Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

On the Register

I received my letter today informing me that I am officially on the consular register.  I will call tomorrow and find out where I am ranked.  I know it doesn't really matter--as far as getting called at this point, but I do have a sense of pride for making it this far.  I never thought this was possible and it still may not be, but I will proudly sit in line and see what happens!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Decisions, decisions

I had my yearly evaluation recently at work and my boss made some interesting comments to me.  While she is a very supportive person, I wasn't sure what she thought about the whole FS thing.  She had made some previous comments that made me think my options for promotions at this organization were over since they "knew" I was interested in other lines of work.  This was frustrating to me since I kept explaining the whole register process and how I may never end of getting an opportunity to join the FS.  Well during my evaluation she asked again if I had any news about the FS.  I again explained the situation, hoping it might actually make sense this time.  Then she told me I "have a bright future" with this organization and if I choose to stay around, she sees me rising up in the organization and even having her position one day.  (Though I report to her, it would not be the next step for me to even think of "getting" her position.)  This was really quite a compliment and one I didn't know how to take.  Was she serious or just trying to get me to stay without actually offering anything. 

I don't know about anyone else, but for me this process causes constant reflection/evaluation of one's life.  We love our life.  Our kids are happy.  My wife is happy and we have great friends.  Is this enough?  Will we be happy/fulfilled in this FS life?  Could things be better?  I just don't know and it is difficult to even think about when I have no idea if it will even happen. 

I know many of pondered these questions before us and many will ponder after us.  Nothing about this process is easy and maybe that is the true reward in the end.