It seems like DAYS since I’ve written.
Instead, it’s just been a few hours. But many things have happened! First, I passed my ARDMS Physics registry exam. That is possibly the largest relief I have ever experienced. It was 125 questions on the many different aspects of Ultrasound, and the physics and instrumentation contained therein. I was given 120 minutes to complete the examination with a sheet of scratch paper, a pencil, and the computer that the test was on. I finished in less than 40 minutes, and passed with 93% of my answers correct. I had gone into the test with a personal goal of scoring above 80%. Hooray me!
Also! A few hours after I got home from the job interview that I had gone to Rowan for (and was subsequently offered the position) I received a call from the recruiter for a different hospital system. This time, she was calling about a position at an OB/GYN office that lies a mere 10 minute drive from my own home. The hours would be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Full time Obstetric Scanning, working with five physicians, and close to home. If you know me at all, you know this is one of my dreams.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love working at the hospital. I find it very fulfilling, working with patients, and helping sick people to have an enjoyable moment in their day. I like to consider my job a “breath of fresh air” in the hospital atmosphere, because of the pleasant nature of the position – there is no pain or radiation, and my patient contact lasts long enough for me to chat with and enjoy the people I meet. However… if hospital work is my bread and butter, then Obstetric work is my caviar. I feel lucky when I get to scan a baby or two. My passion for pregnancy, OB, and all things babies draws me toward a position like this with excitement and fervor.
With that in mind, I scheduled an interview with the manager of the office. Next Thursday, I will be meeting with the office manager, the head of Human Resources, and four of the five physicians. I will be judged by a panel. I’m nervous, anxious, and excited already. I want it… and I know I’m capible of getting it. I just have to give myself the chance to be me. And since I’ve already got the Rowan position, I don’t have to fear failure or rejection. While the OB/GYN office is more desirable to me, I would not turn up my nose at working PRN until things do work out.
I’m glad to hear everyone is enjoying the story. I have enjoyed letting it out a little at a time – it has given me the chance to make last minute alterations before posting the next bit. Brock has been following along, and said it is very suspenseful… and he knows how it ends!
I also just wanted to note quickly that I have gotten a lot of friend requests in the last few weeks. If you have friend requested me and been turned down, it is because I have set myself some general guidelines for friendship. Your Xanga must have at least 2 substantial posts, and some information about you. Anything to do with Sex or Nudity gets an automatic Decline. Any Xanga that has been made in the last few days also gets bypassed. I want to be friends with real people, who are here for the same reason I am, and not just someone looking for some eye candy. If you think I’ve declined you in error, send me a message and let me know why! Thanks.
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Part 3 –
My cell phone suddenly seemed much slicker than usual, and my fingers weren’t as confident in finding the right buttons. With lip firmly in teeth, I began to type out the text message to Brock, letting him know that I couldn’t make it to the wedding. There was something about money, and something else about being a third wheel… but really it was just fluff. I was terrified to let him know my real reasons. I was terrified of being rejected. Instead, I ended up being encouraged by the fact that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. My heart seemed to raise up a little in my chest. He told me that he would help pay for gas, and that I could share a hotel room with him and his brother Brady. “It will be good for you,” he said, “to have a good time and surround yourself with people that care about you. Just to get away.” He also discreetly hinted that he and his girlfriend were on the outs. Perhaps it was his persuasive texting skills, or perhaps it was that last tidbit of information… either way, something he said did the trick. By noon the next day, I packed up my Jeep and hit the road. Google Map directions in hand, I was confident and yet nervous. It had been five whole years since Brock and I had had anything other than electronic contact.
The two hour drive took me nearly four because of an over-turned turkey truck. My cell phone didn’t have any reception, and I started to feel the wispy threads of panic at the edges of my mind. Luck was with me, however, and a generous also-stranded motorist let me make a quick phone call. I hesitated before dialing Brock’s number, and the knowledge that the cellphone in hand was not my own spurred me on. Speaking to him on the phone was instantly another hurdle; I felt my heart quicken when I heard his voice, my breath seemed to be pressure in my chest. This time, certainly, the hundred-degree heat was to blame for my sweaty palms. I explained my situation, and told him, “I’ll let you know when I get there.” As I snapped the phone shut, nerves finally turned into adrenaline and excitement. How long can it possibly take to clean up Turkeys? I couldn’t be there soon enough! All I remember of the drive was thinking, “This is so beautiful. I wish I wasn’t driving alone. How much farther is it?”
