At a Crossroads...

[amalthya]

Wednesday 11:36 am

Maybe it's because, as someone who read my most recent flurry of posts said, I'm going crazy and I'll have imaginary friends next... or maybe it's because I've had a lot of isolation time to mull things over... or maybe it's because being in Goma has increased my homesickness exponentially.

But, I've been thinking a lot about what comes next. In addition, of course, to being excited for my trip home at the end of March.

Previously, I'd sort of thought that I'd go back to Maryland and continue my path of working in design + primatology/conservation. But I've got to consider that perhaps I won't always find employment that blends those two components together. Sure, there are avenues that seem idyllic now, but are they really practical?

I think eventually, I'll have to choose which direction I'm going to go in. Primatology -- academia, science, lots and lots and lots of schooling

Or Design/PR/Marketing -- need more training, probably better paid but perhaps more soulless?

So, in the LJ tradition, I'll be indecisive and look to my friends for their potentially less-obscured vision of my future. Because right now, I'm feeling somewhat deluged with possibilities.

The Life Goal Poll!

Please note, that the timeline of these options is "when I get back from Uganda" as opposed to "sometime in my life"

[Poll #654699]

Anyway, I'd really appreciate people's opinions on the matter. Please try not to flame me for "leaving my life in the hands of others" since clearly, when it comes down to it, the choice is mine.

Oh, and I also discovered today that I'm getting reimbursed for all my various visa travails which is incredibly comforting, considering I'm po'ass right now. Phew!

Comments

Re: Discussing my vote

[amalthya.livejournal.com]

Hehe. Higher education is such a scam ;) We're expected to take on adult roles as early as 15 and yet expected to keep learning until we're thirty? Student loans? Whhat?

*laughing*

And yes, I have received very positive response from unnamed people in NYC who are mutual friends about my return -- but like, Montien? Movie Night? Inescapable drama? Plus just generalized sadness!

No, I won't let one person dictate, but the more you talk about it, the more doable it seems :) I just need to get my ducks in a row.

*QUACK!*

Re: Discussing my vote

[drdelirium.livejournal.com]

One year is such a short amount of time in the grand scheme of things :) (as you know, since more than half your time in Africa is over already!) It'll fly, especially while doing things you love. Plus you never know what's going to happen... hell, think about it this way: really, how could things get WORSE with the situation? ;)

*QUACK*^2

Re: Discussing my vote

[amalthya.livejournal.com]

Did I forget to mention I'm pregnant with Brad's lovechild?


HA! You make it too easy ;) Seriously, you're right. A year is nothing. Plus, I could try and get my Broadway groove on while I was there. And freeze my tuckus off!

I'm really really looking forward to being home in March/April. Even though it's like, 3 months away. Silly, huh?

Re: Discussing my vote

[drdelirium.livejournal.com]

Not silly :) Totally understandable! Still, I would say live in the moment more... you already know you're going to go back to the US soon, dwelling on it is not going to make it happen any sooner :) Enjoy your time in DRC while you still have it! It's quite possible you may never come back :)

Re: Discussing my vote

[amalthya.livejournal.com]

I feel slightly defensive, but just cause I've gotta say that most of the time, I'm not dwelling on this outside of in-cyberspace :)

And I'm definitely not planning on coming home early. I'd never *EVER* do that - I'd never forgive myself, and wow, just no :P

Sorry, just had to clarify!

Re: Discussing my vote

[drdelirium.livejournal.com]

No, no, that's not what I meant. I meant, you may mentally spend half your time thinking about and pining over home if you feel homesick, thinking about the trip back home in March, that you may not put your whole self into your current experience. That's all I meant. And I describe this from personal experience, and the tinge of regret felt later. That's all. But if you don't feel homesick outside your time in cyberspace, ignore what I say altogether...

Re: Discussing my vote

[amalthya.livejournal.com]

Ohh, okay *enlightened*

And if I'm honest, it's a little more time than just cyberspace *grin*

But it's not the bulk of my time... I got my period today, which I think, at least for me, explains a lot of my angst. Sleeping more is definitely in order, and maybe eating something other than apples and ramen :D

Your support on this all, btw, has just been kickass and totally invaluable