Short Trip to Brussels

So I had a bit of training and a little vacation time in Brussels.  Unfortunately the girls couldn't make it along, so I took one for the team and went alone :(

Training went really well, lots of good information and some good networking.  The best part of the trip was a chance to see an old friend and army buddy.  We were stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Polk, LA and did a tour in Bosnia together.  He and his wife are the ones that taught us how to play bridge and it's bee about 12 years since we've last seen each other.  I wish I had more time to catch up with them.  But hopefully they can make it out to Paris when we go on R&R.

So of course this usually tends to be a photo blog so here are some of the pictures. The full set can be found HERE.

 Of course I had to go to some local brew houses.

Cheers Brian!












So you did scroll all the way down to see what was next.  Congratulations your the 3 individual to do so. Not really... you're probably the first...

Anyway so when I get into the airport back in Jeddah, I call Jolene and she says she's at the Marine house for a going away party and that I should come over to the consulate to partake.  So being one to always want to support our Marines I do the right thing and go to the party... Yeah I know how that sounds. Anyways it turned into a very long day since I was up at 4am to get ready and catch my flight which landed at 7:30 pm.  I finally made it home around 1:30 am.  And we had a great time.  Though we didn't get up and dance on the bar, others did.

And to finish off our weekend one of our British friends had a birthday so we went over to their place and had a small get together and an excellent cheese cake.

So now I'm home fat and happy (literally to both :\ )  Tomorrow is the first day of the work week and after being gone for a week I'm sure I'll have plenty to do.

Until next time...

Nice Break!

Okay it's been a while since my last post.  I seem to be saying that a lot lately, but I have a really good excuse this time.  The wife has been out here for a while.  It was really awesome to have her out here, but as busy as she's been, I think the break has been better for her.  I cooked for her, grilled some awesome T bones one night... It was nice for her to meet some of the other geeks I work with.  We made it out to a couple of happy hours and...
Jolene made it out to a few shops, and I think the picture says it all...



And we had a good time walking around Old Town, Alexandria...

And we found this guy playing crystal glasses...



But alas, she had to head home today.  4am cab to the airport but she left a little something behind to keep me company...

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. 

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…

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.