Perhaps the Last...

Today is the last day of August, which makes it feel to me like the last day of summer... even though that's not technically for another couple of weeks.  It always was sunny and quite warm, compared to what we've had recently.  Since I had to be on campus to drop off my last-ever timesheets for my NMPA work at the Hub, I decided to wander down in Seaton Park to see if the flowers were still blooming in their gardens.

They were.  I took lots of photos of them.  They'll pop up somewhere else soon. 

I just thought, this could be the last sunny day... the last time I'll get to see the blooms in Seaton... the last time I work in Scotland... the last of lots of things.  I do not like to be thinking this way, because I do not want to leave.  And yet, I'd rather be preparing myself a little bit for the worst, just in cases.  *sigh*  Doesn't mean I have to like it. 

Back Where I Belong

So that's a bit of an overstatement, but...

it sure is nice to be back. 

Just a Wee Bit Windy

Through last night and continuing into today, we've had serious rainstorms and gale-force winds.  Makes me glad I'm spending it inside with my leg on ice... well, inside, at least.  I've been trying all day to get a decent shot that shows the strength of the wind, but nothing quite covers it.  You can't see the wind, and that's my problem.  This is the best I did, of the flowers across the way. 

At times, when it gusted, they were flying nearly horizontal... but I never could catch that, of course.  By the time I clicked, they'd swung back down.  Oh well. 

Brrrrrr.

So I have somehow managed to unravel a bit of my left calf muscle (muscles, actually) where they join the tendon.  No idea how I managed that, but it's been hurting me all. week. long.  After doing all the usual stuff for strains (of which I am all-too-used to, as I'm a clutz), after four days it was no better.  So yesterday I went to the GP about it, which is where I found out it's a wee bit frayed.  And that it wasn't dumb of me to go in about it, after it not getting better--which is nice to hear, because I am such a worrier by nature that I often worry I'm worried for no good reason.  Anyway.  She told me yesterday to go straight home and put my leg up and ice it 30 minutes out of every hour. 

What?!  No way.  I had plans yesterday, which included coffee with one friend, and McDs with another.  Plus I had to get the prescription she gave me... and by the time I was that far, it wasn't any further into town...

Yeah, I pretty much disobeyed the GP. But today, I'm obeying.  This is my handy-dandy homemade gel pack:  washing-up liquid.  It's not the good kind (here, that's Fairy, but I do sorely miss Dawn...), but the cheap-o kind.  Still, it works.  It's cold, it gets mushy as it thaws so it moulds to me, and it doesn't drip water everywhere.  I hear putting a little liquor in with it makes it even better, but I'm not about to waste good alcohol. 

Thirty minutes of every hour is a dang long time.  Especially when it's already chilly in here.  Brrrrr!

Things I Don't Get

So that could be a very long list... but today's entry is this:

Why, if you are going to use all the same buns for every burger you make, can you not then make the burgers all the same width so they at least fit on the bun?  I mean, seriously, McD's.  I don't like that half my burger hangs off the bun.  Especially when y'all are so sloppy in putting them together that it also means half of the ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions are always ALSO half off the bun.  Thanks for nothing, cheap-skates. 

Does What It Says on the Tin

No, really.  It worked!  ;)

I've been using this body wash for a wee while.  I started when I was really pushing to finish my thesis, and I needed to 'keep calm and carry on', as they say.  And it worked!  I finished!  And submitted! 

Of course, now I need to keep calm until my viva... and then until I hear about my visa... or whatever order that may occur in.  And I ran out of body wash.  Naturally.  What am I going to do?!  It's the end of the calming!!  Help, somebody!  Hellllllp! 

Tee hee. 

Making Up for Lost Time

I spent my evening here, watching The Expendables and The Karate Kid.  Both were okay. 

This month, I've seen more films in the cinema than I have in the rest of the year combined.  Woot for being done, and woot for an unlimited card!  I'm totally getting more than my money's worth, for as long as I can...

If I Weren't a Good Person...

I would totally have kicked that damn cat.  I came out of my room this morning to find this:

Oh my life.  That is just not on, Dill.  No more packets of gooey food for you.  Nope, dry food and water.  That's it. 

Ugh.  I gagged cleaning this up.  It's a good thing I hadn't had my breakfast yet, but ugh.  Ugh.  Gross. 

An Open Letter to This Dang Cat

Dear Dillinger,

I realise you are named after an outlaw.  A dangerous outlaw, who didn't hesitate to hurt people.  However, you are not an outlaw.  And you are not allowed to hurt people whenever you want.  Yet you seem to think that's okay.  If you want to continue snuggling up next to me, in my lap, or anywhere near me, you need to put away the sharp objects.  Otherwise, I'll have to banish you. 

Thanks,
Amie

I'm a Horrible Person

Perhaps it's a good thing I don't have kids right now, because I just could  not stop laughing at the back of this box of matches:

Seriously.  Is that not the funniest thing ever?! 

Experimental Dining

Liz is coming 'round for dinner and whine.  I mean, wine.  We've both not had the best week ever, so we're doing the whole 'misery loves company' thing.  We thought about getting fish 'n chips from the newly opened and refurbished Bluebird chippie around the corner, but I decided I wanted to cook. So I looked to see what I had, and what I wanted to make... and I decided to do a veggie lasagna.  Did I have a recipe?  Nope.  Could I be bothered looking one up?  Nope.  So I used my regular recipe for the cheesy mixture, and then just... decided to wing it.  Winged it?  Wung it?  Whatever. 

Let's see... there's spinach, peppers, aubergine, mushrooms, and... kidney beans.  For that added kick of protein, and because I had a can on hand.  =D

It turned out delish, if I do say so myself.  We both ate two good helpings, and I sent some home with Liz as well as having my own leftovers.  Woot. I'm getting more and more proficient at not being completely recipe-bound every, erm, time I try to cook without a recipe.  ;)

Friend of the Week

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I just inherited some GREAT new clothes from Paige.  She's so fashionable, and I like it when I benefit from that.  That's only part of why she's the friend of the week, though....

Oh yes.  That's a) a bag from dear old Lexington and b) full of yummy sticks of delightfulness to put into my bottles of water!  Yippee!  So I got clothes, and yummy water stuff, and a bag of flavoured coffee.  Bliss.  Definitely friend of the week, Paige.  =D

Sunny Day, Sweepin' the Clouds Away

(sing with me now...) on my way to where the air is sweet... can you tell me how to get--  how to get to...

C'mon.  You rememeber that song, right?  Surely you do.  =D

That is not where I was going today.  But it was a sunny day, with the wind consistently keeping the clouds in motion.  And it was definitely warm enough for me to wear one of my newly-acquired fashionable type outfits.  Thanks, Paige!  I love it when you get tired of clothes.  ;) 

So I wore my sundress, just for fun, and sat outside before my counselling appointment (which is where this shot was taken), and then I sat on the green by Elphinstone in the sun and read for a while (til the clouds blew in instead of out... then I went home).  It was so nice.  And probably one of the last good days we'll have this year. 

Sad

Today I'm sad. 

I haven't had a friend leave in a year and a half.  I used to be more used to it, back when people were deserting me every couple of months... but not now.  I'm not used to it at all.  And I don't like it.  Even though I'm happy for people when plans work out, and excited for them and their next adventure, I'm selfish.  I want them to stay.  Here.  With me.  *sigh* 

I haven't really done much today... but I did take a two-hour bath.  With a fancy adult beverage, and music, and a book.  And sugar-cookie smelling bubbles.  It doesn't make up for people leaving me, but it was nice. 

The Up-Side

Tonight, I went out to RitaB's to help her weigh her one allowed checked bag (seriously, that is just not right, airlines!) and to just hang out before she leaves before dawn tomorrow morning.  I ended up coming home with gobs of stuff-- some to deliver to other people she hadn't had a chance to get them to, and some just because she couldn't get everything to fit. 

Now, I don't like it when my friends leave.  I'd much rather have them stick around.  The only bonus is getting good stuff.  Thanks for the stuff, RitaB!  Especially the sleeping bag.  I might need it when Kenny kicks me out for not having paid my rent in months.... =D

Oooooovcourszhucan

That's one of our catchphrases around here... which comes from the very best Indian take-away place in the world--Khyber Pass.  We used to meet up at the Orchard flat to eat it, when Kristianna/Paige/RitaB lived there... now we have to settle for the common room in Liz's office building (because they aren't so great at remembering orders or student discounts when you have it delivered, and they charge a fee, so we make sure to partake in places that are within walking distance). 

Tonight, because it's the last night we can all spend together before RitaB deserts us for post-grad life at Emory, we had Khyber Pass.  I didn't drag things out by setting up my camera for a self-timed photo when Paige was already doing it, but I hope to get a copy of it.  Basically, it was just the four of us-- like old times: Lynch, Medlock, Ramsay and Vaughan.  We sound like the Marauder's Map... now that's an idea!  Wait, back to the story.  So I don't have a group picture, but I did snap this one of Aleithia and RitaB.  Aleithia couldn't stay, but stopped by to bid farewell to her fellow-historian (those heathens). 

It was a bittersweet night. 

Make Yourself at Home

Paige is in town, and staying at my flat (yay!).  She doesn't want to fall out of my loft bed, so she's putting up with Dillweed in the lounge.  I show people where stuff is, and am always happy to answer questions or help, but I expect them to just make themselves at home. 

I didn't mean that for you, Dillon.  That's my pillow!  Oh well. 

Party Time! Excellent!

Tonight Paige came to town.  That's reason enough to party, of course... but as soon as she got here, we went with Carrie over to 'Nigeria' to party with RitaBekah.  Because she leaves soon.  Sad. 

We spent the evening eating, talking, playing Apples to Apples, drinking, and doing what we party people do best.  It was a good night, although for a reason I'm not so happy about.  I left the group photo a little late, so this is not representative of everyone who was there... just those of us who stuck it out til the bitter end. 

That's Becky, Aleithia, Joan, Jennifer, RitaB, Paige and Carrie. 

Aleph- Bet

Yes, I am a very solid J. 

I spent a good chunk of the day reorganising my dvds.  I like them in alphabetical order, so I can find what I want quickly.  With dvds, I just put them ALL in order, with no sub-categories.  Unlike with my books.  Those are a different story all together.  But since I had bought/been given quite a few more dvds since the last time I had alphabatised them, I decided it was more than due.  Ahhhhhh.  Makes me feel more right with the world, when everything is in order. 

Okay, I'm Ready...

where are we going?

Kenny and I both cracked up at Dillbert, hopping into Kenny's laptop bag.  I guess he could be a fashion accessory, like all those tiny yappy dogs in rich girls' purses.  If Kenny wanted to carry him around in a man-purse, that is.  =)

Moving Day

Not for me, but for my friend Aleithia and her flatmate.  They were moving about about 10 blocks, and had three people to help--but no cars.  We made two trips up and down King Street, as well as up and down two flights on either end at the flats, with boxes and suitcases.  I am banged up and my muscles are stretched nearly to breaking, but I've moved enough in my lifetime that I know how impossible it would be without friends to help out-- so I repay my friends for helping me by helping others. 

The intrepid movers.

For Mya

I spent much of the day at the cinema, and wandering the mall between shows.  That's when I found my neice's winter coat:

Next.  They have the cutest kids stuff.  And if I had £28 pounds, I would have bought this. 

Why Are There So Many Songs About...

Lynch and I went to see Toy Story 3 (in 3-D) tonight, but of course I forgot to take a photo of that.  As we were walking towards my flat and waiting on a bus to be near enough to make it worth just stopping at a stop and waiting, we happened to see this.  Aberdeen may not have many thunderstorms, which I miss, but we sure do have loads more rainbows.  I'm pretty sure I've seen more of them in my six years here than in the rest of my life put together.  =) 

The New Set-Up

This is what my under-loft now looks like, and I'm thrilled with it.  I can still use my old lappy-as-desktop, or watch stuff on my computer monitor, or sit and read or write or whatever.  But it's not so crowded.  Yippee! 

I realise it still looks a bit of a mess, but it is so much more open and has more space than before.  All the kinks will be soon worked out, and everything will have a home. Soon. 

Surplus

As I've been cleaning and organising, I've also been trying to make a pile of stuff to give away or sell.  This is the pile so far (plus one bit of stuff to send back home to people, when I can afford the postage):

It will also include my desk, but that's currently in pieces leaning against the far wall.  I actually find it hard to give things away, especially if they are things that are from or remind me of other people.  I think that's because my love language is giving gifts, so things are important reminders to me of those I care about.  At least, that's what I'll tell myself.  ;)

Sunny

For my thesis-submitting party, RitaB brought me flowers.  I've already taken some photos of them, because I can't resist.  Today they just caught my eye again.   

Now, of course, sunflowers will always remind me of the Doctor... and Vincent.  =)

A Grand Day Out

It's been in the planning stage for ages, but we finally took the time and had the weather behave enough to make a day trip up north along the coast.  RitaB and I spent the day hiking from the Bullers of Buchan to Slains Castle and down into Cruden Bay.  Very long day with very achy knees by then end, but dang, I love those places!  Plus, it was great to spend the day with RitaBekah.  And we had a picnic on the cliffs.  With cheeeeese, Gromit!  Hence the name of the day, for those of you in the know.  ;) 

I still want to live at Slains.  Maybe I'll just set myself up in a caravan there...

The Desk

Tackling the desk has been the hardest part of the Big Organise so far...

Yikes.

Spring Cleaning...

or more appropriately, thesis-finished cleaning. 

My J-ness has been giving me problems for a while now, at the state of my room.  I have lots of stuff after six years here, and very little space, so I had been dying to have a good clear out and organise.  Now is that time, since I don't have anything else I have to do (woot).  I am taking everything out of the boxes they've been thrown into along the way and putting like with like--boxes of books, of kitchen goodies, of keepsakes.  Not a boxes with all kinds of things in.  And I'll take down my desk, reorganise my space, get sorted.  Partly it's in case I have to leave the UK and ship things home--I'll already have them sorted and know what's what.  Mostly it's just so I can appease my inner J and not feel quite so out-of-control.  

DONE!!!!

Today, I submitted my thesis.  That's me, empty-handed. 

I got very little sleep (like, two hours) because I couldn't stop my brain: what if I've not used someone obvious? what if I forgot something? what if it sucks? what if my formatting is all wrong? what if....?

Then I finally got up and ready, and headed in to Lynch's office.  She let me print out my 252 pages there, using university ink, since the uni had kicked me out of my own office.  I made sure my formatting was as good as I could get it, since uni uses Word 2007 and I don't, and then printed it off.  From there, I headed to the libarry--where I had to be let in and sign the book, since technically my student status expired in May--to get another copy made and turn them both in to the bindery.  The libarry guy was an idiot, and sold me copy cards that I couldn't even use (well, I could use them, but not to use the automatic feed to copy all my 252 pages. Turns out it charges you two copies for each page you don't do manually... what?! Seriously?!)  So after I did about 40 pages manually, because I couldn't stand to have wasted that £30 on copy cards (grrrrr!), I finally gave up and turned it all in to the bindery to finish copying and then bind up in the cheapest and quickest manner possible. 

After that frustration, I went back to collect Lynch and we went for a poddle--through the botanical gardens, around Seaton Park, and back around to uni in time to go pick up the two bound copies.  A little freaky, to hold those 'official' things in hand... and then to Registry, where we waited and waited in line and finally got to turn them in.  The lady was actually very nice, and was excited for me--which is funny, because usually the folks working there are like robots who don't give a darn about the people they are serving.  Lynch took photos, and wrote me a Thesis-submitting song, which she performed on the way back to her office, where we enjoyed Cockroach Clusters and Toffee Cappuccino coffee. 

I highly recommend having a photographer, singer-songwriter, companion walker, and party coordinator when you submit.  All in one person is even better.  Thanks, Lynch! 

Now it's just the wait for the viva...

I'm a Crabby Person!

Sometimes I am.  And sometimes I'm not.  But I went to see 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' (which was here as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival) with Aleithia, her flatmate Amber, RitaBekah, Liz, and ... a girl whose name I've forgotten.  I 'dressed up' as Lucy.  My sister used to tell me growing up that I was just like Lucy... and I can see that in part. 

Besides, it's a great show.