Watch Out!

Another week down, and officially at my half way point as of today! I suppose it would be a good time to reflect on my first six months in theatre. It has been an experience. I have gone from feeling very unsettled with the start of each new phase to now feeling very rooted at the Embassy. Often I recognize, and am recognized, with a smile as I walk to and fro. It feels nice to be connected in a way, even though it is all very temporary. I have learned to take care of myself in a way that I do not always do at home. I have become a more conscious eater and exerciser and am now confident that I will go home stronger, and healthier despite the inevitable stress of separation. Even though it is outside of work, it sure feels like an achievement in itself. The finish line is going home, and although it is a most desirable end point, I mark my days, weeks and months with small milestones. I don’t want to lose sight of the special moments here, within this experience, by only focusing on my departure date. I have seen others take that path, and I can tell you that they don’t smile much.

With that philosophy in mind, I have also seized most reasonable opportunities for fun. Flag football games (player to spectator), game nights, the occasional movie night, and a new one this week- golfing on the Embassy green. On the way back from lunch on Friday, I noticed they were setting up what looked like a fairway (marked by orange construction cones) with one pin at the end. Speakers for music, a popcorn maker and a few nets for swing practice were set up alongside. Periodic glances out the window clued me in to what seemed like a start of something. It took a few walks around the office trying to recruit someone to join me, for what I wasn’t totally sure, but it looked like sanctioned fun. Jason, from our Personnel Security Detachment, joined me and we headed out. Turns out it was a contest- 5 balls, closest shot to the pin would win. Hmmm, don’t really know how to golf and generally putter out on the 12th hole of putt putt. But it was a beautiful day, and I was out of the office for a bit. Jason gave me some tips, and after about a dozen tries in the practice net, I could almost consistently hit the ball off the tee. That was progress.

We took our place in line, me with a six iron (I think) and watched as about twenty others took their turns. My goal was to hit the ball; a swing and a miss was going to be a little embarrassing. Well, I did hit the ball, all five, and pretty hard too but four hooked left and one puttered early. There were enough seasoned golfers around that the “gallery” was warned each time I struck the ball. I definitely had the potential to take someone out but fortunately did not. It wasn’t pretty, but it was fun, and I have learned that is enough here in Baghdad. It was enough to make my day, and in this case, a unique memory to mark another week down.

Love to all at home,

Krista