back to reality

I think that there will be statistically significant agreement, amongst those who know me well, that I am an epitome of order and organization. I, myself, like to think I defy all theories of entropy.

Take, for instance, after a long train ride, which superceded a 9-hour red-eye flight, I emptied my suitcases as soon as I stepped into the house and even started a load of laundry. This was an incredible feat as I accomplished the above before making a much-needed bathroom stop -- did I mention that it was a 3-hour train journey? And even the number of bags I had to unpack doubled in number as my visit was over Boxing week and included a requisite stop to Costco. I surpassed the weight quota on one of my bags (I blame the extra kilos of dried fruits and nuts) but the desk attendant waived my suitcase through without extra charge, which, I'm sure, was due to my freshly-layered bob and bright smile.

I have adjusted to GMT in a snap. This, I believe, could be partially due to me maintaining an equilibrium between the two time zones. Sometimes I would get up early in the morning to write an email to my husband at work and he, being very annoyed, would write back with, "why on earth are you up at 3:30 am?". I wavered a bit when I woke up for a couple of hours in the early morning the first night and efficiently passed the time on the internet. When I finally went back to sleep, I was annoyed at myself for waking up at 9 but I managed to put in a full day's work, revising a thesis chapter, which will be converted into manuscript format soon, and going for a run. Since the start of the New Year, Central England, challenging Vancouver's rainy status, has seen enough rain equivalent to 4 months' worth. Concerns of flooding were understandable as I noticed during my run that the height of the river has increased and the flow was rapid and pools of rainwater collected in the playing fields.

Despite all the excitement I had while I was away, I am getting back into my same-old, familiar routine. After being re-acquainted with my stamps and inks, I took comfort amongst the wide selection of cream as I maneuvered through the aisles of the grocery store. I took even greater comfort at the availability of alcohol in the back portion of the store as I, surprisingly, was mildly miffed when preparing dinner one evening for friends in Vancouver and had to buy groceries at one place and then go to another place to buy a bottle of wine.