My very own government issue cubicle

Here it is...

I had to post the photo of my name plate, just so you know it is real.  Okay, no windows, pretty spartan, but mine all mine for the next 5 weeks.

MED training has been great.  I am learning the meat of what I will be doing.  Also learning the computer system and database stuff.  Meeting with the other team members and administrative staff here in Washington.  We have some great doctors/specialists who can help us in the field (cardiology, endocrine, neurology). that is a big relief to know we have the back up.  i have been so lucky in my career, working in academic settings, where we always have someone to go to for questions.

It is a good thing i am here now (thank you Bruin and Diane!!).  The next orientation isn't until March 2011 and the rumor is that there might not be any more MED positions at that time - whispers of funding cuts are out there. There has been a big push to hire more staff of late, so i may have come in just under the wire.  i feel very fortunate.

Next week i have a 2 day parasitology course - that will be a needed refresher. I am madly working to put all the final details in order - getting my car set up to make the trip to Burkina, last minute shopping, sorting out the phone thing (i have to buy an unlocked cell phone...whatever that is), scheduling immunizations (Stacy or Jenna, are you available to come give these to me?). I feel like i will never have enough time to get all of this together.  it looks like we will be leaving mid-Nov, right on schedule.  cant wait!!