So I've been in Bethel, AK for a week now and I'm not quite sure how I feel about this place. I've moved twice. I've met locals and transplants from all over the country. I've been working in the lab. I've seen the town a couple of times both from a car and by foot. I've shopped at the local grocery stores, a quik mart and a local wholesaler. I've even been to a party.
Yet, I sit here in my condo this evening and don't know what to think of this place. I don't hate it, but I'm not sure I like it. See, I was hired to work as a tech. I thought, hey, I'll go up there, do what I do, make some money, and be happy.
Unfortunately, once I got here and spent some time in the micro department and talking to management, I realized that is actually not what they want or even more importantly, what they need me to do. Yes, I walked into a veritable shit storm with no captain at the helm.
I had a moment of realization regarding this last week when I was reviewing ID/sensi reports. In my head, the conversation went like this, "why was this worked up? and why was THIS reported and omg where are the plates so I can check them? What are they doing with the purity plates? Where is the SOP? etc etc..." I have not stopped thinking about these things since that day. My mind is riddled with these questions and of course, NO ONE knows anything. I've been told that they want me to FIX it for them. WTF? I'm not getting a consultant fee, or a management salary so really, WTF? Can I do it? OF course I can! But do I want to?
Then there is my co-worker who has been in my department for a month. Not to sound mean, but he never should have been allowed to work in microbiology regardless of whether he is a new grad. He has no idea what he is doing and he whines all day long. Then he wants to be my friend. I'm not into it and I've snapped at him a few times. I couldn't stop myself and I felt bad afterward, but really..when someone tells you to stop annoying them and you keep on with it, I think you deserve to get barked at. I won't go into anymore details, but right now if I could have my way, he would not be allowed to step foot into microbiology unless someone was training him. At this point, I don't have time nor do I want to even attempt to train him. He talks incessantly at me, he talks down to me, patronizes me constantly and stares at me in the oddest way. It creeps me out and there is nothing I can do about it.
All that aside, I'm very grateful that they have the faith in me to help in that area although I am not looking forward to being the only microbiologist. What that means is I am more than likely not going to get any days off because no one can do what I do. I suppose it's a blessing in disguise because I will be getting overtime and there is absolutely nothing to do here, but still. It'd be nice to not have to think and deal with lab stuff one day a week, but alas. People in hell want ice water, but that doesn't mean they get it.
It's also been raining since I got here. I love the rain, but seriously, it's getting to be a bit much. I have not seen a clear blue sky since I got here and honestly, I miss it. The sun shines for 20 hours a day, yet you never seen the sun. I know it's there in the sky, but I have not seen it in days. The weather has also been exceptionally cold, windy and downright dreary. It's put a serious damper on me walking about town when I'm off work. I guess I'm not used to this sort of weather in July and it's making me homesick.
I miss the skies of NM. I miss seeing the sun. I long for my bed with my fluffy pillows and 1000tc sheets. I wish I could lie on my couch with a cat curled up next to me at night when I'm watching TV. I wish I could get up in the morning and hear my cavies weeting for me to bring them their breakfast.
Granted, the whole experience has not been completely bad. I have met some of the most friendly and nice people since I got here. Two of the other travelling lab techs and one of the CLA's have been more than amazing to me. They all know what I'm going through and they always take time out of their day to pop into my department and make me laugh. We had a party on Friday night and I swear it was one of the best parties I've ever been to. We ate, had a bit of grog and just laughed our asses off about medicine, labs and what not.
And my roommate has been fabulous too. When I moved in with her last week, she went out of her way to make sure I had room in the fridge for food, a made bed, a place to put my toilitries and food. Then she offered me food. I swear, it was like she gave me a treasure chest full of gold dubloons! She's also great to talk to. She's been here a year and every night before she goes to work, we usually sit and chat for an hour or two about her day or my day. She's so wonderful.
Another thing I am grateful for considering my present situation is my boyfriend. He's such a trooper. He's been incredibly supportive which puts my mind and heart at ease. Sometimes I don't understand how I ended up with such an amazing man. See, we were supposed to go to the Caribbean in August, but I got this contract and our plans had to be changed. I was immensely disappointed and had no idea how he was going to react to my leaving NM for three months, but of course, he surprised me by responding with approval and genuine affection. He is always surprising me by caring and being happy for me which simply blows my mind. See, I knew men like him existed. I just never thought one would ever be brought into my universe, just for me.
So I'm here in Bethel, not sure how to make sense of this situation and asking myself in the immortal words of Talking Heads, "How did I get here?"
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