More anniversaries, more firsts

A year ago we were getting ready to travel to Italy. Last night we went to a spur of the moment fish fry and shrimp boil (or should I say “boel”) after friends had an abundant catch at a local lake. 

I’m sure to many of you, that sounds like a downgrade. But from my perspective, this life is full of abundance. I’m happy to trade linguini for hush puppies and gelato for blue bell ice cream. 

Italy was great, but this time last year we were still fussing around with masks and Covid rules and thank God that the mask rules were lifted on day 2 of our trip (except at the Vatican and on the plane). Thinking about what rules we had to follow to participate in everyday life was a huge burden. A burden that was heavier than we realized until after it was lifted.

We’ve been here less than a year and have found friends who think of us while planning something fun and saying yes is simple — what more could we want? No worries about vaccine passports or whether it’s legal to meet up here — the most complicated part is running low on peanut oil and running out to pick some up (ProTip: Buc-ees has everything, but not peanut oil). Today, I’ll take that ease over fine art in Florence or fancy brunches at the British Club. 

Does that sound crazy? Look at it another way: I am like a tourist in my own country. This is just another flavor of adventure — a new culture, new cuisine, and different social norms to adapt to. This “simple life” is exciting to us because it’s different, but it’s also so easy in comparison. I can go from the gym to the store without worrying that my shoulders are showing. I can work in my front yard and take the trash out while wearing shorts. I don’t have to stop and pull on a long skirt because my thighs are showing. I don’t have to consider a language barrier (though on occasion I do get tripped up by a thick Texas drawl). I get Elk meat and fresh eggs from various friends who hunt and raise their own chickens and I happily hand over my excess cilantro.

There are so many things that I loved about living in the Middle East, but they were overshadowed and buried in the last 2.5 years that we were there. I’m sure over time, the good memories will rise to the top and remain, but for now I’m happy to be making new ones here instead.