I can't believe I've been here for a month already! We have been very busy learning, team building, practicing diplomatic skills like public speaking and composure under fire (aka answering tough questions). Just FYI - that's tough! I also got a recording of the speech I gave today that I need to watch this weekend. There are few things I like less than watching myself squirm... In one week, we'll find out where our first post will be, and how much longer we'll be staying in DC.
This week I had a great opportunity to be in the audience for an interview with Secretary Clinton and Dr. Kissinger. At moments like this, I realize that this job is for real and I really am about to go out and represent our country. After practicing a little composure under fire, I have a great appreciation for how well Secretary Clinton can respond to any and every question on foreign policy gracefully and without equivocating. The interview aired on PBS this week, and believe it or not, I was on national TV (albeit in a 'Where's Waldo' sort of way)!! You can see the video on this website (when the camera pans out to the crowd, I'm on the far side in the 4th row...).
J and I are trying to get out and experience DC. He's made it to several memorials and historic sites, and also started playing soccer. He dove right in and played two 90 minute games last week - I don't know how he did it, but he does love the game! We've also been riding our bikes every weekend because we're so close to a trail network. I'm also signed up to run a 5k next month, so a friend and I are hitting the trail a couple times a week to prepare. J & I tried Moroccan food last night - it was good, but we were in such a big group that we didn't get to choose our own dishes, so we're looking forward to going back later. We tried Ethiopian food last week, along with a tasty Greek restaurant. There are so many choices out here, I think I need to run more!
For the first time since we got here, I don't have anything planned this weekend, and I'm looking forward to relaxing and catching up on some reading and sleep. I hope you all have a Happy Easter!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
In the beginning
I've been here a full week now, and I love my job! This week has been a whirlwind, and I don't expect that it will slow down much in the next several weeks. To be honest, I'm doing more learning than doing at this point, but I am very impressed with the work that we'll be doing, as well as with my new classmates and all of the people higher up in the service. One day we discussed the mission of the dept, and I was struck by the thought that this is what I will be doing - this is part of my job description!
Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system.
In other news, I took the language test this week, and came in just below the proficiency I need to get off language probation. So... that means that I'll have to take a few months of additional language training before I go to post, which is probably good for me. I think I really had the ability 3 months ago, but I slipped a little from lack of practice.
Speaking of going to post - we got the bid list this week. Nearly 100 places around the world to choose from, and one place on that list is where I will be by the end of the year. Ahh - the suspense! There are only a handful of places that require my language, though, and more of us who have a requirement to serve there, so I may be headed somewhere else this first time. (BTW - I took a phone test in my language in January, which gave me the extra points to move up the waiting list and get an offer, so I have to serve two tours in a position that requires the language. It doesn't seem like much of a requirement to me - I'm more than glad to go there!) No matter, I'm just excited to get started.
J has been keeping himself busy. He attended a day of training this week for spouses, and also has been taking care of a million details involved in moving. Not to mention, my hard drive died this week, so he took care of the warranty issues and got it replaced (yay!). We got to meet up with one of his friends last night, and will see another tomorrow, so we're keeping busy here. Will try to write more this week!
Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system.
In other news, I took the language test this week, and came in just below the proficiency I need to get off language probation. So... that means that I'll have to take a few months of additional language training before I go to post, which is probably good for me. I think I really had the ability 3 months ago, but I slipped a little from lack of practice.
Speaking of going to post - we got the bid list this week. Nearly 100 places around the world to choose from, and one place on that list is where I will be by the end of the year. Ahh - the suspense! There are only a handful of places that require my language, though, and more of us who have a requirement to serve there, so I may be headed somewhere else this first time. (BTW - I took a phone test in my language in January, which gave me the extra points to move up the waiting list and get an offer, so I have to serve two tours in a position that requires the language. It doesn't seem like much of a requirement to me - I'm more than glad to go there!) No matter, I'm just excited to get started.
J has been keeping himself busy. He attended a day of training this week for spouses, and also has been taking care of a million details involved in moving. Not to mention, my hard drive died this week, so he took care of the warranty issues and got it replaced (yay!). We got to meet up with one of his friends last night, and will see another tomorrow, so we're keeping busy here. Will try to write more this week!
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