East to West and Learning Patience

          Moving from the east coast to the west coast is teaching me to be very patient. On the east coast everything happens fast. People drive fast, talk fast, walk fast, and respond to an email fast. There is no reason to be patient on the east coast, because you don’t have to wait very long for anything. The only time people have to wait in the east is in traffic. Even in traffic everyone is honking, yelling, and changing lanes just to get two cars ahead. This is patience on the east coast. On the west coast (mainly just Oregon) everything is the opposite. People drive slow, walk slowly, and respond to an email REALLY SLOW! I have learned, in Portland, when someone says they will contact you early next week they really mean Thursday-ish. Sometimes they don’t get back with me for weeks. I understand people are busy and I need to take a more laid back approach. People in Portland are just never in a rush and will get things done when they get them done. The only people who defy this logic are those who went to school or grew up in the east.

            I really need to be more Portland! I need to learn patients! When waiting to hear back from a job it always seems like forever, but when people take their time getting back to you it takes even longer. I know I will get something back eventually but come on! I started doing yoga and telling myself daily that I am thankful for what I have. I have the idea that if I am calm, I will be more patient. I will keep you posted as to how that goes.