It has been quite a while since I last posted on the blog. I guess it goes to show how I've been entrenched with life at the embassy and getting used to the new job. I'm thankful that Steph has been able to post on occasion to keep you all up to date, and I think she's starting to feel a little more settled.
Work has definitely been keeping me busy since we landed a month ago, yesterday. It's very strange to think that 9 months have passed since I started A-100 and an entire month has gone by since we first landed in Caracas. Time has definitely flown by, and I think for the most part we have been having fun.
One thing that has really kept Steph and I sane since we've arrived is cooking and exploring the culinary side of Caracas and Venezuela. Without any of our stuff our apartment does feel quite empty. Additionally, with security restrictions and the lack of a car, life in the apartment can make you feel a little captive at times. We have really tried to battle these feelings through our weekly trip to Chacao Market, bumming a ride from someone at the embassy each week. Chacao has exposed us to new fruits, vegetables, seasonings, and cooking methods. The vendors as we've gotten to know them have become very open in sharing tips and telling us what they'd be doing with our purchases for the week. Our little adventures out have opened our eyes to new things and I think have sparked a little extra imagination with our inner chefs.
Over the past couple of weeks Steph and I have had some difficulty just spending time together. With work, embassy events, adjusting to all the new things, and just sheer exhaustion we find ourselves going to bed early and also trying to find some quiet time for ourselves. One thing that has brought us together is the kitchen. During these past two weeks Steph and I have been working our way through some of the basics of Latin American cooking... which also means we have been... (gasp) frying. Last week we braved "tostones" which are fried, mashed, plantains. Plantains are a little like bananas, but more starchy. The end product comes out somewhere between a big flat french fry and a donut. A little sweet, a little starchy. After reading this I realize my description kind of stinks, but you'll just have to come and visit us to try them out as I think we're now getting the hang of it. Other attempts have been made at making fried Yuca (another potato like product that I think turns out better than french fries... now if I only had a chocolate malt to dip them in) and Tequeños. Tequeños are white cheese that is wrapped in a bready wrapper (almost like an eggroll wrapper, but more bready) and deep fried. They're kind of like mozzarella sticks but with bread, not bread crumbs, and no tomato dipping sauce. You can buy them pretty much anywhere, including the baseball stadium. We have been taking pictures of all of our wonderful kitchen creations and we'll be sure to share them with you all...that is as soon as our newly ordered camera cord arrives.
Well, life has definitely been an adventure since our arrival, and there has easily been a lot of adjusting to do. Life is simply... different. We are of course heading in a new direction and are at the beginning of our own little journey. As you've probably gathered from some of the stories that Steph has been able to share, we have definitely had our share of "adventures" since we arrived. I am confident in time that things will settle, but until then, I guess we'll just have to confide in filling our stomachs with good food and discovering Venezuela, one bite at a time.
Showing posts with label Life After A-100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life After A-100. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
He Said: Ends, Beginnings, & Reminders
Well, I know it's a little unfair that a little less than two weeks ago Steph entered that I would be taking my final Spanish test and that I'd wait until now to officially post the results. BUT, I wanted to be able to contribute a little more than just an announcement, so here's my attempt at a review with some insight:
Ends:
As Steph preluded to, yes, my final Spanish test was two weeks ago. Please notice that I said "final." Yes, I passed!! It's hard to believe that after 17 weeks of language training I was capable of going from almost nothing to having the ability to converse and hold up my end of the conversation. While it was very exciting to finish my test and feel the great accomplishment of having completed language training, it was also very sad to leave the halls of the Spanish department. I will definitely miss my old schedule, the same thing everyday of getting up at a decent time (6:30), going to class, studying, short lunch, class, studying the rest of the afternoon, and then practicing my conversation with Steph at night when I could. It's amazing how comfortable a schedule can be, and I will actually *miss* the structure... I can't believe I actually just said that... wow, how times have changed.
Beginnings:
As you've probably picked up in my posts over the months, there usually really isn't any messing around when it comes to scheduling training within the State Department. So of course in classic style, I finished my Spanish training on a Tuesday and began my job training on Wednesday morning at 8:30 am. Right now I am in the basic consular course, affectionately named "ConGen" within the Foreign Service. The purpose of this six week course is to give us officers the basic legal and institutional knowledge to be able to do our jobs once we've gotten on the ground in country. For me, being the policy geek that I was in a past life, it is really interesting to be carrying around the text of the Immigration and Nationality Act to be able to do my job. Those of you that have been following the blog will note that this is the same class that Steph took and aced so many weeks ago. I guess it's an expectation that I will follow in her footsteps, but of course I've just gotta get the job done too.
The loss of a set schedule has been tough, but luckily (and yes I am saying luckily) there is enough work that I am able to keep an 8-4ish day of sorts. I miss the consistency of my language schedule, but appreciate the variety. Any given day I can be learning new computer applications that I'll be using at post, studying immigration statutes, or even conducting roleplays to simulate situations I may be faced with once we are in Venezuela. The broad spectrum of things that I may face in this position are definitely intriguing. I'll keep you posted as the class progresses, but please wish me luck!
Reminders:
Since my last post there have many things that I have been reminded of and wanted to reflect on briefly.
Spanish: Looking back, I have to say that I was really lucky during my Spanish training. To be able to go from almost nothing to competent in 17 weeks really was an accomplishment. I know that I have to attribute much of that to the amount of work I put into learning the language, but I was also extremely lucky to have the professors that I did during my time in language. I can honestly say that each professor I had contributed something significant to my learning. Be it helping me grasp the grammar rules, or gaining the ability to control the language with a limited vocab, I am amazed when I now get into a conversation in Spanish with a native speaker and can hold up my end. I have said many times that I was looking forward to the moment that I could finally speak. Now, I'm looking forward to the ability to USE the language. Also, one more thing I have to recognize; I am EXTREMELY lucky to have Steph in my life to practice and help me with my Spanish. She has always been my motivation in learning this language, and to be at the end of one road, learning, and moving forward together from here on out operating in a second language will be a real treat. I am so blessed to have her in my life and can't wait for this adventure. A major goal in our lives...achieved!
Reasoning: The other thing I am reminded of often when we are here in DC is the reason we got into this life in the first place; service to country. I have always been a big believer in national service, and being here in DC for training has provided me with many reminders of why this job is important to me. This past Sunday Steph and I ran down to the Memorial Bridge connecting DC to Arlington Cemetary to see the funeral procession for Senator Ted Kennedy. All politics aside, the spontaneous show of respect and patriotism to him and his family as the funeral procession went by (with people clapping, waving, and showing their American flags) was awe inspiring. It reminded me of how lucky we are to be Americans and that I have a whole lot to be thankful and give back for. I remember way back over three years ago when I began this process I thought that consular work was similar to working in the DMV. After learning more about the possibilities of stopping terrorism, protecting the American public from individuals that shouldn't be here, and providing services to Americans abroad, I realize there's a lot more to the job than just pushing paper. I'm glad to know that by doing my job overseas I'll be able to say thank you, for everything I gain and have gained as an American, everyday.
Ends:
As Steph preluded to, yes, my final Spanish test was two weeks ago. Please notice that I said "final." Yes, I passed!! It's hard to believe that after 17 weeks of language training I was capable of going from almost nothing to having the ability to converse and hold up my end of the conversation. While it was very exciting to finish my test and feel the great accomplishment of having completed language training, it was also very sad to leave the halls of the Spanish department. I will definitely miss my old schedule, the same thing everyday of getting up at a decent time (6:30), going to class, studying, short lunch, class, studying the rest of the afternoon, and then practicing my conversation with Steph at night when I could. It's amazing how comfortable a schedule can be, and I will actually *miss* the structure... I can't believe I actually just said that... wow, how times have changed.
Beginnings:
As you've probably picked up in my posts over the months, there usually really isn't any messing around when it comes to scheduling training within the State Department. So of course in classic style, I finished my Spanish training on a Tuesday and began my job training on Wednesday morning at 8:30 am. Right now I am in the basic consular course, affectionately named "ConGen" within the Foreign Service. The purpose of this six week course is to give us officers the basic legal and institutional knowledge to be able to do our jobs once we've gotten on the ground in country. For me, being the policy geek that I was in a past life, it is really interesting to be carrying around the text of the Immigration and Nationality Act to be able to do my job. Those of you that have been following the blog will note that this is the same class that Steph took and aced so many weeks ago. I guess it's an expectation that I will follow in her footsteps, but of course I've just gotta get the job done too.
The loss of a set schedule has been tough, but luckily (and yes I am saying luckily) there is enough work that I am able to keep an 8-4ish day of sorts. I miss the consistency of my language schedule, but appreciate the variety. Any given day I can be learning new computer applications that I'll be using at post, studying immigration statutes, or even conducting roleplays to simulate situations I may be faced with once we are in Venezuela. The broad spectrum of things that I may face in this position are definitely intriguing. I'll keep you posted as the class progresses, but please wish me luck!
Reminders:
Since my last post there have many things that I have been reminded of and wanted to reflect on briefly.
Spanish: Looking back, I have to say that I was really lucky during my Spanish training. To be able to go from almost nothing to competent in 17 weeks really was an accomplishment. I know that I have to attribute much of that to the amount of work I put into learning the language, but I was also extremely lucky to have the professors that I did during my time in language. I can honestly say that each professor I had contributed something significant to my learning. Be it helping me grasp the grammar rules, or gaining the ability to control the language with a limited vocab, I am amazed when I now get into a conversation in Spanish with a native speaker and can hold up my end. I have said many times that I was looking forward to the moment that I could finally speak. Now, I'm looking forward to the ability to USE the language. Also, one more thing I have to recognize; I am EXTREMELY lucky to have Steph in my life to practice and help me with my Spanish. She has always been my motivation in learning this language, and to be at the end of one road, learning, and moving forward together from here on out operating in a second language will be a real treat. I am so blessed to have her in my life and can't wait for this adventure. A major goal in our lives...achieved!
Reasoning: The other thing I am reminded of often when we are here in DC is the reason we got into this life in the first place; service to country. I have always been a big believer in national service, and being here in DC for training has provided me with many reminders of why this job is important to me. This past Sunday Steph and I ran down to the Memorial Bridge connecting DC to Arlington Cemetary to see the funeral procession for Senator Ted Kennedy. All politics aside, the spontaneous show of respect and patriotism to him and his family as the funeral procession went by (with people clapping, waving, and showing their American flags) was awe inspiring. It reminded me of how lucky we are to be Americans and that I have a whole lot to be thankful and give back for. I remember way back over three years ago when I began this process I thought that consular work was similar to working in the DMV. After learning more about the possibilities of stopping terrorism, protecting the American public from individuals that shouldn't be here, and providing services to Americans abroad, I realize there's a lot more to the job than just pushing paper. I'm glad to know that by doing my job overseas I'll be able to say thank you, for everything I gain and have gained as an American, everyday.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
He Said: Reality Setting In
Well, I just realized that it has been four weeks since my last post. I think I've said this before, but it's almost surreal how normal life here in DC has become again. Steph and I were driving down Route 50 the other day after running some errands on our way back to Rosslyn. I mentioned to her how strange it was to be exiting at Rosslyn to head home, but yet then again, how "normal" it felt. So strange to think that you could live in the same place twice but have such a different experience each time around. I guess that's the way we're always going to feel as we move through this career, as we'll have to return to DC each time between tours, and of course the impending "DC tour" where you work a position here at "Main State."
I really can't believe that it's been a month since I last posted, but to be completely honest, in my mind it feels as though it's only been about a week. In the past four weeks I've definitely felt a huge progression in my Spanish skills. I've been working about 8-9 hours a day (including class time) to keep moving forward, and Steph and I have implemented a "mandatory" Spanish hour in our apartment to give me just that much more practice. My final examination for Spanish is coming in two weeks, and I can definitely feel the pressure now. 18 weeks is pretty quick to "master" Spanish, but I think I'm going to be able to do it. Additionally, to make things interesting, I had a terrible evaluation about a week ago. My performance definitely did not reflect my true ability, but I took a huge confidence hit when my learning consultant told me his perception of my Spanish skills. Thus, I put in the extra effort this week and had a mini-session with my learning consultant yesterday. He told me, "Usted ha mejorado claramente" (you have clearly improved), which was exactly what I needed to hear. At this point, it's almost unreal to think back to where my Spanish was 16 weeks ago (almost nonexistent) and where I am today. I was a little shocked a couple days ago when I watched an entire speech given by Hugo Chavez and understood about 90% without Spanish subtitles or English translation... now if I can just communicate face-to-face. It will be interesting to use a language full time for the first time ever. In the past, I've only been able to live vicariously through Steph's experiences, so I am definitely looking forward to being able to share this with her for once.
Other than continuing to progress in Spanish, the thing that has changed for me the most in the last month is the feeling that our adventure is becoming real. This month we picked up our diplomatic passports. That was the one thing that really hit me, when I opened up the envelope and read the stamp that said I was traveling on "official US Govt business" I almost got butterflies in my stomach. To top it all off, Steph and I have re-entered the world of logistics to get ready for post. When I was living out here and Steph was still in Minnesota, I think I mentioned in the blog the crazy amount of logistical things that had to be done just to get her to DC. Well, at the 3 month mark the clock began again, and a new to-do list was formed. Lately we've been tracking our toilet paper use, the non-perishable foods we eat on a regular basis, and the personal products we use regularly. Steph even bought a calendar just for this. To think that we're getting ready to buy and ship a year's worth of stuff is almost uncanny, but such is the life of an FSO.
This week we also attended yet another "wheels-up" party to say good bye to my classmates that are leaving in August. One of my friends leaves for Caracas this month. It was so strange to not have to say good bye to him, but rather "see you in a few months buddy." The reality that we would not only be meeting on the flip-side, but also that the flip-side will be Venezuela hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm getting excited, nervous, anxious, and a whole mix of other emotions. All in all, I really think that we're just getting ready to go and that both Steph and I want to get out of DC. We've really been enjoying a little bit of "normalcy" (depending on your definition), but it's time for this adventure to continue.
Brian
I really can't believe that it's been a month since I last posted, but to be completely honest, in my mind it feels as though it's only been about a week. In the past four weeks I've definitely felt a huge progression in my Spanish skills. I've been working about 8-9 hours a day (including class time) to keep moving forward, and Steph and I have implemented a "mandatory" Spanish hour in our apartment to give me just that much more practice. My final examination for Spanish is coming in two weeks, and I can definitely feel the pressure now. 18 weeks is pretty quick to "master" Spanish, but I think I'm going to be able to do it. Additionally, to make things interesting, I had a terrible evaluation about a week ago. My performance definitely did not reflect my true ability, but I took a huge confidence hit when my learning consultant told me his perception of my Spanish skills. Thus, I put in the extra effort this week and had a mini-session with my learning consultant yesterday. He told me, "Usted ha mejorado claramente" (you have clearly improved), which was exactly what I needed to hear. At this point, it's almost unreal to think back to where my Spanish was 16 weeks ago (almost nonexistent) and where I am today. I was a little shocked a couple days ago when I watched an entire speech given by Hugo Chavez and understood about 90% without Spanish subtitles or English translation... now if I can just communicate face-to-face. It will be interesting to use a language full time for the first time ever. In the past, I've only been able to live vicariously through Steph's experiences, so I am definitely looking forward to being able to share this with her for once.
Other than continuing to progress in Spanish, the thing that has changed for me the most in the last month is the feeling that our adventure is becoming real. This month we picked up our diplomatic passports. That was the one thing that really hit me, when I opened up the envelope and read the stamp that said I was traveling on "official US Govt business" I almost got butterflies in my stomach. To top it all off, Steph and I have re-entered the world of logistics to get ready for post. When I was living out here and Steph was still in Minnesota, I think I mentioned in the blog the crazy amount of logistical things that had to be done just to get her to DC. Well, at the 3 month mark the clock began again, and a new to-do list was formed. Lately we've been tracking our toilet paper use, the non-perishable foods we eat on a regular basis, and the personal products we use regularly. Steph even bought a calendar just for this. To think that we're getting ready to buy and ship a year's worth of stuff is almost uncanny, but such is the life of an FSO.
This week we also attended yet another "wheels-up" party to say good bye to my classmates that are leaving in August. One of my friends leaves for Caracas this month. It was so strange to not have to say good bye to him, but rather "see you in a few months buddy." The reality that we would not only be meeting on the flip-side, but also that the flip-side will be Venezuela hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm getting excited, nervous, anxious, and a whole mix of other emotions. All in all, I really think that we're just getting ready to go and that both Steph and I want to get out of DC. We've really been enjoying a little bit of "normalcy" (depending on your definition), but it's time for this adventure to continue.
Brian
Sunday, June 28, 2009
He Said: Poco a Poco
A long time ago in one of my posts I talked about how much I was looking forward to getting to the 10th week of my Spanish training because that was supposed to be a point at which things usually "clicked" for most students. Well, it took a little counting today for me to realize that last week was that 10th week, and that I really do feel as though things are "clicking." It is so weird to think about how fast time has flown by since we started this journey. How many great things have occurred, and how much Steph and I have grown through this whole process.
I really have been impressed by the language training at FSI. To think of where I was 10 weeks ago, and where I am now is somewhat unfathomable. I realize that I have been working and studying hard, but I definitely have to hand it to the instructors and the teaching methods used to get me to where I am today.
In one of my recent individualization sessions with my current professor, I recently reviewed the "Imperfect Subjunctive," a verb tense that is often considered horrible by many students because it's used to indicate doubt, unsure action, commands, and other things, but in the past. For example, I recently translated "We had to make a car do three things that day." This sentence seems straightforward, but in Spanish, the word for to make and to do is the same... enter the subjunctive! This form often gets a bad rap (I really didn't think it was that bad), but the real reason I am mentioning it is because it is the final verb tense I will learn in Spanish. It was crazy to walk out of that session realizing that from here on out I will no longer be working on verbs, but rather learning phrases, idioms, and other common language forms, rather than figuring out how to connect anything... basically from here on out I'll be working on review and mastering what I do know. In essence, the road forward. It's an exciting and scary prospect, but I know that deep down I am gearing up and really ready to begin using my skills... funny that this connects to the post from way back when I said I couldn't wait to just get to week 10.
On another note, it has been so nice having Steph here in DC with me to share all of this. It has been so much better having another person in the apartment and someone to share all my stories (and now experiences with). I think we both realize often how this really truly is OUR journey and that we each have a contribution to it. I've definitely enjoyed our shared time at FSI during the day and having lunch together when possible. I'm also grateful to have someone at home to practice my Spanish with, as well as someone to show my homework to (like a school child looking for praise from their parents).
As we begin to watch our new friends head off to their first assignments, it really brings a sense of anticipation for us both. I know we'll be ready, but in the end we need to take this one step at a time and little by little... or as they say in Spanish, "poco a poco."
I really have been impressed by the language training at FSI. To think of where I was 10 weeks ago, and where I am now is somewhat unfathomable. I realize that I have been working and studying hard, but I definitely have to hand it to the instructors and the teaching methods used to get me to where I am today.
In one of my recent individualization sessions with my current professor, I recently reviewed the "Imperfect Subjunctive," a verb tense that is often considered horrible by many students because it's used to indicate doubt, unsure action, commands, and other things, but in the past. For example, I recently translated "We had to make a car do three things that day." This sentence seems straightforward, but in Spanish, the word for to make and to do is the same... enter the subjunctive! This form often gets a bad rap (I really didn't think it was that bad), but the real reason I am mentioning it is because it is the final verb tense I will learn in Spanish. It was crazy to walk out of that session realizing that from here on out I will no longer be working on verbs, but rather learning phrases, idioms, and other common language forms, rather than figuring out how to connect anything... basically from here on out I'll be working on review and mastering what I do know. In essence, the road forward. It's an exciting and scary prospect, but I know that deep down I am gearing up and really ready to begin using my skills... funny that this connects to the post from way back when I said I couldn't wait to just get to week 10.
On another note, it has been so nice having Steph here in DC with me to share all of this. It has been so much better having another person in the apartment and someone to share all my stories (and now experiences with). I think we both realize often how this really truly is OUR journey and that we each have a contribution to it. I've definitely enjoyed our shared time at FSI during the day and having lunch together when possible. I'm also grateful to have someone at home to practice my Spanish with, as well as someone to show my homework to (like a school child looking for praise from their parents).
As we begin to watch our new friends head off to their first assignments, it really brings a sense of anticipation for us both. I know we'll be ready, but in the end we need to take this one step at a time and little by little... or as they say in Spanish, "poco a poco."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
He Said: Long Overdue
Well, this post is much overdue, but these past couple weeks have been quite crazy. As many of you have read, Steph arrived in DC a little more than a week ago. I was so happy to have her finally arrive here for good. More than 2 months had passed since we said goodbye and I headed out here for training. It is so nice having her around now to be able to share this experience with me. I know she worked extremely hard on getting our things ready for our packout from Minnesota. A nice little break is well deserved for her. It's definitely strange to think that it may be 8 months until we see our "stuff" again... I guess this is the life we've signed up for... a small price to pay for all we gain in my opinion.
I'm having a little trouble trying to figure out where to start for my post tonight. Since I last posted, a lot has happened, but I'm not totally sure what of it is blog worthy. The biggest thing that has happened in the past couple weeks was Steph's arrival in DC. Hopefully we'll be able to share some more fun adventures stateside while she is here before we head to Venezuela. I know that once we are abroad, we will have many adventures to share with you all through the blog, but I feel as though we're in this crazy little gray area where we have to decide carefully what to post and what is really not that interesting... what a challenge!
2 weeks ago, I celebrated my 27th birthday, without Steph and without my family. It was strange to not really have anyone THAT close to me to celebrate with. I actually have never really experienced that in my life. I did end up having a pretty good day. I went to class/work, had dinner with some classmates, and then went out for drinks with some of the guys from my A-100 class. In the middle of the evening, one of my friends asked me if I had a good birthday. My answer was this, "In the past I've had working birthdays, and they've never really been that bad. When I look back on today and realize that right now my job is to learn a language, I have nothing to complain about." That simple reflection really sums it up for me right now. I try to remember everyday how lucky I am to have this opportunity, and I'm even luckier to be able to share it with Steph.
Other than Steph's arrival and my birthday, not that much has happened. The summer softball season in DC and I am coaching/organizing one of the two teams from our A-100 class. I'm looking forward to enjoying another summer of softball in the District...one of my favorite past times. Spanish has been going well. I definitely feel as though I've progressed during my 4 weeks. I have my first mini-assessment next week to determine my progress. I've been taking every opportunity to speak as much as I can in class, and Steph and I spoke only in Spanish for a half hour last night. The Department tells us that we should see a significant difference by week 10. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I really wish week 10 came sooner. I know that learning is a process, but I'm really just ready to begin using my newfound language skills.
I hope that this post finds you all well. Please keep the notes and calls coming our way. We surely do appreciate all of your love, support, and friendship.
I'm having a little trouble trying to figure out where to start for my post tonight. Since I last posted, a lot has happened, but I'm not totally sure what of it is blog worthy. The biggest thing that has happened in the past couple weeks was Steph's arrival in DC. Hopefully we'll be able to share some more fun adventures stateside while she is here before we head to Venezuela. I know that once we are abroad, we will have many adventures to share with you all through the blog, but I feel as though we're in this crazy little gray area where we have to decide carefully what to post and what is really not that interesting... what a challenge!
2 weeks ago, I celebrated my 27th birthday, without Steph and without my family. It was strange to not really have anyone THAT close to me to celebrate with. I actually have never really experienced that in my life. I did end up having a pretty good day. I went to class/work, had dinner with some classmates, and then went out for drinks with some of the guys from my A-100 class. In the middle of the evening, one of my friends asked me if I had a good birthday. My answer was this, "In the past I've had working birthdays, and they've never really been that bad. When I look back on today and realize that right now my job is to learn a language, I have nothing to complain about." That simple reflection really sums it up for me right now. I try to remember everyday how lucky I am to have this opportunity, and I'm even luckier to be able to share it with Steph.
Other than Steph's arrival and my birthday, not that much has happened. The summer softball season in DC and I am coaching/organizing one of the two teams from our A-100 class. I'm looking forward to enjoying another summer of softball in the District...one of my favorite past times. Spanish has been going well. I definitely feel as though I've progressed during my 4 weeks. I have my first mini-assessment next week to determine my progress. I've been taking every opportunity to speak as much as I can in class, and Steph and I spoke only in Spanish for a half hour last night. The Department tells us that we should see a significant difference by week 10. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I really wish week 10 came sooner. I know that learning is a process, but I'm really just ready to begin using my newfound language skills.
I hope that this post finds you all well. Please keep the notes and calls coming our way. We surely do appreciate all of your love, support, and friendship.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
He Said: Life After A-100, Language Training Begins
It's been a while since I last posted, but I believe its been for good reason. Since the beginning of February, when I got "the call" I really haven't had a chance to slow down, pause, or take a break. Now, I'm not saying that since A-100 ended life has been a breeze (far from it in fact), but I have realized now the excruciating pace I've been going at since this all began. After the swearing in I slept harder than I think I ever have. I think my body just realized what it had been through and that there was a short window to recover... boy, that sure felt good. After a great weekend of celebrating the end of A-100 and the official beginning of Steph and my new diplomatic life, I put everyone on planes and sent them back to Minnesota. On Monday, it was back to reality and back to a little bit of (controlled) chaos.
Since then, I have been in language training for a week and a half now. The time has definitely gone quickly and been enjoyable. Although, it has been a lot of work and wears me out each and everyday. Heading to Spanish every morning is a constant reminder of what we've gotten into. It's not quite like college, but it's also not your typical full time job. Our classes are extremely small, and I spend 4+ hours in a classroom environment that is 98% in Spanish. The rest of the time in the day is spent in the multimedia lab working on listening exercises, speaking practice, interactive programs, and homework. I also do about an hour of homework each night. All of that totals to about 9 hours or so of Spanish everyday. It's so weird to study one subject so intensely and to have it be your full-time job on top of that.
I've definitely felt like I've been learning during our short amount of time in class, but I'm really wishing I could fast forward a few weeks at this point to be more comfortable in the language. I enjoy doing all the work and am motivates as the language will be a skill I need to have for my job. Although, all this work and the effort to understand another language has been exhausting. To put things in perspective, I have heard that one day in language at FSI is the equivalent of one to two weeks of a college level language course. I know that my hard work and this exhaustion will pay off, but I'm definitely looking forward to being able to use my new skill effectively.
Aside from starting language training, the move out of A-100 has been fairly smooth and enjoyable. It's strange to walk the halls at FSI and not see my classmates in their suits. Now everyone has moved to different levels of dress, with those of us in language training on the more casual end of the spectrum. I get the opportunity to catch up with many of them either in the hallways or at lunch, which I really enjoy. I know that during the A-100 days I have made many friends that we will keep throughout our careers. These are the people we will keep track of share this common experience across the globe with.
Everyday there is something that reminds me of how lucky I am to be able to be apart of this amazing experience. I hope I never lose that mystique.
Since then, I have been in language training for a week and a half now. The time has definitely gone quickly and been enjoyable. Although, it has been a lot of work and wears me out each and everyday. Heading to Spanish every morning is a constant reminder of what we've gotten into. It's not quite like college, but it's also not your typical full time job. Our classes are extremely small, and I spend 4+ hours in a classroom environment that is 98% in Spanish. The rest of the time in the day is spent in the multimedia lab working on listening exercises, speaking practice, interactive programs, and homework. I also do about an hour of homework each night. All of that totals to about 9 hours or so of Spanish everyday. It's so weird to study one subject so intensely and to have it be your full-time job on top of that.
I've definitely felt like I've been learning during our short amount of time in class, but I'm really wishing I could fast forward a few weeks at this point to be more comfortable in the language. I enjoy doing all the work and am motivates as the language will be a skill I need to have for my job. Although, all this work and the effort to understand another language has been exhausting. To put things in perspective, I have heard that one day in language at FSI is the equivalent of one to two weeks of a college level language course. I know that my hard work and this exhaustion will pay off, but I'm definitely looking forward to being able to use my new skill effectively.
Aside from starting language training, the move out of A-100 has been fairly smooth and enjoyable. It's strange to walk the halls at FSI and not see my classmates in their suits. Now everyone has moved to different levels of dress, with those of us in language training on the more casual end of the spectrum. I get the opportunity to catch up with many of them either in the hallways or at lunch, which I really enjoy. I know that during the A-100 days I have made many friends that we will keep throughout our careers. These are the people we will keep track of share this common experience across the globe with.
Everyday there is something that reminds me of how lucky I am to be able to be apart of this amazing experience. I hope I never lose that mystique.
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