Who do you support?

Who do you support? Is it because it's your local team? You're favourite player has just signed for them? Do they wear your favourite colour? There are many factors that you might consider when making an important decision like which football team to support.

But what about the people around you? Your loved ones, the ones you care about. Do you support them? Do they support you?

When the going gets tough, we all need a shoulder to cry on. Even when we have our good days, its still nice to feel supported. We all need a rock in our life. Someone who's always there for us, through thick and thin. The one person who can make sense of the things we do, the things we say, and things we say we will do. It is not uncommon for us to find that someone when we least expect it, and with that, we must hold onto what is dear to us and who can guide us through the most difficult of times.

They say "You cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends", and in many ways this is true. But, What most families have in common, is the simple fact, that no matter what you do, the best of you will always rise to the surface. I have always been supported. Always looked out for, and always been able to be myself. I cannot be myself, unless I do what comes naturally. If I have to try and be someone or something, then it is not me. I cannot expect support or love from someone if I am being someone I am not. There is no in between.

Today, Scotland Rugby Team had the hopes of a nation on their shoulders as they took on Wales at Murrayfield in the 6 Nations. Will the pressure of 6 Million people, they came through the adversity, and beat one of the favourites for the tournament with 20 unanswered points in the second half of a memorable display of rugby. Each one of the fans who paid good money to be at the stadium, will remember this day. Those that watched on television or listened in on the radio, will know where they were when Scotland beat Wales in the 2017, 6 Nations match. The players on the field will always appreciate the support, and will always play for their country above all else.

With this in mind, It's not always about remembering where you were, or what you were doing, when someone extends the olive branch to help or aid you. What goes around, comes around. To help one, is to help all. Maybe you can take the time to support someone that needs it

See each day as an opportunity. 1 year has 365 opportunities. What will opportunity number 1 be for you? Who needs your support?

A-List.

Choosing The Right Equipment.

I'm not here to preach and tell you what you should and shouldn't use, have or buy. Nor am I here to thrust my opinions on you so you feel the same way I do.

These days, I like to think of myself as being one to try before you buy, and use whats comfortable for you. I think that it is fair to say that you only know it all once you've tried it all.

I love a gadget. iPhones, MacBooks, Apple watches, iPads (I see a theme here....), I've tried them all and love them all. The watch not so much, but the rest I have in my armoury of mobile devices. In this day and age, stuff gets done quickly. If it takes too long, its not worth doing, or they'll go somewhere else. Technology assists our everyday need for news, gossip, sports, Facebook, and the list goes on.

We see a man sitting in a cafe window, sipping on a cup of coffee, reading his newspaper, and watching the world go by, like a psychopath. Why do I say psychopath? It's not normal in everyday life to see such an event. We are all glued to our phones and tablets, always looking for the nearest wifi hotspot, needing our fix of social media or online gaming. Gone are the days where we can enjoy each others company without being interrupted by the 'ping' of a text message, or the 'clang' of an email.

It would be hypocritical of me to sit here and tell you that I don't do that too. I try everyday to reduce my data usage, and be more socially aware. I saw three men sitting in a local bar on a Thursday afternoon, 'waiting for their partner', all three sat for over an hour, eyes fixed on the OLED displays of their mobile phones. Not a word uttered, to each other, or to anyone else - except when they needed a refreshment in the form of a pint of lager, or some other alcoholic beverage. I couldn't help thinking it was quite sad, that we as a society cannot make conversation with a total stranger anymore. Perhaps they were all planning world domination.......

Anyway, I digress. Back the subject matter. I used the words 'Right Equipment'. That can be anything. A physical thing, like a pen or paper. A skill, like cutting hair. Or even an emotion or feeling, like being happy or sad. It all depends on where you are and what you want to achieve. When we put our minds to it, anything is possible. We can learn a new skill, become better at something, we can listen to other people and give advice. These are everyday things that we do automatically.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Me? I fumble around for the home button on my phone, and check what time it is. Then, I roll to my left and look at the person I love, usually with a snoring pussy cat in the way, I lean over and give my better half a kiss and then begin the daily ritual of catching up on emails, checking the weather. Oh yeah, then I feed the cat who's waiting patiently by her little pink dish, her eyes fixed on mine as I go into the kitchen and serve up her morning meal. I love a good start to my day.

I believe that you should tell the person you love, that you do indeed love them, face-to-face, at least once a day every day. Text messages, emails and status updates on Facebook do not count. It is always nice to see it written down in black and white, but not as good as hearing it whilst looking into their eyes.

Your mind is the most important piece of equipment you use, and you use it everyday. Make the most of it.

A-List

It's Been A While.

It's been a while.

A-List has been off the radar for a few years, taking a step back from the blogging scene and making waves in other areas of my life.

It is now time to step out of the shadows, and get back on that horse.

A-List has taken on many guises over the years. From blogging to photography - It's always been about things I enjoy and appreciate.

I have had followers from many different walks of life over the years. Many who know me, and many who don't. Either way, this blog was designed to spread the word on my experiences in restaurants, cafes, take-aways and some of Edinburgh's hotspots. Things that mean something to me, may not mean something to someone else, but hopefully, there is something for everyone that chooses to read my blog.

Now, in 2017, I have embarked on a new career path, going back to school to learn something of an art form - Barbering. In a way, I've always wanted to do it. I have always wanted to be part of the fashion industry and learn how to transform a person in a matter of moments. Now is my time.

From my own experience, I love the fuss made in a salon or barbershop. I love the way I feel when I leave after having my hair cut. It's a very personal thing. A very close encounter with a person you trust to take you on a journey. You enter with a need or want - you leave walking on air. It takes something so simple, yet so professional to process the transformation.

I am driven by being that professional (well, almost professional). Being a student is a funny thing. In my early 20s, I didn't think that I would be back at school, let alone learning a new trade, preparing myself for my future. It's something I wouldn't have envisaged, and even now, half-way through the course, It doesn't seem real. But, I love it!

I love everything about it. I learn something new everyday, and I want to learn more. I want to be the best I can be. I'm no world leader, or anything more special that the next person, but only I can push myself to be better than I was yesterday. That philosophy will drive me further and further into this industry and give me more chance to become better.

"Experts make more money" - Chris Foster, The UKs first 'Male Grooming Specialist' and multi award-winning British Barber at The Refinery in Mayfair, London

Chris Foster has inspired me. Over the years, I have encountered some of the United Kingdoms finest hair stylists. Each one has left an imprint on me - each in a different way. Jamie Stevens, Alexander Turnbull, Tracey Devine-Smith and Bruce Masefield - to name a few - have all spoken at length about their experiences and how hairdressing became their passion. It is not just a job or a service. It is a way of life.

I want Barbering to be MY way of life.

I'm still in the early stages, but I have found my passion. I'm not the best, but I want to be. I will be the best barber I can be.

More to follow - lots more!