As I started this week’s blog the saying something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue continued to run through my head. While I was considering how to put my thoughts to words I decided to research the history of the saying. This started as a British custom, and since I am working with many Brits here in Afghanistan I thought, even better. All four of these quick sayings meant something to me over the last few weeks. All of them found a way to make the time seem to pass a little quicker and brought me much-needed joy!
Something old represents continuity. A week or so ago I was finishing up my work day perusing around Facebook while my co-workers from Life Fitness were starting their work day (I initially wrote workout, I think there is something funny to that). I spent a half hour or so Facebook messaging with Tina, Jamie, and Joe. It felt like we were all still standing on the third floor in Franklin Park working together. I just felt normal. I just felt better. I felt like me again even for a few minutes. The feeling stayed with me throughout the evening. I even had a hard time falling asleep that night. I was just high on the energy of my old job. I was happy for the continuity and I am excited for the day when I can go back and be with my co-workers again.
As I mentioned many times before, I lead a high intensity interval workout on Wednesday’s during lunch at Life Fitness. The group is still intact and going strong. Talk about awesome continuity, and a lot of dedication. It means so much to me to see something I started still going even after having been gone for almost 5 months, only about 12 more to go! This goes for all my “old” friends back home who are praying for me and my family daily. The ones who miss me, know I miss you too and look forward every day to the continuity of the familiarity of home and all of you!
Something new offers optimism for the future. First I want to say I am optimistic for the future. I think about it and plan for it every day. I am creating a list of things I want to do when I return. Just having the list makes me hopeful and again gives me the joy I need. Also as you probably remember I traveled about a month ago and spent the week in West Afghanistan with the Italian Army. I really enjoyed my time there. On Sunday my friend from out West, Gianluca flew over to Kabul for a few days. I was fortunate enough to spend time with my new friend and many other great new friends. Gianluca actually allowed me to buy one round of espresso, probably only because I managed to get in the café, order, and pay before he made it in.
One of the evenings after dinner, instead of having the Italian espresso we went with one of the Turkish Officers to their National Support Element, which is a lounge for the Turkish who reside here. Instead of espresso they had Turkish coffee, I settled for mango juice. In the interest of sleep I stop my caffeine intake around 4 pm. If you are not familiar with Turkish coffee, the coffee comes in a small espresso type glass and they do not filter the coffee so when you are done drinking there is a layer of finely ground coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup. The Turkish say if you turn the cup over when you are done the pattern of the coffee grounds will tell your future. I can’t say for sure what our grounds said, but I am optimistic for the future so I know it is predicting only joy!
Something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness. Borrowed happiness is every day for me. I am finding my way of borrowing happiness from everyone and everything. At breakfast I eat the peanut butter my mom sent and I chat with various new friends while sipping ok coffee. I look forward to that moment every day. I borrow happiness from all the small moments amongst Afghanistan and the Army. I find joy when I call home and Timothy wants to talk to me for over a half an hour while changing the filters on Facebook messenger. He really enjoyed “burning the monster” and opening our mouths as the same time. Taylyn just likes having a cat on her head.
I borrow happiness from my Navy friends and just the Navy in general. We just understand each other. The last Saturday of every month is the official Navy night, but a smaller group of us get together for dinner every Saturday. We use each other to reconnect with what we believe is normal in the military and be JANRs together (if you don’t know what a JANR is read my blog post from August 4th). When I’m feeling down I look to whatever I can to borrow happiness. Although when it comes to borrowing, I believe you need to give something back. I am hoping every time I borrow a little happiness I am able to give it back 10 fold to those around me.
Something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity. My blue has to be the support I get from TJ back home. He is stronger than he should have to be and is excelling at it. I love this picture of us. I have no idea what we are looking at, but whatever it is they better watch out. We are a team and always stand strong together. I could not ask for a better partner in crime. I can’t wait until we are standing next to each other again causing trouble and conquering the world hand in hand!
The last part of the saying we never say is, a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. I think after having read this post myself, I have good fortune and prosperity. I am surrounded by an amazing group of people here in Afghanistan and back home. No matter where I am there is joy, whether I’m borrowing it or not. I hope I can give as much joy to others as all of you and many others have given to me!
Also to note, I posted this on my parent’s 39th Wedding Anniversary. Thank you for everything you do for me, TJ, and the kids. We would never make it without both of you. You truly are an inspiration to us and all couples! Here’s to many, many more years of joy for you!
Darchelle's Vacation with Uncle Sam 