tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55703806292622553552024-03-14T06:37:36.761+00:00True AimThe truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about my life... or as much of it as either I care to share or you care to read.Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-79616398755104159172014-01-01T23:46:00.000+00:002014-01-01T23:57:55.258+00:00New Year, New Blog<div class="post-body">
Instead of doing New Year's Resolutions this year, a friend I met in an <a href="http://elearning.upperroom.org/" rel="nofollow">Upper Room eRetreat</a>
gave me an idea: to pick one word to focus on for the year. I'd been
meaning to get back into blogging for a while; ever since I left
Scotland, I simply felt like my life didn't have anything much worth
sharing. I've put it off and put it off, until this suggestion made me
think about what word I'd like to focus on this year, and I felt like it
should be... write.<br />
<br />
Letters. Blogs. Stories. Articles. Essays. Postcards.
Journals. Whatever it is, this year, I want to get back to my love of
words and putting them on paper (or, in this case, on screen).<br />
<br />
Will I write every day? Yes-- just probably not in the same place
every day. I am going to try to have a couple of different blogs <a href="http://thoughts.com/" target="_blank">here</a>,
where I can play around with content. <a href="http://dailynew.thoughts.com/" target="_blank">This one</a>, however, will be my
main blog-- but I'll try to repost them here, as well!<br />
<br />
The title of the new blog, The Daily New, is meant to evoke two main
things: the traditional source of information (the daily newspaper), and
the truth that 'The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his
mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning...'
(Lamentations 3:22-23a). I need to be reminded of God's great
faithfulness every day, especially in the midst of times like the past
few years, when I didn't feel there was any mercy or newness. By
writing here regularly, I hope to be able to see better those mercies,
even if it only comes out in hindsight, and I'd like to share
encouragement with you who are reading to look for God's new mercies
daily.<br />
<br />
For those of you who already have and do journey with me, thank you.
To those of you who may be new to my adventures, welcome. May the
blessings of God rest fully upon us all as we venture into this new
year, and may each day truly be a new beginning.</div>
Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-31492845496455263382012-02-15T14:00:00.000+00:002012-02-15T14:00:05.164+00:00The Long, Long Wait I'm hopping in the TARDIS again today, to take me back to August 2010. Want to come along? Keep reading, then...<br />
<br />
I ended July with a party, and started August with a party. Well, sort of a party. Aleithia had discovered that a Youth theatre group was doing 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' at the Lemon Tree as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. A group of us decided to go, including Lynch, who had never seen the show before. It was a big hit with all of us. What's not to love about it, honestly? I even dressed the part as Lucy, because my sister always told me growing up that I was just like her. I can see *some* similarities, if I'm honest, and not all of them always flattering... but I still see myself more as a Charlie Brown, though I do have both some Linus and Lucy tendencies. I'll just leave it at that. <br />
<br />
The next day, 2 August, was a momentus one for me. Lynch agreed to be my offical photographer, and I'm so glad! Otherwise I wouldn't have the awesome evidence of the day I submitted my thesis! You can see those photos, as well as others from the month,<a href="http://trueaimphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/212"> here.</a> I started out by going to her office, the attic one, and using Joe's computer to use the university's printer to make the two copies I needed for my readers. I took them to the library to be soft-bound, and then had about half an hour to wait before I could turn them in. Lynch was ready for a break from her own thesis work, and the weather was nice, so we went for a wee ramble around the area-- through Cruickshank Gardens, around Seaton Park and St Machar drive, and back up to the uni. By that time, it was time! I went back to the library and the copy centre to pick up my now-bound theses, and Lynch accompanied me to Registry. Now, usually anything that required a visit to Registry was sure to be an absolute nightmare. I was expecting a nightmare, and instead got a delight! After waiting in the queue, the lady in the window was not only helpful (and seemed to know what she was doing, which was a surprise, given other experiences there), but she was friendly! That just never happens. She congratulated me, and wished me luck on my viva. I couldn't quite figure out where they'd found this person, but she must not have been a regular. Still, it was nice... and I was done with the big part! Lynch took pictures for me, and sang me a thesis-submitting song (to the tune of 'Happiness', from 'Charlie Brown'), and we went back to her office for coffee and chocolate and celebrations! Jay even stopped by, bearing gifts in the form of a tube of Smarties for me (who was the smartie of the day, obviously). It was great! After Lynch finished her work for the day, I went with her back to her hoose, where we ate fish 'n chips (I think) and drank wine (I'm sure). It was great to spend the day with her, celebrating finally being so close to being done. Thanks, Lynch, for making it a fantastic day! <br />
<br />
The rest of the month was full of fare-thee-wells and waiting. Both RitaB and Aleithia were leaving soon, and we had some get togethers to send them off. I helped Aleithia move flats just a few weeks before she left, which was wonderful for her, I'm sure. Not me helping, the need to move. Anyway. RitaB also threw a big party, where we all ate food and sat around talking, trying not to be sad about the impending goodbyes. I also spent the last evening she was in town, trying to help her pack all she could into the allotted one checked bag, and taking home with me all the stuff she couldn't, in order to redistribute it to people who might want or need it. Except for her beloved sleeping bag, which I ended up bringing home to reunite with her. But that's another story. RitaB had wanted to go to Slains Castle before she left, and we finally found a day that had nice enough weather to make the trek from the Bullers of Buchan down to Slains and into Cruden Bay. I had done that hike with Barb a few years ago, and it is seriously one of my favourite places in all of Scotland. I love it, and so I was quite happy to go with RitaB. We hiked around the cliffs, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed all that the northeast of Scotland has to offer. We didn't even get rained on that day! It was glorious, and the photos are<a href="http://trueaimphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/248"> here</a>. It was good to have some fun things going on, because I still didn't know what the heck was going on with my visa, so I was still hopeful that I'd be staying in Scotland-- and I'm never happy with saying good-bye-for-now to friends. It was hard, but I'd rather have known them and let them go than to not have known them. <br />
<br />
Other than that, I spent my time trying to relax and catch up on stuff (like going to the cinema) that I'd not had time for in a while. When the weather was nice (and sometimes when it wasn't), I got outside as much as I could. I always enjoy taking photos, and the flowers were just amazing. The photos of those, from the summer on campus and in Seaton Park, specifically, are <a href="http://trueaimphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/121">here</a>. Now that the concentrated thesis work was done, it was both fun and strange to have all my time to myself. I have never been very good at waiting, though, so I was anxious to just get my viva done already, and be ready to graduate in November. <br />
<br />
Thank goodness Lynch was around to keep me busy, with food and drink and cinema and chats and... oh, just being my friend. Especially with everyone else leaving... <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-45364948007159479602012-02-13T14:00:00.000+00:002012-02-13T14:00:05.673+00:00The Big Finish 2010 Another trip down memory lane, continuing with the summer of 2010.<br />
<br />
After seeing Macca with Paige, I just hung around her wee Alva flat after she left for America for a bit. It was, again, a good place to do some focussed work and not be distracted by much of anything. Except the Famous Alva Highland Games, which I already posted about ages ago. You can read that again <a href="http://allaboutamie.blogspot.com/2010/09/famous-alva-highland-games.html">here</a>, if you forgot. The World Cup (football) was going on at the same time, and whereas in January I didn't turn on the tv except to see the New Year's Doctor Who episode (*sob*), this time I had a the matches on (even though I didn't pay that much attention to many of them). I can't help myself-- I just love national sports. Club sports, not so much. Maybe that's why I'm not such a fan of the NFL? Go figure.<br />
<br />
Anyway. I was quite lucky to get to be in Alva to work, and I worked hard to get ready to submit by the end of the month. After being robbed (which you can read about <a href="http://allaboutamie.blogspot.com/2010/09/quite-week-that-was.html">here</a>, if you've want to hear the story again), I wasn't sure what I was going to do about finishing-- I had lost my computer, Lynch's loaned computer, and my thumb drive. Even worse, I'd lost the past three weeks' work, a lot of which was fixing footnotes and other busy work. Luckily, however, I managed to get a laptop on loan from the university for a couple of weeks. Generally they hadn't been very helpful with things like offices and information, but this time I lucked out-- they had a laptop that had been returned by a faculty and had not yet been reassigned. They didn't need it for another three weeks, and I was only going to be gone for just over two. Yay! It was a university miracle. It was an older model and not all that great, but it had wireless internet and Microsoft Office, which were really all I needed. I gratefully borrowed it, and gratefully returned it.<br />
<br />
I got home to Aberdeen and Kenny told me there was good news and bad news, regarding the break-in. I asked for the bad news first, and found out that the insurance folks weren't going to cover any of my stuff, because they said I was a lodger and should have had my own renter's insurance (even though they had ages before said I wasn't considered a lodger because I wasn't on an official contract...). That meant I would have to buy a new computer, for which I did not have the funds. Yikes. I was not happy. Luckily, the good news was that Kenny is awesome (which I already knew) and that because the insurance company made him angry by that, he just claimed for his stolen laptop and then gave me the new one. He had recently bought himself a new one, and the stolen one was the old one, anyway. So it arrived just a few days after, and I got to finish my thesis on my shiny new Samsung! Have I mentioned that Kenny is the best? Because he totally is, and not just for this. This is only one small example of why he is awesome. <br />
<br />
I had intended to submit before Harry Potter's birthday, but due to the loss of work and having to redo so much annoyingly time-consuming stuff, I ended up finishing in time to submit the first of August. Or rather, the second, because the first was a Sunday. But since I was, for all intents and purposes, done, and because I just wanted to, dang it, I had a Harry Potter party! It was 31 July, his birthday, and in celebration of me being done-- because it was the whole HP controversy that got me started down this thesis road to begin with. Lynch, RitaB and Aleithia came, and we had fun. It was a small celebration, but a much-needed one with some of my closest friends. We had custard cremes (and everyone managed to avoid the canary cremes!), cockroach clusters, chocolate frogs, Gryffindor-coloured cupcakes and rice krispy treats and deviled eggs, and Butterbeer! Plus some general party food, like cheeses and other goodies. Basically, we just sat around and ate, but that makes for quite a good party in my book. And that celebration meant that I was officially done with the major part of the thesis. Woot. <br />
<br />
You can see all the photos from the month's activities <a href="http://trueaimphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/74">here</a>. <br />
<br />Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-234813946242028562012-02-11T20:55:00.000+00:002012-02-11T20:55:45.940+00:00Mostly MaccaI've been trying to figure out where I left off in 2010 with my story-telling here, and it seems like it was sometime around June. Some of the events I know I talked about, like the Famous Alva Highland Games, but at least one very big event I somehow missed. Maybe I needed more time to calm down from it before I wrote about it? I'm not sure. Either way, this is where I'll start: Paul McCartney in Glasgow, with Paige. You can see the photos <a href="http://trueaimphotos.shutterfly.com/">here</a>, under the 'Pictures and Videos' tab, in the albums labelled 'June' and 'Macca'. <br />
<br />
It was the second annual summer concert spectacular for Paige and I. We'd seen U2 in Dublin the year before, as you might remember (it's not like talked about it very much, ha). I can't remember why, but I hadn't bought tickets for Macca early-- it might have been something to do with finishing my thesis and all that being up in the air, but I'm not sure now. Anyway, as it drew nearer, and as Paige was still in town, I decided I couldn't live without trying to go see him for the third time. So I asked Paige if she'd be interested (and really, why wouldn't she be?) and she said YES! Because everyone should see a Beatle live if they get a chance. And we had a chance, because I found some nice tickets on eBay, and got 'em. So. Excited! <br />
<br />
I got all packed up and headed to meet Paige in Alva for the first night. It was the first trip for my wee traveling companion, Amoose Bouche. I was going to be staying in Alva after Paige left for America, in order to do all those other things I wrote about earlier, so it was nice to drop my bags off first. Things were off to a good start, and we got a good start the next day. We caught the train to Glasgow, where we were going to be staying with my friend Liam, who was a fellow PhD. It was very kind of him and his flatmate to put us up (put up with us?) for the night so we didn't have to pay for accomodation. Finding the right train and then the right building to arrive at the right flat to leave all our stuff took longer than we expected, but luckily Liam came to our rescue and found us at the station, walking us back to his place. I hadn't seen him in a while, since he'd moved to Glasgow, and Paige had heard about but never met him. Sadly, we had to drop our stuff and dash in order to get to Hampden Park on time. So we visitied briefly, dropped our stuff and dashed, making sure we had their numbers so we could get back to the right place later that night. <br />
<br />
There were loads of people streaming into Hampden, as one would expect for a Macca concert. Our seats were on the floor, off to the right. They weren't U2 good, but they weren't bad at all. We were a little late, so we missed most of the opening act-- I honestly can't even remember who it was. A girl. Honestly, I couldn't be bothered. I was just glad to be there in time. We were on the end of a row, which was nice. There were loads of different types of people around-- people our age, people our parents' age, people with wee ones. It was quite an atmosphere; the older couple across the aisle just in front of us had been drinking (a lot) and were quite enjoying themselves-- singing and dancing and having a ball. It was hilarious, yet endearing. I watched them a good bit during the evening, partly because they were in my line of sight and partly because they were so entertaining in themselves. <br />
<br />
The show itself was amazing. Of course it was. Sir Paul is an entertainer; it's just who he is. Everyone sang along, on pretty much every song. I don't think we sat down hardly at all. We laughed and swayed and just soaked it all up. Somehow he makes you feel like it's just a small friendly gathering, sitting around the campfire kind of vibe. There are the showy elements, of course, with the pyrotechnics and videos and such, but Macca himself just seems to have so darn much fun that everyone else does, too. I think he loves us being there as much as we do. It was my third time to see him (April 2002 in DC, October 2002 in New Orleans, and June 2010 in Glasgow-- a nice combination), and I do hope I get to add more to that. As long as he keeps touring, I'll keep going to see him. Even though he does most of the same songs, they're the songs everyone wants to hear. And he has a big enough body of work to switch things up some, so it's never exactly the same. But people go because they love the music, and that's what he gives us-- great music. <br />
<br />
After the show, we left with the thousands of other people to catch the trains back into the city centre so we could get home. They were running special ones, I think, to accomadate our numbers, and we finally got on. We got one stop down, however, and everything shut down. The train just went dark, and we had no announcements to tell us when or if we might be moving again. It was packed in there, too-- so many people, all of whom had just come from the show. That might be a recipe for short tempers and annoyance, except that it didn't work out that way. From somewhere behind me, someone started singing (rather drunkenly, but not at all badly) Hey Jude, I think it was. You could see people glancing at each other, not sure what to do. Some were giggling, some were confused, some were just waiting to see what happened next. <br />
<br />
What happened next was that someone else joined in, then someone else, and then someone else. When the song ended, another was started. And before we knew it, our whole train carriage was giggling and singing along to whatever Beatles or Macca song someone was brave enough to pipe up with in the lulls. It was, actually, quite breath-taking; in an odd way, it was a taste of the Kingdom of Heaven for me. Not that there is anything inherently religious about Beatles songs, and as much as I love Sir Paul he is not deserving of worship-- but to have a bunch of people, from all different ages, races, backgrounds, all joining together, raising our voices and sharing this profound moment of togetherness, simply due to the fact that we had in common one thing: the concert we'd just experienced... it was amazing. It made me wonder how much better the world would be, and our lives in generally, if Christians could share more moments of such togetherness... but that's another issue to explore in another post. Still, it was a profound and moving moment for me, and a great conclusion to the concert. <br />
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It wasn't the end of our adventure, however. When we finally got back to Liam's, he and his flatmate (Adam, I think) were still up and waiting for us. They knew we hadn't had time to have dinner before the show, so they cooked up some goodies for us-- salads and quiches and bread and cheese and wine. It was a feast! They stayed up with us for a long while, chatting and making sure we felt at home. They were amazing hosts, for certain! And it didn't end there-- the next morning, they made us breakfast, and we stayed around the table, talking about life and religion and music and culture and art and all kinds of deep things, for hours! It was one of those times when the conversation just flows, where everyone both listens and shares, and where you enjoy each other so much, even if you don't always agree. It was incredible, actually. We had intended to head back to Alva much earlier, but we probably would have stayed longer if Paige hadn't been set to leave for America imminently. So, wishing we could stay longer but knowing we had deadlines to keep, we gathered our things, thanked our friendly hosts profusely, and headed back to Alva. <br />
<br />
It was, simply put, an all-around amazing adventure. <br />
<br />
<br />Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-70425066227728183642012-02-06T23:56:00.000+00:002012-02-06T23:56:21.741+00:00Telling the TruthI haven't blogged in a long while about what's been going on (or not going on) in my life. I have a year and a half of things that I haven't written a single post about. To be quite honest, I'm not really sure that I want to write about them-- any of them. It's not that I don't want y'all to know what's been going on, or to share any of my adventures and struggles with you. It's more that I don't want to think about them myself. It's easier to just ignore them, and let the past be the past, and figure out a way to just start over here and now. <br />
<br />
Except it's not really easier to do that, is it? I mean, you can't just leave your behind in the past, as Pumba says. It doesn't work. It might make things seem easier in the short run, but in the long run? You have to deal with things, or you don't ever get better. I've been very consciously not thinking about even the good things in the past eighteen months, because even those are too sad for me to look at closely. I haven't emailed friends, because I don't want to think about how much I miss them. Because I don't want to talk about how I feel like there is nothing good going on in my life right now. Because I don't want to admit how bad things really are, inside. <br />
<br />
All that ignore is not making things better. I'm not sure that's it making them worse, but it sure isn't helping anything. <br />
<br />
I was talking with my one friend with whom I spend time on a more-or-less regular basis, and she's a bit of a busy-body by her own admission, always trying to fix things for people. She's had a pretty rough year herself, and we were commiserating over things. I had no words of wisdom for her, but just a listening ear and sympathy for the struggle. For me, she had a suggestion: write. About the feeling of dislocation I'm suffering, about the struggle with being where I don't want to be (in more ways than one), about feeling lost and empty and unproductive and all the things I'm struggling. But to write about the past year and a half, good and bad. To tell my story, because to do that I have to face it and (perhaps) work though it. At least deal with the fact that it exists. <br />
<br />
I'm not at all happy about this suggestion. Obviously. Because I don't want to talk about it. Okay? <br />
<br />
I know, I know. I hear you. It's not okay. I get it. I'll try. <br />
<br />
For a start, I'm writing this post. Laying it out there, why I haven't kept in touch or blogged. It's hard for me to admit that I'm struggling, because I don't want to burden people with my troubles. I (stupidly) feel like I should be able to deal with my own problems. I say stupidly because I know darn well that we are called to carry each other's burdens, and that is part of what friends are for. I expect others to let me help with their burdens (as well as their joys, to be fair), but I'm quite often not willing to return that favour. I had a friend recently who very pointedly said to me, 'I hope you wouldn't rob your friends of a chance to bless you,' in response to a discussion of homeless and hungry Americans (I said I would be both of those if it weren't for staying with family). Oh, if only it were so easy for me to see it that way! <br />
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I struggle with that, though. Am I the only one? Probably not. It seems like a very American mindset, the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' and be all self-sufficient. It is not, however, a very Christian one. I'm working on that. I'm not even sure I want to post this, because it's a bit too raw and honest. I don't want people to think less of me. <br />
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Seriously? Yes. Even though I know full well that y'all, who are my friends, will not think less of me for being honest, or for struggling. Still I worry. And keep it inside, to myself. I know that doesn't make sense; I know that I am holding myself to an impossible double-standard, and am acting in ways that I would not want my friends to act if they were having hard times of any sort. So please forgive me, friends, for behaving in ways that actually deny your friendship. I don't mean to do that; I am thankful for you, I really am. It's myself I am fighting with, and I don't know if I'll win this one. But I will try-- to write, as my friend suggests; to be more honest about, well, everything; to give you the opportunity to be my friends in the same ways that I want to be your friends-- and to let you, if you're willing, to help me carry my burdens, and give you the opportunity to bless me. Because, honestly, I know that works both ways. I just forget sometimes. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-90544910223092132952012-01-31T21:52:00.000+00:002012-01-31T21:52:20.250+00:00My Friendship FearsI almost skipped church on Sunday. I really wanted to. I was being lazy, and wanted to stay in bed instead of get up, get ready and get going. I tried to convince myself that it would be fine to skip, to worship at the Church of the Holy Comforter (except that I have quilts, instead) because, after all, I'd been to church pretty regularly lately. Everyone deserves a day off, I reasoned. <br />
<br />
I was not convinced. <br />
<br />
Eventually, I did get up, get ready and get going, and got there ten minutes late (which, to be fair, is pretty good for me). I wasn't terribly happy about it, but I was there, for whatever reason. I suppose it was reason enough that I couldn't talk myself into any truly good excuses for staying home that day. I like the church I've been attending when I'm in town, for its mission and its heart for Jesus and people (if not so much for its contemporary service. It's well done, mind, but I'm truly a traditionalist at heart.), and I know a few people from my growing-up years who attend there--as well as a few new friends from this return time. <br />
<br />
So there I sat, mind not really on the sermon (about eternal life, and actually a pretty good one). I was just letting my eyes wander around, to see who I could see. I hadn't spotted 'my' people on my way in late, so I was sitting on my own, which I don't mind at all. I always hope it'll mean I meet new people, but rarely do people actually speak to me. Not that they're rude-- but never mind; that's another story for another time. As my eyes wandered over the backs of heads, I noticed someone in the front row. Sitting next to a couple my parents' age. With whom I went to church growing up, and was involved in Chrysalis and Emmaus with them and their youngest daughter.<br />
<br />
I thought it must be a coincidence. And then she turned her head, and I perked right up as I recognised her for certain-- it was their youngest daughter, a friend of mine who I had not seen in easily a decade! Actually, it's probably been longer than that-- more like fifteen years. I was so excited, and couldn't wait for the service to be over so I could go up and speak with her. I had visited with her parents several times at church, which is always a joy, and had asked after her. But I hadn't expected to actually get a chance to catch up with her! <br />
<br />
Then, as I sat there, trying to listen to the sermon and waiting for the end of the service, I started to worry. Maybe I shouldn't go up to her. Maybe I should just leave, and if I ran into her and her family, then fine. Maybe I shouldn't seek her out. Because what if she doesn't remember me? What if she hasn't thought about me at all in those intervening years? What if she's not interested in catching up? What if I like her more than she likes me, and she doesn't care if she sees me or not? What if? <br />
<br />
See, I do this to myself a lot. I always worry, when I haven't been in touch with someone or haven't seen them for a long time, even if we've kept in touch. I always worry that it's going to be horribly awkward, that they haven't missed me as much as I've missed them (or at all), and that they might not even really remember me or care that much to be reacquainted, sometimes despite what they might say beforehand. Friends who have moved away say, 'Come visit!' And I say, 'I'll try,' but what I mean is, 'I think you're just being polite and don't really want to see me, so I'll politely agree to try and visit but not work very hard at it, just in case.' Because I would hate to actually show up and have things go badly. I'd rather not go up to my friend for a catch-up after all this time in case it's not what I'd like it to be and instead it is what I'm afraid it will be. <br />
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In all these cases, I struggle with the fear of rejection, or at least with the fear of being a non-entity. Even worse than a blatant rejection, I think, would be polite disinterest or a blank nothingness. Would I rather stay alone and keep my memories of the friendship past than risk finding out there's absolute emptiness in the relationship now? Yes, often I think I would. <br />
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And yet that never, ever happens. I have never yet had a situation where the person I wanted to see wasn't also delighted to see me. Sometimes it's a little awkward, if we haven't seen each other for a very long time, as we relearn how to be in the same physical space-- but more often than not, it's just like no time has passed at all. And still I'm always surprised that they are as obviously overjoyed to be with me again as I am to be with them. Always. <br />
<br />
Why is that? Why do I seem to always forget the evidence of past experiences, of friendships in general, and instead revert to the fear that I am nothing, nobody, not worth remembering or missing? Am I the only one who struggles with this? Or are we all struggling to remember that we are worthy, that people love us, that those we miss are missing us, as well? I think for me, it comes down to what my head knows but my heart forgets. It happens to me not just with human relationships, but in my relationship with God, as well. I know with my brain that God loves me, despite my sins and flaws. I know that it is God's grace that enables me to live and love better than I would otherwise be capable, that offers me forgiveness and a chance to try again when I fail, and that encircles and infuses my relationships with that same love and grace. I know these things with my mind--but I all too often forget them with my heart. Which means that, instead of trusting God and the grace, love and mercy he wants to shower me with daily, I instead turn to fear and worry--especially in my other relationships. And in turn, I lose sight of the fact that friendships by definition require more than just one person--more than just myself. Simply because I have called people friends, the chances are far better than I give them credit for that they feel about me the same way I feel about them. <br />
<br />
I just tend to forget that part. Despite the fact that I am always reminded of its truth. Like this past Sunday, when I finally gathered my things after church and walked up to catch my friend. I hesitated, then tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around, saw me, and we both just beamed. Big hugs were shared, introductions made to her wee man, and quick catch ups on life were exchanged. It was so great, for both of us, I think. Life moves on, people come and go--but real friendships do stand the test of time. I know that, and Sunday reminded me, yet again, to believe it. <br />
<br />
I can't assure you that I won't still struggle with this. I can't promise that I'll not be nervous about seeing you again after a long absence. I can't even be sure that I'll be any better about keeping in touch--especially about getting back in touch, when I've been out of touch for so long. But I can assure you that it's because I care about you and think so highly of your friendship that I am hesitant, as stupid as that undoubtedly is. I can promise that I'll try, and that I will make a concerted effort to get back in touch (through email, phone calls or letters). Because I do miss you, my friends. I'm just fighting the fear. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-7513809726718185802012-01-29T06:00:00.000+00:002012-01-29T06:00:02.486+00:00BookishnessI suppose I more than made up for my lack of cinematic adventures by the reading habits last year. This list is impressive, even to me! That's almost a book a week, coming in at 50 books. Nice. I wonder if I can keep this up? Probably not. Oh well. It was a pretty good reading year for me, anyway. <br />
<br />
Also, if you are interested, I'm on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>, which is where I keep track of all my books. I'd love to be friends with you, if you're on there (or I can send you an invite, if you aren't and would like to be). <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A Year With Aslan *****</li>
<li>Walk On ***</li>
<li>The Secret Life of Bees ****</li>
<li>Dead Beat ***</li>
<li>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ***</li>
<li>The Lost Hero ***</li>
<li>The Gift of Fear ***</li>
<li>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes *****</li>
<li>The Renegades of Pern **</li>
<li>Praying in the Messiness of Life **</li>
<li>The Last Olympian ***</li>
<li>The Sea of Monsters ***</li>
<li>The Titan's Curse ***</li>
<li>The Battle of the Labyrinth ***</li>
<li>The Wrath of Mulgarath **</li>
<li>The Lightning Thief ***</li>
<li>Blue Like Jazz **</li>
<li>The Sign of Four ***</li>
<li>Blood Rites ****</li>
<li>A Study in Scarlet ****</li>
<li>Mockingjay ****</li>
<li>Catching Fire ****</li>
<li>The Hunger Games *****</li>
<li>Cugel's Saga ***</li>
<li>Death Masks ****</li>
<li>How to Live with a Neurotic Cat **</li>
<li>Nerilka's Story *</li>
<li>Frisky Business ****</li>
<li>All the I Needed to Know I Learned From My Cat ***</li>
<li>Camber the Heretic ***</li>
<li>Stardust of Yesterday **</li>
<li>Why? ****</li>
<li>Summer Knight ****</li>
<li>The Skylark of Space ****</li>
<li>The Fur Person *****</li>
<li>Dewey ***</li>
<li>The Prophet *****</li>
<li>Grave Peril ****</li>
<li>Moreta ***</li>
<li>Lose, Love, Live ***</li>
<li>Fool Moon ***</li>
<li>Saint Camber ****</li>
<li>Facing Your Giants ***</li>
<li>Dragonsdawn ***</li>
<li>Conspiracies ****</li>
<li>Storm Front ***</li>
<li>Camber of Culdi ****</li>
<li>Everything's Eventual ***</li>
<li>Heats in Atlantis ****</li>
<li>The Hour I First Believed ***</li>
</ul>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-64912202675878388252012-01-28T19:54:00.001+00:002012-01-28T20:13:16.882+00:00Cinema Limited 2011I didn't really go to the cinema much last year, because I no longer have the luxury of an Unlimited Card. I did find a buck-fifty cinema in town, but it's not very convenient. I only went two or three times. I saw four things before I left Scotland, I saw four things (including a repeat of The King's Speech) in Buffalo with my sister and her family, and I saw the last film of the year in Florida with my Gramma Jean over the Christmas holidays. The others I saw in Tennessee, either on my own or with my dad. I guess I'll have to start keeping track of dvds and tv films now, if I want my lists to not be so anaemic. =) <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568911/" target="_new">War Horse</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/" target="_new">Lion King 3-D</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/" target="_new">Thor</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409847/" target="_new">Cowboys & Aliens</a> (drive-in double feature) ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/" target="_new">Captain America: The First Avenger</a> (drive-in double feature)****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270798/" target="_new">X-Men: First Class</a> (with dad)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1201607/" target="_new">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two</a> (with Barb) **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001526/" target="_new">Megamind</a> (with Jen and the kids) ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/" target="_new">Despicable Me</a> (with Jen and the kids) ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398286/" target="_new">Tangled</a> (with Jen and the kids) ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/" target="_new">The King's Speech</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001526/" target="_new">Megamind 3D</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1620449/" target="_new">Animals United</a> **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104001/" target="_new">Tron: Legacy in 3D </a> ****</li>
</ul>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-4610805866430186802011-09-21T04:29:00.001+01:002011-09-21T04:29:26.443+01:00One YearHello, reading friends! Long time, no see! <br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, I know that's my fault. But it's still true. =)<br />
<br />
<br />
Today is the first day I've made a 'real time' post in a year.
That's because a year ago I had something very important and exciting to
share. One year ago today, I passed my viva and became The Doctor.
Granted, it was a two months later before I officially graduated, but on
this day... I passed. <br />
<br />
<br />
Now, a year later, I've spent the day getting mum's oil changed
and reading The Hunger Games. That's a very bad idea, in case you were
wondering. Not the oil change, but me reading the first few chapters of
that book in public. No one warned me of that. You'd think someone
would have, knowing what a cry-baby I can be. Still. There you have
it. <br />
<br />
<br />
I've also spent the day applying for what has been, traditionally
speaking, my dream job. It's here in Nashville, which is the
not-so-dreamy part of it for me; it is the only job for which I'd stay
in town. And when I say 'traditionally', I mean 'ever since I knew this
job existed' which equals about twenty years ago. So, it's kind of a
big deal. I don't know that I'm completely qualified, but in some ways
I'm way over-qualified. That's kind of a funny dichotomy, and whether
or not I'm considered or (who knows?) even hired will really depend on
the rest of this process, I guess. It listed today, and I sent it in
today. I have about a month to wait for the initial application period
to close, and then... more waiting, I'm sure. I'm not very good at
waiting. And I don't really want to talk about what it is yet... I'm
trying not to get my hopes up too much. I will let y'all know in due
course, good or bad, I promise. In the meantime, I'd really appreciate
your prayers. Or good thoughts, if that's more your style. Thanks,
friends. <br />
<br />
<br />
I also will be trying to get in some updates about what the past
year held for me, including my last-ditch social and sightseeing
extravaganzas in Scotland, my fabulous graduation with the even more
fabulous Scotland rugby team member Chris Cusiter (OH MY LIFE!!), and my
time in the States since January. There's far more to tell of the time
before Stateside landfall, to be fair. But bear with me; I'll get
around to in. <br />
<br />
And if you are here reading this now,
thanks for sticking around and checking in to even see if I've ever
bothered to post something. Thanks for reading, and thanks for being
here-- virtually speaking. =) Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-84444879269217240202011-01-23T18:55:00.002+00:002011-01-23T18:55:58.653+00:00Cinematic Adventures 2010<ul><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1243957/" target="_new">The Tourist</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0980970/" target="_new">The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader</a> (with Lynch)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0980970/" target="_new">The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader</a> (with the Beckers) ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/" target="_new">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One</a> (with Lynch) **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228987/" target="_new">Let Me In</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1620604/" target="_new">We Are What We Are</a> **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1536044/" target="_new">Paranormal Activity 2</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231583/" target="_new">Due Date</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/" target="_new">Despicable Me</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/" target="_new">RED</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1414382/" target="_new">You Again</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219342/" target="_new">The Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477076/" target="_new">Saw 3-D</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1320239/" target="_new">Burke and Hare</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/" target="_new">Back to the Future</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314655/" target="_new">Devil </a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135084/" target="_new">Takers </a> **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386588/" target="_new">The Other Guys</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1085779/" target="_new">The Hole 3-D</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427152/" target="_new">Dinner for Schmucks</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1320244/" target="_new">The Last Exorcism</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464154/" target="_new">Piranha 3-D</a> *</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892791/" target="_new">Shrek Forever After 3-D</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1075747/" target="_new">Jonah Hex</a> **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/" target="_new">Inception</a> (again... because I love both Leo and Jospeh Gordon-Levitt) *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196141/" target="_new">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/" target="_new">Avatar 3-D</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775489/" target="_new">L'Illusioniste</a> (with Aleithia) ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963966/" target="_new">The Sorcerer's Apprentice</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944835/" target="_new">Salt</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446029/" target="_new">Scott Pilgrim vs the World</a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155076/" target="_new">The Karate Kid</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1320253/" target="_new">The Expendables</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429493/" target="_new">The A-Team </a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392197/" target="_new">Marmaduke</a> ***</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013743/" target="_new">Knight and Day</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0938283/" target="_new">The Last Airbender 3-D</a> (with Paige) **</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1325004/" target="_new">Eclipse</a> *</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/" target="_new">Toy Story 3-D</a> (with Liz) *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/" target="_new">Inception </a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228705/" target="_new">Iron Man 2</a> ****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054215/" target="_new">Psycho</a> (with Aleithia) *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/" target="_new">Shutter Island </a> *****</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/" target="_new">Alice in Wonderland</a> ***** (with Liz, Tanja, and Jen)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/" target="_new">How To Train Your Dragon 3D</a> ***** (with the Beckers)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/" target="_new">The Lovely Bones</a> **** (with Liz)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1057500/" target="_new">Invictus</a> ***** (with Alisa)</li>
</ul>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-21194691051672624832011-01-23T18:51:00.000+00:002011-01-23T18:51:14.799+00:00My 2010 Reading List<ul><li>Transitions ****</li>
<li>The White Dragon ***</li>
<li>Busman's Honeymoon **</li>
<li>The Missionary **</li>
<li>Notes From an Exhibition ***</li>
<li>The Healing Path ***</li>
<li>The Matisse Stories ***</li>
<li>Ivanhoe *****</li>
<li>The Boggart ***</li>
<li>Dragonflight ****</li>
<li>Water is Thicker Than Blood ****</li>
<li>Great Expectations ****</li>
<li>Serve God, Save the Planet **</li>
<li>We Get to Carry Each Other: The Gospel According to U2 ****</li>
<li>Breaking Dawn **</li>
<li>The Family in Christian Social and Political Thought **</li>
<li>The Merchant of Death **</li>
<li>Pulling Focus ***</li>
<li>Risk ****</li>
<li>Charlotte von Kirschbaum and Karl Barth ****</li>
<li>Dragonquest ****</li>
<li>Finding Happiness ***</li>
<li>The Handmaid's Tale *****</li>
<li>Foucault's Pendulum ***</li>
<li>Jesus Wants to Save Christians ***</li>
<li>One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch ****</li>
<li>Radical Hospitality ****</li>
<li>The Chapel at the Edge of the World **</li>
<li>Real Christianity *****</li>
<li>Perfume ***</li>
<li>The Case for a Creator, Student Edition **</li>
<li>Moon Tiger *****</li>
<li>Hatching Magic ***</li>
<li>Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, volume 3 ****</li>
<li>Far from the Madding Crowd ***</li>
<li>The Silver Sword ****</li>
<li>Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, volume 2 ***</li>
<li>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time **</li>
<li>Kidnapped ****</li>
<li>The Complete Polysyllabic Spree ****</li>
<li>The Host ***</li>
<li>Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, volume 1 ***</li>
<li>The Moonstone ****</li>
<li>Mister Monday ***</li>
<li>The Joke **</li>
<li>Persuasion ****</li>
<li>The Sparrow *****</li>
<li>Truckers ***</li>
<li>Have His Carcase **</li>
<li>The God-Hungry Imagination ****</li>
<li>Dark Alchemy ****</li>
<li>Sabbath ****</li>
<li>False Impression ***</li>
<li>The Last Lecture ***</li>
<li>Theories of Culture ***</li>
<li>A History of Christian Theology ****</li>
<li>Lost In Austen *****</li>
<li>The Stupidest Angel ***</li>
<li>The World According to Garp ****</li>
<li>The Flying Scotsman: A Biography ****</li>
<li>The Perks of Being a Wallflower ***</li>
<li>A Clockwork Orange *****</li>
<li>The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas *</li>
</ul>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-8281521007860045442010-10-06T13:26:00.000+01:002010-10-06T13:26:48.344+01:00Acknowledgements<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Many of you will have already received this as an email, but I wanted to share it with everyone else who I don't necessary have addresses for. I passed my viva, with minor corrections-- which means I have a couple of things the examiners want me to do before they say it's officially done. I have til 1 January to get them done<span style="font-size: small;">, but they will be done before then. I'm not sure yet whether or not I'll be able to do the graduation ceremony in November (stupid univeristy contradictory rules), but either way, I'm practically done already. </span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doing a PhD is not something that anyone can really understand, unless you've been through it. I can't explain what it's like, how horribly difficult a long, long slog it is, with moments of amazement, gratification and joy. Even being done is not all happiness and light-- but I am proud of myself, and glad to have reached this point. These are the acknowledgements printed in my thesis, and I want to share them with you. Please find yourself in their lines, and thank you. </span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Acknowledgements</b></span></div><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Although I am passionate about this topic, and it has grown largely out of my whole life experiences, it has been the case more often than not that I despaired of ever finishing this thesis. The fact that I have made it to this point means there are several people who deserve recognition of my undying gratitude. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Thank you, God. There is absolutely no way this would ever have happened if it weren't for You. Everything good in it is praise to You; anything not good is down to me. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To the Theologicans, past and present, your support and fellowship on this long, dark road is most appreciated. I can't wait to celebrate with all of you, as well. You know who you are.... </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Thank you especially to Carolyn, Barb, and Lynch. More than most, you have been exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I have no doubt that you were God-sent to me, and my life would be far less without you in it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To my friends on both sides of the Atlantic and, indeed, around the globe, thank you for encouragement, conversation, interest in my life and my research, and Facebook fun. Wherever I am, you will always be welcome. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To my family, thank you for your part in making me who I am. That is part of what has brought me to this point. Especially to my sister, Jennifer Balazadeh, thank you for having the two best children in the whole entire world, so that I can be Cool Auntie Amie. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To Brian Brock, my supervisor—thank you for knowing those things I didn't even know I didn't know about the process and the system, for encouraging me in the worst times, and for getting me to this point. If there were times you thought I wouldn't make it, you never said it, and I appreciate that. I thought it enough myself. I know how truly I have been blessed to have a supervisor about whom I have no complaints. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To Kenny Thom, my long-suffering and very gracious flatmate, I would not have made it in Aberdeen for very long if it weren't for you. You have become like family, and have been better to me than I deserve in more ways that I can name, and I owe you far more than I could ever repay. Thank you. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To the families who have taken me in and loved me like family, you have saved my life—or at least my sanity. To the Cornells, the Kelly-Johnstons and the Beckers particularly, you and your children have made my heart glad when everything else felt miserable. Thank you, and I love y'all. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To my church family at Crown Terrace Methodist, thank you for always remembering me, being interested in me, and loving me--whenever I happened to show up. Thank you for being the friendliest church family ever. <br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">To the Aberdeen Book Club, over the years-- there were times when you were my only and best social interaction, and I thank you so much for the friendship and the chance to read good books together. You've helped form me in my years here, both by the books you chose and your time with me. Thank you. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To the coffee growers and cafés, the chocolatiers and wineries of the world, thank you. Without you, I would not have made it through. Zeste, especially, thank you for your customer service with a scowl. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">To all 'my' kiddos—Machias and Semiah, especially—it is largely for you I have done this. I hope it is worth something. You are the best things in my world, and I love you more than I can possibly express. </span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Finally, to the men in my life who have helped me become the person I am today: Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Charles Wallace Murray, Will Stanton, Merriman Lyon, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, and, especially, Aslan. </span> </div>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-74840407792776569472010-09-29T16:51:00.000+01:002010-09-29T16:51:06.087+01:00The Famous Alva Highland Games!While I was in Alva, they held the 153rd (I think) Famous Alva Highland Games. So of course I went.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzf6lnTOhgY2KBM2jM668ueoGou8F2jjuetLAMdFR6Tp1B0lKy4EpyXJGpxExPydveSbYdTqrzpPNGDyeJvFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>It rained. All day. And it was cooooold. I was frozen through and quite damp by the time I left to get fish 'n chips to watch the World Cup semi-finals (Uruguay was playing, and my World Cup crush plays for them). The rain meant that the crowds were small, and that the Highland Dancing and piping got moved indoors somewhere... I never heard where, though. I watched all the heavy events, which were interesting considering how wet everything was. Only one guy even got the caber to flip over, which was disappointing. I think the contestants were all annoyed with the rain, too. It can't be very nice to be throwing deadly things around without a good grip.<br />
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I still enjoyed watching them, and there were a few I remembered from last year's events. I also watched all the footraces, the hillrace, and the cycle races. The hillrace was crazy... they ran all the way up to the top of the hillfoot behind us and back down-- the fastest one in just over 20 minutes! That would be an all day event for me, and they were running it. Mad.<br />
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I took some photos, of course. They are<a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/3377"> here</a>. <br />
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The videos, in case you didn't notice, are in no real order. I just stuck 'em in places. =)<br />
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<span id="goog_651411168"></span><span id="goog_651411169"></span>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-81704380793062080772010-09-28T11:50:00.000+01:002010-09-28T11:50:00.792+01:00Alva Thesis Retreat, Take TwoStudy, study, study. In Alva. Thank you, Paige, for the loan of your flat while you were away! <br />
<br />
It worked well for me in January to be away for a few weeks, and to just work somewhere different. I hoped it would work that way again, especially after being so frustrated with the whole robbery and losing my work fiasco. I debated about not going, but I'd already bought my train tickets before the theft, and I couldn't see wasting the money (they were, of course, non-refundable cheap tickets). So off I poddled to Alva for two weeks. <br />
<br />
I didn't get completely done, but I did get a lot accomplished. It's funny how just a change of scene can work wonders on motivation and focus, sometimes. The weather wasn't great, as it was rainy and cloudy most of the time... but there is a great park just a couple of blocks down that I took my books and notebooks to when the sun came out. The university even loaned me a netbook to use for two weeks. Granted, I made them feel bad enough about having kicked me out of my office right at the end of my time when I needed a place to work the most, and laid it on thick about then having my laptop stolen in the break-in... they couldn't really do anything but loan me one that was sitting around unused, could they? <br />
<br />
Anyway. I worked a lot. I drank coffee and ate snacks and sat in the window and watched the World Cup and read in the times when I wasn't working. It was productive, and it was refreshing to be somewhere other than the 'Deen for a bit. Thanks, Paige! I owe ya. =) <br />
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Where are the photos? They're <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/3324">here</a>. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-16733810166721413472010-09-27T11:51:00.000+01:002010-09-27T11:51:00.331+01:00Quite a Week That WasOne Monday, I had decided I wanted to get my hair all chopped off. It had been growing for nearly three years, and that was long enough. I grow it out so I can donate it to <a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a>, and I usually try to get it cut while in the States so I can get a nice salon cut for free. This time, though, I couldn't take it any longer. So I made an appointment at the salon across the street, <a href="http://www.mokoko-hair.co.uk/">Mokoko</a>. It wasn't cheap, but I had a 40% voucher. I figured it was worth it to get rid of the mane. I booked in for Thursday. <br />
<br />
Then on Tuesday I went to have lunch with Lynch. She got an hour break from work, and we went to Subway. It was not a great experience, and I'm not all that sad that they are still closed for flood damage months later. I'll go to the one in the Hub if I ever have sub cravings again. Grrrrr. Of course, it was good to hang out with Liz, as always. Then I went home... and couldn't get into the flat. I thought the lock was stuck, as we've had some trouble with it sticking before. The door was loose in its jamb, but it wasn't open. And I couldn't get the key to turn for anything. I texted Kenny, and went down to sit in the cafe at Morrison's while I waited for him to get off work. <br />
<br />
Three hours later, I went back to meet Kenny at the flat. He couldn't get in, either. Eventually he had to just shoulder the door in. We both just thought it was the lock, and he'd bought a replacement a while ago, just waiting for the time we'd need it. There were some random weird things, but nothing really seemed amiss yet. We just thought from all our shoving and shoulder and pounding to get it we'd knocked some stuff loose. While Kenny got to fitting the new lock, I went in to check my email in the lounge. <br />
<br />
Wait. Did I leave my lappy in my room? Did I move it? No... it was here... and where's Liz's lappy? Oh. No. Kenny... we've been robbed! <br />
<br />
It was horrible. We lost three laptops, both of our diary/filofax/organisers, a gold chain, a wallet with US store cards, a digital camera, and a thumb drive. But on the thumb drive and on my hard drives (well, mine and Liz's I was borrowing) was all my thesis work. All of it. Six years. I was freaking out, to say the least. <br />
<br />
I only ended up losing two weeks' worth of work, because my latest draft had been sent to my supervisor two weeks prior (duh), and I had that in my outbox still. So at least there was that... but I had to cancel my UK chequebook (which was a hassle and may be contributing to my current visa problems), change all my login details everywhere, and am still trying to get address and contact details back for everyone (if you want me to have your address and phone number, please email them to me). It was a nightmare. The police came 'round and took our statements, we had to give our fingerprints for exclusion so they could dust (they didn't get anything), and the insureance... well, that's another nightmare in itself. Kenny got two new locks installed while I was away the next week, plus a baseball bat. Well, it's not a real baseball bat-- it's too short and too light. But it's close enough. So we're prepared now. <br />
<br />
Then two days later I got my hair chopped off. And then I left for two weeks, to go to Alva and write as if my life depended on it. In a way, it did. <br />
<br />
Photos from the haircut and from prior to knowing I'd been robbed and just thinking I'd been locked out are <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/7122">here</a> and <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/7150">here</a>. As always. <br />
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I do recommend donating your hair to Locks of Love if you have ten inches or more to cut. I do not recommend getting your flat robbed. Not that you have much choice about that, really. We didn't. I was only gone for two hours... boooo. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-4843365581685020992010-09-26T20:12:00.000+01:002010-09-26T20:12:00.307+01:00International PotluckAt my birthday party, an idea was born: to have an informal international potluck. There were a couple of us sitting around talking about food, all of us from different countries, and we decided we wanted a chance to try them all for ourselves. A couple of weeks later, we did just that. <br />
<br />
Noelle hosted us at her flat, and Natalie brought along some of her floorball friends, and then there were the usual suspects of Lynch, RitaB (and her mum and sister, who were visiting), and me. We ate well, let me tell you. The devilled egges I took disappeared quickly, and that was just Lynch! We all brought things from our home country, or from a country that we had adopted as home (in Nat's case). Oh my life. Good food. So much good food. And leftovers. Yum. <br />
<br />
I think this should happen at least once a month. =D<br />
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Oh, and photos <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/230">here</a>. From 32-52. Don't say you aren't warned-- these will most likely make you hungry. They do me! Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-63334948542278976282010-09-25T12:11:00.000+01:002010-09-25T12:11:00.462+01:00Private--Open Today!There is a house at the corner of College Bounds and Meston Walk that has a great garden. It's a private home, and usually the gate is closed. One day, however, I happened by and the gate was open-- today only! Come in and look around! Private Gardens Open to Public Today Only! Well, you don't have to tell me twice!<br />
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It was lovely. I wandered around, taking photos, and got to talking with the homeowner, who was our working the flower beds. He was lovely, too, and obviously enjoys his gardens. They have a great location-- directly across from King's College. I have recently found out that they rent out the 'servants' quarters' or downstairs to students-- there are seven or so of them, and you have to be interviewed and prove you'll get along with the others in order to be considered. If you want to live on campus in a gorgeous setting, there is no better place than that. Want to see? <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/254">Here</a> you go. They start at 180 and go until the wicket gate. <br />
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There have also been plenty of opportunities for me to take pictures of blooming things, which I absolutely love. Many of them are in that same album, and many of the others are <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/1620">here</a>. Enjoy! I sure did.Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-18826109130472905972010-09-24T12:08:00.000+01:002010-09-24T12:08:00.834+01:00ThomasFor many of you, this is old news. You heard it back when it happened, either on <a href="http://viewfinder2010.blogspot.com/2010/06/happy-hunting-sweet-thomas.html">ViewFinder</a> (this is the link to this story on my photo-a-day blog) or Facebook. For the rest of you, and for posterity's sake here on True Aim, I'll say it again.<br />
<br />
We lost Thomas, our older sweet kitty, pretty suddenly. He's had some health issues over the past year or so, but didn't seem to be doing too badly, considering he was sixteen-- and had a very annoying younger brother. Kenny and I had taken him to the vet on a Friday night, they kept him overnight, and called Kenny back on Saturday to put him down. We miss him a lot around here. Still.<br />
<br />
Especially Dillon. He whines all the time now, and wants to be right where you are-- even more than before. It's sweet when he wants to be all cuddly... but I can't do anything without him right there. In the kitchen. In the bathroom (I shoo him out first). In my bedroom (when he's fast enough to race in before I can catch him). In the lounge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51B-ldI1I/AAAAAAAADTM/Ft8fi6yqP98/s1600/P8227277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51B-ldI1I/AAAAAAAADTM/Ft8fi6yqP98/s320/P8227277.JPG" /></a></div>The problem is, when I was trying desperately to finish my thesis, he kept wanting to be on my lap. Where my laptop was. That doesn't work so well. Now it's times like now, or when I'm reading, that he's really in the way. Once he settles down beside me, I don't mind so much... but until he settles, he's a pain. Quite literally. He has claws, and dang, they hurt!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51bfOXddI/AAAAAAAADTc/V47iiQ1bhQE/s1600/23+August.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51bfOXddI/AAAAAAAADTc/V47iiQ1bhQE/s320/23+August.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kenny keeps threatening to get another cat to keep Dill company, but I'm not sure I can handle another. I can barely handle this one! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51OUcpd4I/AAAAAAAADTU/uS-ZODz-eO0/s1600/P8317483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EtfW6uLc--A/TI51OUcpd4I/AAAAAAAADTU/uS-ZODz-eO0/s320/P8317483.JPG" /></a></div>Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-42404695278964460992010-09-23T12:53:00.000+01:002010-09-23T12:53:00.313+01:00Girlie NiteI go to the cinema a lot, as you probably know. I don't go to the theatre very often-- largely because I don't think about it, because they often have cheap student tickets available the day of. Oh well.<br />
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I always enjoy it when I do go, typically at the instigation of friends who have spotted something that can't be missed. This time, thanks to Lynch, it was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagina_Monologues">The Vagina Monologues</a>.<br />
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I admit, I was sceptical. Because it's an episodic presentation, I had seen (on other shows) a few of the Monologues. One or two I thought were okay; one or two others... not so much. But it was a girlie night out, and Lynch had seen it before and recommended it. So I was in.<br />
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I was impressed. It won me over. I wouldn't say it is for everyone, but I would encourage everyone to give it a try. It was all kinds of things: irreverent, hilarious, crass, moving, sad... varied doesn't begin to cover it. My favourite ones were not the crass ones but the thoughtful ones. And I would see it again.<br />
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My one big problem with the night was the crowd. I don't know if it was just because some people were uncomfortable (she said 'vagina'! *titters*) or because they had already had more than enough to drink before they got there, but the crowd was annoying. They laughed at everything. Even the things that weren't funny. Even the ones that were, for instance, reflecting on being present at the birth of one's grandchild or one's experience in a Bosnian rape camp. Still they laughed. That made me quite annoyed... but that's not the fault of the show. Or the actresses-- although one of them probably didn't help sometimes. Joyce Falconer plays on my favourite Scottish soap, River City, so there were plenty of in-jokes for people who follow the show, and she has a very thick Aberdonian accent to boot. She opened her mouth and the local ladies laughed. Even when it wasn't funny. She did play it up at times, but even so... it was still an aggravating crowd. I should have been prepared for that, though-- there were signs on the way in warning that the show might contain offensive language. Really? In a show called The Vagina Monologues? Might be offensive sometimes, or make people uncomfortable? Laughter will cover that, and make you not look like a prude. Laugh a lot, then. Just to make sure. <br />
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Still, I would recommend it. And go with people you like-- I was there with Lynch, Aleithia, and Jay. Lynch said it was better the other time she saw it, but having nothing to compare it to, I quite enjoyed it for the most part. Not exactly the kind of thing I'd have probably said even five years ago.... I'm a changed woman now. Not just because of the show. =)<br />
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Photos can, as usual, be found <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/230">here</a>: from number 11.Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-42553450620456286362010-09-22T12:07:00.000+01:002010-09-22T12:07:00.516+01:00FlyicideBzzzzzzzz...splat!<br />
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This was my life for about two weeks. Suddenly, there were dozens of huge, fat, slow black flies in our lounge windows. Sometimes they were in our kitchen window, as well, but mostly it was the lounge. No clue where they were coming from. I even stuffed the chimney full of newspaper, as Kenny thought that was where they were coming from. Didn't help. At the time, I was in the lounge a lot as I was feverishly finishing the thesis. Or working on it, anyway. I was already stressed. It didn't help that these flies were making me even more twitchy. I was cursing and couldn't sit still... they were making me mad. Crazy. Insane. <br />
<br />
We didn't have a flyswat, either. Just a rolled up pieces of newspaper. And lots of smears of dead flies on the windows. And carasses on the floor. I swept up dozens every day, from my murderous rampages. I couldn't help it. It was justifiable flyicide, I swear.<br />
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We found out months later that it was because there were dead pigeons in the gutters around the flat above us. Did they get in through the lack of skirting board? I don't know, but that's what I suspect. Cos they weren't getting in the chimney, once I blocked it up. Still, they eventually died out. Thank God. I couldn't take much more.Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-4349204425506313342010-09-21T11:06:00.000+01:002010-09-21T11:06:00.440+01:00Thesis-Writing PicnicWe haven't had as great a summer as last year, but we've had some wonderful days. <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/230">This</a> was one of them.<br />
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I honestly can't remember what else was going on, or why I was dressed up. Maybe it was just because it was so gorgeous... either way, I wound up meeting Liz at her office in the afternoon. I loaded up some goodies-- coffee, kool-aid, chocolate, snacks-- and took two blankets down so we could sit in her office back garden to study. It was way too nice to be inside. So we sat and lounged around in the secret garden, soaking up the sun and the coffee, and even getting some work done. It was so warm, we actually had to move to the shade after a while. I've been jealous enough of Liz's office, but this was the final straw. Luckily she's nice enough to have let me work in her attic office as well as in her back garden office. Not to mention Khyber Pass nights in the common room....Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-79770362864903220682010-09-20T20:44:00.000+01:002010-09-20T20:44:23.770+01:00New TitleIt's not 'Dame', but I'll take it. <br />
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From now on: I'm known as The Doctor. You can call me The Doctor. <br />
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Hahahaha. I love a good Doctor Who reference. <br />
<br />
But seriously. I passed my viva this morning, with minor corrections. So it's not completely and totally officially over til I get those done, but hey. Close enough. <br />
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Finally. <br />
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And no, I don't want to talk about it right now. I want to go to sleep. It's been a long day. =D<br />
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Thanks for the party, Beckers and Lynch! And thanks for your support and prayers and celebrations for me today, everyone. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-53175701533959918992010-09-19T12:10:00.000+01:002010-09-19T12:10:01.302+01:00A Haiku<div style="text-align: center;">Sunny hillfoot walk</div><div style="text-align: center;">like poetry in motion</div><div style="text-align: center;">inspires this 'hi, coo!'</div><br />
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I wrote this haiku for Paige. Because she said I should. When we were walking along the path at the base of the Hillfoots from Alva to Menstrie, to see the Highland Coos. I mean, cows. It was our last day in Alva for the Eurovision trip, and we were enjoying the nice nearly-summer weather and the middle-of-nowhere nature. I took quite a few photos, which you can find <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/1414">here</a>. It was a great way to round off our weekend out of Aberdeen. It's always hard to come back to the Granite City for this. Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-30401452761225338562010-09-18T11:05:00.000+01:002010-09-18T11:05:00.248+01:00Pleasure PrincessesWhile at Paige's place, there are far more touristy places we can get to than from Aberdeen. Since we all four have Historic Scotland memberships, we decided to take advantage of that fact, and we headed out to spend the day at Linlithgow, formerly the royal pleasure palace.<br />
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It was fabulous.<br />
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They have the oldest working fountain in Scotland (or maybe all of Britain, I can't remember for sure), and it's a wedding-cake style with loads of carved figures. They also have lots and lots of staircases, some of which now lead nowhere. We definitely got our exercise that day. The view from the top is worth the climb, though.<br />
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We popped into the local kirk, which is also lovely (except for it's bizarre metal spire, that's supposed to represent the crown of thorns but is, in fact, just plain ugly). Even better, there was a rehearsal going on for the National Youth choir (or something like that... I can't remember their exact name). It was amazing. They had a great repertoire-- many of which I knew, which made it great, of course. =)<br />
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We ruled that palace, we four<a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/928"> pleasure princesses</a>.Amie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570380629262255355.post-83829985030717124222010-09-17T12:05:00.000+01:002010-09-17T12:05:00.222+01:00Eurovision in Alva!After our day spent in Narnia, we went back to the wee flat for fish 'n chips and ice cream and wine... and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision">EUROVISION</a>!!<br />
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If you are not familiar with Eurovision, then I'd say you haven't yet lived. It's an international European song contest. Each nation has their own contests to find the song they are going to enter, and then there are qualifiers, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finally, the Finals. The country that won the previous year hosts the next year's contest-- this year, it was in Norway. My flatmate was there. We looked for him in the crowd, but didn't see him. Anyway. Each country performs their song, and everyone at home phones in to vote for their favourite. Then the popular votes from each country are paired with 'professional' rankings from each country, to decide how many votes each act receives. After all the performances, they actually go through calling every country to get their votes, and keep the tally live on tv. It's all very exciting. And someone wins. And then they sing again. And then that's it until next year.<br />
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It really is quite an experience. If you ever live in Europe, or any of the other countries that aren't in Europe exactly but are included in the mayhem, then you must watch it. Or just check out some of the previous entries on YouTube. You won't regret it.<br />
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This was our second annual Eurovision party--both times held in Paige's flat, although last year it was in Aberdeen. She was thrilled that last year's winner got to perform again... as you can tell by the excited expression on her face. We all could hardly contain ourselves. It was good times, for sure. As always, the photos can be found <a href="http://allaroundamie.shutterfly.com/pictures/1137">here</a>, at the very end. <br />
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This is the 2009 winner, who Paige loves:<br />
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This is the 2010 winner, who actually deserved to win:<br />
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Seriously. Check out some of the videos out there. You won't regret it, unless you are looking for actual good music. But for a laugh, you can't beat them! =DAmie Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.com0