Wasteful sidesteps

Once again in transit and this time it doesn’t feel so bad. I am heading home to see my new-born niece. I never thought I’d be so excited about meeting someone I can’t even have a conversation with.

One of the things on my mind recently is whether, nearly two decades after my first computer, I should change from a single space after full stops to a double space. I recall being reliably informed, although I don’t know when or by whom (it could be a figment of my imagination), that it was somewhat old-fashioned to double space after a full stop – a legacy from the days of typewriters or something of the like. But in any case, I am now working with people who insist on the double-space, one of them an old-fashioned type, and it’s becoming frustrating having to amend my style when working on their documents.

I’ve just been caught trying to work out whether the woman sat across the aisle from me is attractive or not. I got lost in a daydream first meeting while I was looking in her direction and forgot the fact that I hadn’t averted my gaze. It’s strange how people sense when they are being watched.

I guess there’s a lot that we can’t explain or understand, and the temptation to resort to superstition and supernatural beliefs can be compelling. In that sense, I suppose most people take the easy option. We should be grateful that there have been and are still people whose curiosity is not so easily sated. One of the things I have noticed on my recent visits to Pakistan (which I have yet to blog about I know, I’ll save them for the film), is how easily religion and superstition can be used to stifle thought. Questions are easily dismissed by referring to the Almighty.

I should pack up, nearly home. I can’t wait to see my parents, my sister, my niece and my biological mum. Not often you can say that.