20 LEAVING THE NEST…
I know, the news you’ve all been waiting for: I HAVE A JOB! Oh, was that not the news you were anticipating? Were you hoping that Putin had retreated from Ukraine and released a drunk tweet announcing it was all a big misunderstanding which had been blown out of proportion? Oh no, that’s not happened yet. Sorry.
Anyway, I have now unsubscribed to unemployment. Shame really, I’m going to miss the “though your qualifications and skills are exactly what we asked for, unfortunately we have to inform you that there are also twenty-thousand other applicants who are better than you” emails.
As for what I'll be up to: media stuff. It's funny how people struggle to explain their professions, especially if they're not your run-of-the-mill doctor, dentist, teacher, or vet. They start stumbling over their words, as if they're not even sure what they do themselves. So yeah, I'll be doing one of those jobs.
It’s based in Bath, which, having visited for the first time only a couple of weeks ago, is very exciting. For those who haven’t been, it’s absolutely stunning. It’s like a fairytale town, and quoting Harry from In Bruges, “How's a fairytale town not somebody's fucking thing?” When visiting, you can’t not like it. It’s lovely. But living somewhere as opposed to visiting is a whole other ball game. Therefore, I’ll keep you guys informed about how Bath is over the coming months. [Side note: though I won’t accept any excuses for failing to watch it, if for any reason you have not seen In Bruges, I’m begging, get home NOW and whack it on your screens].
I got the job the day I had the interview which was last week, and we agreed that I start next week, leaving only this week to sort my life out - I know, all rather confusing! It does feel quite imminent, but I think I’m glad because it leaves no time for silly activities like overthinking: a great hobby of mine. Am I making the right decision? Can I afford to comfortably live there? (the answer is we shall see). Will I make friends down there? Does anyone like me? Am I loved… you know, the obvious questions.
I was keen to secure accommodation in Bath as soon as possible as I’m eager to settle in and integrate into Bathian society (not sure if that terminology even exists). But given Britain’s current rent crisis, I was really worried about finding a room. Cam’s experience searching for accommodation in Bristol was awful. The huge demand and extortionate rent prices meant that in the end, it took him over four months to sort a place. People would often tell him that over 100 people were looking to arrange viewings. It was a real headache and so I therefore assumed it would take me at least a month to sort accommodation.
However, somehow, I managed to find a room almost immediately and can move in at the start of December. I figured that the time of year, the location, and most likely the fact that I’m a women benefited my search. Finally, my gender actually being of some advantage! Nevertheless, I’ve got a room, in Bath, that I can move into very soon, with people around my age so fingers crossed that everything runs smoothly.
It is strange however, moving away, possibly for good this time. There's this mix of emotions, the whole "new chapter" thing. It's both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking, stepping into the unknown. The realisation hits that you're packing up, not with a return ticket in mind. It's like you've anticipated this moment your whole life, and now that it's here, it's exciting, but maybe a tad underwhelming? Maybe it’s because I do feel like I’ve moved away before: for university. But of course, I always knew that I had defined holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Summer where I would come home for lengthy periods of time. Obviously from now on, though I will definitely return to North Wales for these occasions, it will most likely be with a suitcase just packed for the weekend. Just visiting. And that is a strange feeling.
Anyhow - before we all start sobbing - speaking of packing my stuff, I don’t know about you guys but only now that I’m moving away am I realising quite how much stuff I’ve accumulated over the years. It has meant a serious, military-level clearance operation of clothes I never wear, make-up that is quite possibly museum-worthy (like remember Baby Lips?) and Sharpies dryer than Ryvita crackers. Also, can I just say, when am I ever going to use a Sharpie now. I’m nearly 23 for Christs sake.
And the surprises keep coming - I’m stumbling upon things I’d forgotten I even owned, which is a real indicator that I’ve got too much tatt. If I haven't even thought about that skirt in the three years since I last saw it, maybe it's time for it to find a new, more appreciative home… through Vinted! Don’t worry, this is not sponsored... Just kidding, AS IF YOU THOUGHT FOR ONE SECOND THAT THIS BLOG COULD BE SPONSORED. Literally 8 people read it. Anyway, Vinted is incredible so if you haven’t used it, it’s the best way to clear your wardrobe I promise (just don’t be lazy and actually send the parcels…).
THE BIWEEKLY JAMS
Anyway, moving away from me rambling on about Shapries, it’s now time for the Biweekly Jams. As per, the Biweekly Jams feature consists of me choosing three songs that I recommend that you guys give a listen (even if you already know them!).
For this blog, the three songs I’ve chosen are dedicated to my Dad, David. My Dad is by far the most intelligent, talented and modest person I know and has always been incredibly supportive throughout my life. Though we’ve shared a love of music for years, my Dad was particularly influential during my early interest in music. In fact, he actually took me to my first ever concert which so happened to be ACDC. It was incredible. Whilst I could list many artists that remind me of my Dad (The Rolling Stones, Nine Inch Nails, Madness, Eric Clapton, Simon and Garfunkel, etc), here are three noteworthy songs.
1. “Hey Bulldog” – The Beatles (1969). Featured on their 1969 album, Yellow Submarine, I’d argue this is a hugely underrated Beatles song. There are quite a few interpretations of the bizarre lyrics, including the idea that Lennon was trying to reach out to people and say “hey, there’s always someone to talk to; there’s always someone experiencing what you’re experiencing”. Personally I think they were probably just high or drunk. Nevertheless, every time I hear this song, it reminds me of when I was maybe four or five, a passenger in my Dad’s battered old Range Rover, which, for reasons I still don’t understand, had carpet glued to the ceiling. It also lacked airbags which meant I could sit in the front seat which was incredibly exciting for a five year old. Anyway, it’s a great driving song, so please enjoy (but make sure to queue it before you start driving - I don’t want to be blamed for any accidents!).
2. “Muffin Man” – Frank Zappa (1975). Speaking of bizarre lyrics, this song is top-tier Zappa in his prime. Whilst Zappa is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea (and did absolutely produce some questionable music during his three-decade-career), I have no doubt that this song will put a smile on your face. Now, I could try to analyse the lyrics for you guys, but that would be impossible because it’s Frank Zappa and you never really know what he’s on about. Still, it always makes my dad laugh, and I hope it will make you laugh too!
3. “Achilles Last Stand” – Led Zeppelin (1976). Truthfully, I could’ve picked any Led Zeppelin song and it would’ve reminded me of my Dad. He introduced me to Led Zeppelin and they are and will remain one of my favourite bands of all time, even if I don’t listen to them as frequently as I used to. Now I know that I may face backlash for the following statement, but the fact is, Led Zeppelin are/were/will be the greatest Rock and Roll band of all time and no one can convince me otherwise. “Achilles Last Stand”, released on their 1976 album Presence, is the perfect example. Yes it’s long, but it showcases their incredible collective talent in the best way. The lyrics: mythical and beautiful. The singing: soft but gritty. The guitar solo: impeccably exciting. Percussion: complex and faultless. It even has interwoven sections for God’s sake. WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE! Sorry… I’m just incredibly passionate about Led Zeppelin. I am hugely grateful to my Dad for everything, and for introducing me to Led Zeppelin - I would be lost otherwise.
Once again, I really appreciate you guys taking the time out of your day to read this silly blog. Huge amount of love :)
