Out and about in Moscow

These were taken out and around Moscow, the first few pictures where taken when I was out on a bike ride along the rive.

 These next pictures were taken on a walk Jolene and I took in the Southern part of the city.  First up: Tzar Alexei's Palace.  This is a 700,000,000 Ruble (approx $2.2 million) reconstruction of what was once called the 8th wonder of the world.  I have pictures of the inside on the online Picasa album.

Below is John the Baptist Church at Dyakovo and the surrounding grounds.  This church was built in the mid 16th century, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible

Click on the picture... how many crosses do you see?

... and around the corner, down the path, then down a few stairs...

And then up a similar stairway...

To the Ascension Church, built in 1532 to mark the birth of Tzar Vasily III son, Ivan.  Better known as Ivan the Terrible

 You can't see it here but there is a throne on the balcony that allows for a view of the river and the country side.

Not far away is the blue-domed Church of Our Lady of Kazan

and a short jaunt through the woods will take you to Peter the Great's log cabin.

I should have offered to buy that painting right then...

Oh well maybe some other time...

Time to Bid for Our Next Post

Well it's hard to believe but it's time to start looking at where we will be going to next summer.  I can't really get into our options, but we have 36 possible postings, some more likely than others.  We have many choices in Europe, some in Asia, several in Africa and a few in Central/South America.  We are taking a lot of variables into consideration, but we are looking closest at posts with good schools.  We want to make sure Crystal has a good send off from high school.  Another thing we are looking for is employment opportunities for Jolene.  If Jolene is working then she'll be happy, ergo I'll be happy :).  So right now medium to large posts will suit our needs.  Although there is a large European capital that Stacey would love us to get posted at, but our chances of actually getting it are slim, and I'll explain why.

The bidding system works like this for us.  There are 36 people in my bidding cycle so our assignments officer puts 36 posts on a list.  For a time, this is a fluid list some post come on some go off, but there will only be 36 choices.  We have to group our choices into one of 3 categories, High, Medium and Low.  Then we have to write a justification of our rankings and we can provide actual numerical rankings with more details.

Well who gets to choose first?  Glad you asked.  Based on our current assignments you earn equity based on the hardship pay of the post and the danger pay.  Both of these are a percentage of your base pay.  That total percentage is your equity score.  Of the 36 of us, one has a 50% equity and the range goes all the way down to 0%.  We are at a 15% post so we're not first and not last, somewhere in the middle.  No the first person doesn't automagically get their first choice.  There are a few wild cards in there.  If one of the bidders is married to another Foreign Service Officer then that can foul things up as assignment officers attempt to keep the couple near each other (note I didn't say at the same post...)  But ultimately the assignment officer has to take into consideration the needs of the government, that pretty much trumps everything.  Now we have a daughter needing a high school, so odds are we'll get a post with a high school, but not guaranteed.  The State Department will pay tuition to send your child to a boarding school.  They even pay to have them come home once or twice a year.  But, it's been our limited experience that the assignment officers will work with you, they are not out to screw anyone over but try to match people to posts based on a flurry of variables.

So, when?!?  Well I have to have my list submitted no later than July 2.  But since we'll be on R&R during that time we'll have to submit our rankings before then.  Final assignments should be given around the middle of July.

Wish Us Luck :)

Time goes by fast...

Time really does get away from you when you are at training...  I've had a few requests asking what type of training I am actually doing.  Well to be on the safe side, its mostly IT realated with a dash of other courses teaching the ins and outs of what I'll be doing at post.  I'd say its kinda like college.  It's not gonna teach you everything you need to know when you get a job, but you get a broad base and understanding of how things are done. 

I know there is a new class starting in a couple of weeks if any readers are in that class feel free to drop me a line and I'll answer any questions you got.

So back to me and the family... Oh yeah the family is finally here!  Since my last posting I have had my wife visit me here, I've flown home and had a nice going away BBQ (Thanks for everyone that came).  We packed out our house and the family, as I said, has moved out here.  I moved from my studio appartment to a larger one and my mom is out visiting for the weekend.  This past weekend we did a whirl-wind tour of the Mall and some of the Smithsonian museums, lots of walking in the heat, so feeling kinda worn out now.  I'm starting to look forward to the 10 hour flight to Moscow so I can get a good nap in.

Training is coming to an end only a few weeks left.  I've applied for all our Visas for Russia.  I've heard some horror stories about the time it takes for those to come back, some it the several months time frame.  So hopefully we will be on the shorter end of a week or two.

Well class is about to start, better pay attention.

Do svidaniya!

Another week down and a welcome to the 121st Specialist Class

Well I'd like to welcome those new comers of the 121^st, especially the new IMers.  It's funny to see you all having the same questions and apprehensions that we had coming in.  Two more weeks of orientation and things will slow down for you.  I promise.

Okay so on to what I've been up to.  I've got three weeks of training down; I've learned more about the jobs of my trade, this week was telephones and PBX.  The course was mostly an introductory concepts and now I know enough to be dangerous; next week a new course with a test on Friday.  Tonight is poker night so I'll be giving my money away to someone I'm sure.  This week I also applied for my diplomatic passport, so I should be getting that in a couple of weeks then it's time to apply for my Russian Visa.  And, I suppose I should start scheduling my vaccines.  They recommend a Rabies pre-exposure series, which is 3 shots.  Should I get infected with rabies in Russia, then I will need one additional shot.  With no pre-exposure series, if you get infected its 7 shots.  I really wish I had my shot records from the army, oh well guess its pin cushion time for me.  Let’s see I’m slowly working on my Russian using Rosetta stone.  It is a little slow going because I am also studying for Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator.  I need to take two more exams to get my certification upgraded.

So, the wife hasn't been posting anything on here for a while, but that's because she's a lot busier than me.  She's still taking care of the house, running Crystal around to gymnastics, working on getting the house sold or if need be working with the property management company to get it rented out, trading in our two cars for one more suited for Moscow.  Oh yeah she got her and Crystals applications for passports submitted.  And she has more than that going on, and she is still working full time.  Basically, "She Rocks!

Moscow Russia

Okay looks like Moscow is where there State Department needs me.  So this is where we will go.  Of course this is the government and anything could change between now and the time we actually go.  All of us are really happy about this and looking forward to this next milestone.

Two Weeks Down

Well it's been two weeks now, and I'm more familiar with writing cables, Employee Evaluation Reports, T&A (no... Time and Attendance).  I've learned more about myself and playing nicely in the sandbox.  We were introduced to the diverse cultures out in the world and the Embassy as well as the diverse missions to the international community.  All in all this was a pretty good week.  I've still got a bit of home work to finish, but there's always tomorrow right. 

So today our class is having a barbecue, another opportunity to build relationships that will most likely stay with us throughout our careers.  I am really reminiscent of military life, the similarities of common goals, experiences and hardships brings people together in a very unique way. 

So where will the Foreign Service need me after training?  Heck I don't know yet :(  But... Tuesday May 10th, is Flag Day.  We will be called up individually and given the flag of the nation we will be going to.  We've all turned in our "Wish Lists" and are just waiting on the powers to be to assign us where we are needed.  Did you catch the fact that our wish list doesn't really impact where we will be posted?  In reality, we've all had one-on-one meetings with our Career Development Officer (CDO) and after those discussions, It seems that many of us have aligned our lists to reflect the conversations we had.  Regardless of where we are assigned, we will all be serving our nation and doing our part.
This weekend I think I will try to head out to the Mall and be a tourist.  There is so much history here and so little time to take it all in. 

One Week Down

Well it's been a full first week of orientation.  Learning a lot about the State Department and the Foreign Service.  I'm stoked to be part of an organizations that does so much good in the World.  I've got some incredible class mates, many who already have embassy and/or overseas experience.  We've had presenters from different levels at the State Department and have gleened a little insight into what they do and how it supports the Mission abroad.  I got my bid list, sorry can't disclose the details, but I'm excited about the possible locations me and the family will be heading to.

Today is laundry day, I really miss my laundry fairy...

Also there are a few of us heading to the Mall and the National Holocaust Museum.  Since we are here we want to take in as much of the local history and culture we can.  This is a practice we plan on following where ever we wind up calling home. 

Time to check the "whites"

Getting Settled In

Starting to get settled into my new place, it’s a studio apartment.  Not bad, I just wish the wireless was a little faster, but hey I’m a geek right.  Those of you future students coming on, make sure that you stay at Oakwood, so far the customer service has been excellent and the places are nice.  Okay now I need to make a shopping list.  Can’t afford to eat out for every meal, prices are a little higher here than central Iowa.  Coffee is number one on the list!  Let’s see my room is on the second floor with a nice little patio as well. 

This is the view from the kitchen

 This is the view from the sliding glass door

So here are a few pictures of my room.  As you can see Tom the Tabby is on the bed.  Funny story behind Tom, I should start with we have a couple of cats and one of them would usually sleep with me at night.  He would lay next to me with his head on my arm and expect me to pet him all night.  Well you get used to the warm little fur ball next to you at night and the purring is actually a little hypnotic… but back to the point, many years ago I was away on a business trip and one night I was talking with my daughter on the phone and she asked how I slept.  I said it was okay, I missed Snickers (the cat) sleeping next to me.  So, when I got home at the end of the week, Jolene and Crystal had gone to Build a Bear and I had Tom the Tabby waiting for me.  So happens that I was on travel over Father’s Day and Tom was my Father’s Day/Welcome back gift.  So now whenever I travel anywhere I always take Tom with me!
Tonight we have a welcome reception for the new class, officially the 120^th Specialist Class.  So tonight I will be able to meet some of my class mates.  I’ll share how that goes later.

Getting closer

For the past nine years (give or take) I have been with the USDA in Ames, IA.  I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many different people, not just in Iowa but in other locations as well.  Many of the people I have met and worked with have developed into meaningful friendships that I believe will last.  I will truly miss my coworkers.  We’ve had some really good times over the past nine years. But alas, it is time to move on and make new friends and have new adventures and new work.  Officially, my last work day is Friday, but I will be on leave Wednesday through Friday so tomorrow is my last day actually in the office.  Exit interviews packing up my desk, turning in electronics and saying my “See you later” and “Take Care” etc…

On the home side of things is our Church Family.  There too I have had the opportunity to forge some great friendships.  And the number of people that have offered to help the wife while I’m in training is really a blessing.  I will definitely miss our extended family.

Okay past the sentimental stuff.  I am really looking forward to getting out to DC and starting this new career.  There’s a flurry of other emotions, anxious, excited, worried, happy, and probably a few others I can’t identify.  It will also be nice to put some faces to the emails and blogs that are out there.

Guess I should start getting my suitcases ready…

Where can we go?

As we talk to people and let them know we are moving on to a new chapter in our lives, one of the most common questions we get is
"Where are you going?"
And we typically respond with "I don't know, could be anywhere in the world."  Well anywhere is a bit of an exaggeration, here is a map of where we could wind up.




source: http://careers.state.gov/officer/where-we-work

  
For a more detailed list you can check out individual sites here: US Embassy and Consulates. 

I hope this helps.

Just An Update

Well we’ve overcome the budget issue, nothing like a little extra stress just before you start a new job. Since the wife and I both currently work for the government, a shutdown would have upped the stress level even more. Well crisis averted we are now good till next fiscal year.

So what else is new? Not a whole lot really, we’ve had a couple showings of the house; one came back for a second look. It would be really nice to get the house sold and have that stressor gone. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Last night we had a nice time out with friends at Old Chicago. I actually finished my World Beer Tour; it only took me 3 years to complete it… Yeah, I’m not much of a drinker, but I do enjoy the different beer varieties out there. I will miss our “Beer Fridays” and hanging out with friends. But, I know we will be making lots of new friends and building more memories.

Well I have less than two weeks before I fly out to DC. I’m really looking forward to finally getting started down this next path. I got the wife set up with Skype on her computer so we’ll be able to video chat. Isn’t technology great! I was informed thought that if my wife found out where we were going on from this blog first, I will be great trouble. So I will have to call her first before I post on here. But after I call her and let her know where we will be posted first I will get it up on here. So make sure you check on May 10th.

We’re watching the movie Twister now, great movie especially if you live in the Midwest. Okay, topics are bouncing around so I guess it’s time for me to finish of the entry for tonight.

Next Mile Marker Comming Up Soon

So this entry is meant for those new to this blog.  Since I’m getting ready to head off to orientation and I recently shared this address with former co-workers and friends, I will give a high level overview of this next milestone in our lives.  Okay so I’ve joined the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS) you can read about the hiring process in an earlier posting HERE.

Duties and Responsibilities of an IMS (This is an excerpt from the job announcement):

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for information resource management programs and information technology worldwide. The work is diverse and challenging. IMS are responsible for end user and customer support, application support, data and knowledge management, managing and administering a worldwide telecommunications network, maintaining the telephone and radio programs at overseas embassies and consulates, managing the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail operations and performing other duties such as supporting visits of high-level officials, including the President.

At various times, and at posts around the world or at domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Specialists. The duties vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order:

·         Provide assistance to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software; train users in the use of new software applications and provide guidance/assistance with new or amended information technology-related policies and procedures; promote end user involvement in technology and technical decision-making; and improve and support connectivity with US Government foreign affairs partner agencies.

·         Administer and operate classified and unclassified computer networks; install, operate and maintain new hardware and software applications; and ensure IT operations are consistent with Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices.

·         Administer and operate classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment including cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches and satellite equipment; install, operate and maintain network hardware and software; and troubleshoot and restore outages within the network.

·         Administer the Embassies’ and/or Consulates’ classified and unclassified telephone and wireless programs including installation of new equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, and guidance/assistance to personnel in the proper use of these systems.

·         Administer the Embassies’ and/or Consulates’ emergency communications network, including the installation, testing, maintenance and deployment of various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.

·         Administer classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations, including managing Embassy/Consulate mailroom operations. Process the sending and receiving of official correspondence through the Diplomatic Pouch program, and assist Diplomatic Couriers.

·         Monitor and implement security controls on State automated information systems both overseas and domestically. Support operations in the area of cyber security, contingency planning, general security operations and risk management.

·         Serve as part of the Embassy/Consulate’s management team. Perform additional duties outside normal information resource management activities as determined by Embassy or Consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.

So as you can see there are a wide range of duties and possibilities associated with this position. 

So this takes me to the upcoming 120^th Foreign Service Specialist Orientation Class, which starts on April 25, 2011.  This is where I will be inundated with paperwork.  But also what is called the Bid List.  This is a list of current needs of the State Department.  This list is sensitive so I will not be able to share what is on the list.  I will rank the cities on the list with a High, Medium, or Low based on whatever criteria I choose.  (By the way when I say “I” it really means me and my family)  Anyway, we plan on ranking posts based on educational opportunities for our daughter.  She will be starting high school so that will be an important criterion in ranking the Bid list.  On the third Tuesday of orientation there is a ceremony called “Flag Day,” this is where you are presented with the flag of the nation you will be assigned to.

After my initial three weeks orientation I will start on 12 weeks of IT specific training.  Right now I really don’t know what it will include, but I’m really looking forward to it.  Also, depending on my posting language requirement there may be a need to attend language training.  But I won’t know anything for sure till I get through orientation.

Once all the training is done we get all packed and ship off to the new post.  And well not exactly sure what to expect at that point but we’ll be sharing on this blog so make sure to check and see how things are going.  This blog won’t be too much about the Foreign Service, but rather the life style and experience we make our journey!