December 2008

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Sick over Christmas :(

December 27, 2008 in Updates by melissa | No comments

Chad was sick a little last week, then I got it last weekend. I felt better on Christmas Eve, then we went to a friends house for a party. We’re convinced that someone there was sick (maybe one of the kids), because Chad wasn’t feeling very well on Christmas, and I’ve felt horrible since yesterday morning. *Sigh* so much for the after Christmas shopping sales.

Anyway, I spent a little time yesterday narrowing down the choices on a new gallery application on this website so I can get the pictures back up. Menalto’s gallery has been more trouble than it’s worth, so I’ve got to pick from 3 different applications at some point. There are some other updates I need to do to the site, and sitting around being sick might be a good time to do it. But first, we’d better come up with some sort of breakfast.

Merry (slightly belated) Christmas!

FSOA Updates

December 17, 2008 in Foreign Service by melissa | 1 comment

I met with my FSOA study group last night – seems like a good group. We’re all pretty focused and driven. I just hope I didn’t step on any toes by sometimes taking the lead in the conversation. I suppose working on the speaking and leadership skills should begin sooner rather than later.

I’ll going in for my assessment on Monday, March 2 (along with Catherine from the study group). So, doing the guesswork math: If I pass, my security and medical clearances will probably take 6 months to complete (August). Then I get to sit on the applicant list – yay! I could be on that list for up to 18 months – so let’s pretend I’ll be on it half as long (April 2010!). So in over a year I might get a job offer – or not, depending on my score…if I pass. If I start in May of 2010(!), then have another…oh let’s guess and say 6 months of training, then maybe, just maybe, I’ll go abroad on my first assignment in November 2010.

Why oh why does it have to take so long!

FSOA here I come

December 8, 2008 in Foreign Service by melissa | 2 comments

me: I passed the QEP!

you: the what?

me: the Qualifications Examination Panel reviewed my structured resume and I passed!  I get to go to the Oral Assessment!

you: what are you talking about?

me: while I was eating lunch, I checked my email and saw I had an email with the subject of: Foreign Service Officer Selection Process Results (State Department). I logged on to the website and downloaded they letter that said:

“Congratulations! Based on a comprehensive review of your candidate file, you have been selected to participate in the next step of the Foreign Service Officer selection process, the Oral Assessment.”

you: yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! that’s awesome!

me: I KNOW

you: so what’s next?

me: At 10am on Monday I get to call and schedule my assessment for sometime in February or March (the sooner the better I think). If I pass, then I’m that much closer to joining the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer.