Nonfiction
Memoir | The Mailroom Christmas Party | Part VI of VI
The holidays were upon us in the U.S. Department of Prominence; therefore, all the offices were gearing up for their Christmas Office Party, and unbeknownst to Marcello and me, we discovered that the mailroom Christmas party was the very best!
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 16
According to the conditions and our tough schedule, we spent a fair amount of time recuperating in our bubble. For some, these periods were spent watching movies or just lounging around. I was very appreciative of the extra sleep time on those mornings and it definitely helped the body recover. Others, who were more active during their downtime, had the gym and pool to keep their heart rate going. This was also a valid past time between visiting the eateries and passing the time until we could visit room 105.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Snowstorm | Part VI of VI
As the Washington, D.C. region braced itself for an impending snowstorm, my employer at the U.S. Department of Prominence remained vigilant, fully aware of the imminent chaos it would unleash upon the rush hour traffic, inundate the city’s transportation systems with a surge of commuters, and potentially lead to a government shutdown. Thus, my journey back home became an arduous odyssey, fraught with challenges at every turn.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 15
I feel Pakistan is widely misunderstood in the Western world. Although the warnings of terrorism, crime and bombings were coming from the ill informed, it was still clear that security was important for this trip. Regular correspondence from the Australian Federal Police and consular staff on the ground, along with a raft of Pakistani security intelligence had as more informed than those at home on professor google. We were also fortunate, that our arrival was preceded by tours from the Nepalese Men’s and South African Women’s teams.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Mentor Mrs. Jean | Part VI of VI
This story is a homage to Mrs. Jean, my esteemed mentor at the U.S. Department of Prominence, where I worked as an office secretary. She turned my self-doubt into confidence and guided me on how to learn specific tasks, enabling me to work with higher-level government officials in Washington, D.C., and overseas. I am forever in her debt.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Classical Music | Part VI of VI
It was yet another evening working late alongside the bureau's assistant secretary, as his primary office secretary clocked out at 5:00 PM sharp. He frequently requested that I step in as his proxy office secretary during these hours. During one of these evenings, I stumbled upon the enchanting melodies of classical music.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | The Pentagon | Part VI of VI
As a young woman with limited experience, I decided to leave my position at the Department of Prominence. After my resignation, I began seeking opportunities with federal government contracting companies. It wasn’t long before I secured a position with Consolidated Analysis Center, Incorporated, commonly known as CACI. They brought me on board to work at the Pentagon, the central hub for the U.S. Department of Defense.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | C.I.A. Lover | Part VI of VI
Please don’t judge me for channeling my inner American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift, who sings about her past relationships. Can we make that a promise? Just like her, I’ll give you a glimpse into my love story with a mysterious Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 14
When travelling overseas, one of the things that I get the most pleasure from is visiting local convenience stores and supermarkets. Mainly because it’s an easy introduction to local snacks, drinks and vices. Although it may be slightly materialistic and safe, beyond this, I find it an interesting window into the day-to-day life of local citizens. This fascination probably stems from my time living in Japan, where konbinis† are quite literally on every corner. To be clear, I’m talking about a world before Facebook and where every Aussie with a passport hadn’t yet “discovered” the Karaage-kun and dollar chuhais at Lawson.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | The Bus Stop | Part VI of VI
As the clock struck the end of the workday, I found myself making my way toward the bus stop, eager to catch the 5:30 p.m. bus that would take me home. Joining me at the bus stop were other women from the neighboring government agencies. As I crossed the street towards the bus stop, I noticed women converging from all directions, each with their own stories about work. The bus stop became a spot where we women exchanged our workday woes and challenges.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
