Into the unknown

Dramatic title huh? I always strive to make my life sound dramatic at every opportunity!

I decided to move into the flat in Lawrence St - just off Byres Rd. I think I made the right choice. The Maryhill place had its charms (cosy, probably quiet, nice flatmate, pet) but I don't think peace and quiet is what I need right now. As for a nice room etc, that doesn't matter either, because as Iain said, if I'm working and going out all the time I'll hardly be indoors anyway.

That's not to say my new flat isn't nice. My bedroom isn't bad; a decent size, with laminate flooring. The girls have huge rooms as they were first in but our (me and Alistair's) rooms are still a decent size. The bathroom is spacious - pretty standard for the west end. The kitchen is small but we have all mod cons. There is no lounge but anyone is welcome to go and sit in anyone elses room for a chat.

I'll be living with Alistair (other Scottish guy, doing mechanical engineering, wants to be in RAF), Ruth (Austrian girl, teaching assistant in primary school) and Estelle (French girl, also teaching assistant, whom I've barely seen). The new place is looking to be somewhere at the opposite end of the social spectrum from last year's flat (me, Iain and 2 recluses who seldom ventured out of their rooms), and I'm glad I got to move in there. Although my flatmates seem far more sociable, there is a certain air of maturity as well which I like, and there is peace and quiet to be had if you want it.

The lease seems pretty decent as well, unlike Ronnie McColl's (last year). It is a 12-month short assured tenancy, but you can leave any time, so long as you give 28 days notice. There is also a deposit. Forunately for me I don't have to pay council tax as I have taken place of a student who has just moved out - sshhhh! The landlord also seems like a decent guy, who seems quite relaxed about things.

I've yet to move my stuff in from Prestwick but may be able to get a lift up on Monday with my sister. Since I got the keys on Thursday night, it's all been a bit of a drunken haze, as I've been out drinking with Alistair. In fact, I can probably say I've met more people through Alistair in 2 days than I met in my 4 years at uni! Ok, slight exaggeration there. Yesterday I discovered the wonders of "China Buffet King" on Sauchiehall St; you pay around £6.00 and have as much as you like from the huge buffet - fantastic! Gluttony central!

Last night I met up with most of my old comrades from ESE in Bouzy Rouge. It was a great turnout by the usual standards - present were Ross, Iain, Emma, Craig and (to my surprise) Bob and Waseem. Mariken (Derek's girlfriend) and some French lawyer guy were there also. Afterwards we went to Revolution for a few beverages.

One thing I've noticed almost instantaneously after "flying the nest" yet again is that my relationship with my parents seems to have improved. There seems to be plenty more to talk about. In addition, I enjoy coming to visit in Prestwick - it's not such a bad old place, so long as you don't live there! I really appreciate being here if it's roughly on a once-a-week basis - it also provides a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.

I mentioned earlier that I was trying to arrange a date with Gillian, a girl I've only met once. Well, it has been hyped up for weeks, and we've been keeping in touch via texts, but still no date yet. It's been awkward as she seems to work a lot and have other commitments and I'm going through a transitional period. Hopefully we'll meet up next Saturday or something - whilst there is still some momentum. I don't particularly want to blow this opportunity, and can't put it off for much longer!

I've mentioned the relationship front, but there is also the job front. Recently I've been so preoccupied with finding a flat and so the job search has taken a back seat. I'm not getting any financial support at all from my parents but I've got enough savings in the bank to sustain me for a few months (wishful thinking?). I don't have any income aside from my giro, and now I'll really need to watch my finances. It's strange as this sort of situation is all new to me, but at the same time it's exciting. In some respects I feel like a blank slate. If I try hard, I should have some sort of job within the next couple of weeks - I'll settle for almost anything really. There is a good chance I could soon be working on a website for my sister's research dept. at Yorkhill hospital.

So, I'm now in a situation where my future is uncertain, but I do have a sort of plan; I at least want to do a lot more exercise to try and get fit (4 months spent watching DVDs doesn't exactly do wonders for your fitness) - perhaps by joining a gym. Also, I'm going to try and work on song ideas and record some stuff, something I've been meaning to do for donkeys. Apart from that I'll look for employment and see how the girl situation goes.

All in all, so much has happened over the past few days - I think I need a holiday :D