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.