After three wonderful weeks in the Homeland, I am heading home to my Heartland of Scotland. My bags are packed, I’ve checked in at the airport, and…
I received my new American passport yesterday. But despite this being my third passport, it will also mark several passport firsts in my life. But…
Last night, I did something I (almost) never do: I enjoyed mid-week cocktails with “the girls”. Or rather, with a random group of girls, some…
Today is Independence Day in America; the day we stood up against The Crown to demand self-rule. As a proud American, this is a very important day for me.…
For the last few weeks, I have been struggling to overcome my desire to eat loads of candy and sweets as part of my Lenten sacrifice.…
As 2013 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year’s ups and downs. I’ve been thinking about the good points and the…
Today has not been my best day. I knew it would be a hard one, as I was saying goodbye to my parents ahead of…
I’m packing my suitcases this evening for another return to Scotland. After two months in the Homeland, it’s a bit hard to say goodbye again. But it…
One of my favourite things about holidays abroad is the opportunity to enjoy new foods. Of course, since my latest holiday abroad was actually to my…
Excitedly, I have received my new UK visa today – meaning that I have all of the official bits of a government-issued ID to allow me to…
Today is 1 November, which is the amended date for the start of my PhD programme in Scotland. Yet I am still in America. But,…
Today I sent off my visa application papers. A couple of days later than I’d hoped, but the delay meant that I had everything I wanted to…
I have finally applied for my new Tier 4 student visa. Yes, finally. It’s something I had expected to do more than a month ago, but plans don’t always…
I’ve been here in the Homeland for nearly a month now, but I’m finding it hard to say that I’m “home”. It’s a confusing and unsettled part…
Today is 1 October, which was my target date for beginning my PhD studies. Only I’m not in Scotland at the moment because I’ve not sorted…
Today I learned that I have another obstacle to manoeuvre around before applying for my new student visa. Apparently, because I will be in a computer-based…
I am finally back in America after more than two years in Scotland – and after two emotionally draining days of international travel. I can’t really say that I’m…
I’m on the train to England now and will be flying home to America tomorrow morning. It’s weird because part of me feels like I…
My flat is now nearly empty. The only things that remain (other than the furnishings belonging to the property) are my (nearly) packed suitcases that I’m…
I’m heading to the Homeland for a visit in a few days and I’m already salivating at the thought of it. Actually, I’ve been salivating…