Most Improved

It was going so well! Weekly posts were a thing and didn't we all think they'd continue to be? They will, I just took a break. There was no appropriate time for me to post last week because world events were happening and I have no hot takes left. I didn't have any to begin with.  

I've spent most of this week talking about politics, and whilst those conversations are still on-going in person, you don't need another think piece about standing up for what you believe in or what a complete shit show 2016 has been. Having those conversations face-to-face is much more productive, so let's save our energy for that. 

*****

I recorded a podcast. It's here.

An actual real life podcast which is available on the internet and includes my actual voice (so I’m told). I was very nervous but have now settled into being very proud that I actually did it. It’s amazing how in the four days since we put it out there I feel more and more as if it’s a legitimate thing that I produced rather than something I just ‘gave a go’. I basically said 'I am funny and interesting and here is the proof'. You know you can't convince everyone and I'm not really sure I care to. 

I might look back in a few months and think about how much we've improved and I'm almost certain I'll do that as early as next week. I'm so happy with our starting point though. So, so happy. Happy enough that we're going to do it again, and again, and it will only get better. I'm so pleased that this is something I let myself do.

I've streamlined the list of things I'm working on down to (around) four. This is a big deal for someone who feels the need to perpetually 'give things a go' but it's becoming apparent that I'm not going to do anything at all if I spread myself too thin. I do not have all the time in the world, I also have a job and I also need time for other people because they are so important.

*****

Oh look it's some more photos of views of Amman when the sun is setting. 

I just love the sunset/ I might be a basic bitch/ I'm not sorry.

*****

If there was an #inspo Quote of the Week it would be: For the love of God, be good to the people who are good to you.

Text your friends and tell them you miss them and you're thinking of them and tell them things that you think they'd enjoy. Stop just thinking about them and actually say things to them. Even if you text last, even if it's been months oh my gosh just stop being so proud and weird and just say you care. Stop pretending it isn't absolutely wonderful to receive this stuff too, and that it isn't basically what actually makes the world go round. 

I do have a hot take actually. That not being at university is a fantastic lesson in just how hard making friends can be. How hard staying in touch can be, especially when everyone else has their shit together and your shit can barely spell the word together. You need it more than ever. It's hard out here so stop being such a total pain in the ass to yourself. 

*****

Oh look it's me.

This week Anne T. Donahue's newsletter (that I mention in some form every week because it's fantastic) ended on this note: 'And you are going to make it through this shit time because you are tough as fuck.' 

And I mean, I couldn't put it better than that.

xx

I'm on Twitter - @clairegillesp - where this week I could retweet excerpts from the 2003 Trinny & Susannah: What Not to Wear book every hour on the hour, but I won't because it's actually a bit disconcerting.

I'm on Instagram - clairegillesp - where photos of my trip to Ireland in July are featuring because I miss home/ I'm really excited for all of my Christmas plans. I'm trying to make a resolution with myself to stop semi-complaining about being busy because I'll love every second of it and all of those people are the light of my life. 

I'm listening to 'Petite Soeur' & 'Elle Me Dit' by Ben L'Oncle Soul which can fill that gap if you've ever thought 'wow I would kill for some soul music in French right now'. Petite Soeur also includes the line: Ils t'ont laissée, ouais, c'est tous des connards. So obviously I love it. 

Imagine if I let this section end without talking about the new Little Mix song ('You Gotta Not'). You guys I love it so much I can't express. I have to admit it includes some pretty questionable preferences for your man's behaviour but I will be singing I don't get paid to babysit no one/I'm out here looking for the one to love for the rest of my damn life.