Esprit de Corps

Some friends and I went to a dog-themed winery on Saturday and enjoyed some Norton, a grape that is native to North America. Oh my gosh it was good. I don't know a lot about wines, but I really like reds, and this was a particularly delicious red. I also can't get enough cheese lately.

On Sunday we welcomed the 148th A-100 with a classy shindig organized by my friend and me and executed by an abundance of volunteers from our class. Every Foreign Service class sponsors the class two after theirs in order to promote camaraderie and esprit de corps. As the people close to me can verify, this event has been giving me quite the heartache. I am not a naturally organized person and I also suffer from perfectionism and worry. But I can say that it feels great when something you plan goes smoothly. I am so grateful for all of my friends who came out to help with the event. I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of the event to post.

Horay for ripe tomatoes!

This weekend we made an impulsive but totally worthwhile trip to see my family in Ohio. Nothing beats late summer at my parents' house. The garden is in full swing, which means fresh tomatoes and herbs. The weekend consisted of great food, a high school soccer game, an arts festival, and lots of card games. We also got to see my aunts, uncle, and precious grandma.

One of my favorite meals that my dad makes is fresh tomato salad with pesto. Tomatoes from the store or even from the farmer's market just aren't the same.

I hope you had a lovely long weekend, too!

What motivates you?

If you haven't yet discovered the TED Talks, you are missing out. Check out this fascinating presentation by career analyst Dan Pink who asserts that our notion of motivation needs to change. He says that traditional financial incentives and rewards actually destroy creativity. It goes against conventional thinking, but just look at the difference between Encarta and Wikipedia. The bottom line: "We do things because they matter, because we like it, because they are interesting, and because they are part of something important." What motivates you?

Locomotion

After complaining to my mom the other day on the phone while carrying a gallon of milk a mile home from the grocery store she made a novel suggestion: "You should buy a scooter!" The more I think about it the more I like the idea. Dave and I had already discussed selling our car before we move overseas. We share the car right now and he drops me off at work. David's friends gave him the advice: "Do it! Before she changes her mind!" It certainly would cut down on my carbon footprint and make my life more efficient.

What do you think? Are scooters too flashy? (#126 on Stuff White People Like)

Or maybe I should just ride my bike more--especially as the weather gets cooler.

Images by 1. by Migliosa on flickr and 2. by the Sartoralist

Impasse

I found this short film by director Bram Schouw quite stunning. "Without words, we're left to consider whether love and attraction can break through the impasse of human intolerance." The first time I watched this it gave me goosebumps. After reflecting on it, I have mixed feelings. It is very well done, but I don't think that attraction is enough to overcome the hostility in the world. What do you think?

Impasse from Reel 13 on Vimeo. Found on Swiss Miss.

Rearrange Us

Well friends, the news is: We're moving to Tel Aviv next summer! This is a wonderful opportunity and we can't wait. Start saving up for the plane ticket and come visit us. I'm serious!

Pictures here and here by Beachmont on Flickr. Click on the photographer's other pictures to find even more inspiration.

Blessings in Disguise

Has anything lucky ever happened to you? It's freaky, right?!

Lately I have been pretending like I have an iota of control over my life. The truth is, I don't. Things can change very rapidly. My D.C. post fell through and I have been given a new assignment--and it's a REALLY exciting assignment. But even so, I am having trouble adjusting to the fact that I will leave in less than a year. I thought I had more time.

Sometimes unexpected twists of fate are blessings in disguise. David and I are excited for the next stage in our lives, but meanwhile we are enjoying our life here. Stay tuned for when I announce where we will be going...

Picture by dazeychic at etsy. Check out her whole store; it is fantastic.