7 days!

Well it's now just 7 days until I drive on back to Glasgow to live, not visit, after 5 and a bit years of living in London. Of course, I am slightly terrified about the unknown but I am mostly just really excited!

So to mark 7 days until my return home, here's 7 things that I am really excited about:

1) People understanding when I tell them my name!

I have spent the last 5 years having to put up with constant awkward introductions. I find it's important to nip it in the bud early when someone thinks they've heard my name as Jane or Jean or some other obscure non-Jen variety. But it doesn't make meeting new people very easy, in fact it largely fills me with dread! Here's to being in a place where everybody knows your name (and you're always glad you came!)

2) Theatre

There is a great big heart to Scottish theatre that I have failed to find in London... Please don't read that I'm saying London theatre is heartless, it just hasn't captured my heart in the same way as the work I have seen in the homeland. I am so excited to be back in the city that is home to my all time favourite theatre, the wee gem that is the Citz - love its heart and its heritage and can't wait to see lots of great work there (and hopefully get involved in some of it!). Also excited for the Tron, Platform, Tramway, the Trav and the Lyceum in Edinburgh (which will take no longer to get to than a trip from here up to the Royal Court). The joyous National Theatre of Scotland and some ventures to Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen. For Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet... Scottish, Scottish, Scottish. I am bursting with excitement to reconnect with my culture and my heritage and the stories of my people.

3) Rolls and Lorne Sausage

There is no mistaking a PROPER roll and sausage. No counterfeits accepted. I shall start the day with the breakfast of champions, washed down by a nice cold glass of milk. Just like the days of the BACA at Jordanhill. God rest you Toby's and your cheap-as-chips rolls and sausage and wee cartons of "green milk".

4) Seeing more of my family

It's a bit of a given really. With the exception of my brother who lives in Romford, my move will mean lots more family times... And quite likely even Christmas in Glasgow!!! I am so excited to see my gorgeous wee cousins Kirsten and Rebecca growing up and to spend time with my lovely older cousins, for more than a rushed once-every-few-months catch up. I have some amazing people that I have the privilege of being related to and I'm excited to have them as more regular features in my life!

5) My lovely Scottish Friends

The beautiful people who I grew up with! It'll be odd because I've grown up heaps since I moved to London, but I know that I have friends in Glasgow who are friends for life and I'm excited to share life with them again in person and not just over Facebook. The sad side to this is leaving my lovely English friends behind - but just like I have kept solid friendships across 400 miles when I moved down here, I know that we will stay in touch. Proper friendship lasts the distance!

6) Starting a new adventure in the place my heart calls home

I left Glasgow, newly 21 and having only ever lived in one house my whole life. Five years and about 7 addresses later I'm coming home an adult. I've never lived in Glasgow as an adult, so while it's a return to the familiar, it definitely feels like a whole new adventure! I am so excited to see what is around the corner - there's nothing concrete at the moment, so it's a huge big leap of faith, but a leap of faith that is definitely also a homecoming! Watch this space!

7) The beautiful land, it's greenness and its hills

Every time I drive home to visit or I step off the plane in Glasgow the sight of the hills and mountains takes my breath away. I guess you don't always appreciate what's always right in front of you and it has taken going away for me to realise just how beautiful my homeland is. The greens and greys and purples of the landscape settle my soul and even the dreich weather sets my heart at peace. I am determined not to allow myself to take this beautiful land for granted but to make sure I explore it, am thankful for it and allow it to inspire me. Bonnie Scotland, I'm coming to get you!