Wednesday, July 26, 2006
good-byes, part two
As I talk to/email with folks, I've been spreading the word about this, but it's time to make it official. (drum roll)
I'm moving to Tucson.
Your initial reaction might be that this is the easy way out, but I assure you that Tucson won on its own merit and not just on the fact that I've been hanging out here and I cry when I think about going back to Arlington. (Yes, really, tears were shed. That ain't a good sign.)
So here's briefly what's happened.
I've decided to pursue physical therapy school and in order to do so, I need to take many (MANY, actually) pre-requisite classes. Envisioning a life taking those pre-reqs in VA was where the tears happened, mostly due to a combination of the work/school/lack of life or funds to have a life kind of thing. So I thought about some other options, like where would I want to establish residency for applying for school later and where do I know people and where would I like to make a fresh start and in the end, Tucson bubbled up as a winner. The safety net of having family here just sweetens the deal.
Last week there were some entertaining moments as I jumped through the necessary hoops to register for intro biology and chemistry at Pima Community College. There are more hoops than one might think, FYI. All sorts of placement tests and approvals needed to get into these classes since they "move at a fast pace." I had to stifle a giggle when the advisor I met with said he'd waive the orientation on college (or whatever it is) for me since I'd already been a college student. (Gee, thanks, nevermind I've even been a graduate student) Or when the testing center told me that I'd qualified for honors placement based on my scores on the reading, writing and math placement tests. I've never been eligible for honors in my life. Dad's comment? "I"m glad your Vanderbilt education prepared you for honors at the community college. That was money well spent." Totally just busting my chops, of course, he's secretly proud I'm sure. And the chemistry placement test that I actually had to study for was an eye-opener, but shocking how much I did remember, however vaguely. But I made it, so starting August 23, I'm in class Monday through Thursday nights. Yay. Make that YAY! since I really am excited. I, of course, am really a huge nerd.
As for the moving bit and the employment bit, those are yet to be nailed down. But as wise friends of mine have told each other for years, "housing always works out...we don't know anyone who has literally ended up in a cardboard box." The good news is, there's plenty of options here. I just have to decide if I want to live in a cute part of town in a tiny place or a less cute part and have enough room I could even get a puppy. It's so hard when you don't know where you're going to work or the city that well, honestly. There's also that pesky matter of all my stuff and getting it out here. No, I don't know when I'll be back to pack and move, but it will be soon, obviously. Lots of stress, for sure, but also loads of excitement.
I'm moving to Tucson.
Your initial reaction might be that this is the easy way out, but I assure you that Tucson won on its own merit and not just on the fact that I've been hanging out here and I cry when I think about going back to Arlington. (Yes, really, tears were shed. That ain't a good sign.)
So here's briefly what's happened.
I've decided to pursue physical therapy school and in order to do so, I need to take many (MANY, actually) pre-requisite classes. Envisioning a life taking those pre-reqs in VA was where the tears happened, mostly due to a combination of the work/school/lack of life or funds to have a life kind of thing. So I thought about some other options, like where would I want to establish residency for applying for school later and where do I know people and where would I like to make a fresh start and in the end, Tucson bubbled up as a winner. The safety net of having family here just sweetens the deal.
Last week there were some entertaining moments as I jumped through the necessary hoops to register for intro biology and chemistry at Pima Community College. There are more hoops than one might think, FYI. All sorts of placement tests and approvals needed to get into these classes since they "move at a fast pace." I had to stifle a giggle when the advisor I met with said he'd waive the orientation on college (or whatever it is) for me since I'd already been a college student. (Gee, thanks, nevermind I've even been a graduate student) Or when the testing center told me that I'd qualified for honors placement based on my scores on the reading, writing and math placement tests. I've never been eligible for honors in my life. Dad's comment? "I"m glad your Vanderbilt education prepared you for honors at the community college. That was money well spent." Totally just busting my chops, of course, he's secretly proud I'm sure. And the chemistry placement test that I actually had to study for was an eye-opener, but shocking how much I did remember, however vaguely. But I made it, so starting August 23, I'm in class Monday through Thursday nights. Yay. Make that YAY! since I really am excited. I, of course, am really a huge nerd.
As for the moving bit and the employment bit, those are yet to be nailed down. But as wise friends of mine have told each other for years, "housing always works out...we don't know anyone who has literally ended up in a cardboard box." The good news is, there's plenty of options here. I just have to decide if I want to live in a cute part of town in a tiny place or a less cute part and have enough room I could even get a puppy. It's so hard when you don't know where you're going to work or the city that well, honestly. There's also that pesky matter of all my stuff and getting it out here. No, I don't know when I'll be back to pack and move, but it will be soon, obviously. Lots of stress, for sure, but also loads of excitement.
# posted by kristen : 11:52 AM
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broken hearts? you have NO idea. sigh. it SHOULD help that on some level i've known this was coming since you first left...but it doesn't. i am, of course, very happy for you. just very sad for me. :-( (and i STILL know where you can get a slightly used puppy VERY cheap...mom might disown me, but i would be dad's hero.)
Darn helling poopy shucksy heck, and I'll say it: fudge.
Okay, it sounds like you've got a better shot at rolling together a pleasant existence in Tucson than in A-Town. I will give you that. And I won't try and talk you out of it. If you can deal with AZ in the middle of the summer then you have some subzero liquid-cooled balls of some make and model beyond my experience.
This will not stop me, of course, from mainlining top-shelf tequilla in you for whatever brief period during which you return for your goods.
You always managed to start and maintain the conversations about the stuff nobody would say, unabashedly and with total commitment. I already miss that very much.
Oh, and Holly says "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah." I think she speaks for both of us.
Right coast, represent.
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Okay, it sounds like you've got a better shot at rolling together a pleasant existence in Tucson than in A-Town. I will give you that. And I won't try and talk you out of it. If you can deal with AZ in the middle of the summer then you have some subzero liquid-cooled balls of some make and model beyond my experience.
This will not stop me, of course, from mainlining top-shelf tequilla in you for whatever brief period during which you return for your goods.
You always managed to start and maintain the conversations about the stuff nobody would say, unabashedly and with total commitment. I already miss that very much.
Oh, and Holly says "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah." I think she speaks for both of us.
Right coast, represent.
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