The Question: Cream or Jam First

So, to set the scene. I'm currently away on a break. I was out walking in the local town when I saw a cake/coffee shop with a sign outside saying "Somerset Cream Tea, Cream or Jam First?"

Now, this is a debated questions in many parts of the UK, and for those that don't know this is to do with what comes first on your scone when having a cream tea.

So, what is a scone?

For those that have never heard of a scone you maybe asking, what is a scone? Well, you could check the link there as they are hard to describe - they are a scone. If someone was to ask me, then I would say something ridiculous like, image a slice of bread and cake had a baby...

Anyhow, a scone is a kind of desert item you would have with something like a cup of tea, though I prefer mine any time.

So, back to the question, jam or cream first?

So, I saw this sign when I was out walking and thought to myself... what is the answer. I then realised the following - after a millisecond thought.

So, firstly you have to cut the scone in half to put either on. Once in half you place cream on the one half and jam on the other.

If you then placed the jam (or the cream) part on top of the other, cream (or jam if revered) half. You would then look at it and say it cream first, as this is on the both. However, if you then flipped the scone over the jam would be on the bottom, so it would be jam first.

So, in reality it can be cream or jam first. Inface you could go one further and put half cream and half jam on each part. Then it would be both jam and cream first at the same time.

So, what is the point of this post?

Now, it may seem like I've put too much thought into this question but I wanted to just use it as an example of perspective. In this case, depending on how I look at the scone it can be either of the cream or jam first. However, its the same for most questions in life.

Depending on how you look at a problem it can change. You just need to change the perspective of your thoughts on how you look at the problem (or item) you are looking at. So, simply try and change the perspective of the problem when you feel you are stuck - even if that perspective means you have to backtrack.

I've thrown away days of code and work in the past to go back and change perspective and find a compete working solution to a problem. It may seem daunting. It may seem wasteful. But it is only these if you spend more time looking at a problem solution that will never work.

Ok, ramble over. Hope you enjoyed my perspective. If so, why not check my other posts.

Featured image Photo by Sarah Kilian on Unsplash