Its My Space
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Glasgow Code Learning
Walking into the college on the very first day felt like a breath of fresh air. Young people everywhere, the whole place buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. I was nervous but also super excited. The classroom is set up like a computer lab, with each student having their own server to work on. I even got a loaner laptop for the duration of the course (more blog posts on the way). I made a couple of new friends - K and S. They’re both really sweet. One offered me her umbrella, the other her sunscreen. It honestly feels so good to have a girl gang again.
After months of staying at home with no real routine, my mind feels so much happier being engaged. The course itself isn’t too hard for me. I’m loving the social interaction and just the chance to get out of the house makes me jump for joy. The college is about 1.8 miles away, which is a bit of a stretch compared to my recent walks, but I am more than ready for the challenge. I’m also trying to figure out if my student card gets me any discounts (fingers crossed 🤞).
Oh, and I almost forgot the best part! The Glasgow Student Welfare Fund is awarding £150 to every student who completes the course! How amazing is that? Apparently, it was introduced this year. I am definitely God's favourite child.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Still yet moving ahead
Life has been hard in the past decade. My sister moved abroad, mom fell sick and passed away, I got married and divorced. COVID happened. Work became mundane. I quit my job, moved abroad and faced new challenges in unfamiliar territory. There were happier times too but the gloomy ones left a stronger impression on my soul. I became pessimistic and forlorn.
Earlier, I used to blog often and that helped me gain perspective of things. I was aware of what was going on and conscious of what needed to be done. These days, since I don't own a laptop, I stopped writing and in turn stopped contemplating too. But, in that blissful moment during my walk, I had a sort of enlightenment.
I think my life has turned a corner. At times, I still cannot believe that am living in an English country that looks straight out of the pages of an Enid Blyton book. My investments are paying off and I have enough money to retire. I have settled in my new life and have a handle on most things. I now have friends here. Of course, there is always a chance for life to be better but do I really need more?
I know that I still don't have a purpose. Why am I so hard on myself though? What is the hurry? What is the need to be perfect all the time? It is ok to step back and relax for a bit. Spend time doing things I like. And in that one moment, the universe told me - it is alright to be still, indulge and savor every moment of life.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Update on the year
When I scribbled down my “to-do” list in my diary, a lot of those things felt like a long shot. But I kicked off the year determined to tick off as many as I could. What I didn’t expect was to actually cross out so many of them 😃
First up, I explored Ashton Lane and De Courcy’s Arcade. While hunting for food, I randomly stumbled into the Botanical Gardens and ended up walking along the Kelvin Walkway. On the way back, I grabbed the most delicious churros from “Loop n Scoop.” The very next week, I toured the Glasgow City Chambers. Not only did I get a dose of history, but I also learned that Glasgow is celebrating its 850th birthday this year and that it’s hosting the Commonwealth Games next year. Super excited for that!
Valentine’s week was gift-shopping time. I took a little detour through Queen’s Park and dropped by the Gurudwara, which had a calming effect on me. Later, I scored the perfect gift for my foodie hubby - Biryani and Indian sweets (which, by the way, have now become a regular in our house). We also discovered cookie dough, apparently a big dessert thing here, and it’s our new obsession. Oh, and I dared myself to go on a solo day trip to Dundee. Honestly, I wish the city was a bit more exciting, but hey, baby steps.
Amidst all the sightseeing, I managed to sneak in some Jane Austen. It was easy to lose myself in the Regency era, with Scotland providing the perfect real-life backdrop. I also tried a bunch of new recipes. I like cooking but not the daily grind, so I’ve been experimenting with weekly set menus just so I can “sleep-cook” my way through dinner.
Finances are always buzzing in the back of my brain, so I decided to try my hand at trading. Started with equities and, with a friend’s nudge, jumped into futures and options. It’s nerve-wracking, but it makes me feel alive! I have also been playing 'Puppy Keep' on Shein. It takes forever, but once done, you get a free gift of your choice, which is kinda fun. I won a Dyson Airwrap dupe on it and it works just fine. Oh, and I landed two interview opportunities in my field. Although I didn't get the job (am I secretly happy?) but they helped me gauge where I stand.
And then there were the random things on my bingo card like eating pizza, learning chopsticks, visiting a spa - all checked off without me even trying. Don't you love it when life does that?
Friday, January 3, 2025
2025 - Oddly satisfying
For the past ten years or so, life seemed to be the same. Even though we got through a pandemic and some people were in and out of my life, nothing felt too drastic. Probably, because I always had my loved ones around me and my work felt like my security blanket. Having moved to Scotland, without any of these, I feel vulnerable. Life works in strange ways. I have somehow landed in what I may call a dream life. I have much to be grateful for.
Scotland is breathtaking. Surrounded by greenery, stillness, and an almost meditative quiet, it’s easy to feel at peace. The weather, though, can be temperamental with the rain and wind often arriving uninvited. But the warmth of the people more than makes up for it. Our home is conveniently located, with a library and train station just a short walk away. One striking difference here is the climate. One can walk for miles and not break a sweat.
My social scene has changed drastically. We know only a handful of people, and my husband isn’t exactly enthusiastic about traveling or sightseeing. I have managed to make a few friends and try to explore on my own when I can. The cost of living here is ridiculous and the UK prices make my Indian savings feel alarmingly small. The job market has been a tough nut to crack, with few roles aligning with my experience. So, I’m using this time to unwind and invest in skills and areas I couldn’t focus on before.
The last six months were especially challenging, but I have managed to navigate it. Today, I feel stronger, more grounded. I am in a much better frame of mind now. My only wish is to live my life intentionally and not merely exist.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
2024 - New Horizons
Thursday, February 1, 2024
2023 - A year to remember
A quick recap of 2023. The year started with a visit to 'Prani' the pet sanctuary. I got to meet several icky reptiles and rodents :P Next came the Enchanta Premier League in which I enrolled myself for Throwball. Our team was the underdog but with sheer grit and hard work, we emerged out the winners!! I have probably not won anything in sports and hence it was a memorable event for me. Meanwhile, at work, some women were coming together to form a Diversity and Inclusion initiative. I was recruited as well. We conducted many activities for which I had to design posters, talk to people and host events. It was the perfect creative outlet for me.
Back in 2022, Ikea opened a store in Bangalore. Somehow I hadn't been able to go there at all. When the bed in my room started making noises resembling ghosts, it led to my first Ikea purchase. I have to admit the new bed is not very sturdy but goes really well with my room's aesthetic. It was Dad's 70th birthday this year. Me and Sis planned a surprise birthday party for him. I invited all his friends and close family. He looked so pleased like a kid. I have been socializing a lot more than usual this year. Met up with friends for lunch, had a team dinner with colleagues I have known for more than a decade, and went to Mangalore plenty of times for baby showers, naming ceremonies and weddings. Also, hosted a cocktail party for the newlyweds like a pro. It was last minute with no prep but I managed to pull it off.
There were three major events this year. The first was a vacation in Europe with my cousins and the second was a vacation with my friends in Malaysia. Both of them were girls only and, needless to say, we had a lot of fun and fantastic memories! I made sure to take as many pictures as possible. The third highlight of the year is that I got married <3 It seems as if R was written in my fate and it was just a matter of time before we got together. We are so perfect for each other. I am currently basking in marital bliss, enjoying the sunshine and hoping it will last forever!
I also tried new air fryer recipes, had some amazing French toast, joined a dance class for a while and welcomed the new year with my favorite people - my Sis and nephew. Overall, it's been a great 2023. And I truly believe, there are only good things to come :)
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Feb leads the way
January swooshed by and I barely registered it. Where did all the days go? I did not even make any new year's resolutions. It's only fair that I get one more chance at it. So, here goes. I have read about the concept of having a word of the year. Basically, you are choosing a word that sets your intention for the year. My word of the year is Acceptance. There is no point in questioning the past and wondering what could have been different. Life is a journey meant for experiencing and learning new things. The idea is not to dwell but to move on.
Next up are the usual suspects. I feel immense joy and pride when I think of my French course. I started learning French on Duolingo and never expected to come this far. I recently completed 650 days of the course. I am done with Intro to French and French Foundations 1 and 2. I started French Foundations 3 in Jan. It has a total of 35 units. My plan is to finish at least 3 units per month so that I can ace this level by the year-end. As per tradition, I have signed up for the Goodreads Reading Challenge. However, I have set my goal too low. Only 20 books. I don't want to over-commit and feel pressurized into reading average stuff.
I really want to do the Doodle Challenge. I love drawing small cute images and colouring them. The sketchbooks I own will finally attain salvation through this challenge. I am trying to clean out stuff accumulated over the years. The hoarder in me hates parting with things. But this time, I am just going to Marie-Kondo it. I have learnt to be mindful of the things I buy. Now, it's time to let go. Something else I am aspiring to do is travel. I have been bookmarking so many places on Instagram and Pinterest. I hope to visit at least a few of them.
My iPad has been helping a lot in this regard. I found an adorable planner and I look forward to filling it in every day. This helps me keep track of the things I want to do and need to do. Things like planning my meals. I am trying to eat clean and work out. So, I take a lunch box to work. I have also decided not to eat non-veg on Mondays. This is something my mother stressed on to inculcate discipline and self-control in us.
That's the list. I finally feel at peace. Writing down my vision for the year is a ritual I religiously follow. It pumps me up for the days ahead. Now that the plan is here, time to get cracking.