Happy New Year!

Okay, so maybe not so much but as far as the Chinese calendar is concerned... HAPPY NEW YEAR! To our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world, it is now the year 4709 - not 2011. Arbitrary numbers as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, I've been horrible to keep this thing updated. I'd like to make it my goal of updating this on a monthly basis. Maybe twice if I can be so diligent and organized with time!

So few things I want to share. First, my newly attained professional certification:

As of December 30 2010, I'm officially a certified Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP). Hoping to bring this bad boy to the negotiating table when my promotion and salary raise are to be discussed!


Also, I donated 1 WHOLE pint of blood for the first time on 02 Feb in front of my building. I had a miserable day at work and really felt the need to lift my spirits. What better way to do that than to save 3 LIVES!? Haha... I also gave it on behalf of my alma gemela as she falls a few lbs below the min. weight requirement and asked I do it in her stead. I'm glad she did.

I'll definitely do it the next chance I get. However, I'll make sure to have a fridge stocked with food and fluids. I've felt shitty the following day and half since I (stupidly) ate and drink the absolute minimum. It's important to replenish and get back to homeostasis!


On a random note, my buddy Laura Fox (shown in previous post with Johnny) came back to DC! She's a cool, free spirit that I had the pleasure to live with for a few months in 2010. I always seem to learn something interesting (or whacky) around her and we always have a chill time so I'm glad she made a pit-stop before embracing her next journey.

PC Updates:

• 03 Dec 2010: Medical Packet Received
• 10 Jan 2011:  Medical Packet Completed and Delivered
• 26 Jan 2011: PC Office confirmed receipt of my Medical Packet

These three bullets do not do justice in explaining the highs and lows of this process. I jumped through boundless hoops to get all my forms filled out - numerous medical, psychological, dental, and orthodontic exams, along with two vaccines and approx $400 in bills. After all was said and done, more than 30 pages had to be copied for my own records prior to mailing everything out (neatly and in order).

Two weeks later, I receive an email stating my application status has been updated - AH!


What could it be? ... They "received my medical packet".

Really, Peace Corps? Build me up... for that? It's good to know but I suppose I was foolishly hoping for more. And so now, I WAIT. Impatiently that is... to hear if I'm medically cleared and can work with a placement officer for an official invite.

That's all for now. Life right now is mainly busting my butt with my final three grad classes to get my Master's in Engineering Mgmt w/ Summa Cum Laude, developing a strategic communications plan for my client at work, and sprinkling some social activities to enjoy good people/times. =D

Much love and empowerment in 2011!