I stayed up until 3am (GMT) to watch the American election unfold. When Ohio was declared for Obama, I knew it was effectively over. I then got 4 hours of sleep and got up for work. Perhaps it was a mistake in retrospect.

The election has been foremost in the British public’s interest for the past few months – apart from the minor economic setbacks. It might seem strange to the Americans, but this election will probably have a greater effect on Britain than the next British election. There is a lot of expectation on Obama’s president and it would be easy for him to disappoint. Exciting times and a historic moment.

But for now, my main concern is that my bathroom sink is slightly blocked and I don’t own a plunger. If anyone can buy me one, or email instructions on how to make one from accounting textbooks, then I would be extremely happy.

I’m impatient. I hate waiting. For example, I will always run to catch the train. I apologise to those I’ve knocked over at London Bridge rail station while trying to catch a train that has already left. Although the next train is usually just 4 minutes away I continue to treat my work shoes like a pair of Nike trainers.

A few weeks ago, I finish my first day at the client site. I had spent a whole day auditing, which actually meant sitting around staring blankly at an Excel spreadsheet wondering how the numbers add up. I went back to the hotel tired and in need of quick food. We ordered at the restaurant but the food had not arrived after an hour. Waiting when hungry is not a good combination for me. So, I got up to the waitress, used some hand movements and asked for the food to come.

This was polite by Chinese standards, but was overly bold by British standards. I didn’t even think it was a big deal because I had got so used to demanding everything quickly in Tianjin. I used to feel that I greatly offended waiters whenever I asked for something. I’d use timid gestures and try to transmit my thoughts by telepathy. That inhibition has now gone, I get to eat sooner but I’m a little less British.