Christmas this year was a different affair . . . usually I surround myself by people, particularly when I am faced with another family-less Christmas, but this year I wanted something different. Specifically, I wanted to be alone this year . . . it's hard to explain why . . . I mean, it's not that I suddenly turned into the Grinch or anything, it's just that for over a year now it's just been go-go-go in my life. Specifically, the past year and a half has basically looked like this:
finish my masters, rush home to say my good-byes, move to Scotland, get a job, get a place to live, get a new job, move to England, work ridiculous hours for little pay, move back to Scotland, find a job, find a place to live, find a new job . . . you get the picture.
And, yes, that has really been what the past year a half has been all about. It's been stressful, but I am glad I am where I am today. So, basically what I am trying to say is that I wanted to relax and enjoy the day, and not have to worry about whether everyone else was having a good time - perhaps I was being selfish, but I really enjoyed my Christmas.
Don't get me wrong - I was incredibly disappointed not to have been able to afford the astronomical flight prices this year in order to get home and spend time with my family. When the reality sunk in that I was going to be stuck in Scotland while everyone else was at home, I had to move on to Plan B: Skype. I organized a surprise rendez-vous with my uncle via skype for Christmas day, as my family were all going over to his house to open gifts and eat Christmas Dinner. It was really nice to be able to see them open their gifts that I sent them and, hopefully, it was also nice for them to see me open their gifts. It was honestly the next best thing to being home.
On a related note, I was really touched this year by my friends who took the time to get in touch. It really meant a lot to hear from each of you. Thanks for everything and all the best for 2009!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Economic Blues
From reading the newspaper lately, I cannot help but feel a new form of winter blues. Specifically, the economic blues. Article after article sends me into a spiraling depression from which there seems to be no way out.
Woolworths, a company that first began in 1878 (Source: Wikipedia), is closing all of it's stores in the UK, resulting in approximately 22,000 jobs being lost. That is bad enough, but there's more. One of the latest companies to potentially fail is Jaguar Land Rover. Company officials asked the UK government for help (in the form of £1bn over the next 18 months) or else they will likely be forced to close their doors, resulting in 15,000 staff being out of work. Furthermore, if Jaguar Land Rover closes it's doors, there will be huge knock-on effects which could result in the doubling of people being out of work due to Jaguar's closure doubling.
The latest article that I read was citing many high street stores as potentially having to close down in the new year as they may not be able to pay their rent. One person said that what we could expect to see in the new year would be a "bloodbath". Ouch. And how is the UK government responding? By throwing money at the problems.
First of all, similar to the US there is a bank "bail-out" underway. HBOS (Halifax, Bank of Scotland, etc) was forced this year to seek a merger with Lloyds. This seemed to be the beginning of the end for the banking system as we know it. Although, the truth is that it started far earlier with Northern Rock going under.
Most recently, George W. Bush has agreed to provide $17bn to the ailing car manufacturing companies, Chrysler and GM. Naturally, this has resulted in the UK government feeling pressure to provide Jaguar with cash as well. A subsidy of some sort will likely be agreed upon in the coming days, but where does it end? And, more to the point, where are our governments getting this kind of money from?
The UK government's latest venture has resulted in them secretly selling shares in a Atomic Weapons Establishment to an American engineering firm. This was apparently done to raise well needed money and also results in the UK government having no say in nuclear warhead production in Britain. This makes me feel ever so slightly uncomfortable.
Overall, it feels like the governments trying to put a plaster (aka a bandaid) on a gaping gunshot wound. I don't think it will work in the long term, but it might slow things down for now.
For me, all of this has resulted in three major concerns:
1. What does all of this mean for me?
Really, at the end of the day, I think that is what most people are thinking. Will any of the companies I work for go under? Will I be looking for a new job? Do I have enough money saved to get me through this economic downturn? The fact is, no one can really answer that question. I expect, as do many of the "experts" that things will get worse before they get better. All I can do is wait and see.
2. What happens if the government commits too much money?
Let's face it, the government does not have infinite amounts of cash, so how are they going to finance all these ventures? One of the reasons why we got into this mess in the first place is because people spent more money than they had. Is the government doing the same thing?
3. Where do our respective governments draw the line?
By lending money to the big banks, and the big car companies, our governments are setting a potentially dangerous precedent. What happens when other big companies get into trouble? What about the little companies? How does one decide who to help and who to let fall by the way side?
Ugh, sorry if this post has depressed you! Perhaps I should have put a warning label at the top stating that my blues may be contagious????
Woolworths, a company that first began in 1878 (Source: Wikipedia), is closing all of it's stores in the UK, resulting in approximately 22,000 jobs being lost. That is bad enough, but there's more. One of the latest companies to potentially fail is Jaguar Land Rover. Company officials asked the UK government for help (in the form of £1bn over the next 18 months) or else they will likely be forced to close their doors, resulting in 15,000 staff being out of work. Furthermore, if Jaguar Land Rover closes it's doors, there will be huge knock-on effects which could result in the doubling of people being out of work due to Jaguar's closure doubling.
The latest article that I read was citing many high street stores as potentially having to close down in the new year as they may not be able to pay their rent. One person said that what we could expect to see in the new year would be a "bloodbath". Ouch. And how is the UK government responding? By throwing money at the problems.
First of all, similar to the US there is a bank "bail-out" underway. HBOS (Halifax, Bank of Scotland, etc) was forced this year to seek a merger with Lloyds. This seemed to be the beginning of the end for the banking system as we know it. Although, the truth is that it started far earlier with Northern Rock going under.
Most recently, George W. Bush has agreed to provide $17bn to the ailing car manufacturing companies, Chrysler and GM. Naturally, this has resulted in the UK government feeling pressure to provide Jaguar with cash as well. A subsidy of some sort will likely be agreed upon in the coming days, but where does it end? And, more to the point, where are our governments getting this kind of money from?
The UK government's latest venture has resulted in them secretly selling shares in a Atomic Weapons Establishment to an American engineering firm. This was apparently done to raise well needed money and also results in the UK government having no say in nuclear warhead production in Britain. This makes me feel ever so slightly uncomfortable.
Overall, it feels like the governments trying to put a plaster (aka a bandaid) on a gaping gunshot wound. I don't think it will work in the long term, but it might slow things down for now.
For me, all of this has resulted in three major concerns:
1. What does all of this mean for me?
Really, at the end of the day, I think that is what most people are thinking. Will any of the companies I work for go under? Will I be looking for a new job? Do I have enough money saved to get me through this economic downturn? The fact is, no one can really answer that question. I expect, as do many of the "experts" that things will get worse before they get better. All I can do is wait and see.
2. What happens if the government commits too much money?
Let's face it, the government does not have infinite amounts of cash, so how are they going to finance all these ventures? One of the reasons why we got into this mess in the first place is because people spent more money than they had. Is the government doing the same thing?
3. Where do our respective governments draw the line?
By lending money to the big banks, and the big car companies, our governments are setting a potentially dangerous precedent. What happens when other big companies get into trouble? What about the little companies? How does one decide who to help and who to let fall by the way side?
Ugh, sorry if this post has depressed you! Perhaps I should have put a warning label at the top stating that my blues may be contagious????
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sweden!
Lately, I have had very itchy feet - the travel bug has struck again. I don't remember the last time I went to another country for a holiday! In fact, I don't remember the last time I had a break. Sure, I went to Fort William recently, but I injured my back so badly that I can assure you it was not a relaxing vacation! So, I have been eager to travel somewhere, anywhere really, as soon as possible. However, I have been severly hampered by lack of funds.
Enter RyanAir with a brilliant sale!
I have scored flights to Stockholm, Sweden for 79pence (Roughly equivalent to $1.60) each way + tax. I think that's a pretty good deal! I've never been to Sweden or any of the nordic European countries before, so I am really looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will need to go to Waterstones to pick up a trusty Lonely Planet to use in my adventure. I go to Stockholm in February, so it'll likely be pretty cold there still! I'm not sure how cold it really gets, but I guess I will find out. It can't be worse than Ottawa, can it?
Hopefully, RyanAir will still be alive and well in February . . . I am worried that it might go under!
If anyone has been to Stockholm and has any recommendations, I would appreciate it!
Enter RyanAir with a brilliant sale!
I have scored flights to Stockholm, Sweden for 79pence (Roughly equivalent to $1.60) each way + tax. I think that's a pretty good deal! I've never been to Sweden or any of the nordic European countries before, so I am really looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will need to go to Waterstones to pick up a trusty Lonely Planet to use in my adventure. I go to Stockholm in February, so it'll likely be pretty cold there still! I'm not sure how cold it really gets, but I guess I will find out. It can't be worse than Ottawa, can it?
Hopefully, RyanAir will still be alive and well in February . . . I am worried that it might go under!
If anyone has been to Stockholm and has any recommendations, I would appreciate it!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
I went to the Zoo!!!
St Andrew'sDay weekend, was a frightfully cold one, but there was a lot of free stuff on, as per usual. Edinburgh Castle was free, but I'd already been there . . . .the zoo was free, and while I'd already been there too, a free opportunity to go again was hard to miss. Especially since I didn't get to see all of the animals the last time I was there. In fact, even though I spent 3 hours at the zoo on St. Andrew's Day, I still only made it to about half of the enclosures . . . it looks like I wil have to go back!
Some of my favourite animals I saw were:
African Painted Dogs
The Grey-Crowned Crane
Penguins
Pygmy Hippo
(the fence to the right only comes up to about waist height)
Rainbow Lorikeets
I got to feed them nectar as they landed on my arm!
Cotton-topped tamarin
(I know it's a blurry picture, but he's too cute!)
Some of my favourite animals I saw were:
African Painted Dogs
The Grey-Crowned Crane
Penguins
Pygmy Hippo(the fence to the right only comes up to about waist height)
Rainbow Lorikeets
I got to feed them nectar as they landed on my arm!
Cotton-topped tamarin(I know it's a blurry picture, but he's too cute!)
And when the end of the day drew near, I got to see a beautiful sunset from corstorphine hill:
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Forgotten Posts, Full Frontal Fringe, and Fort William
Hello, hello, hello! My goodness, it's been a long absence on my behalf and I do want to take this opportunity to apologise! (I have been scolded through Facebook about my lack of posting of late). There is no real excuse for it really, except to say that I have been BUSY! I have started (and never quite finished) several well intentioned posts commenting on things like the Canadian Election, Thanksgiving, My ONE year anniversary of moving back over to the UK, and the US Election, but alas all have been lost, as it seems rather pointless to comment on those items now. Well, okay, maybe just a quick synopsis:
Canadian Election: boo Harper!
Thanksgiving: I missed eating turkey (they don't have thanksgiving here)
One Year in the UK: Yay me . . . I am now one step closer to dual citizenship!
US Election: Yay Obama! (Interestingly, Obama's whole platform was about creating change and I would just like to mention that a good American friend of mine who had been unemployed for about 8 months, suddenly got a job after Obama was elected - coincidence? I doubt it! haha)
Life has been good, but dominated by work. I now have three jobs (I think that also happened during my temporary hiatus) so you can imagine that life is busy. But, that's just how the cookie crumbles. I am trying to save money so that I can go home next summer and to pay off some debt that I have from moving 12 times in 5 years! Hence, the extra jobs. Also, given all the doom stories about financial meltdowns and credit crunches and what not, it just seemed sensible to get as many jobs as possible in case one of them disappeared suddenly!
A while ago I posted about taking the "plunge" and getting a fringe (aka bangs) again. I meant to post pics, but never got around to taking them . . . until today. Voila . . . below please find an image of my First Aid Scissors Massacre:
A few weeks back I planned a last minute weekend away, since I'd managed to score return tickets to anywhere in Scotland for just £15. I chose to go to Fort William and planned a wonderful weekend of sightseeing and hiking. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a simply awful weekend, as about an hour before I was supposed to board the train, I was running to catch a bus and I felt something "go wrong" in my back. It was pretty painful, but I didn't have time to think about it as I had to rush home, pack (I am slightly famous for my last minute packing, eh V?), and then catch the train. Unfortunately, five hours later when the train arrived in Fort William I couldn't stand up straight and could barely walk. I spent the weekend in the hotel room not being able to move without being in serious pain. I did force myself out for a short and slow walk at one point just so I could say I "saw" some of Fort William (my 3 photos from this journey are displayed below). When I got back to Edinburgh I went to see the doctor who told me that I had most likely torn a muscle in my back (no wonder I was in so much pain!). It's almost back to normal now though, thank goodness, but I can't help but wonder if this back injury is a sign that I am getting old???
The water was pretty still
There were snowcapped mountains in the distance
See?
Canadian Election: boo Harper!
Thanksgiving: I missed eating turkey (they don't have thanksgiving here)
One Year in the UK: Yay me . . . I am now one step closer to dual citizenship!
US Election: Yay Obama! (Interestingly, Obama's whole platform was about creating change and I would just like to mention that a good American friend of mine who had been unemployed for about 8 months, suddenly got a job after Obama was elected - coincidence? I doubt it! haha)
Life has been good, but dominated by work. I now have three jobs (I think that also happened during my temporary hiatus) so you can imagine that life is busy. But, that's just how the cookie crumbles. I am trying to save money so that I can go home next summer and to pay off some debt that I have from moving 12 times in 5 years! Hence, the extra jobs. Also, given all the doom stories about financial meltdowns and credit crunches and what not, it just seemed sensible to get as many jobs as possible in case one of them disappeared suddenly!
A while ago I posted about taking the "plunge" and getting a fringe (aka bangs) again. I meant to post pics, but never got around to taking them . . . until today. Voila . . . below please find an image of my First Aid Scissors Massacre:
A few weeks back I planned a last minute weekend away, since I'd managed to score return tickets to anywhere in Scotland for just £15. I chose to go to Fort William and planned a wonderful weekend of sightseeing and hiking. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a simply awful weekend, as about an hour before I was supposed to board the train, I was running to catch a bus and I felt something "go wrong" in my back. It was pretty painful, but I didn't have time to think about it as I had to rush home, pack (I am slightly famous for my last minute packing, eh V?), and then catch the train. Unfortunately, five hours later when the train arrived in Fort William I couldn't stand up straight and could barely walk. I spent the weekend in the hotel room not being able to move without being in serious pain. I did force myself out for a short and slow walk at one point just so I could say I "saw" some of Fort William (my 3 photos from this journey are displayed below). When I got back to Edinburgh I went to see the doctor who told me that I had most likely torn a muscle in my back (no wonder I was in so much pain!). It's almost back to normal now though, thank goodness, but I can't help but wonder if this back injury is a sign that I am getting old???
The water was pretty still
There were snowcapped mountains in the distance
See?Monday, September 29, 2008
Postcards and other unassociated ramblings
For those of you who have sent me postcards . . . THANK YOU! (see previous post here) My "Postcard Wall" is starting to come together. Keep those postcards coming!
On a completely unrelated note, I actually finished my "to do list" today. It feels very strange. I don't know what to do now. Help!
On a completely unrelated note, I actually finished my "to do list" today. It feels very strange. I don't know what to do now. Help!
A lesson in Scottish food and drink
So, I volunteered to make dinner for a friend of mine tomorrow night. I decided early on that a Mexican theme would be the way to go. This meal will include many things, one of them being sangria (okay, so it's not strictly Mexican) and a dessert made out of jello . . . again, not quite Mexican, but I planned to make it a triple layer of jello in a tall clear glass, using jello that loosely represented colours from Mexico (i.e., red, green, and either orange or yellow). I freely admit that my jello dessert idea was borrowed from someone else (and also that it is really really good).
Off I went to the local supermarket to pick up all the ingredients I would need. Lesson 1 that I learned has to do with the dessert. They don't have anything called jello over here, so I was stuck in what I hoped was the right aisle looking for something similar. I found a box with the word "Jelly" on it, which looked similar to the Jello boxes from Canada. After reading the directions I was a little skeptical (it called for putting the jelly "cubes" in the microwave!) but I had no other option, so I placed three different flavours into my basket. The other problem with the dessert idea was that they didn't have that great of a selection for different flavours: I ended up having to get red (strawberry), orange (orange), and purple (black currant). Not very Mexican, but it'd have to do.
I came home and decided to make up my first layer of the dessert. I grabbed the strawberry package and opened it up. Inside was not powder (as would be expected from Jello) but a block of cubed gel. The only way I can try to explain it is that it kind of looked like a filled ice cube tray, but it was completely made of jello. What you do next is put the gel cubes in a container, add 100ml of water, and heat it in the microwave for 1min. Surprisingly, it seemed to do the trick and I now have two layers of jello-like material chilling in my fridge.
Lesson 2 had to do with getting the ingredients for the sangria. I needed club soda, but as far as I could see at Tesco there is no such thing as Club Soda. I think I was in the right section: I could see tonic water, soda water, flavoured water, etc, but nothing with the word "club" in it. In the end, I went for the water with the word "soda" in it and I hope that it will be the right thing. I will find out tomorrow night!
I find it both frustrating and amusing that even though we speak the same language, there are so many different words for the same thing!
e.g. Canadian pants = UK trousers, while UK pants = Canadian Underwear
Australian thong = Canadian flip flops
Canadian pavement = UK road, while UK pavement = Canadian sidewalk (this one was very tricky when I was working with kids and wanted to tell them to get on the pavement, i.e. off the road, but that would have meant the complete opposite to them! I had to be VERY VERY careful of what I was saying!)
Off I went to the local supermarket to pick up all the ingredients I would need. Lesson 1 that I learned has to do with the dessert. They don't have anything called jello over here, so I was stuck in what I hoped was the right aisle looking for something similar. I found a box with the word "Jelly" on it, which looked similar to the Jello boxes from Canada. After reading the directions I was a little skeptical (it called for putting the jelly "cubes" in the microwave!) but I had no other option, so I placed three different flavours into my basket. The other problem with the dessert idea was that they didn't have that great of a selection for different flavours: I ended up having to get red (strawberry), orange (orange), and purple (black currant). Not very Mexican, but it'd have to do.
I came home and decided to make up my first layer of the dessert. I grabbed the strawberry package and opened it up. Inside was not powder (as would be expected from Jello) but a block of cubed gel. The only way I can try to explain it is that it kind of looked like a filled ice cube tray, but it was completely made of jello. What you do next is put the gel cubes in a container, add 100ml of water, and heat it in the microwave for 1min. Surprisingly, it seemed to do the trick and I now have two layers of jello-like material chilling in my fridge.
Lesson 2 had to do with getting the ingredients for the sangria. I needed club soda, but as far as I could see at Tesco there is no such thing as Club Soda. I think I was in the right section: I could see tonic water, soda water, flavoured water, etc, but nothing with the word "club" in it. In the end, I went for the water with the word "soda" in it and I hope that it will be the right thing. I will find out tomorrow night!
I find it both frustrating and amusing that even though we speak the same language, there are so many different words for the same thing!
e.g. Canadian pants = UK trousers, while UK pants = Canadian Underwear
Australian thong = Canadian flip flops
Canadian pavement = UK road, while UK pavement = Canadian sidewalk (this one was very tricky when I was working with kids and wanted to tell them to get on the pavement, i.e. off the road, but that would have meant the complete opposite to them! I had to be VERY VERY careful of what I was saying!)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Silly Osprey!
Some of you may remember that I posted a while back about a webcam where you could watch baby ospreys as they grew up and started to learn to fly. Well, each winter these ospreys migrate to Africa (who can blame them with the winters that happen over here?). The two chicks that fledged the nest at Loch Garten in the highlands of Scotland were fitted with radio transmitters so that the wildlife biologists that are interested in them could follow their route. They've also made the signals, and therefore the paths that the birds are flying, available on google earth so that people with an interest can follow their progress. For the past 4-5 weeks the two chicks have been staying in southern England (in different areas) eating lots of fish and not venturing too far. One, the male bird named Deshar, had been based in the very south west of England for ages when he finally decided to make his move, so to speak, on Friday. However, instead of flying ESW across the channel to France, as I and most other people would have expected him to, he's flying WSW. The problem with that is that there is absolutely no land that way until the Azores (see image below). The experts think he's actually been flying without a break for two whole days! What will happen to poor little Deshar? The satellite won't pass him again until tomorrow, so I just have to wait to find out . . . the suspense! It's almost as good as an episode of Eastenders! ;)
Friday, September 26, 2008
What did you do today?
(Feel free to tell me via the comment section)
As for me, well, I walked 13 miles today and am now very tired.
THE END.
P.S. I also have VERY sore feet.
As for me, well, I walked 13 miles today and am now very tired.
THE END.
P.S. I also have VERY sore feet.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The reviews are in and the verdict is . . .
Not guilty! Oh, wait - (must remember to save that excuse for later) - what I meant to say was: Undecided! As in, I am still undecided about the new job. There are both good points (e.g. the hours of work) and bad points (e.g. the pay). Plus, it's hard to really get a feel for it cause they're currently short staffed so I have yet to have a "normal" day. Plus, on Wednesday, it looks like I will be running my section all by myself after only working there for a week because no one else will be in. It should be interesting because I don't yet have passwords or anything for the computers! I wonder how much trouble I can get up to?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Day the Bank Died
That’s right ladies and gentlemen . . . . the mighty Bank of Scotland (and all its associations: Halifax, etc), turned out not to be very strong in the current economy and had to be BAILED OUT by Lloyds TSB (a competitor bank) before COMPLETELY collapsing. I can still get out money which is good, but it is seriously making me think about how safe the banking industry really is. And it makes me sad to know that the Bank of Scotland is no more. Just like Bookworld. Hmmmmm – I wonder if Andy banks there? (Ali, you’ll understand that one!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Picnic Lunch
I went on a hike on Sunday and when I stopped for lunch, this was my view. Just thought I would try to make you jealous!
(you can click on it for a larger image though you may need to click twice!)
(you can click on it for a larger image though you may need to click twice!)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Lots and lots to say
I have much news to fill you in on and I am happy to finally have some time to do it. I have a few days off so I am trying to catch up on many of the things I have been avoiding/unable to do lately.
New job
The last time I posted things were still quite up in the air about when my start date would be for my new job. I did finally get my background check about a week and a half ago and I thought I would then be good to start. But, I managed to get a little more drama in my life when I was told that actually they were missing a reference for me. Why they couldn't have told me this while I was waiting for the background check to finally come through I don't know. Again, Admin is so frustrating! So, I had to do some serious scrambling to sort everything out (I will spare you the details here) but eventually (as in yesterday) things finally did come together. And, I am happy to report that I will be starting my new job on Tuesday. Finally! I am really looking forward to it.
Financials
Ah, the financial burden of moving 12 times in 5 years has definitely caught up with me! Things are starting to get a bit more under control, but this month I was faced with the challenge of trying to somehow squeeze another £100 or so from my budget. I had no idea how I was going to come up with the money. But, it turned out that there is a way. Basically, I am currently on holiday from my current job for the next 3 weeks and that has solved my financial issues for the month. Too good to be true you ask? Well, this is how it works. I am on holiday from my current job so they are going to be paying me for about 30hrs of work per week, but during my holiday, I will also be starting my new job, which will also be paying me for 30hrs of work per week . . . .so in total I will be paid for 60hrs work, but only do half of it! Yes, I agree, it does sound too good to be true, but I am going to go with it for now.
Allotment
For anyone who may not know in the uk you can rent small plots of land (called an allotment) to grow flowers and vegetables on. In Edinburgh these allotments are primarily managed by the Council and there can be a wide range of people with allotments in the same area of land (sometimes as many as 100 allotments together). I decided that I would really like to have my own garden, and since I don't have access to any land in the flat I am currently living in, an allotment would be the way to go. At the moment, with soaring food prices and a shift towards more organic foods, the demand for allotments is quite high. I knew there was a waiting list for all allotments in the city, but I was expecting to wait maybe a year or so before I could get my own special plot. However, when I called the Allotment Officer I was informed that the process could take as long as 4-5 years! I now have an application form and I had better fill it in soon so I can get the process started.
Zoom Airlines
Zoom, the budget airline I use all the time to fly back and forth between Canada and Scotland has gone bust due to increasing fuel costs! They went under several weeks ago taking with it the only airline that did direct flights from Glasgow to Halifax. It was also the cheapest option by far. And, this means that I will most definitely not be able to afford to go home for Christmas this year. It's a shame, but realistically I very likely might not have been able to afford it even if Zoom was still here. Plus, I have to look on the bright side - I would much rather come home for a visit next summer when I can go to the beach!
West Highland Way
I have decided that next summer I would like to hike the West Highland Way, a long distance path that goes from just outside Glasgow to Fort William. It's a distance of 95 miles (152 km) and goes through some absolutely spectacular scenery. Hiking and hill walking is something I really enjoy, but do not do enough of . . . hopefully this goal will encourage me to get out more often and get much fitter, as I will need to be to tackle this walk! If I am feeling really ambitious, I could then continue from Fort William on a different walk that goes all the way to Inverness (73 miles, 117km) called the Great Glen Way. Would anyone like to come over and walk with me?
New job
The last time I posted things were still quite up in the air about when my start date would be for my new job. I did finally get my background check about a week and a half ago and I thought I would then be good to start. But, I managed to get a little more drama in my life when I was told that actually they were missing a reference for me. Why they couldn't have told me this while I was waiting for the background check to finally come through I don't know. Again, Admin is so frustrating! So, I had to do some serious scrambling to sort everything out (I will spare you the details here) but eventually (as in yesterday) things finally did come together. And, I am happy to report that I will be starting my new job on Tuesday. Finally! I am really looking forward to it.
Financials
Ah, the financial burden of moving 12 times in 5 years has definitely caught up with me! Things are starting to get a bit more under control, but this month I was faced with the challenge of trying to somehow squeeze another £100 or so from my budget. I had no idea how I was going to come up with the money. But, it turned out that there is a way. Basically, I am currently on holiday from my current job for the next 3 weeks and that has solved my financial issues for the month. Too good to be true you ask? Well, this is how it works. I am on holiday from my current job so they are going to be paying me for about 30hrs of work per week, but during my holiday, I will also be starting my new job, which will also be paying me for 30hrs of work per week . . . .so in total I will be paid for 60hrs work, but only do half of it! Yes, I agree, it does sound too good to be true, but I am going to go with it for now.
Allotment
For anyone who may not know in the uk you can rent small plots of land (called an allotment) to grow flowers and vegetables on. In Edinburgh these allotments are primarily managed by the Council and there can be a wide range of people with allotments in the same area of land (sometimes as many as 100 allotments together). I decided that I would really like to have my own garden, and since I don't have access to any land in the flat I am currently living in, an allotment would be the way to go. At the moment, with soaring food prices and a shift towards more organic foods, the demand for allotments is quite high. I knew there was a waiting list for all allotments in the city, but I was expecting to wait maybe a year or so before I could get my own special plot. However, when I called the Allotment Officer I was informed that the process could take as long as 4-5 years! I now have an application form and I had better fill it in soon so I can get the process started.
Zoom Airlines
Zoom, the budget airline I use all the time to fly back and forth between Canada and Scotland has gone bust due to increasing fuel costs! They went under several weeks ago taking with it the only airline that did direct flights from Glasgow to Halifax. It was also the cheapest option by far. And, this means that I will most definitely not be able to afford to go home for Christmas this year. It's a shame, but realistically I very likely might not have been able to afford it even if Zoom was still here. Plus, I have to look on the bright side - I would much rather come home for a visit next summer when I can go to the beach!
West Highland Way
I have decided that next summer I would like to hike the West Highland Way, a long distance path that goes from just outside Glasgow to Fort William. It's a distance of 95 miles (152 km) and goes through some absolutely spectacular scenery. Hiking and hill walking is something I really enjoy, but do not do enough of . . . hopefully this goal will encourage me to get out more often and get much fitter, as I will need to be to tackle this walk! If I am feeling really ambitious, I could then continue from Fort William on a different walk that goes all the way to Inverness (73 miles, 117km) called the Great Glen Way. Would anyone like to come over and walk with me?
Monday, September 08, 2008
Fireworks!
Each year, at the end of the Edinburgh International Festival of the Arts they have a pretty big fireworks display. I'm talking HUGE. The fireworks are set off from the castle and they last for about an hour. They are also set to music, played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra from Princes Street Gardens (right below the castle). This year, the musical selection was taken from pieces by Dvorak and Brahms.
Here is a selection of some of the fireworks I saw:
The view from Hanouver Street.
The view from there was pretty poor really, so after a bit we moved to Castle Street, which, as the name implies, has a great view of the castle.
The view from Castle Street.
The finale!
And the best part - all of this was free!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Postcard Collage
I have decided to create a collage of postcards that people have sent to me and put it on my wall. That means, that I am going to need quite a few postcards! So, if you are reading this, you are charged with the duty of having to buy a postcard (from no matter where you are, and from any trips that you might take) and fill it out and send it. Weird, wonderful, beautiful, strange, and comical postcards will all be accepted. I will, of course, respond to all postcards with one of my own, as an added incentive!
Happy postcard hunting!
Happy postcard hunting!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pictures from the Pentlands
Today I went for a walk in the Pentlands. I didn't really have any other purpose besides the desire to climb to the top of Caerketton Hill (~460m) and once I had accomplished that, I was happy to just meander around. It was a lovely day here in Edinburgh - sunny and warm. I even managed to get a bit of a sunburn on my face! What follows is a pictorial description of my hike:
Map of the Park
View towards city center. Arthur's Seat is to the right
Caerketton Hill from below
Taking a well deserved break
Back on the path
Hmmmm - I think I would like to go over that way
Oh - another cairn!
Pretty view of the valley after "Windy Door Nick"
Heather on the hill
I walked through some fields of sheep
(This pic is for Keri!)
Looking back over the end of the trail
Map of the Park
View towards city center. Arthur's Seat is to the right and to the left you can see the Salisbury Craigs.
Caerketton Hill from below
Cairn - do you think they made it to look like Arthur's Seat on purpose? (the real Arthur's seat is in the back left)
Taking a well deserved break
Back on the path
Hmmmm - I think I would like to go over that way
Oh - another cairn!
Pretty view of the valley after "Windy Door Nick"
Heather on the hill
I walked through some fields of sheep(This pic is for Keri!)
Looking back over the end of the trailFriday, August 22, 2008
Homesickness
I just had a lovely phone conversation with my best friend from home. It was so nice to hear from her and to catch up on everyone's news. It also made me miss home a bit and wish that I could be there to see everyone. I miss all my friends and going out for meals and impromptue nights out. No, this isn't foreshadowing - I will not suddenly decide to return home, but I figure I am allowed a moment or two of homesickness every now and then.
I don't suppose anyone wants to move over here instead?
Well, it was worth a try!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Gotta Love Jon Stewart
See this video for Jon's take on the US's view of the Russian-Georgian conflict.
Admin Wars II
Part One: The current job
I found out a couple of days ago that the company I currently work for is making much less money than expected and so they are having to cut shifts from people to save money. I have lost one shift a week, which put me into a little bit of a panic as I am still trying to get myself organized financially here (something that I anticipate will take a long time) and losing out on one day a week will certainly hurt. But then I remembered my new job and that I should be starting that pretty soon so everything will hopefully be okay. Right?
Wrong. (see below)
Part Two: The new job
Before I can begin at my new job I first must obtain a background check (from Disclosure Scotland). I submitted it three and a half weeks ago, but as of yet have heard nothing. I called the Disclosure Scotland people the day after I found out that I was losing a shift a week at my current job to check in. They told me that they had never received a request for a Disclosure check and I should contact my new place of employment to make sure they sent it. Ummmm, gulp? I can't begin work at my new place until I get this check done, so effectively I am stuck! I have called my new job twice, but both times the gentleman I need to speak to has been out and although I have left messages he has not yet returned my calls. So at the moment I am in limbo and wishing people in admin were a lot better trained!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I found out a couple of days ago that the company I currently work for is making much less money than expected and so they are having to cut shifts from people to save money. I have lost one shift a week, which put me into a little bit of a panic as I am still trying to get myself organized financially here (something that I anticipate will take a long time) and losing out on one day a week will certainly hurt. But then I remembered my new job and that I should be starting that pretty soon so everything will hopefully be okay. Right?
Wrong. (see below)
Part Two: The new job
Before I can begin at my new job I first must obtain a background check (from Disclosure Scotland). I submitted it three and a half weeks ago, but as of yet have heard nothing. I called the Disclosure Scotland people the day after I found out that I was losing a shift a week at my current job to check in. They told me that they had never received a request for a Disclosure check and I should contact my new place of employment to make sure they sent it. Ummmm, gulp? I can't begin work at my new place until I get this check done, so effectively I am stuck! I have called my new job twice, but both times the gentleman I need to speak to has been out and although I have left messages he has not yet returned my calls. So at the moment I am in limbo and wishing people in admin were a lot better trained!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Admin Wars
Everywhere I go I end up working for a company that cannot seem to get their admin right. I was paid for the first time since coming back to my old job last week and the amount was much less than I expected. This catastrophe was, admittedly, partly my fault, as I had miscalculated the cut off date for that pay cheque by an entire week. However, my company still managed to short change me an entire day's pay as well as some hours for night time work, which we get paid extra for. I was told that I would get a cheque in the post for the missing amount shortly. And sure enough, two business days later I received a cheque from my company. As I opened the envelope I thought to myself that receiving the cheque so soon was remarkably efficient for my company and sure enough I was right. As it turned out I was too right. This sudden increase in speed resulted in a sharp decrease in accuracy.
You see, they sent me a cheque for just over £300. Hmmmmm, I thought to myself, that is remarkably generous for a day's pay. Too good to be true? You better believe it. My eyes then flicked over to the name on the cheque. It was a K Duncan, but unfortunately not a Kathleen Duncan. So, I had to go back to my manager again and explain that I had received what looked to be someone else's cheque. I was assured that another CORRECT cheque would be sent out in the mail. A couple of days later I received one. This time the cheque was made out to the right person, but they short changed me again, this time by 50 pence. Sigh. I guess you just can't win them all can you?
You see, they sent me a cheque for just over £300. Hmmmmm, I thought to myself, that is remarkably generous for a day's pay. Too good to be true? You better believe it. My eyes then flicked over to the name on the cheque. It was a K Duncan, but unfortunately not a Kathleen Duncan. So, I had to go back to my manager again and explain that I had received what looked to be someone else's cheque. I was assured that another CORRECT cheque would be sent out in the mail. A couple of days later I received one. This time the cheque was made out to the right person, but they short changed me again, this time by 50 pence. Sigh. I guess you just can't win them all can you?
Monday, August 11, 2008
A time for change
This morning I decided to do something that was perhaps a bit risky. I decided to give myself my first fringe (for north americans: bangs) in about 10-15 years. I had originally wanted to go to a professional to do it, due to how long it's been since I had fringe, but I simply cannot afford it at the moment. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. All I needed was a pair of scissors . . . unfortunately, the only ones I could find belonged to my first aid kit. Not to worry, I thought - if it looks horrible, I am sure I can just pin them back or something.
I started to cut my hair. I ended up taking a good 3 inches off and partway through I thought to myself that I just may be making a terrible mistake! But, after I dried my hair I think it turned out pretty well. And, I've been getting compliments on it all day, which must be a good sign! Well, almost everything I heard was a compliment. My friend Andy took one look at me and said "Did someone do something to your hair?" and he followed that question swiftly with another one "Do you want me to get them for you?" :)
I started to cut my hair. I ended up taking a good 3 inches off and partway through I thought to myself that I just may be making a terrible mistake! But, after I dried my hair I think it turned out pretty well. And, I've been getting compliments on it all day, which must be a good sign! Well, almost everything I heard was a compliment. My friend Andy took one look at me and said "Did someone do something to your hair?" and he followed that question swiftly with another one "Do you want me to get them for you?" :)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
I can drive again!
This week, in the post, I finally received my UK driver's licence. It has taken forever and much hassle due to people who work for the DVLA giving me the wrong advice. But it's finally been straightened out, although I received no apology from the people that be. As a Canadian you can actually exchange your Canadian licence for a british one (as long as you do so within a year of entering the UK) for a grand total of £50. However, you are then only able to drive automatics unless you can prove that you took your test using a standard/manual. If you can't prove that then you need to take a test to prove that you can drive a standard (which costs more money) and I don't really know the full details of that yet. I am currently only able to drive automatics, which suits me at the moment as I have never learned to drive a standard. But I will need to learn soon because almost all the cars over here are standards!
I am just happy because I can officially go on the road again which I am most looking forward to. I love to drive and being without a licence since March has been most restrictive. I don't have a car here yet or anything, but there have been times when I would have liked to rent a car and go for a drive and not been able to.
I am just happy because I can officially go on the road again which I am most looking forward to. I love to drive and being without a licence since March has been most restrictive. I don't have a car here yet or anything, but there have been times when I would have liked to rent a car and go for a drive and not been able to.
I have visited the future
At least I felt like I did. I recently visited my local library here in Edinburgh and I have to say that they have the most futuristic way of taking out books that I have ever seen. Now, you may think that I am being overly dramatic here, but I contend that I am not. I see myself as a rather savy person when it comes to technology and new gadgets, but this machine has baffled even myself. My library has a self-serve check out, which I had never tried before so I thought it would be an adventure (rather like the self-serve checkouts at supermarkets like Tesco) and I wasn't to be let down. I set my books on top of the desk and the computer asked me to scan my library card which I easily accomplished using the scanner on the desk. Next, I was asked to enter my library pin, which again was easy to do. What happened next is what surprised me. Suddenly the titles and authors of the three books I had just happened to set on the desk appeared on the computer screen! I did not scan them or touch them in any way, and there was no obvious way of detecting them that I could see. How did the computer know what books I wanted? If I hadn't set them on the desk by accident, could the computer have still detected them? The whole process was most impressive and slightly overwhelming all at the same time! I look forward to my next trip to the library as I try to discover the secret to the all-knowing computer!
Monday, July 28, 2008
New Job!!!!
Ah, sweet success! I have been offered a new job that is a bit closer to the line of work that I want to do (although still not there yet!). I don't want to write too much online about it due to privacy issues, but I am pretty happy about it. It starts in a month's time and is 30 hrs a week, so I will still be keeping an 8hr shift a week at my current job. Looks like that whole thing about me only being able to get an 8hr/week contract really did turn out for the best. It's so funny how that is. I found out mid last week that I got the job, but didn't want to post until I had spoken to my current job about the situation. I interviewed at 9:30am and I found out I had the job by 12:45 - not too shabby, I don't think. Anyway, the post starts in about a month's time and I am really looking forward to it.
If anyone wants to find out more about my new job, chuck me an email and I'll tell you all about it!
For now, have a great day!
If anyone wants to find out more about my new job, chuck me an email and I'll tell you all about it!
For now, have a great day!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
St. Bernard's Well
So a few weeks ago my friend Christina and I decided to visit St. Bernard's Well. The construction of the present structure was commissioned in the late 1700s (yep, it's older than Canada) although the well was supposedly originally found by St. Bernard in the 12th century. The well is located very close to Dean's Bridge in Edinburgh and I had often passed it on my walks along the Water of Leith Walkway. It is a very pretty site to behold as you walk along the path and suddenly a beautiful temple-like structure looms up before you. It seems a bit like it should be in the film Pride and Predjudice or something. Anyway, usually it is closed to the public and completely locked up, but the locals had decided to open it up one day and we went for a visit.
Statue on the top floor
The mosaic ceilingThere are two floors - the top being an open air one with a very nice statue in the centre. The bottom floor is where the well actually is. You can still pump water from the well (and of course Christina and I had to try that too) however, you are not advised to drink from it (Christina and I restrained ourselves). The real surprise though was the absoultely magnificent mosaic ceiling which we found in there.
All in all, it was pretty fun to do something a bit more unusual and to explore a new part of the city (and for free!).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
President Bush and Climate Change
Here is further evidence that US President Bush just doesn't get the importance or severity of climate change.
His goodbye "joke" to leaders of the G8 summit was, "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter" . . . (click here for source)
I wonder if that got published in the States?
His goodbye "joke" to leaders of the G8 summit was, "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter" . . . (click here for source)
I wonder if that got published in the States?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Edinburgh Week 4: Where's the leaky pipe?
I don't have much to report this week, really. Time has gone by rather quickly. I'm working full-time again and I am loving the flat. I love the flat despite the fact that the day after I moved in a water pipe burst in our kitchen and we haven't been able to use the kitchen sink or washing machine since. The plumber said the floor had to be torn up to get to the pipe, so we had to get a joiner (aka carpenter) to come in to look at it. A couple of days later the plumber and joiner duo arrived. They tore up the floor and looked at the pipes and decided that the problem was actually in the wall. So, once again we had to reschedule. They're coming this week sometime and they'll probably then decide that the problem is in the ceiling. Who knows? The point is, I still love my flat. That says something I think.
Other good news - I have 4 interviews in the next three weeks for jobs! No guarantees, but at least I am getting interviews! I think that deserves a little Woohoo.
woohoo!
Other good news - I have 4 interviews in the next three weeks for jobs! No guarantees, but at least I am getting interviews! I think that deserves a little Woohoo.
woohoo!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Edinburgh, Week 3: Success! Well, moderate success anyway
Two good things happened this past week. One, I found a flat! It's a cosy 4 bedroom in a great location. My room is a great size and I think I will be able to make it really homey here, once I get some money saved up. The only thing that is not so good about the flat is that there is no living room or shared lounge. On the bright side, at least I don't have to worry about the living room being private! Plus, given the size of my room I should be able to create a "living room area" in one of the corners of my room.
Good thing number 2 is that I am now getting full time hours at my old job. It's probably just temporary over the summer season, but it makes me happy because I now know I will be able to make next month's rent . . . and the month after that . . . although I am not sure what will happen in month 3, but time will tell!
I am still looking for a more proper job and one that better reflects my interests, but nothing solid yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Til next time . . . x
Good thing number 2 is that I am now getting full time hours at my old job. It's probably just temporary over the summer season, but it makes me happy because I now know I will be able to make next month's rent . . . and the month after that . . . although I am not sure what will happen in month 3, but time will tell!
I am still looking for a more proper job and one that better reflects my interests, but nothing solid yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Til next time . . . x
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Edinburgh, Week 2: Rollercoaster Rides
Week two started with the usual panic: I need a job and a flat ASAP. I tried temping agencies, and "real" job websites. The "real" job options were slim, mainly because it's just poor timing to be out looking for a job in my field. Also, some of the potential jobs that were on the go wouldn't be starting until the fall. So, in short, I still needed a job ASAP. I just don't have enough money saved up to wait around for a couple of months until a job in my field comes up.
So, I thought, why not get in touch with my last job in Edinburgh? It's practically festival time, surely they'll be looking for people! Actually, no. Turns out they've been through some rough times since I last worked there and weren't looking to hire any one. That was deflating, but there wasn't much I could do about it. I decided to stop in to see some of my friends that worked there though, which was lovely. We decided to arrange a night out and I headed back home .... later that day, I got a call from one of my ex-coworkers. Turns out that right after I left someone quit their job and they could hire me now! (This was a high point in the roller coaster week). The down point was that it was only going to be for 16hrs a week. Not much, but beggars can't be choosers, can they? So I decided to give my old manager a call the next day - and actually, they could only offer 8hrs a week, but I would likely get more (another low point). I'm not really enjoying the uncertainty of all that, but it's better than nothing. I suppose. For now. Maybe. At least I'll be making some money (a high point).
So, I'm back at my old job, but I can't guarantee how many hours I will be getting per week. I just hope it'll be enough to get by on!
In good job related news, I have an interview for a "real" job that would start in the fall (a high point). The interview is not until the end of the month, so I still have plenty of waiting and seeing to do (a low point).
...
Flats. Well, I did go to see a couple of places this week, but they were not my type (a low point). One of them, the kitchen smelled horrible. I cannot stay in a place like that. I like to keep things tidy. The other place, they kept changing things like how much it was going to cost, whether they'd require a deposit, etc. It's been a pretty frustrating week. I have never had so much trouble trying to find a place to live. I don't know how many places I've called and I either seem to just miss them or they have these crazy stipulations. One ad I saw said the "living room was private". Everything else sounded great, so I thought I would call and find out what that all meant. The girl I spoke to said that they basically didn't want to have any parties going on in the room. That was fair enough, I thought, but I still wanted to clarify - "So, whoever rented the room would still be able to use it though right?" No, apparently I was wrong. It wasn't for everyone to use. But, I still didn't get it, "But, if I paid money to live there, I would still get to use the living room, wouldn't I?" No. I wouldn't be allowed. I tried every angle I could think of, but the answer was still no. So my eventual response was "Riiiiiiiight. I don't think this flat is for me then."
And that pretty much sums up my lack of ability to find a place to live. Hopefully next week things will go smoother!
Til next time. x
So, I thought, why not get in touch with my last job in Edinburgh? It's practically festival time, surely they'll be looking for people! Actually, no. Turns out they've been through some rough times since I last worked there and weren't looking to hire any one. That was deflating, but there wasn't much I could do about it. I decided to stop in to see some of my friends that worked there though, which was lovely. We decided to arrange a night out and I headed back home .... later that day, I got a call from one of my ex-coworkers. Turns out that right after I left someone quit their job and they could hire me now! (This was a high point in the roller coaster week). The down point was that it was only going to be for 16hrs a week. Not much, but beggars can't be choosers, can they? So I decided to give my old manager a call the next day - and actually, they could only offer 8hrs a week, but I would likely get more (another low point). I'm not really enjoying the uncertainty of all that, but it's better than nothing. I suppose. For now. Maybe. At least I'll be making some money (a high point).
So, I'm back at my old job, but I can't guarantee how many hours I will be getting per week. I just hope it'll be enough to get by on!
In good job related news, I have an interview for a "real" job that would start in the fall (a high point). The interview is not until the end of the month, so I still have plenty of waiting and seeing to do (a low point).
...
Flats. Well, I did go to see a couple of places this week, but they were not my type (a low point). One of them, the kitchen smelled horrible. I cannot stay in a place like that. I like to keep things tidy. The other place, they kept changing things like how much it was going to cost, whether they'd require a deposit, etc. It's been a pretty frustrating week. I have never had so much trouble trying to find a place to live. I don't know how many places I've called and I either seem to just miss them or they have these crazy stipulations. One ad I saw said the "living room was private". Everything else sounded great, so I thought I would call and find out what that all meant. The girl I spoke to said that they basically didn't want to have any parties going on in the room. That was fair enough, I thought, but I still wanted to clarify - "So, whoever rented the room would still be able to use it though right?" No, apparently I was wrong. It wasn't for everyone to use. But, I still didn't get it, "But, if I paid money to live there, I would still get to use the living room, wouldn't I?" No. I wouldn't be allowed. I tried every angle I could think of, but the answer was still no. So my eventual response was "Riiiiiiiight. I don't think this flat is for me then."
And that pretty much sums up my lack of ability to find a place to live. Hopefully next week things will go smoother!
Til next time. x
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Edinburgh, Week 1: Decisions, Decisions
After London, I took the train up to Edinburgh. I love taking the train so much! It's so relaxing . . . you just sit back and eventually, i.e. 4.5 hours later, you arrive. One of the best things about the King's Cross - Edinburgh trains is the view along the coast. You're not right on the coast the entire time, but when you are it's pretty spectacular. But, even that doesn't really compare to when you first catch a glimpse of Arthur's Seat in the distance as you draw nearer to Edinburgh. It really does feel like home here.
I was met at the train station and whisked away to "my" flat, where I have been lent a bed for the time being while I look for a flat. It's so nice to have a place to stay that is not a hostel!
Basically, this entire week was about making decisions. Namely, did I want to apply for jobs in England as well as Scotland? Afterall, some pretty amazing ones were currently being advertised and it's not that I don't like England . . . it's just that I really didn't like the lifestyle I was leading with my company there. Well, I thought about it all week and I think I am going to try to stay here in Scotland, at least for the next year or two. Every time I leave Scotland, I just seem to end up plotting ways to return, so now I really want to try and stay here . . . even though I currently have no job and no place to live (that's mine, that is)!
So, that was the main decision and took up most of my time. At the moment, there really isn't any jobs in my field on the go here, but I have faith that things will work out. I am hoping to do some volunteer work in my field and, at the very least, meet some contacts that way.
Til next time. x
I was met at the train station and whisked away to "my" flat, where I have been lent a bed for the time being while I look for a flat. It's so nice to have a place to stay that is not a hostel!
Basically, this entire week was about making decisions. Namely, did I want to apply for jobs in England as well as Scotland? Afterall, some pretty amazing ones were currently being advertised and it's not that I don't like England . . . it's just that I really didn't like the lifestyle I was leading with my company there. Well, I thought about it all week and I think I am going to try to stay here in Scotland, at least for the next year or two. Every time I leave Scotland, I just seem to end up plotting ways to return, so now I really want to try and stay here . . . even though I currently have no job and no place to live (that's mine, that is)!
So, that was the main decision and took up most of my time. At the moment, there really isn't any jobs in my field on the go here, but I have faith that things will work out. I am hoping to do some volunteer work in my field and, at the very least, meet some contacts that way.
Til next time. x
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Ospreys in Scotland
I thought I should stay in line with my environmental geekiness that I have portrayed rather well the past few weeks. So, here is a link to a live webcam feed from an Osprey nest in the highlands of Scotland. These birds are amazing birds of prey and they feed solely on fish and nest on the very tops of trees. Currently, they have two chicks who have grown quite a bit over the last two weeks. Warning: If you are anything like me you might just become addicted to this site!
Click HERE to watch the ospreys.
Click HERE to watch the ospreys.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Canada Day in Edinburgh
Ah, I will never forget my first Canada Day in Edinburgh in 2003 (Gulp, that was five years ago!). My group of friends all went out to the Globe and it was so refreshing to see all those people dressed in red and white! Many of them weren't even from Canada!
My second Canada Day (2004) was also fantastic. Vanessa and I held a BBQ at our flat and had a bunch of people over. True to Scottish weather, the moment people started to arrive it began to pour! Luckily, Maureen was still brave enough to take care of the BBQing - we just pulled the BBQ right up to the door so that she could stand in the doorway. I think everyone still had a good time, even though we were crammed in the hallway of our building!
Needless to say, I expected this year (my third Canada Day in Edinburgh) to be pretty fantastic too. But, I was kind of disappointed. We went to a pub which was hosting a Canada Day celebration on the Royal Mile, but it wasn't really that exciting. They did go around though and see how many people were from each province/territory and (shocker!) I was the only one there to represent good old PEI. I did my part though when they asked "Is there anyone here from PEI?" and I shouted out "Yay! ... I'm the only one!" Everyone laughed at me and there were naturally one or two Anne of Green Gables comments thrown my way. Typical. :)
For anyone not aware, Canada Day is held July 1st and it is NOT the same as Independance Day (July 4th and American). Canada was "born" in 1867 so this year we are 141 years old.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Who knew Grey Herons were Comedians
I took this photo at Hdye Park, while in London and thought it was pretty funny! (If you can't see the words on the sign, click on the picture to view a larger image!)
London's Natural History Museum
So, I went to London . . . and spent most of my time there in the Natural History Museum. I don't know why I had never been there before - I love that kind of stuff!
Imagine a massive building that is one of the most beautiful buildings you have ever seen - it kind of looks like a large cathedral. The architecture was amazing - especially the detailing on the inside, covering the walls and framing the windows. Truely spectacular and accurately themed, as it all had to do with flora and fauna (aka plants and animals, in case you were wondering).
Anyway, they certainly know how to do first impressions. The first room I walked into had an escalator that went up to the third floor through a sculpture of the world. That's right, you actually travel through the work of art! I was pretty impressed . . . especially because this was one of the "side" entrances. At the main entrance they had a dinosaur. Meh! I say!
One of the cooler things I got to see while I was there was a stuffed dodo bird (see pic!). It is massive! The dodo is one of the birds that is now extinct in the whole entire world. That's right - there are no more dodos and there never will be. Except in museums.
In a related note, I also got to see a fossil of Archaeopteryx - which is essentially the evolutionary species link between birds and reptiles. It was amazing to see for me because I remember reading all about it in text books in school and seeing it's picture. But now, I got to see one in person.
Last but not least, I also saw an amazing bed of Myophorella shells - a type of bivalves very similar to clams. Ironically, these were found in the exact location that I had just left. It was like they were mocking me. We can find those on the beach by where I used to work . . . although this was a very impressive collection!
Perhaps the most impressive attraction was the robotic T-Rex. I've included a video I took of it on my blog - just click the play buttion. If you have sound, you should even be able to hear it roar!
Overall, I would give the Natural History Museum two thumbs up! Well worth the trip - plus you can see all these items for free!!!
Imagine a massive building that is one of the most beautiful buildings you have ever seen - it kind of looks like a large cathedral. The architecture was amazing - especially the detailing on the inside, covering the walls and framing the windows. Truely spectacular and accurately themed, as it all had to do with flora and fauna (aka plants and animals, in case you were wondering).
Anyway, they certainly know how to do first impressions. The first room I walked into had an escalator that went up to the third floor through a sculpture of the world. That's right, you actually travel through the work of art! I was pretty impressed . . . especially because this was one of the "side" entrances. At the main entrance they had a dinosaur. Meh! I say!
One of the cooler things I got to see while I was there was a stuffed dodo bird (see pic!). It is massive! The dodo is one of the birds that is now extinct in the whole entire world. That's right - there are no more dodos and there never will be. Except in museums.
In a related note, I also got to see a fossil of Archaeopteryx - which is essentially the evolutionary species link between birds and reptiles. It was amazing to see for me because I remember reading all about it in text books in school and seeing it's picture. But now, I got to see one in person. 
Last but not least, I also saw an amazing bed of Myophorella shells - a type of bivalves very similar to clams. Ironically, these were found in the exact location that I had just left. It was like they were mocking me. We can find those on the beach by where I used to work . . . although this was a very impressive collection!Perhaps the most impressive attraction was the robotic T-Rex. I've included a video I took of it on my blog - just click the play buttion. If you have sound, you should even be able to hear it roar!
Overall, I would give the Natural History Museum two thumbs up! Well worth the trip - plus you can see all these items for free!!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
A series of unfortunate people = Part II
Unfortunate Person #2: The Taxi Driver
Right, so the taxi driver showed up at our gate and I was ready and waiting. Unfortunately, the taxi booker lady didn't tell him he would actually need to drive into our gate (normally, they just reverse up to the gate so they can drive straight out without having to go through our centre), so he was in a bad mood to start off with because he had to turn the car around again. Then we showed up with my mountain of boxes to put in the boot (aka the trunk) of his car and again, he was not happy. Oh, well - he's getting paid, so why shouldn't he relax? Well, then I apparently "slammed" the door. This angered him and he yelled at me. Yep, we were not off to a good start - we hadn't even started up the taxi yet. Then, we stopped at the post office on the way and we also apparently took entirely too long. For our information, we were informed that we had been in there a whole quarter of an hour, and he would have to charge us extra for that. The length of our stay at the post office was not intentional (see later in this post) and I did feel bad about it, but I didn't appreciate the way he dealt with the situation. On the way to the restaurant, he also yelled at another driver because that driver didn't yield the right of way to him. Oh, dear. I was happy to get out of the cab. The conversation Tom and I were having quickly died when the taxi driver yelled at the other driver. It was replaced by awkward silence.
Unfortunate Person #3: The Post Office Lady
While we were sitting in the taxi, we saw that the Royal Mail truck was just about to pull away, essentially meaning we had just missed the mail for that day (Unfortunate Event #2) (I should point out that this was not a full time post office, but one that is operated out of a store). Anyway, so in I walk with my 3 boxes and I say that I would like to post these. Well, the lady looks a little flustered and says I just missed the truck for the day. I answered that I know and I even gave a little laugh and add that it was just my luck really. Then she says, "But that means they won't be able to go out until Monday." I explained to her that this was fine as I was in no hurry to send those boxes. She then said, "But that means we'll have to keep these boxes until Monday! I don't know where we'll put them." This was followed by an awkward silence at which point she finally said, "Well, I guess we'll find somewhere for them to go." At this point Tom walked in with the other three boxes. She was not a happy camper.
She then proceeded to be the slowest postal worker in history. She complained about the weight of the boxes and said that she would have to get someone else to lift them. None of my boxes weighed over 5kgs. Her co-worker stood there and watched the entire thing happen, not once offering to help out to speed matters up. Well, that's not entirely true - at one point she offered to move the weighed boxes off the counter and onto the floor. Yep, totally helpful. Thank you.
At this point, I pretty much decided that Weymouth had absolutely nothing left to offer me.
Unfortunate Person #4: The Lucky Train Man
I eventually got onto a train to London, after missing, not only my original train, but also the one that was sitting on the platform when I bought my ticket by about 30 seconds (Unfortunate Event #3). I was sitting on my own, minding my own business when a man and a woman got on the train at one of the many stops on the way to London. He seemed extremely excited by this train and said, "Oh, this is a lucky train! A lucky, lucky train!" He walked a bit more and then repeated, "Oh, this is a lucky train! A lucky, lucky train!" and this continued for a bit, until he finally sat down and stopped saying how lucky the train was.
I never did get to find out why the train was so damn lucky.
Unfortunate Person #5: The Toilet (aka bathroom) Lady
Once again, I am sitting there on the train, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I hear incredibly loud banging coming from the back of the car near the toilet. Then I hear a lady yelling at the top of her voice:
"Boys! BOYS! Help! I am locked in the toilet!"
Now these two boys being the ever helpful fine young gentlemen that they were didn't even bother to get up or even move their mobiles away from their ears. One of them eventually grunted, "Press the OPEN button."
There was a loud whoshing noise as the toiled door slid open. Then, the toilet lady was free once again. It was beautiful - it practically made me cry.
Kidding!
Unfortunate Person #6: The Duck Feeder Lady
Ok. It's now day two and I am in London. FINALLY. I decide to go and relax and eat breakfast in Hyde Park and watch the birds. This old lady - you know the type - comes down to the water and proceeds to throw great big chunks of bread to the geese. You know the size I mean - think about the Dead Duck Day scene in About a Boy. If you haven't seen this film, rent it - it's brilliant.
But, I digress....
Eventually the lady comes over and sits beside me on my bench. She has two dogs with her - one is able to walk properly and follows her over, the second is a dog named Oscar and he is obviously having trouble walking. I feel really bad for him because he is clearly trying to make it over to her but his legs just aren't working right. He really looks like he is in pain. Another elderly lady was walking on the path at the same time and noticed Oscar. She asks the duck feeding lady if this dog belongs to her.
Duck Feeding Lady: Yes, that is my dog.
Elderly Lady: What's wrong with it's legs? Or is it just old?
Duck Feeding Lady (dismissively): Well, you wouldn't walk to well either if you were a 17 year old dog!
Elderly Lady: Yes, well . . . I didn't mean to - [Writer's note: I think she was going to say bother you, but this is just speculating]
Duck Feeding Lady (incredibly rudely): Well, DON'T then!!!!
And, then the conversation ended swiftly.
THE END.
Right, so the taxi driver showed up at our gate and I was ready and waiting. Unfortunately, the taxi booker lady didn't tell him he would actually need to drive into our gate (normally, they just reverse up to the gate so they can drive straight out without having to go through our centre), so he was in a bad mood to start off with because he had to turn the car around again. Then we showed up with my mountain of boxes to put in the boot (aka the trunk) of his car and again, he was not happy. Oh, well - he's getting paid, so why shouldn't he relax? Well, then I apparently "slammed" the door. This angered him and he yelled at me. Yep, we were not off to a good start - we hadn't even started up the taxi yet. Then, we stopped at the post office on the way and we also apparently took entirely too long. For our information, we were informed that we had been in there a whole quarter of an hour, and he would have to charge us extra for that. The length of our stay at the post office was not intentional (see later in this post) and I did feel bad about it, but I didn't appreciate the way he dealt with the situation. On the way to the restaurant, he also yelled at another driver because that driver didn't yield the right of way to him. Oh, dear. I was happy to get out of the cab. The conversation Tom and I were having quickly died when the taxi driver yelled at the other driver. It was replaced by awkward silence.
Unfortunate Person #3: The Post Office Lady
While we were sitting in the taxi, we saw that the Royal Mail truck was just about to pull away, essentially meaning we had just missed the mail for that day (Unfortunate Event #2) (I should point out that this was not a full time post office, but one that is operated out of a store). Anyway, so in I walk with my 3 boxes and I say that I would like to post these. Well, the lady looks a little flustered and says I just missed the truck for the day. I answered that I know and I even gave a little laugh and add that it was just my luck really. Then she says, "But that means they won't be able to go out until Monday." I explained to her that this was fine as I was in no hurry to send those boxes. She then said, "But that means we'll have to keep these boxes until Monday! I don't know where we'll put them." This was followed by an awkward silence at which point she finally said, "Well, I guess we'll find somewhere for them to go." At this point Tom walked in with the other three boxes. She was not a happy camper.
She then proceeded to be the slowest postal worker in history. She complained about the weight of the boxes and said that she would have to get someone else to lift them. None of my boxes weighed over 5kgs. Her co-worker stood there and watched the entire thing happen, not once offering to help out to speed matters up. Well, that's not entirely true - at one point she offered to move the weighed boxes off the counter and onto the floor. Yep, totally helpful. Thank you.
At this point, I pretty much decided that Weymouth had absolutely nothing left to offer me.
Unfortunate Person #4: The Lucky Train Man
I eventually got onto a train to London, after missing, not only my original train, but also the one that was sitting on the platform when I bought my ticket by about 30 seconds (Unfortunate Event #3). I was sitting on my own, minding my own business when a man and a woman got on the train at one of the many stops on the way to London. He seemed extremely excited by this train and said, "Oh, this is a lucky train! A lucky, lucky train!" He walked a bit more and then repeated, "Oh, this is a lucky train! A lucky, lucky train!" and this continued for a bit, until he finally sat down and stopped saying how lucky the train was.
I never did get to find out why the train was so damn lucky.
Unfortunate Person #5: The Toilet (aka bathroom) Lady
Once again, I am sitting there on the train, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I hear incredibly loud banging coming from the back of the car near the toilet. Then I hear a lady yelling at the top of her voice:
"Boys! BOYS! Help! I am locked in the toilet!"
Now these two boys being the ever helpful fine young gentlemen that they were didn't even bother to get up or even move their mobiles away from their ears. One of them eventually grunted, "Press the OPEN button."
There was a loud whoshing noise as the toiled door slid open. Then, the toilet lady was free once again. It was beautiful - it practically made me cry.
Kidding!
Unfortunate Person #6: The Duck Feeder Lady
Ok. It's now day two and I am in London. FINALLY. I decide to go and relax and eat breakfast in Hyde Park and watch the birds. This old lady - you know the type - comes down to the water and proceeds to throw great big chunks of bread to the geese. You know the size I mean - think about the Dead Duck Day scene in About a Boy. If you haven't seen this film, rent it - it's brilliant.
But, I digress....
Eventually the lady comes over and sits beside me on my bench. She has two dogs with her - one is able to walk properly and follows her over, the second is a dog named Oscar and he is obviously having trouble walking. I feel really bad for him because he is clearly trying to make it over to her but his legs just aren't working right. He really looks like he is in pain. Another elderly lady was walking on the path at the same time and noticed Oscar. She asks the duck feeding lady if this dog belongs to her.
Duck Feeding Lady: Yes, that is my dog.
Elderly Lady: What's wrong with it's legs? Or is it just old?
Duck Feeding Lady (dismissively): Well, you wouldn't walk to well either if you were a 17 year old dog!
Elderly Lady: Yes, well . . . I didn't mean to - [Writer's note: I think she was going to say bother you, but this is just speculating]
Duck Feeding Lady (incredibly rudely): Well, DON'T then!!!!
And, then the conversation ended swiftly.
THE END.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A series of unfortunate people
For all those who have been checking this blog to find out where I am and what I am doing - well, I made it to Edinburgh! I will write more on that later, but first I wanted to share with you a description of several people I met on my way to London - they all seemed to be rather miserable people, but hopefully you will find the tales amusing!
Right, so imagine me having an incredibly hectic morning just trying to finish packing. My suitcases were pretty much packed the night before, I just had to finish packing boxes which I was going to ship to Edinburgh. I was stressed, sweaty, and struggling to even close one of my suitcases. Thankfully, my friend Tom provided an extremely calm and helpful presence. Eventually I realized I was going to miss my train that I had booked to London for only £7 (Unfortunate event #1), but I didn't let it bother me too much. After all, it was my own fault for not having finished packing the night before (instead I went out for dinner with friends) and now here I was. So the new plan was that Tom and I were going to take a taxi into Weymouth, first stopping at a post office and then stopping at a cash machine to get money to pay for a taxi and then going to a restaurant for lunch.
Unfortunate person #1: The Taxi Booker Lady
So, in line with our plan, I called a taxi company to get someone to pick us up. I asked the taxi booker lady very nicely if the taxi driver could call me on my mobile once he got to our centre, so that I could meet him at the gate to let him in. That way, he could park right outside my chalet and I wouldn't have to carry those 5 heavy boxes up the hill. Ingenious plan, I thought.
"What do you mean "call""? she asked incredulously.
"Um, well if he could just phone me on my mobile to -"
"We don't call." (spoken as if I was a crazy person asking for gold nuggets in my coffee).
...later in the conversation....
"Are you paying by cash?"
"Um, yeah." In my head I wondered if it would be possible to pay by card, but was so stunned by their non-ability to call, I just decided to let that pass.
After the phone call ended I talked to Tom and we decided if I could possibly pay by card that would be better because then we wouldn't have to make that extra stop. So, I called the taxi booker lady back.
"Hi, I just called about a taxi?"
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering if I could possibly pay by card?"
"We don't accept card." (again spoken as if I was asking for gold nuggets in my coffee)
"Well, why the #$£% did you ask if I would be paying by cash then? What other form of payment would I be using - pebbles?!?! Arghhhhhhhhh!" and then I slammed the phone down.
... actually, in reality, my response was:
"Oh."
~More to follow~
Right, so imagine me having an incredibly hectic morning just trying to finish packing. My suitcases were pretty much packed the night before, I just had to finish packing boxes which I was going to ship to Edinburgh. I was stressed, sweaty, and struggling to even close one of my suitcases. Thankfully, my friend Tom provided an extremely calm and helpful presence. Eventually I realized I was going to miss my train that I had booked to London for only £7 (Unfortunate event #1), but I didn't let it bother me too much. After all, it was my own fault for not having finished packing the night before (instead I went out for dinner with friends) and now here I was. So the new plan was that Tom and I were going to take a taxi into Weymouth, first stopping at a post office and then stopping at a cash machine to get money to pay for a taxi and then going to a restaurant for lunch.
Unfortunate person #1: The Taxi Booker Lady
So, in line with our plan, I called a taxi company to get someone to pick us up. I asked the taxi booker lady very nicely if the taxi driver could call me on my mobile once he got to our centre, so that I could meet him at the gate to let him in. That way, he could park right outside my chalet and I wouldn't have to carry those 5 heavy boxes up the hill. Ingenious plan, I thought.
"What do you mean "call""? she asked incredulously.
"Um, well if he could just phone me on my mobile to -"
"We don't call." (spoken as if I was a crazy person asking for gold nuggets in my coffee).
...later in the conversation....
"Are you paying by cash?"
"Um, yeah." In my head I wondered if it would be possible to pay by card, but was so stunned by their non-ability to call, I just decided to let that pass.
After the phone call ended I talked to Tom and we decided if I could possibly pay by card that would be better because then we wouldn't have to make that extra stop. So, I called the taxi booker lady back.
"Hi, I just called about a taxi?"
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering if I could possibly pay by card?"
"We don't accept card." (again spoken as if I was asking for gold nuggets in my coffee)
"Well, why the #$£% did you ask if I would be paying by cash then? What other form of payment would I be using - pebbles?!?! Arghhhhhhhhh!" and then I slammed the phone down.
... actually, in reality, my response was:
"Oh."
~More to follow~
Monday, June 16, 2008
Walking 'Round Portland
Portland is an island that is connected to mainland England by the beautiful and extensive Chesil Beach (a stretch of pebble beach that goes for miles!). To walk the entire way around Portland following the South West Coast Path covers a distance of about 13 miles. The walk itself is beautiful and relatively flat, especially on the west coast. Portland is famous for Portland Limestone and there are many quarries (both used and disused) dotted around the island to testify to the importance of stone to the island's economy.
Tout Quarry, a disused quarry that currently is the home to many different sculptures, seemed like a promising place to visit, however, I was actually disappointed, as the map I was given of the quarry to show the location of the sculptures was highly confusing and poorly organized. Some of the sculptures were pretty cool though, but I would probably suggest just wandering around the quarry on your own without the "aid" of the map.
It was a beautiful sunny day when I decided to partake on this journey. It was so great to be off centre, away from the hecticness of work for a little while and to just enjoy my own thoughts and the scenery that surrounded me. Portland Bill is a lovely lighthouse on the southern tip of the Island, however, unfortunately it was closed to visitors on the day I went. It still looked fantastically pretty from the outside though!Last Chance for England
Tonight, my fate was sealed. There was a brief moment in time where there was a chance that I would be staying in England because I was offered an interview for the position of Assistant Chief Instructor. I decided to go for it because it would give me the opportunity to expand a lot of the skills I have now. Unfortunately (or perhaps thankfully?) I didn’t get the job. Therefore, I am definitely returning to Scotland. In fact, by this time next week I will be in "home".
I am not entirely sure how I feel about not getting the job. In some ways it is good, because, in the long-term I do not doubt that I would want to return to Scotland anyway, but in other ways, it would have been so much easier to have a new job a place to live down here, because, at the moment I am homeless, jobless, and penniless. Life will certainly be an adventure the next few months! I really hope that everything works out over the next few months.
My last day of work is Friday and I cannot wait! From there I will spending a few days in London before taking the train up to Edinburgh. Wish me luck with everything!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Rambling Through Radipole
On my day off last week I decided to visit the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve called Radipole Lake. It's situated in the middle of Weymouth and is filled with reed beds - perfect for some pretty rare birds. I got to see some mute swans, coots, moorhens (all three with chicks), a rather chatty reed warbler and a cetti's warbler. I also saw a mallard, a great tit, a grey heron,a house sparrow, and my favourite overall: a great crested grebe (see picture at left)! It's such a pretty bird and I was so happy to capture it on my camera . . . even though the picture isn't that great by wildlife standards. I also, narrowly missed seeing a bearded tit, an incredibly photogenic bird that is practically the emblem of radipole lake. Hopefully, I will be able to see it before I leave here as I really want to!In other wildlife news . . . I saw my first wild badger two nights ago! A few of us from work went to Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve with the intention of staking out a badger sett to try and see if we could spot one. After sitting on the ground for about an hour, I was starting to get a little cold and a little tired, when suddenly I could hear something running around behind me. I turned, and not even 3 ft away was a baby badger! It scared me half to death, as I was not expecting anything to be that close . . . and then it just turned and ran away. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my "close encounter" with a real live badger. Oh, and we also saw a roe deer . . . well, at least we think it was a roe deer (it was pretty far away!).
Yes, I am turning into a wildlife geek!
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Latest
I have done something that is potentially very foolhardy . . . I have quit my job here and I have no idea what I will be doing in a month's time! Eek! I didn't get the job in Aberdeen . . . well, at least they have offered it to someone else and they are currently waiting to hear back from that person. I am a bit down about that, but everything always happens for a reason. Anyway, I basically decided that it was still time to move on from here and to move back to Scotland. The plan, as I currently see it is to go back to part-time retail and do some volunteer work to make contacts and get more experience in Scotland. A lot of the jobs I really find interesting require a car, and the reality is that if I keep working at my current job I will not be able to put together enough cash to get a car for some time to come. At my old retail job in Edinburgh I made twice as much as I do now and worked 4 days a week instead of 6. Anyway, while I am still not sure if this is the best decision in the world, I guess time will tell!!!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Annotated pictures from hiking the South West Coast Path
If you'd like to see a selection of annotated pictures from when Ali and I hiked part of England's South West Coast Path - see slide show - then please click here.
Aberdeen
To get to Aberdeen, it took a lot of public transport. First, a bus to the trainstation in Weymouth. From there a train to London. Then a tube journey to another train station in London. Then another train . . . this time to the airport. Then, a shuttle bus to the actual airport. Then a plane to Aberdeen. And finally, a taxi to my hotel. It was a long day on Thursday! I started my journey at 8:30am and ended it at 7:30 pm. I am quite happy it is over!!! But, I have to do the same journey in reverse today . . . gulp. The journey from Weymouth to Aberdeen is only ~594miles! Click here to see a map (A = Weymouth; B = Aberdeen).
I came to Aberdeen for a job interview. It is a job that I would really love, but I am not sure how things went in the interview . . . it's always so hard to judge these things! There were 8 people interviewed and there are actually two positions. My roommate from my current job was also interviewed for the same position! The interview itself involved quite a few things, a written component, a presentation, and then the interview itself (which included having to interpret, i.e. describe, an onion!). I really hope I get it, but I will now just have to wait and see. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of the week.
It would be great to be back in Scotland!
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