Friday, glorious Friday. Never have I been so happy to finally see the end of the week. In short this week has been: hectic, crazy, harrowing, fun, cold and madly off in all directions.

To start, we had a visitor from good ol’ UPEI (Jared) with us from Monday until today. He’s just beginning a two month adventure around Europe (yes, I am jealous). WE did our best to show him a good Scottish time here in Edinburgh by attending authentic Scottish events in the evenings such as the movies (Shrek 2..there’s a Scottish accent in there somewhere) our fav. Magician Michael McKinley (of Scottish origin) and quiz night (at a Scottish pub..although was American themed b/c of July 4th/. AM produ to say we weren’t all that great at American President questions, although Keri knew exactly who had a hit with Covergirl in the early 90’s)

Secondly..we’ve been madly searching for a flat ..so we can blow the Popsicle joint we’re presently living in. Honestly have to admit that we’re being a wee bit picky but after living in Newtown is hard not to be. IN any case, we have a bit of leeway as we don’t have to move out of our flat until July 30 at the latest…better option than Keri’s ‘live in a box idea.

Thirdly, have been trying to get my health in order (not that I am sick) by going to Doctor and visiting gym.

So..its been a busy week and I apologise (a little bit) if blog is not up to usual entertainment standards…I am a wee bit stressed out.

Speaking of stressed out. I goofed up big time on the job twice this week! Twice. I really didn’t think there was a way one could screw up at my job, but lo and behold I found two ways in one week. What can I say..I’m an over-achiever. In an ironic twist, I took a health & safety course at work this week and learned that stress can be related to underutilisation of skills & repetitive tasks (Yes & Yes), so have determined that I am majorly stressed as a result of my data entry job and nothing else…Nope..no certain persons are stressing me out..just the job. Yep. If I tell myself that enough times I will believe it J

Tonite we (us gals + fellow Canadian) are going out for sup & then to see Fahrenheit 9/11. THE reviews in the newspaper are pretty discouraging, but one must keep in mind that newspapers are owned by rich people who are probably not sympathetic to Moore’s ideals. Well, will just have to see for myself I suppose.

I wish I had entertaining stories to tell..but, despite business of week, not much in the way of craziness..ha..but the weekend has just begun. Have noticed that my blog entries on Mondays are much more interesting than they are in the rest of the week. For those pressed w/time I recommend reading these entries only.

OK Random Thoughts for a Random Day:

Random is an oft used term by both Canadians & Aussies.

Some news is best recieved by phone or in person. Lack of easy access to incoming phone calls and inability to talk face-to-face with persons from home is a definite disadvantage of living in Scotland...especially when BIG NEWS from home is concerned.

IF I were creating a list of things I wanted someone from Canada to bring over to me in Scotland (like Becky R of NZ is) this list would include, but not be limited to the following items (Mother & Sister take note):

- Got2 B Glued Hair stuff (I say stuff because it ti snot gel..it is thicker and whiter and way better at keeping my fro in place)

Peanut Butter - Smooth Think I've covered this one before

Graham Wafer Crumbs So I can make Chewy Looies and get even bigger

Earplugs - Life Brand..the green ones that cost $4.99 per pack of 10. Yes, I am strange..deal with it

A BritRail Pass - The girls in Aberdeen have made especially good use of these passes to romp (or should I say dodge..) around Scotland

Candy - Don't get me wrong..they have plenty of candy here, but am still sticking to 'no buy candy' rule (most of the time...) so if brought over from Canada it would be considered a gift and therefore devoid of calories & guilt

Lady Speed Stick Invisible Deodorant - Cool & Fresh Scent. I'm sorry the stuff over here is just not the same :(

K that is all I can think of now, and lunch is almost over...sigh.

Happy Belated Canada Day!! I know it’s 5 days later, but its kind of been an extended celebration of Canadianess for our little trio.

So what did I get up to on Canada Day? Hnmm..a bit foggy on the stats, but I do believe I got up to a whole three drinks. I am ashamed. But what can you do? I think I expended all my energies on creating a kick-butt Canadian outfit and then simply forgot to do the Canadian thing and get wasted. Anyway, let’s talk about my outfit. I wore a pair of boxer shorts. They were Molson Canadian boxer shorts (from a 12-pack I believe) And I wore them as a top..a sa tube top. That is just how cool I am. Think I am taking after Sister Sahra in the faShan department. Keri & Jen have pics.next time they upload pics you can check us out in all our Red/White garb..not that there was much to mine ;)

So Keri, Jen & I headed out on July 1 to meet up with some other Canadians including Kathleen, Vanessa & Brandon. Keri had the Kathleen connection from uni days, which rocked because we’ve met some fab people through Kathleen (and she is fab too!). SO, after gorging on crisps, garlic bread & peanuts, sipping a wee bit of wine and singing a rousing rendition of Oh Canada, we headed out to the Globe, a pub just off the Royal Mile that had converted itself into a Canadian Karaoke bar for the efvening. A mass of red & white, bad singing, bottled Labbatt’s and masses of Canadians. Could it get any better? I don’t think so.

On the way home, Keri declared (for the first time in over a week( that she was hungry and wanted chips. Jen & I were a bit concerned about her lack of eating so we willingly agreed to walk the length of Rose St to visit the Chippy. Just as we were approaching the Chippy, which turned out to be closed), a rather inebriated young guy approached us and asked for money so he could get a bus. He offered chips he’d just got at the Chippy (obviously b4 it closed). Keri took the bait and chowed down the chips (w/assistance from Jen& I) . A minute later he approached us again and offered us his chippy burger (a bun with chips inside (go figure..Anit-Atkins reigns over here..woohoo!!) . Keri willingly took it while I handed him over a pound. And, as we were enthusiastically enjoying the Chipy burger, Ms K Shields demonstrated her that she is indeed always fully able to calculate the risks related to taking food from strangers as her comment to us indicated: ‘We should be careful, this burger could be laced with cocaine’. Yes, yes, thank goodness for Keri..her sensibility has saved us a thousand times over. Chippy burgers & cocaine, such a common pairing…how could we have been so careless???

Anywho, I opted to take Friday off (with pay..thanks to flexi-hours) and found myself running errands (literally b/c I got lost on way to see a flat) and registering w/ doctor. I also phoned home to talk shop with Sister Sahra about our October Adventure. As the day went on I realised it could only get better…little did I know HOW much better, until Jen got home and we got dressed to hit the town with her workmates (I love tagging along!). I wore a skirt for the first time in about two years, and if I do say so myself..those past four months at the gym gave me leggy legs. Due to fact that we were getting up early the next day to head for Aberdeen I soberly/sensibly told Jen at the outset of our night that I wouldn’t be drinking much. Hahahahaha. I laugh now b/c I realise the absurdity of that statement. But can I help it when a bunch of construction workers keep putting pints of beer in front of me? Wouldn’t it be rude to refuse? A waste of booze? And so, Jen & I drank, we chugged, we sang the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme song and had a ball. The night, as usual, ended at Filthy’s, where the karaoke guy noted that this was first time he’d ever seen me in skirt. So I guess it is true..skirts get more attention. Will have to consider this in future. Oh..added bonus of being smashed was that one of Jen’s workmates carried me half way home. And I ate 3 Hobnobs without feeling guilty.

Satruday & Sunday = Aberdeen with fab gals & guy from PEI. Was actually a pretty chilled out weekend, but thoroughly enjoyable. Aberdeen is gray & granite. It is rich, and it is all about oil. They have a huge beach area w/tonnes of American style restaurants, gambling for the whole family and carnie rides. I got addicted to one of the gambling games…snagged myself a whistle & gun key chain.

This week we have a visitor from PEI (Jared) and are planning to fill each night with truly Scottish outings like quiz night, movies, karaoke and drinking.

Well, must spend last few minutes of lunch calling around about flats. Will write again soon..