Lettuce Leaf

21. Lose 1 stone

 

I can’t quite believe I’ve completed this one.  And in 7 months!

 

I know the message should be that it’s about what’s on the inside, not the outside.  Size doesn’t matter, we’re all different, and so on.  But for me, it’s about feeling comfortable in my own skin.  And for a variety of reasons, I haven’t felt like that for a while.  It’s not that I was over-weight, but I didn’t feel good about myself and struggled to do anything about it. 

 

I’d love to say that my new exercise regime and strict diet helped me lose this weight, but I think it’s been a combination of being stressed, skint, and eating less pasta!  When I first went to uni, I developed a really bad habit of comfort eating.  Independence definitely has some disadvantages, and I found it hard to be sensible with my money and diet.  When I lived in Manchester, I used to cheer myself up with chocolate if I’d had a bad day at uni.  And to celebrate the good days at uni.  And then as a reward for making it into uni at all!  I hated that I was gaining weight, but didn’t know what to do about it.

 

I’m not the most motivated person in the world, but it’s been encouraging to see and feel the progress over the past few months.  My jeans are too big for me, as is my winter jacket.  I do feel a little bit better about myself, although that’s very much a work in progress.  I would love to keep going and lose another half stone, at least.  Of course the challenge now is to keep the weight off, and maintain it.  Especially over the next few weeks of turkey, bread sauce and chocolate coins.  But I’m hoping once the weather improves that I might feel better about going out for walks, take up pilates or even try going swimming again.

 

Now pass me a mince pie!

 

Music and Lyrics

8. Create a soundtrack to my life so far *

 

I love going to the cinema, and sometimes secretly wish that I had music playing in the background to accompany my everyday life.  Music, whether lyrics or the tune, can be so powerful in capturing feelings or a mood.  There are a lot of songs that I strongly associate with a person or a time of my life (both good and bad).  I saw this idea on a similar 30:30 blog, and thought I would give it a go.  The 13 themes are a mixture of ones that were on this other person’s list, and some that I’ve added in myself.  If you don’t know the songs, look them up on YouTube/ iTunes for a listen.

 

 

Opening Credits

The Arcade Fire – Wake Up

This is an epic song which makes me want to soar like a bird or stand on top of a hill with my arms flung open.  It also features on one of my favourite films, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.  Part of the film is about overcoming fears and taking that step out to have adventures.  To go places, to see and do things, to have courage, and to see life beyond the mundane.  Opening credits often set the tone and pace of a film, and I would love this to be the same for me – breaking free and embracing the fullness of life.

 

The Young Years

Wet Wet Wet – Love Is All Around

Released in May 1994 (when I was 9), this song stayed at number 1 in the charts for 15 consecutive weeks.  I remember being really upset the day it was knocked off the top spot by Whigfield’s Saturday Night.

 

First Single

Take That – Back For Good

I bought this on cassette, in fact I think I still have it in a box in the attic at home.  I checked on the internet and it was released in 1995.  Nearly 20 years ago – eek!!  It’s still a great song (although less can be said for the music video – mid 90s cringe!).

 

Fighting

Mike + The Mechanics – Over My Shoulder

You may be familiar with the Now, That’s What I Call Music CDs, the latest one being Now 89 (seriously?!).  I vividly remember having a fight with my brother over which one of us could buy Now 30 on cassette (also released in 1995), and I eventually won.  I was reading back over the play list the other day – a lot of one hit wonders in there!  But there was also this song from Mike + The Mechanics, which I think is still a great song.

 

Teenage Angst Years

Savage Garden – Truly, Madly, Deeply

Wow, this is an embarrassing one to admit to!  I listened to this song on repeat on my Walkman in my early teenage years and felt the anguish and pain of every word.  I am so glad those days are over!

 

High School Days

Toploader – Dancing In The Moonlight

I made an effort to develop my music tastes during high school, and jumped on board the late nineties/ early noughties train of bands like Coldplay, Feeder, Toploader etc.  This song reminds me of school discos, my awesome school friends, feeling even more socially awkward than I do now, and growing up.

 

First Gig

Delirious – Deeper

I went to my first proper gig when I was 16 or 17.  Delirious are a Christian band who were playing at the Barrowlands in Glasgow.  It was sweaty, loud and awesome.

 

Prom

Blink-182 – I Miss You

I was dating my first boyfriend when I went to my senior prom in 6^th year, and (not that I miss him) this song makes me think of driving around in his car (the one with the windscreen wipers that fell off – a joy to be in during a downpour).

 

Uni Days

Sean Paul feat Blu Cantrell – Breathe

I don’t particularly like this song, but it always reminds me of being in first year at Glasgow Uni, going to the GU Union with my flatmates and trying to pretend that I was having a great time.  I have two left feet and just didn’t know what to do with myself.  I’m gradually getting over the fear of what other people think, and feel slightly more able to have fun on the dance floor!

 

Dark Times

Snow Patrol – Open Your Eyes

While I was depressed at Uni, I was all about the meaningful lyrics.  I had a lot of built up anger inside and didn’t know how to put it into words, and there were also times when I felt very numb inside.  Thankfully over time I learned how to cope a bit better with my feelings.  I try to see this song as a reminder of how far I’ve come rather than a reminder of dark times.

 

Falling In Love

Jonny Cash & June Carter – Jackson

My ex-boyfriend from a few years ago loved Jonny Cash, and we used to listen to this song a lot in his car.  It makes me feel sad to listen to it now, but it also reminds me of that period of my life – being in my early twenties, a bit naïve and falling in love for the first time.

 

Flashback
The Piano Guys feat Alex Boye – Peponi

It’s true that music can transport you to somewhere else.  I can listen to this song, close my eyes and imagine that I’m back in Rwanda.  When I was there in 2012, Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto album was played a lot by our team, especially while we were sticking labels on jam jars or in the van on a long journey.  The Piano Guys did this amazing cover of Paradise (peponi is Swahili for paradise).  Those 4 months meant a lot to me, and this song brings back good memories.

 

Life’s Okay

Coldplay – Sky Full Of Stars

2014 has been one of the best and worst years I’ve had for a while.  I love this song, however it was played during a funeral I was at in the summer, so feels somewhat bittersweet now.  But there’s something about it that hits the nail on the head – you get lighter the more it gets dark…  I feel like I need this reminder.  That despite the difficult things, there can be light, there can be hope, there can be joy, there is a sky full of stars.

 

 

*This replaces the item I had on my original list – fly first class.

Alterations

Originally I had given myself the option of changing two things on my list if I didn't think they were going to be achievable.  I might have to go back on that!

 

As I've said previously, I didn't quite think through the financial implications of doing something like this, and should have thought of more cheap/ free things for my list.  For example, I think flying first class is totally unrealistic for me at the moment (perhaps ever?!).  I've clocked up quite a few air miles this year and did walk through business class on the way to my seat, but I don't think that counts somehow.

 

So I've come up with a few alternatives.  I'd still like to achieve as much as I can from the original list, but it's good to have these as backups:

 

- Create a life soundtrack

- Invent a flavour of ice cream

- Buy flowers for myself

- Take up pilates

- Learn to whistle with my fingers

- Learn to carve a turkey properly

- Start a pension

- Go outdoor ice skating at Christmas

 

I'm definitely going to be substituting something from the above list for the following: 

8. Fly first class (too expensive)

11. Do an evening class in something I haven't tried before (costly, and nothing that interests me enough)

14. Read the instruction manual for my camera and finally learn how to use it properly (don't have the motivation to do it)

 

Only 4 months to go...eek!

And relax...

25. Get a massage

 

I had my first ever massage this morning!  I decided to stop putting it off and booked myself in for a neck, back and shoulder massage at a place just up the road from my flat.  My expectations were that it was going to tickle, I'd be told I had really tense shoulders and lots of knots (whatever they are), that it might be sore and that I'd end up laughing or burping or some other inappropriate reaction (sole blame for me having the wrong reactions to situations such as this lies with my mum).

 

Fortunately it didn't tickle, the girl didn't say anything about me, it was only a tiny bit sore at points and I didn't laugh or burp.  It definitely felt a bit weird, but it was relaxing too.  My shoulders still feel a bit sore, but they've been like that for a while and I guess massages work better over a period of time rather than one quick fix.  I could get used to having a massage every week...

 

So that's 6 items completed now from my list!  And about 9 more underway. 

 

There are some things on my list which I know I will not complete, such as number 8 Fly first class.  And other I feel a bit dubious about (Am I going to have time to take a road trip around Scotland? Or the money to have a weekend city break in Europe?).  I wondered about learning to whistle properly, and looked at some videos on YouTube yesterday.  But after 10 minutes practice all I had was a sore mouth and lots of spit to clear up (lovely).

 

So I'd like some suggestions of alternative ideas!  The cheaper (or free) the better.  Any thoughts?

 

Other relaxing things I have done this past week are going for a walk in Mugdock Country Park, eating brownies, and going to Luss with my uni friends and getting this fab photo:

 

 



Guts Over Fear

1. Volunteer for a good cause

 

Technically my time in Uganda was for a work trip, not volunteering.  But given that I work part-time in the UK, I’m going to count it.  It’s also a good excuse to give Dwelling Places a bit of promotion!

 

I spent most of my 3 weeks at DP working in the office with the other members of staff - attending review meetings, staff training and planning for 2015.  I loved that feeling of being part of a team again and seeing how it all fits and works together to fulfil our aim: until every child has a chest to rest his head on and a place to call home.  Dwelling Places works with street children, abandoned babies and high risk slum families in Uganda.  This is not easy – there are many challenges in working with vulnerable children, and it’s an ongoing struggle to find the resources to carry out this work.  I admire the dedication of the staff despite the challenges and uncertainty.

 

Dwelling Places follows a 4 ‘R’ process – rescue, rehabilitate, reconcile and resettle – and I met children at various stages along this journey.  From snotty-nosed children living in the home, to kids at boarding school getting ready for their exams, to a girl who had recently graduated from university.  It was so encouraging to see this process in action, and to be reminded who this work is about.  I love that DP focus so much on the individual, and what can be done to help that child and their family.  It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture sitting in a wee back room in Glasgow.  I needed to be reminded that I care about something and that the work I do contributes to something greater than what I can see.

 

As I blogged about previously, this trip had a lot of worth for me professionally and personally.  I still can’t quite believe that I’ve been and gone and done it.  And that it went well!  I feel like those three weeks gave me a tiny glimpse into the sort of person I could be.  I had a sense of confidence again which I haven’t had for a long time.  I felt hopeful about the future and that I might have options again, instead of floating along in life.  That there’s more to life than day to day existence. 

 

It’s been hard retaining that confidence and good feeling since I came home.  At one of the churches that I went to in Uganda, the pastor prayed with me and the people I was with at the end of the service.  She said something to me about holding back and that I’m afraid in life, and that I do this with God as well.  Of course she’s right, but it caught me off guard and I started crying.  What is wrong with me?  Why haven’t I learned how to face my fears and overcome them yet?  Why do the disappointments and ‘what ifs’ still feature so much in my thoughts?  Sometimes people tell me that I’m brave, but I certainly don’t feel like I am.  Worry and uncertainty are all too common in my life.  Why can’t I live my life with courage, and with the assurance that I should have from being a Christian and having family and friends who love and care for me?  Guts over fear.

 

I command you – be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Of course it doesn’t help that I’m exhausted this week, and feeling overwhelmed.  Despite taking this week as annual leave, I haven’t properly switched off from work.  It’s hard to make the time to process all the thoughts buzzing around my head.  I don’t really know where to start.

 

 

 

*If anyone would like more information about the work of Dwelling Places, please get in touch with me at office@dwellingplace.org.uk  You can receive our fortnightly newsletter, pray for us, collect pennies, sponsor a child, sponsor a member of staff, or give a one off donation to help this amazing charity.  Have a look at www.dwellingplaces.org for more information.*

Good Intentions

As much as I recognise that I’m a home bird at heart, there’s a part of me that would like to stay here for longer than just 3 weeks.  I like being with the staff at Dwelling Places, there’s plenty of work for me to get on with, and it is so useful being able to talk about things face to face.  I like Uganda, and would love to spend more time exploring and getting to know the place. 

But I also recognise that 3 weeks barely scratches the surface.  How well can I really get to know people in that time?  How much can I learn about Dwelling Places, their successes, challenges, frustrations and how they operate?  Do I really have any understanding of Ugandan culture?  Or the harsh realities facing children who live on the street?  I’ve driven through Kampala a few times now, and often only noticed the children on the streets out of the corner of my eye.  A girl outside the supermarket with a small baby in her arms.  The boys sleeping on the grass in the middle of a busy roundabout.  I’ve met a few of the kids who have been rescued and are currently living in the homes at DP.  But do I know any of their names?  Would I recognise them in the street?  I feel unsure about how to interact with them.

Yes, I want to work for a charity and yes, I want to help people.  But am I limiting myself to doing that from a place of comfort?  Am I prepared to come to Uganda, but still want to keep myself emotionally and physically distant from the core of DP’s ethos?  It’s so easy to lose sight of the children when I’m stuck at my desk in Glasgow, so what’s my excuse now that I’m in Kampala?

I struggle for money.  I often feel skint, and increasingly have to use my savings to get by every month.  By Scotland’s standards, I’m in a low income household.  And yet in global terms, I am up there in the highest percentage of wealthiest people.  How can I match those two statistics up in my life?  What does it meant to be locally poor but globally wealthy?  These two realities collide and confuse me.

I came here with good intentions, but I feel like it’s not enough.  I’m not saying that to sound morally superior or pretentious (it actually frustrates me that people think I’m a ‘good person’ just because I work for a charity).  But it’s not enough to come and sit in the office all day.  It’s not enough to come and get a token selfie with a child.  It’s not enough.  What am I willing to give?  What am I willing to give up?

Near and far

I’ve been in Uganda for a week now, and it still feels quite surreal to be here.  It also feels strangely familiar.  The dusty, bumpy roads.  Crazy traffic.  Wee shops everywhere.  Kids calling ‘Hello muzungu!  How are you muzungu?’ 

However, this time is different.  I’m here on my own rather than with a team – a huge thing for me.  I didn’t think I would do something like this by myself, or that I’d even be able to manage it.  I’ve never travelled this far alone before.  I was worried that people wouldn’t like me.  I’m too quiet and shy.  I’m not brave enough.

And yet, here I am!  I travelled on my own, the world hasn’t ended and people have been very friendly and welcoming to me.  I’m in Uganda for just over 3 weeks, at Dwelling Places, the NGO that Dwelling Places UK (who I work for) partner with.  It’s great to finally meet so many of my colleagues who until now I’ve only communicated with by email and on skype.  It’s good to now have a picture of where everyone works, the different parts of Dwelling Places and how it all works together, and where DP UK fits in.

I’ve been part of review meetings and am working with the team to help improve some of the programmes.  Even as I write that, I can’t quite believe I’m here for work – me?!  I’m more of a background person, let other people take the lead and do the talking.  But I’m sitting in meetings with something to say and people who are listening to my opinions.  That might sound stupid, but it I’m used to people assuming that I have nothing to say.

My hope is that these few weeks will be really beneficial to me, personally and professionally.  And that I’ll give myself the chance to enjoy being back in Africa.  I’d been so focused on coming here to work that I hadn’t thought at all about spare time or the weekends.  But it would be good to see some of Kampala.  Only 4 mosquito bites so far, and no fleas yet…  Phew!

Sweaty Betty... or should it be Tomato Face

23. Climb a munro

 

Today I made it to the top of the my first munro!  I'm really pleased to have done it, although I feel shattered and know my legs will be aching for the next few days.  Must. Get. Fitter...

 

My dad (aka mountain man) completed all 282 munros last April, so was in a good position to advise me on which one to try.  He suggested Schiehallion, near Aberfeldy, as it's 'an iconic isolated peak, with fantastic views'.  It's also pretty easy.

 

So off we set this morning, with mum waving at the window and our rucksacks full of cereal bars and extra layers.  I felt a bit out of place arriving at the car park with lots of other people setting off at the same time as us.  It embarrasses me that I get out of breath so quickly, and have to walk at a snail's pace.  But thankfully dad is good at encouraging me to just go steady, reminding me that it's not a race to the top. 

 

There was only a wee shower on the way up, and although the cloud was down when we arrived at the top, it soon cleared to show off the views.  And, as promised, they were fantastic!  (click on the photos to see larger versions)

 

Here's proof that I made it!

 

I made a joke about having champagne to celebrate at the top, and dad whipped out some cider and my favourite kind of chocolates to go with our lunch!  It was baltic at the top, so we stayed long enough to down the cider and eat our lunch and then legged it back over the scree to get out of the wind.

 

I've enjoyed discovering my inner outdoorsiness, and am pleased (relieved) that I was able to do it!  I know my legs will ache for the next few days, but it was worth it.  Somehow I can't quite see myself setting out to climb all the munros, but I may be persuaded to do a bit more walking.  As long as there are chocolates involved!

 Love this.  Whoever pairs towns has a sense of humour!



Happy half birthday to me!

Today marks half way through the last year of my twenties.  Only 6 months left.  I wish it didn't bother me so much, and I sometimes think I'm probably making turning 30 into a much bigger deal than it needs to be.  Two of my friends have turned 30 over the past few months, and the world hasn't ended for them...  That's encouraging, right?!

 

My list of '30 things to do before I'm 30' is going quite slowly, with only 3 fully completed.  I've taken a month's break from Facebook (no.5), completed a 30 day photography project (no.16) and tried a new arty skill (no.18).  However I do have another 11 items in progress/ planned...

 

1. Volunteer for a good cause - I head to Uganda soon to work for Dwelling Places, a charity who rescue and resettle street children.

2. Read the New Testament - 9 out of 27 books read, and another 2 started.  It's a struggle to be consistent with this one.

3. Write 30 good memories/ achievements from my twenties - I have about 15 written down so far, but will probably wait until nearer my 30th to publish the list.  Remembering positives doesn't come naturally to me, so writing these down is a good thing for me to do.

4. Read a new book every month - See yesterday's blog post for a half way update on this.

10. Go on a hot air balloon ride - I bought a voucher for this in July and have had 5 attempts so far but each has been cancelled due to high winds!  Attempt 6 is booked for next week.  If that fails, I think I'll need to wait until next Spring/ Summer.  Frustrating, but at least I've got the voucher to do it.

12. Take up piano and learn to play 6 new songs - I've not managed to keep up with the piano practice, so still only have 1 out of 6 songs.  Self-discipline has never been one of my strong points.

19. Make something new on my sewing machine every month - I blogged about this the other day as well.  This has been a tough one, and I'm not particularly enjoying doing it, but know it's good for me.  Like eating lettuce.

20. Upcycle 2 things from a charity shop - In June I altered an ugly necklace into something that I wear almost everyday.  And I recently bought a set of 3 little tables for a fiver which I'm going to sand down and repaint.  Sometime.

21. Lose 1 stone - I've managed to shift 9 pounds and am just about keeping it off.  Only 5 to go.

23. Climb a munro - My dad is delighted that I'm finally taking an interest in the outdoors.  He's taken me up 2 hills in the Ochills near Stirling and, depending on the weather, I may be doing my munro this Saturday!

28. Go to a ballet performance - I've booked tickets to go and see 'The Nutcracker' with a friend and our mums in January.

 

So I'm getting there gradually.  It seems unlikely that I will complete all 30 by April, but I'd like to have at least 20 ticked off.  I'm enjoying having a project to work on, but struggle to maintain my enthusiasm for it, especially when so many of the items have a cost attached to them.  I need to remember that I am doing this for fun and to create good memories, and not just for sake of ticking things off a list. 

 

I was reading back over some previous blog posts, and saw that I wrote this in May when I'd had the initial idea of the list: I don’t want to spend the next 11 months looking back with disappointment and forward with dread.  Instead I would like to take a step towards making peace with my twenties and embracing my thirties.  'Making peace' with myself, my character, my choices in life, my appearance, my childhood, my current situation, my mental health, my bank balance, my relationship with God, my past, my future...  Where do I even begin in doing that?  Perhaps like I said in May, it starts with taking a step.

 



Book Worm - Part 1

4. Read a new book every month

 

As with my sewing machine projects, I have reached the half way point on this item on my list.  In contrast, I have enjoyed this one and found it quite easy!  When I was younger I was a total book worm.  I remember my parents taking me to the library on Saturday mornings where I would pick up about 8 books at a time and have finished reading at least 1 of them by the end of the day.  However, I also remember one of my school teachers suggesting I read something a little more challenging than 'The Babysitters Club' or 'Sweet Valley High'.  Perhaps they had a point...  I used to stay up all night reading books, just to get to the end of another chapter.  I would try and read with a torch, or switch the light off when I heard someone coming down the stairs to tell me to go to sleep.  Of course, I usually got caught.  Or I would start laughing when I had pretended to fall asleep with the light on.

 

I think I lost interest in reading in High School, and definitely by the time I got to uni.  Unfortunately my abilities to study and concentrate on something seem to have decreased over time, as have my motivation levels.  So I thought it would be a good time to try and take reading back up again.  Hopefully without the late nights and teenage-angst novels.

 

Here's what I've read over the past 6 months:

 

April: Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

This was a pretty awful book, and I'm actually a bit embarrassed to have to include it!  My disclaimer is that I read this before I'd had the idea of doing my 30:30 list.  It's the story of a woman going to any lengths to disrupt her sister's wedding and prevent her from making the same bad choices in life.  Of course, it all ends happily ever after...  This book cost a few pounds from a supermarket, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it free with a magazine.  It was a bit of a distraction during a difficult week, and very quickly made it's way to the Oxfam shop once finished.

 

May: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

A complete contrast to the previous month, this was a compelling, well-written account of a boy's time as a child soldier in Sierra Leone during the 1990s.  Not exactly light hearted reading, I know.  It was horrifying to read about stolen childhoods, and what these children witnessed and experienced.  I find it extremely difficult to imagine this kind of life.  It makes me sick that this kind of evil exists in our world, where children are exposed to the inhumanities of war, become orphaned, are trained to kill or are used as shields, becoming hooked on drugs to dull the reality.  Ishmael was 'rescued' and taken to a centre to be rehabilitated, but even this was a painful read.  How do you even begin to repair that kind of damage?

 

June: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

After a failed attempt at climbing K2, Mortenson came across a small village in northern Pakistan and asked them what they needed.  The answer?  A school.  And so began a life changing journey.  The books documents Mortenson's struggles and successes, and the people he meets along the way as he build schools across Pakistan and Afghanistan.  An amazing and inspiring read, it also reminded me just how bad my knowledge of geography and politics is.  I would definitely recommend reading this.

 

July: Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo, with Lynn Vincent

This is a dad's account of his young son's journey to heaven and back during emergency surgery.  Even as a person who believes in heaven, I felt very sceptical when I started reading this book.  But by the end, I was convinced.  I hope it helps me to change the way I think about heaven and eternity - to have more faith, and less fear about the unknown.

 

August: Starter For Ten by David Nicholls

The fictional story of Brian Jackson as he attempts to figure out life, friendship and love through his first year at university and competing in University Challenge.  I saw the film version of this a few years ago, but I enjoyed reading more of the character details in the book.  It definitely reminded me of the days of awkward introductions, not getting enough sleep, wondering where your place in life is, and feeling increasingly stupid the more I (supposedly) learnt.  My parents don't like me saying this, but I reckon I peaked at high school.  It felt pretty downhill from there, academically.  This was funny, well written and a good break from the more serious reading of the past 3 months.

 

September: Nothing But A Thief by Danielle Speakman

And back to the serious books...  This was a very challenging book about street children in Peru, and how we respond to this kind of need.  A suitable read I thought, just before I go to Uganda for my work with a charity who rescue street children.  It gave me a greater insight into the harsh realities that street children face, and the reasons that children end up on the streets as well as why they stay there.  Again, it makes me sick to think of children as young as my own little nieces being abused, sleeping out in the cold, sniffing glue to take away their hunger pains, and living a life without love and security.  I would like to think that I care and want to make a difference, but this book made me question my motivations.  Do I want people to think that I'm a 'good person' because I work for a charity and go to Africa?  Do I give out of sympathy?  Did I leave my old clothes in Rwanda to help others or was it so that I had more space for gifts in my luggage?  Would I be prepared to give away the possessions that matter to me?  Do I listen to other people's problems with my own agenda or to give them a space to speak?  Is my life more about me or them?  Do I have genuine compassion for other people?  It makes me uncomfortable to ask these questions, but I think they need to be asked.  And, more importantly, answered.

 

Perhaps because this is my most recent read, I have a lot of thoughts that could do with the space and time to come together into something that makes sense.  I'm reminded of something I wrote while I was in Rwanda about wanting to live a life that is 'comfortably uncomfortable'.  It's good for me to be challenged by what I read, but will this translate into transformation?  Or will I just forget and go on living my 'uncomfortably comfortable' life.

 

If you have any suggestions of books for the next 6 months, then please let me know!!

 

Sewing Projects - Part 1

19. Make something new on my sewing machine every month

 

I'm half way through this one, so thought I would give a 6 month progress report.  (Click on the photos to see larger versions)

 

 

In April I made a larger sized apron for Ishbel (my oldest niece) from some fabric from Rwanda.  (It's good for baking cakes with Granny Dot and her middle sister, Eryn.)  In May I stitched some hand-made paper and made it into a card.  I also used my Rwandan fabric to make some mini bunting for my room.  June's item was a wee drawstring bag, perfect for storing things for going on holiday.

 

In July I made a wee case for needles - I like the heart button on the outside.  I felt a bit desperate in August, so just stitched some photos onto cards.  And for September, I made a little bag for the boot of my car to hold plastic bags for going to the shops.  Save the planet and all that...

 

So 6 months down, 6 to go.  I've found this item on my list pretty challenging to be honest.  People who know me as being creative might think it comes naturally to me, but sadly it doesn't.  My technical skills are fine, once I know what I'm doing.  And that's my problem - coming up with decent ideas to begin with.  I still struggle to shake off the bad feelings from art school and that pressure to make something 'worthwhile'.  Perhaps by the time I hit 30, I might feel better about it?!? 

 

Digital detox

5. Take a months break from Facebook

 

 

In these days of smart phones, it takes a conscious effort to avoid social media.  I know I waste a lot of time on Facebook, so thought it would do me good to give it up for a month.  So I changed my profile picture to the above photo and said goodbye for the 31 days of August. 

 

I would love to say that I found it really easy and didn't miss Facebook at all.  That I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.  That I made more of an effort to keep in touch with my friends by calling, writing, or even meeting up with them in person instead of 'liking' their latest status or picture as a way of making contact.  But unfortunately, I did miss it! 

 

I feel a bit ashamed to admit that.  It's not that I physically struggled to avoid checking Facebook, but I've definitely noticed that there are times when my normal reaction would be to go on Facebook.  Like when I get home from work, or while I wait for dinner to cook, or sitting on the train...  It's a time filler. 

 

I've missed out on referendum debates, ice bucket challenge videos, photos, and messages.  But really, have I missed out?  I still know about these things from talking to people, and most people have texted me because they knew I hadn't seen the messages.  When I have met up with friends, I've asked them what's been going on in their lives because I haven't seen it on Facebook.  And surely talking to someone face to face gives a better idea of how they are really getting on, rather than the select items we choose to share on social media.

 

So will I be giving up Facebook for good?  No, not just now anyway.  But I am going to make a conscious effort to use it less... hopefully!

China Highlights - Part 4: Best of the rest

I wanted to share just a few more moments and photos from China...

A sunny evening in the Hutong area of Beijing.

The word 'hutong' means side-street.  An unusual feature in the capital city to see an area of single or double story buildings rather than huge, tall buildings.  And also very pretty at night.

A peaceful walk around the Summer Palace, just outside Beijing.  This was the summer retreat for Empress Cixi, with beautiful walkways, lotus flowers and hundreds of bright goldfish.

An amazing umbrella covered area, called Tea Street!!

Hot Pot lunch - we each had our own wee stove and were able to choose ingredients from the revolving table to cook.  Added excitement was one of the guys setting his napkin on fire!

In Xi'an we visited the Terracotta Warriors.  I'd seen pictures of these, but was amazed when I saw them - it really was incredible to walk into the first 'pit' and see rows upon rows of statues.  Estimated to be 2,200 years old, these warriors were apparently built to protect Emperor Qin's tomb which lies about 2km from the site.

Many of the statues are still being restored and rebuilt, piece by piece.  There are also areas still uncovered, waiting for the right technology to develop which will allow the statues and their features to be better preserved.

This is the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Warriors back in 1974.  Suffice to say, he is no longer a farmer!!  His discovery has completely altered Xi'an into a tourist destination.

A M&Ms shop in Shanghai!!

The Great Wall of Chocolate

Shanghai's famous skyline

China Highlights - Part 3: From Rice Terrace to Viewing Terrace

When Clare and I had been looking at tours for China we very nearly settled for a shorter options, which excluded the 3 nights in Yangshuo and Guilin (the more rural areas).  Fortunately Clare had the wisdom to see it would be crazy to miss out on the chance to see this side of China.  She was totally right!

I’m a city girl, and I love living in Glasgow.  But there’s nothing quite like standing on a mountain taking in beautiful scenery.  Longsheng was one of these moments.  Translated as ‘Dragon’s Backbone’, this area is reached by driving up a narrow and increasingly twisty road, not designed for people who suffer from vertigo!  The road ends and a path leads visitors up to the village.  Rice terraces cascade all the way down the hillside into the valley and then back up the other side.  Louise (our guide) said that we had chosen a good week to visit, as the area was much greener than the previous week when she had been there.  The rice is planted in such neat rows, and each small field is kept full of water by a clever irrigation system that trickles and filters down the mountain.  We stopped at a restaurant in the village and had lunch, which included sticky rice, cooked in the middle of a big piece of bamboo – very tasty.  We then wandered along to the end of the village to a viewing point.  Photos just don’t do it justice.  I loved being there.

Three days later I found myself on a different terrace, taking in a very different view – Hong Kong’s skyline!  All of China was hot, but Hong Kong was on another level - I started sweating as soon as I stepped out of the air conditioned hotel lobby, and that was only as 9.30am!  Living in Scotland does not prepare you for 40 degree heat.  I eventually resorted to doing as the locals do and put my umbrella up for some well needed shade.  Hong Kong has lots of air conditioned shopping centres, which gave us temporary shelter and a chance to cool off.  We also found some shady spots in HK's parks and kept the exotic birds and monkeys company for a few hours during the hottest part of the day.

 

When we weren't avoiding the sun, we were taking in the sights.  The Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon gives a short but good view of both sides of the harbour - not bad for about 20p each way!  Skyscrapers of all shapes and sizes line the coast.  On Hong Kong Island, this soon gives way as the land rises steeply, culminating at around 522 metres above sea level at Victoria Peak.  Other than incoming flights, this has to be one of the best vantage points around, with spectacular views of the harbour, Kowloon, HK Island and other islands.  There is a footpath to walk up The Peak, but who in their right mind would walk up in this heat when you can get the tram to the top.  On this, you can enjoy watching the unlucky few who didn't get seats try not to fall over as the funicular railway becomes increasingly angled.  At the top there is, unsurprisingly, a shopping mall (admittedly a small one by HK standards), visitor centre, viewing platform and a Madame Tussauds...!  And apart from a rather dubious looking Brad and Angelina, it was actually pretty good!  Where else can you take cheesy, over-posed photos and get away with not feeling embarrassed?!  Understandably geared towards a Chinese audience, I didn't recognise many of the figures.  But I did have my photo taken with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Albert Einstein, Tiger Woods, Jonny Depp, Barack Obama and The Hulk.  The last is definitely a contender for my next Facebook profile picture.

Post Madame Tussauds we wandered around the mall, had a leisurely dinner, got some ice cream from the Haagen Daaz shop and arrived on the roof in plenty of time to claim the viewing spot which we'd sussed out earlier in the day.  It was amazing watching dusk fall over Hong Kong and gradually see the buildings light up.  It's definitely not an environmentally friendly skyline, with buildings competing to have the best, brightest light show.  Some skyscrapers had multi-coloured lights, some had images and words projected into the side, and there were others with different light sequences.  Like a forest of tall, thin Christmas trees, the overall effect was like nothing I've ever seen before and I took dozen of photos of the view to try and capture just how impressive it was.