Long Time Gone

Protesters at U.S. Embassy Sana'a, Yemen

مرحبا   It has been a while since I last posted!

Most of that has been on purpose. Once I was assigned to Yemen, I needed to keep a lower profile. Yemen is a critical threat assignment  Unfortunately there are bad people who want to blow up people like me. For a variety of reasons, the details of what I do and where I do should really be left off the public internet.

The other reason is that I have had so much go in a short amount of time. I had a ton of extra training and preparation before I left for Yemen. Sana'a is an unaccompanied post which means you can't bring family members with you and friends can't visit. On top of that, the situation here isn't normal and I had to plan my life around having basically all my effects stored for two years. I am living with what I could bring in suitcases. In a lot of ways, this assignment is very similar to being sent to Iraq or Afghanistan. The security situation has much to be desired but our mission here is absolutely important to keeping Americans safe.

I want readers to know that this isn't normal for the Foreign Service. If you are interested in this as a career, these types of assignments are far from the norm and you basically have to volunteer for them. My situation is something I more or less choose. Then again, it wasn't my first choice. Joining the Foreign Service is about being flexible. You can end up in fabulous places. You can also end up in places where you get on the news for the wrong reasons. It's about going abroad to serve your country. Service isn't always easy.

In other news, I have been learning Arabic. While I still wanted to pursue Chinese, the situation has changed obviously. So I am going to try to learn as much Arabic as I can while I am here. Maybe I can get back on Chinese my next Assignment. I'll find out my next assignment this summer... so I have time.

YEMEN

Sorry for the delay. Things are crazy in FSS Orientation. But the big news... I am going to Yemen.

It will be a very challenging first tour but I am very excited.

Bids in.

Sent my bids in last night.

I have two major Asian countries on the top of my list but also a few hardship posts as "high bids." We had a lot to choose from but with 20 OMSers and 20 spots... someone will get each one. One post I put as a medium bid is shall I say... very HARDSHIP. No telling what I will get though.

Keep your fingers crossed.

FSS Orientation is very very busy by the way. If you ever get the honor to go, keep in mind that they own you for 3 weeks.

Orientation

Sorry for the lack of update. FSS Orientation is extremely busy. Also, it is a very diverse group of people and we are all eager to learn. Unfortunately each day is packed with stuff... so blogging it very difficult.


We got our bid lists today... should be interesting. I can't go into detail on the countries but I am very excited. More to follow, I promise!

Last Day

It is my last day at work at my current job. Very very bittersweet. I will miss the people here... also it will be weird to get out of my routine here.

Also, I had a chance to meet with another July Class OMSer today. It was good to sit down with someone else going through the same process. It will feel like a long weekend before I start on monday... so excited!

2 Weeks

In case anyone was wondering... I didn't lose power in what was the worse non-hurricane storm event in Virginia history. Seems like half of the city is out of power... and of course I had to help a family friend move into a new house in Great Falls. Terrible timing (105 degrees with no AC!)... but alas I lived to tell the tale.

So... I am officially 2 weeks away from becoming an official State Department employee. A lot is going on but I feel like I should talk about about leaving my current job.

I am blessed to work in an awesome office. Though sometimes the work would get to me... the coworkers I have are amazing. They have all been very supportive and excited for this next step. My boss was rather sad to lose me but is very happy that I am getting this opportunity. The great thing about working for the government is that I was able to tell them well in advance without worrying about it complicating things. I can't believe I have been there for over 3 and a half years. Time does fly. It makes me think about what it will be like to leave each post after only 2-3 years. I know I will love the lifestyle but it is always hard to say goodbyes. I learned a lot in this office and I feel much gratitude to them for giving me an opportunity to start my public service career there.

The funny thing is that my agency is currently realigning my office to another city. This means that everyone will be getting new positions in the coming months. This was the perfect time for me to get a new job but its hard for everyone knowing that our team will be no more soon. Change is always hard but it makes life interesting... that is for sure.

In other news, I am heading home for the 4th of July. It is very strange knowing this might be the last time I may get to spend an extended time with my family. My oldest cousin just graduated from high school, so this might be the last time everyone is in one place for a long while.

Speaking of 4th of July... I am rather patriotic and always am moved during this holiday. As cheesy as it is, I am grateful for everything this country has allowed me to do. America is a very diverse country and obviously it isn't perfect. However, we are extremely lucky to be Americans. It is a nation founded on ideals. We sought independence at a time when such things were pipe-dreams. So take a moment and think about special this land is. Don't be blind to the problems and challenges we need to face but be thankful we live in a place where you have the self-determination to face them.

It Finally Arrived...

So the Foreign Service welcome package finally arrived. Looks like I have some forms to fill out.

Only took 5 weeks :p

I can't believe its little over a month before I start...

Sexy has a name

Look what arrived! Impulse buy for the win.

New Computer?

The State Department people recommend against making any major purchase before you find out where you are going. No cars, furniture, TVs, etc. However, I recently ran into an issue with my laptop. It seems to have gotten to that age where new games I want to play doesn't work. It still works fine but I have been thinking about getting a nice desktop to supplement my laptop. It would be nice to have a real computer again and organize a home office of sorts. Is it worth the risk of buying one? I could, in theory, go somewhere where I can't bring it... or it won't work. Though, I think this is pretty unlikely and I want to be able to enjoy it now if I do get one.

Anyhow, since Apple doesn't make regular Macbooks anymore... and I don't want to get a MacBook Pro. I pretty much have two options: iMac or Mac Mini.

Mac Mini does not come with the monitor.

The iMac will run $999 or $1419 (21in screen with 500 GB or 27in screen with 1TB. Refurbished prices)
The Mac Mini will run $799. (No monitor with 500 GB)

It normally would make sense to just get the 21in iMac but I could instead get the Mac Mini and buy a regular TV. That can be an extra TV and monitor. I am leaning to one of the iMac but we shall see.

Choices....

EDIT: I bought the $999 iMac.

"American French Fry Brother"

Well, instead of talk about the political scandals rocking the Chinese governments... the Chinese social media world is abuzz over an American who helped a homeless woman by buying her french fries. What is this... some sort of FRENCH FRY DIPLOMACY? (I had to go for the title line...)


The CNN Story

The Dust Settles

So, I've had time to calm down a bit from a crazy past couple of days. I think it goes without saying that I won't be going to India for the internship.

First off, I was really shocked to get an offer. I knew there was an outside chance but, mentally, I was not expecting one. There must have been quite a few Do Not Call people on the register.

Second, I am going to have a lot going on in the next couple of months. For example, my apartment's lease is up this month (TERRIBLE timing). So, I'm going to have to sign a new lease and just figure out replacing me later on. On top of that, I am going to have to start planning my life to get ready for the FS. As excited as I am, I'm mentally still a far way off. I pretty much mentally shut out the foreign service because I thought it would take a while to get an offer. The hardest part will be prepping my mind to get ready to ship out in a few months. I also have to start planning my closing out my work at my current job and how to tell my wonderful co-workers.

Oh yeah, in case anyone was curious... Specialist Orientation starts July 16th. The other nice thing is that I am a current federal employee. This means I will be transitioning much easier and get my salary somewhat matched. I am very glad I don't have a family yet... I can't imagine how difficult it would be to transition with kids.

Anyhow, I am just trying to breath and take it all in. I keep sane by dreaming about what country I will be headed to...

!!!!! OFFER !!!!

I am happy to report that today, May the 4th, 2012, I received an offer to the July 16th Specialist class.

I am joining the Foreign Service.

On the Register

Well folks... It's offical. I'm on the OMS register.

I looks like I passed all the clearences and the FPR with flying colors. Interestingly, I was not emailed nor contacted saying I was placed on the register. I checked the status out of curiousity and boy did I get a pleasent surprise.

So what now? Well, I wait. As of this writing, there are 28 people on the register. My low score means I am at the end of the list. The good news is that there is an off chance I could get an offer for July. In reality, I'm thinking it will be a few classes since most of the September applicants haven't been added yet.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Security Clearence GO

I got an email yesterday. Looks like I was given a Top Secret clearence on 4/12. That was really fast.

I am now awaiting word on the Final Review Panel. Then we get to be play the register game.

Anyhow, I promise a better update soon. Life has been more than hectic.

Two Quick Things...

First, I got my medical clearance today. Things are moving along rather nicely. I expect the security investigation to come back at some point in late April or May. Who knows... maybe I will actually be invited to a class this fall at this rate. They did reopen the OMS vacancy... so I will be watching the numbers with keen interest.

Second, I registered for the June FSOT in the Management Cone. I made sure to really think about what I wrote on the initial application unlike last time where I just filled it out in a hurry. I am hoping that I an get past the pesky QEP this time though it won't be easy with the reduced hired at State.

Anyhow... I hope everyone is doing well! I am sure I will have mor updates shortly.

Secruity Clearence Interview

I had my security clearance interview today and I think it went well. Things are moving pretty quickly it seems... My family was contacted Monday, roommate was contacted yesterday, etc.

Considering that State now is saying they want to hire 80 OMS's before the end of of the fiscal year, I would like to get on the register sooner than later. I have mixed feelings though. With my score so low, who knows if I will get an invite or not. It kind of sucks going through all this knowing it might not be for anything.

Crossing my fingers as always.

Passed Word Certifcation

Part of the OMS process is submitting a MS Word certification. Well, I took the test today and passed. I procrastinated and am doing this last minute...

Let me tell you though... it was harder than I thought it would be. I suggest preparation for anyone going to take it out there. I got lucky.

India



"It is hot and humid all year round"



Another door opened up. I got offered an internship in Chennai, India with another agency (in the Foreign Service). I can do it either in the Summer or in the Fall but housing is unfortunatly not provided. If I do decide to take it, I am thinking in the Fall as I will have more time to save up money.

A little math for 3 months (not that you people care)*:

Airfare- $1,400 R/T (give or take a hundred)
Housing- $160/m up. I feel like I'd end up paying a lot more since I am not a local and doing only 3 months.
Food-  Cheap meal is about $2.00
Spend-???

*Cost of living in Chennai

Is it worth it? Or should I wait to see if the State Dept (with housing provided) comes through for the Fall.
I should pick up a good travel book on India and see whats up. A lot to think about.

And if you are wondering why I am looking at internships if I passed OA... that will take a few months to even be on the register and then I may wait quite a while for an invite, if ever. So, I want to keep moving forward and pretend that OMS won't ever happen. Easier said than done. 

BBQ Diplomacy

People have asked me why the blog is called "French Fry Diplomacy." First off, its a catchy name. Second, and more important, I was referencing BBQ Diplomacy. LBJ's first state dinner as president was a Texas style BBQ rather than a black tie super formal gathering. 

Now, I love me some pulled pork but the take away for me was the casualness that diplomacy can work in. People think of Diplomats as very straight edge black tie kind of people. Maybe there lies some truth to that. Diplomacy on the other hand is more than the protocols and rituals, though.  To me, nothing is more casual than french fries (with some Heinz 57, of course). Also, nothing is more American.

So... little more than a catchy name. But still, I didn't put too much thought into it.

OMS OA PASSED!

YEP. Talk about nervous. For those who haven't done an OA before... it was enough to churn my stomach. But guess what? I passed.

My day started at 5 AM. I woke up (didn't get much sleep) and prepared myself for the long morning. I got to the testing location at abut 6:40 AM. I signed the NDA and other forms and then the assessment began.

I will go into more detail if people want it but I think its been talked about at length elsewhere. Let's just say, I wish I practiced the writing portion more. It was harder than I thought and I didn't pass it. I assumed the prompt would be simplier since we were given 45 minutes. I wasn't exactly right about that. The Structured Interview went very well but I am curious what I scored on it. I think the key is to really know your resume and to talk about your actions

Anyhow, I am in a great mood. I scored a 5.3 which means I need a plan to get Chinese to level 2 within 18 months.

Until next time....  再见

A lot of Nerves.... and Bad News.

Well, lets get it out of the way now. I didn't get an interview for the JET Program. I swear I am not that person but I am honestly surprised. It is a very competitive program but I was sure I'd at least get to the interview stage.  You can't take anything for granted!

This certainly doesn't help that my OA for OMS is tomorrow at 7AM! I am a ball full of nerves and the JET interview list coming out the night before was poor planning by the universe.

You know what? I am just going to brush it off and keep going. I've had set backs before and I've lived. I am going to wake up tomorrow and get it my best shot. I'll let the universe figure it out. :)

I will update on OA at somepoint. Until then, take care!

U.S. Policy in Central Asia

I am applying for the Fall State Department internship since I only made alternate for the Summer. Since the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs isn't offering overseas internships in the Fall, I have been looking at other regions that might interest me. Right now, I am leaning towards South and Central Asia.

As I was doing research into what that Bureau is up to, I came across a good topic to think about. A little while back Secretary Clinton announced and idea/initiative called the "New Silk Road." The idea is to develop Central Asia as a way to allow freer trade from Afghanistan (and the rest of Central Asia) to South Asia. In theory, this would benefit both regions and provide a conduit of trade around Iran. It would bridge the gap between East and West. To say this is ambitious is an understatement.

Robert O. Blake, Jr. (Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs) stated:

Our hope is to encourage all of the countries of the region and beyond to help build a network of roads, bridges, pipelines, and rail lines to facilitate the goal of embedding Afghanistan more firmly into its neighborhood and helping Afghanistan realize its goal of creating an economy based more on trade than aid. We must also seek to reduce barriers to the efficient exchange of goods across borders, open markets, and promote private sector investment in the region.

This is something that many Americans miss. Our interests in Afghanistan go beyond just controlling the Taliban (or the al-qaeda threat). In terms of freeing international trade and economic security, one of the major road blocks has been Central Asia. Many of the reasons for this are no fault of their own. I know this because it is extremely difficult to travel over land from Europe to Asia without going through Russia or Iran. Trust me, I have looked into this (:p) With oil and other resources in the area, the US Government knows the benefit of this area loosening its ties to Russia and to provide a overland trade conduit around Iran.

Can it be done with the current budget constraints? I have no idea but I will never say Hillary Clinton didn't have grand ideas.

The Atlantic's opinion
The Diplomat's take

Internship Update (so many updates)

It appears I didn't get offered anything in Africa. Per the offical State forum, it looks like you are only offically offer one position. So if you get an email saying you are an alternate to one office you applied to, that's it. In my case, that is as an alternate in China. I'm not sure if African Affairs even selected anyone yet (since no one online has heard anything from them as of today) but I will just assume I am a alternate. So, I will have to wait and hope whoever the primary candidate is will for whatever reason not work out.

Also, the funny thing about the China position is that its in Cantonese territory. My luck, right?

My other option is to apply for the Fall since my school schedule is flexible. I have a higher GPA now and Fall seems to be less competitive.

More waiting. More studying.

So with my OA coming up. I joined a study group and am trying to practice in the less than 2 weeks that I have. I am nervous but also excited. At the very least I will get to see how these OAs work.

Also, I am starting my clearance process. As of now, I am still an Alternate for an internship in China and still waiting to hear from Africa since you put down two places to apply. We have been told we will hear for sure by week's end.

Oh, yeah... the GSO opening is closing tomorrow. I have one more essay to write.

In the meantime, I am still studying Chinese. I have class Wednesdays and am making slow but steady progress. By the way, Happy Chinese New Year! Gung Hoy Fat Choy! I feel bad though becuase I am not putting in the time to study like I would like to. All this other stuff is distracting and I have grad school coming up. I really need to make an effort to do more I think.

So much going on... I hope its all worth it in the end!

OMS Interview Set

My OMS OA is set. Feb 3rd.

It's short notice so I got to get ready rather quickly.

General Services Officer Application Open

This is somewhat exciting. My current job is very similar to the duties for this specialist position and I have been waiting for this to open up again. As an 1102 (Contracting Specialist) at another agency, this would be the best match for my current work. I am defiantly applying for it!

The window is really small though. The deadline is Januray 24th... Open for less than a week. I got to start working on this NOW.

In more general terms, I hopefully will have my TS in a few months becuase of my internship application. That means that if I pass any of these OAs in the future I will pretty much go right on the register. I don't want to get ahead of myself but things are looking better each day.

Internship Update

Somewhat good news! Got an email this morning that I was selected as an alternate candidiate for the summer internship at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.

The funny thing is that I didn't have an interview...

What does this mean? Well, if I accept the offer, I will go through the security clearence process on the off chance that the first choice doesn't go. I'm not sure if that means I didn't get the internship in Ethiopia but I will find out soon I suppose.

Regardless, I will most likely accept the offer and see how other things play out in the near future.

OMS Update

It took 4 months to find out but I made it to the Oral Assessment!

"Congratulations!  Your application to become a Foreign Service Office Management Specialist has successfully passed the Qualifications Evaluation Panel and has been forwarded to the Board of Examiners Assessment Center to be scheduled for an oral assessment."

More info to follow! :)