The Salvation of Routine

When I had the brilliant idea to write this blog, I decided that it would be a combination of a picture blog, a story blog, and a repository for my thoughts and feelings on moving and living in a foreign country. Today's post is going to be one of the third kind. So if you're not into feelings, or text heavy posts, best to sit this one out.

I am a creature of habit. I like to go on autopilot, especially in the morning. While getting dressed, and making my coffee and breakfast (shut up, Toph, I can hear you laughing), I organize my day in my head. While at work, I can think "I need to do X," and I can do X without having to think where am I going to get the materials, where that piece of equipment is, etc.

It wasn't until I had NO routine that I realize how much I rely on my routine to get me through the day. And by NO routine, I mean I couldn't even make a cup of coffee because I didn't have a coffee maker. Or make a copy, because I didn't know where the copy machine was. I had to start from scratch. Relearn how to do pretty damn near everything.

People here keep asking me if England is very different from the States. I tell them it's like this: take everything you know and are familiar with. Now turn it 180 degrees. You recognize things, they look familiar, and you think you know how they work. But then you attempt something, and realize that while you recognize it, it's different enough to be confusing.

My first couple weeks here were exhausting. Everything felt like a long, drawn-out process. I have to reprogram all my internal protocols.It's getting easier, though. This morning, I realized as I walked out the door that I had gotten through my whole morning routine without having to think about it.

And just so this entry isn't completely without pictures, behold! the Tetley Beer Brewery:
Tetley Beer Brewery

Comments

Kelly said…
Congratulations on starting to reestablish a routine. As someone who's morning routine has been challenged lately, I can totally sympathize.

I drink Tetley every day. Too bad it doesn't come from the brewery.
November 21, 2008 at 3:57 PM
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