Who Are The Bloggers?
We are federal employees who work in the Office of Citizen Services and Communications at the U.S. General Services Administration. In our daily jobs, we encounter a staggering amount of U.S. government information and services that can benefit your life. From saving money and visiting National Parks to finding out about government auctions and the latest recalls, we want to bring these resources to you in a new way—through our blog.
Jake (Monday)
Jake quickly bumbled, stumbled and tumbled into the federal gubmint in the summer of '04. Jake works with the USA.gov frequently asked questions and plans to draw on these and his interests for his bloggings. When the plucky twenty-something Virginian isn't gabbing, he keeps himself way too busy. Be it going to rock shows, playing guitar, watching team sports, searching for the perfect Italian sub, reading too much Dave Barry or negotiating meal times with his cat, there is never a dull moment.
Joanne (Tuesday)
Joanne is USA.gov's outside the beltway connection—way outside the beltway. She lived in the big city for 10 years, but now revels in the dichotomy of working on a world-class website while she can hear the clip clop of a horse and buggy passing by her window. Intent on being super woman, she works full time, cares for two young daughters and loves to read, cook, throw pots, ride her bike and has a knack for home brewing.
Colleen (Wednesday)
Colleen or "Bean" as she is known to friends and family, makes no secret of the two loves of her life—the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Hailing from the city of real cheesesteaks, Colleen crossed the Keystone State to attend college at the University of Pittsburgh. Here she developed another passion—the PITT Panthers. Besides being a sports junkie, Colleen takes pride in her knowledge of seemingly useless trivia, being the world's greatest rockstar while behind the wheel, and the owner of an absolutely obscene amount of shoes. This Irish girl is a newbie to the bureaucrat world, where she is a Consumer Information Specialist.
Nancy (Thursday)
Nancy grew up watching GSA's television public service announcements for "Pueblo, Colorado" and even sang a couple old ones (off-key) during her job interview. They hired her anyway. Today, the New Jersey native manages TV, radio and print PSA campaigns. When not messing around with all things media at work, Nancy messes around with all things media at home: hosting a local radio show; promoting emerging musicians; and dabbling in comedy, writing and photography. Nancy also likes to help people in the community—from getting gang kids off the street to counseling recently widowed people. At home, she's usually in the kitchen inventing recipes or in the workshop, trying unsuccessfully to repair something. A bureaucrat since 1991, Nancy tells everyone she was hired at age 12. As this claim becomes less believable each year, Nancy's begun to investigate wrinkle creams.
Ginger (Friday)
Ginger started her work life as a high school science teacher. Much to the dismay of her parents, she quit teaching to become a nanny in Washington, DC. She went back to school to study computer technology and eventually became a federal employee. She received a Master's in managing information systems technology and she works on our websites and databases.
Ginger and her husband moved from DC several years ago. They enjoy a laid-back lifestyle near San Antonio, Texas with Doc, Daisy (two sweet, elderly Bichons) and Keeboo (a cat with intimacy issues). We suspect Ginger's favorite hobby is collecting hobbies. She has too many hobbies to list, so let's just say she makes stuff. Ginger also loves adventure and she travels quite a bit.
Jim (Substitute Blogger)
Jim has been a Fed for nearly 23 years. He was born in Akron, A O way to go Ohio, in 1960. Inspired by fellow ex-Akronite Chrissie Hynde, he left in 1981, not for soggy London, but sunny Sandy Eggo, California. Remarkably, he survived all that 1980s Southern California culture had to offer. Now balding and toting a bit of a potbelly, he's frequently heard saying in the office, "Dude, where's my reading glasses?" He owns 10 pairs, most bought from a dollar store, one of his favorite haunts. He takes the occasional cruise because a few days at sea forces him to relax, and it's pretty hard to get lost on a ship. Always a planner, he ponders a possible second career in retirement, if 50 really is the new 40, and keeps a running list of the blockbuster movies he's never seen, eventually to be listed on his headstone. He looks forward to the second half of his life for the mischief potential and the discounts.
Stephanie (Substitute Blogger)
Stephanie has worn a bureaucrat ID for most of her work life. One of her favorite government jobs was a summer at the National Archives, where she got to box up records that included 70-year old beans and cotton bolls. She's currently a USA.gov web content manager who works from home when she's not taking care of her itty bit, a lovely baby boy. Stephanie hopes to impart upon her little guy an appreciation of the finer things in life, like baseball games (that's her in the photo with Uncle Slam—she's the one on the right), hiking, biking, and paddling around state and national parks with her husband and wacked-out cocker spaniel, and eating frosting straight out of the can.
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