It's Sunday and you know what that means! Time to dust off your
work clothes with the ever-looming Monday, rub the sleep-dust out of
your eyes due to long-lies and prepare for another incoming blog
post! A few things have happened since the last time I blogged, and
one of those things is that I was promoted at work. As of now, I am
the Head of Student Services and Admissions for TBC. Although it
means a lot more work (ultimately more than double as I've added
another entire department), I think it's a good opportunity to
expand on my experience and make a difference within the college.
Only time will tell though. Another item is that I may have another
Taekwondo test in a couple of weeks but I will confirm that soon.
Onto this week's topic and it's based on living abroad again! I know, right? I'm actually talking about travelling and living abroad, which was the original point of this blog! Must have hit my head or something. Back on track: living abroad and communication is the main topic for this week, and I would argue that this is one of the biggest hurdles for moving abroad. Before I continue, I'd like to note that I realise you make new friends etc but I'm looking at old/best/close friends and family.
By default, when you move to another country, you will be leaving behind family and friends (unless you're extremely lucky and they move with you, which would be weird) which for most people, can be a slightly depressing experience. It means that it is more difficult to do simple things such as meet up for coffee, go to the cinema or just hang out on a couch eating Chinese food whilst playing video games. You miss birthday celebrations, wedding announcements and the birth of babies. In some cases, this can promote a feeling of isolation as you see yourself as outside the group and that you can't necessarily join in. It can't really be helped but at the same time, you should try to limit the metaphorical distance between you as this will help not just you but everyone. Just remember: even when you're the one that is moving, everyone is affected by it.
Thankfully, this is easier than ever. We have Facebook, Skype, international calls, Viber (whatever that is), twitter, vine and a whole host of other oddly named programs that make communication easier. Sadly though, this doesn't solve the whole issue either, especially if you have a large time difference between the two countries. This is where a bit of self-discipline comes into it.
You see, you both have your own lives and the time difference really highlights this. When you're having your dinner, they could be in the middle of work. When they're getting ready for bed, you might be ready for a chat on skype. When you're getting up...well, you get the idea. Time differences can suck and as the person who is away from everyone, it can really start to affect you. Therefore, you need to start working things slightly differently from what you're used to. Here are three tips to help get you by, especially if you've just moved:
1. Don't Panic – If you don't hear back from someone straight away, when you normally would, don't panic! They'll get back to you eventually.
2. Schedule, schedule, schedule – If you can, book a time for a skype session, in advance. Find a time that suits you both and stick to it. You can even find websites online that helps you to book meetings. It's no different from meeting for a coffee. You want to make it authentic? Make a cup of coffee and shout out your name.
3. Weekly meets – Now, this is one of my favourite things: Weird Wednesdays. Started by one of my closest friends, each Wednesday, we link something weird or unusual on Facebook. So far, I've: learned of a village where women can decide to live as men; heard Poseidon sing; and discovered that premature babies can be given caffeine injections. This is particularly great as I usually learn or experience something new but no matter how busy we both get, at least one of us will post something and prompt some communication. Simple and easy and worth trying out. You can also check out Sandwich Saturdays which is similar but delicious.
Pick of the Week
Onto this week's topic and it's based on living abroad again! I know, right? I'm actually talking about travelling and living abroad, which was the original point of this blog! Must have hit my head or something. Back on track: living abroad and communication is the main topic for this week, and I would argue that this is one of the biggest hurdles for moving abroad. Before I continue, I'd like to note that I realise you make new friends etc but I'm looking at old/best/close friends and family.
By default, when you move to another country, you will be leaving behind family and friends (unless you're extremely lucky and they move with you, which would be weird) which for most people, can be a slightly depressing experience. It means that it is more difficult to do simple things such as meet up for coffee, go to the cinema or just hang out on a couch eating Chinese food whilst playing video games. You miss birthday celebrations, wedding announcements and the birth of babies. In some cases, this can promote a feeling of isolation as you see yourself as outside the group and that you can't necessarily join in. It can't really be helped but at the same time, you should try to limit the metaphorical distance between you as this will help not just you but everyone. Just remember: even when you're the one that is moving, everyone is affected by it.
Thankfully, this is easier than ever. We have Facebook, Skype, international calls, Viber (whatever that is), twitter, vine and a whole host of other oddly named programs that make communication easier. Sadly though, this doesn't solve the whole issue either, especially if you have a large time difference between the two countries. This is where a bit of self-discipline comes into it.
You see, you both have your own lives and the time difference really highlights this. When you're having your dinner, they could be in the middle of work. When they're getting ready for bed, you might be ready for a chat on skype. When you're getting up...well, you get the idea. Time differences can suck and as the person who is away from everyone, it can really start to affect you. Therefore, you need to start working things slightly differently from what you're used to. Here are three tips to help get you by, especially if you've just moved:
1. Don't Panic – If you don't hear back from someone straight away, when you normally would, don't panic! They'll get back to you eventually.
2. Schedule, schedule, schedule – If you can, book a time for a skype session, in advance. Find a time that suits you both and stick to it. You can even find websites online that helps you to book meetings. It's no different from meeting for a coffee. You want to make it authentic? Make a cup of coffee and shout out your name.
3. Weekly meets – Now, this is one of my favourite things: Weird Wednesdays. Started by one of my closest friends, each Wednesday, we link something weird or unusual on Facebook. So far, I've: learned of a village where women can decide to live as men; heard Poseidon sing; and discovered that premature babies can be given caffeine injections. This is particularly great as I usually learn or experience something new but no matter how busy we both get, at least one of us will post something and prompt some communication. Simple and easy and worth trying out. You can also check out Sandwich Saturdays which is similar but delicious.
Pick of the Week
Medieval 2:Total War – 'Our
arrows will blot out the sun!' is an apt quote as my 300 longbowmen
fire onto some rebels that have took over a village, before my
knights storm their militia. Medieval is a strategy game that
crosses Age of Empires with Civilization. Micromanage your cities
and your armies whilst you take over Europe. Command your armies in
a battlefield where weather, approach and terrain affect your
decisions, then command your spies and assassins to take out or
court nobles. Old but gold.
Music of the Week
Music of the Week
Who is rocking my music players today? I'm going to with Turisas's new song: Ten more Miles. Enjoy and keep marching on!
Well, it's a simple post today but hopefully you will get something from it. Until next week!
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