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!