Offers for the September A-100 training class (basically, offers to begin a career in the FS) should go out within the next 3 weeks. We're all hoping it happens sooner than later, but we can only wait. I have no idea if I'll receive an offer. I might; I might not.
We have to proceed as if I will, because there's a lot of work to be done at home.
I have a spreadsheet all typed up with home organizing/beautifying/decluttering tasks and timelines. The only problem is WHEN to do all this work. With kids who wake at dawn, a long commute, and a husband with long hours, there is not much time to work on the house. Which is why it's gotten into a state of disorganization, anyway.
But it has to get done. So I'm starting a 4:30am wakeup schedule this week and hope to move it to 4am if I can manage to get to bed at 9pm once the kids are down. We'll work on things during naptime (they finally nap together; hallelujah!) on weekends, and maybe we'll find some other time on the weekends as well.
Ooh. I have to add "make the kids' moving book" to the spreadsheet. That's one thing I don't want to get lost in the shuffle.
If I get a Sept. offer, the plan is for me to go to A100 with the kids by myself. :( My husband will stay behind and keep working until we either sell or rent the house. We just can't afford the mortgage on one salary, and D's long hours make it impossible for him to keep the kids with him. It will be hard on all of us- A100 is supposed to be grueling and I know the kids will struggle with the change in routine, home, and missing Daddy. Luckily, my parents live in MD and are excited about being around the kids more. They will be a huge help.
We'll just have to get through it. And the fact is that many of my future (I hope) State dept. colleagues are struggling with family separation as well. It's part of this life and something that we are accepting as probably inevitable as we sign on to this life. I hope we won't be separated for long periods of time, but we will make those choices as they arise, and we still believe that the benefits of this lifestyle outweigh some of the disadvantages.
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8 comments:
My last post was unaccompanied... I didn't have anyone to accompany there, but I figured by going I could try to keep one family together for a year. You're right, it IS hard - I saw it on the faces of my coworkers every day. Skype makes it a little easier, with video chat. It sucks - but good for you for being willing to do it. It's a hard decision to make.
One great thing about starting A100 with kids is that there are other spouses who have no job and are wanting to babysit or become a nanny while their spouse is training! Hopefully, it won't be too difficult for you. During A100 my husband was home by 5 everyday at the latest! There were days he was home by 2....Just put the request out on livelines once you get the "call".
hannah, that was so kind of you to do. There are so many places I'd jump to go if it wasn't for my sweet little appendages. I hope to do my part in another way but am aware of the promise I will be (hopefully) making.
Bryn, really? I am planning to put them in FSI daycare or another home based daycare, but will need some coverage for the early mornings- thanks for that idea!
I'm glad you are preparing, you'll have to share your list of things to do. I think Bryn is right, there's a huge support network waiting to be tapped once you are there. Hopefully, you'll get the call, and sell the house, in short order.
I would definitely second Bryn's idea. I'm sure you know, but FSI daycare (in my opinion) is a bit pricey. Yes, it is great to have it, but I would definitely look at all of your options! Good luck!
Check with the center first - but I have heard that the FSI daycare has ridiculously long waiting lists.
thanks, all. We've been on the FSI waiting list for a few mos and I think they will have space for us, but once I get the call I'll be researching other spots as well.
But as a single mom of two, effectively, I'll be looking for the easiest option!!
First, just saw that you passed your Spanish test (I am waaaay behind!). Congrat's!! I think you will DEFINITELY get the call for September.
I'm not sure when Bryn's husband went to A-100, but that schedule doesn't look anything like the current A-100! We have NEVER been out by 2, and class usually doesn't end until 5pm. They made A-100 a bit shorter a while back, and perhaps we have longer days now as a result. Depending on how you commute, you might not get home until 6pm, (ie, if you use the shuttles, due to timing issues).
FSI daycare both has a long waiting list and is fairly expensive. I don't know anyone who is using it, but I don't know if that was a cost issue, or a lack of space. You definitely want to explore childcare options and have a firm plan (and a backup plan!) before you get here--try Livelines, FS Parent, etc. in Yahoo groups for ideas. Missing class, getting there late, leaving early will not be allowed, for any reason. They are very firm about that. Since you will be functioning as a single parent during A-100, you will definitely want to have that piece of things worked out before you get here.
Good luck! Can't wait to hear that you've gotten the good news!
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