Saturday, July 31, 2010

Additional Medical Information Requested

Just got a letter in the mail from OMS (Office of Medical Services) requesting more information from my doctor regarding my allergic reaction (hives) to Penicillin in January. I had this reaction after submitting the original health status review, so I therefore had not indicated it on the review. If I had indicated it originally, they would have sent me this additional request form upfront with the rest of the medical packet. Anyways, it should not be a big deal... I will drop it off to the doctor's office on Monday and hopefully they can fill it out quickly and fax it to OMS. It was not a severe reaction, nothing a little Benadryl couldn't fix...so I'm hoping it won't cause any complications or set backs.

Crossing my fingers and hoping for clearance soon :-)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Woohoo! Medical Review!

I got an application status update this morning! I have a hold on my medical section...which is actually good...because that means that they are now reviewing my medical files...which will eventually hopefully lead to medical clearance. I've been waiting for 1 month for them to start this review, so today is a happy day :-) Now I have to wait for them to finish reviewing and grant clearance...which could be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to 2 months (hopefully not! lol).

P.S. I am very proud of myself for performing my own vehicle maintenance this afternoon! I just changed my air filter (which is easy and anybody can do) and I changed my fuel filter (a little bit more difficult, but still semi-easily DIY..... although I think most people usually pay to have it done at a shop). I might go buy an oil filter and try an oil change next :-)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Update....Not

This is not really an update...because nothing new has happened....
Still waiting on PC to start reviewing my medical packet....I've been pretty good at being patient so far....but hoping they will get to it soon :-)

For those of you who have just found out about my Peace Corp plans or are visiting my blog for the first time, here is some information to catch you up to date. Joining the Peace Corps is a long and complicated process that is said to take an average of 9 to 12 months (I applied in January, and am nominated to leave in November). Here is how I see the breakdown of the major components:
1. Online Application
2. Interview w/ Recruiter
3. Nomination (for projected date & program)
4. Legal Clearance
5. Dental Clearance
6. Medical Clearance
7. Placement
8. Official Invitation
9. Departure
Currently, I have completed steps 1-5, and am now sitting in Step 6: Medical Clearance. This is usually one of the longest waits during any part of the process. I have completed all medical requirements and am waiting for the medical team to review my file and grant clearance.

While I am waiting, here is my plans for the next few months:
July- finish up summer school...my last days teaching my kids :-( I will miss them lots!
August- upstate NY for 3 weeks to visit my grandma, aunts, uncles, & cousins
September & October- Louisiana to visit my sister, brother in law, and nephew
- visit w/ friends & family
- volunteer/help out at Seffner w/ the EELP and ASD classes
- volunteer w/ some other organizations