My kids are so cute. We had to do "passport type" photos - which meant a head shot on a white background for their visas. In our home, we don't have "white" walls, so "buttermilk" will have to do. The color is above the wainscoting in the kitchen, so we had to stand Madeline on a chair to get the right background. I am still in post-peel mode, so my picture leaves much to be desired, but remains a lesson learned.
The whole moving overseas process is so much more detailed than I expected. The medical documentation is brutal. I have had to do a 7 page medical history form, which included a page for the physical exam (including pelvic - oh joy, a stranger doing my GYN exam). Chris and I and both kids have exams scheduled for April 29th. Chris and I have to see Chevron physicians (how do you get THAT job????) and the kids go to a "Chevron approved" pediatrician at Texas Children's. I also had to fill out mental health form for both kids, and pulmonary functional assessment and mental health forms for myself.
In addition to medical information and exams, I had to perform a two hour online personality assessment. I just found out today that Chris and I have a two day orientation in June at Chevron in Houston. We also have to meet with a counselor to review our personality assessments for an hour each. Impressive.
On one hand, I am pleased that Chevron is investing so much time and energy to make sure we are going to be happy and healthy on our new adventure. They do not seem to be leaving any stone unturned before we relocate. On the other hand, it feels a little invasive and creepy. It reminds me a little of when I almost joined the Navy. It also makes me realize that some people must have REALLY freaked out overseas. I realize that the company is investing a small fortune to send us over and ensure our safety and happiness - I guess this is just a way to protect their investment.
The Navy comment is relative because I almost signed on the dotted line to join as an officer before medical school so they would pay for it. It is a pretty good financial deal for me and the opportunity came highly recommended. I went to New Orleans for my physical exam and testing. The nurses who were checking me in and administering tests kept whispering to me "don't do it, just take out student loans" or "its not worth it." Hmmm, I began to think. Maybe they are right. When it came time for my physical exam, the "doctor" walked into the exam room. There I sat in a paper gown, face to face with the scariest looking man I had ever seen. He was at least 7 feet tall (no kidding), he had exopthalmus (googly-eyes for the uneducated), and long skinny fingers. All 12 of the hairs left on his head were sticking straight up and the rest had relocated to his eyebrows. His lab coat was dirty and he did not introduce himself. I had not even started medical school yet, but I knew something was very wrong. I had an epiphany. The Navy was not for me. NO WAY was I going to let this man examine me and no scholarship was worth that. I jumped off the table, grabbed my clothes and with as much dignity as I could ran out of the room to the bathroom with my paper gown flapping in the breeze. The Admiral was very upset and called me repeatedly, but I just could not tell him why I could not go through with the exam and sign on the dotted line. So I am a little nervous about who is going to do my exam in a couple of weeks.... Having some insight into the medical field makes me think that anyone working for an oil company as a physician is either a genius or a total reject? I'll keep you posted. I'll also do my best not to jump off of the exam table and ruin my husband's career - especially after I just ruined mine.
P90X came today. Off Ebay. From China. I bet Tony Horton is so happy about that. I did Chest/Back and Ab Ripper X today. I did not take the "before pictures" as recommended and need to get the journal/calander to keep track of my progress, but I am commited to it and will keep you posted. I realistically don't expect to be able to lift my arms tomorrow. Thank God speculums don't weigh much.
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