Author Archive

When I first heard about the Foreign Service, I thought: “Wow! I can get paid in dollars to live abroad and have an adventure!” Yes, yes, service to country, helping people, etc, that’s all important too (and one of these day’s I’ll post my “Statement of Interest,” but if I’m honest with myself (you...
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I was working late on Wednesday evening, so Chad came out to have dinner with me and a coworker (Mike!). He handed me a fantastic letter, dated November 20: On behalf of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, I am please to inform you that your name has been added to the...
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I’ve spent a weekend morning with the Halfaker and Associates for the past two weeks, and I must admit, we’re having some fun. Last week we went to Hartland Orchard in Markham, VA to pick our own apples. Chad and I met up with Allison, Cyrus, The Siglers, Mike and his friend James, and...
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Chad and I had our second anniversary on Tuesday evening. Here are some of MY highlights from the past year. - Being and election official - Thanksgiving with my parents and your mom - Passing the Foreign Service Oral Assessment - Getting a new job at Halfaker and Associates - Getting a new bike!...
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I’m switching servers today kids, so things may get a little weird… EDIT: DNS switch looks like it went well, everything is pretty much working. Now I just have to mess with the gallery themes… EDIT: Since there was a lag between when I uploaded the database to the new host, I lost two...
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I recently convinced a friend to take the Foreign Service Exam – she registered for the last day of the October round.  I really hope she makes it – she’d be an excellent FSO (good luck Carmel!).   As we were talking about the examination process, I realized that I’ve never written about how I...
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Oh my goodness! Two days, two updates! I thought I’d post a little update about my security clearance, or current lack thereof. On June 16 I sent an email to diplomatic security asking for an update on my case. On June 21 I got the following email: Your case is pending investigations. Our original...
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For Chad’s 30th birthday, I surprised him with a trip to New York City for the weekend.  We left Thursday morning, and he had no idea where we were headed.  At first he thought we would be flying out of National, then when we got into the car and headed north, he thought we...
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I’d say I can’t believe I haven’t written anything since Memorial Day, but it’s really not that surprising. It’s been more than four weeks since I had my interview with Mr. J, the gentleman who is (I think) managing my Security Clearance case. We originally planned to meet at the Shirlington Library, but then...
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Mark (Marcos) DaAton was a Philippines Scout in World War II , POW, Baatan Death March survivor, and my grandfather. He passed away a little over ten years ago, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized his role in WWII, and I still don’t know very much about it besides the above. However,...
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