Being Busy (and not)

Today was my first day since I've been here where I've had nothing on the agenda. As much as it's nice to have a day to myself, there's part of me that feels a little lonely about that as well. That said, I am frequently guilty of craving a free weekend when in the US only to be bummed that I don't have plans when it finally arrives. Some things never change...

The past few days, however, have been packed with meeting new people and wrapping my mind around what promises to be a very unique year of teaching. On Wednesday, I went to school for the first time, had tea with two of Gillian's good friends, and had dinner with 7 ladies from staff. Thursday was a day of doctors for me as I met with both a doctor about my shoulder and a nurse so I can be registered with the National Health Service (NHS). There's part of me that's curious if I'm currently getting a taste of the health care system Obama has in mind. My day ended with a visit to my physiotherapist. Not sure what I was thinking, I showed up to that appointment with absolutely no painkillers in my system. Ow, ow, ow!!!

Yesterday, Gillian's godfather Ken brought me around Fife for about 8 hours. We stopped by railway stations to get time tables for trips to Edinburgh, had tea and coffee at a local farm stand (by and by, this area is known for their strawberries so I always get them fresh and yummy!), and drove through East Neuk (an area of quaint fishing villages just south of St. Andrew's) where I enjoyed my first real fish and chips experience. Then we headed to Kingbarnes golf course where Ken's daughter Donna works (I can sense Dad just drooling at the mention of Kingbarnes - this is one of the top, if not the top, golf courses in the area) before exploring different gym membership options for me. Needless to say, I cannot afford the gym/superspa at the Old Course Hotel (unless someone is willing to front me about $1700). We ended our adventure at his beautiful house having tea with Ken's delightful wife, Pat. We enjoyed comparing notes on the education systems of the US and UK before Ken drove me back to my flat. I was quite tired from the long day but felt I had met some really wonderful people and, despite the relentless rain yesterday, saw a number of places I'll be sure to visit again (on a nicer day perhaps).

How quickly the rain comes and goes here. I had given up on a decent day today when I woke up, rather late, to fully overcast skies. No blue in sight. But I have just returned from an hour long wander down the lane wondering if I shouldn't have put sunscreen on afterall.

I'm off to go read and write in my journal for a bit before contemplating cooking something for dinner (or I'll just make a sandwich). Eating another Fruit Corner today would seem too indulgent unfortunately. What is a Fruit Corner? Don't worry I have pictures all set for another blog entry so I can properly introduce you to one of my dear, dear friends.