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You will all be happy to know that I do not have tuberculosis.

This is official, not just an educated guess based on the facts that my TB test came up negative this summer and I haven't had any risk factors since then. But the Greek government requires official proof of this fact, and hence this week I had to go to the hospital to get a skin test and chest x-ray to prove something that I already could have told you.

It wasn't a big deal, just something of an irritation. Actually, I found it amusing more than anything else, mostly in relation to the difference between how I was reacting to the procedures involved in this and how other people were reacting or apparently expecting me to react. For example, when I went in to get my skin test, the first thing the doctor told me was "Don't be nervous." He seemed to be surprised when I just rolled up my sleeve and got the shot with total nonchalance. But I mean, I saw him get out a new needle, so I wasn't worried about that, and the TB skin test is just a shot on your forearm, nothing to get excited about.

Then, for the chest x-ray, many of the girls in the program have been complaining about this part of the procedure, because you have to take off your shirt and bra (if wearing one), and they don't give you a gown or anything, and the radiologist at this hospital happens to be male. So they have been complaining about this, saying that it made them really uncomfortable and they were seriously considering making a fuss until they found a female to do the exam and so forth. Me? Just take off my shirt and bra, get the x-ray, put my clothing back on, walk out, didn't feel uncomfortable at all at any part of the procedure. Yay for not having modesty hang-ups.

All this happened on Tuesday morning, and it took most of the morning, just waiting in lines for the hospital to deal with all fifteen of us from CYA having tests that morning plus their normal patient load. Today I had to go back and get my skin test read, which wasn't too bad once I figured out where exactly I had to go to have someone read the test and sign the forms saying that I don't have TB.

So yeah, if I die anytime soon, it will probably not be of the galloping consumption. Ruby Gillis I am not (points to anyone who gets that reference. Extra points if you didn't have to look it up).