So, here it is: I am joining the navy.
I went MEPS yesterday and was told what I already knew but was hoping I didn't: I need to lose weight.  I am only 4% over limit, so it won't be hard.  The doctor gave me eight weeks in which to do it.  I'm pretty sure I can in eight weeks.  It's only a couple of inches, and I plan on running at least five times a week.
I was offered the Nuclear Power School program, and I am seriously considering taking it.  Yes, there are risks when working the helm of the nuclear reactor, but it is a large bonus, a year of school, and the chance to work on an aircraft carrier.  It is the third hardest school to graduate from in the country--after Harvard Law and MIT's engineering program--and if I passed, I would have 45 college credits under my belt in six months.  I would get to live in Charleston, SC on an E-4 paygrade (which would normally take the average enlister two years to achieve), and I would get to learn all kinds of cool things about physics, thermodynamics, and radiation medicine.  The job I am considering is basically a lab tech, who checks the chemistry of the reactor and aides in treating anyone who might happen to be affected by the radiation.  It is a very good starting point for nuclear medicine and/or physical anthropology.  So, I think I am going to do it.  The downside is: it's quite a few years.  After my initial schooling, I have a year of accelerated learning and on-the-job training before I can start working on my carrier.  And if I become a lab tech, that adds three more months.  Then, after I have completed that, I am able to re-sign for six years.  I dunno how I feel about eight years of my time going to the Navy, unless of course, I can get my education.  I am pretty sure they offer an officer path, which means I would need to get my bachelor's.  I still have a lot of questions about it, and I have eight weeks to think.  But, it would be a complete 180 from where I am now.  My mind is melting away here, and I would really like to do something mentally challenging everyday.
The other thing about it is that I won't ship out for a year.  I am moving back to Oklahoma this weekend.  I figure, why spend $615 a month on rent working at Old Navy and never be able to pay off my debt?  If I decide on Nuke, I will have a year in which to go to TCC on the navy's dime, which basically makes me ecstatic.  I will be able to take calc, physics, and chem, which will put me a little ahead of the game and give me a boost up when I am in school.  I will have to get a job though, which really I should be able to do since I have a CNA and Tulsa hospitals are hiring like crazy, which is nice considering Chicago hospitals all seem to be in a freeze.  I will need a car too, but Harley is looking into it.
If I don't decide on Nuke, I could ship at any time within the next year.  If I don't decide on Nuke, it will be something in intelligence.  I always wanted to work for the FBI--what better to put on my application than a super-top-secret, uber-classified, pentagon-level intelligence position?  I am qualified for the really batshit ones, so we shall see what else they offer.  I really like the Nuke idea though....
Anyway, that's that.  I will be back in Tulsa/Skiatook on Saturday.  I am already applying for jobs.  Like I said, Harley is trying to find me a car and I am going to get a drivers license as soon as I can.  In the meantime, I am going to play with the wiener and learn to drive stick.  And find a job.  And plan on getting my--skinny--ass back up here in eight weeks to be weighed, processed, and sworn in.  Woohoo.
I Never Know the Next Thing In Store