Loxodonta Africana

capital T, capital G, capital I, capital F! What does it spell? It spells "I hate my fucking job so much that I'm thinking about stabbing myself in the forehead with a fork so I can go home early".

maybe not.

The skies are so SO blue and clear and are beckoning to me in this come hither voice that I'm finding very hard to resist. I want to go take pictures. I want to eat salad. I want to walk along the river. I want to go back to my flat and stretch out on the floor to nap in that strip of sunlight that shines through the window.

I'm catsitting for the next two weeks while Lil'P is in South Africa. Yesterday I arrived at her flat to find that in a show of camaraderie the cats had designed a treasure-hunt trail for me that ended with a big barfy 'X' under the bed. Sweet.


Tomorrow I am going to Edinburgh for a blind non-date at the Elephant House Cafe. The non-date is someone I've been exchanging cheers with on the 43Things website, and thought it would be nice to meet them in person at this great (I hope) cafe. This is a place I've been wanting to check out. We are talking Elephants! And coffee! And Shmears? Why yes, they have a variety of shmears. (And yes, I had to look it up too.)

Did I mention the over 600 elephants? Screw the lions and tigers and bears baby, weez gots us some Phants. As some of you may know (or figured out by now), I collect elephants. Not excessively, and not the cutesy cartoon ones. I currently display only 4 on my mantle: a copper one that Sally gave me, a welded metal one I purchased in Ixtapa, an ebony one from Africa, a small brass one I got (oh crap, where did I get that one from?)-- anyway, I love to look at them and I've been really good about not buying any.

Being broke does have its advantages.


Wow. I can see a hot construction guy taking a smoke break on the scaffolding across the alley. I have this incredible urge to flash him.

Double dog dare me?

Not Just For Kids (Silly Rabbit)

hey, Happy Hump Day!
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Sunday Gav and walked over to the Glasgow Science Centre.

The tower was closed, so we didn't get to go up which is a shame since it would have been a perfect day for citywide shots. The Imax didn't have anything good showing, so all in all it wasn't worth the 7 quid admission. But we did have fun being kids again and playing with all the experiments. Hardest part was folding our bodies to the small seats. Heh. Here's a photo of what I would look like if I ever went rock climbing:


And this mirror shows me doing my best Kate Moss impersonation (uh, not THAT kind of mirror):

[I feel skinny, oh so skinny, so skinny and hungry I SAY!!]

They had the 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' exhibit, with all these cool illusion thingys having to do with Alice in Wonderland.

They had one room where you could sit and have the story read to you (over a speaker, and the voice was nice) and another room that was showing a film about the special effects they used in movie versions of the book, etc.

Click here to see the whole kaboodle.

Dawn of the Dead

Saturday I took another trip to the Glasgow Necropolis, except this time I went there at 5 in the morning. I took a taxi (the underground doesn't open that early) to the Glasgow Cathedral, where I was meeting my friend Ember. It was still dark and oh so quiet, with no one else around, when we started off across the Bridge of Sighs.

As we walked up to the main area there appeared a red fox who stopped to watch us, but we didn't want to spook him by reaching for our cameras. So we all just observed each other until the little guy ran off through the headstones. I snapped off a few shots (click on the flickr badge to see the whole set) of the area as it was getting lighter, wondering the whole time "where are the heads"? There are several statues that are missing their heads, but unlike the other statue pieces that have simply fallen over with age and are laying to the side I think the heads were knocked off via vandalism (arses) and stolen away.

We were all alone, except at one of the bigger enclosed areas there was some noise. Ember stopped and whispered to me that he thought there was someone in there. I'm like "well, duh, of course there is"-- and he says "no, I'm mean someone alive". Heh. We opted to forego further exploration because I have seen plenty of horror flicks and the last thing you do is confront someone who isn't taking a dirt nap that chooses to sleep in a grave. (Actually, isn't the rule to not confront anyone dead OR alive in a graveyard?)

There's a faint humming to the area but instead of being creepy it is rather quite serene. Especially when you kick back and recline on the steps of one of the monuments and watch the sun rise...

There is a foundation now established for the preservation of this place, and I'm thinking of becoming a member. If I like it enough I might try and get on the board. I think they should publish postcards as a way to promote it. MaryAnn took some fabulous shots of it when she was here and I also have a couple that would make really nice postcards. I'd donate the photos, or maybe exchange that for my membership fee? Hmm. Maybe I'll email next week and see if they are interested...

Blink of An Eye

Well now, that sure was quick. My 3-day weekend was over in the blink of an eye. I did manage to wash the sheets, hoover the flat, and tidy the kitchen on Friday. I even went grocery shopping and later went clothes shopping with Lil'P, even though I seem to have lost the thrill for shopping. Damn, man, I'm retail-impotent.

Speaking of blink/eye, I have been experiencing the strangest eye-twitch for the past couple of weeks. It'd be tolerable if it led to charming stories about some guy on the subway thinking I was winking at him, but instead its more of a "I've had shock therapy" twitch that makes people stay away. I'm taking a guess here, but I think it might be stress related. Possibly. Ya think?

Hey, let me ask you a question. How long do you leave a blogger/journaler on your list who hasn't been updating? A week, a month, six months? I'm not hip to this RSS feed (I lack the 411) and so I find myself checking the sites everyday of one particular writer (who is fabulous) but she hasn't updated since, erm, December. Is it time to take her off my list? Should I just let go? And if you have your own site, do you link to everyone who links you or just to those sites that you actually read?

I didn't do my hike last week, so I have tentative plans for a smaller hike through the Necropolis on Saturday. I say tentative because a) the weather, and b) we've scheduled it for the 6am sunrise and I don't know how reliable my [new] hiking partner is.

I'm reading a great book and also listening to a great audiobook. This morning I ran the dishwasher, took a shower, tidied my bedroom, and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee before heading to the office where I will probably work late and then go home and make myself a cocktail. That pretty much sums up my day. Well that, and its also my birthday.

Slammed, Blasted and Vowed

I am so sick and tired of all the celebrity "news". I don't watch TV and I don't listen to the radio, and yet there is enough repetitious crap floating across the pages of my internet screen that I can't help but be aware that a) Tom Cruise is an ass, b) Britney Spears is an idiot, and c) everybody else is either suing somebody or apologizing for having an independent thought. I keep waiting - in vain - for one of these "reporters", when fabricating writing their storyline, to actually consult a thesaurus instead of just utilizing the copy and paste features of their application software.
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This week at work saw the proverbial shit hitting the fan, and this is leading to some big changes for me. I don't have any definite news I can share on that front (except I downloaded an audiobook based solely on its title: In The Company of Liars), but I can tell you that I am thrilled that this Friday is a bank holiday and I get the day off. Whee. Three whole days of hopefully being productive in that other area of my life. I think every weekend should be 3 days.

First thing I want to do is to sleep in. Do you think the upstairs neighbor's would notice their child suckling greedily on a Scotch lollie?

I also want to really truly madly pack up my stuff and take it to the donation site. I want to organize the eBay stuff. I want to change my sheets (it used to be need, but its been two weeks already in these sheets and Need was so disgusted with herself that she vanished leaving Want behind). And I want to go on a hike.

I have to go to the grocery store. But I don't have to do laundry. And I need to hoover the flat before it too becomes a want. Sounds like a lot, but I can probably do most of the chore stuff in one day, hike on the next, and rest on the last. Or I'll just make a new plan. Stan.

Two Guys, a Girl, and a Burger Joint

Yesterday I submitted a heartfelt pledge, committing to "eating at least one vegetable serving a day (6 days a week); and I have to eat at least 2 different varieties (can't just eat peppers). Starting today, April 10, 2006".

And yet promptly after work I end up consuming a liquid dinner with nary a vegetable in sight.

I ate rocket salad with red cabbage the day before, so can I swap the days and start fresh (heh, fresh) today?

Saturday was both a bad back day and a sneer to the weatherman -- who had called for snow-- day so I lay in bed with the blinds open listening to my audiobook and watching the huge seagulls fly about in the blue blue sky with the warm warm sun shining on the red red brick of the neighboring flats.

Sunday I met gypsiewriter (from 43Things) for coffee, bringing Gav along for entertainment value (as always). The sun was out again, so I dressed in a blouse and trousers with my high-heeled boots and spring quilted jacket. However, this is Glasgow and when it decided to get really cold and even snow, I was actually thankful I'm turning into my grandmother and therefore had kleenex and mittens in my bag. I also had a camera (of course) and got a couple nice photos of the Kelvingrove Museum with the University in the background. Now if I can just remember to upload those after work...

Anyway, Gypsie had just recently moved to Glasgow from a small town outside Inverness-- the same small town that my family had lived in. She came from New York, I was born in New Jersey. And she just spent a few months visiting in Seattle, which is the town that I just moved from. Kind of weird, doncha think?

After coffee Gav invited me along (for entertainment value) to the GFT to watch The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Despite the distracting fact that Tommy Lee Jones now looks just like my dad, I found this to be a good movie and would recommend it if you are wanting to see something a little different.

Weather changed and it was sunny again as we exited the theatre. But it was still cold, so we headed to Waxy's for dinner while we waited for the other 43Things folks who were meeting us for drinks. I spent 10 consecutive hours outside of the house meeting four new people, seeing one new movie, drinking coffee in a different bean scene, and having dinner and drinks in a different restaurant.

That.was.fun.

L ain't just for Laverne

I received the UK Learning to Drive and Theory Test software in the mail, and jayzus do I feel like a kid again. Except a whole lot wiser (and just a tad more bitter). I have been driving for almost 21 years, but the UK does not accept a US license exchange, most likely attributable to the fact that these countries drive on the opposite sides of the road. I have to apply for my provisional license (learners permit) and any time I am driving I have to display a giant red 'L' on my car.

Except I don't have a car.

I'd like to say the L is for Love, even though we know its for Learner and yet its REALLY for loser. At the age of 37 if I have to display a large scarlet letter, it should damn well be an 'A'!


Work is work and my home life is ho hum. Lately, with spring Fever um--springing, I'm having all sorts of crazy thoughts like "I should dye my hair blonde!" I'm in desperate need of a cut, as my hair has already grown out 2 inches since I had it all whacked off at Christmas. I found a hair salon that will cut it without necessitating a small bank loan, so I'm hoping that will curb the coloring desire.

Speaking of curb, did you know that in this country they actually spell it kerb?

Fascinating.

In other news, Sally booked my ticket to Ireland. I will be meeting up with her in Shannon (in August). She found a great cemetery for us to check out, and we will also get to spend a couple days with our friends in Wexford. Yay holiday.

This weekend I want to try and get to the Fossil Grove, get my donation items donated, and get my ebay items loaded. On Sunday I am meeting someone from the 43Things site for coffee, and I'm really looking forward to that.

Have a good one...

Wee Walkabout

Last night I stopped at the liquor store and purchased the small bottle of Morgan's Spiced Rum. In the States you'd get a little flask-like pint bottle, but here its the size and shape of a beer bottle. Quite handy, that.

One drink down and a second sitting by the ready, I felt inspired to cook up all my groceries into handy prepared meals for the week. I made tomato-meat sauce (froze two servings) that I added to garlic & basil ricotta tortellini; pork chops and peppers that I will simmer in sweet chili sauce and serve with steamed veggies; chicken in thai green curry with lime & coriander rice; and egg salad with crumbled bacon for quick morning meals.

Only dilemma to cooking all those meals at once is choosing which one to eat fresh and hot for your dinner right then. (I went with the tortellini).

Afterwards, I waddled my overfed tummy into the boxroom to watch more of the videos that Gav's mom gave him: Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends - Vol. 1 and Vol. 3. The reporter (Louis) is this tall geeky guy who'd go around America documenting weird things into episodes for the BBC. Hands down my favorite has to be the one where he attempts to break into the Porn industry...
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I actually left the office for lunch today! It was so sunny I couldn't resist the siren call to exercise. Or maybe it was the call to take pictures. Either way it meant my fluffy ass was walking, with a quickly scribbled map in hand, to see The Cottier Theatre . Its a former church, now bar slash restaurant slash theatre. And this sucker is under major renovation. Still, quite cool to view.

Second target for the day was the nearby University of Glasgow. I can guaranfuckintee that none of MY schools ever looked like this.

In other less scintillating/more disgusting, news I finally got the factor to send over plumbers to have a look at the office toilet. Short story with details-omitted (you're welcome) is that it still isn't fixed.

And that pretty much sums up my work day.

You want my job, doncha?

**ps.
It was still so nice after work that I decided to walk home along the river. Yes, it rains here but damn it sure pretties up when the sun comes out.

Click on the flickr flash doohickey on the right to see the whole set.

Living Single

My flatmate was gone overnight so I celebrated this time alone by giving the flat a spring cleaning. Woo! I scrubbed for over six hours, cleaning everything from the inside of the refridgerator(s) to the tops of the door-frames. I even polished the light fixtures. The only part I omitted was the inside of the oven, because that would have carried my self-imposed Cinderella vibe just a little too far. I rewarded myself with an overhaul of my own which involved much plucking, shaving, and polishing done at a leisurely pace you just don't get when someone else needs to use the loo.

I ate dinner in front of the tele while watching Dirty Dancing, and cried openly at the part where Baby confronts her dad (the late Jerry Orbach). I put myself to bed at a respectable 12:30, but found myself unable to sleep. This was probably brought about by the achy back, or the fact that I had slept in that morning. Or perhaps it was the five cups of Irish Cream coffee I drank with dinner.

Bygones.

I decided to lull myself to sleep by partaking in one of my secret solo activities, something I really enjoy doing, but I can be quite vocal and when you live with someone else you're always afraid they can hear you and it would be really embarrassing if they did. That's right, I sang country tunes. Out loud. Two hours later I was blissfully exhausted and slumber ready.
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While hiking around Clyde Muirshiel, I noticed that both of my hiking boots had cracked and were now exposing my feet to the elements. I talked to the repairmen about patching them, but as they are bargain faux-leather buys from Payless, it wasn't reasonable to have them fixed. What was reasonable, since I'm broke and miserable and on the verge of quitting my job, was to go shopping (duh). I picked up a great pair of Explorer IV GTX: Midnight hiking boots.

At first I tried on the cutest little pair of boots and for a moment I felt just like a delicate princess (at least, as much like a princess as one can feel when wearing something made for trudging through the mud and the muck). But then I slipped these babies on I knew they were the ones. Oh yes, they would be mine. They are all gortex-waterproofy with great tread, and they fit my feet perfectly.

I was eager to test them out this weekend, but it was raining and I didn't want to get them dirty.

Why yes, I do recognize the flaw in my reasoning.
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I have MaryAnn's fabulous Canon Powershot here and need to take full advantage before she hunts me down and makes me return it. That ensuing desperation explains the following picture, taken from my office window. Bye March!