Steaks and the Heimlich

Salutations and good afternoon to all!

I realise it’s been a while since I posted last, and for that I apologise! Life has a habit of getting in the way of things, hehe. 

I know my last update was in February, but seriously, time is ticking by at an alarming rate, I do not approve! In the mean time I applied for another job, but didn’t get it. I got a temporary transfer/secondment opportunity at my existing place of work, though, woo! It’s... interesting, and let’s leave it at that! I had a birthday, then Man of the House had a birthday, then we had an anniversary (yay!) And then Denmark won the Eurovision!

It was a competition full of interpretive dance, interesting props and a really wonderful “half time” show that reminded me of home. I wasn’t overly loving Graham Norton’s commentary this year, who seemed a bit flabbergasted that Europe wasn’t just going to vote for the British entry just because it was Bonnie Tyler. I love Bonnie Tyler, but I just didn’t think the song was that good, sorry! That can be said about any of the other 25 (or whatever) countries that I didn’t vote for, it’s nothing personal! :P 

Of course I am super excited that the Contest will be making its way across the bridge to Denmark next year, and I can tell you right now I will be making every conceivable effort to make it over there for the show. You can just book me in for annual leave right now, ta! Hehe!

But enough about that, and let’s give a nice welcome back to what appears to be Summer Weather. This particular member of the Weather family was a sight for sore eyes pretty much all of last year, so I’m glad that it’s come back, and seemingly in the right month, too! Last year we had beautiful sunshine in May and then never saw it again. And here I thought that I’d have to go away to get my Vitamin D fix, so I booked myself on a flight to Denmark in the first week of July. Wooooo! I plan to wander familiar streets, see friends and family and maybe, just maybe, hear some Jazz.  Copenhagen Jazz Festival starts up near the end of my trip, but I’m hoping to get in a listen or two. Well.. Blues for preference, but I’m not picky!

Following that I have a festival to go to in August called Bloodstock, and I’m excited because a band called Sabaton are playing, and the vendors make excellent bacon rolls. Seriously, the bacon rolls of the normal outside world are nothing compared to ones made at festivals. It’s like there’s a rule about how challenging hygiene settings make for superbly tasty grub. And don’t be put off by the skulls and the red background and some of the unseemly band names, this is seriously one of the nicest festivals I’ve ever been to (except for that guy who jumped out of a portaloo cabin to deliberately scare me, he’s getting his shin kicked if I see him again! :P).

Other than that, we’ll see where the holiday bug takes me! I am genuinely pining to go back to Amsterdam for 1) The company, 2) The little tapas restaurant with the tortilla, and 3) The beer from the Brouwerij ‘t IJ pub. Seriously. I don’t normally like beers, these were amazing.  

But, this blog is called the Education of Miss Sophie, so... what have I learned?

Well! Following a recommendation from friends of ours, MotH and I decided to bulk order meat from a distributor. And we bought a lot, two freezer drawers full to be exact. And we have not been disappointed yet! There was an offer on porterhouse steaks, so I decided “Go on, take the plunge, Miss Sophie!” You see, it has been my poor family’s burden that I have throughout my life been incredibly picky with food. It wasn’t until I was... 20 or 21 that I decided to even try beef mince in anything. I didn’t try steak until... a year, maybe a year and a half ago? I’ve gotten to a level where medium-medium rare is yum, and I think this is where I’ll stay, but who knows! So I tried making it myself, and crikey, it doesn’t take long! I overcooked them slightly, because in my head I was going “No way does it only take X amount of minutes on each side!”. But it was still delish, I didn’t burn anything and I’ll know better for next time! I should have taken a picture of them, but I was a bit overwhelmed by steaming veg, making a peppercorn sauce, and getting the potatoes out of the oven on top of the steak-factor, so here’s just a picture of different shades of steak and, the "finger method" :P

Basically the premise is that if you aren't sure where a steak is at temperature-wise, and you don't have a thermometer, you can use the finger method. When your thumb touches other fingers, the squishy pad under it will change in firmness. If you touch your thumb to your little-finger, the pad will be at its firmest and if your thumb isn't touching any other fingers at all it's incredibly soft and cushion-y. It's certainly not a fool proof method, but beggars can't be choosers! :P

But that was very much learning by checking a “recipe” online and then doing it. And jeeeeez-o, everyone and their mother had an opinion on salting before, during or after the cooking process! For the record, I went with the idea of salting the steaks about 40 minutes before frying them in a pan (since I can’t work the grill :P). I also did not pepper until during the cooking process, as apparently charred pepper is a friend to exactly ZERO tastebuds, hehe. 

In addition to steak-based knowledge, I am now also a qualified First Aider, thanks to my workplace who kindly agreed to send me on a course. About halfway through the first day it dawned on me: Hang on, this isn’t just a “handy skill to have”, this is a responsibility too! I know that seems entirely obvious, but if someone passes out in the street I will now feel obligated to use my acquired knowledge. I would probably try to help anyway, but now there’s the added “It’s okay, I know First Aid” responsibility attached to me, which is cool and terrifying all at once. That being sad, I am a bad-ass at rolling people in to the recovery position. Need someone to help with a log-roll? I’m your girl. That’s rolling someone LIKE a log, not actually rolling logs, but I bet ya I’d be good at that too, hehe! Oh, and I was super disappointed that even though we learned how to do the "heimlich" that we all know from the TV, they didn't call it that! They called it "abdominal thrusts". It took all the fun out of it!

Incidentally, completing a First Aid course was number 30 on my 101 Things to do in 1001 Days list, woo! Also, to complete number 91 on the same list, I have now registered with a GP here in Glasgow (finally, I’ve only lived here a year!) and am back on my blood pressure medication, because the heart shouldn’t be messed with! 
Goal 25 is to read 101 books and I’ve read 6 so far, not a bad track record by I need to pick up the pace! I think my next blog will be a recommendation/mini review for two of them that have really left an impression on me. 

Until then, enjoy the sunshine if you have it! Have a continued nice weekend!

Just a Little Update!

08/02/2013

Evening!

So, on the 10th of January I attended my very first Burlesque class (see previous post for my initial reactions to it!). The class was called Burlesque Combo and featured styles from classic old school burlesque and the more modern styles. It was so much fun! Throughout January I’ve gone to a couple of more classes, Burlesque Bombshell and Glamourcise. The second is less about burlesque performance and more about exercise with a dance theme. Trust me, I built up a sweat! You know when you’re doing a gym class, and the music is thumping and you have that feeling, that urge to flick your wrist or wriggle a bit more, or just.. you know, dance a little? Well, in Glamourcise it’s okay to do that, in fact it rather seemed encouraged!  It’s fun and makes me feel good, nothing else matters! :) Although I have no intentions of performing, ever, I like to pretend in my head that I’m glamourous. In my glamourous state I have a song and dance act, a bit more cabaret than burlesque I guess, but you know, it’s my imaginary show, so anything goes. In my imagination I croon like Eartha Kitt and all is well. It’s good to have dreams! Heehee. 

I won’t be attending any classes in February due to finances, but I hope to be back again for some more classes in March though, woo!

Also, I can strike another goal off my list, number 48 - “Buy a replacement iPod”. I finally took my iPod to be looked at the Apple Store on Buchanan Street, just in case it was just something silly preventing me from using it. The problem had been that I could plug it in to the computer, but it wouldn’t sync anything. They had a look, cleaned it out and said that the connection was a little loose but they had fixed it for now. I would still like a new one eventually, as this one will stop working eventually, but it’s not as “urgent” as I had deemed it before. It’s a want rather than a need. 

I am also trying to work my way through number 10 - “Go 30 days without candy & crisps”. I’m interpreting candy as in things like gummy bears and dolly mixtures, that kinda stuff. Biscuits don’t count and neither does popcorn, hehe. Nachos count as crisps, but the jury is still out about Bugles, though I think I’m leaning more towards that they do count as a crisp, so much sadness! I am 8 days in, and currently jonesing for Salt & Vinegar Pringles. So far my substitutions have included rice cakes, biscuits and slices of apples and/or carrots. It’s the crunch factor, it’s oh so good! Even if I make it on just the crisps side of things, I’ll be quite pleased. I'm trying not to substitute too much, and just wean myself off the idea of having to eat something just because I'm bored, but I think this is a good start. 

February already feels like a long month (which is strange, as it's the shortest...), but I’m really looking forward to my wee holiday in just over a weeks time. Going down to Wigtown for a few days, and then on to some friends in Dumfries who I haven’t seen in an age! Going on holiday doesn’t always have to be far away, there is something nice about domestic travel too! :)

I’ve also started following a blog about a family trying to buy only British products for the next year. It’s quite an interesting read, and I would recommend everyone to have a wee look at their page! Their website is: http://britishfamily.co.uk. I don't think I can go all the way and buy ONLY British, but it does make me think. Cheaper and easier isn't always better. My life is (comparatively speaking) easy enough without me always having to do my shopping from Giant Corporation X, Y or Z from in front of my computer. I will try and buy more from within my local area, or find alternatives to mass produced flatpack stuff, etc. You get the idea! I don't think there are any rice paddies in the UK, so I'll have to get my rice fix from elsewhere, and there's not necessarily anything wrong in importing things that aren't found in a country (like cinnamon, for example), and that's part of every country's history too. But if there's a local alternative, there's no harm in giving that a shot either, at least I don't think so :) This paragraph isn't meant to be me wagging my finger at anyone, or telling anyone what they should do, simply me trying to explain the things I think about sometimes! :) 

Anyway, I best be off. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Cheerio!

One Down, One Hundred to Go

So, my hawks and doves, I have completed one of the many items on my List.

Attending a burlesque class was number 80 on my list, and it was achieved, finally, today!

MotH is the source behind my wanting to try it. Until he brought me along to a show at La Cheetah, I had never seen it before. People can debate back and forth about burlesque vs stripping, and does it matter, really? No. I think there's a different mood with burlesque. It's cheeky, teasing, makes me want to giggle. There's a light-heartedness about it, even though it is an exacting dance form :)

Ash McTease runs Show Girl Sessions in Glasgow, and I was fortunate enough to find a voucher from one of the many voucher/discount sites available for 8 classes here. I tried my first one today, Burlesque Combo.

I had misgivings to start with. Primarily because I've developed a nasty chesty cough which is causing me to wheeze rather un-gracefully and un-sexily every so often. Is it really sensible to be doing a dance class when one is unwell? But I got there eventually and donned my heels and gloves and off we went! Exercising in heels is murder on the thighs, by the way, just sayin'! :P

There was a warm up (chairs were involved) and we worked through a dance routine. I felt awesome. Tired and sweaty, but awesome! I wanted to use my voucher on different classes as well, so I'm trying a Bollywood class next week, along with Burlesque Bombshell and Glamourcise. I think by this time next week I may be very, very sore :P But I will have had a lot of fun! Honestly, it's one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time. I didn't even really feel self-conscious. There were women of various ages and bodyshapes there, I didn't feel threatened or insecure, and it was nice, and it was FUN!

As I left the venue I overheard a couple of the other girls say they were going to cancel their gym memberships. On the subway back I saw a poster for a gym here in Glasgow, with a typical January promotion blaring across it. “Why tread-the-mill when you can dance?” My inner voice (one of a few, I admit) said to me. I'm inclined to agree with this particular voice. It usually errs on the side of delightfulness. This may explain my addiction to choux pastry as well, hehe.

I will end this blog with a note of thanks to MotH. I am never really that awake in the mornings, but this morning I had forgotten that my keys may had slid OUT of their usual spot in my bag and ended up on the floor when I came home from work yesterday. Meaning that when I came home this evening, I was utterly without keys. Unfortunately for me MotH was ALSO out today, to a sort of “battle of the bands” event in the city centre. This he very obligingly left (temporarily) to come and let me in to my house (so I could eat my pastry, mmmm). He didn't have to, I left my keys so really I should have gone back in to town to meet him, but he came to my aid without batting an eyelid. Chivalry is not dead, not by a long shot!

New Year - New Epic To-Do List

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope whoever reads this had an excellent New Years Eve in to 2013. 

My only true New Years Resolution is to be just as vocal about lovely and positive things as I can be about negative and not-so-awesome things. I have some other fun things in store as well, however we will get to that later. 

Two thousand and twelve was actually a huge year, and I don’t think I’ve given it, or myself, enough credit for being so awesome for me. 

I moved to a new city to be with the man I love (Man of the House, or MotH as I like to call him here). Glasgow is turning out to be a very lovely place indeed. I will always love Edinburgh, but there’s room in my heart for more than one city! :)
I got a new job and lo and behold it’s a permanent one at that!
I have been out to dinners and parties much more often in 2012 than 2011. 
I visited my first music festival since 2007, and found it was just as fun as I remembered it, even though I’m a wee bit older now. 
MotH and I went to Norway and he met my family for the first time. 

Needless to say I got sunburnt on this day :P 

I visited Amsterdam for the first time, and finally got to see one of my dearest friends again after ages apart!
My dad came to visit from Norway. 
I learned to like steak! 
Moth and I hosted a Halloween Party!

Boo!

And many other things! There have been some downs too, and some illness and not-so-wellness in the family, but we’re all still going strong and that is a blessing in itself. 

I think I will add one more Resolution: I want to take better care of my friends. I know I can be a bit negligent with saying hi, writing cards and coming to visit. I hope that those who I do consider my friends know that I do love them and think about them often! So I think I will try to be a bit more pro-active and do my bit in maintaining the garden that is friendship! ^.^

Speaking of gardens, some flowers I photographed in June 2012

You know the other fun things I mentioned earlier? Well. There’s been a small internet fad crusing around for a good few years. It’s called 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days. I’ve made a list countless times, but I think this one is actually.. doable. Maybe. Hopefully! The task is pretty much the title, 101 activities to complete during 1001 days, which is about 2 years and 7-8 months. I think to complete it I should try to keep a pace of 3 items a month, so they can’t all be life-changing, jaw-dropping things. Some are silly and fun, others require some planning (and money :P). The tasks should also be as specific as possible, so not things like “get out in the fresh air more”, because what constitutes as “more”? Anyway, the list is below. It is censured somewhat, because some things are a bit personal, but I’m sure you’ll live, hehe. 

1. -Personal-
2. -Personal-
3. -Personal-
4. Have my posture assessed by a chiropractor. 
5. Have a reflexology session.
6. Get a full manicure/pedicure.
7. Meditate at least once a month (0/33).
8. Go 30 days without carbonated soft drinks (must not coincide with tasks 9 and 10).
9. Go 30 days without chocolate (must not coincide with tasks 8 and 10).
10. Go 30 days without candy & crisps (must not coincide with tasks 8 and 9).
11. Visit a counsellor about anger issues and periodic malaise. 
12. Complete at least 5 session of horseback riding (0/5).
13. Invest in a good pair of exercise shoes.
14. Create a papier mache mask.
15. Make a patchwork quilt.
16. Be photographed naked.
17. Finish my novel.
18. Make a passion poster.
19. Make a dress for myself.
20. Take 5 singing lessons. 
21. Take 5 piano lessons.
22. Take 5 cello lessons.
23. Create my own reference book for various historical periods (specifics on my own list).
24. Create a reference book about religions.
25. Read 101 books, 25 of which must be non-fiction (0/76) + (0/25).
26. Go to a museum/gallery/art exhibit at least once a month (0/33).
27. Get a driver’s license.
28. Complete an ECDL course.
29. Complete a Japenese Level 1 course.
30. Take a First Aid course. 
31. Learn how to swim.
32. Try Kendo for 3 months.
33. Find a cause to volunteer for and do so.
34. Take a dressmaking course (because that would help completing number 19! :P).
35. Have a proper toolbox and a basic set of tools & home fix-it solutions (current system is to chuck various items in to a bag). 
36. Apply for the Access Course at The University of Glasgow.
37. Put the pictures I want framed in to frames and hang them up. 
38. Buy a House. 
39. Get the winged heart tattoo.
40. Get the Kitsune tattoo.
41. Save an emergency fund of £1000.
42. Arrange an Anne Clan gathering.
43. Visit 5 cities I have never been to before. 
44. See at least 1 UN Heritage site. 
45. Climb the Eiffel Tower. 
46. Have a photo shoot once I reach my goal weight.
47. Invest in a proper corset.
48. Buy a replacement iPod.
49. Buy a banker’s lamp. 
50. Buy a Chesterton office chair or armchair. 
51. Have cognac glasses shipped/brought over from Norway.
52. Stop buying poor-quality underwear.
53. Buy 25 items from an Antique store for home decoration (0/25).
54. Get a new sofa.
55. Go on a road trip holiday.
56. -Personal- 
57. Visit Stonehenge & one other stone circle in the UK. 
58. Have my horoscope done by a professional astrologer. 
59. -Personal-
60. -Personal-
61. -Personal-
62. -Personal-
63. -Personal-
64. -Personal-
65. -Personal-
66.  Host a dinner party.
67.  Grow at least 1 proper carrot.
68. Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years. 
69. Attend a spa day - should include a mani/pedi + a massage + facial.
70. Commit to a face cleansing routine for one month.
71. Host a masked party (calling it a masquerade makes me feel pretentious).
72. Watch a meteor shower.
73. See the Aurora Borealis.
74. Cook a Danish Christmas Dinner.
75. Go on a distillery tour.
76. Re-camp the trunk in to a coffee table. 
77. Personalise the wardrobe.
78. Organise all my paperwork in to a filing system. 
79. Plant the roses my grandma has (Bering Renaissance, or “Eleanor”). 
80. Take a burlesque class. 
81. Go on the Glasgow Bus Tour. 
82. Visit the Transport Museum. 
83. Join a choir. 
84. Have dinner at an expensive restaurant in fine attire. 
85. Read all the books I own but haven’t read yet (this could take a while).
86. Take out a subscription to Cross Stitcher Magazine. 
87. Get my eyes tested (again) and actually buy glasses this time!
88. Research herbology and compile a catalogue of useful recipes and remedies. 
89. Keep an inventory of all the books in my flat. 
90. Make cider at least once.
91. Register with a GP and get back on blood pressure medication. 
92. Write a fan letter to Neil Gaiman. 
93. Grow my hair to waist length. 
94. Colour every picture in a colouring book. 
95. Write the Cuddle Fish story. 
96. Try a new food (either specific dish or type of cuisine) once a month for 6 months (0/6). 
97. Go to a Rugby match.
98. Visit my gran and ask her to tell her life story so I can write it down. 
99. Reach highest level of WoW with Tenshei. 
100. Read Les Miserables. 
101. Read The Path of the Eldar trilogy. 

So that's the list. I'll try to remember to write and let people know if and when they have been completed, at least if there's a story to tell! :) If anyone feels like making their own list, or a similar challenge, please feel free to let me know and we can compare notes on the joys of enormous to-do lists, hehe! 

I will leave you with two more photos. The first is from Glasgow, taken in the late evening some time in November, next to the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art). I love the winter night backdrop against the pretty lights, it always feels magical. The next picture is the view of the river, quite easily visible from my parents house in Norway. Summer or Winter, it is a beautiful sight that never ceases to amaze me. 

 

West End Girl

Peek-a-boo! Happy Easter to all! ^.^

Where have I been, you ask? Well I was preparing to move, filling in job application forms (and despairing over the condition of my CV), sending my Significant Man Person (SMP) to do the main bulk of the flat hunting in Glasgow for me (bless him!) and freaking out. That was the main part of it anyway, hehe. 

I did attend two fantastic lectures in mid-February, but I need to release the post-moving-jitters first through vicarious blogging before I can get to them, so please bear with me :)

SMP did a lot of the legwork in terms of viewing flats, as I wanted to save my holiday hours from work for emergencies and potential job interviews. The flat we ended up in is beautiful, and I never saw it for myself until the day we moved in! Although I trusted SMP’s opinion (and the many pictures of the flat) implicitly, apparently this caused him some worry, in case he had missed anything I would come to hate (again, awww, bless him!). 

They had originally wanted the flat let out in early March, but SMP wrangled it so they would delay it for two weeks to better suit our budget, hooray! On the 16th I saw my new abode for the first time myself. I HAVE CHANDELIERS ^.^ I may post pictures later, but we still have a box or 5 to unpack, hehe. The first day we moved all of SMP’s things, the next day we moved all of my stuff. My body ached, and my lord, we could not have done it without SMP’s parents and brother, I am so very grateful for their help! 

I was still living halfway in Edinburgh, in a shell of a flat with 2 double mattresses piled on top of each other for a bed, and one armchair in my living room with no cushions. There were other things as well, but unused and sad things, hehe. With the amazing help of SMP and my friends I managed to empty and clean the flat and I said my formal goodbyes and handed in the keys on the 2nd of April. I also said So Long and Farewell to my friends and colleagues at work, which was weird and sad. But I got a lovely send-off with a buffet and a card and vouchers and stuff, so that was awesome :) I trust that they know I shall stay vigilant and fight the good fight against unnecessary complaints (unless I’m bitching about something, then it’s completely valid, of course :P)!

At times it hasn’t quite sunk in, all the changes and stuff. I’m sure one day I’ll wake up at 5 AM and start bawling my eyes out. Not because I’m unhappy, but because of the magnitude of the changes that have been made. I feel like I “came of age” in Edinburgh. I learned a lot about myself, but I suppose that happens when you live so far away from everything familiar, including your parents. I bought my first British sim card in Ali’s Cave on Lothian Road. Through friends at Uni I came to discover The Baked Potato Shop on Cockburn Street, and about Forbidden Planet and those cool little shops along Victoria Street. I conquered the hills of death at Edinburgh Zoo. I love Edinburgh, and found someone in Edinburgh to love, and all was well. I lost that love, and though it hurt I still had a friend on the other side. I let myself down in Edinburgh, and experienced what I felt (and hope) was the lowest point of my life and then I clawed myself back up with the support of those who love me. It’s amazing how much can happen in just over five years! Edinburgh will always be a special place to me, but I think it was right to move. 

Since I am now living with SMP, I think I will re-name him to Man of the House, or MotH for short. MotH sounds and looks better than SMP, the latter reminds me too much of the political party SNP, and I’m really more for the Greens, hehehe. Making a home with MotH has been wonderful so far, even with the occasional disagreement or differences. I think those are just things that always happen when two people who didn’t grow up in the same house start living together, hehe. I have a new job as well, albeit temporary! I think I’ll gain some experience that will be very useful for the kind of jobs I want, and more experience can only be a good thing! 

And with Spring coming along nicely, I think this has been the ideal time to move. Everything looks brighter with flowers and sunshine! :) Now I’m just getting to know all the local areas around my flat (I have a local baker, and a butcher!) and workplace (so many lovely cafes!). I can actually walk to work with MotH (yes I know, we’re so cute it’s disgusting :P) and I’ve even conquered my fear of the Glasgow Subway! I’ve still to find where the 2 farmer’s markets actually are, but fear not! The Internet will tell me ^.^ I do know that there is an antique’s fair in about two weeks time, so that’ll be fun to go to! So yeah, I’m still testing the waters but I’m really looking forward to seeing how far Glasgow and I can go together, and I’m so glad that MotH is with me in this journey! :)

I shall try to post again soon with pictures and shiny things and news about things that are happening in this fair city! Have a lovely holiday and may the Rabbity Representatives of the Implausibly Resurrected Man bring you many Eggs of Ambrosial Chocolate :P

It's spring I tell ya, I have photos to prove it!

Because yesterday’s post was more of a rant, I’ve decided to write a proper update today :)

As always happens this time of year, I’m feeling more and more refreshed by the lighter mornings. I like the comfort of darkness, but the light is so invigorating! I walk in to work and it takes me roughly 50 minutes. Being able to see the sun, for at least parts of my journey, is wonderful. Last weekend SMP and I walked around and saw crocuses of various colours spring up around the Meadows. I snapped a shot of one for you! :)

We also went to see a small exhibit at the National Library of Scotland. It was a little commemorative piece on Scott’s South Pole expedition. It’s free to go on and have a look, follow this link for more info: http://www.nls.uk/news. 

A Shakespeare exhibit followed on after this, so SMP and I had a look here too. It was about Shakespeare through the ages, and I think I was most amused by the magnetic board with lots of fridge magnet words on it that you could re-arrange in to Shakespearian style quotes. My sentence obviously included villainous, lusty harlots or something like that, hehe. In my defence, I don’t think SMP’s sentence was much better! :P

Yesterday I went through to Glasgow to view a flat. From my previous post, you can all see how wonderfully (or not :P) that went, so I won’t go in to that aspect further. What I will say is that we did an awful lot of walking. Miles and miles and miles. After the flat viewing SMP and I decided to indulge in a McDonald’s meal. Here I also picked up a free magazine about events happening in Glasgow in the coming months. There are so many wonderful things happening! One of the things that struck me was an experimental library. Part of the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, selected works by 50 artists will be available to borrow at the Mitchell Library from late April to early May. The idea is that art shouldn’t just be available in galleries. I think this is a brilliant idea and am hoping SMP and I will be settled enough by then to give this a go! For more information about the festival in general, please see their website: http://www.glasgowinternational.org/. Wear sunglasses, as it has a bright neon green background! :P For information specifically about the Art Lending Library, go here: http://www.glasgowinternational.org/index.php/events/view/art_lending_library/. 

Another fascinating event is No Meal is Complete Without Conversation. It’s odd and interesting, but I think they explain themselves better than I can, so visit their site! http://www.glasgowinternational.org/index.php/events/view/open_glasgow_no_meal_is_complete_without_conversation/. 

While walking around town SMP and I came across an Antique Fair at Kelvin Hall. Apparently there’s one held here every month, and I immediately went in to nesting mode. “We should go!” I announced, and we did! :) It’s £1 to get in, a small price I feel. Don’t get me wrong, the majority of it was a bit naf and musty. Also, I know Blu-Ray is apparently da bomb, but I don’t think DVDs can be classified as antiques just yet! But in between some of the car boot sale items were some gems. A beautiful set of 2 decanters in a stand, each with a small silver (or silver plated) placard, one for Whisky, the other for Gin = £15! Bargain! Another gentleman had properly antique Victorian era silverware, and the prices were in the triple digit regions, beyond my limits at this time! There were also swords, funny little instruments and paraphernalia. I think I shall be returning once I’ve got a home to decorate again!

We also went to a “Vintage Market” just off Buchanan Street, and I was very disappointed. It was more the Basement of Homemade Earrings & Soap, with the occasional old T-shirt strewn about. Nothing was what I would call vintage, but SMP and I did enjoy a homemade cupcake made with Oreos, nom nom nom!

I also managed to snap a wonderful shot of Buchanan Street on my phone. We started the day with sun, but then it snowed and then there was more sun and then more snow! When the snow left the street was wet and it reflected the pale light:

I’m not saying it’s a great photo, by all accounts it’s overexposed, but I like it and the effect of the shiny street! :) I love Buchanan Street for it's beautiful architecture and it's giant metal peacock perched on one of the buildings!

SMP also showed me The Lighthouse (http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Visitors/TheLighthouse/). This is down a bit of a dark alleyway, so I was hesitant, but it really is lovely! One of their current exhibits is about community culture, specifically surrounding Britain’s High Streets. It was a lovely display, and it also tipped its hat to Copenhagen and its promotion of the bicycle as a means of inner city transport! It made me think about the changing role of exhibits, and if the display of information and fact can be labelled as art. I think in this instance it definitely can! Another of their floors is permanently dedicated to Rennie Mackintosh, a Glaswegian architect. From this floor you can also go up to a viewing tower. From here I shot some pictures of Glasgow’s city centre skyline:

It's definitely a different sight than Edinburgh's skyline! :)

Despite the fact that it snowed, I think Spring is definitely around the corner and there will be much to do! Back in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Lectures start tomorrow! I’m going to the talk on women in astronomy, and I’m sure it’ll be very interesting (and give me yet another thing to go on about! :P). 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

The Pitfalls of Flat-Hunting

This post isn't as thoughtful and cerebral as I'd like, but I had to share my recent experience!

Flat hunting can be an interesting process. I suppose there are some usual pitfalls, like someone got there before you and the flat is gone before you even viewed it. Or maybe the reality didn’t really match the promises made by the pictures and the description. 

What happened today was a new one on me. Let me tell you a story, dearest readers!

We arrived to The Flat a bit early. I noted some rust on the gate, and how maybe that particular front door wouldn’t be my first choice as a property-owner. The agent arrived on time and opens the doors and finds an activated alarm for which he doesn’t have a de-activation code. “Go on in” he says, looking for his phone for a quick call to the landlord. During the blaring alarm Significant Man Person (SMP) and I have a quick wander, trying to ignore the smell of old person’s flat. Old person’s decor is less easy to escape, but it wasn’t a deal breaker by any means. The kitchen was small-ish, and had an under-the-counter fridge. This is advertised as a two bedroomed property, and I am of the opinion that a halfling fridge is inappropriate in a rental flat for two people. I start to feel not impressed. There’s a room just off the kitchen. At first I think “Ooh, second living room!” but then a dread feeling rises. This is the main bedroom. There are only two other rooms left unseen, the bathroom and the “second” bedroom. While this is an odd layout, I wouldn’t have been overly bothered if it hadn’t been for the fact that SMP and I would have to walk THROUGH the bedroom to get to the kitchen. There is no other access to the kitchen than this supposed “bedroom”. I’ve heard of en-suite bathrooms, but an en-suite kitchen is a bit too much, even for a food-lover like me. 

Okay, so it wasn’t a great flat, I can live with that, but what happened next turned me off completely. Back in the living room the “Property Manager” starts rattling on about how this is gonna go really quickly and they only have 20 properties to let our because, wow, it’s going so fast, you have to get in there, if you like it you can secure it with £250, bla bla bla. Two voices resonate in my head, simultaneously. The first one is The Voice of Arrogance, querying in a sarcastic tone “Is this actually happening?” (usually indicated by me raising my right eyebrow). The second is The Voice of Attitude, and this one is going “Bitch, please” (and is usually accompanied by a raised left eyebrow). Mr Property Manager is trying to stress me in to giving him my hard-earned money! I would like to point out that the property has been listed since the 2nd of February. Oh yeah, Mr Hot Shot, it’s right FLYING off the rack, this ‘un. Please, don’t insult me. I’ve been to more viewings that you’ve had girlfriends, your spiel isn’t going to work on me, especially not since they’re asking £695 a month for it. He asks what else SMP and I are looking for. I advise that we’re looking for 2 bedrooms, unfurnished, around this price range. He offers to show us another flat around the corner, and we agree. Again the spiel begins. “Actually”, he tells us, “there’s a girl flying in from Ireland with the money on Monday, but I told her it’s first come first served, bla bla bla”. He shows us in. It’s a nice flat, nice location, good sun, nice sized rooms, but again, the small fridge. Then it comes; it’s furnished. Hang on a minute, did you not hear me before, Mr Property Manager? And AGAIN with the rush “Yeah, this girl from Ireland, she’s coming in at 9 on Monday morning, but if you want it, just text me, or call me and I’ll meet you in town and get the £250 holding fee”. He even handed me his business card and said he’d call me later. Wow, desperate much?

This is the most appalling behaviour I’ve witnessed in a while. I am NOT forking out my cash for a property I don’t love, or at least like a LOT. And for the second one, come on dude, don’t be nasty! The property went up yesterday, Friday, and there’s someone coming to see it, ready to pay you cash-in-hand on the following Monday. That’s no less than excellent and you’re still trying to rent it ONE day earlier, seriously? You said so yourself that the flat wouldn’t be available to live in until early March, so what's the point?!

A landlord/letting agency duo are not doing me a favour by letting me live in a house, it’s a service that I pay quite dearly for. What happened today has put me off that letting agency entirely. I wish I had the backbone and sass to tell Mr Property Manager where he can stuff his hard sell!

On a more positive note, I have high hopes for another flat closer to town, their staff are lovely and un-pretentious on the phone!

This is really more a rant than a proper blog post, I shall write something less rage-filled in a few days! Thanks for reading and feel free to share tales of doom when viewing flats or houses for sale or rent! :)