Pun intended. Sorry, not sorry.
Just a quick update as there has been some movement over the last couple of weeks. I have continued to steadily pack out my stuff. Last week I basically got all my clothes separated into a UAB pile, or packed in luggage I will be taking with me, saving just lots of medical scrubs and a few regular outfits for the remaining time I’m here. Between now and orientation I am working 14 shifts in the next 20 days, so it’s going to be a lot of work. I also made a mega donation to Goodwill. Packed or set aside a bunch of things that will go into HHE for our final move, and finalized things with the future renters of our house. I also purchased a new laptop that will be my orientation computer. It’s been quite productive.
3 weeks from today I will be sitting in orientation in my NOVA apartment. At least that’s the plan, no one in the class has received their travel orders, which is sort of freaky considering you’re asking dozens of people to pack up and ship out, and they haven’t “officially” gotten the clearance to do so. Hopefully it comes this week, as I need it by next week when they come to collect my UAB. Fingers crossed.
State also had me sign the “final offer” paperwork last week that had questions about moving. Shortly thereafter I received a mega dump of paperwork to fill out and sign, including benefits like health care/life insurance, as well as payroll info. It’s amazing how much better AND cheaper a government subsidized healthcare plan is compared to the private sector. I stand to save about $700 a month all in all on my benefits compared to my current job. I mentioned this in my AMA, but even if dollar for dollar the salaries aren’t equal to the private sector, things like this can really make your “take home” pay the same or even better.
It’s starting to feel real and close, and I couldn’t be more excited. I started prepping my wardrobe with a few DC sports items like a National Cap, DC United Hoodie, and Capitals shirt. I plan on going to as many sporting events as I can, coming from an area where our only top tier pro sports team is a Liga MX soccer team in Ciudad Juarez (FC Bravos), which has been harder to attend the last couple of years for obvious reasons. I am really going to miss my wife and kids during the 3 months of orientation, but thankfully summer break is just around the corner, and we have a few long visits planned to ease the distance.
Here’s to a fast flying 3 weeks. –Nick
