I never thought I'd feel better off than a doctor

I had reason to read this blog recently.  The blog itself is aged - over six years old.  But the content is still applicable.  The blog addresses 10 reasons why one should not go to medical school.  (It lists one reason in support of medical school, down at the bottom.)

I've never considered medical school.  Okay, that's a lie.  I've never seriously medical school.  I'm pretty sure I don't have the patience, money, or strength of will to spend that amount of time in class anymore.  I do periodically think that I would like to practice some form of medicine.  I like helping people, and I think I'm bright enough to get through medical school.  But generally it seems like a lot of work, and apparently I'm lazy.

As it turns out, laziness is not the primary reason not to go to medical school.

Reading the blog made me feel grateful.  I have a lowly bachelor's degree.  My degree is in physics.  That and 50 cents will not even get you a cup of coffee.  You need at least a master's just to do most lab work, and you need a PhD for jobs in which you actually think about science.  I don't use my physics degree in my job, although having a bachelor's degree is a requirement.

I exited college without very much debt.  I did have a little.  I put my last semester on my credit card, and the occasional pizza and car repair.  I paid off my credit cards after acquiring gainful employment and have never let them get high again.  My only debt is my mortgage.  If I had become a doctor,  I might not yet have paid off my debts.  Going by the aforementioned blog, I would be tired all the time, not have any friends or a husband, be likely to get sued, and not be doing all the good I thought I might.  Plus super high premiums for insurance against the being sued part.

I have lots of friends, I have plenty of free time, I have a beloved husband, and a very low chance that somebody will sue me because I tried to help them.  Life is very good in nerd land.

The Black Turtleneck Club

As you undoubtedly know (how could you miss it?) Steve Jobs died recently.  Yesterday I was talking with the scanning team at work, and they mentioned that they were going to wear black turtlenecks and jeans to work on Friday as a tribute to Steve, who as far as we can tell wore that outfit as a uniform.  I thought it was a fine idea and decided to follow suit.  Or turtleneck.

Our door also wore a black turtleneck

You will have to take my word for the jeans

The day passed unremarkably (although I did have a very fine lunch date with my husband.)  This evening I had to pack for the weekend.  My camping gear was once again spread hither and yon.  I never did find my sports tape.  Instead I jaunted quickly to the grocery store and picked up a new roll.  I will undoubtedly find the old roll within two days.  However, if I had not gone to the store, the old roll would have remained hidden forever.

After searching the living room, sunroom, dining room, kitchen, guest room, both bathrooms, and JD's car, I finally reassembled my gear.  I think.  If not, I think I at least have enough to survive on.  Probably.  It's two days in Shenandoah, it's not like I need that much.

It was a good thing that I ended up looking everywhere, because I had totally forgotten about my new pole tips.  They are needed because my old, beaten down pole tips were no longer pointy enough to stay in their grommets inside my tent.  As a result, every little jostle brought the tent down on my head.  Not very fun.

See what I mean?  Maine.  Maine did that.

I weighed the pack, and it's about 26 lb.  That's a lot for a low mileage overnight trip.  I have some extra materials in there to help me remain unsunburnt.  The other hikers will no doubt poke fun at my parasol, but if that's what it takes to get me out in the woods, that's what I'll do.  Ditto for the long sleeves and long pants while it's 70 degrees out.  

I'm sleepy and going to bed now, but I was reminded this evening of something very funny that I once read.  It's in many places on the internet.  This is the first link to it I found.  Read, enjoy, and try not to snort your beverage.

Dogs in Elk

Get me out of here!

I'm at a technical conference today. I'm surrounded by strangers, mostly men. There are a few women at most of the booths, trying to catch my eye so they can make a sale. Unfortunately I have no budget. I'm here for information only. 

I am interested in the talks or I wouldn't have come, but being in this environment is making a large, loud part of my brain scream "Do not want!". Especially after reading on facebook that a hiker friend only has 18 weeks to go until his thruhike starts. I have Springer Fever and I have it bad. 

It is just a hair from unbearable that I won't be thruhiking again. I have a husband, pets, a home,  and a job. Those things, in that order, keep me home. Out of love, mind you. But nevertheless home. 

Maybe I need therapy?  At the moment I want to leave more than I want my next meal.