Six Weeks Down

6/24/11

Today is six weeks since I arrived in Bangalore. What a whirlwind six weeks! I officially have only two weeks left in the Department. I’m trying to finish up this Alcoholism study manuscript; I need to add to the qualitative data results section and rewrite the discussions and conclusion sections. It shouldn’t take me longer than a few more days. Dr. Avita asked me to meet with her to talk about some data she would like analyzed. The two following days she was not here; she ended up spraining her knee. It’s now Friday and I wouldn’t be surprised if we just waited until next week to discuss the project. Hopefully I have enough time to help her with it.

One of my goals while being here has been to continue my job search for when I get back home. Come August 6^th, I will desperately need a job! Those student loans aren’t going to just disappear. I interviewed back in early May for a clinical trial study coordinator position at a research center near Clearwater and yesterday I received an email from the guy I interviewed with. He said some coordinator positions opened up and asked if I was still interested in working there. I guess this counts as an informal job offer, no? I don’t want to speak too soon. I’m meeting with him as soon as I’m back in town to discuss specifics and learn more about this opportunity. In addition, I had an interview with the company I currently work for a couple weeks ago over Skype. It went well, I think, but it’s just so hard to tell when it’s over the phone and not in person! That’s a huge disadvantage I had going into that interview. The woman I interviewed with told me to get in touch with her when I get back, so we’ll see what happens. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Although the work week was only 4 days long for me (due to my vacation day Monday), it feels like this week dragged on forever. I’ve had a ton of work to do and by the end of the day my eyes burn from staring at the computer screen. After work I usually work on my special project for another few hours. My advisor wants the draft by next Friday..as in, ONE WEEK from today! Next week I’ll have to crack down big time….not looking forward to it, but I’m so close to graduation..just have to stay focused on the prize….

I’m leaving for Munnar tonight with Vanita, Corinne, and Marissa. Munnar is only a 5 hour drive due east of Cochin, where I was last weekend. It’s in the state of Kerala. So excited to go because it’s supposed to be absolutely gorgeous with big rolling fields of green tea plantations. One of Rohini’s and Steve’s cousins has some properties there and is letting us stay in one of the houses. From the website it looks very nice: www.pulimoottilestate.com. We are hiring a driver (car) for the weekend because the place we’re staying is about 10km from the bus stand. We’ll have him the whole weekend so hopefully we’ll do lots of sightseeing. I want to get up to the top of the highest cliff and overlook the plantations! The only problem with the weekend is that we are taking a bus, and it’s only a semi-sleeper on the way there and just a seater on the way back!! It’s a 14 hour journey…sighhhh. I’ll bring my laptop and ipod, as I’m sure I won’t get that much sleep.

Anyway, wish us luck on our journey and I’ll post pictures early next week! TGIF!!!