A lot to think about

Dear friends,

This week I have fallen behind updating my blog because I started orientation training, what they call A-100. Needless to say, I have felt overwhelmed with the amount of new information I have to process and almost one hundred new people to befriend. Meanwhile there is huge pile of dishes in the sink that my wonderful hubby is cleaning right now. I apologize to my virtual friends for not keeping up with your blog updates and to my DC friends for being MIA recently. To further add distraction to my life, we got our "bid list" this week--which, for those of you who aren't familiar with the process, is a list of all the possible places we could be sent. We get to rank them high, medium, and low, but we really could be sent anywhere, so we aren't getting our hopes set on one place in particular. The good news is that for every single one we have researched, we have found something to be excited about.

I totally want this little pouch to store all my personal thoughts. Unfortunately it is sold out at the moment, but maybe I will indulge in one when she restocks here on etsy. After a calm, relaxing weekend I promise to do better writing and keeping in touch next week.

Isn't Spring Wonderful?

To all my friends who are recent grads:  You guys are amazing and I can't wait to see where you end up.  I know this time of year is stressful for many obvious reasons, but look at what's happening behind the scenes.  This picture of a bird's nest captured by the shutter sisters made me smile.  What a wonderful reminder about the beauty and hope in life.

Also, if you're looking for some entertainment, you can now make any landscape look like a miniature model landscape with the tilt-shift maker found on apartment therapy.

Dear friends

For those of you who don't already know, I am excited to announce that I will be joining the US Foreign Service.  That means that in less than a year, Dave and I will be moving overseas for two years to work for the State Department at an embassy or consulate.  This past year I have been going through the process of applying--taking exams, getting clearances--and now I finally received an offer to start training in June.  It is both exciting and daunting to have no clue where we will be sent.  Because this is not a typical career path, many of my friends and family members are apprehensive.   I started this blog to 

1. clarify the confusing aspects of this lifestyle
2. inspire and assist others interested in this career path
3. keep track of the small wonders in life  

I have about a month now to rehabilitate the right side of my brain before I dive back into the books.  Dave and I are looking forward to watching movies, reading books, taking our wedding photos out of a ziplock bag, and sending handwritten letters (gasp!).  I'll end with some good advice found on happy cavalier:

Available for purchase here...