Friday, September 07, 2007

Bleak Friday

The start is always hard, I know. The change, getting things established, figuring things out, it's always tough. And the social part, trying to find people to connect to, or just make light conversation with, when I am suddenly alone after 25 years living with a family; I knew these things would be difficult and take time, and that I had to make an effort to make it work.

I have however had a clear deadline to offer everybody I have talked to about practical considerations around my situation in Umeå: I am leaving 12th of September, and that means I really need to have it all in place at least a week before, for my final preparations.

Of everything I said I needed before I arrived here, I have three things; a place to sleep, a good office chair and a rollermouse. Of all the things I have been offered - well, let's say there have been some delays. Delays which are by now making my days strained, unhappy and uncomfortable.

I hope I'll at least get paid before I leave for Australia and Japan. If not this can get unpleasantly tight. But I am happy I am leaving right now. I am sure the slow and deliberate ways of the northern Swedes will feel familiar and welcome after Tokyo, and coming back will feel good.

At least I hope so.

3 comments:

m said...

Enjoy Tokyo!!! The bestest place in the whole wide world!!!

Luca said...

Don't be so sad about your' new place. And if you need alone you just have to say a word and you'll have a dozen of researchers cosplaying their wow character all around you.

Torill said...

:) That's one of the things I am really looking forwards to! I will send you all a suggestion to read tomorrow, I promise - and then we'll have cosplay, sauna and research, what could be better?