Happy Birthday Marines!

November 10th marked the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. On Saturday, November 16, the Marine Detachment at Embassy Tallinn hosted a birthday ball - a tradition practiced by U.S. Marines across the globe for decades. I am happy to say I attended, and what a ball it was.

In May, I thought I would not have to shop for a dress for a long, long, long while. Dress shopping is my arch nemesis. I hate it and it hates me. When I heard about the ball, I thought it would be great to attend but I wasn't quite sure I wanted to spend the money. However, what you must know is that my closest friends here are in the Marine Detatchment and when I heard the ball tickets were going fast, I had to get one because it would be such an honor to support my local marines as well as the ones who have served and continue to serve our country. I also thought what the heck, it's a ball! I've never been to a ball!

So, I got a ticket and I delayed dress shopping for literally the longest time - basically by time I started it was too late to order one from the States (too damn expensive as well). So I asked around and opted to rent one. I went to ONE shop and ONE shop only - it's a good thing I found a dress at that one shop because I was really not looking forward to going anywhere else. Melissa the Crandallster gave her stamp of approval, and that is how I managed to find a dress with relatively low amounts of stress involved. Before you ask, she gave her stamp of approval on the name as well. Score!

All the women were presented roses by two marines as they walked in. I know it's cliche, but I actually really love roses. Pictures were taken - I got a couple candid ones myself, courtesy of photographer extroadinaire Filipp.

I think this has become a typical "Ayesha" candid photo.

The ceremony was fantastic - the Marines doing their march with the American and Marine Corps flags, the presentation of the cake, the tradition of the guest of honor (in this case the Ambassador) getting the first slice of cake, and then the second slice goes to the oldest Marine present who then passes it to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing on knowledge to the younger Marines. Then it was dinner time! I'd long since forgotten what I ordered since I decided what meal I would have when I bought my ticket. I had chicken something which was delicious, and beef something with mashed potatoes which was delicious as well. I love how inclusive of potatoes the Estonians are.

I had to say good-bye to Melissa the Hardcore, All Work, No Play Marine as she had to work early (tears). I went up to the open bar area where pictures with the remaining four marines were being taken. Apparently I was swishing my dress and shawl back and forth causing Coral the Marine to have problems focusing on smiling and not smiling for the camera because she's trying too hard not to laugh hysterically at me. I guess payback was her making faces during my photos with the Marines.

Just look at that face. Oh Coral.

When I got back to the ballroom, people were dancing! At first I didn't want to join. But then I didn't want to be that person sitting at the table all alone looking depressed and not having a good time at all. So I immersed myself with Coral. Then I saw the Ambassador standing by his table. I motioned for him to come in, and HE DID. Score one for Ayesha! Just kidding, but forreal, it was great.

Then the Marine driver asked me to dance, and I did and then I accidentally abandoned him because someone put the Ambassadors tophat on my head and I had to go dance in the middle and pass off the hat to someone else. Then, I begged Filipp to come in because he had been taking pictures and videos the whole entire time and he needed to come join the fun. After much persuasion from the Ambassador and I, finally I managed to pull him in. Score two for Ayesha!

Finally, to pretty much top off my night the song "Summer Lovin" came on and I needed to dance this one with someone, and since a certain someone said no I went to the Major S and he gladly danced with me. He was silly too, it was hilarious and awesome and fantastic and he's such a sweet person. Score three for Ayesha!

Good guy Filipp getting a picture of me coming out of a twirl with the Major.

But really, I had a fantastic time. Hats off to all the Marines who made it possible. One person told me it was the best ball he'd been to yet. I'm so happy for my Marines, and in this month of thanks I am so thankful for them. I am thankful for everyone here at Embassy Tallinn who have welcomed me so warmly with open arms into their community.

Happy birthday Marines. Thank you for serving our country and fighting to protect our freedoms.

Semper Fi.