Here's Lookin' At You Kid

12. Watch 6 classic films that I've never seen before

 

I like to think of myself as having good knowledge of films, with a decent collection of DVDs.  But I have to admit that there are a lot of classic films which I haven't seen.  I'm not just talking about old black and white movies.  It's the ones that are famous for their quotes, the ones that were major hits at the box office, or the ones that you watch as a child around Christmas time.  So I decided it was about time I saw what all the fuss was about by watching 6 'classics' that I hadn't seen before.

 

Bambi

Yes, that's right, I've never seen Bambi.  Shocking, I know.  I was aware that his mother died (sorry if that was a major spoiler for anyone out there), but I hadn't realised how early on that happened in the film and that there was more of a storyline to it.  As much as I love the Disney-Pixar movies of current day, there's nothing quite like a bit of old-school pencil and paper to get the job done, and I loved the illustrative quality of the animation and soft colours in Bambi.  It almost feels quite comforting.  Can you believe this was first released in 1942 (and re-released another 6 times)?  This film definitely has the charm factor, and I could see why it appeals so much to people.

 

Jerry Maguire

Wow, Tom Cruise looks young in this film.  Short as ever, but what a baby face!  Ok, so I can now put the whole 'Show me the money' and 'You had me at hello' quotes in context, but I really didn't get what all the fuss was about the movie.  Five Oscar nominations... really?!  I mean, I was happy enough to watch it, but I'm not going to be rushing back any time soon.  I can see why Renee Zellweger's character, Dorothy, fell for Jerry in the first place.  But the relationship just felt a bit false and lacking in depth.  For me, it didn't feel all that genuine when he went crawling back, begging for forgiveness.  I would have sent him packing... maybe.

 

Les Miserables

I'm not a fan of musicals.  At all.  But this film...  I'm not saying I've been converted, but when you do a film on this scale, with that level of epic-ness, and with a performance like that from Anne Hathaway (so deserving of her Oscar for the role of Fantine) - how can you not sit in awe.  And of course the running themes of redemption and mercy.  Yes, there was the dodgy performance from Russell Crowe, and I did get a bit bored (come on - it's 158 minutes long!).  But I get why people love it so much.

 

Cool Runnings

Light-hearted, embracing the Jamaican stereotypes, and the 'feel-good striving to succeed against the odds' which makes you want to punch your fist in the air.  What's not to like?  Perhaps when it first came out it felt current, but it's got a major early 90's cheese feel to it.  Which is no bad thing.  Feel the rhythm!

 

The Sound of Music

I know, how can I have reached almost 30 years of age and not seen The Sound of Music before now?  What can I say, I didn't watch a lot of TV when I was younger and was never usually in charge of the remote.  The whole singing thing was a wee bit off putting (I refrained from watching the sing-along version), but the appeal and charm of this film is obvious.  Who can't help but fall for Julie Andrew's Maria, with her enthusiasm, clumsiness, gentle nature and innocence.  I think if I had watched this as a child, I would have loved it.

Casablanca
Oh yes, there had to be a black and white film in there.  And why not go all out with a Humphrey Bogart classic.  I have to admit, I was expecting him to be better looking - wasn't he the Brad Pitt of his day?  I think the best word to describe this film is melodramatic.  But I mean that in a positive way - it feels well balanced, with serious notes of escaping from occupied Europe, the romance of a reawakened heartbreak, and just enough slapstick humour without being over the top.  I was surprised that it was only 102 minutes long, but this also felt like a good balance - the script was tight, not overdrawn but not rushed either.

Other films that I feel I ought to see are: Mary Poppins, The King and I, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Gone With The Wind and The Wizard of Oz.

(This replaced 'take up piano again and learn to play 6 new songs' - seems I haven't got any better at practicing and perseverance.)

Mandazi

6. Learn how to cook something new

 

(This replaces the original 'go on a road trip around Scotland', which I will hopefully do at some point in the future.)

I'd like to think I'm a reasonably good cook.  Sure, it's a bit monotonous, but it's hard to feel motivated to make exciting new things every day when you're cooking for one.  I find baking therapeutic (most of the time), but it's not good for my waistline.

 

So the perfect excuse to try making something new is when doing it for other people.  My mum has a rule that you shouldn't try a recipe for the first time when guest are coming round.  But we all know I live life on the edge...

I was helping at a 'Thank You' event over the weekend for some of the people who support the work of Dwelling Places UK.  We wanted to give people a taste of Uganda, so brought along plantain chips, chai tea, chapattis and mango juice.  We also decided to make mandazi - a doughnut flavoured with coconut, cinnamon and cardamom.  I did a trial run earlier in the week (it's always good to do a taste test) and then went for round two on Friday night.

Unfortunately I managed to cremate quite a few of them (I blame using an electric cooker instead of gas), but I had a bit of help and the rest were salvaged.  Nothing like a bit of icing sugar to cover up the burnt bits.  But it's all good learning experience and it was fun to try something new.  These taste really good actually - the spices and coconut give a lovely flavour.

Find the recipe here:  http://africanbites.com/?p=7485

 

Here goes...

Extremely sticky dough - I think I should have used more flour!

Nobody likes a gloater, but I have to admit that his were better than mine

 



And The Winner Is....

24. Do a blog giveaway

 

Congratulations to Lynsey and Hannah on winning the big and small bag respectively!  I'll get these posted off to you tomorrow.

 

Thank you to all those who entered.  This was really just a wee experiment, but it was fun.  And it's encouraging to know that people would actually want something that I had made.  Apologies that the results weren't published sooner - a mistimed biscuit icing session is to blame.  You know how it is...

 

This replaced the original item on my list, 'try snowboarding again'.  Which hopefully one day I will do.  Just need to get a bit fitter first.

 

 

Bag Yourself A Bag!

I only have 8 things left on my list now, and it's my birthday next week...  Where has the time gone?!  I'd love to have as many things ticked off as possible before the day, so am making a couple of last minute changes to the original list.  Given I've been making things on my sewing machine this year, I thought I would do a blog giveaway and have chosen the two bags that featured in my March sewing project.

The large one is 30cm wide by 34 cm, with 69cm long straps.  The smaller one is 22cm wide by 21cm, with 57cm long straps.

 

 

Both bags are made from a lovely cotton floral fabric, and are unlined.  So they won't take the heaviest bits of your shopping, but they'll carry the rest in style.  So if you would like to receive one of these bags, then comment on this blog post (click 'comments' at the end of the post) or get in touch with me directly.  You've got until 8pm on Friday and then I'll pick two names out of a hat to receive the bags.  Make sure you specify if you would prefer the big or small bag (or enter for both!).  It could be for you, or as a present for someone else.  Good luck!

It's A Zoo Out There!

29. Try an unusual type of food

 

My normal diet can be a wee bit monotonous - a lot of pasta, rice, veg and bacon/ chicken - so I'm quite up for trying now food and different flavours.  My friend Lynsey and I went to Khublai Khans, a Mongolian restaurant in Edinburgh last night.  The set up is quite simple - fill a bowl with your choice of rice/ noodles/ beansprouts/ vegetables, then add spices, herbs, sauces and oils, and finally top it off with your choice of meat/ fish.  Take it over to the counter and it gets cooked up on a big hot plate. then brought over to you table.  And even better, if you go for the buffet option you can go back as many times as you have space for!

 

The restaurant usefully has suggestions for sauce combinations, such as Khublai's Kracker, Sweet & Sour, Massive Mongolian Munch etc, and the quantities needed to make it from the little pots of flavours in front of you.  And then there's the meat...  I think there was about 12 different choices altogether, but I tried llama, wild boar, horse, buffalo and rabbit.  And we had kangaroo haggis and zebra stroganoff as our starters.  My favourite was probably the wild boar, which I had with a sweet and sour sauce, rice, carrots and ginger.  It was like a cross between beef and pork - flavoursome but not too chewy.  I definitely felt a bit guilty about eating horse meat (although had to laugh at the sign underneath it which said 'the real thing').

 

 

 

I also now have two vouchers for 20% off at Khublai Khans, to be used before the end of April, should anyone else wish to try it!  There's the restaurant in Edinburgh and also one in Glasgow.  My top tips are to go for small bowls and not to add too much meat, otherwise you'll be too full to try everything you want.  It definitely felt like flavour overload by the end, but it was worth it.



Animation Station

15. Learn how to make a stop frame animation

 

Stop frame (or stop motion) animations are a series of still images played in quick succession to give the appearance of movement.  It's the technique used for Wallace and Gromit, Pingu, Morph etc.  I wanted to start small, so have made two quite short animations.  They're not particularly inspired or complicated, but it feels good to have made them.  And more importantly, I enjoyed doing it.  Yes, that's right, I enjoyed doing something creative!!!!

 

The first one features a flower being put back together:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Sb_O2OMko&feature=youtu.be

 

And the second is a tribute to the solar eclipse from yesterday.  I couldn't see much at the time as it was too cloudy, so recreated it later on with the help of an egg...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdX3ogibHI&feature=youtu.be

 

Hopefully this might be the start of a new thing for me.  And that's been such a rewarding part of doing this 30:30 list over the past year - learning or doing new things, rediscovering old hobbies, feeling a sense of achievement.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do once it's all over.

 

 

 

Good Food Guide

22. Buy a bunch of flowers for myself

 

This is replacing the original thing I had on my list, which was do a 5k.  I'd still like to do a 5k one day, but I just don't feel up to it at the moment and probably wouldn't enjoy it.  So instead I decided to treat myself to a bunch of flowers!

 

I've struggled with comfort eating a lot over the past decade - eating when I feel down, as a reward for having a good day, or when I feel bored and unmotivated.  It's a vicious cycle to get into, and hard to break.  I've recently taken up swimming again (ok, I've been twice, but that's a big achievement for me).  This time it's not about getting fit or trying to be the best or fastest, it's about doing something because I enjoy it and I feel good when I do it.  And I guess the flowers represent something similar - I don't want to be stuck in bad habits to try and make myself feel better, but want to learn how to be good to myself.  'Good food' doesn't have to be edible.

 

These are from Petals Florist on Crow Road in Glasgow.

 

 

 

2. Read the New Testament

 

At last I have managed to finish reading through the 27 books in the New Testament.  For me, reading the Bible is a bit like eating salad.  You know it's good for you, but it's often very hard to feel motivated to do it and stick at it.

 

In many ways I have more questions and feel more confused about my faith now, than I did 12 months ago.  I think this is probably a reflection of where I am in life at the moment, but it's a bit disconcerting.  It's hard to admit as a Christian that I have doubts.  Or that I often don't feel close to God, I regularly don't feel like praying, and when I do I usually say something quick and don't wait around long enough to hear if God is going to say anything back.  I struggle to understand or relate to a loving God, and instead am fearful of condemnation, anger and unforgiveness. 

 

I guess I need to try to hold on to verses like these:

 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7

 

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give life in all it's fullness.  John 10:10

 

He comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  2 Corinthians 1:4

 

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35, 37 - 39

 

 

So, that's me completed 20 out of 30 things on my list.  I finally feel like I'm getting there with it, which is a relief.  Although I do wonder what I'm going to do with myself once it's all over...

Book Worm - Part 2

4. Read a new book every month

 

I’ve really enjoyed reading more this past year.  I spend way too much time in front of a computer screen, so it’s been good to go back to paper for a change.  After school and Uni I got out of the habit of reading regularly, and I feel like my mind is slower and more sluggish as a result of not being fuelled in that way.  Hopefully reading more regularly again is a good habit I can keep going with now that I’ve completed this.

 

You can read Part 1 by clicking here, and below is Part 2.

 

October: The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez

This novel is centred on a coffee shop in Kabul, Afghanistan.  I like stories where the characters’ paths cross and interact (such as the films ‘Crash’ and ‘Babel’), as they did in this book.  The 5 women involved have very different personalities and backgrounds, yet find common ground in their struggles and successes.  I enjoyed reading something slightly lighter-hearted, and finished this book within the first few days of my time in Uganda.  It does however deal with slavery, rape, suicide bombs and breaking cultural rules, but they handled in such a way as to not overpower and depress the reader.  Well worth a read.

 

November: Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Green

Lent to me by my good friend, Lynsey, whose bookshelves have supplied me with over 15 years of Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High, Cecelia Ahern and Jodi Picoult.  This is the story of Budo, the imaginary friend of 8 year old Max, and Budo’s mission to rescue Max from danger.  It was written from Budo’s perspective, which was an interesting angle.  Budo has more knowledge than Max about life, but Budo’s descriptions allow the reader a greater insight into the situation.  For example, from Budo’s descriptions of Max’s behaviour you can tell that he is on the autistic spectrum.  This book was better than I expected – both heart-warming and sad.  Budo’s love for and loyalty to Max eventually costs him the highest price.

 

December: The Other Hand by Chris Cleave

A hard hitting account of Nigerian-refugee Little Bee and her encounter with Sarah O’Rourke, initially in Nigeria and then 2 years later in England.  This book was gripping, and very well written, but a tough read and perhaps not the most uplifting thing to be reading when you’re struggling with life.  Although fictional, it certainly doesn’t give a good impression of British Immigration Detention Centres, and the systems that are in place to deal with and support refugees.  Suicide, depression, corruption, and rape are combined with the search for freedom and answers.

 

January: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

I’ve always been unsure whether it’s better to read the book or watch the film first, or if it actually matters.  Having seen the film adaptation last year, I thought I would check out the book to compare the hype.  Hazel (with terminal cancer) and Augustus (a cancer survivor) meet at a cancer support group and, of course, fall in love.  Yes, there are predictable elements within this book and something about the characters that doesn’t quite resonate with real life.  But there’s another side that does.  It’s insightful and irreverent, funny and poignant, and surprisingly better than the teen-fiction that I was expecting.  There are events or experiences (such as illness) that impact us and those in our lives, changing our perspective as well as changing how others perceive and behave around us.  I liked that this book dealt with that head on.  But the running theme that smacked me in the face was that of Gus’s battle with the (in)significance of his life.  I want to leave a mark. … We are like a bunch of dogs squirting on fire hydrants..., marking everything MINE in a ridiculous attempt to survive our deaths. …I know it’s silly and useless – epically useless in my current state – but I am an animal like any other. (p311)  This struck a chord for me.

 

February: The Real Deal by Rod Williams

An autobiography of Williams’ struggle with a drug and gambling addiction, and how his life changed over time once he became a Christian.  In many ways this was very easy to read, and I finished it within a few days.  But it was also hard to see how quickly life can spiral out of control as a result of addictions, and how destructive it can be, both for the addict and those around them.  I’ve never struggled with an addiction, but I can relate to the inner need to find purpose or satisfaction, or to try and fill a gap in life.  I’m sure most people do this, to a greater or lesser extent, whether it’s with food, drink, relationships, possessions, status, money or fitness.  But for some, it’s a compulsive behaviour.  Williams found his freedom through his faith in God, helped by the support of family and friends.  Even as a Christian myself, I struggle to live out my life with the freedom that I know I should have.  Why is there such a difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge?

 

March: Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

This book was very easy to read – I finished it in under 24 hours – but also very difficult.  Adeline’s mother died giving birth to her, and from then on the majority of her family considered her to be bad luck.  She was ostracised and made to feel unwanted, with blatant favouritism given to her other brothers and sisters, especially the offspring of her stepmother.  I grew up with 2 loving parents in a relatively stable home, and yet still have enough childhood issues that I’m working through.  How can a child possibly learn to deal with those feelings of being unwanted, unaccepted and never being good enough?  Adeline talks of living in fear, trying to hide her home situation from her school friends, the crushing weight of depression and her need to try and please her family.  This book focuses on Adeline’s story up to the age of 14, and I hope she found her peace and happiness after that.

Sewing Projects - Part 2

19. Make something new on my sewing machine every month

 

Read Part 1 by clicking here.

 

 

After seeing a photo of myself in this dress last summer, I decided that it needed a strap to break up the expanse that is my right arm and shoulder.  I love this dress, and although it was quite expensive, it’s already met my sewing machine a few times for alterations and being taken in/ let out.  I added the strap in October, in time for a friend’s wedding (although don't seem to have a photo of me wearing it).  In November I made a scarf, which I’ve also claimed for number 17 on my list (make an item of clothing for myself), and December was a last minute panic make to tie round a present for a friend.  I made a bit more of an effort in January and created a jewellery travel roll.  I’d looked at lots of pictures on Pinterest and picked out the bits I liked best, and made my own pattern up.  It’s not as neatly finished off as I would like, but it’s pretty and practical – always a good combination in my book.

 

 

I managed to get in quite early with February’s item and made some bunting for my youngest niece, Carys, as both her older sisters already have some.  I used scrap fabric from some bedding that I had altered for them, and was pleased with how it turned out.  I was also surprised that it was quite straight forward to do, although relatively time consuming as I was drawing out the letters by hand rather than tracing it from a script.  And in March, I whipped up a wee case for my phone and a couple of shopper style bags.  My iron decided to stop working during the bag making process, so thankfully my hair straighteners came to the rescue.

 

I have to admit, that I’m relieved to be finished this item on my 30:30 list.  Unlike my monthly book reading project, this got harder as time went on.  I know I have the practical ability to make things on my sewing machine, but I totally lack the necessary creative skills to come up with ideas.  The more I try to feel motivated and inspired, the more frustrated and upset I become.

 

I wrote this in my diary last May and it pretty much sums up how I’ve felt this weekend while working on my sewing projects:

 

Why does my creative side come at such a cost?  It’s so painful at times to try and make things.  I’m not talking about ‘crochet claw’ or ‘embroidery eyes’.  I mean the gut wrenching ‘I can’t do this’, ‘nothing I make is any good’, ‘I should just give all this stuff away and give up’.  All I wanted to do was make a few cards and now I’m fighting to hold back the tears and feeling overwhelmed by all my insecurities related to being arty.  At high school I decided not to go to art school because I didn’t think I was good enough, so stopped at Higher Art.  After dropping out of uni and having a year out at home, I returned to Glasgow to do textiles and fashion design at college.  Then came two difficult years at Art School and somehow I came out the other side.  People tell me the things I make are lovely.  Or ask if I still do my arty stuff.  I try to brush it off and say it’s a hobby, I don’t want to make a career out of it, I make bits and pieces etc.  But I feel embarrassed that all I seem to make are a few cards, the odd bag or something for my nieces.  Shouldn’t I be doing something more worthwhile?  More Art School worthy?  I want to enjoy it, I really do.  And there are times when I do get some satisfaction from being creative.  But the majority of the time it’s such a struggle for me.  And then at the worst times, like this evening, it’s a traumatic experience that leaves me feeling defeated, frustrated and really upset.

 

All I see when I look in my boxes of fabric is the amount of money that I’ve wasted and the lack of ideas in my head.  I can’t seem to overcome the soul destroying impact that my time at Manchester Art School had on me.  Life feels hard enough at the moment, so I think I’m going to pack my sewing machine away for a while and take a break.  Sewing is a useful skill to have, but right now I just can’t face using it.

Beautiful Attitudes - Part 3 of 3

3. Write 30 good memories/ achievements from my twenties

 

The third and final instalment of my list of memories/ achievements from the past decade. I’ve enjoyed looking back over photos and thinking about good times. Because despite what my brain might tell me, there have been plenty of them. I need to retrain my way of thinking into remembering the positives more, instead of focusing on the regrets, hurts and disappointments. I’ve been through some really difficult situations in my twenties, but I think the point is that I’ve come out the other side. I’m still here, and I’ve learnt a lot from those difficult times. Who knows what the next decade will bring?!

 

(Remember that you can click on the photos to see larger versions of them)

 

21. Dinner with Lynsey, Kirsty and Katie, February 2013
The 4 of us had decided to go for dinner, and ended up in Arta in Glasgow, I think because we found a deal. We were then asked by a member of staff if someone could come and take photos of us eating our meal, and in return we would get money off our food and free sangria. Of course we said yes, although I’ve yet to see our photos appear on any of their promotional materials… funny that! Good food, great company and a lot of laughter.

 

 

22. Getting my degree, July 2010

When I dropped out of Glasgow Uni in 2005, I wondered if I would ever get a degree. Even if it was the right thing to do, I still sometimes felt like a failure. I was so delighted to graduate from Manchester Art School 5 years later. My Graduation day itself was quite stressful and I have an extremely useless obscure degree (BA Hons Embroidery), but it felt like such an achievement to walk over that stage and collect my bit of paper. Thinking back on it, I’m not quite sure how I survived my final year – the level of support I received from my tutors was minimal, and I didn’t have many friends in Manchester. So that bit of paper represents much more than an academic achievement to me. It proves that despite the difficulties I faced, I was able to see it through to the end.

 

23. Rwanda friends reunions, Oct 12, Jan 13, Nov 13 and Dec 14
I was very nervous about going to Rwanda with 4 girls I hardly knew. Fortunately we all became good friends. Since our Rwandan adventure, we’ve met up a few times – camping at Momentum (a Christian event near Bath), driving round the sights of Stirling, touring Northern Ireland and seeing in the New Year in snowy Sheffield. Always plenty of banter and reminiscing to be had.

 

 

24. Celebrating 30th birthdays, July 2014 – January 2015
The daunting prospect of turning 30 has been lessened by seeing other friends go through it and survive. It’s also a good excuse to meet up more often and celebrate together. So far there’s been a surprise party complete with bouncy castle, ice cream in Largs and a box of chocolates birthday cake, hot chocolate and cake in Luss, with a surprise Skype call from New Zealand, and afternoon tea.

 

 

25. Grouse drawing from final year at Art School, November 2009
For me, drawing is probably like childbirth – an extremely painful process, but with a (usually) good outcome! This drawing is the one I am most proud of, although it is also unfortunately the only piece of work I sold at my degree show. I’m gutted that I don’t have the original, but do still have a photo of it. I love the level of detail in it.

 

26. Piccadilly Fountains, June 2010
I didn’t particularly enjoy the couple of years I lived in Manchester.  Having said that, I did find moments or places to enjoy. The massive Paperchase store near the Arndale Shopping Centre. The corners in Manchester Museum on Oxford Road where I could sit and draw for hours without being disturbed. The squirrels in Whitworth Park, who liked to snack on milky way bars. I also loved sitting in Piccadilly Gardens in the summer – not so much gardens, but patches of grass and concrete. But they did have these amazing fountains in the middle, which were programmed on a cycle. If you sat for long enough you could work out what would happen next, but it was fun to watch adults and kids get caught out. Or people running, jumping, splashing. It’s soothing sitting beside water watching people have fun. And very photographic.

 

27. Buying my first car, June 2013
It felt so grown up and independent to have my very own car! And it was a huge achievement for me given how terrified I used to feel about driving. Although I passed my test when I was 17, I never practiced enough and lost my confidence very quickly. After my dad’s climbing accident in 2010 and with a lot of negotiating, we bought a wee Fiesta which was a more manageable size for me to drive. I wouldn’t wish those circumstances on anyone, but I’m so grateful that it forced me to confront a fear and overcome it. I was able to buy the car from my dad and although I’m struggling to afford it right now, I love the freedom that it gives me.

 

28. Seeing Coldplay, December 2011
Coldplay have been my favourite band for a long time, so being able to see them live was a dream come true. I queued up early and managed to get a spot right down at the front of the SECC in Glasgow. They were AMAZING! I sang and jumped along to every song, and still have some of the confetti that was dropped out over the crowd during one of the songs. Wrist bands were handed out as we went in and these lit up during the evening – I remember looking behind me and just seeing flashing lights everywhere. Beautiful.

 

 

29. Uganda, October – November 2014
I loved my three weeks in Uganda, working with Dwelling Places in Kampala. The people I met were so friendly and it meant so much to me to be part of a bigger team. Although this was a work trip, I think the personal gains from my time away were just as valuable. I felt accepted, that I had something to offer, and was reminded why I do this job. I would quite happily have stayed there for longer.

 

30. Living in Glasgow

I’ve lived in Glasgow for about 6 years in total now. I will openly admit that Edinburgh is a more ‘obviously’ beautiful city, but there’s something about this city and the people that make it special. I grew up in Stirling, and it will always be my ‘home’ in a sense, but I love that feeling of having lived somewhere else long enough that it becomes your other home. Knowing the best places or shops to go to, having your favourite café and recognising the staff because you’re there most weeks… I think it’s made a difference coming back here for work. I feel more settled rather than the feeling of potentially just ‘passing through’ that comes with university or college. Glasgow is also an incredibly friendly city, with banter and heart in equal measures. 

 

This photo was taken looking down Buchanan Street.