Although the glow from Flag Day has faded, the horizon is bright with my first assignment in Tel Aviv on the horizon. For reasons I previously explained, I feel very lucky to have received this post and continue to hear positive things about it. The past two weeks have shed some new light on what my job will entail and the lifestyle my family will enjoy when we ship out in July 2012. I can't wait!
In the meantime, I've got a lot of nuts and bolts to learn about being a Political Officer in Israel. I have to confess that I have an urge to start making foreign policy widgets right away but, after the holiday weekend, my full time job will be learning Hebrew. Even though this is a pretty sweet gig, the road ahead should be challenging. I know exactly three words of Hebrew at the moment and I probably won't sound much better than this pubescent boy's bar mitzvah by the time Hanukkah rolls around. Maybe I can channel some of my Prussian ancestry (which incidentally may have some Jewish blood in it) so I can become halfway decent by next summer. In all seriousness, my language training should get me near fluency so I can hit the ground running in my reporting duties.
On Tuesday morning, school also begins for my two sons. It's been a long summer and they definitely need some structure and discipline in their days. September 6 couldn't come fast enough! B will make the pilgrimage to kindergarten while A will commute with me to the pre-school adjacent to the Foreign Service training center. I'm optimistic that all three of us will thrive in our new school environments. As a side note, it's ironic that I'll still be in school with them after I thought I could go no further. At least my wife doesn't need to buy school supplies for me too.
Speaking of which, J is also getting in on the school act! Beginning September 19, she'll be in a six-week consular training course at the Foreign Service Institute. Another plus about being posted in Tel Aviv is the embassy has lots of employment opportunities for spouses of Foreign Service Officers. There's some competition but completing the course will give her a leg up for working on visa applications and American citizen services. I might actually be envious of her job because the consular section apparently overlooks the best beach in Tel Aviv!
So, as you can see, us future diplomats have a busy fall schedule of training. There should be some interesting conversation around the dinner table about what new things we learned that day in math, immigration law and Hebrew!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
And the winner is...
Tel Aviv, Israel! First of all, let me say that I am ecstatic to have received this assignment! It was at the top of our list and was highly coveted among many others in my A-100 class. In fact, it was so popular that my wife and I had pretty much written it off and had been focusing on posts which we felt we had a more realistic chance.
The lead-up to the big announcement was excruciating. The ceremony didn't start until 3:35pm and I was one of the last names to be called. Finally, the blue star of David appeared and I heard my name. After a two-handed fist pump into the air, my mind re-entered my body and I somehow managed to put one foot in front of the other to walk up to the podium. I vaguely remember shaking hands with a high level ambassador, someone else handling me a folder with all the details of my assignment and then plopping back in my chair for the few remaining minutes. Afterwards, I floated around the room for about an hour and then went out with some of my classmates to celebrate. Late last night, my wife and I sat dumbfounded in our apartment. Even this morning, Tel Aviv is still sinking in. Where do I begin?
For starts, I was assigned to be a political officer in one of the most strategically important U.S. embassies in the world. Getting an in-cone job for the first tour was my number one priority and a Tel Aviv post is a real coup for my career. Serving in the Middle East checks another box and pretty much leaves the world wide open for my second tour as a consular officer. The post also has much to offer my wife. There are many employment opportunities in the embassy and she will have a very good opportunity to advance her own prospects of joining me in the Foreign Service (more details on that will be provided in the coming weeks) after our first tour ends in July 2014.
Speaking of which, the timing also works out very well. We get to stay in our cushy apartment until next July for functional training and Hebrew. My older son will get to spend the whole year of kindergarten in a highly regarded school here in Falls Church, Virginia. Moving to Tel Aviv next summer will also facilitate his transition to the American school that he will attend there. We're still considering various options for my younger son who will still be in preschool.
As for Tel Aviv's livability, we really scored in that department. Based on the little that I've read, the city sounds like the Miami of the Middle East with great beaches and a pulsating nightlife. In fact, the Lonely Planet travel guide anointed Tel Aviv as the third hottest city for 2011. I doubt my young family will partake in such hedonism but I might have to start frequenting the gym so I don't embarrass myself. I think one of the biggest perks of the post will also be the accessibility to other attractions in the region. I've already promised my wife a trip to the Greek isles.
Well, we've got a lot to think about in the coming days but at least we can plan for the future with location and timing in mind. I promise to provide updates along the way but this blog won't be nearly as climactic as the past couple months. Shalom for now!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Flag Day (12:01am)
Flag Day has finally arrived--albeit just barely here on the East Coast. There are still about 16 hours to go until I learn when and where I will be headed for my first assignment. People are usually besides themselves at this point with all the anxiety and anticipation, but I am oddly calm.
I am optimistic that I could receive one of my top choices. If I don't, I can live with most of the other posts. As I previously explained, I tried to hedge my bets by bidding on a range of posts that satisfy particular requirements and set myself up for receiving a favorable second assignment. That being said, I am also taking a swing at a few dream posts. I'm very tempted to list them but I am afraid of jinxing myself. I can't resist providing a few tantalizing hints though.
I like to the think of the top three possibilities as analogous to the book/movie "Eat. Pray. Love" but in my own particular way. "Eat" and "Pray" refer to two countries that are known for their cuisine and religiosity. As for "Love" (my top choice), it doesn't fit so neatly but instead symbolizes the "peace" I would feel living close to the heavens for the next two years. Any guesses?
Okay, that's enough fodder for tonight. I remember staying up late last winter reading online recaps about Flag Day for others. Now it's my turn. Here's hoping for the best. Peace out.
I am optimistic that I could receive one of my top choices. If I don't, I can live with most of the other posts. As I previously explained, I tried to hedge my bets by bidding on a range of posts that satisfy particular requirements and set myself up for receiving a favorable second assignment. That being said, I am also taking a swing at a few dream posts. I'm very tempted to list them but I am afraid of jinxing myself. I can't resist providing a few tantalizing hints though.
I like to the think of the top three possibilities as analogous to the book/movie "Eat. Pray. Love" but in my own particular way. "Eat" and "Pray" refer to two countries that are known for their cuisine and religiosity. As for "Love" (my top choice), it doesn't fit so neatly but instead symbolizes the "peace" I would feel living close to the heavens for the next two years. Any guesses?
Okay, that's enough fodder for tonight. I remember staying up late last winter reading online recaps about Flag Day for others. Now it's my turn. Here's hoping for the best. Peace out.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Pinch me...
...because I must be dreaming. For the past three weeks I have listened to policy briefings from high ranking officials, become acquainted with some of my fellow classmates and learned about what life entails in the Foreign Service. It's hard to believe that I will soon be a diplomat. Really. Pinch me.
The intensive 6-week orientation course known as A-100 has been everything advertised and more. People often liken A-100 to drinking from a fire hose. The information has come fast and furious from day one. I'm not permitted to divulge its contents but I can elaborate on one of the central objectives: how to navigate the government bureaucracy. The first step often involves deciphering the many acronyms for agencies, bureaus and figures. Some days I feel like I am swimming in alphabet soup.
I will become close friends with some of these acronyms though. Working in the Foreign Service has a number of employee benefits, or "bennies" as they are affectionately referred to on occasion. I've already endeared myself to terms such as Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP), Language Incentive Pay (LIP) and Living Quarter Allowance (LQA). One day I might even collect a wardrobe allowance going from one extreme climate to another. These "bennies" are just a drop in the bucket though. The biggest benefit of serving as a U.S. diplomat comes in the power and prestige associated with the official duties of the job. I readily admit that distinguished titles and diplomatic credentials can be intoxicating. For this reason, Foreign Service Officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. I never thought I would take quote from a Marvel superhero movie but, as Uncle Ben tells young Spider-Man, "With great power comes great responsibility."
On a lighter note, A-100 is much more than a tally of perks and prerequisites. A second major component of the class is socializing with fellow classmates and developing an esprit d'corp. In my capacity-filled class of 98 entry level officers (shout out to the Fightin' Fire Code!), I have met fascinating individuals who come from all walks of life. There are former lawyers, teachers, peace corps volunteers and even a few recovering academics like me. Some are only few years or straight out of grad school but they draw from a wealth of experience. During many of the interactive sessions, it has become readily apparent that everyone is extremely well spoken. In fact, many speak multiple languages to boot. My Arabic and Spanish doesn't even bat an eye with this group. In short, I feel lucky to be serving with the best and the brightest and am looking forward to making lasting friendships in the weeks to come and beyond.
Speaking of which, I will find out my first assignment in less than two weeks! I've already discussed my bidding strategy so now all I can do is wait. Watch for the big announcement on August 19!
The intensive 6-week orientation course known as A-100 has been everything advertised and more. People often liken A-100 to drinking from a fire hose. The information has come fast and furious from day one. I'm not permitted to divulge its contents but I can elaborate on one of the central objectives: how to navigate the government bureaucracy. The first step often involves deciphering the many acronyms for agencies, bureaus and figures. Some days I feel like I am swimming in alphabet soup.
I will become close friends with some of these acronyms though. Working in the Foreign Service has a number of employee benefits, or "bennies" as they are affectionately referred to on occasion. I've already endeared myself to terms such as Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP), Language Incentive Pay (LIP) and Living Quarter Allowance (LQA). One day I might even collect a wardrobe allowance going from one extreme climate to another. These "bennies" are just a drop in the bucket though. The biggest benefit of serving as a U.S. diplomat comes in the power and prestige associated with the official duties of the job. I readily admit that distinguished titles and diplomatic credentials can be intoxicating. For this reason, Foreign Service Officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. I never thought I would take quote from a Marvel superhero movie but, as Uncle Ben tells young Spider-Man, "With great power comes great responsibility."
On a lighter note, A-100 is much more than a tally of perks and prerequisites. A second major component of the class is socializing with fellow classmates and developing an esprit d'corp. In my capacity-filled class of 98 entry level officers (shout out to the Fightin' Fire Code!), I have met fascinating individuals who come from all walks of life. There are former lawyers, teachers, peace corps volunteers and even a few recovering academics like me. Some are only few years or straight out of grad school but they draw from a wealth of experience. During many of the interactive sessions, it has become readily apparent that everyone is extremely well spoken. In fact, many speak multiple languages to boot. My Arabic and Spanish doesn't even bat an eye with this group. In short, I feel lucky to be serving with the best and the brightest and am looking forward to making lasting friendships in the weeks to come and beyond.
Speaking of which, I will find out my first assignment in less than two weeks! I've already discussed my bidding strategy so now all I can do is wait. Watch for the big announcement on August 19!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The "Inside Baseball" of First Tour Bidding
Holy bid list, Batman! I finally got my hot little hands on the long awaited list this past Wednesday. Since then, I have pored over the approximately one hundred available posts. Where do I begin?
I suspect most people reading this blog are hoping that I post the actual list so you can test your knowledge of world capitals and rank your own exotic locales. Sorry, that ain't gonna happen. The contents of the bid list are deemed "sensitive but unclassified" which basically means that I can only talk about select posts in private. Don't worry, I don't have to kill anyone afterwards. I do know that inquiring minds want to know though. I loved to stalk blogs of newly inducted diplomats for clues about their bid list and to forecast potential trends for my own (in vain). So I'll indulge those of you with a bit of my current line of thinking. Forget about looking for a code in this blog by the way. I don't have that much time nowadays.
I liken first tour bidding to baseball. I don't follow its tedium by any stretch of the means but the strategy of the game does appeal to me. With that in mind, I like to think of myself as stepping up to the plate and trying to score runs over the next five innings (years) of my career. Here are four options based on this analogy:
1) "Swing for the Fences": There are a handful of tantalizing posts on the list over which many members of my class are salivating (myself included). Someone will get these assignments but I imagine only because of a very particular reason. I'm probably going to take a few swings but won't chase pitches at the expense of hurting my chances of landing a good post now and down the road. As I'll explain below, a cushy post for my first tour would likely result in me picking from the bottom of the barrell of posts for the second tour. This leads to an entirely different option.
2) "Sacrifice Fly": The list also contains a number of hardship posts in challenging environments to say the least. Some are drawn to these assignments for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Taking this route will undoubtedly get noticed and help move up the Foreign Service ladder. Ten years ago I would have been all over "taking one for the team" but I'm not so sure nowadays. Instead, I'm thinking a more prudent strategy will be to pursue a mix of the next two options.
3) "Bunt": Entry level officers in the Foreign Service must fulfill a number of requirements related to language proficiencies and functional work in their first two tours in order to be tenured. I plan to bid on a number of posts that enable me to "make contact" with one of these balls to move runners into scoring position. It might be best to play the odds for my second tour bidding.
4) "Base Hit": Luckily for me, the bid list has a considerable number of posts in desirable locations that also meet the aforementioned requirements. I'd actually count a number of these assignments as a "double" or even a "triple" in terms of my previously stated preferences. I'd like to think that I can make a strong case for these assignments based on my past experiences, family needs and current interests.
I hope these baseball analogies provide some insights into my line of thinking. Later this week, my wife and I will meet with one of the all powerful Career Development Officers (CDOs) who will take our preferences into consideration when deciding assignments for all of the other 98 members of my incoming class. We plan to conduct some rigorous research in the coming days on other important considerations for these posts. These details might help us make our "pitch" for why we should serve in X, Y or Z. For a glimpse into the anxiety that accompanies these meetings, check out this funny recap from blogger Kerns 'R' Us.
After I turn in my bid list on August 2, we'll have about two agonizing weeks to wait before we receive our first assignment on the fateful Flag Day on August 19. There's a lot of ground to cover before now and then. In the meantime, I'll need to keep my head in the bigger game. I'll share more about other facets in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
I suspect most people reading this blog are hoping that I post the actual list so you can test your knowledge of world capitals and rank your own exotic locales. Sorry, that ain't gonna happen. The contents of the bid list are deemed "sensitive but unclassified" which basically means that I can only talk about select posts in private. Don't worry, I don't have to kill anyone afterwards. I do know that inquiring minds want to know though. I loved to stalk blogs of newly inducted diplomats for clues about their bid list and to forecast potential trends for my own (in vain). So I'll indulge those of you with a bit of my current line of thinking. Forget about looking for a code in this blog by the way. I don't have that much time nowadays.
I liken first tour bidding to baseball. I don't follow its tedium by any stretch of the means but the strategy of the game does appeal to me. With that in mind, I like to think of myself as stepping up to the plate and trying to score runs over the next five innings (years) of my career. Here are four options based on this analogy:
1) "Swing for the Fences": There are a handful of tantalizing posts on the list over which many members of my class are salivating (myself included). Someone will get these assignments but I imagine only because of a very particular reason. I'm probably going to take a few swings but won't chase pitches at the expense of hurting my chances of landing a good post now and down the road. As I'll explain below, a cushy post for my first tour would likely result in me picking from the bottom of the barrell of posts for the second tour. This leads to an entirely different option.
2) "Sacrifice Fly": The list also contains a number of hardship posts in challenging environments to say the least. Some are drawn to these assignments for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Taking this route will undoubtedly get noticed and help move up the Foreign Service ladder. Ten years ago I would have been all over "taking one for the team" but I'm not so sure nowadays. Instead, I'm thinking a more prudent strategy will be to pursue a mix of the next two options.
3) "Bunt": Entry level officers in the Foreign Service must fulfill a number of requirements related to language proficiencies and functional work in their first two tours in order to be tenured. I plan to bid on a number of posts that enable me to "make contact" with one of these balls to move runners into scoring position. It might be best to play the odds for my second tour bidding.
4) "Base Hit": Luckily for me, the bid list has a considerable number of posts in desirable locations that also meet the aforementioned requirements. I'd actually count a number of these assignments as a "double" or even a "triple" in terms of my previously stated preferences. I'd like to think that I can make a strong case for these assignments based on my past experiences, family needs and current interests.
I hope these baseball analogies provide some insights into my line of thinking. Later this week, my wife and I will meet with one of the all powerful Career Development Officers (CDOs) who will take our preferences into consideration when deciding assignments for all of the other 98 members of my incoming class. We plan to conduct some rigorous research in the coming days on other important considerations for these posts. These details might help us make our "pitch" for why we should serve in X, Y or Z. For a glimpse into the anxiety that accompanies these meetings, check out this funny recap from blogger Kerns 'R' Us.
After I turn in my bid list on August 2, we'll have about two agonizing weeks to wait before we receive our first assignment on the fateful Flag Day on August 19. There's a lot of ground to cover before now and then. In the meantime, I'll need to keep my head in the bigger game. I'll share more about other facets in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Good Life
I'm a pretty lucky guy. I'm married to my soulmate and have two wonderful kids. I have a loving and supporting family. I went to top-notch schools and have worked for people and causes I believe in. I've traveled all around the world and am about to get paid to do it. And, oh yeah, on Monday I'll begin my lifelong dream of becoming a U.S. diplomat. It has been a good life and it only stands to get better.
The past week has been emblematic of the good life we enjoyed for the past six years in our hometown of Denver, Colorado. We've said and received heartfelt goodbyes at going away parties and last suppers. We'll miss a lot of birthday parties, holiday traditions and countless other irrecoverable moments but will still feel connected with friends and loved ones through Skype and Facebook. We also expect visits not only in DC but also in Tijuana, Timbuktu or wherever we happen to be posted (we find out August 19). I know some of you probably don't fashion yourself as part of the jet-setting crowd or being house guests in some far off land. But I do hope we can inspire some to visit us. Carpe diem. Dare to discover new places.
In 2004, my wife and I set out on a yearlong round-the-world journey that became affectionately known to us as "The Great Adventure." Over the past several days, I've been re-reading our online travelogue and can't help but feel we are about to embark on a much greater adventure. After all, traveling with young kids is an adventure in itself. (I'll have to convince them that Nyquil is a special juice only served on intercontinental plane rides.)
Today, we flew from Denver to DC and are spending our first night in our government housing in Falls Church, Virginia. We arrived in the early evening and didn't have much time to settle in but I can already tell we will continue to enjoy the good life here. First of all, we scored a refurbished two bedroom apartment in a prime location (read: noise insulation for our two young boys). We're also already smitten with the list of activities available to residents. There will be no shortage of things to do. The best part is that my family is here with me and we can share together in all the experiences to come.
On that note, I'll sign off with a link to "Good Life," a song by One Republic. I often hear it on the radio (does anyone else still listen to music on this medium?) and think about how fitting it is these days.
The past week has been emblematic of the good life we enjoyed for the past six years in our hometown of Denver, Colorado. We've said and received heartfelt goodbyes at going away parties and last suppers. We'll miss a lot of birthday parties, holiday traditions and countless other irrecoverable moments but will still feel connected with friends and loved ones through Skype and Facebook. We also expect visits not only in DC but also in Tijuana, Timbuktu or wherever we happen to be posted (we find out August 19). I know some of you probably don't fashion yourself as part of the jet-setting crowd or being house guests in some far off land. But I do hope we can inspire some to visit us. Carpe diem. Dare to discover new places.
In 2004, my wife and I set out on a yearlong round-the-world journey that became affectionately known to us as "The Great Adventure." Over the past several days, I've been re-reading our online travelogue and can't help but feel we are about to embark on a much greater adventure. After all, traveling with young kids is an adventure in itself. (I'll have to convince them that Nyquil is a special juice only served on intercontinental plane rides.)
Today, we flew from Denver to DC and are spending our first night in our government housing in Falls Church, Virginia. We arrived in the early evening and didn't have much time to settle in but I can already tell we will continue to enjoy the good life here. First of all, we scored a refurbished two bedroom apartment in a prime location (read: noise insulation for our two young boys). We're also already smitten with the list of activities available to residents. There will be no shortage of things to do. The best part is that my family is here with me and we can share together in all the experiences to come.
On that note, I'll sign off with a link to "Good Life," a song by One Republic. I often hear it on the radio (does anyone else still listen to music on this medium?) and think about how fitting it is these days.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Extreme Makeover: Foreign Service Family Edition
I'm not a huge fan of reality TV shows. Although I admit "The Amazing Race" gives me an occasional fix for my insatiable wanderlust, I never got hooked on "Survivor" and certainly didn't want to witness the decay of Western civilization as we know it in the form of MTV's "Jersey Shore". That being said, I can't help but be drawn to the myriad of made-for-TV makeovers these days because of what is happening in my life.
For starts, my family is preparing for the big move to Washington, DC on July 16. Thankfully, my wife and I will not be sporting sweaty bandanas during all-night packing sessions over the coming weeks. Instead, government-contracted movers will do the actual grunt work on our scheduled pack-out date (July 12). Sounds like smooth sailing, right? The catch is that we can only take 700 pounds of what is termed "Unaccompanied Air Baggage (UAB)." Besides the four stuffed suitcases that will accompany us on our cross-country plane ride, this all-important UAB shipment will constitute our primary belongings at our furnished apartment. The rest of our furniture and other household items will be stored at relatively inaccessible government warehouse in Maryland. I'm not sure if a living soul has actually seen this place but it makes me imagine this scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Anyway, the nitty gritty of our move from here on out involves three P's: purging, prioritization and more purging. In other words, what do we need and when do we need it? In order to "make weight" for the pack out, we have waged a war on our possessions with closet-to-closet combat. Our plan of attack has also included an all-day yard sale, donating to local charities and becoming savvy sellers on Craigslist and Amazon. With two superhero-obsessed boys, the toughest battle has been against the stockpiles of redundant toys (a.k.a. clutter of mass obstruction). I alone have faced a multitude of momentous decisions: Which one of the five Batman action figures should be kept? What should be done with those orphaned Little People? How much hardwood floor will we have for train tracks? Will either of my kids ever ride that damn tricycle I assembled one Christmas Eve several years ago? These are the questions that follow me around the house all day.
Other aspects of our lives will also receive an extreme makeover. For one, my wife and I will be trading roles of primary caregiver and my two boys will be in a completely new setting. I'm not too concerned about their well being this summer based on my glowing report of Oakwood and all the attractions DC has to offer. I should confess though that my oldest son is most excited about going to Target the day after we arrive because I promised him he could get a new Lego set. Am I bad for doling out a few other "lollipops" as well? He may be thinking our move is an extended vacation but at least he isn't dreading it. I've actually learned some good adjustment strategies through fellow Foreign Service families and have already begun implementing some of them. So what's the harm of acquiring a few extra puppies (j/k)?
Well, I should get back to my makeover regimen and that means more purging for the time being. I do feel this "slimming down" is good for us and the impending pack out does provide plenty of motivation. Jillian Michaels isn't yelling in my ear but maybe I'll be "The Biggest Loser" among my Foreign Service colleagues. See, who needs "reality" television?
For starts, my family is preparing for the big move to Washington, DC on July 16. Thankfully, my wife and I will not be sporting sweaty bandanas during all-night packing sessions over the coming weeks. Instead, government-contracted movers will do the actual grunt work on our scheduled pack-out date (July 12). Sounds like smooth sailing, right? The catch is that we can only take 700 pounds of what is termed "Unaccompanied Air Baggage (UAB)." Besides the four stuffed suitcases that will accompany us on our cross-country plane ride, this all-important UAB shipment will constitute our primary belongings at our furnished apartment. The rest of our furniture and other household items will be stored at relatively inaccessible government warehouse in Maryland. I'm not sure if a living soul has actually seen this place but it makes me imagine this scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Anyway, the nitty gritty of our move from here on out involves three P's: purging, prioritization and more purging. In other words, what do we need and when do we need it? In order to "make weight" for the pack out, we have waged a war on our possessions with closet-to-closet combat. Our plan of attack has also included an all-day yard sale, donating to local charities and becoming savvy sellers on Craigslist and Amazon. With two superhero-obsessed boys, the toughest battle has been against the stockpiles of redundant toys (a.k.a. clutter of mass obstruction). I alone have faced a multitude of momentous decisions: Which one of the five Batman action figures should be kept? What should be done with those orphaned Little People? How much hardwood floor will we have for train tracks? Will either of my kids ever ride that damn tricycle I assembled one Christmas Eve several years ago? These are the questions that follow me around the house all day.
Other aspects of our lives will also receive an extreme makeover. For one, my wife and I will be trading roles of primary caregiver and my two boys will be in a completely new setting. I'm not too concerned about their well being this summer based on my glowing report of Oakwood and all the attractions DC has to offer. I should confess though that my oldest son is most excited about going to Target the day after we arrive because I promised him he could get a new Lego set. Am I bad for doling out a few other "lollipops" as well? He may be thinking our move is an extended vacation but at least he isn't dreading it. I've actually learned some good adjustment strategies through fellow Foreign Service families and have already begun implementing some of them. So what's the harm of acquiring a few extra puppies (j/k)?
Well, I should get back to my makeover regimen and that means more purging for the time being. I do feel this "slimming down" is good for us and the impending pack out does provide plenty of motivation. Jillian Michaels isn't yelling in my ear but maybe I'll be "The Biggest Loser" among my Foreign Service colleagues. See, who needs "reality" television?
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