The Solo Journey Begins

Emily has likely now landed back in Boston...  I had a harder time than I had imagined with the idea of her leaving - which is to say, I knew it would be bittersweet, but didn't expect it to tug on my heart the way it did. I know part of that was simply the fear of being by myself, and by myself in an unfamiliar place.  We have been so connected on a day to day basis for so long, it feels weird when we aren't with each other.  And this is different than last summer when I was in Colorado - for obvious reasons...
 October vacation is less than two months away....
I had a great day at school, finally connected with my Principal, who is awesome, and she was able to give structure and answers to many of my inquiries and imagining...  I was able to set up my room a little more, even if just to get rid of the boxes, put up a couple of posters, and read a few files.  The day flew by, as have many.

I struck up a conversation with and Irishman at dinner - I was sitting outside at a pub, having a really delicious veggie burger (the English have a spicy bean burger - a common vegetarian offer) - it was surprisingly flavorful and not heavy. Anyway, the content of the conversation is not remarkable, it was a simple exchange - what do you do, where are you from, what do you think of it here..., but I was able to make a connection with a stranger.  For those of you worried about my aloneness here - don't worry, I have my wits about me, I don't share much, and am conscious of my surroundings.

So... The food... I've about had my fill of potatoes.  Already.  And today at lunch in the school cafeteria, I found myself devouring sauteed greens, which is not typical for me.  Guess my body was needing some greens.  I can't wait until I can go grocery shopping and start making myself food again.

I may get to stay with a fellow teacher until I can move into my flat - which will be both cheaper, and better ventilated.  The colleague I may stay with bikes to/from work every day - which is not far, but as that is likely to be how I will get to work, I feel challenged by that particular mode of transport.  The only thing that makes me a little intimidated is biking on public streets - the traffic is, well, interesting.  If I thought the people of New England were aggressive and fast drivers - England driving is that, on speed.  I mean, really....  The roads are narrow, and the cars/drivers essentially play chicken with each other to determine who will go before the other (known here as "to give way"), and I have felt a car within millimeters away from my person even walking to and from school.
However, I am determined to view any reasonable offer that comes my way as an opportunity to branch out (I am inspired by you in that regard Mrs. Kate Waldo-Fillion).

Okay, I am finally starting to adjust to the time change and am now fading.  Now a few minutes of British TV - which is really just as obnoxious and fluffy as American TV - same stupid reality shows, same ridiculous sell for extravagance - but in a british accent.  They do have Family Guy and Law and Order though, so that's enough - not that I do't have manuals, policies and student profiles to read....

As Always, Big Love!!
J