Here we go, here we go, here we go again

I said, Here We Go Again!

Today I received my invitation to schedule a seat for the FSOT. All the PD invites are starting to go out today, and fortunately, I was among the crowd.

I am still freaked out to be pursuing such a competitive cone, but I think it's a good fit. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. And it might not happen for a while... but that's okay. I'll keep trying.

So yes. I'm scheduled for the test. February 7th is the big day. I'd rather take the test on a Friday, but the testing facility isn't open on that particular day of the week. At least the facility is closer! And at least the facility is in the same town as my boyfriend. It'll make things easier. I can crash at his place, and then I can get up and be ready to go at the exam in ten minutes flat. This works for me.

I think I'll try to recreate my testing experience from last year as much as possible. Sunday, I'll take it easy. Have a good derby practice, eat a leisurely lunch, and get a pedicure. No studying. Drive to my boyfriend's place. Monday will be the test. I'll take that whole day off from work--keep my mind clear for what's important.

Game time. I love having crazy study goals like these. I haven't cracked a book yet, but I will start today. I'm not worried about the essay, even though there will be TWO of them this round. I'm also not worried about English Expression. I might skim a practice test in that, but English is my strength here. Bio... well, I'll do what I can! As always, the mysterious beast is Job Knowledge.

I feel strangely exhilarated by all of this. I always kind of enjoyed studying and taking tests in school. I think that's why I liked being on academic teams. You got questions? I got answers!

Anyway... I'm off to plan out my curriculum.

Project FSOT like it's hot begins NOW.

A New Year

Well, duh. Of course it's a new year. Everyone knows that. Except for people operating on a different calendar.

Anyway, today I submitted my registration for the FSOT. This will be my second attempt at the exam, and this time I signed up for the Public Diplomacy cone. I thought a long time about the various tracks, and the reality is, I like more than one of them. But after reviewing my resume and thinking about my work experience, I realized that PD is the best match for what I've already done with my life. It is also a good match for what I hope to do with my life, which is to help cultures build bridges and appreciate one another.

Ugh. I vom a little just seeing myself write that. I mean, I believe it. Deeply. This is what I'd like to do, but it simply sounds like such a Girl Scout thing to say. I was never a Girl Scout.

Needless to say, I'm nervous and excited. I passed the FSOT last time, but I didn't make it past the QEP stage. Now I've picked an ultra-competitive cone at a time when the registers are full, full, full, and the government decision makers are cut-cut-cutting the State Department's budget.

What can I do? Study hard and take the FSOT. Everything else is beyond my control.

I did try for the OMS position again when they reposted it. I wrote a pretty kickbutt series of narratives for the job application, too. Unfortunately, 12 months had not passed since my slapdash attempt at the OMS job in February. Next time. Next time.

I guess... stay posted for further updates. I'm awaiting an e-mail invitation to schedule my test. PD invites have not yet gone out, and as I am a very late registrant, I might not get a seat for the February window. I'd rather not wait until June, but shit happens.