The Foreign Service Journal, January 2004

layer of gray dust — amazing! I’ve never felt so lucky! So I’m now resettled into the Convention Center (the envy of others who are still in the basement of the palace) and am ready for anything! It’s going to be a rough few weeks — there’s been at least one bombing each day so far, and people in town are pret- ty scared. I’ve told my staff not to come in on Saturday and Sunday and am going to take it easy for the next few days just in case something big happens. Luckily, I have the Global guys who call me several times a day, and tell me if I need to come stay with them (which I did several times). I must admit that I rather like having men with guns around! So, I was very ready to board the plane on Nov. 19 for a brief R&R and take a nice break from the excitement! I have a new appreciation, though, for what it’s like for you all on this side of the world as I am now worrying about everyone I love and care for back in Baghdad. I realize that I can’t just leave Baghdad behind, even for a few weeks of R&R! P.S. Check out my updated Web site: http://www.geocities.com/betha payne/usconsulbaghdad/BaghdadBl ues.htm — I put in a photo of my new room. I promise to take more photos! 52 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 4 I became the only woman living among hundreds of Florida National Guardsmen in a very nice fortress- type building. 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W Washington, D.C., 20037 Tel: (202) 293-2000 E-mail: leasingoffice@columbiaplaza.net Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM-5:30 PM Sat 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 24 Hour Front Desk Garage Parking Avaliable Controlled Access Potomac River Views Minutes to Fine Dining Newly Renovated Kitchens Directly across the street from Main State, minutes to Kennedy Center and Georgetown Beautiful and Spacious: Efficiency $1,100 - $1,250 1 Bedroom 1,400 - 1,700 2 Bedroom 2,100 - 2,700 Utilities Included Complimentary Voice Mail Courtyard Style Plaza Polished Hardwood Floors Private Balconies Huge Walk-in Closets Toll Free 1-888-240-5131 Capital Living With Comfort and Convenience 24 Hour Fitness Center columbia plaza apartments Make an awards nomination and earn a one year Journal subscription for the school of your choice. Go to www.afsa.org/awards.cfm or call toll free 800 704-2372. Deadline: February 2004. 2004 AFSA AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT “...I thank you for speaking out, having the courage of your convictions ... that’s what my people are supposed to do. I encourage all of my people to stand up for what they believe, speak out, let us know what they think.” —Colin L. Powell Secretary of State