"I don't like you anymore.."

I met with my mentor for lunch this afternoon. First time we've met. He's just there to help me if I have any questions while I'm here. A go to guy. He's a nice guy. Mid-30's, wife and two kids, worked in DC for 11 years and alumni of the program in which I currently participate. We talked about what he studied, how the program affected him, how he changed, and where he is today because of it. He gave me general feedback on life and work in DC. Then we talked about me: what I've done, what I'm doing now, and where I'm planning on going.

After me talking about me for about 2min he admitted he didn't like me anymore!! yikes!! geez!! what had I said?? All I'd said was I was an eagle scout, served a 2 year mission for my church, and when I was explaining how I'm not extremely proficient in Japanese he surprisingly asked what I'd been doing for the 2 years I was there?!?! Why hadn't I picked up Chinese or Korean while I was there?? Hadn't even been able to master Japanese?? So I of course had to tell him how I'd spent about half my time in Japan with Brazilians and as a result learned Portuguese. That's when he said I'd crossed the line and was now in his "i dont like you" group!!! Guess I learned my lesson huh? People don't like to hear you talk about yourself!!

haha okay okay so turns out he was kidding, but he has the driest sarcasm I've ever seen!! Absolutely no tonal difference or body language to suggest he did not actual mean what he was saying, while in fact believing just the opposite. Obviously I knew he was kidding.. or at least I really wanted him to be kidding.. cuz at the same time I was like "oh ouch, soft spot.. didn't even learn Japanese even tho I was there 2 years.. geez that's really harsh and we just barely met", but like I said! No clues otherwise.

So yah he opened up, wanted to hear more, and got all excited about all the possibilities that there are for me.. I'm glad he understands.. TOO many options. How in the world am I supposed to choose??

Turns out he says he knows someone who has connections with ALL the embassies. Turns out she's rather motherly and will take me under her wing, most likely place me directly in line to become the next Ambassador of the US to the World.. (practicing my dry sarcasm.. ), not to set the sights too high or anything. ;)

Anything is possible in DC

I will just add that we spoke alot about my mission and when the conversation turned to Salt Lake I was able to talk about Ainsley, who's currently serving in Temple Square. I then pull out my handy-dandy pass along card and let him know if he had any questions he could chat with my sister on mormon.org :) 

Careful with putting too good a word in for me sis.. he already doesn't like me ;)