That Funny Feeling
I’m back in the USA. It’s a great feeling – in theory, I shall never have to pass through American or British immigration by myself ever again. In fact, when I passed through immigration in Dallas, I was informed that it would be easier for me to have passed through with Heather – which was interesting, considering that, in Dallas, I wasn’t asked any probing questions at all, making it easily one of the easiest entries I have ever made. It was also the first time I had received a happy immigration officer – he noticed that I had never entered America through the same Port of Entry twice and asked if I was trying to collect the set!
So, now I am in America, and I have a funny feeling. Technically, it’s 7:04pm – but in my head it feels more like 3am. There is nothing positive about jet-lag. I have yet to meet someone who thrives on jet-lag; nobody goes on holiday to experience jet-lag. It’s horrible. Quite horrible.
As well as the premature tiredness, it is also very successful at disorientating me, confusing me, and zapping any ounce of proactivity I may have had. While I am passing the time in this state writing on the computer, poor Heather is at an orchestra rehearsal practising for two 4th July concerts. It felt a little strange for Heather to go to work at 3am – but I guess if we want to live in this country, we have to abide by its time-zone.
To help with the ’shift’ I take a herbal supplement: Melatonin. These small, unmarked, white pills (that always seems to get through airport security unchecked) are designed to naturally alter the chemicals in the brain so that we get tired and wake up at an acceptable time. On the whole, they work. However, they are quite reliant on the person actually remembering to take them. When you are very tired, this is not always possible.
At least it only lasts a few days, eh?!
