6 Months in the Same Place

I took an early lunch today. The purpose was to be able to attend a meeting at 1.30. In the UK this would not have been particularly unusual. I would just have my lunch hour starting at 12, and ending at 1. Out here things are rather more controlled at lunch. At 12.30 the office empties as if evacuated by a bomb threat. And it fills back up as rapidly at 1.30. If you leave for an early lunch people look as if you have 3 heads (not that I have much experience of having 3 heads).


My two colleagues joining me at the meeting were horrified by the concept of having to take an early lunch. They whinged almightily at the disruption to their dietary routine. At which pointed out that in the UK, a 1.30 meeting would almost certainly mean leaving mid-morning at best, and no lunch at all.


It then suddenly occured to me that I have spent almost 6 months in the same place. I actually have no idea when the last time I did that was. Maybe a decade ago during my A levels? Centrainly not since I left school. My footloose lifestyle was at its worst in 2008 when I was working in South Wales, I only twice managed to spend 7 days in the same place - both times I was on holilday (once in Sydney, once in Vancouver - it was a good year for holidays!), and I totalled 100+ nights in hotels. In 2009, it was marginally better at 75 nights, but the hotels were distinctly inferior!

I have to admit I prefer staying put. I can actually plan things in my evenings, and be reasonably certain that I will be a) around and b) not too tired to enjoy it. I also enjoy eating out again. The Dodgess and I treat ourselves perhaps once every 2 weeks to a reasonably nice dinner out. And whilst I don't exactly cook a lot, it's nice not to be solely eating in restaurants.


I won't actually make 6 months all in the same place. I fall short by 4 days as I head over to Indonesia with a dozen colleagues from work. I'm beginning to think it's about time!