ASMA HAMID

Putting it straight out there, January was a very difficult month. It has been a while since I've felt this way for an extended period of time - the last time probably being in 2020. I can't remember how it felt back then but I know I got through it so that's putting my mind at rest - the fact that there are better days coming.  This month, not only did I have to struggle with getting over the holidays but I also had to search for a new flat. There was quite a bit going on at work too as it's currently a very busy period. One big thing was that there's quite a big change in the THG dynamic (not in a negative way) but it seems like we're eventually shifting hang outs into London and Jess won't be around as much anymore. So there's one less person (as if we haven't lost enough!) but also there's new friends that we're starting to get to know. I'll be introducing Yen to the team soon enough. So... that feeling of home is getting shaken up a

What a difficult week - I've never felt this way for such a long period of time within the past 3 years of working. But I blame the Christmas break - I made it pretty clear to everyone I spoke to this week that I had an amazing break and that I didn't want to leave Edinburgh. So before my bad memory comes knocking on my door, I'll continue with Part 3. Day 11 - 27th Dec Took the train and went to Glasgow to see Kak Bebe, Abg Nasa, Alia and Asyraf. I had promised Kak Bebe that I'd go see them if I go up to Scotland and I'm so glad I did. It's so weird how we were never close because obviously, she's always been a lot older than me. But when you hit a certain age, it just becomes a number and I feel like that was what has happened. We managed to connect and it feels amazing knowing that you have family around - despite the fact that I've never really spoken to her properly before this. It felt like I was at home. They prepared a feast for me expecting that

This was the part of the whole holiday where I felt extremely content, my heart was overflowing and I was genuinely so happy. I felt like I've won life and that living was worth it for moments like these. Basically, if I were to die, I would die happy.  Taking us back a few days/weeks ago, I was actually planning on going on the trip alone not knowing whether Basel was into this kind of stuff. He was up for it but as usual, you always have your doubts - are you wanting to go because you actually want to or do you feel forced to. As much as I wanted to go with someone, I also didn't want someone that would stop me from enjoying myself. He turned out to be one of, if not the best travel buddy I've ever had. It was like going with another me! I hadn't planned anything until I got to Scotland and it became a pretty last minute trip. We booked at what seemed to be some crappy Airbnb in Fort Williams for the weekend because it was cheap and the photos didn't look great. M

Unexpected, but cancelling the Turkey trip might have been one of my best decisions yet. Having booked flight tickets from Edinburgh, I had also booked train tickets to Edinburgh which meant that I technically had a holiday in line either way. The trip - also like many others - is worth a post but I left a bit of my heart up there so this is one I'd regret not writing about as I'd read it over and over again. On a side note, I've just had some of Maidenhead's tap water and I think I might need to start getting used to it again. Day 1 - 17 Dec Had packed and was ready to go with one big luggage bag carrying a PS5 and a smaller cabin one for my clothes. The train trip was uneventful except that it was packed but the view out the window was amazing. Here's a tip - travel during the day so you could enjoy the view.  After getting lost trying to get out of Waverley station, I headed to Basel's and was welcomed to an amazing, well decorated flat which became home for