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So, yesterday I went to get the battery in my watch replaced and, when the shopkeeper told me my total, I handed over a $20 bill without blinking. Like, I had three twenties in my wallet in three different currencies (because I've been too distracted to remove them or put them in the right pockets in my wallet) and of all of them, my brain decided that the one depicting President Andrew Jackson (versus Her Majesty the Queen) was the most sensible one to pick in this situation.
He stared it for a while then said, in a kind voice, "That's a dollar, love."
I turned red and babbled incoherently about still being in holiday mode, jet lag, etc. I then felt the need to assure him that I've lived in this country for 8 years, that I was fully aware that I reside in England, not the United States, and that I was just very, very tired. He nodded sympathetically.
But, I mean, come on. Dollars? It's like that American who walked into a Starbucks here (this was a while ago, when I still drank Starbucks) and said very loudly to the cashier, "DO YOU TAKE DOLLARS?"
Face. Palm.
How do you deal with jet lag? Do you struggle through, succumb to sleep, or are you not affected by it at all (like some robots I know AKA my husband)?
(p.s. if you don't get the reference in the title of this post, watch this video. Great reminder of my childhood.)
Hi there - just popping in to congratulate you on getting shortlisted (me too!) love your blog - I try and ignore jet-lag - always have since growing up in HK - it's the best way, just arrive, change your watch and live like a local!! (although as I get older, it gets harder I must admit!)...Lx
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks so much for stopping by, and congratulations on being shortlisted as well! Just a stopped by your blog and there are so many interesting, insightful posts to read!
DeleteRe: jet lag ... I totally agree. That's what I usually try to do (unless I'm going home, in which case I turn into a real brat and sleep until my parents wake me for dinner. Oops!). :)
Honestly, the only thing that's ever helped me is time. That and putting myself on my current city's time schedule ASAP and getting myself around as much natural light as possible. Still, 8 hours is a mother f-in DOOZY!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Robin. I was a little annoyed during this trip because we flew back to the UK *just* as I had adjusted to the time difference in Washington! Ughh ...
DeleteTypical. So, so typical! Be gentle on yourself – it'll be better in a few days :)
DeleteI sleep forever when jet lagged. Next day, I'm back in business. Did you give anyone in the US pounds by mistake while you were there? Somehow I'm anticipating a "no." Whatever's "original" in my brain is tough to dislodge and easy to slip right back into once I'm around it again. Then, like you demonstrated here, it's hard to let go of again, even subconsciously hahaha
ReplyDeleteI didn't give anyone ££ by mistake in the US - you're so right! There's the explanation.
DeleteRe jet lag ~ a short nap middle of the day (on the day you arrive home from US to London), then just get on with it. Sort of works for me!
ReplyDeleteAh, you're good, Ruth! I have no such discipline ... a short nap just turns into hours for me, so I have to try to force myself to stay awake (and get subsequently very cranky - oops!).
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