The Catcher in the Rye

I've always been a little behind with things- I tend to buy those amazing Winter boots a season late or pick up a new phone a few months after everyone else. And at the age of 27 I have astonishingly only just read the JD Salinger classic The Catcher in the Rye- and I adored it. You would have to be, in my opinion, from another planet to not immediately appreciate the standard of writing, story telling and ability to create such a timeless piece of literature- even if the book was not to your taste.

The character of Holden Caulfield is such a complex product of teenage angst, insecurities and emotion and it's no surprise he goes down as one of the most interesting and diverse fictional characters in literature history. Salinger takes you into the mind of Caulfield by writing from his point of view in such a way that you are taken on a journey of experiences, no matter how small and insignificant however that give you such a pure insight into his troubled, confused and quite sad state of mind. Through characters such as Phoebe, Caulfield's younger sister, we catch a glimpse of his longing to be young and childlike again and free from adult emotions and problems and being surrounded by 'phonies' - yet by living quite an adult life admist the underworld of New York City. He remains unable to be satisfied by daily life and is searching for fulfillment and security that we never see him find. The paradox is that he admits to Phoebe that what he wants is to be the 'Catcher in the rye' saving children from falling off the cliff, perhaps into adulthood - something he is resisting. He sees Phoebe's innocence and is envious of it but has a strong instinct to protect her from 'phonies' and the outside world- when in fact she is the one helping him and ultimately helps him seek medical help in a psychiatric ward.

What struck me from the onset of reading this was how incredibly timeless it is- the book was written in 1951 and I had to keep reminding myself of this as I was constantly taken into the modern world through Salinger's descriptions of city life, human emotions and situations- it's no wonder the book and character Holden Caulfield still, today, receives so much critical acclaim and has been an inspiration to so many.

I Cake You- Take 2

You may have seen my previous blogpost on Bedford-based cake company I Cake You (clue- Chanel handbag- amazing). We recently commissioned the very talented face of the company Helene Turner to bake a creation for my boyfriend's sister's 14th birthday. What better than a cake of her beloved dog, Jacko. Have a look at the result- incredible. For more information on I Cake You check them out at www.icakeyou.co.uk

Dublin

I am lucky in that I am fairly well travelled. But it’s amazing how many amazing cities are on my doorstep that I am yet to discover. Until this weekend, Dublin was one of them. Surprising as Ireland plays an important part in my family history. My Grandpa was born and grew up in Cork. He was one of five and the only one to go on to study at University- to this day he is still the youngest graduate in Classics (Latin and Greek) through the medium of Irish. He then went on to do a second degree in Civil Engineering and later in life became a fellow of both Civil and Structural Engineers. However, as quoted at his funeral from the famous Rudyard Kipling, ‘he walked with Kings but never lost the common touch,’ and that was exactly how my Grandpa was – incredibly intelligent and incredibly humble. I often put that down to his Irishness- perhaps.

Anyway, back to Dublin, I was amazed at how the Irish capital that I had never even been to was only a 55 minute flight away. Amazing how at under an hour you can be in such a different place. It may not look that different but it certainly felt different and in a good way. Used to the hustle and bustle and lack of real communication with passers-by in London, I enjoyed the small-town friendliness of this capital city. Described as a city with one foot in the past and one foot in the future you can really get a sense of this. Walking down the busy and cosmopolitan O'Connell Street passing coffee shops and fashion stores and suddenly passing the old Post Office where you can still see the bullet holes from the 1916 Easter Uprising. Astonishing. Knowing that as you wander over the river running to beat the cars you are travelling the same routes that the likes of Michael Collins and De Velera must have taken at some point- probably by bike. 

Getting a bus to the historical Kilmainham Gaol we jumped on quickly thinking it would be in a hurry to leave. Instead, the bus driver took his time to explain that owing to the traffic of that day’s Dublin marathon (that my dad was taking part in) we would be unable to get off right outside. He told us he’d drop us as near as possible and smiled and waved off the fact we didn’t have enough change. True to his word, he ensured he told us where to get off and then spent more time explaining again how to get there and where to get the bus back. What a different world. The gaol itself was absolutely fascinating. From its opening in 1796 to its closure in 1924, it is a place of immense history, on both the nature and running of the prison and the fact it was the place of execution for many of the Irish rebellions during the resistance. I was moved by the tour guide’s wonderful commentary- a girl in her twenties that gave the impression she was speaking through parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who had taught her the history of her country and the struggles it had endured. She had such passion that someone of this generation would be allowed to have in talking about the history she has undoubtedly been affected by, however indirectly it may be.

Our hotel was situated right in the centre close to Trinity College. The marathon started and ended in the centre too, which was a nice touch as the runners were sent off and welcomed home with immense support. True to the Irish nature, one supportive banner read ‘Run as if you’re late for mass!’ We also ventured into the infamous Temple Bar district and spent the evening in a bar where, to the Irish, your typical band was playing. To me, they were a far cry from the local bands you may see in town. Their musical ability was phenomenal and we enjoyed the sounds of not just guitars but Irish bagpipes, fiddle and penny whistle. The crowd was so varied as well- the marathon maybe contributing to this and the fact people from 51 different countries took part. Dad completed it in 4 hours and 27 minutes- pretty impressive effort if you ask me.

What made the trip even more special was the fact I met again with three of my closest friends from University (one of them was running the marathon as well and so we all made a trip out of it). It’s amazing as how you get older you really start to appreciate those who you are closest to and realise that it’s these people who truly know you. You surround yourself with people everyday but it’s rare you make connections like you do with your best friends and it’s a nice feeling when you meet up again and can really be yourself without a worry in the world.

And so my experience of Dublin was a good one. I hope yours is.   

Gaining and losing the pounds.

 My task is to save money and lose weight. Both are going to be tough.

I don’t really need to lose much weight which is a plus- I’ve recently been eating out a lot and this has mostly been junk food combined with alcohol and so the jeans have become tighter and I swear I’ve grown another chin. The diet/ exercise regime has so far been going quite well- however I am only on day 3. I’ve never been able to stick to these projects. However, I am running regularly, doing yoga and I have been stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, lessening my portion size and generally being much more healthy. And boy do I feel it. Even running feels easier after three days of eating better- you truly are what you eat. Don’t get me wrong, I will enjoy some drinks this weekend and inevitably a slice of pizza or curry may pass my lips but I am not going to stop myself enjoying the things I like- I simply won’t eat them every day!

On the money side, I am becoming increasingly aware that in 39 days I am moving into a flat and will be paying rent and bills again. I have re-discovered my passion for Ebay although it is a learning curve since I got the postage confused and now I think am at a loss after selling 15 or so DVDs. (Typical Kate). But I am reducing my ‘eating out’ days which costs money AND is not as healthy and so does not help with the diet. Unfortunately, my social calendar seems to revolve around ‘meeting for dinner’ but this will simply have to change- what’s wrong with the old fashioned cuppa and a natter? I am going to learn to cook economically and perhaps even ‘freeze’ things?! I actually purchased a slow cooker the other day- before you think it was a wreckless expenditure (I do have a reputation for being Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic book series after discovering one day I had £60 left in my account and got excited because it meant I could buy the £59.99 dress that I saw), I have discovered that this is a good way of preparing meals that are not too expensive AND you can freeze the remainder. M & S delights may have to go on the back burner along with nipping to the garage for a sandwich. I’m not abandoning my weekly Look magazine indulgence although buying things I see in it perhaps is not a good idea. I still like to circle the things I like each week though whilst having a glass of wine. Eek mid-week wine has been scrapped... I’ll let that ONE slide.

Moving in...with a boy

I’ve lived with guys before- in fact only up until recently I was living with two great guys in a shared house in Cambridge. Funnily enough and contrary to stereotypical assumptions, I was the messy and disorganised one and they kept me in line. I was regularly shot the disapproving look when I had to ring the doorbell because I had forgotten my key, or because I had left all my crap downstairs around the living room and just not bothered to take it upstairs! (It really was home from home). I quite enjoyed that though, they were very tidy and respectful (apart from when the football was on) and we had a great couple of years. They both remain very important to me.

However, I’m about to move in with a boy properly and it is a little daunting. We have only been together 9 months which isn’t very long at all and it is more circumstantial that it is happening but we are very excited. We’ve popped our ‘sensible hats’ on and are moving in to an inexpensive but lovely fully furnished house within walking distance of my parents and 2 miles of his and so should we need that ‘time out’ we have it available. (Sorry mum and dad). Therefore we don’t need to invest in any furniture which already eases the stress financially and mentally. But still it WILL be stressful because we are going to be learning more and more about each other... he will learn (although he probably already knows as he calls me a sloth) that I can be quite lazy and since I work from home I can roll out of bed at around 8.45am and work in my pyjamas until late morning. However, this can mean that at 11pm I’m wide awake saying ‘Let’s watch a film!’ and he’s covering his face with a pillow. We are also learning about each other’s tastes... he wants to get a metal bust of someone’s face (he doesn’t know who yet) whereas I am dreaming of scented candles and big cushions that everyone can laze around on (sloth side again) and relax. He is sensible with money and knows we don’t need many luxuries to start with but I’m on first name basis with the man at Sky looking for deals so we can have a Sky + box and record loads of programmes just because we can! Cleanliness is going to be interesting- we’re both moving out of parents houses where I will admit we are BOTH spoilt. We both pay the bare minimum and get our washing and cooking done (he also still gets his room tidied but he’s a little younger so I’ll give him that). We’ve both lived away- I was at Uni for four years, I’ve been travelling and I lived in Cambridge for two years and so I can adapt quite easily but it’s different with a partner- you can perhaps get away with more...or can you?

Does anyone have any tips? One of my close friends said to expect loose coins to be EVERYWHERE. Definitely a guy thing. Why do they do that? Another said that they panic if they feel they are losing their ‘identity’ – I guess a football placed by the door will help? I’ve definitely realised that ‘presentation’ is quite important to me and less important to him. ‘Who cares if that doesn’t match?’ ‘Hmmm I do.’ It’s interesting because you pick up habits from your parents and their style and we are now having to join these whilst building our own style together as a couple and finding out what we both jointly like. Watch.this.space.

Three Times a Bridesmaid...

If you ask the regular person in the street to explain why marriage is important, you would probably be shocked as to what you hear. Or perhaps you won’t. I have tried it with various people, usually those in their 20s who are contemplating the decision. In my experience, people tend to say it is something they would like to do because it is traditional, because they get to become husband and wife (or life partners) in front of friends and family and that they receive lots of presents (usually said with a giggle but this is no joke.) There is never really talk about entering a life-long union through better or worse and that although life will inevitably throw them challenges, together they will work at getting through them. Although maybe they can be forgiven for not thinking this as perhaps marriage is not what it used to be.

My views on marriage are quite blurred. I have never really been someone who has dreamt of their perfect wedding and pictured the white dress and hundreds of guests (apart from whilst watching Father of the Bride or a similar Hollywood take on the perfect day), however I have always known that I want to eventually meet the right person and join with them through marriage in the traditional way. Perhaps this is because my parents married yet in a low key and personal ceremony, perhaps it’s because part of me likes the idea of following the traditional route of falling in love, joining together and starting a family with the intention of it being for life. However, whether it is owing to my upbringing, I have always seen marriage as a deeply personal experience but one that should be understated and based around your identity as people and as a couple. It is a union that should be celebrated for the right reasons with a view that this will be for life. Archaic as it sounds and although I am not religious, I feel in recent times, marriage has lost the respect it deserves, it’s traditional, social and often religious meaning and young people are not educated appropriately on the decision or the act. I also strongly feel that it has become a declaration of status for quite superficial reasons and a day that is now organised by the woman which has become widely accepted.

However, this blog is now going to turn into a celebration of three friends who have taken the step into marriage and honoured me by asking me to be a part of a very special day- something I am truly thankful for.

On July 30th this year I was bridesmaid for the third year in a row and I came away feeling it was one of the nicest weddings I had been to-I have known the bride for almost 25 years and the couple had been together for over 10 years. The day had that lovely feel where you knew it was a milestone in their strong relationship and a union  we were able to witness that we knew meant everything but would not change a thing between them. It took place in a gorgeous renovated barn in a top hotel and the whole day was relaxed and enjoyable with a fantastic range of guests and friends.

The second time I was bridesmaid was for a newer but very close friend who I see regularly and love her company. I also get on very well with her husband and find them both a great couple. This wedding was probably the longest for planning but it paid off as the day ran smoothly and was a testament to the work put in by the families and couple. It was also nice to see the results of many months of excitement by the bride and she looked beautiful. It even incorporated the first England game in the 2010 World Cup which worried them first but added a fun element to the day as guests were able to wander outside in the Sun and catch moments on the widescreen television in the lovely courtyard!  Once again, I was blessed with sharing bridesmaid duties with another two lovely girls and the ceremony and reception really brought two sets of families and friends together. They are now expecting their first child and are very excited.

The first time I was bridesmaid it was for a close school friend who had asked me because I meant a lot to her and we talked and celebrated at length about the decision and the prospect. She was completely in love with her husband-to-be and she made the decision about the kind of wedding she wanted to have. She then planned and saved and paid for the day and it was special and romantic. I was present for a dress fitting and had my hair and make-up done on the day and we all drank champagne and reminisced before the ceremony. They also had a new-born son who was able to be part of the day and it felt like we were at the start of something very special and a union that would last a lifetime. Unlike the other weddings I have been a bridesmaid for, this one had most of my close school friends in attendance and so it was a great excuse for us all to have a good day together again. The couple sacrificed a honeymoon for logistical and financial reasons but have now moved to Brunei for 3 years and are going to make the most of their adventure on the other side of the world.

My friends know my views on marriage and although I like to pretend it’s not for me, perhaps I have been converted? Whether I spend thousands of pounds or simply have a low-key party, I just hope I achieve the sense of specialness and happiness that I have witnessed with my three friends.

Have Buckley's chance

I just saw Neighbours and I smiled at a saying in it which relates to my ancestry. A man was in hospital and was told his cancer had spread and he said 'my chances of survival are Buckleys to none." This is an Aussie saying - to "have Buckley's chance" or "to have two chances, Buckley's or none" refers to an escaped convict called Buckley who survived in the outback for 30 years after being rescued by Aboriginals. It was considered impossible for convicts in Australia to survive in the outback-hence the saying.

There is another which goes 'couldn't give a Buckleys' translating to 'couldn't care less.' This is believed to have come from the large number of Buckleys that were sent over to Australia.

My Grandpa was called Edward Buckley and was born and grew up in Cork, Ireland. It is a common surname among the counties Cork and Tipperary and the Gaelic meaning of the name is taken from the word buachall meaning "boy".