I spent last week in Zadar, Croatia, for an academic conference. But the timing of flights meant that I had a free day to explore the…
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…
My life was forever changed on the day I opened up my home – and my heart – to a young girl who needed me. The year that followed…
When you live your life without a partner, it can be lonely. Even if you fill your days with friends and acquaintances, it can be…
This summer is Thesis Summer for me. It’s the summer when I must, without excuses, get my head down and write, write, write! Luckily, July and August…
I attended a PhD workshop the other week. It was one of those touchy-feely things where they wanted to talk about coping strategies for balancing…
I arrived in North Berwick yesterday for my birthday weekend, with a plan to conquer The Law as part of my visit. And since yesterday was spent exploring Tantallon Castle and the…
With my birthday just around the corner, I am more aware than normal that I am getting older. I am ageing; I am becoming more…
As I (slowly) make my way through Tal Ben-Shahar’s book “Happier”, I am faced with questions of just what happiness is. I know that I want happiness;…
I have decided to finally read “Happier” by Tal Ben-Shahar. It’s a book I acquired nearly two years ago, but I’ve never quite got around to…
I want to fly. I want to soar into the sky and touch the Heavens. I want to reach all of my goals; I want to…
I woke up this morning ready to start the New Year with hope and faith for a good 2016. Not with the naïve notion that…
With 2015 quickly coming to an end, it’s time for a bit of reflection. And as I look back at my hopes for the year, I…
Hello and Merry Christmas to you all! As I mentioned the other day, I am spending my Christmas (mostly) alone, but I am doing so with…
The holidays are here again, and that means I’m facing an extended period of holiday hush. “Hush” because, like most years, I will be spending Christmas…
Hello, dear Just Frances readers! It’s been a while since I’ve shared a post so I thought I’d pop in and let everyone know I’m…
Yesterday marked two years since I began my PhD studies. And that means I am another year closer to being Doctor Ryan. It’s a title I’ve longed for…
I ran my last Loch Ness Marathon yesterday. (Maybe.) And I accomplished a PB whilst doing it – which was totally unexpected. Even better, I am nowhere…
Some days, I think about how lonely I am, and about how I want to find someone to share my life with. I think about…
For nearly two years now, I’ve been experiencing an extreme amount of stress. Some days and weeks have been harder than others, but there hasn’t…