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!
So jealous! Sounds like a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of fun, too! We should Skype soon. I'm hit or miss this week if you have time. We'll be at home next weekend, so let us know if you can squeeze us in. Miss you guys! Take care!
ReplyDelete