One of the many lessons Chief Frey taught me is that some days the dragon wins. I’ve thought a lot about the Chief the last few days, because at the end of the day, it sure seems like the dragon is winning. When I first got here, I said “we work until we are finished”. A couple of weeks ago, I said “we work until we give up”. Now, I’m a little smarter (and a little older, too…I think we are living dog years here…every day is aging me by 7 days ; ). I am learning to recognize when I’m out of brain power, and calling it a day. When I trudge back to my room (which takes all of two minutes) I feel like a knight in shining armor, with my head hung low, dragging my shield and sword behind me, only to emerge the next day to fight the dragon again. My outlook is always brighter in the morning, and the victories of the prior day are evident in the light of the day.
Another lesson I’ve learned recently from a colleague at the City (you know who you are) is the art of the stalemate. There is sense of urgency about everything we do here, but there is also an art to knowing when to let things ride. I’m an “Action Officer”, which means I get things done. I am learning that sometimes doing nothing is a better course of action. Sometimes, you let the dragon win.
I got to run 23 miles this week! Running is the perfect attitude adjustment in the middle of the day. I swear the more miles I put in, the more productive I am. I really can do more in less time on the job because of it.
Below is my friend Mary’s email to her folks back home, plus a picture of both of us. I thought it hilarious and true. I hope you do too. We call her Sunday because one of the Afghani interpreters told her that she is so beautiful that God must have made her on a Sunday, when he had some extra time.
Another lesson I’ve learned recently from a colleague at the City (you know who you are) is the art of the stalemate. There is sense of urgency about everything we do here, but there is also an art to knowing when to let things ride. I’m an “Action Officer”, which means I get things done. I am learning that sometimes doing nothing is a better course of action. Sometimes, you let the dragon win.
I got to run 23 miles this week! Running is the perfect attitude adjustment in the middle of the day. I swear the more miles I put in, the more productive I am. I really can do more in less time on the job because of it.
Below is my friend Mary’s email to her folks back home, plus a picture of both of us. I thought it hilarious and true. I hope you do too. We call her Sunday because one of the Afghani interpreters told her that she is so beautiful that God must have made her on a Sunday, when he had some extra time.
********
Every Sunday, they open up a section of the NKC for Afghan vendors to come in and sell stuff. I am making it my personal mission on this deployment to support the local economy. Jo, Jenn and I cruised the bazaar yesterday afternoon, when Jo had a minute to spare in between preparing for her 4-star general to visit and an upcoming drill. I shop for scarves, shawls, blankets, jewelry, samovars, t-shirts, purses, wall hangings, furniture, carvings, walking sticks, bowls, burkas, and stuff like that (did I mention jewelry?). Jenn shops for things for her sons, mainly. Jo, well, I haven't quite figured out what Jo shops for, other than to determine it is not similar to what usually catches MY eye! Caught up with Jo browsing through items on a table sold by an Afghan who specializes in antiques. Jo liked the chain mail...tank top? And the helmet. Hence the picture. And yes, Jo bought both items.
********
No comments:
Post a Comment