Furnished Post

So, from what I hear, almost all posts are furnished. This means I can expect to see the same furniture wherever I get posted. Yayy 😒 *sarcasm. The good thing about furnished posts is the slipcovers I'm going to buy will fit the furniture and we will have a consistent look.

Wow!

I cannot believe that I've been here for like 3 weeks now! I am settling in just fine. Initially, I was having second thoughts about coming here and joining the foreign service. But others have reached out to me and have made it so much more bearable. It makes a huge difference if you can tell me where to buy certain items, if you're telling me not eat items that are locally made. Yet, I digress.

We had Thanksgiving dinner over at a coworkers house and it was pretty good. I was very thankful for the company and the food. The boys seemed to have a great time as well. It made me miss my fam back in Michigan but what can you do. I remember on certain holidays, I would cook and have everyone over to my tiny townhouse and we'd just kick it. I miss those days.

Well, I just have to start new traditions now and have those memories with others. It seems difficult because my husband is always somewhere else than where we are but...anyway.

I only have motor pool for free for another week or so, I'm going to try to fit everything in as much as I can because I'll have to pay for it in the future. It seems a little backwards because there's no way I could've shipped my car from DC in ample time to have it reach here after arriving at post for a month. But hey, I'm going to make the best of it.

Sooo, my husband will be here for Christmas! I'm excited about seeing him and hopefully being able to spend some time with him. But usually that never really happens too much. We shall see how it goes this time.

Pics

First Week

The boys and I have been here for a week now. I must say that every day it's growing on me. We Americans are so spoiled and take so many things for granted. I'm learning to complain less and enjoy more. What can I say but I'm a work in progress...I can admit it.

My car is due to ship from DC on the 19th. Maybe I'll get it by mid January. I hope so because taking two car seats in and out of the motor pool van is not the business. Plus it's nice to just have your own. I can't wait to be mobile on my own.

The hubby is still in Afghanistan and although its only been a little over a month since we last were together, it seems like much longer. I won't get a chance to see him until January. Another holiday season without him. It's proven to be a tad bit frustrating to have to do EVERYTHING without him. I should be used to it by now, but there's always another set of circumstances that make the current situation unique and difficult. And still I rise...

I'm here!!

Well, it's happened, again! You know how when you're a kid, you always dream that you are special and that you'll be doing something important to affect the world? Well maybe everyone doesn't feel that way but I did.

Some may argue with me because of my position title and say that it's pretty low on the totem pole. However, I believe a position is what you make of it. You have unlimited capabilities in any task you set forth in.

I just arrived here in Tirana and got the red carpet treatment the moment I stepped into the airport. We were in the diplomatic passport line, which a lot of people seemed shocked that we were lol. We were pulled aside and ushered all the way through. My manager, the DCM was there at the airport to greet us.

Everyone has been so nice and helpful since the moment I arrived. Our house is much bigger than I thought it would be, which is nice. I can't wait to get my UAB and HHE so that I can make it home. Our bedroom furniture will fit in the master!! I cannot wait to get my bed back again.

Well my day 1 went pretty well, even though it was a partial one. We shall see what day 2 will bring.