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.