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!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
On the road
We made it through our first 'packout' this weekend. The packout itself took just over 4 hours, but all the worry and fretting leading up to it took days, if not weeks. We donated/sold/got rid of a lot of things that we won't need anymore - like a second bed and tons of odds and ends (how many backpacks does one couple need to keep??), but it still felt like we shipped a lot of items off to DC.
In case you all haven't noticed, I'm terrible at goodbyes. We have so many wonderful people in our lives that it's hard to accept that we won't be able to drop in as easily now. But I look forward to seeing everyone again in the not-so-distant future, and until then, there's always cell phones, email, skype, facebook, etc. If you aren't connected to me on skype yet, shoot me an email and we'll exchange logins. :)
Now we're visiting J's dad, family, and friends from his hometown - we'll head east on Thursday. Last night we made a mandatory trip to Portillo's - one of our favorite eateries in the greater Chicago area. So good! And then J & his dad convinced me to play Texas Hold'em, where I proceeded to clean house. I bet they wished we had played Scrabble instead... ;)
It's hard for me to believe that a week from now I'll have started this new career and have met many of my new colleagues. That's next week, though - now we have a little time to relax, and then a couple more days of cross-country driving.
In case you all haven't noticed, I'm terrible at goodbyes. We have so many wonderful people in our lives that it's hard to accept that we won't be able to drop in as easily now. But I look forward to seeing everyone again in the not-so-distant future, and until then, there's always cell phones, email, skype, facebook, etc. If you aren't connected to me on skype yet, shoot me an email and we'll exchange logins. :)
Now we're visiting J's dad, family, and friends from his hometown - we'll head east on Thursday. Last night we made a mandatory trip to Portillo's - one of our favorite eateries in the greater Chicago area. So good! And then J & his dad convinced me to play Texas Hold'em, where I proceeded to clean house. I bet they wished we had played Scrabble instead... ;)
It's hard for me to believe that a week from now I'll have started this new career and have met many of my new colleagues. That's next week, though - now we have a little time to relax, and then a couple more days of cross-country driving.
Monday, March 14, 2011
T minus 4 and counting
We only have a few days left before the packers come, and until today, our apartment showed no signs that we're moving. All the pictures came down from the wall today - that's my only indication of the impending packing frenzy. J and I both feel weird not packing our own stuff, but that's what they require.
We had a good time with family and friends this weekend and last weekend. Lots of wonderful people I'm going to miss, but we'll stay in touch digitally and be back to visit before you know it!
Tomorrow is my last day of work - I've got to solve one last data problem (one I created, I think...), pack up my desk, and say my 'good-byes.' Not looking forward to that last part - I've enjoyed working with these folks.
Better write a few thank you notes and break into some of the beer/wine/vodka/cider (only one of the above) that we were given this weekend. Thanks friends!
We had a good time with family and friends this weekend and last weekend. Lots of wonderful people I'm going to miss, but we'll stay in touch digitally and be back to visit before you know it!
Tomorrow is my last day of work - I've got to solve one last data problem (one I created, I think...), pack up my desk, and say my 'good-byes.' Not looking forward to that last part - I've enjoyed working with these folks.
Better write a few thank you notes and break into some of the beer/wine/vodka/cider (only one of the above) that we were given this weekend. Thanks friends!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The beginning...
Well, not even quite the beginning. Training starts at the end of the month, but now is crunch time - we packout on the 18th, and my last day of work is the 15th. J's last day is today, a much awaited event on his part. So much to be done in just a few more days, but we're really excited to get started on this adventure!
I will do my best to write regularly here, but don't hold your breath - things are bound to get busy when training starts. I hear 'they' somewhat frown on blogging, so I'm keeping readership limited to invitees only (don't you feel special!). I'll also try to limit mentioning people by name, but I suspect that you will know who I'm talking about most of the time...
One more thing - the big date in my mind at the moment is Flag Day - that's when we'll find out where we are going to be for the next two or so years. That day is April 29th.
We're still around for two more weekends, so give us a call if you're in town and want to meet up.
Yours truly,
D
I will do my best to write regularly here, but don't hold your breath - things are bound to get busy when training starts. I hear 'they' somewhat frown on blogging, so I'm keeping readership limited to invitees only (don't you feel special!). I'll also try to limit mentioning people by name, but I suspect that you will know who I'm talking about most of the time...
One more thing - the big date in my mind at the moment is Flag Day - that's when we'll find out where we are going to be for the next two or so years. That day is April 29th.
We're still around for two more weekends, so give us a call if you're in town and want to meet up.
Yours truly,
D
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