Just when I was complaining about how lazy I am, I got the call: My security clearance finally came through and I could begin work at the government job for which I was hired ten months ago. So, last week I bid farewell to the Diplocats and the blue velvet sofa and I ventured out of myContinue reading “I’ve Got a Real Pants-Wearing Job”
Tag Archives: foreign service
And Our Next Post Is…
…Jerusalem! Surprised? Remember back when I painstakingly outlined all the pros and cons of moving to seven different cities and asked ya’ll to vote? Well, the winner, Lima, Peru, and all the rest of the places for that matter — London and Papau New Guinea among them — didn’t pan out. We were withoutContinue reading “And Our Next Post Is…”
Vote on Our Next Post!
It’s Bidding Season! In Foreign Service land, this is the time of year when a list comes out with all the places Mr. Dame in Spain, and myself by association, could be posted to next. Imagine seeing a list of cities, some of which you’ve never even heard, and knowing “One of these will beContinue reading “Vote on Our Next Post!”
The Cultural Adjustment Cycle
Wednesday was a red letter day for me in Spain. I successfully asked for all of my desired vegetables in the market, got my hair cut and highlighted (and even cracked a joke with my stylist!), and, most importantly, after spending four hours over the past several days on the truly terrible RENFE website (Spain’sContinue reading “The Cultural Adjustment Cycle”
Dinner Was Served
The Dinner Party of the Season (my season, anyways) was a success! I arrived over to the Glamorous Lady’s lovely, art-filled apartment carrying many, many bags of groceries. I’d been preparing all week, so I was equipped with Tupperware of balsamic reduction, caramelized onions, pistachio pesto, and homemade ricotta. As a general rule, I needContinue reading “Dinner Was Served”
Getting Schooled
One day in high school, it dawned on me that was time to apply for college. I walked down the guidance counselor’s office and waited in line for my assigned counselor, who was tasked with seeing students with last names L-Z, which equaled about 2,500 students at my particularly large suburban high school. I hadContinue reading “Getting Schooled”