Becky Adams
5/2005
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Got my BS in forestry from the University of New Hampshire, then worked in research for the USFS and UNH for six years (studying the use of prescribed burning in maintaining clearings under power lines, and the effects of fire on plant, insect and animal succession). Got my MS in nursing in '86, after which I did a year of med-surg (Harlem), eight years of ICU (NJ, HI), and three years of hemodialysis (Long Island). Back to school again in '96, for a degree in Oriental Medicine. Attempted a semester of Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University after that, with the idea of subsequently doing an internship in acupuncture and herbology in China, but discovered pretty quickly that Mandarin was way beyond the grasp of my aging brain, so gave up on THAT plan! Stayed on to work for an educational outfit in Beijing for a few additional months, then took advantage of being on the opposite side of the world to travel around New Zealand and Europe for the next 6 months, mostly visiting old friends from my Japan days. After the overwhelming crowds and pollution of Beijing, I found the perfect antidote in Longlac, Ontario (pop. 1800, some 7 hours northeast of Duluth, MN). In the Arctic watershed... boreal forests, lakes, and swamps - pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Damn cold in the winters (which are mighty long, too), but northern lights, plenty of snow, and long hours of daylight in the summertime help compensate some. Great wildlife country (http://community.webshots.com/album/74950104xqAOzf). I love it. I work part-time at the Health Center in town, mostly with Seniors and toddlers (separately!), and with our local chapter of Palliative Care. Haven't decided if it's really worth taking my Boards again in order to practice nursing or acupuncture up here. I kind of like the stress-free job I have now, and as long as I can get by financially on that, what the hey! I have a pretty poor track record for staying put in one place for long, but I think I might just have found a place to finally put down roots. Anyone ever taking the slow road to China (figuratively speaking) via the trans-Canada, I'm less than a mile off Highway 11, and there's a spare bedroom awaiting! Becky Adams |