Almost Organized

I am still on my way home from my vacation at the Pennsic War, but I wanted to stop in and give a brief update on things. I will try to be more thorough and devote more time to each separate topic, however, I really don't want to forget some of the advice I have at this point.

First of all, if you are an alternate, as soon as you find out, I highly suggest going through all the forms for shortlist candidates. I didn't do the IRS form or Certificate of Health because I didn't want to obsess about waiting for an upgrade. This was a mistake. If I could go back in time and do it again, I would have filled out my IRS form back when I was notified of my alternate status and I would have had everything ready to go as soon as I got upgraded. As it is, I was traveling and had limited access to computers and payment options, so I am filling out my forms to get properly mailed tomorrow morning.

Second, Susan in Boston sent some great info (it looks like all US JETs get it) on doing the IRS form; LOOK AT ALL THE INFO! I didn't look until later and it makes me a dumbass, even if my situation was a bit difficult. Also, the IRS directions are fairly clear and picking up a phone is easy enough to do and they are just an (irritating) phone call away. But, definitely read all the information available to you and don't assume anything.

Thirdly, if you are like me and love to be over-prepared for everything, but often fail at it, be in constant contact with your coordinator about any and all changes and carry that IRS form in an envelope with a stamp on any vacation you might take. I had a change in medication, but I had assumed that I was not going to be upgraded and so I didn't contact JET. Susan doesn't think it will be an issue, but I need to get a new Physician's Form sent out ASAP just in case it is a problem and my upgrade is rescinded. As for the envelope, I really truly wish I had bothered looking at the IRS form. I think it might be my new reference letter obsession. If I had had two envelopes and two forms ready to go, I would have been in grand form to mail my stuff out the day I got the upgrade.

Fourth, and last of all, do NOT obsess waiting for an upgrade. I had moved on, I had interviewed for a shift supervisor position, I was off to vacation. I was no longer thinking about JET as my upcoming year (though it being an option was a lovely thought), so when the call came, I was absolutely ecstatic, but the wait wasn't awful because I was ready to have a great life either way.

So, I think that's my main list of things that I didn't want to forget. I will be home in Maine tomorrow evening and I will do my best to spend more time on individual forms and whatnot.