Wednesday, November 28, 2012

My African Adventure is Off

The 01/28 specialists class invites have started going out.

Of course, those of us who are on the register have gone completely crazy....again!

I emailed  my contact asking her where I was on the register. I haven't received a reply probably because she's busy crunching whatever she needs to crunch in order to offer accurate salary packages to the new invitees.  Word on the street is that the # of OMS in each specialist class averages around 20.   The last I heard there were 24 people on the register but that also includes people on the do not call list. 

In light of all of this, J and I have decided that we're going to cancel the trip.  It's heart breaking! I was watching 60 Minutes on Sunday and they profiled a couple who have been documenting lions for 30 years, and I cried.  No, I didn't cry. I sobbed...hysterically!  I digress.  I just didn't want to take the chance that I would get an invite and 3 days before I was to leave for London, I get the email.  I would rather cancel now and lose $ rather than canceling later and losing $$$$$$. 

It's really sad and we are so disappointed but the consolation is that I'm going to be living my dream! Not many people can say that. We will get to Africa eventually.

So here I sit obsessively refreshing my email to hoping to get the January call.   I feel like I felt when I was waiting to hear if I passed QEP.  I did the same thing then.  This time it's more excitement than fear. 

I still can't believe it.

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Register

Dear Ms. Webster:

On behalf of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, I am pleased to inform you that your name has been added to the register of those awaiting appointment to the Foreign Service as an Office Management Specialist........


*insert a lot of OH MY GOD, screaming, and crying here*  


After 3 years of trying, I can't believe I actually made it! I actually made it!  My life is getting ready to drastically change and I'm going to be a member of the diplomatic corps.  How freaking awesome is that?  There are no words to describe the moment.  All of the stress, anxiety,  and fear pales in comparison  to getting proof that the powers that be actually do like you and want you to be a part of the team! 

I. AM. ON. THE. REGISTER! 

Bloody hell!