It’s Valentine’s Day so naturally I’m thinking about a relationship I missed out on. I was propositioned, but I said no. And no doubt someone else took my place. Today I thought about them. Walking around, probably looking so happy together, smiling and excited. I have to admit, it made me a little bit jealous.

That’s right, I’m talking about the 159th A-100 class, the one I was invited to join back in November, and the one that started training today. When I turned down the offer, I was sure I was making the right decision. Today I’m still just as sure, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that there was a tiny part of me that wishes I was starting A-100 now, instead of (maybe, hopefully) in two years.

I also realized that Valentine’s Day has another significance in our Foreign Service lives. It’s the day that Alex took the written test in Philadelphia two years ago. To say that it has been an interesting journey would be an understatement and we haven’t even left the country yet. We’re very excited to see where we will be in two more years. (Maybe, hopefully, as a tandem couple.)

And now I am off to figure out directions to the place we’re going to celebrate Valentine’s Day tonight. I wanted to take Alex here but unfortunately there aren’t any options in our area. Also I was afraid she’d divorce me.