I’d been told that dealing with jet lag and adjusting to the time differences would be very difficult. Some people told me it was feeling worn out and tired all day. I never felt that. I thought I had was doing just fine, both in Sweden and back home, because I felt fine all day. I never had that strung out feeling so many described.

But back home now, every night this week, after getting the boys in bed, I found myself incredibly tired and sleepy. Monday through Friday this week, I went to bed between 8:00 and 8:30. I was fast asleep within about five minutes of laying down and I stayed asleep all night long.

Only one night did I force myself to stay up, and that was Thursday night, for gaming with my friends. At the game table, after 8:00, I was fighting back sleepiness. I yawned, I blinked, and just had to fight off the urge to lay my head down. Only the fun of playing a game and talking with friends kept me awake.

So it seems that I didn’t actually manage to avoid the jet lag and tiredness of worldly travel. I really hope I’m past this now, because giving up two to four hours each night that could be used for fun and getting things done is aggravating.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

I sent an instant message to a coworker in another country asking how many pages were in a document he was working on:

Coworker: 42

Bullgrit: Thank you very much.

Coworker: …and isn’t that the answer to everything?

Bullgrit: Life, the universe, and everything.

Coworker: That’s right. :-)

Bullgrit: :-)

I’ve never met this coworker in person, and we’ve only had a very brief introduction through instant messenger some weeks ago. But this subtle exchange was sublime. I feel a little connection to this guy, like we just shared a secret handshake.

I love it when little references like this pop up in unrelated situations, mentioned by people you didn’t expect to hear such from. This kind of thing just shows that:
1. There are geeks everywhere, in all walks of life.
2. Many things thought to be geeky are actually liked by more than just geeks.

For those who don’t recognize the reference:
The answer to life, the universe, and everything is “42” comes from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series of novels, by Douglas Adams — full of wonderful British-style humor (or humour).

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

I used to think text messaging was a very dumb concept. Why would anyone want to type out a message on their phone when they could just use the phone for its original purpose: call the person.

But lately, now that my cell service gives me free texting, I’ve found the option very useful. It’s great for times when I just have a very short statement or question to send. It’s great when I’m in a situation where I either can’t talk or don’t want others to overhear.

And I found it great when I was in a different time zone. I could say “good morning” at my 8:00, and Cowgrit would read it at her 8:00.

So I’ve changed my opinion on text messaging. It does have it’s uses, and it is convenient for some situations.

* * *

I remember back in early high school, there were these two girls who rode my bus. They were friends and sat together every morning and afternoon. They would write letters to each other overnight and during school, every day, and then they’d exchange the letters when they were on the bus. They’d sit there quietly, together, and read the letters. I always wondered why they didn’t just talk to each other on the bus like everyone else.

I guess they were just using the 1981 version of text messaging.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

We went to the new-school meeting last evening to see our new school’s principal and some of the teachers. Because the school we’ve been assigned to isn’t finished being built yet, we had to all meet at another school.

I’m happy that the principal has many years of experience, and she’s bringing what she calls “the best of the best” teachers with her. (Yes, I realize this may well be just her using politicalese.) Listening to and watching the principal and teachers, I believe they’re good, and I’m satisfied that our new school will be at least decent.

And it’s kind of cool that we’re getting a brand new school. It’s being built with the most up-to-date, and new and interesting, designs, so it looks like it’ll be a fun place for the kids. Heck, I’m excited to see and walk around in the new building. So although we fought the re-zoning of our school district, and lost, it looks like we’ll have a good new school.

Now we just have to get used to the year-round calendar. Calgrit7 finishes this year in June, and then starts 2nd grade in July. Being in school over the summer is gonna to feel strange.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com