 70 degrees during the month of Christmas. I can't believe I wore shorts and flip flops to watch the football game this past Sunday.

The fast paced northern feel with a little southern hospitality all its own. Wilmington is sectored off from any large city and has really adopted a culture all its own. With so many northerners (myself included) infiltrating, Wilmington offers a good combination of both.

So much creativity, so little time. I am constantly impressed with the number of creative people in this town - it's probably suppressed my own hopes of actually successfully selling some of the things I've made over the years. With art shows and workshops almost every day of the week - the artistic community here does not disappoint.

All in all, I love Wilmington. Although I still consider Maryland home and hope to go back there one day - I don't discount all that Wilmington has to offer. If Wilmington's job market ever perks up I would highly recommend this place as a great place for people of all ages!

Peace, Love, and Weekends!

The Power of Vulnerability- MUST WATCH.

Movie Reviews

 As of late, there are a ton of movies on my list to watch. Without Netflix or a more expensive cable package, I’m limited to what Redbox has to offer these days (which is not so bad.) Despite the recent increase in move rental prices on redbox (up from $1.00 to $1.20), I will graciously accept the cheap fare to watch a movie. Still much better than the $11.00 to go see a movie in the theater. In Wilmington, we are fortunate to have multiple venues to see movies on the cheap including the recent movie festival, Cucalorus as well as the on-campus theater that offers $2.00 movie fare. Recently I have been watching LOTS of movies, with the cold weather moving from my comfy and warm bed in the evenings takes more energy that I  would like to give. Here are some movies that I have watched recently –

Crazy Stupid Love – My roommate and I almost bit the bullet and paid to see this movie in the theater. However, our lack of motivation in actually paying the $11.00 forced us a save it for another day. I picked this one up at Redbox as I am a big fan of Steve Carroll and Ryan Gosling (ummm, yes they were wrong about 2011 sexiest man of the year and here is why). Overall this movie was GREAT – 4 ½ stars in my book. It was all things you look for in a light-hearted Tuesday night movie – funny, cute – wait, maybe I am just describing Ryan Gosling. Ahhhh, well it was a beautifully told story of caring and forgiveness and the beauty of love and family.

Kumare – This movie was at the top of my list for the Cucalorus film festival and definitely lived up to its expectation. My dear friend Erin accompanied me to the screening of this movie at Thalian Hall. When I first heard about the movie I thought it was going to be about a really weird guy who changed his identity to get people to follow him on his path to spirituality. Well, it turns out, it was - but in the most humorous, enlightening way. I LOVED THIS MOVIE. 5 stars from me. I sincerely recommend it to anyone who is interested in a motivational story about finding one's self and where to look to do such a thing. It did not hurt that the movie was HILARIOUS too!

The Future – Having a little bit of a lady crush on Miranda July for the better part of the last five years. She is my creative inspiration. I had to check out this movie. Within the first 5 minutes I was totally creeped out and have decided that Miranda’s work is becoming a little to quirky for me. Not sure if it's her work or me getting older. The opening scene is a shot of a cat’s legs, one broken, while the cat is talking about being in the darkness and hoping that someone will take it home to care for it. We all know how I feel about cats and just the fact that it was talking was enough for me. I continued to watch the movie – while multi-tasking – as I couldn’t give it my full attention. I give this 1 ½ stars. Not worth watching but I give Miranda the benefit of the doubt as she is a brilliant creative artist. I am just not into this kind of work I guess.

So, what movies do you recommend? Up next on my list are – J. Edgar; The Muppets; finally jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon; Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud; Circumstance; The Lemon Tree; The Pool; Four Months, Three Days, and Two Hours (Thanks Linda for the foreign film recommendations!)

What does N G O stand for?

I feel like I've climbed Mt. Everest since I first took to plunge and applied for the Peace Corps. At first many people asked, what is that Peace Corps? Where are you going (which......I still don't have the answer to....)? How long will you be going? What will you be doing? And, what is the Peace Corps again? 

As it's been four years since I first applied and a year and a half since being actively involved in the second time around, it makes my heart soar for Peace Corps to finally be a common topic for many of my family and friends. Although I know it still leaves them puzzled sometimes as to why I'd want to give up my super comfy bed, my sweet digs downtown, a good job, and the comfort of being close to people that I know and love to go someone where I don't know anyone, can't speak the language, and may sleep in a 10' x 10' mud hut in the middle of no where - I think we've all come a long way.

Despite how far we've come, I still get questions - mostly - what will you be doing and what is an NGO? NGO stands for Non Governmental Organization. These are the organizations that help solve problems innate civic problems, fill in the gaps of what the private sector and government can't fill, and connect with community in ways that no other sector can. For us in the United States, NGOs are equivalent to what you might know as the non-profit sector. Although the scope and scale of NGOs may be different in a developing country the concept is the same.

NGOs, in the U.S. and abroad, often lack the time and resources to build their capacity and expand their impact. NGOs historically exist because their is a need that needs to be noticed, a void that needs to filled, or a problem that needs to be solved. Peace Corps, for the few NGOs in the countries where Peace Corps is located, can serve as a resource to help expand human impact where resources are needed. And I can't wait to be a part of it :)

I am so excited for my job nomination. I really couldn't ask for a better fit as I've spent the greater part of the last three years getting my Master's in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management (and Environmental Policy). I can't wait to put all those enthralling strategic planning classes with Dr. Laurie Paarlberg to good use! 

What NGOs do you know or work with in the U.S. that can make an impact on your community?

It's so close, I can almost see it.

Over a long holiday weekend with my family, I finally got some reassurance from the Peace Corps. An e-mail from a Peace Corps Placement Assistant arrived asking for an updated resume and my Master's transcripts. I quickly sent them off today. Hearing from the Office of Placement is a GREAT sign that maybe I'll hear from a specialist soon about scheduling an interview and then the coveted INVITATION!!

My aspiration is to hear from them by the end of year so I can start the new year off with planning for my departure. It just seems so close to finally finding out where I will spend the next two years that I can barely stand it! However, as I've waited this long and will continue to wait - I know that it could be two or three months before I actually hear from anyone. This page on Peace Corps Wiki is a good source of how long applicants wait from one step to the next.

For now, I'll just continue with my daily routine of waiting, waiting, waiting. While I wait, I'll share with you some fun things around the web:

My tasty contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner.

Inspiration for my next necklace design.

Currently reading, next in line.

Inspiration for running.

Peace, Love, and Happiness!

And for the irony of posting this on my blog....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remedy

A colleague (and neighbor) of mine put together a great CD exchange extravaganza. Thirty people each made one CD of their favorite songs, or just a remix, and made thirty copies to distribute to all the people participating. I loved this idea, so of course I was on it! Since the invention of MP3 players my CD player in my car has felt extremely lonely and excluded. I'm excited to finally put that bad boy back into use. Thirty CDs of good music will certainly get me through LOTS of holiday traveling! 

In addition to some good jams we could also decorate our CDs and possibly be given top accolades in a multitude of categories! I'll let you know if I win any!

I thought I'd share with you some pictures of my CD Exchange contribution. My CD was the theme of Remedy - featuring mostly somber songs that might lead you through a relaxing evening (I believe though there were a few outcast tunes that I threw in just because I like them and I want everyone else to like them as well). I wrapped them in brown kraft paper, tied with twine with apothecary labels - because who doesn't like a brown paper package tied up with string.

Remedy CD Mix

Birds-Emiliana Torrini

Challengers-The New Pornographers

Down In the Valley-The Head and The Heart

Fairy Paradise-CoCoRosie

Ghost Town-First Aid Kit

Heart Skipped a Beat-The xx

Islands-Young the Giant

The Littlest Birds-The Be Good Tanyas

Long Boat Pass-Tennis

My Only Offer-Mates of State

One May Die So Lonely-JayMay

The Passenger-Stars

People Got A Lotta Nerve-Neko Case

So Many Ways to Die-Bombadil

Take Me As I Am-Au Revior Simone

Let It Fall-Lykke Li

Academia-Sia

True Affection-The Blow

What I Wouldn't Do-A Fine Frenzy

Write About Love-Belle and Sebastian

If you'd like a copy, I think there might be some left over so let me know and I'll get it to ya!

Peace, Love, and Turkey?

Sami

Major Update

I feel as though I owe a major update since I committed to writing this blog. So here is the quick and dirty -

life. good.
work. good.
friends. good
prince. good.
all around mental outlook. good.

Alright - so, maybe that wasn't thorough enough. I'll start with an update on the topic that gives this blog purpose- PEACE CORPS! I believe in some of my last posts I told you that I received my Medical Packet. Man that seems like a light year ago. Well, quickly after receiving my medical packet I scheduled all the necessary appointments - dentist, doctor, health department, etc. Shots were given, cavities were filled, blood was drawn, and papers were signed.

On November 2, I received a status update on my toolkit that said "A decision has been made regarding your medical review." About 4 days later a letter was in the mail saying that I have been medically qualified for service! Ahhh, that is what I've been waiting for.

So, Peace Corps Application 101 - next stop - PLACEMENT!

I'm really hoping that I still am in the running for a June leave date for Eastern Europe in NGO Advising. Although I know that the reality is that 80% of applicants don't actually go to the location that they were originally nominated for - I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

Peace Corps Application Time Line

A lot of Peace Corps applicants have some kind of documentation of their process so here is mine:

February 2008 -- Meet with recruiter to talk about the Peace Corps

April 28, 2008 -- Submit application

May 2, 2008 -- Recruiter contacted me about scheduling an interview and sending additional forms

June 9, 2008--Interview with Peace Corps recruiter, Sarah Barfield, in Wilmington, NC

June 23, 2008--Officially Nominated for either Eastern Europe or Africa::Community Development

July 30, 2008--Sent nominations for Community Development in Cetnral/South America or Sub-Saharan Africa

August 4, 2008--Pulled my application due to multiple reasons...to put aside this opportunity for a better time in my life

March 3, 2010--Talked to recruiter about reapplying for Peace Corps

March 15, 2010--Start Application Process Again

March 28, 2010--Turned in Application

March 29, 2010--1st Recommendation submitted (Thanks Peggy!)

March 30, 2010--2nd Recommendation submitted (Thanks Jeff!)

April 28, 2010--Emailed Recruiter because I had not heard anything (this is where the waiting game began!)

May 6, 2010--Heard from Recruitment Coordinator, have to wait due to outside circumstances to move forward with the process.

December 1, 2010--Can finally move forward with application

December 5, 2010--Recieved packet of information including fingerprints, NAC Questionnaire, College Transcripts, Certifications

December 16, 2010--Received an email from the recruiter stating that they needed the information back by January 5th (no problem!)

December 22, 2010--Had to submit a new recommendation to fit the guidelines of preffered recommendations (Thanks Sheila!)

December 23, 2010--Delayed information for log into my toolkit was finally sent to me

December 28, 2010--Peace Corps representative called to have me send over copies of scuba certifications

December 29, 2010--Send back all information including transcripts, fingerprints, etc.

January 20, 2011--Peace Corps Toolkit update! Paperwork is complete!

February 11, 2011--Interview at NCSU completed::possible nominations for Community Development or Business Development, waiting for program specs to be released

February 25, 2011--Emailed recruiter asking what else I should be doing--stated just wait for more information to be released and update him on any new skills I acquire

April 1, 2011--Emailed recruiter looking for an update. RAS (restless applicant syndrome) is settling in

June 13, 2011--Emailed recruiter while in Europe asking for updates. Officially nominated for Eastern Europe doing NGO Development leaving June 2012

July 17, 2011 -- Home from trip to Europe with a medical packet sitting in my mailbox.

September 13, 2011 -- Finished all medical paperwork - Sent back to PC headquarters.

September 24, 2011--Forgot to have Doctor co-sign all paperwork and have to redo two tests.

October 20, 2011 -- Send back all information to Medical Office

November 2, 2011 -- Status Update! Letter came in the mail a few days later saying I am Medically cleared for service!

November 28, 2011 -- Email from Placement Assistant stating my file is complete and a Placement Specialist will be in touch.