Euro

Two weekends ago, fed up with our undeniably American wardrobe, my darling flatmates and I planned a trip to Glasgow. Correction: we planned a trip to Primark, a very cheap clothing store, in Glasgow. Despite the harassment I got from my co-workers for bypassing all cultural aspects of the largest city in Scotland, we did only see Argyle street (the main shopping district), and we did only go into Primark. I have never been so uncomfortable shopping for clothing in my entire life, but I must say I am proud of my purchases (including a pair of patterned tights and a pair of skinny jeans). We came out a little bit poorer but a little more Euro chic. Oh, I feel I must continue to boast about my fashion trip outside of my comfort zone by bragging about my new pair of cowboy boots. Here’s the thing about cowboy boots in Edinburgh: they have no practicality, but are rather very fashionable. The lack of practical use therefore removes the need for spurs and steel toes, which therefore lowers the cost significantly. I must also further my pat on the back by boasting that I wore skinny jeans out both Friday and Saturday nights and wore my boots as well on Saturday. I’m beginning to look like I fit in here instead of just feel that way.

I was asked to stay three weeks as a temp for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Services, but today marks the beginning of my fifth week here; they have asked me to remain through the end of October. I am working in membership services, filling in for Sarah, who has been on sick leave. Sarah will start back working part-time this week, so I am here to lighten her load. I really like the people I work with! I sit in the corner of the office with the networks team. I sit beside Paul, who sits beside Doug. On the other side of our desk are Sarah (who is to return to work this week), Margaret, and Jeanette. Behind us is our boss, Paul White, and catty-cornered to my left is Gordon, the head of membership. Now, this is only our corner of the office; there are easily 40 other people in our office. Jeanette is helping me plan my family’s trip for Christmas. She had holiday on Friday, so she spent some of her time searching for leaflets and pamphlets to various places I can take my parents and sister to visit for the day. Paul Hunter (who sits beside me) likes to intermittently offer bits of European/American history. The other Paul always asks how I am getting on and brought me a book to read about Scotland. John Ferguson, a journalist, likes to ask me questions about American culture (we bonded over the SNL Palin skits). The people here go out of their way to help me get settled. I really enjoy working here.

On that note, I have asked for a holiday this Friday and Monday morning; Kate, Anna, and I are going to LONDON! I am so very excited. We fly out on Thursday and fly back early Monday morning. More to come when I have more to write.

Cheers.