Don't make fun of me.
About 9 months ago, my aunt sent me a housewarming care package. In it was a box of Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast tea and some great towels with palm trees on them - plus a matching trash can. Thanks, Auntie!
The tea was nice to drink through the winter, and it was also a pleasure to have iced in the summer. I took the box of tea to work with me when I was hired at my current employer, and it has sat on the shelf above my computer there ever since. Each morning I grab a bag and make some hot tea in my water bottle, then add cool water to make it "iced". Since I don't like to drink much coffee, it's a nice alternative and I still get some caffeine. I love it.
Today, I used the last of the tea. After putting the bag in my water bottle, I picked up the box and took one last look at it before throwing it out.
I really shouldn't have taken that look.
Suddenly, the tea box transformed itself into an old friend. All the memories of moving into the new place, getting used to being in a new place and all the good and bad that comes with it while drinking the tea came roaring back into my head. This was NOT just a STUPID TEA BOX, this was a FIXTURE from my EARLY DAYS HERE and right then, in front of the garbage can, it felt like I was losing a piece of my very heart and soul! WHY WOULD I DO THAT?!
(Ahem...I realize it's just a stupid tea box.)
After casually tossing it in the garbage like it didn't bother me (oh but it did), I glanced around to see if anyone was looking and took it out of the trash. It's back on my desk. Empty. There is even a corner that came unglued. It's not a useful box anymore, but there it is.
Maybe it's because I'm still adjusting to living somewhere new and still feel a little vulnerable. Maybe it's because my aunt gave me the tea and I miss my family, or maybe it's because I am batshit circus crazy and need to be in a straitjacket. I JUST DON'T KNOW.
But it's not leaving my line of vision. Not yet.
It's just too soon.
2 comments:
What if you laminated the box and put dried flowers in it? Juxtapose a really round bunch of flowers (like a huge cluster of Queen Anne's Lace, perhaps?) in the square box. So the box is useful again (as a vase that doesn't need water), and it can symbolize growing from something nice your family gave you.
See, I'm brilliant. Call me, we must talk the talk of talks!
I have a small wooden box that contained house warming tea bags at one time and it has become an old friend. It's served may purposes, including a jewelry holder, clip holder, condiment holder and yes, even a tea bag holder (once again).
When it's time, you'll let go.
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