Perspective

  Moving house isn't an unusual thing. Especially if you're me. I moved around a lot as a child, living overseas for over 6 years, growing up around different cultures. Back in Scotland, I've been 'home' for 8 years and living under the roof I'm currently writing under for 7 of those. This is the longest I've ever been in one place.
  I'm starting my second year of University in a week, so when it became clear we were definitely moving in October I had a dilemma: should I move with my family or get my own place? I've decided now to move with my family. I'm closer to church, and not too far from Uni either.
  This still won't make it easy to move; I think if I'm completely honest I will miss this place. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for more space and the prospect of lodgers coming to live with us among other things. After taking so long to adjust back to the UK in this house and having so many adolescent struggles in this room, this space has become a big a part of me. I've really encountered God between these walls too, and learned to know Him more than ever before in my life. This in itself has been a struggle which has made me the person I am today.

  I feel restless here now. I need more space and want to start a fresh chapter.

  I feel excited too; I'm part of a great group of guys at church who are all accountable to one another and live life to the fullest. We're there for each other all the time and our faith develops so well when we're together. Iron sharpens iron. I'll be seeing them a lot more this year, living out life the way God intended, and the way Jesus lived with his disciples.

  I feel nostalgic, disappointed and sad as well. For the things that have happened here, for the things that never did, and for the emotional and spiritual pain which I've experienced over these 7 years.

  It's as I'm writing I realise how significant the number 7 is in biblical terms. Specifically in terms of waiting. In Genesis, Jacob was told to wait for 7 years before marrying Rachel. In reality he had to wait a great deal longer than that, but I feel this is significant as a representation of what may be happening now. It's time for that new chapter and fresh start. Whatever's going to happen in these coming years is going to be great, and I can't wait to see what unfolds.

  In a fairly minimalistic way, a lot of clutter seems to be getting cleared. Emotionally, spiritually, and now physically as I prepare for the move. This process may take some time, though I look forward to the freedom the outcome will produce.



  This has been incredibly useful for me to process things. I might return more often to lay out my thoughts and get a good idea of where I actually stand with things. A better name for this blog then, would be 'Perspective'.

Over and out,
Sam

Apologies and Success

  I'm kinda getting sick of every blog post being an apology for not writing more blog posts.

  Pointless viscous circle.

  I mentioned previously the instant success of 'How To Be Ambidextrous.' Since then, the video's blown up. Thousands of views, more than I've ever had on any video. Great feedback from it too, glad I've been able to help so many people! Interestingly enough, I'm right at the top of YouTube listings for 'How To Be Ambidextrous.' And fourth or something for Google results, which is a pretty remarkable  feat if you ask me. It's definitely not a viral, but it's my biggest success by far. Just had to find the gap in the market. Same with all things really, products, services... and of course YouTube videos.

  I'm finding it hard to believe I'm 'qualified' to give advice on a reasonably successful YouTube video. But that's all there really is to it: find the gap. People need something? Create it for them.

Onto other matters. Not that I ever really stop talking about YouTube videos, but it's a topic I'm familiar with, so onwards!

  Lately I've been firing off a few vlogs, none of which have really taken off as successfully as HTBA, but I enjoy the habit, talking about anything and everything. A few dozen views a couple of likes on those are all I need to know people actually care. I'm going to be continuing with loads more vlogs for a few reasons:

1. They don't take too much time to make and are usually just based off ideas I come up with on the spot.

2. I really care about what I'm talking about.

3. I love making the videos, the whole process of scripting, filming, editing and uploading - just all of it.

4. I get a good response from them, you, the audience, also enjoy them.

  I'm considering recording a few of my dreams vlog-style. Crazy stuff that goes on in my head at night. Did one a while ago, was okay... we'll see.

Away

  I've been gone some time. Although I have literally no audience to speak of on this blog I'm going to start again. Such a brilliant thing to do, writing a blog. I'm far too excited about restarting this blog.

  Months later and loads of things have happened. Exams which weren't fun, and a few more videos uploaded.

  Had my most successful video within the last two months teaching people how to be ambidextrous.

  Also, my latest proper video was my second original song - Colour of Snow.

  Received quite a popular response, so here I am, sharing it. If anyone ever does read this, please feel free to tell me what you think of it.

Edit: Oh yeah, passed 100 subscribers which I'm pretty pleased about, need to start posting videos again now my exams are done, looking forward to it.

Multiple Covers

  Extremely pleased I managed to get two covers done this week.

  Gives me a bit of relaxation and more time to work on a third one.

  In case you're interested, tomorrow's one is Skinny Love by Bon Iver. I'll keep you updated and post it on here as soon as it's up.

Dare You To Move

  So, as promised - video!

  Among other things that happened today, I did a French speaking test. Went okay apart from the questions they asked at the end. Those were terrible.

  I was told I may have to sit the whole thing again.


  Unrelated subject - I got mixed up today in terms of rehearsals. I'm in The Harlequin Eastwood Theatre For Youth and I thought I had a rehearsal tonight. But I don't. Story of my life.

  What a rubbish post, I know - I'll think of a decent topic for next time.

February

  This is shocking, second blog of the month, and the last one hardly counts.

  I'll just start with a few things going on right now.

  Last night, despite having a cold, I recorded a cover. After 3 hours of shooting and 4 of editing, I ended up with something half-decent.


So that's for Tuesday's upload... I'll share it here once it's up.

Oh yeah, see the blog before last? I did end up doing a vlog on it! So here ya go:



  While on the subject of YouTube, I'm extremely annoyed at the inactive accounts deletion. Basically all YouTube accounts whih hadn't been used for a while were deleted. Meaning I lost 10 subscribers.

  So I could really use a boost right now. If you're interested you could go over and check out my Channel, maybe subscribe.





 

  Negative things happening right now...


  Oh yeah, French speaking test tomorrow. Can't wait to get that over with.



  Okay, negativity over!

  I managed to train myself to be ambidextrous. For the less-informed, being ambidextrous means you're able to use both hands equally and not just be 'right-handed' or 'left-handed'.

  I often get tendinitis in my right wrist because I play squash (a great sport which I recommend) which is quite painful and inconvenient when, when I try to write with my right hand, I experience stabbing pain.

  So I built up the muscles in my left arm, wrist and hand and now reasonably competent in my left hand.

  After this success, I decided to do a video on it. With it, I leave you.

Oh dear

  I haven't blogged in a while.

  Oops.