I think I've found my dream job

Now that I've mostly moved and started the new job, it's time to tell you what it is: the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State.

So far, at the beginning of orientation, it looks just like what the doctor ordered for someone who thrives on foreign cultures and people, languages, writing, and perhaps some analysis.

(Nothing worse than disoriented Foreign Service officers...)

But here's the catch. We have been directly asked not to publish anything online regarding the substance of our training. That's just a bad idea. And I really, really like being employed in this job, after having tried so long and so hard to get here.

So I apologize for any change away from what you may be used to, but I'm not going to do anything in this blog that will jeopardize a long-awaited hope.

We don't yet have clear guidance about what we *can* stick in our blogs. Consequently I'm mulling over directions for this blog to take -- perhaps more social/cultural observations and humor.

To the extent I'm allowed to post political observations and analysis, I have to make clear that any views expressed here are my personal views, and expressly not the views of the U.S. government.

And by way of fair warning, as many of you know, Foreign Service officers often work very long hours. That said, I'll be looking for ways to keep the blog going as time permits. If you have suggestions...drop me a comment!