Saturday, 20 December 2008
Sunday, 14 December 2008
STA(ndrews)-EDI-AMS-DTW-SLC-GAR(land)
5:15 AM Thursday morning - St Andrews time - Woke up to nervous I would sleep through my alarm.
6:15 AM - Fergus came, loaded my luggage and picked me up.
7:50 AM - After driving through a traffic jam on the Forth Road Bridge, we arrived at the airport. I checked in with two bags (Overweight, but they didn’t say anything 26 and 27 kilos) Then on to security, I was being nice and let a woman walk before me through the metal detectors. When I walked through, the detector didn't go off, but I was picked at random to be padded down. fun...
9:30 AM - Boarded flight 1: Edinburgh to Amsterdam – 1 hr 30 min – Not too bad, we got crackers and a chocolate wafer. A quick hour lay over...
After some security questioning boarded.
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Detroit, MI – 8 hrs 45 min – No personal TV screens in the back of the seat. I had an empty seat next to me (bonus) and I met my seat neighbor – retired college professor of psychology, he laughed easily, loved to cook, travels everywhere now, and is very close to his only daughter. Tried out my noise canceling headphones (AMAZING!!) Had a pasta lunch, then they couldn’t get the inflight entertainment working. (although the guy I was sitting by was pretty entertaining, but not really 8 hrs and 45 mins worth!) We had a few beverage services I started reading a (bad ) book, played a chemistry sudoku, continued to wear my noise canceling head phones (The saving grace) and listened to music. Had a veggie wrap. On a walk, I over heard a stewardess say that they would call the paramedics and see what country the guy was from so they could find out what he had… (!?)
Upon landing, we were told to stay seated so the paramedics could remove a sick passenger. A guy from the back of the plane walked to the front and got off. As we got off the plane, we walked by him sitting in a wheel chair surrounded by medics.
We got a $50 coupon because the inflight service didn’t work.
Waited for my luggage to go through customs, got targeted by the little dog that checks your baggage for Ag products. I had carried on an apple that I ate on my flight. As I was waiting for my other luggage, the “sick guy” walked over to collect his baggage and started talking to two of his traveling mates. (I tried to stay away) At customs, I had to go re-unload my two *HEAVY* bags in the agriculture section so they could analyze them. The guy behind me in line was one of the sick guy’s friends.
I asked him where they were coming from
“Kenya” (hmmm, great!). They did humanitarian work and toured around a bit. His suitcase was broken into and his camcorder was stolen. “Where are you going?”
“Salt Lake”
“Hey, we are too” (another great!)
I picked up my luggage and went to leave. It was a little awkward, so I turned around and said “I guess I will see you at the gate”.
I rechecked my luggage and went through security. No lines. I had a 3(+) hr lay over. I wandered for an hour. Stopped at a sports bar and had chili (it was 11 PM St Andrews time) I walked through the shops – Kept walking – Walked around the moving sidewalk 5 times. Over heard the “sick guy” on his cell phone saying “I was sick on the earlier flight, I think I am just exhausted, but they had to check to make sure I wasn’t bringing in any communicable diseases.”
I felt better about things, but still tried to stay away and hoped I wasn’t sitting by them – Boarded the plane.
Flight 3: Detroit to Salt Lake – 4 hrs – I had a row to my self, the only saving grace. I asked the flight attendant for a pillow
“We don’t do pillows anymore, not since 9/11” (I knew I should have followed my instinct and stole a pillow from their previous flight!) I leaned against the window and a little girl kept kicking my seat, luckily she went to sleep pretty quickly. Read my book a bit, closed my eyes and rested. We had a beverage service, I got water. NO FOOD SERVICE. NO INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT, not even a place to plug in headsets. I used my noise canceling headphones (Only saving grace).
10 PM - Local Time - Arrived at Salt Lake City (5 AM St Andrews time). Collected my luggage and my sister drove me home. We got in 2 hours later, unloaded my luggage. I was sooo moody. I couldn’t believe it! Went to sleep for two 3 hour "naps".
I am still tired.
6:15 AM - Fergus came, loaded my luggage and picked me up.
7:50 AM - After driving through a traffic jam on the Forth Road Bridge, we arrived at the airport. I checked in with two bags (Overweight, but they didn’t say anything 26 and 27 kilos) Then on to security, I was being nice and let a woman walk before me through the metal detectors. When I walked through, the detector didn't go off, but I was picked at random to be padded down. fun...
9:30 AM - Boarded flight 1: Edinburgh to Amsterdam – 1 hr 30 min – Not too bad, we got crackers and a chocolate wafer. A quick hour lay over...
After some security questioning boarded.
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Detroit, MI – 8 hrs 45 min – No personal TV screens in the back of the seat. I had an empty seat next to me (bonus) and I met my seat neighbor – retired college professor of psychology, he laughed easily, loved to cook, travels everywhere now, and is very close to his only daughter. Tried out my noise canceling headphones (AMAZING!!) Had a pasta lunch, then they couldn’t get the inflight entertainment working. (although the guy I was sitting by was pretty entertaining, but not really 8 hrs and 45 mins worth!) We had a few beverage services I started reading a (bad ) book, played a chemistry sudoku, continued to wear my noise canceling head phones (The saving grace) and listened to music. Had a veggie wrap. On a walk, I over heard a stewardess say that they would call the paramedics and see what country the guy was from so they could find out what he had… (!?)
Upon landing, we were told to stay seated so the paramedics could remove a sick passenger. A guy from the back of the plane walked to the front and got off. As we got off the plane, we walked by him sitting in a wheel chair surrounded by medics.
We got a $50 coupon because the inflight service didn’t work.
Waited for my luggage to go through customs, got targeted by the little dog that checks your baggage for Ag products. I had carried on an apple that I ate on my flight. As I was waiting for my other luggage, the “sick guy” walked over to collect his baggage and started talking to two of his traveling mates. (I tried to stay away) At customs, I had to go re-unload my two *HEAVY* bags in the agriculture section so they could analyze them. The guy behind me in line was one of the sick guy’s friends.
I asked him where they were coming from
“Kenya” (hmmm, great!). They did humanitarian work and toured around a bit. His suitcase was broken into and his camcorder was stolen. “Where are you going?”
“Salt Lake”
“Hey, we are too” (another great!)
I picked up my luggage and went to leave. It was a little awkward, so I turned around and said “I guess I will see you at the gate”.
I rechecked my luggage and went through security. No lines. I had a 3(+) hr lay over. I wandered for an hour. Stopped at a sports bar and had chili (it was 11 PM St Andrews time) I walked through the shops – Kept walking – Walked around the moving sidewalk 5 times. Over heard the “sick guy” on his cell phone saying “I was sick on the earlier flight, I think I am just exhausted, but they had to check to make sure I wasn’t bringing in any communicable diseases.”
I felt better about things, but still tried to stay away and hoped I wasn’t sitting by them – Boarded the plane.
Flight 3: Detroit to Salt Lake – 4 hrs – I had a row to my self, the only saving grace. I asked the flight attendant for a pillow
“We don’t do pillows anymore, not since 9/11” (I knew I should have followed my instinct and stole a pillow from their previous flight!) I leaned against the window and a little girl kept kicking my seat, luckily she went to sleep pretty quickly. Read my book a bit, closed my eyes and rested. We had a beverage service, I got water. NO FOOD SERVICE. NO INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT, not even a place to plug in headsets. I used my noise canceling headphones (Only saving grace).
10 PM - Local Time - Arrived at Salt Lake City (5 AM St Andrews time). Collected my luggage and my sister drove me home. We got in 2 hours later, unloaded my luggage. I was sooo moody. I couldn’t believe it! Went to sleep for two 3 hour "naps".
I am still tired.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Undefeated!!
This year, my basketball team is doing amazing. Our coach had to leave for a few weeks and he left me in charge of the practice sessions and the games. It has been a lot of pressure, but my team hasn't folded under my watch!!
Here are two Youtube clips from a game, that of course... we WON!! Go Saints!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5M647u3NgFE
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xPYn-796efM
Here are two Youtube clips from a game, that of course... we WON!! Go Saints!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5M647u3NgFE
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xPYn-796efM
Where to Start...
The problem with being busy and not blogging, is more and more stories pile up and they get ignored. So maybe I will ignore the others, maybe I won't, but I figured I should at least write something down.
Today's post is going to be about the latest cake I made. The problem with me making cakes, is I am a perfectionist, the bigger problem, is I am not artistic and I am not creative. I don't know where this cake decorating has come from...
Anyway, here is my latest cake, in the beginning stages,
the stage where I just had to quit for the day,
and the finished product. (Which looked better until I moved it into better lighting to get the picture...)
So I realize it isn't the greatest, but I figure... maybe practice will make perfect. Besides, lumps give the cake that personal touch! Haha! :)
Today's post is going to be about the latest cake I made. The problem with me making cakes, is I am a perfectionist, the bigger problem, is I am not artistic and I am not creative. I don't know where this cake decorating has come from...
Anyway, here is my latest cake, in the beginning stages,
the stage where I just had to quit for the day,
and the finished product. (Which looked better until I moved it into better lighting to get the picture...)
So I realize it isn't the greatest, but I figure... maybe practice will make perfect. Besides, lumps give the cake that personal touch! Haha! :)
Friday, 14 November 2008
Guy Fawkes Night
Here is a little British history from Wikipedia "Guy Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire Night, Cracker Night, Fireworks Night, Bommy Night) is an annual celebration on the evening of the 5th of November. It celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot of the 5 November, 1605 in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, were alleged to be attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, England."
Basically, on Nov. 5th (and sometimes before and after) towns with start a HUGE bonfire and light of tons of fireworks! Last year on this day, I was flunked my driving test (long story) and spent the whole night in my room depressed and crying. This year, I was really looking forward to the festivities, but it fell on a Wednesday night... basketball night. So instead of watching cool fireworks... I was stuck in traffic, driving to Glasgow, seeing the occasional firework from the road. Not my idea of a good Guy Fawkes Night. Alas, this story isn't all bad. We won our basketball game! (Yay!) But also, I found out about a local event held on the Saturday instead of Wednesday.
My friends bailed out on me before the event, but I didn't let that stop me. I went by myself. It was pretty amazing. Here are some pictures below and a movie (hopefully) of my favorite fireworks, you can see how close we were to the fire!! I didn't get to close, because I know what fire can do. These guys, because it is sooo wet over here, have no concept of forest fires! :)
Basically, on Nov. 5th (and sometimes before and after) towns with start a HUGE bonfire and light of tons of fireworks! Last year on this day, I was flunked my driving test (long story) and spent the whole night in my room depressed and crying. This year, I was really looking forward to the festivities, but it fell on a Wednesday night... basketball night. So instead of watching cool fireworks... I was stuck in traffic, driving to Glasgow, seeing the occasional firework from the road. Not my idea of a good Guy Fawkes Night. Alas, this story isn't all bad. We won our basketball game! (Yay!) But also, I found out about a local event held on the Saturday instead of Wednesday.
My friends bailed out on me before the event, but I didn't let that stop me. I went by myself. It was pretty amazing. Here are some pictures below and a movie (hopefully) of my favorite fireworks, you can see how close we were to the fire!! I didn't get to close, because I know what fire can do. These guys, because it is sooo wet over here, have no concept of forest fires! :)
The AU Ball
Every year, St Andrew's Athletic Union have a big fancy ball. This year, my basketball girls (and a few facebook friends) convinced me to go. As you can tell by the following pictures, we all had a great time! (and no, I do not drink! Haha!!)
Me and My Specs...
Rewinding to the beginning of Oct...
Randomly, I made an appointment to see an eye doctor. I have never had my eyes checked before, so I thought it would be a good idea. :) After wearing these funky glasses that he kept putting lenses in and out of and answering a million questions that basically sounded like... Can you see it now?... He told me that I had 25/20 vision in both eyes, meaning I have a hard time seeing distances clearly. He told me if I got glasses, I wouldn't need them all of the time, only for maybe driving or seminars/movies, etc. He told me that I didn't have to get glasses, he cracked open the door and told me to look at the outside world, then he put the funky glasses on and said, this is what the world could look like. He was quite the salesman, but I will still remember that feeling of clarity.
However, since, I am cheap, I didn't want to spend 100 pounds on occasional glasses. So my boss told me about a website to get cheap glasses.
On Monday, I received my first pair of glasses in the mail. They were wrapped in a plastic bag (envelope) and came from China... a little dodgy, but I opened them up. Here are the pictures of me in my new specs:
When I sent one of my friends the pictures, he told me I look like a librarian... that he saw in one of his adult movies. (Is that a compliment?, I hope so!)
So tonight was the first time I wore them when I drove home from work. I am really amazed at how things seem to be soo clear. I mean, they are just a little fuzzy, but with the glasses (the prescription lets me see 15/20) it is like all of the little details pop out at you. I don't know if that is because I am actually noticing all of the little detail, or if I am just seeing it better. Either way, it is amazing what our world is filled with. :)
Randomly, I made an appointment to see an eye doctor. I have never had my eyes checked before, so I thought it would be a good idea. :) After wearing these funky glasses that he kept putting lenses in and out of and answering a million questions that basically sounded like... Can you see it now?... He told me that I had 25/20 vision in both eyes, meaning I have a hard time seeing distances clearly. He told me if I got glasses, I wouldn't need them all of the time, only for maybe driving or seminars/movies, etc. He told me that I didn't have to get glasses, he cracked open the door and told me to look at the outside world, then he put the funky glasses on and said, this is what the world could look like. He was quite the salesman, but I will still remember that feeling of clarity.
However, since, I am cheap, I didn't want to spend 100 pounds on occasional glasses. So my boss told me about a website to get cheap glasses.
On Monday, I received my first pair of glasses in the mail. They were wrapped in a plastic bag (envelope) and came from China... a little dodgy, but I opened them up. Here are the pictures of me in my new specs:
When I sent one of my friends the pictures, he told me I look like a librarian... that he saw in one of his adult movies. (Is that a compliment?, I hope so!)
So tonight was the first time I wore them when I drove home from work. I am really amazed at how things seem to be soo clear. I mean, they are just a little fuzzy, but with the glasses (the prescription lets me see 15/20) it is like all of the little details pop out at you. I don't know if that is because I am actually noticing all of the little detail, or if I am just seeing it better. Either way, it is amazing what our world is filled with. :)
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Really... A whole new level to Online Social Networking!
You know online social networking has gone wrong when they are called
Perfspot
What is that supposed to mean? (Yes, this is rhetorical, I know it means perfect spot, but for me, it is tooo close to Pervspot!)
I don't know, maybe you will find your special someone there, don't let the name stop you. Here is their website:
http://www.perfspot.com/
Perfspot
What is that supposed to mean? (Yes, this is rhetorical, I know it means perfect spot, but for me, it is tooo close to Pervspot!)
I don't know, maybe you will find your special someone there, don't let the name stop you. Here is their website:
http://www.perfspot.com/
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
"Great Scot" - Maybe its only funny in Scotland (to me)?
I went to the grocery store to buy a few things and I needed a bag of flour. After examining all of the various brands and sizes, I finally decided on my guy...
True, this one was 40p more than the cheap version, but I couldn't resist. I love it! It makes me smile inside every time I see it! Haha! :)
True, this one was 40p more than the cheap version, but I couldn't resist. I love it! It makes me smile inside every time I see it! Haha! :)
Monday, 27 October 2008
I Hate Everything, but Most of All...
As I was being completely annoyed with my wireless fading in and out, thinking I HATE MY WIRELESS (Yes, it almost made it as my facebook status!)
I thought back to a road trip that my friends and I took when we were in high school. We drove to Vernal, UT. For some reason, I don't know why, I started a list.
It was titled, "I hate everything, but most of all..."
I wrote SOOO much in this list and eventually, the whole car got into it. Granted, we didn't hate anything, but it was kind of funny the things we put down. I am sure I have the list somewhere lurking in my bedroom at home (I think I saw it a few years ago!)
The moral of this little memory lane trip, is every time I think... Ug, I hate... My mind magically reflects back on this crazy list I wrote on our road trip, and I realize...
I really don't hate anything, in fact everything is Always an Adventure!!
I thought back to a road trip that my friends and I took when we were in high school. We drove to Vernal, UT. For some reason, I don't know why, I started a list.
It was titled, "I hate everything, but most of all..."
I wrote SOOO much in this list and eventually, the whole car got into it. Granted, we didn't hate anything, but it was kind of funny the things we put down. I am sure I have the list somewhere lurking in my bedroom at home (I think I saw it a few years ago!)
The moral of this little memory lane trip, is every time I think... Ug, I hate... My mind magically reflects back on this crazy list I wrote on our road trip, and I realize...
I really don't hate anything, in fact everything is Always an Adventure!!
Basketballs stuck in the RIM?
I just wanted to document the momentous occasion. So this morning at basketball practice, we were doing fun shooting drills. Two girls went up for a shot and BOTH basketballs got stuck in the rim.
Let me emphasize this again. In the RIM! Not the net, the RIM!
I have NEVER in my 21 years of basketball, sometimes 7 days a week, over 3 hours a day, I have NEVER seen this before. If you have, or know of someone who has seen this, please let me know. It was amazing. I only wish I would have thought about getting a picture before the girls got the balls unstuck! AMAZING!
Let me emphasize this again. In the RIM! Not the net, the RIM!
I have NEVER in my 21 years of basketball, sometimes 7 days a week, over 3 hours a day, I have NEVER seen this before. If you have, or know of someone who has seen this, please let me know. It was amazing. I only wish I would have thought about getting a picture before the girls got the balls unstuck! AMAZING!
Friday, 17 October 2008
Feminism at its Best!
So I apologize that this story is kind of gross, but when I read it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in this woman. I guess it is the feminist in me...
Woman beheads man, parades it through streets
LUCKNOW, India (AP) -- A woman chopped the head off a man who allegedly tried to attack her and then paraded the head through a market in northern India, police said Friday.
Police arrested the woman late Thursday after receiving calls from frightened witnesses who reported a blood-soaked woman holding a severed head was walking through the village, said police officer Ram Bharose.
The woman, 35, told police she had gone to a nearby forest to cut grass for fodder for her cattle when a man attacked her from behind.
"In a bid to save her dignity she beheaded him with a sickle," Bharose said, adding that the woman had bite marks on her neck and cheek.
The woman also told police that the man had been harassing and stalking her for three months and she had no regrets about killing him, he said, adding that she would probably be charged with culpable homicide.
The incident took place in Makkapurva village, some 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state.
Woman beheads man, parades it through streets
LUCKNOW, India (AP) -- A woman chopped the head off a man who allegedly tried to attack her and then paraded the head through a market in northern India, police said Friday.
Police arrested the woman late Thursday after receiving calls from frightened witnesses who reported a blood-soaked woman holding a severed head was walking through the village, said police officer Ram Bharose.
The woman, 35, told police she had gone to a nearby forest to cut grass for fodder for her cattle when a man attacked her from behind.
"In a bid to save her dignity she beheaded him with a sickle," Bharose said, adding that the woman had bite marks on her neck and cheek.
The woman also told police that the man had been harassing and stalking her for three months and she had no regrets about killing him, he said, adding that she would probably be charged with culpable homicide.
The incident took place in Makkapurva village, some 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
Rain is Falling All Around?!?
I had to post this video. I looked out my back window and the sun was shining, when I looked to the right a bit, there was TONS of rain falling! It was sooo weird. I opened up the door and there was a line of rain and sun... I decided to record a movie. It isn't very good, but if you look really close to the right, you can see the rain against the trees, and yes, to the right... sunny!? WEIRD, but cool!
Stirling Castle, Castle of Magic
Last weekend (well, the one before last), I drove to Stirling Castle. They were putting on several 'magic' shows, I have a free membership, so I figured I may as well go! It was actually TONS of fun. They had three main stages going, along with magicians, balloonists, and face painters walking around.
I pretty much stuck with two stages. They had one outside for kids, and another one more for adults. In the adult one, the magician pulled me out of the audience as a helper. He was a mind reader. We all drew a picture, and based on our body language, he told us if we had drawn the picture. Later that day, I saw him again, and he signed my picture!!
Since the adult one was inside, I didn't take very many pictures. The kid stage was great though. I am always impressed with these guys who can entertain and do magic in front of kids.
This first guy was German and I was a little surprised about him... He was a great magician, he is making this little girl's mother's wedding ring disappear into several boxes each wrapped in elastic bands. He actually had the little girl do the magic. Anyway, while the little girl was taking the elastics off of the boxes, he said, "Oh, I like these long magic tricks, because then I can have a sip of my beer". Then he reached over and had some of a beer he had sitting behind him. It was a little odd to me, but super funny at the same time!
This next guy was really good too. I saw him both times he performed. Here, he pulled out a dummy and was doing a little ventriloquy work. I will (try) to post a video of him!
Here he is again, this time, his little helper is less than thrilled about dressing up like a mum. At the end of each act, he made a magnificent balloon hat for his helpers. He was great!
On my way out, I decided to take some pictures of the surrounding area. Stirling is one of my favorite places, and since the castle sits on a hill, you get a beautiful view!!
On the way home, I tried to roll up my passenger side car window and I heard a HORRIBLE grinding and cracking noise. My window stopped working. I wasn't sure exactly what to do, so I went to a shopping centre that I have been wanting to go to. After shopping, I went home and my flatmate helped me pull it up a little bit and then we taped a black "bin" (garbage) bag over the crack in the window to keep the moisture out.
and I thought I could get through a day with out a random adventure...
I pretty much stuck with two stages. They had one outside for kids, and another one more for adults. In the adult one, the magician pulled me out of the audience as a helper. He was a mind reader. We all drew a picture, and based on our body language, he told us if we had drawn the picture. Later that day, I saw him again, and he signed my picture!!
Since the adult one was inside, I didn't take very many pictures. The kid stage was great though. I am always impressed with these guys who can entertain and do magic in front of kids.
This first guy was German and I was a little surprised about him... He was a great magician, he is making this little girl's mother's wedding ring disappear into several boxes each wrapped in elastic bands. He actually had the little girl do the magic. Anyway, while the little girl was taking the elastics off of the boxes, he said, "Oh, I like these long magic tricks, because then I can have a sip of my beer". Then he reached over and had some of a beer he had sitting behind him. It was a little odd to me, but super funny at the same time!
This next guy was really good too. I saw him both times he performed. Here, he pulled out a dummy and was doing a little ventriloquy work. I will (try) to post a video of him!
Here he is again, this time, his little helper is less than thrilled about dressing up like a mum. At the end of each act, he made a magnificent balloon hat for his helpers. He was great!
On my way out, I decided to take some pictures of the surrounding area. Stirling is one of my favorite places, and since the castle sits on a hill, you get a beautiful view!!
On the way home, I tried to roll up my passenger side car window and I heard a HORRIBLE grinding and cracking noise. My window stopped working. I wasn't sure exactly what to do, so I went to a shopping centre that I have been wanting to go to. After shopping, I went home and my flatmate helped me pull it up a little bit and then we taped a black "bin" (garbage) bag over the crack in the window to keep the moisture out.
and I thought I could get through a day with out a random adventure...
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
RecipeZaar - OAMC
I decided that I should post about this new recipe site that I found. The site itself isn't anything special. I mean, it is a website with recipes. The cool thing though is in the search... If you search for OAMC, there are TONS of recipes.
I was super confused at first, but I soon realized that OAMC stands for "Once A Month Cooking". They are those recipes that you can prepare a week, a month, or even three months in advance, stick in your freezer and then you can have a fresh cooked meal on those busy days! I think I am going to try a few of those...
So with out further ado... the website:
http://www.recipezaar.com
Enjoy!
I was super confused at first, but I soon realized that OAMC stands for "Once A Month Cooking". They are those recipes that you can prepare a week, a month, or even three months in advance, stick in your freezer and then you can have a fresh cooked meal on those busy days! I think I am going to try a few of those...
So with out further ado... the website:
http://www.recipezaar.com
Enjoy!
Monday, 22 September 2008
Butter
So I forgot to tell this story when it happened, but it is tooo funny to let pass twice.
So my dad and I went to Walmart to pick up some butter so that we could spend the next day bagging our fresh corn to freeze.
So at Walmart, we grabbed 20 packs of butter. (We were going to do a LOT of corn!)
When we got to the counter, the check out girl asks the obvious question: "Wow, what are you going to do with all of that butter!"
Before my dad could answer, I chirped up...
"We are making a butter sculpture for the county fair." The joke was going, she was curious about it and asked if that is what we were really doing, and I looked over, and my dad was laughing SOOO hard. So we had to tell her the truth, but it was super funny! Yay, butter sculptures!
(all of these photos are copied from the internet and are not Amy originals!)
So my dad and I went to Walmart to pick up some butter so that we could spend the next day bagging our fresh corn to freeze.
So at Walmart, we grabbed 20 packs of butter. (We were going to do a LOT of corn!)
When we got to the counter, the check out girl asks the obvious question: "Wow, what are you going to do with all of that butter!"
Before my dad could answer, I chirped up...
"We are making a butter sculpture for the county fair." The joke was going, she was curious about it and asked if that is what we were really doing, and I looked over, and my dad was laughing SOOO hard. So we had to tell her the truth, but it was super funny! Yay, butter sculptures!
(all of these photos are copied from the internet and are not Amy originals!)
Sunday, 21 September 2008
The Notebook
I just watched this movie. I am not a movie person, but it was SOOO good. It made me cry. Please, next time you are in a movie store trying to decide what to watch, Grab this one! I give it two thumbs up!!
Linlithgow Palace
Last Weeks Adventure... I know I am getting behind, but I guess I was never really ahead. Here are the pictures from Linlithgow Palace. I think it was my favorite. I could picture Kings and Queens, Servants, Jesters, and the courtyard. I walked from room to room just imagining how it was and what it was like. The Palace was shaped in a square with a beautiful fountain in the middle of the courtyard. At each corner, there was a large tower and beautiful 3 and sometimes 4 story floors filled with rooms, chapels, wine cellars and kitchen fire places in between the towers. I climbed into each one of them and explored all that I could. It was magical...
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Blackness Castle
This is the second castle I went to today (well, the other one was actually a Palace!) Anyway, it sits right on the shore of the Firth of Forth.
The Front view of Blackness Castle
View from the sea side. From the castle, you walked over a drawbridge onto this "plank". At the end of it, you could see down the Firth and see the old rail bridge and the car bridge very clearly!
The view from the end of the "Plank".
Inside the outer wall. This was one of the towers I climbed!
The following are views from the top of the towers...
This is the doorway to the outer wall, and the next picture is while I am walking along the outer wall.
I probably climbed over 500 of stairs like these today! Whew!!
The Front view of Blackness Castle
View from the sea side. From the castle, you walked over a drawbridge onto this "plank". At the end of it, you could see down the Firth and see the old rail bridge and the car bridge very clearly!
The view from the end of the "Plank".
Inside the outer wall. This was one of the towers I climbed!
The following are views from the top of the towers...
This is the doorway to the outer wall, and the next picture is while I am walking along the outer wall.
I probably climbed over 500 of stairs like these today! Whew!!
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Just Kidding
So remember my post about the Fly-mo? If not, it was one of my first posts...
Well, I decided today it isn't as cool as I originally thought... I just got done mowing our JUNGLE!!!
Well, I decided today it isn't as cool as I originally thought... I just got done mowing our JUNGLE!!!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Oh Cute
Tim sent me a picture of him in his new office and he has tons of pictures of me on the wall... CUTE. :)
Sorry for the Bother...
I went to a store today to pick up a few items, apple/raspberry juice and strawberry jam. While I was there, I found the perfect item... The price above it said £9.99, I roughly calculated how much it would cost for all of my groceries and decided to get it. I figured it would be about £12.
When I got to the front of the check stand (Britains love to que (stand in line), well, I don't know if they love it, or if they are just more patient and don't mind it.) Anyway, the cashier rang up my stuff and said it was £15.36. As she handed me the receipt, I looked and my perfect item was £12.99... Hmmm? So I mentioned it. She went to look for it as I stood there. She couldn't find it, so I then walked back with her to find it. I told her I was doing it so she didn't have to stay up front. She said a wee walk would do her well. I was right... £9.99.
She called the manager and he started pushing buttons. He was doing everything upside down and was hitting all kinds of weird things. I apologized for being a pain, they of course said that it was ok. I said, "Yeah, but you can't see how the people behind me look." There were about 5 people there, who looked up (looking annoyed), but I broke the ice and they started laughing. One woman said, "Oh, you can feel the daggers." It was super funny and I told them I was sorry. The lady directly behind me left the store (probably in a huff!) Haha!
Then, the manager said "Ok, now give her £2.99". I didn't understand what was going on and why he didn't just give me the £3.00, but who knows and I didn't argue... I was afraid of that woman's dagger! :)
When I got to the front of the check stand (Britains love to que (stand in line), well, I don't know if they love it, or if they are just more patient and don't mind it.) Anyway, the cashier rang up my stuff and said it was £15.36. As she handed me the receipt, I looked and my perfect item was £12.99... Hmmm? So I mentioned it. She went to look for it as I stood there. She couldn't find it, so I then walked back with her to find it. I told her I was doing it so she didn't have to stay up front. She said a wee walk would do her well. I was right... £9.99.
She called the manager and he started pushing buttons. He was doing everything upside down and was hitting all kinds of weird things. I apologized for being a pain, they of course said that it was ok. I said, "Yeah, but you can't see how the people behind me look." There were about 5 people there, who looked up (looking annoyed), but I broke the ice and they started laughing. One woman said, "Oh, you can feel the daggers." It was super funny and I told them I was sorry. The lady directly behind me left the store (probably in a huff!) Haha!
Then, the manager said "Ok, now give her £2.99". I didn't understand what was going on and why he didn't just give me the £3.00, but who knows and I didn't argue... I was afraid of that woman's dagger! :)
Why are Americans Overweight?
because they like cheese on everything! -my Scottish friend :)
I don't know, maybe it is true. What do you think?
I don't know, maybe it is true. What do you think?
Amy's Always an Adventure continues...
Sunday night, I decided to go on a walk and then to the grocery store. My walk was beautiful. The air was clear, the sky was blue, the waves were crashing. I took this picture with my phone, so it isn't the greatest!
Me and the North Sea
On my way home, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few things for Monday. I started walking home, when their was this guy standing by a building. (Here they would call him a ned (Non-Educated Delinquent). He stopped me and asked for change to get back to Dundee. Now, I don't know why you would get on a bus to come here, if you couldn't or didn't have enough money to get back. I told him I didn't have any change because I just used it for my groceries (which was a lie and I felt bad about lying, I mean, it was Sunday!)
So I kept walking. I noticed he turned my way and started walking. I thought he was just going to accost the people walking past me. He didn't and kept walking. It was then I noticed how dark it was getting and how there wasn't anyone else on the road, except these drunk guys down at a local's pub.
He then tried to get my attention again... "Hey, do you smoke?" I turned my head to look at him, but kept walking... "No, I don't, sorry"...
I was going to take a short cut path, but as I walked past it, I realized that I couldn't see anyone down it, so I decided to take the long way home and head for the local's pub. I figured, if the guy kept following me, I would walk over and tell them that I think this guy is following me.
Luckily, as I kept walking, he turned down the short cut. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued my walk home. As I turned the corner of the block, I saw him again, standing on another street corner. I hurried and crossed the road. I don't think he noticed me and I think he walking into the church that was on the corner.
It didn't matter. The sky was still beautiful, the air was still clear, and the sunset was pretty. It was just another small adventure in my life (or maybe in my mind.)
Me and the North Sea
On my way home, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few things for Monday. I started walking home, when their was this guy standing by a building. (Here they would call him a ned (Non-Educated Delinquent). He stopped me and asked for change to get back to Dundee. Now, I don't know why you would get on a bus to come here, if you couldn't or didn't have enough money to get back. I told him I didn't have any change because I just used it for my groceries (which was a lie and I felt bad about lying, I mean, it was Sunday!)
So I kept walking. I noticed he turned my way and started walking. I thought he was just going to accost the people walking past me. He didn't and kept walking. It was then I noticed how dark it was getting and how there wasn't anyone else on the road, except these drunk guys down at a local's pub.
He then tried to get my attention again... "Hey, do you smoke?" I turned my head to look at him, but kept walking... "No, I don't, sorry"...
I was going to take a short cut path, but as I walked past it, I realized that I couldn't see anyone down it, so I decided to take the long way home and head for the local's pub. I figured, if the guy kept following me, I would walk over and tell them that I think this guy is following me.
Luckily, as I kept walking, he turned down the short cut. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued my walk home. As I turned the corner of the block, I saw him again, standing on another street corner. I hurried and crossed the road. I don't think he noticed me and I think he walking into the church that was on the corner.
It didn't matter. The sky was still beautiful, the air was still clear, and the sunset was pretty. It was just another small adventure in my life (or maybe in my mind.)
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Day 3: Why my Life is Always an Adventure...
Day 3 is Friday... yeah, I can't even keep track!
I don't think I mentioned this before, but there was a HUGE black spot under my car, so Thursday I checked the oil and it was at the add mark, but there was nothing I could do until I got my car started!
My co-worker decided to bring the battery charger at 10 AM today. So I got up and got ready for the day so I could make my car work. His charger needed to plug into an outlet in the house, so we needed an extension cord that would reach the car. I got out the cord, but it only stretched to the corner of the car, it would have worked, but we decided we should push the car forward a little so it would reach. Just at that moment, a woman came out of a house. Her car was between my house and my car. She said "Oh, I am moving my car right now, so you will be able to move your car and reach better." I always think it is embarrassing when you are working on your car and people come by. It gives me a helpless feeling and one where I don't want them to stop and ask me what I am doing.
So we had the hood up and we put the car in neutral to move it forward. We couldn't get it to budge, so my co-worker got in the car and turned the key. As he turned the key, a huge spray of liquid came spurting from the engine compartment! I told him to stop and I studied the inside of the engine compartment for a while. I then spotted a hose that had come off of its plastic tube. It was a fuel line and had just sprayed petrol (gas) all over the inside of my hood. I replaced hose, but wanted to put it on tighter. There was a pipe clamp on it, so I went into my house to get a screwdriver. As I was walking back out of the house, my co-worker turned the ignition again trying to start the car. It started, but was spraying gas so I told him to shut it off!! I didn't want a fire. I said, "Don't start a fire here, I don't have a fire extinguisher!" (Last year, he had a big fire in the lab, and we still tease him about it!) I then used the screwdriver to put the hose on tighter. I said "Wow! Look how dirty my hands are. I feel like a mechanic!"
Since I, more or less, had everything under control, he went back to work. The sun was shining and it was hot, so I left my hood up so the gasoline could evaporate off and I went in the house to call the garage so I could have them look at it (Never let it be known that I don't trust my own mechanical abilities!) They told me to bring it in after lunch, so I let the gas evaporate off for about 2 hours.
When it was time, I got in my car, and the engine started right up. After checking to make sure there were no more leaks, I drove to the mechanic. I found this experience quite funny. I first drove to the wrong place. Whoops! They looked at me like I was crazy. (Same with the little old guy in their waiting room!)
So when I finally found the right place, one of their mechanics followed me out. I led him to my car, popped the hood, stood it up, and then pointed to the hose.
I said "I think it is a fuel line, but I am not sure I was able to get the pipe clamp tightened." When I turned to him to get his response, he was still looking kind of stunned... Did this girl just do all of that and tell me ... "Yeah, it is a fuel line." He tugged on it a bit and then left to get a screwdriver. He didn't want to tighten it too much, and said, "it looks great to me. You fixed it."
I felt pretty satisfied; I was able to fix my car (practically) by myself. The thing that made me the most proud was when I told my dad the story He told me that I did a great job and that he was proud of me.
At 28.5 years old, there is still nothing like your dad telling you that he is proud and that you did a good job. :) Thanks Dad!
I don't think I mentioned this before, but there was a HUGE black spot under my car, so Thursday I checked the oil and it was at the add mark, but there was nothing I could do until I got my car started!
My co-worker decided to bring the battery charger at 10 AM today. So I got up and got ready for the day so I could make my car work. His charger needed to plug into an outlet in the house, so we needed an extension cord that would reach the car. I got out the cord, but it only stretched to the corner of the car, it would have worked, but we decided we should push the car forward a little so it would reach. Just at that moment, a woman came out of a house. Her car was between my house and my car. She said "Oh, I am moving my car right now, so you will be able to move your car and reach better." I always think it is embarrassing when you are working on your car and people come by. It gives me a helpless feeling and one where I don't want them to stop and ask me what I am doing.
So we had the hood up and we put the car in neutral to move it forward. We couldn't get it to budge, so my co-worker got in the car and turned the key. As he turned the key, a huge spray of liquid came spurting from the engine compartment! I told him to stop and I studied the inside of the engine compartment for a while. I then spotted a hose that had come off of its plastic tube. It was a fuel line and had just sprayed petrol (gas) all over the inside of my hood. I replaced hose, but wanted to put it on tighter. There was a pipe clamp on it, so I went into my house to get a screwdriver. As I was walking back out of the house, my co-worker turned the ignition again trying to start the car. It started, but was spraying gas so I told him to shut it off!! I didn't want a fire. I said, "Don't start a fire here, I don't have a fire extinguisher!" (Last year, he had a big fire in the lab, and we still tease him about it!) I then used the screwdriver to put the hose on tighter. I said "Wow! Look how dirty my hands are. I feel like a mechanic!"
Since I, more or less, had everything under control, he went back to work. The sun was shining and it was hot, so I left my hood up so the gasoline could evaporate off and I went in the house to call the garage so I could have them look at it (Never let it be known that I don't trust my own mechanical abilities!) They told me to bring it in after lunch, so I let the gas evaporate off for about 2 hours.
When it was time, I got in my car, and the engine started right up. After checking to make sure there were no more leaks, I drove to the mechanic. I found this experience quite funny. I first drove to the wrong place. Whoops! They looked at me like I was crazy. (Same with the little old guy in their waiting room!)
So when I finally found the right place, one of their mechanics followed me out. I led him to my car, popped the hood, stood it up, and then pointed to the hose.
I said "I think it is a fuel line, but I am not sure I was able to get the pipe clamp tightened." When I turned to him to get his response, he was still looking kind of stunned... Did this girl just do all of that and tell me ... "Yeah, it is a fuel line." He tugged on it a bit and then left to get a screwdriver. He didn't want to tighten it too much, and said, "it looks great to me. You fixed it."
I felt pretty satisfied; I was able to fix my car (practically) by myself. The thing that made me the most proud was when I told my dad the story He told me that I did a great job and that he was proud of me.
At 28.5 years old, there is still nothing like your dad telling you that he is proud and that you did a good job. :) Thanks Dad!
Day 2: Why my Life is Always an Adventure...
I can't remember very much of Day 2 in Scotland. I went to work relatively early and basically sat there for most of the morning trying to focus, I told co-workers that I think my brain was asleep. I also told them my car wouldn't start and I thought it was the battery. My co-worker offered to bring me a battery charger so I could get enough juice to start my car.
I remember eating lunch late. I went outside and sat down on cement. I don't like to sit on the grass here because there is sooo much rabbit poop all over everywhere. I ate an apple and half of a PB (Creamy) and J (Strawberry) sandwich. As I sat there in the SUN, I thought the breeze was nice and warm, after all I had just come from SUNNY UTAH! Before I left however, I noticed that I was sitting by some air conditioner outlets. Haha!
I also remember being told contradictory things all day. Two people told me I looked very tan and one person said I wasn't very tan. One person asked if I had been loosing weight because I looked skinnier than when I left and another person said that I looked voluptuous. All of these were unrelated people in unrelated situations. It was weird.
Overall, it was a very confusing day.
I remember eating lunch late. I went outside and sat down on cement. I don't like to sit on the grass here because there is sooo much rabbit poop all over everywhere. I ate an apple and half of a PB (Creamy) and J (Strawberry) sandwich. As I sat there in the SUN, I thought the breeze was nice and warm, after all I had just come from SUNNY UTAH! Before I left however, I noticed that I was sitting by some air conditioner outlets. Haha!
I also remember being told contradictory things all day. Two people told me I looked very tan and one person said I wasn't very tan. One person asked if I had been loosing weight because I looked skinnier than when I left and another person said that I looked voluptuous. All of these were unrelated people in unrelated situations. It was weird.
Overall, it was a very confusing day.
Friday, 29 August 2008
Why Amy's Life is Always an Adventure...
So I know most of you think that I say "Always an Adventure with Amy" because I am in Scotland. Being here means I am traveling and exploring new things that are very different from Utah. Well, you would be right on one hand, but let me explain the other hand:
My trip back to Scotland.
Tuesday morning 7 AM (MST) - I decided to load my bags in the car. So I walked out of the house with a bag in one hand (my mom had the other) and a glass of milk in the other hand (breakfast). As I closed the door behind me, I heard this splash, and I had tipped my glass of milk all over my new(ish) suitcase! So as I walked to the car, my mom ran in and grabbed some paper towels to sop up the mess. I thought, "Great, this is the perfect way to start a LONG journey."
8:30 AM (MST) - I arrived at the airport, I had purchased my flight with Continental Airlines. They are located in Terminal 1 at the SLC airport. So my mom and I drug my bags to the check-in counter. When we got to the desk, the woman told us that my first flight was a Delta partner flight, so I have to take my bags there. So we drug the bags from one end of Terminal 1 to the other end of Terminal 2 so I could check in. Where the Delta woman looked a little annoyed to be there.
9:00 AM (MST) - I made it through security and found my gate. Things seemed to be going smoothly. I waited around to board my flight. At boarding, I was one of the last people to get on the plane. There were two people in front of me and when the ticket taker asked them if they could sit in an exit row, they looked totally confused. They didn't know English very well. So one guy in front of me said "I can sit in the Exit row, but I have to have the isle seat." I also told her I could sit in the exit row. I felt pleased, until I realized I would probably be in the middle! I also thought, maybe this is a good omen for my trip and things will be smoother now.
9:50 AM (MST) - I had settled in my seat in the middle of the aisle, but I wasn't worried because there was TONS of leg room. I started talking to the guy next to me.
9:55 AM (MST) - Take-off (Yeah! On time!)
During the flight, I talked to this guy for most of the time, he was really interesting and we had a good conversation. It made the trip seem short. (It was a 4.5 hour flight!)
4:30 PM (EST) - We arrived early to the Newark ALL day that I was going back on the wrong day) but after a chat with a guy at the Mexico City
7:50 PM (EST) - We were supposed to board our flight. Still no word.
8:30 PM (EST) - We were finally able to board. On the plane we loaded.
8:45 PM (EST) - We were all seated ready to go when the pilot told us that Air Traffic Control wasn't letting us go and it would probably be 45 minutes because the Boston airport was having problems with air space! GROAN!
9:15 PM (EST) - We are still in the plane, snacking on pretzels, when the pilot announces that we are now in line for the runway, but we are 20 planes back and they are taking about 2 minutes per plane to board, so 40 more minutes! GROAN!
9:45 PM (EST) - We finally take off! Yeah! We are on our way. After they served us dinner, we were just settling in and the flight attendants were bringing by our second drinks when the pilot got on and said that in about 20 minutes we were going to be experiencing some turbulence, so he wanted to flight attendants to buckle up and put the trays away (This meant it was going to be BAD!) About 20 minutes later, here came the turbulence. It lasted for about 45 minutes or so. There was SO much shifting back and forth, a little up and down and then it would be still before it started bashing us again. For some reason, I was relatively calm. I guess I figured that the flight attendants were sitting back and chatting calmly, so I could be calm too. It was just really weird. After the turbulence ended, the pilot didn't say anything, so I was still a little tense, because you never knew if you were going to be ok or if some more bumps would pop up.
Wednesday Morning:
9:15 AM (GMT ) - We finally landed at the Edinburgh
I considered taking a taxi, but that would be 50 pounds. So I opted for getting a bus to the city and then a train to a nearby train station and have another friend pick me up. I got some money out of the ATM.
9:45 AM (GMT ) - I get on the bus, sad to be back and alone. I look over and there are two older, middle aged women in the seat next to me. They have luggage that has their name and addresses listed as Layton , UT Ogden , UT.
10:20 AM (GMT ) - I drug my two huge bags from the bus across the street and down the road to the train station. I bought a train ticket and waited. I was tired and sweaty!
11:01 AM (GMT ) - I was sitting in the train waiting for it to leave. I found a place to sit where there was PLENTY of room for my luggage. The train conductor came by and told me I had to move because I was in the disabled section. When I looked up at him, I knew he could see the tears in my eyes. I think I was just so exhausted that when I sat down, I just felt myself relax and be emotional. He was a little taken-a-back. So I lumbered my luggage around a corner in the middle of the car and sat down. I was just sad.
12:12 PM (GMT ) - After a few stops, I finally made it to my train stop. I wrestled my bags off the train car and hauled them up and down a HUGE ramp and waited for my friend. He soon arrived and I asked him... "Can you just take me home?"
12:30PM (GMT ) - I finally arrived at my house 5:30 AM (MST) after 22 hours of travelling. I was actually feeling a little better being at home and talking to my friend, so I jumped in my car to go food shopping while I still had energy. It didn't start! I decided to go inside, shower and give up for the day. I was TOO tired to deal with anything else!
I slept for about 4 hours.
6:30 PM (GMT ) - My wonderful flatmate bought me milk so I could at least survive, but I still decided that a walk may do me good, so I decided to walk to the grocery store. I felt like crap and the half a mile walk there was one of the longest ever. I only bought a few essentials. When I got back, I made myself some food, hoping that would help.
11:00 PM (GMT ) - I climbed into bed for a good night sleep! :)
My trip back to Scotland.
Tuesday morning 7 AM (MST) - I decided to load my bags in the car. So I walked out of the house with a bag in one hand (my mom had the other) and a glass of milk in the other hand (breakfast). As I closed the door behind me, I heard this splash, and I had tipped my glass of milk all over my new(ish) suitcase! So as I walked to the car, my mom ran in and grabbed some paper towels to sop up the mess. I thought, "Great, this is the perfect way to start a LONG journey."
8:30 AM (MST) - I arrived at the airport, I had purchased my flight with Continental Airlines. They are located in Terminal 1 at the SLC airport. So my mom and I drug my bags to the check-in counter. When we got to the desk, the woman told us that my first flight was a Delta partner flight, so I have to take my bags there. So we drug the bags from one end of Terminal 1 to the other end of Terminal 2 so I could check in. Where the Delta woman looked a little annoyed to be there.
9:00 AM (MST) - I made it through security and found my gate. Things seemed to be going smoothly. I waited around to board my flight. At boarding, I was one of the last people to get on the plane. There were two people in front of me and when the ticket taker asked them if they could sit in an exit row, they looked totally confused. They didn't know English very well. So one guy in front of me said "I can sit in the Exit row, but I have to have the isle seat." I also told her I could sit in the exit row. I felt pleased, until I realized I would probably be in the middle! I also thought, maybe this is a good omen for my trip and things will be smoother now.
During the flight, I talked to this guy for most of the time, he was really interesting and we had a good conversation. It made the trip seem short. (It was a 4.5 hour flight!)
8:45 PM (EST) - We were all seated ready to go when the pilot told us that Air Traffic Control wasn't letting us go and it would probably be 45 minutes because the Boston airport was having problems with air space! GROAN!
9:15 PM (EST) - We are still in the plane, snacking on pretzels, when the pilot announces that we are now in line for the runway, but we are 20 planes back and they are taking about 2 minutes per plane to board, so 40 more minutes! GROAN!
Wednesday Morning:
I considered taking a taxi, but that would be 50 pounds. So I opted for getting a bus to the city and then a train to a nearby train station and have another friend pick me up. I got some money out of the ATM.
11:
12:
I slept for about 4 hours.
6:30 PM (
Friday, 22 August 2008
Jaiden Nicholas Esplin
Kelly had her baby on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:25 AM. His name is Jaiden Nicholas Esplin. He was 7 lbs and 7 oz and 20.5" long. He seems like a very happy baby. Here is his picture at the hospital about 5 hours after he was born.
Here is Haylee, the proud, big sister. The lighting in the picture isn't great, but isn't she SOOO cute! :)
Here is Haylee, the proud, big sister. The lighting in the picture isn't great, but isn't she SOOO cute! :)
Monday, 11 August 2008
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Glasgow River Festival
Shelly (my partner) and I were invited to participate in the Urban Beach Volleyball Tour in Glasgow at the River Festival this past weekend. The top four women's and top four men's beach volleyball teams were invited. Here is the venue from our motel room. You can see the court next to the Clyde River in Glasgow.
Because it was such a big event with sponsors and such, they gave us free "clothing" to wear. When we showed up, they handed us bags with two different colors of bikinis!! There was quite a bit of mixed emotion on what was going to be worn.
Saturday, it was round robin, so we played everyone. Half of the girls wore bikinis, I wore a bikini top and shorts that matched. My partner and I didn't play the best on the first day, but it was pretty amazing. They had set up a beach volleyball court on the edge of a parking lot. We were surrounded by booths and boats and fire engines and every 30 minutes or so, a tour bus would drive by!! Here is some if the action. I am getting ready to pass the volleyball.
That evening after a hot shower and a bit of TV vegging, we went out to an Indian restaurant and had some curry. Indian food was new to Tim and I, but everyone else that came loved it! I didn't like the spicy HOT appetizers as much, but my main course of chicken was great (Only because after I ordered, Iain (a volleyball buddy) yelled across the table, "MILD, make hers MILD!")
Sunday, we played the semi-finals and the finals. Well, I did it then- I showed off my body. The shorts came off and there I was, playing half naked in front of (what felt like the whole city of) Glasgow! It seemed like everywhere I looked there was another wide angle zoom lens! One photographer told Tim, "look Amy is playing in a bikini! Do you want me to get photos? I can get some from the front and the back!" Tim said "Yeah, that would be great!" I think I know when they had this conversation, because at the beginning of the match, when we were announced onto the court, I looked over toward Tim and a small group of people around him were laughing! Here is the match, I am on the left. Don't look too close at the cottage cheese on my bottom!
Unfortunately, we didn't play 100% and lost that match, but I can truthfully say I played in a bikini! We ended up winning the 3rd place match though. It was great to end strong! If you're going to finish the weekend 2-7 in games, you might as well win the last two. I don't have pictures of the third place game because Tim was referring. Isn't he cute in his little referee outfit? He got to keep the hat.
Tim wants everyone to know that he missed playing in the tournament himself by one lousy point (he had 63.5 points and the fourth-place men's team had 64.5 points) He figures he got jobbed by the officials in the qualifying tournaments, so he officiated this one in revenge. If you can't beat 'em...
After the final, it was really neat, because they brought out a podium for an awards ceremony. Here some Scottish bagpipers are "piping in the players".
The closing ceremony presented another conundrum for me. All but one of the other players was wearing their bikinis and I figured I would skew the picture if I didn't match. So here is a picture of ALL of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams... the things you do for a £25 check (that's, like, fifty bucks!). Haha!
Here are all of the girls on the podium...
All in all, it was a lot of fun and one this is for sure, I can pretend like I was professional. After all, I played in a bikini!
Because it was such a big event with sponsors and such, they gave us free "clothing" to wear. When we showed up, they handed us bags with two different colors of bikinis!! There was quite a bit of mixed emotion on what was going to be worn.
Saturday, it was round robin, so we played everyone. Half of the girls wore bikinis, I wore a bikini top and shorts that matched. My partner and I didn't play the best on the first day, but it was pretty amazing. They had set up a beach volleyball court on the edge of a parking lot. We were surrounded by booths and boats and fire engines and every 30 minutes or so, a tour bus would drive by!! Here is some if the action. I am getting ready to pass the volleyball.
That evening after a hot shower and a bit of TV vegging, we went out to an Indian restaurant and had some curry. Indian food was new to Tim and I, but everyone else that came loved it! I didn't like the spicy HOT appetizers as much, but my main course of chicken was great (Only because after I ordered, Iain (a volleyball buddy) yelled across the table, "MILD, make hers MILD!")
Sunday, we played the semi-finals and the finals. Well, I did it then- I showed off my body. The shorts came off and there I was, playing half naked in front of (what felt like the whole city of) Glasgow! It seemed like everywhere I looked there was another wide angle zoom lens! One photographer told Tim, "look Amy is playing in a bikini! Do you want me to get photos? I can get some from the front and the back!" Tim said "Yeah, that would be great!" I think I know when they had this conversation, because at the beginning of the match, when we were announced onto the court, I looked over toward Tim and a small group of people around him were laughing! Here is the match, I am on the left. Don't look too close at the cottage cheese on my bottom!
Unfortunately, we didn't play 100% and lost that match, but I can truthfully say I played in a bikini! We ended up winning the 3rd place match though. It was great to end strong! If you're going to finish the weekend 2-7 in games, you might as well win the last two. I don't have pictures of the third place game because Tim was referring. Isn't he cute in his little referee outfit? He got to keep the hat.
Tim wants everyone to know that he missed playing in the tournament himself by one lousy point (he had 63.5 points and the fourth-place men's team had 64.5 points) He figures he got jobbed by the officials in the qualifying tournaments, so he officiated this one in revenge. If you can't beat 'em...
After the final, it was really neat, because they brought out a podium for an awards ceremony. Here some Scottish bagpipers are "piping in the players".
The closing ceremony presented another conundrum for me. All but one of the other players was wearing their bikinis and I figured I would skew the picture if I didn't match. So here is a picture of ALL of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams... the things you do for a £25 check (that's, like, fifty bucks!). Haha!
Here are all of the girls on the podium...
All in all, it was a lot of fun and one this is for sure, I can pretend like I was professional. After all, I played in a bikini!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
