Hodgepodge

There is a lot on my mind today. I have been combing through the various Foreign Service related yahoo groups for information about the Oakwood apartments, daycare options, residency, pack out, and so on. I thought I would compile a list of the groups I'm currently subscribed to:
Foreign Service Specialists (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Foreign_Service_Specialists/)
FSSCareers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FSSCareers/)
fsoa (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fsoa)
FSparent (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/FSparent)
FS_FallsChurch (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/FS_FallsChurch)
livelines (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/livelines)
statetandems (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/statetandems)

These lists are jam packed with resources and interesting tidbits about all things Foreign Service. For many of the groups, you do need to provide your full name and an explanation of your interest in the group.

Since my future position will involve the management of information resource centers, I have been reading Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman's First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. The book is based on results of a gigantic study of 80,000 managers conducted by the Gallup Organization. Its insights make sense for any organization and any level of supervision, whether in a classroom or in a large, hierarchical organization. My favorite quote is from page 184 "create heroes in every role." I'm also re-reading Robert Stueart and Barbara Moran's Library and Information Center Management. I have taught lessons on leadership with this book and have found it to be a good overall resource. The online resources that accompany the text are helpful in their practical application of some of the theory.


Finally, I have been re-visiting my interest in essential oils. Lately, I've been hearing about bedbugs a lot. On NPR, in the New York Times, for example. I had a nasty encounter with these parasites in a Prague hostel many years ago. On top of that, I had an allergic reaction to the bites - not fun. Essential oils can be a terrific, natural defense against any of these critters. I use a home-made bug repellant based on lemongrass, lavender, and thyme from Valerie Ann Worwood's fantastic resource The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. Essential oils, however, are not limited to bug repellants. I use them to deter me from biting my nails (a nervous, life-long habit) and simultaneously help them grow strong and lengthy. I have been using organic personal care products that contain lavender and find that geranium oil is great in the bath after a long day. I use them for cleaning and mix them with water in spray bottles to freshen up a room in no time. Many of the oils (like lavender) have antiseptic and antibacterial qualities so you protect yourself from germs and pests rather easily. I'm not sure of their availability oversees so I will have to stock up before we leave the States. I think that's enough of my ramblings for today.