Where in the World?: Navigating by centimeters - or

I vow that I will learn to stop and breathe. I will not simply count the seconds until something happens (while looking remarkably composed, as if I am calmly accepting the delay)--but I will, in fact, accept that the speed it IS taking is the ONLY speed in which it can be accomplished. Truly, the grinding of my teeth and tapping of my toes will NOT hurry it along, so the tumultuous motions and emotions are absolutely wasted.

This will be my personal journey.

In a conversation with a representative of a recognized national company name (correction- international) I was informed, "One of our computers is down, which creates more work for every one else. And we are a little behind." This same company in the US provides nearly instantaneous responses to inquiries. They generate quotes while you wait "one moment please" and listen to a few bars of some insipid jingle or muzak. Of course, it is understandable that an office may only have one or two computers/office workers It is also theoretically reasonable that my request was not the most important to anyone but myself. Yet, I have come to expect that customer service means that I am the only customer (at least at that instantaneous moment of my service). I am so stymied about this. Perhaps the super-efficient service is to blame. Perhaps I am just spoiled. Sadly, I have become that spoiled little kid who expects her mom to fix any/every problem-- immediately. I have only progressed in that I do not shout, "Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom." until I am given attention.

Is recognition step one?

Whether we admit it or not, we are creatures of habit. I try to break habit regularly and challenge my students to do it as well. Brush your teeth with your "other" hand. Take a different route to school. Try new foods. Travel the world. You should try it, too. I feel pretty confident in new situations...or at least I thought I did. I am in a new environment. Nothing, except what I brought in a few bags is familiar to me. I am not on vacation. I am a new learner in everything. I have no habits, no comforts for my inner creature. Now, don't get me wrong, my new home is lovely, safe, and warm. But before bed the first night, I set out a flash light by my bed side; I do not know where the light switches are well enough to hit them before knocking around the furniture on the way to the facilities. In the morning I had an earnest conversation with the kettle. I could not find any button that indicated on. I checked that the power was plugged in and the switch was turned on (a nifty energy saving feature). I check that the kettle was properly in it carriage. On/off buttons? Nothing recognizable. When I finally tried to push the handle and a victory light of on-ness indicated that I had indeed cracked the code, I was so damned pleased. I did a dance in the middle of the kitchen.

So for me, this Fulbright Exchange will be so much more than an academic examination of the Scottish Education system. This year will be a true education...an educational journey, 24 hours a day.

Bon voyage, Me.