Locks

Keys have never been an area of strength for me. My childhood home wasn’t locked so I had no experience with house keys until I moved into the dorms. You’d think this wasn’t something you need a lot of practice at, but, apparently, I do.

Our current living situation requires three unlockings to get inside our flat. I also lock and unlock my bike several times a day. My confidence was growing about this whole key thing.

Then, yesterday, I could not, for the life of me, get my bike lock open.  Class starts at 9.15, and it was 9.12. My inner dialogue of “you can do this” and “you’re going to be late” didn’t help. My classmate was (successfully) locking his bike next to me.  

“Eric, I can’t open my lock. Would you try?”

Somewhat thankfully, Eric also could not make it budge.

He offers to lock mine up with his, and we go into school.

I then remember that Errol borrowed my bike last night. The light is broken on his. Was there a link between this and my lock problem?

Yes!

Errol used his lock the night before and left it in my bike basket. No operator would be able to open his lock with my keys. Such a relief to learn my incompetence wasn’t to blame.

It’s easy to suspect user error when your confidence is wrecked. My self-esteem has taken some hits since the move. It’s tough to leave an environment of effortless understanding to one where you hope a picture is involved to help navigate a situation.

I see and hear words but comprehend nothing. The worst is when someone is looking me right in the eyes, speaking directly to me, and I have no idea what they’re saying.  I’m slogging away in immersion class and hoping the kids will soon be able to help.

I struggle with transitions. Big and small. Headphones help. Shout out to my incredibly talented friend Beth: her album gives me such a lift.

Enjoy Beth's music too.

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