Once upon a life I had a plan. I was going to get my A Levels and go to uni to do English Lit, which I did. Then I graduated and had no plan. Since then I've had several jobs, gone back to uni for a Masters, met someone I sometimes think I could spend my life with (or at least a considerable chunk).
Reading a lot of blogs, including The Bloggess; who inspired this post, it seems I'm not alone. Last week I turned 25 and said on Twitter that I thought I should have had a plan by now. My cousin, who's a couple of years older, pointed out that she doesn't have a plan either.
I talked to some of my friends, and a few of the people at the office, it seems most people, regardless of age, don't have a plan.
Don't get me wrong, we all have ideas about what we'd like to do, places we'd like to visit, things we'd like to accomplish. But there's no plan. No step by step guide to how to live their life.
I starting to realise that this is normal, having no plan is just fine. Maybe that is the plan.
http://youtu.be/Q9WZtxRWieM
Totally love this video and song. The Bloggess used it, so I'm doing the same. We share a love of the extraordinary Amanda Palmer, we should be friends!
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Friday, 16 September 2011
Happy Birthday to me!!
Tuesday was my 25th birthday. I celebrated it with food and friends, always a good combination. Last Saturday The Boy and I went to Giraffe on London's South Bank with some friends to eat scrummy food and drink delicious cocktails while admiring the view of London lit up at night.
Tuesday after work was spent doing a spot more celebrating. After blowing out the candles on my cake (which I still haven't had any of) The Boy and I went out with some more friends for dinner and drinks. Some of my friends I hadn't seen in ages, one had been travelling around Europe all summer and the other had been doing Camp America, so it was extra nice to see them.
As I've got older presents have decreased, but I did alright on the book token front, and got 8 brand new books with them. I'm quite excited to actually get around to reading them. The Boy bought me some pet Angry Birds (yes, based on the game) as a sort of private joke, a spot of chocolate, and The Dresden Dolls self-titled album, which was the only one I didn't already have.
I also got a lovely writing set, which sorted out the thank you cards, and my awesome American friend Lauren got me a mini baking set in a really cute case. a little rolling pin, apron, cookbook, cupcake cases and whisk. Perfect for baking dinky little cakes.
All in all it's been a good birthday, much better than some of the previous ones where things didn't go as planned.
Still to come is lunch with the bestie (who was working), a present from Aleks, dinner with my cousin (also a September birthday) and the spending of the birthday money on treats!!
This year hasn't been my happiest, I have struggled with things at times, but slowly it's all starting to come together, The Boy and I are celebrating a year together this month, my new job is proving to be interesting and enjoyable, I'm finally getting on top of things financially and with my degree (I think) and slowly I'm starting to enjoy my life more, and this incredible city I've been lucky enough to live in.
So here's to this next chapter in my life, to growing older (but not growing up!) and to the things yet to come.
Tuesday after work was spent doing a spot more celebrating. After blowing out the candles on my cake (which I still haven't had any of) The Boy and I went out with some more friends for dinner and drinks. Some of my friends I hadn't seen in ages, one had been travelling around Europe all summer and the other had been doing Camp America, so it was extra nice to see them.
As I've got older presents have decreased, but I did alright on the book token front, and got 8 brand new books with them. I'm quite excited to actually get around to reading them. The Boy bought me some pet Angry Birds (yes, based on the game) as a sort of private joke, a spot of chocolate, and The Dresden Dolls self-titled album, which was the only one I didn't already have.
I also got a lovely writing set, which sorted out the thank you cards, and my awesome American friend Lauren got me a mini baking set in a really cute case. a little rolling pin, apron, cookbook, cupcake cases and whisk. Perfect for baking dinky little cakes.
All in all it's been a good birthday, much better than some of the previous ones where things didn't go as planned.
Still to come is lunch with the bestie (who was working), a present from Aleks, dinner with my cousin (also a September birthday) and the spending of the birthday money on treats!!
This year hasn't been my happiest, I have struggled with things at times, but slowly it's all starting to come together, The Boy and I are celebrating a year together this month, my new job is proving to be interesting and enjoyable, I'm finally getting on top of things financially and with my degree (I think) and slowly I'm starting to enjoy my life more, and this incredible city I've been lucky enough to live in.
So here's to this next chapter in my life, to growing older (but not growing up!) and to the things yet to come.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Remembering
Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon in America. I was on my way home from school (due to the time difference it was afternoon here) when I heard about it on the radio. When we got in, I switched on the tv and sat there, tears pouring down my face as I watched the footage on the news. My tears were for the lives lost, and the people who would have to live without their loved ones.
Even now, reading the stories of those who lost friends and family members I tear up. It's a pain I hope never to have to face. Losing a loved one in such a violent and pointless way.
Did it change anything? It did, but not necessarily for the better. The events of 10 years ago has led to more death, as servicemen and women, civilians and children have paid the price for this attack on America on it's own soil.
All this loss and sadness breaks my heart. I hope that those who have lost friends and family members in the decade since are able to move on with their lives and find some happiness, even though they may never fully recover from this tragic early century.
The Dresden Dolls song 'Truce' sums up some of the feelings that are associated with this, as well as being a rather beautiful song.
http://youtu.be/3ICrNCLCtV4
Even now, reading the stories of those who lost friends and family members I tear up. It's a pain I hope never to have to face. Losing a loved one in such a violent and pointless way.
Did it change anything? It did, but not necessarily for the better. The events of 10 years ago has led to more death, as servicemen and women, civilians and children have paid the price for this attack on America on it's own soil.
All this loss and sadness breaks my heart. I hope that those who have lost friends and family members in the decade since are able to move on with their lives and find some happiness, even though they may never fully recover from this tragic early century.
The Dresden Dolls song 'Truce' sums up some of the feelings that are associated with this, as well as being a rather beautiful song.
http://youtu.be/3ICrNCLCtV4
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Back to School (or not!)
So it's been a week at my new job (Well a week tomorrow) and so far I'm doing ok. I think. There's a lot to get to grips with but luckily there's someone else doing the same job as me, and she's been there a while and is training me up so hopefully sooner or later I'll know what's what.
There are some other new people who've just started, although they have different roles, but it means I don't have too much of that 'new' feeling.
Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. I'm starting to remember people's names, but it might take a while as there are a lot of people in the office. Plus there are two other offices full of people whose names I need to know, as we share communal space and do the post for them.
I haven't had a lot to do yet, and I'm off for 3 days of training next week but I'm sure the longer I'm there and the more I learn, the more work I'll be given to do.
All I need to do now is complete my dissertation and then that stress will be over and I can relax and use my free time as I see fit, work finishes early enough to go out after and do fun things, and it's in London, so I travel through the city centre after work and can just hop off the tube somewhere and go shopping or meet friends.
I think it's time to take advantage of being in my twenties, having a job (finally!), and living in this incredible city.
There are some other new people who've just started, although they have different roles, but it means I don't have too much of that 'new' feeling.
Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. I'm starting to remember people's names, but it might take a while as there are a lot of people in the office. Plus there are two other offices full of people whose names I need to know, as we share communal space and do the post for them.
I haven't had a lot to do yet, and I'm off for 3 days of training next week but I'm sure the longer I'm there and the more I learn, the more work I'll be given to do.
All I need to do now is complete my dissertation and then that stress will be over and I can relax and use my free time as I see fit, work finishes early enough to go out after and do fun things, and it's in London, so I travel through the city centre after work and can just hop off the tube somewhere and go shopping or meet friends.
I think it's time to take advantage of being in my twenties, having a job (finally!), and living in this incredible city.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Sometimes you have to get a little out of yourself to find yourself
Last night I went to an absolutely awesome gig in a gay club in town. I'd never been to Heaven before, and it's an odd place, underground in a sort of cavern. The gig was an anarchic mix of musical styles, with multiple special guests. Amanda Palmer (who I think is utterly amazing) was introducing her new band, The Grand Theft Orchestra, and some of her music. Her support bands were The Jane Austen Argument from Melbourne, Australia who are brilliant, and Bitter Ruin from Brighton on the coast, who are also rather brilliant. At different times they joined AFP on stage for a couple of songs, including a Regina Spektor cover and a wonderful rendition of The Dresden Dolls (AFP's last band) Delilah, which they really need to record and release as a single.
Her husband, the incredible Neil Gaiman (one of my favourite writers) also performed his song The Trouble With Saints, which is hilarious. Her other special guests were violinist Una Pallister (excellent, so talented), Tom Robinson (who I hadn't heard of, but who writes comedy political songs, and is hugely interesting) who performed a new song he'd written for the occasion, and the absolutely hilarious Tim Minchin!! He's one of my favourite comedians, and performed his song You Grew On Me, after informing the crowd he wasn't going to perform a comedy song, but a ballad (it's a bit of both really). I don't think he knew Amanda was going to get him onstage as he wasn't really dressed the way he usually is when he's on stage.
Everyone, including the backstage crew joined her for the finale and encore. She had borrowed Eric Clapton's brass section and with her new backing band was raising the roof (probably a worry for the businesses over our heads!) We had a dancing lesson from Super Kate (who did an amazing belly dance in between bands), and soon the whole room was bouncing around and singing along.
Anything goes at an Amanda Palmer gig, and this was no exception. At one point I think about 20 people were on stage, and there were two brass sections. It was raucous, funny, entertaining, genius.
It was also what I needed.
After a difficult and frustrating summer I needed a chance to blow off steam, dance like a loon, laugh, and get a little out of myself (no drugs or drink needed, just music and the energy).
I start my new job on Monday and spent today hanging out with the boy, eating lunch in a cafe, walking in the sunshine and curling up together to watch Doctor Who.
There's light at the end of this particular dark and depressing tunnel finally.
Her husband, the incredible Neil Gaiman (one of my favourite writers) also performed his song The Trouble With Saints, which is hilarious. Her other special guests were violinist Una Pallister (excellent, so talented), Tom Robinson (who I hadn't heard of, but who writes comedy political songs, and is hugely interesting) who performed a new song he'd written for the occasion, and the absolutely hilarious Tim Minchin!! He's one of my favourite comedians, and performed his song You Grew On Me, after informing the crowd he wasn't going to perform a comedy song, but a ballad (it's a bit of both really). I don't think he knew Amanda was going to get him onstage as he wasn't really dressed the way he usually is when he's on stage.
Everyone, including the backstage crew joined her for the finale and encore. She had borrowed Eric Clapton's brass section and with her new backing band was raising the roof (probably a worry for the businesses over our heads!) We had a dancing lesson from Super Kate (who did an amazing belly dance in between bands), and soon the whole room was bouncing around and singing along.
Anything goes at an Amanda Palmer gig, and this was no exception. At one point I think about 20 people were on stage, and there were two brass sections. It was raucous, funny, entertaining, genius.
It was also what I needed.
After a difficult and frustrating summer I needed a chance to blow off steam, dance like a loon, laugh, and get a little out of myself (no drugs or drink needed, just music and the energy).
I start my new job on Monday and spent today hanging out with the boy, eating lunch in a cafe, walking in the sunshine and curling up together to watch Doctor Who.
There's light at the end of this particular dark and depressing tunnel finally.
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