The passing mark was 70, and I scored 65. Eleven out of the 26 people who took it passed. I'm not disappointed though, because I do not want to live in Los Angeles.
On to France. I need to visit the French consulate in person to apply for the visa, and it has to be at the one in San Francisco because I live in that jurisdiction. However, I live closer to the one in Los Angeles. My appointment is set for Sept. 16. This was disappointing because I want to get this process over with, and it probably means I won't take the Foreign Services test in Paris. But no worries, because airline tickets are still cheap in October, should I be issued the visa by then.
2/8 - The visa process is painfully complex. I need some 13 items required for the in-person application in San Francisco, including copies of everything. The consulate wants to see two months of bank statements, a promise that I won't engage in commercial activity during my stay (get a French job?), a letter of invitation from Marie-Amance as well as proof of lease agreement, the cost of the visa, some other application forms, my passport and the actual thumb from my right hand, among other things.
So between now and Sept. 16, I'm stuck in limbo. There is plenty for me to do to prepare for both France and the upcoming Foreign Services Officer test, such as learning some basics of French and reading books on the recommended reading list, but all of this is taking away from other aspects of my life. Something needs to give. If I'm not putting in my full attention and effort into something, I should just walk away from it. But, that innate fear of walking away is present. It's a huge commitment to step away, one that takes courage.
As for the FSO test, I cannot register for it until Aug. 23. On one hand, I'm glad I know all of these dates and ahead of everything, but I'm restless. I want to register and see where I take it. I want to get this process started! It could be the beginning of an amazing time in my life.
6/8 - I grew up camping among Redwood trees. I now live close to Giant Sequoia trees. Even though I know the immense size of these trees and enjoy showing them to other people, the sight of them never gets old. Sequoias are like those larger-than-life landmarks found throughout the world that are so immense they look fake. They are as impressive after they fall over because you can see the massive-yet-shallow root system. And when they fall over a trail and crash, it's an amazing scene. Chaotic and messy, yet awe-inspiring and beautiful.
9/8 - It appears I'm the victim of a form of identity fraud. Someone has somehow gotten my debit card information and gone on a spending spree. Luckily, they only spent $80 at a TJMaxx. I have taken care of the situation by notifying the bank and changing my card information. It's a minor inconvenience. However, I'm still annoyed for one simple fact. If you're going to steal card information, at least treat yourself to something nice. Don't go to TJMaxx!
15/8 - In total, someone stole more than $300 from my account. I got the money back, but I no longer have a debit card. This has been a minor inconvenience and something to learn from. From now on I will be wary of gas stations, and I'll definitely use more cash.
I've been going on difficult hikes for the past three weeks. This past weekend Spencer and I went to Los Padres National Forest along Highway 1 and hiked the Salmon Creek Trail. There was a total of 2,400 feet of elevation, most of which was in the first mile. That 8-mile hike was brutal, but beautiful. I find it funny how I loathed hiking as a kid when my parents dragged me along on day trips. I hated it! But now as an adult, I love it. I relish the challenge. They're also beautiful!
Saturday was also my first time in San Luis Obispo. This is the home of Cal Poly, a university several of my high school friends went to. I heard plenty about SLO, but had not been there. On Saturday I found out what all the fuss is about. The weather is cool, there are stores that aren't chains and the woman are drop dead gorgeous! I lost count of how many tall, slender, fit, beautiful women I saw in those few hours, and none of them had four or five children running around everywhere! It was yet another reminder of how shocking it is I still live in Porterville. I'm physically still here; my body can be found in Porterville. But my mind and my heart are long gone in different locations.
It was also another reminder how invigorating it is to not only travel, but to leave the Central Valley, if only for a day. I felt refreshed! What might have been a totally normal day in SLO, was culture shock to Spencer and I. We're not used to eating good food in cool, comfortable weather, appreciating the form and the curves of the female body. Porterville just doesn't have any of that!
