The envelope please.....

On February 27th, 2010, I took the FSOT. Today I found out that I didn't make the cut. However, I'm OK with that because I wasn't able to study and I'm not sure I was really ready for the foreign service. Since my real dream is to be a Business Analyst and I love living here in Central Texas, I will just have to chalk it up to being an idea; a question that was answered for me.

So on to plan B, or C or maybe D. I can always find a new path.

Most assuredly, I will study for the next exam...I have a year and my university studies are nearly ending. I will graduate in May. However, I will not rely on the results to plan the rest of my evolution.

On an side note, I've been working out almost three days a week since January and have lost over 10 pounds of fat. My goal is to be under 210lbs by my graduation on May 14th. I'm sitting @ about 218lbs now. I read that for each pound of fat, you must burn 3500 calories more that you consume. My target is one pound per week by reducing portion, eliminating sodas and walking the dogs.

I have also been practicing Arabic, mostly numbers and things around the house. waraq hamam (TP) or waraq (bathroom or toilet)

Until next time...assalamualakium, cheers, chow and siyonara

The next level...

Today, ladies and gentlemen, I recieved the official invitation to take the FSOT. Up until today it has been only an idea, a vaguely, distant dream on the horizon. Today the reality of it all has reared its head. Today I have to ask myself if I'm ready. Today really is the first day of the rest of my life, so to speak.

In the few minutes since registering for the test, I've had a flood of ideas of a plan. Already this year I've proven that I can accomplish difficult tasks. I changed my diet and started excercising and have lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks. So, I am confident that I can fully prepare for this momenteous undertaking.

Here's my plan.

1. Read, like I've never read before. I will read about foreign affairs, international economic conditions, current events and the two weakest areas of the exam noted on the last blog entry.

2. Write. Since I continue to be a full-time undergraduate student, I have opportunities to write, every week. Now I must focus on writing well, structured paragraphs that convey my point or argument.

3. Practice. I have the official study guide, access to web-based practice exams, the FSOT WIKI and a good, smart wife to help me study.

4. Lastly, I need to believe in myself and focus on the goal. To take it to the next level....

And were off!

Preparation part 1....INTP

In preparation for the FSOT, I bought the official study book. It contains a few self test for each area and a practice FSOT. These tools help to isolate your poorer performing areas. I performed outstanding in the Computers (duh), Management (again...duh), Economics and Mathematics sections and quizzes. I passed in US Government and world history and geography, but could use more work. However, I did horribly in Communication and US Society and Culture.

Now that I've isolated the areas which need the most improvement, I am incorporating testprepreview.com to study these areas. I will also concentrate on these areas in the study book.

At the same time I will be a full-time college student. My classes this period are Database Management and Networking. Once I pass these classes, I will have only one class left to graduate.

Also, I recently took The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment. The MBTI is a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.

My result.....I am an INTP.

There will be more on this area to come. In the meantime I will be studying, a lot.