We must all die at some point, and what we’re supposed to do in the meantime is, at best, very vaguely outlined in terms of things we’re definitely not allowed to get involved in.
Frustratingly, you grow up being told what to do until you’re old enough to drive a car. After that you’re suddenly expected to carry on doing things without directions and sitting around doing nothing is generally frowned upon.

So far, I have managed to get an education, move countries and qualify as a teacher, all of which seemed the most logical things to do based on the rough materials that make up my life: I am of moderate intelligence, with a knack for languages, specifically the one spoken in the country I chose to move to, and my father is a teacher. He seems to be happy in his choice and so far, so am I. The tricky bit has come now that I am 25, on my own and completely at a loss trying to determine what makes my life my own.

Unfortunately, this seems like the kind of existential crisis I am not prepared to address, both because I’m weary of the suggestion of an existential crisis and, frankly, I have a better plan. No one wants sit around wondering what life’s all about (or possibly some people do, but no one wants to listen to them, and rightly so). Instead, I’m trying out some obvious lifestyle choices and hobbies to see what sticks in order to establish some personal certainties I can find comfort in. So far, the list consists of the following:

1) Improve knitting skills to include the production of useful household items, rather than just scarves, which have hitherto only served as presents which received a lukewarm reception at best.

2) Successfully grow my own vegetables aside from the seasonal single cherry tomato which is then kept in the fridge for days so people can come round to admire it. Must be more casual about my gardening skills.

3) Maintain this blog to an acceptable standard (i.e. also interesting to people other than me).

4) Visit more places, both venues and countries. This obviously because it’ll be fun and exciting, but in all honesty it’s mainly because I want photos of myself stood in front of landmarks, looking stylish and casual. In years to come, I want my children and grandchildren to think I was a stylish, casual cosmopolitan. I suspect the majority of people on holiday have this underlying motive, otherwise why bother having your photo taken in front of the pyramids of Giza or that quaint little market stall in Casablanca? Must pay specific attention to improving style and casual stance, possibly get used to wearing hats.

5) Get a fur collar to match both my winter coats. For no other reason than that I like the idea of it.

These goals just scream ‘wholesome, open-minded person’ to me, the kind that famous grandchildren write a loving biography about that gets rave reviews in the Guardian, and that’s exactly what I’m going for (this is also where the photos would come in handy). This blog will, therefore, mainly focus on my endeavours to achieve said goals, and undoubtedly my frustrations in the face of adversity. I’m looking forward to it already.