Be wary of online forums

There are several different online forums for FS people.  Blogs are one.  These are good, even if they feel a little stalk-y.  Do a google search for 'post x + expat blogger' and you are likely to get some hits.  Unless your going somewhere super tiny and a bit unpopular.  Still do some searching, you might find some info from a backpacker blog or who knows who.  Unless the person in also FS, I would be very very wary of contacting them.  Unless you share some odd hobby or something.

Then there are all the Facebook groups.  There is a fb group for every kind of FS person under the sun. Most are terrifically annoying.  They are places for people to ask dim questions, whine and complain openly about why they cannot ship peanut butter or what iPad apps they should download for their toddler for a plane ride.  A lot of these people need to get a grip and just stop.  If they need stroller recommendations, they should ask people they know with babies, not several thousand strangers in the FS.  Or their sister with a baby.  Or look at the flipping amazon reviews.

All that said, these are good places to find out info.  There is a search option which you should ALWAYS use before asking a question.  Otherwise you will find out that the FS, is in fact, full of a lot of know-it-alls.

Luggage in the FS

Some people swear by LL Bean rolling duffles.  Some by non rolling duffels.  Others buy Samsonite or luggage with special wheels.  In the end it doesn't really matter.  Just buy enough of them.  Use the 2 bags were person you get.  Really!  Buy them at Target or Wal-mart or TJMaxx.  One woman I know bought Chinese market suitcases that were so poorly made they reeked of petroleum.  They eventually fell apart.  But for a few trips, they got the job done.  No one cried when they had to be tossed, one by one.  This is one thing that does not need to be over thought.  But do try and not buy crazy luggage, sometimes you might want to blend.  Hot pink zebra pints or using a giant plastic tub in lieu of real luggage just makes you look weird.

Welcome to the FS, now do your homework

You and/or your husband have been invited to an A-100 class - FINALLY!  It felt like it took forever, right?  Congratulations!

 Now, it's time to do your homework and be prepared and not show up and be 'that' wife.  You will soon know the one I mean if your new, if you have been in a while, you already know her.  Or a few hers at different posts.  Male spouses never seem to have problems being 'that' spouse.  Maybe men don't go for high drama?  Keep up the good work men!

Step one will be getting to Northern VA.  There are many many long term hotel rental type places.  Bridgestreet, the Oakwood, the Residence Inn and on and on. Google 'short term corporate housing + DC or Rosslyn or NOVA'  Just pick one.  It is not the end of the world if you live somewhere and are the only FS family.  You will likely only be there a few months.  Do not spend sleepless nights worrying about this.  Really, it will work out fine.  If you live 'alone' so to speak, spend the months seeing the sights in DC and enjoying the food/grocery shopping.  Sign up for language.  Or do Rosetta Stone at home.  No matter what you choose to do, it will be fine.

Next up will be the often talked about luggage in the foreign service!