27 April 2012
I will never recover from Southeast Asia
where a (decent) bottle of wine + (a stack of) plastic cups + (a 60-minute) foot massage < $20
26 November 2011
Thanksgiving Abroad - Part 2
I've been overseas for over a year. Let that sink in. The anniversary actually hit while I was in Bali over Water Festival, but having another Thanksgiving away from my family made it real. Sure, I've lived away from home before, but I have always been less than a 26-hour flight away - and thus able to hang out with my family, be inappropriate with my friends from high school, and eat all that delicious home-cooked food over the holidays. I miss that.
My Board vs. CutiePatootie Instructor's Board
But I guess life isn't so bad. I mean, I *DID* get to learn to surf in Bali. and it was awesome. Bali is beautiful, the people are nice, and the challenge of learning a new sport definitely helped channel my sadness over SuperMarine's departure.
It's only been a few weeks since he's been gone, but it feels much longer. Making long distance work is hard, especially with 15 hour time difference and terrible internet connections on both ends. But we'll make it work...or at least I really hope we do. It helps having something to look forward to on the horizon - and the time in between jam-packed full of visitors and tons of work to do. It also seems I've developed a new hobby. I just can't stop baking! It's kind of weird.
SuperMarine, prepare yourself for a baked-goods-filled summer.
07 November 2011
"bittersweet"
This year's water festival brings the Marine Corps Ball, a short workweek, and a trip to Bali...and one big goodbye (for now).
"bittersweet" would be an understatement.
"bittersweet" would be an understatement.
10 October 2011
Success!
The dance studio is a success! Or at least it's doing its job. Most of the time it's just me and the instructor, but it's all good - at least I get to dance again!
06 September 2011
Dancer? Dansez!
I just received word that the new studio is open! I'm going blitz on this place starting tomorrow...
...and if this fails, zumba is still an option.
...and if this fails, zumba is still an option.
03 September 2011
Holy cow, it's been a long time
I'm sorry blog, I sort of forgot about you. It's just that, you know, I've been busy.
So much has happened since my last post, I don't really know where to start.
Let's go with this:
I've become even more thankful for the amazing friends I'm lucky enough to have made in Boston and DC (and K-town). I got to see a few of them in during their travels - Gordacio and ST in Singapore; Cookie and TeethMoney in BKK; LC and Sleepy in PP, Laos and BKK - and many more during mine.
I took my R&R just over six months into my tour (crazy) and spent some time at home with my family, up in Boston with some friends, and most notably, in Minnesota celebrating the lovefest of two meathead friends. The jetlag was brutal, but the time with friends and family (and the frequent flier miles) made it worth it. I was reminded how unusually lucky I am to have met and befriended such a fun, motivated, silly - and of course ridiculously good-looking - group of people. I know I made the right decision with my job, but seeing all of them made coming back to PP more difficult that I predicted.
This became particularly obvious when I "celebrated" my birthday without them. It's in quotes because it was kind of a disaster, but that's neither here nor there. To be positive, it was inspiring.
Since then, I've been trying to branch out of my PP routine. I think I've been doing a good job on trying out new restaurants and bars, more successfully since I've changed my attitude towards the people with which I choose to surround myself. If they're holding me back, they've got to get left behind.
This, unfortunately, is limiting. In every other stage of my life, I've found refuge within the dance community. Friendships are easily made, and the people tend to be adventurous goofballs - aka: my type of people. PP just doesn't have that....yet. I've heard rumors of a hip hop dance studio opening imminently, but I think I'll have to believe it when I see it. I really hope I see it.
The holidays this year are once again going to bring drama in my personal life. I'm glad my family will be around; I think I'll need them. For long-term sanity, however, I need dance. Let's hope the Frenchman opening this studio pulls through. right. now.
I'm a glutton for punishment.
So much has happened since my last post, I don't really know where to start.
Let's go with this:
I've become even more thankful for the amazing friends I'm lucky enough to have made in Boston and DC (and K-town). I got to see a few of them in during their travels - Gordacio and ST in Singapore; Cookie and TeethMoney in BKK; LC and Sleepy in PP, Laos and BKK - and many more during mine.
I took my R&R just over six months into my tour (crazy) and spent some time at home with my family, up in Boston with some friends, and most notably, in Minnesota celebrating the lovefest of two meathead friends. The jetlag was brutal, but the time with friends and family (and the frequent flier miles) made it worth it. I was reminded how unusually lucky I am to have met and befriended such a fun, motivated, silly - and of course ridiculously good-looking - group of people. I know I made the right decision with my job, but seeing all of them made coming back to PP more difficult that I predicted.
This became particularly obvious when I "celebrated" my birthday without them. It's in quotes because it was kind of a disaster, but that's neither here nor there. To be positive, it was inspiring.
Since then, I've been trying to branch out of my PP routine. I think I've been doing a good job on trying out new restaurants and bars, more successfully since I've changed my attitude towards the people with which I choose to surround myself. If they're holding me back, they've got to get left behind.
This, unfortunately, is limiting. In every other stage of my life, I've found refuge within the dance community. Friendships are easily made, and the people tend to be adventurous goofballs - aka: my type of people. PP just doesn't have that....yet. I've heard rumors of a hip hop dance studio opening imminently, but I think I'll have to believe it when I see it. I really hope I see it.
The holidays this year are once again going to bring drama in my personal life. I'm glad my family will be around; I think I'll need them. For long-term sanity, however, I need dance. Let's hope the Frenchman opening this studio pulls through. right. now.
I'm a glutton for punishment.
09 January 2011
A very expat Christmas
I've been a bit negligent with the blog...my bad. I'd say it's because I've been too busy, but I think it's because this is starting to actually feel like home an unnecessary to blog about. Either that, or I've just been putting off writing about spending the holidays overseas, away from my family and the traditions and the cold weather...I don't really know how I feel about it yet. Despite the dancing saxophone Santas and lights all over Phnom Penh, there's something about the 80 degree weather that made the holiday season surreal. I couldn't go home for Christmas, so instead I spent the long weekend in Bangkok with some friends, relaxing poolside and enjoying the finer things...you know, public transportation, real stores, walking on sidewalks without getting harassed, etc.
It was a great weekend, but it didn't really feel Christmas-y. More like the Disney version of it. Bangkok's Christmas trees, light displays, and constant blasting of holiday music juxtaposed with the country's own Buddhist traditions and hyper-modernism made the whole thing take on a fakeness that I don't think even the US could do without Mickey Mouse. But all in all, it was a necessary trip and left me wanting more of a city best described to me as the Asian love child of New York and Las Vegas.
And then there's New Years...
Getting away two weekends in a row wasn't really possible... so while half the expat community went down to the beach, I rang in the new year Phnom Penh style: KNG, PCV, MSGs and DD. It was good times all around, complete with great friends, fireworks way too close to DD, and a giant bag of popcorn.
And now it's 2011. I'd like to reflect on the differences between the beginning of this year and the beginning of last, but I think so much has changed that it would just be an exercise in spotting the differences. Back then, I was a little lost - trying to settle into a new apartment, new job and a new life. Even though I've found myself in the same situation, it seems much easier this time. I may be far away from everything familiar, but I feel at home...something I never quite got to in DC. OK, so maybe not *so* much has changed, just my perception of it - but isn't that what really counts?
It was a great weekend, but it didn't really feel Christmas-y. More like the Disney version of it. Bangkok's Christmas trees, light displays, and constant blasting of holiday music juxtaposed with the country's own Buddhist traditions and hyper-modernism made the whole thing take on a fakeness that I don't think even the US could do without Mickey Mouse. But all in all, it was a necessary trip and left me wanting more of a city best described to me as the Asian love child of New York and Las Vegas.
And then there's New Years...
Getting away two weekends in a row wasn't really possible... so while half the expat community went down to the beach, I rang in the new year Phnom Penh style: KNG, PCV, MSGs and DD. It was good times all around, complete with great friends, fireworks way too close to DD, and a giant bag of popcorn.
And now it's 2011. I'd like to reflect on the differences between the beginning of this year and the beginning of last, but I think so much has changed that it would just be an exercise in spotting the differences. Back then, I was a little lost - trying to settle into a new apartment, new job and a new life. Even though I've found myself in the same situation, it seems much easier this time. I may be far away from everything familiar, but I feel at home...something I never quite got to in DC. OK, so maybe not *so* much has changed, just my perception of it - but isn't that what really counts?
13 December 2010
Kittens are not the answer
I've been in Cambodia for a month...
...just let that sink in for a moment.
The last two weeks have gone so by so incredibly quickly, but I guess that's what happens when you're busy. Work's been a bit insane - I've been traveling around with a visitor, so it's been catch-up time since I've been back. Plus, there's fun to be had!
All work...
My trip up to Siem Reap and Poipet was interesting. I got to stay in a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap...
...which looks like this:
...just let that sink in for a moment.
The last two weeks have gone so by so incredibly quickly, but I guess that's what happens when you're busy. Work's been a bit insane - I've been traveling around with a visitor, so it's been catch-up time since I've been back. Plus, there's fun to be had!
All work...
My trip up to Siem Reap and Poipet was interesting. I got to stay in a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap...
...which looks like this:
And the nicest place in Poipet...which includes a toilet in the shower...
Ironically, that was exactly what I needed at the time. The food poisoning also helped me sleep for the entire 12 hours I was there (but not working). So nice, they don't accept reservations or any form of payment other than Thai Baht (we were in Cambodia). Sometimes I guess eating street food has its up sides!
...and All Play
Siem Reap wasn't all work. I managed to carve away some time to get to the famous Angkor What? (bar), see the temples with PCV... and ride this guy...
It was strange being at the temples again. In 2006, the last time I was there, there were no safety precautions. No handrails, fences, or tourist-friendly stairs. Back then, there was no one else around, and we were able to climb on anything and everything. These days, restorations are underway and the whole place has been a bit Disney-fied...which is a little disappointing but probably for the best. Angkor Wat and the rest of the ruins are beautiful, amazing relics from the past and tourists running around with reckless abandon are probably not the best thing for sustainability.
My return to PP was bittersweet. AF went home to Hawaii, so there were lots of farewell parties (fun) but now no AF (sad!). New friends entered the scene, and we found the best burgers in Cambodia - or at least in Cambodia after 0400 - so that's fun too...but the sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap was a bit less fun when we passed the Himawari...
As for the title of the post...
...if you recognize that, know that there are always options. even in Cambodia. And that's all I have to say about that ;)
23 November 2010
Sad news
You may have seen news stories about the tragedy in Phnom Penh last night - hundreds dead in a stampede during Water Festival...first of all, please don't worry; I'm fine. I was safe at home when this happened, dealing with tons of scared Cambodians dialing the wrong number in search of their loved ones. Secondly, I'm not so surprised that something terrible like this happened. Millions of people flooded into a city lacking the infrastructure to deal with them. Too many cars, tuktuks and motos literally clogging the streets by facing the wrong direction leave no room for pedestrians who have to resort to walking in the street in this sidewalk-less city.
22 November 2010
Just like the Bowdoin Rooftop...except with palm trees
where to begin?
Let's start with work
After my first week on the job, I can honestly say I'm excited. Everyone is friendly, smart and capable. Brain function is encouraged, and there is no expectation of being in the office just for the sake of being there. All in all, it's nothing like EY!
Now to the fun stuff
The jetlag was a bit brutal during the week, so I didn't end up doing much else aside from working and sleeping, but I did manage to locate a gym (which I have not yet joined), find my building's pool (which I have yet to swim in), and make some dance contacts (some of which I did actually meet!). Other than that, I basically fought the Water Festival traffic and enjoyed my bed until Friday night when things started to get silly.
A side note on Water Festival - Water Festival is the Cambodian equivalent of Mardi Gras. Millions of people come to Phnom Penh to celebrate the time of the year when the Tonle Sap changes direction, signifying the end of rainy season, and causing massive traffic jams and parks full of sleeping families. and lots of fun. End note.
OK, now to Friday night.
I volunteered to help KNG with a concert she was putting on for work because (A) it's the nice thing to do and (B) Pou Khliang!!! plus Meas Sok Sophea and an American band called Johnny Rogers Band. Pou Khliang and Meas Sok Sophea are kind of like the Cambodian Kanye and Taylor Swift, so it was actually kind of awesome. The crowd was huge, the concert was fun, and there's nothing like being backstage with the bands!
After the concert, KNG, a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV), an Air Force guy (AF), some Marine Security Guards (MSGs), and I headed over to Darlin Darlin (DD) at Naga World and then a few other places via a lights-and-sirens Suburban so we could actually make it through the crowded streets. That night, I discovered a few things:
1. The best way to get over jetlag is to stay out late enough to be able to sleep in
2. Cambodian bathroom signs look like this:
Saturday
KNG and I braved the insanity and went over to Soriya mall so she could find something to wear to Bar JoeEyeng (BJE). If you've never seen large groups of people trying to figure out how to use an escalator, come to Soriya during Water Festival. hilarious. I also bought a super silly super chinese pink cellphone to replace the boring one I got from work. I'd put a link up for it, but I'm pretty sure the model doesn't really exist. seriously. The only non-chinese writing on the box says it's a Nokia ES20, but google says that's a camera...
Anyway, after that, KNG, PCV and I stopped by BJE before meeting up with AF and an MSG at a jazz lounge called Studio 182. That place is cool, but the couches were way way way too comfortable for a night following DD. Someone knew of a great place called Saint Tropez where we could either get a table to be chill or dance inside. Obviously we opted for the dancing where we caught sight of this gem...
Let's start with work
After my first week on the job, I can honestly say I'm excited. Everyone is friendly, smart and capable. Brain function is encouraged, and there is no expectation of being in the office just for the sake of being there. All in all, it's nothing like EY!
Now to the fun stuff
The jetlag was a bit brutal during the week, so I didn't end up doing much else aside from working and sleeping, but I did manage to locate a gym (which I have not yet joined), find my building's pool (which I have yet to swim in), and make some dance contacts (some of which I did actually meet!). Other than that, I basically fought the Water Festival traffic and enjoyed my bed until Friday night when things started to get silly.
A side note on Water Festival - Water Festival is the Cambodian equivalent of Mardi Gras. Millions of people come to Phnom Penh to celebrate the time of the year when the Tonle Sap changes direction, signifying the end of rainy season, and causing massive traffic jams and parks full of sleeping families. and lots of fun. End note.
OK, now to Friday night.
I volunteered to help KNG with a concert she was putting on for work because (A) it's the nice thing to do and (B) Pou Khliang!!! plus Meas Sok Sophea and an American band called Johnny Rogers Band. Pou Khliang and Meas Sok Sophea are kind of like the Cambodian Kanye and Taylor Swift, so it was actually kind of awesome. The crowd was huge, the concert was fun, and there's nothing like being backstage with the bands!
After the concert, KNG, a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV), an Air Force guy (AF), some Marine Security Guards (MSGs), and I headed over to Darlin Darlin (DD) at Naga World and then a few other places via a lights-and-sirens Suburban so we could actually make it through the crowded streets. That night, I discovered a few things:
1. The best way to get over jetlag is to stay out late enough to be able to sleep in
2. Cambodian bathroom signs look like this:
Saturday
KNG and I braved the insanity and went over to Soriya mall so she could find something to wear to Bar JoeEyeng (BJE). If you've never seen large groups of people trying to figure out how to use an escalator, come to Soriya during Water Festival. hilarious. I also bought a super silly super chinese pink cellphone to replace the boring one I got from work. I'd put a link up for it, but I'm pretty sure the model doesn't really exist. seriously. The only non-chinese writing on the box says it's a Nokia ES20, but google says that's a camera...
PP may just be the best city in the whole world for people-watching.
Sunday
KNG, PCV and I went over to the super-local market where we were the only expats to buy KNG an outfit for a Khmer wedding in Kampong Cham. so fun! The fabric ladies were so nice and funny! I think when we go back to pick up KNG's outfit, I'll get one made just for funsies.
Of course, we couldn't spend the whole day shopping, so we went over to the Himawari where AF is staying to chill out at the river-front pool. Since the roads around the river were all blocked off, the tuktuk could only take us part way so we got to experience the craziness on the walk over!
After some quality pool/jacuzzi time, we made it back to home base and thought it would be good to have a relaxed evening watching the fireworks with food and beverages on the rooftop. That's how it started. It ended with the MSGs realizing the holiday on Monday meant their curfew was 0500 while we were hanging out with the security, managers, staff and band at DD. That means the only thing I'm doing today (Monday) is getting a great $10 massage at the spa across the street and watching some of the DVDs I got at Soriya...
The moral of this story is that I get to spend the next 2 years living a lifestyle I would never be able to lead back in the States. And I think I'm OK with that.
14 November 2010
First weekend In the Penh
To answer your questions, this is what I've been up to since Wednesday...
Thursday and Friday - Flying, flying and more flying.
After the long DC - PP trip, I was greeted at the gate by a nice Cambodian man that ran around the airport with my passport getting my visa and ushering me through customs. When I say "ran," I mean it. I flew through customs like it didn't even exist with a visa in my passport that just magically appeared. Of course, this was totally unnecessary since my third bag was the last one on the belt. After we finally got all of my bags, I was escorted through Phnom Penh to my apartment - which, btws, is kind of ridiculous: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 3 balconies.
The view from one of them:
yes, mom. those are palm trees!
Saturday - Lucky
After waking up at 6:00AM (thank you, 12 hour time difference and loud monkeys), I unpacked a little bit before connecting with Kitty Non Grata (KNG). It's so nice having a friend that lives in my building - especially one that's already been here for three weeks and knows what's up.
We decided to walk to a place called The Living Room for brunch where I got a Vietnamese iced coffee and perhaps the most delicious omelet I've ever eaten...cheese, mushrooms and BACON nom nom nomnom nom...
After brunch, we headed over to Lucky Market to get some supplies and a $15 spa mani-pedi. be jealous.
One quick nap later, it was time for dinner and people/gecko-watching at the FCC. Drinks at an Irish bar called Paddy Rice on the Tonle Sap quay came later, where we ran into an acquaintance of KNG. We decided to join him and his friend at a swanky martini bar called Metro before finding our tuk-tuk driver and heading home for the night.
The view from the FCC balcony:
Things I learned during my first day in PP:
1. No one walks anywhere during the day
2. Crossing the street is a feat of strength, but not impossible
3. Things are oddly priced...some things are cheap, some are really expensive
4. It's really hot here
5. Geckos are cute
Thursday and Friday - Flying, flying and more flying.
After the long DC - PP trip, I was greeted at the gate by a nice Cambodian man that ran around the airport with my passport getting my visa and ushering me through customs. When I say "ran," I mean it. I flew through customs like it didn't even exist with a visa in my passport that just magically appeared. Of course, this was totally unnecessary since my third bag was the last one on the belt. After we finally got all of my bags, I was escorted through Phnom Penh to my apartment - which, btws, is kind of ridiculous: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 3 balconies.
The view from one of them:
yes, mom. those are palm trees!
Saturday - Lucky
After waking up at 6:00AM (thank you, 12 hour time difference and loud monkeys), I unpacked a little bit before connecting with Kitty Non Grata (KNG). It's so nice having a friend that lives in my building - especially one that's already been here for three weeks and knows what's up.
We decided to walk to a place called The Living Room for brunch where I got a Vietnamese iced coffee and perhaps the most delicious omelet I've ever eaten...cheese, mushrooms and BACON nom nom nomnom nom...
After brunch, we headed over to Lucky Market to get some supplies and a $15 spa mani-pedi. be jealous.
One quick nap later, it was time for dinner and people/gecko-watching at the FCC. Drinks at an Irish bar called Paddy Rice on the Tonle Sap quay came later, where we ran into an acquaintance of KNG. We decided to join him and his friend at a swanky martini bar called Metro before finding our tuk-tuk driver and heading home for the night.
The view from the FCC balcony:
Things I learned during my first day in PP:
1. No one walks anywhere during the day
2. Crossing the street is a feat of strength, but not impossible
3. Things are oddly priced...some things are cheap, some are really expensive
4. It's really hot here
5. Geckos are cute
I think the plan for today is to get to the Russian Market and maybe a massage to get myself ready for my first week of work!
09 November 2010
...oh right, I have a blog
I've been pretty bad about updating this sucker. I kept thinking I'd get around to writing some more DC posts but...
All of the sudden, I'm packing out of DC! so weird.
Even though I moved down here with the knowledge/intention that it would be temporary, I can't believe time has gone by so quickly! This year started out a bit rocky, but thanks to the FSI Time Warp and some ridiculous adventures in DC's shallow dating pool with MD, Esq, it feels like I'm leaving as soon as I'm getting settled.
That said, Phnom Penh is calling, and when an exotic tropical locale asks you to live in it, you don't say no...or at least I don't.
Tomorrow is my packout, I said "see ya later" to Thor the Barbie Jeep Jungle Cruiser today, and I get on a plane to yet another new life on Thursday! It kind of doesn't seem real, but I am definitely looking forward to it. Warm weather, dream job, amazing perks, proximity to everything super fun in PartyPartySouthEastAsia, blah blah blah...
Basically, I'm going to have a ridiculous time. And I'm going to write about (hopefully). Stay tuned!!
On a side note, thank you to all my amazing friends who came out to send me off in style in both Boston and DC!! love you long time!
All of the sudden, I'm packing out of DC! so weird.
Even though I moved down here with the knowledge/intention that it would be temporary, I can't believe time has gone by so quickly! This year started out a bit rocky, but thanks to the FSI Time Warp and some ridiculous adventures in DC's shallow dating pool with MD, Esq, it feels like I'm leaving as soon as I'm getting settled.
That said, Phnom Penh is calling, and when an exotic tropical locale asks you to live in it, you don't say no...or at least I don't.
Tomorrow is my packout, I said "see ya later" to Thor the Barbie Jeep Jungle Cruiser today, and I get on a plane to yet another new life on Thursday! It kind of doesn't seem real, but I am definitely looking forward to it. Warm weather, dream job, amazing perks, proximity to everything super fun in PartyPartySouthEastAsia, blah blah blah...
Basically, I'm going to have a ridiculous time. And I'm going to write about (hopefully). Stay tuned!!
On a side note, thank you to all my amazing friends who came out to send me off in style in both Boston and DC!! love you long time!
05 March 2010
Som kum bañ khñom; khñom jia montrai toot!
Please don't shoot me; I'm a diplomat!
So I've been a little busy and haven't had a chance to update my blog. Sue me. Really, it's just that I've been spending my days learning Khmer and my nights dancing/dominating at Buck Hunter - and I have a hard time expressing how ridiculous my language instructors really are. As much as I would love to share the English translations of some of the best tidbits I have learned, this is a public blog and children might read it. Yes, my little old Cambodian lady instructor taught me how to say very vulgar things. Things that would make even a girl from Jersey blush...or at least giggle a little bit. I love my job.
So instead, I will share a photo I took in Georgetown when there was still snow on the ground. Now get off my back (Kat).
So I've been a little busy and haven't had a chance to update my blog. Sue me. Really, it's just that I've been spending my days learning Khmer and my nights dancing/dominating at Buck Hunter - and I have a hard time expressing how ridiculous my language instructors really are. As much as I would love to share the English translations of some of the best tidbits I have learned, this is a public blog and children might read it. Yes, my little old Cambodian lady instructor taught me how to say very vulgar things. Things that would make even a girl from Jersey blush...or at least giggle a little bit. I love my job.
So instead, I will share a photo I took in Georgetown when there was still snow on the ground. Now get off my back (Kat).
31 January 2010
The results are in...
In October, I'll be going to Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
Don't feel bad if you can't remember where Cambodia is - that's what the map is for
In case my excitement doesn't translate in writing, I've compiled a list entitled Reasons why this posting is amazing.
Here it is:
Reasons why this posting is amazing
- Phnom Penh has a huge, young, socially active expat community
- The city offers everything you could possibly want...mostly costing $1
- My house/apartment will be big enough to host all of my friends on their South-East Asian travels
- Cambodian food
- I get to spend the summer in DC living in my free housing...which includes a pool
- I'll finally get to drive a scooter
- Unless by choice, I won't see another winter until 2012
- Travel to see colleagues in other SE Asian countries will be cheap & easy
- I'll be going to post with a friend from A-100
- I don't think I'll ever get tired of surprising people with my amazing Khmer which I will obviously have
29 January 2010
On the Eve of Flag Day
In less than 24 hours, I'll know what I'll be doing for the next year at the minimum - and 3 years at the max. This is insane...I haven't had that much stability since high school! I'll have to adjust a bit, but it might be nice to actually be able to plan for my not-so-immediate future.
and of course, it will definitely be nice to know when I'm leaving and where I'm going!
For now, on this eve of Flag Day when I am still completely unaware of my pre-determined future, all I can do is have faith that those who are making the decisions will treat me kindly. I must have faith in my ability to make the best out of any situation, and I must remember that even the worst tour will only last 2 years.
Wish me luck!
...unless you're Russian...then think bad thoughts about me!
and of course, it will definitely be nice to know when I'm leaving and where I'm going!
For now, on this eve of Flag Day when I am still completely unaware of my pre-determined future, all I can do is have faith that those who are making the decisions will treat me kindly. I must have faith in my ability to make the best out of any situation, and I must remember that even the worst tour will only last 2 years.
Wish me luck!
...unless you're Russian...then think bad thoughts about me!
20 January 2010
...like off a menu in a restaurant
Just as I submitted my bid list, a colleague reminded me to cherish this moment and to:
And now the waiting game begins - Jan 29 can't come quickly enough!
"take a moment to really consider the unique and extraordinary opportunity you have today - you are poring over a list of exotic, mysterious, and romantic locations around the world and you get to pick, like off a menu in a restaurant, where it is you want to go!"...so lucky in so many ways.
And now the waiting game begins - Jan 29 can't come quickly enough!
19 January 2010
Back from Boston
Going back to Boston and falling back into (2-week) old habits this weekend helped me realize two things:
A. I am actually excited for my new life
B. My friends are ridiculous and amazing and I love them
Also, my bid list is due in less than 48 hours, and 9 days thereafter I will know what I will be doing and in which country I will be living for the next 1-3 years. No pressure.
A. I am actually excited for my new life
B. My friends are ridiculous and amazing and I love them
Also, my bid list is due in less than 48 hours, and 9 days thereafter I will know what I will be doing and in which country I will be living for the next 1-3 years. No pressure.
13 January 2010
If Procrastination was a country, I'd be Ambassador
A-100 is a bit of a black box: Input Human -Output Diplomat/Bureaucrat/International Person of Mystery
Before I started, I kept thinking that I would include a detailed description of what goes on during this magical five weeks at FSI. Of course, that was before I started. Even though I get home by 6:00PM every day and have much fewer distractions down here in DC than I did in Boston, finding the time to blog isn't as easy as it seems. Between preferences, post research and the ever-daunting bid list, I can barely find the time to unpack! The good news there is that I'll probably have to do another packout soon anyway. Fortunately, I also have lots of required reading to do. Years of graduate study have helped me to perfect my procrastination skills, and thus I am blogging (with some wine and old SVU episodes) instead of reading about how to write. Now comes the challenge of finding something to blog about...
...how about DC?
Culture Shock :: Back to Reality
Last Thursday, I made it to the Culture Shock DC weekly class with Cecile. I don't know if it was the company, the class or the fact that the combo spoke to exactly what I was feeling at the time, but it was like an instant sanity check. Suddenly, everything seemed to make sense - including the importance of dance in my life. I just hope my CDO sees it the same way and sends me somewhere with a good class to take!
The class itself was great - the instructor was hilarious and the combo was challenging but not impossible. It was also great to see that the hip hop dance community is alive and well in DC - I will definitely be taking more classes with them as long as I'm in the area.
Friday was a failure - Saturday not so much...depending on your definition
Since I didn't go out on Friday, I had to make up for it on Saturday. It started as a dinner with some new colleagues at Souk on H st. The original plan was to go to Sticky Rice, but the place was way too packed for a group of almost 20...the change of plans ended up being for the best, as Souk hit the trifecta: delicious, authentic, and cheap. Next up was The H St Country Club for some skee-ball, Big Buck Hunter (Pro!) and bonding. By the end of the night, I had:
1. Showcased my mad Big Buck Hunting skilzzzzzzzzz
2. Discovered the fratty Hong Kong of DC in Rock and Roll Hotel
3. Danced with Teeny/Polly Pocket/TamTam
4. Met a lumber jack
5. Investigated yet another escalator mystery
6. Met some really fun people
7. Became convinced that, while not as fun as Boston, DC can actually be a good time.
ok - now it might actually be time to earn my keep and do some reading.
Back to Boston this weekend!
Before I started, I kept thinking that I would include a detailed description of what goes on during this magical five weeks at FSI. Of course, that was before I started. Even though I get home by 6:00PM every day and have much fewer distractions down here in DC than I did in Boston, finding the time to blog isn't as easy as it seems. Between preferences, post research and the ever-daunting bid list, I can barely find the time to unpack! The good news there is that I'll probably have to do another packout soon anyway. Fortunately, I also have lots of required reading to do. Years of graduate study have helped me to perfect my procrastination skills, and thus I am blogging (with some wine and old SVU episodes) instead of reading about how to write. Now comes the challenge of finding something to blog about...
...how about DC?
Culture Shock :: Back to Reality
Last Thursday, I made it to the Culture Shock DC weekly class with Cecile. I don't know if it was the company, the class or the fact that the combo spoke to exactly what I was feeling at the time, but it was like an instant sanity check. Suddenly, everything seemed to make sense - including the importance of dance in my life. I just hope my CDO sees it the same way and sends me somewhere with a good class to take!
The class itself was great - the instructor was hilarious and the combo was challenging but not impossible. It was also great to see that the hip hop dance community is alive and well in DC - I will definitely be taking more classes with them as long as I'm in the area.
Friday was a failure - Saturday not so much...depending on your definition
Since I didn't go out on Friday, I had to make up for it on Saturday. It started as a dinner with some new colleagues at Souk on H st. The original plan was to go to Sticky Rice, but the place was way too packed for a group of almost 20...the change of plans ended up being for the best, as Souk hit the trifecta: delicious, authentic, and cheap. Next up was The H St Country Club for some skee-ball, Big Buck Hunter (Pro!) and bonding. By the end of the night, I had:
1. Showcased my mad Big Buck Hunting skilzzzzzzzzz
2. Discovered the fratty Hong Kong of DC in Rock and Roll Hotel
3. Danced with Teeny/Polly Pocket/TamTam
4. Met a lumber jack
5. Investigated yet another escalator mystery
6. Met some really fun people
7. Became convinced that, while not as fun as Boston, DC can actually be a good time.
ok - now it might actually be time to earn my keep and do some reading.
Back to Boston this weekend!
09 January 2010
New Year, New Life
It's Friday night and I'm staying in...this might be a first. It's also the end of my first week in the Foreign Service, meaning that I'm 20% through the basic training and less than a month away from knowing where and when I'll be going next. Thanks to that realization, moving into a big apartment all by myself, getting my bid list, finally getting to a dance class, and a visit from my parents, I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. In the past seven days, I've been nervous, excited, completely overwhelmed, relieved, desperately lonely and surrounded by friends and family - sometimes all at the same time. I think I deserve a night in with some trashy TV.
Hopefully I'll have the energy for an actual update soon!
Hopefully I'll have the energy for an actual update soon!
29 December 2009
The word of the day is "awkward"
Awkward - [awk-werd] - adjective - describing the feeling one gets when supervising a 58 year old man with bad knees pack up all of your belongings and move them down 5 flights of stairs.
Today is my official "packout" day, and so far this old man has taken care of my meager 4 boxes of UAB, aka air freight. I thought I had more stuff, but since there's a chance I won't see this stuff for a month, I'm cramming as much as I can into my trusty little Civic to accompany me on the drive down to DC. Let's see if it all fits and how I'll be able to load up all by myself from a 5th floor bedroom into a car that doesn't have a parking spot. in Boston. Did I mention it's supposed to snow? Who's excited??
Next up is HHE, aka ground shipment of the rest of my life that's going into storage until I ship out or get posted to DC and have to furnish an apartment all by myself.
It's now been 5 minutes since my packer disappeared down my stairs...maybe I should go check on him.
Today is my official "packout" day, and so far this old man has taken care of my meager 4 boxes of UAB, aka air freight. I thought I had more stuff, but since there's a chance I won't see this stuff for a month, I'm cramming as much as I can into my trusty little Civic to accompany me on the drive down to DC. Let's see if it all fits and how I'll be able to load up all by myself from a 5th floor bedroom into a car that doesn't have a parking spot. in Boston. Did I mention it's supposed to snow? Who's excited??
Next up is HHE, aka ground shipment of the rest of my life that's going into storage until I ship out or get posted to DC and have to furnish an apartment all by myself.
It's now been 5 minutes since my packer disappeared down my stairs...maybe I should go check on him.
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