Planning to live [somewhere]

I started college at the young age of eighteen. Was I ready? Probably not. I thought I wanted to study Pharmacy. However, when it came to committing to the curriculum I had other things on my young sometimes warped mind. I actually had a good two semesters in my science courses, but knew my focus wasn't going to last much longer. I contribute this to doing too much at once. Anyone out there in internet land planning on going to college don't take Biology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and Junior level Physics all in the same semester. It's ridiculous and why colleges require liberal arts courses as part of all degrees. While purchasing books at Barnes and Noble on campus a fellow class mate looked at me standing in line and asked, "Are you really taking all those courses this semester?"

Me- "That's why I've got the books."

Him- "Are you nuts." (notice there's no question mark- it was a statement)

Me-*blank stare*

Cashier- "That will be $1598.43"

My point is, it is crazy. You will either fail or burn out (and if you don't, you're a machine!). I burnt out. Smart Pre-Med/Nursing/Pharmacy students mix their liberal arts courses needed for graduation in with their science and math curriculum.

Anyway, after stumbling from one thing to the next (medical school, law school, and accounting) I finally, somehow, earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (whoopee!). In December of 07' my sister joined the USMC. After dropping her off at the Hilton in Troy (of course first we took her out to dinner, got Starbucks, and then proceeded to throw snowballs at a light pole for an hour- I have the pictures) we were talking about Hilary and how I was going to miss her. All of a sudden without thinking I said, "I'm going to join the Air Force!" Adam looked at me, a bit flabbergasted, and quietly listened while I incoherently spewed out all the thoughts running through my mind. Since August 08' that's been the plan- as long as I committed to getting my post-wedding weight off. Which I promise, is in the works! (By the way, Adam decided to join too. He's better at implementing the schemes I come up with.)

So. Here I am. Again. Changing my mind. We've come full circle. Last night, Adam explained in three years he can sign his GI benefits over to me (not to mention he's willing)- which means I can go to school for free. Adam pointed out, if I went back to school- we'd be able to spend more time together/actually live together. It got me thinking, maybe I should give pharmacy another whirl. I am six almost seven years older than when I started, married, and no longer worry about making the rent/bills. I can focus 110 percent on school and I would like to think have the appreciation for education. I'll admit, I'm a little uneasy. I have to re-take most pre-pharm requirements since 98 percent of schools don't count classes taken four years old (and this fall my previous courses are exactly four years old). It's an investment. I guess after the first semester if I'm not pulling a 4.0 I can get my butt into the military where it probably belongs. However, if I can stick to it- the glory is mine- not to mention Adam and I can have a semi-normal marriage.

I've also looked into a 2-year RN program at a community college. I figure I could earn my RN and then complete my BSN online- maybe someday apply to a CRNA program if I can get the grades. Decisions.. Decisions..

Back to my original point- picking a place to live is difficult since I have parameters:

1. Must snow.

2. Needs a college within an hour of base, preferably offering a pharmacy program or 2-year RN program

3. Must have cool factor.

4. No where too hot.

5. Decent housing offered in area

6. Close to a major city (see #3)

7. Safe. I'm going to be alone for days-weeks-months at a time. I don't want to live in another place like Detroit where I'm expected to get the car window replaced bi-monthly because some idiot wants to look in my trunk and steal my kitty litter.

I have a list of possible places Adam may be stationed. So far we've decided Bremerton, Washington, Norfolk, Virginia, and Washington D.C. are the best options. Out of the three, D.C. has the best bang for your buck on rentals- not to mention they're gorgeous. I'm not sure if D.C. has a shipyard though, which totally sucks, because I've already started fantasizing about Christmas in D.C. with the family (not that it actually would happen since everyone has a steady job- but it's a wonderful thought!) My second (maybe even first choice) would be Bremerton, Washington which is a 40 minute ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. This location offers a 2-year nursing program as well as pharmacy options (not to mention one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country!). The con: Housing is ridiculous. The average two bedroom apartment runs around $1,000 and BAH in that area is only $1,200.

So, in four months when I'm re-reading my posts I hope to see we're located in the D.C. or Seattle area- though I doubt we will be (I have really crappy luck)!