Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?

What a beautiful, gorgeous day in Aberdeen! It's funny how I didn't take advantage of the sun in Houston.  Maybe it had to do with the crazy humidity and heat? So after not seeing the sun for two days, we finally got some with no rain or wind! Woohoo.  I woke up this morning feeling energized and ready to take on the world.  All I was thinking when I saw the sun this morning was Sesame Street.  This song will always brighten my day!



On top of getting some sun, I also got to visit a cupcake shop! I was meeting a friend for tea when we passed by the shop and I just had to stop by and get some.  The selection wasn't very extensive and maybe not even that pretty, but it's a cupcake nonetheless.  I actually haven't even tried it because I'm being a sweet wife and waiting for Gerald to get home so we can share. Isn't he lucky? haha

red velvet

strawberry

Another week down and I can't believe it's already the end of September! We're having our first visitor this weekend and it's the quarterly International Market here in Aberdeen. I hope this beautiful weather stays for a few more days.

Enjoy your weekend friends!

Glasgow

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland with three quarter of a million people.  Coming from Houston with a population of almost 6 million, you wouldn't think I would consider Glasgow a "big" city, but I did.  After living in Aberdeen for almost 2 months, with a population of 200,000, and one main road in the City Center, I was stunned by how big Glasgow felt to me.  It had big roads with intersections, tall buildings, loads of shopping, with American style Malls, and a Korean restaurant!

We took the ScotRail from Aberdeen to Glasgow and got to enjoy the nice views of the countryside.  It was a 2 1/2 train ride and BYOB! hehe. We didn't know this but next time, we'll definitely take advantage. This is probably my 3rd time or so riding a train and I really enjoy it.  We sometimes think of trains as loud and annoying at times but being inside one is quite a different feeling.  Or at least it has been for me the few times I've ridden it. With my headphones and a book, I find it relaxing.  I love seeing all that nature has to offer while being on a train. Something you miss while flying or even driving.

Anyhow, we met up with our cousin Mickie for some good eats while we were there.  She was nice enough to bring me a few packages of Zatarans Jambalaya mix and Jiffy cornbread mix from the States.  I heard from some AWA women that you couldn't get those things here so I asked her to bring me some =) Thanks Mickie!  We had a good time chatting and hanging out.

banchan

spicy pork bulgogi

Gerald and I spent the rest of the weekend shopping.  Although, we came back with nothing, it was fun being able to window shop. We don't have great shopping or window shopping here in Aberdeen.  I think I'm  going to save my shopping for when I return to Houston.  Either nothing appeals to me, or I just think it's way too expensive when I can get the same thing in Houston for 1/2 the price.  For example, I saw a pair of Uggs that I got in the States for $150, and here, they were 250 pounds! Ridiculous.

leaving Glasgow Queen Street Station back to Aberdeen

We also visited a few museums and had dinner and drinks out one night.  Most of the bars here are jam packed with male bodies, so ladies, beware...hehehe...The male to female ratio here is like 10:1, I'm probably exaggerating but that's what it looks like at times.  Overall, we had a nice getaway and I'm looking forward to more train rides across the land.

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear....

Despite the pretty crappy weather we've been having in Aberdeen this past week, I had a fun week.  Joining the AWA has been one of the best things I've done since moving.  They weren't kidding when they said they have plenty of activities to keep one busy.  All you have to do is show up.  This week, I attended a scrap booking activity, coffee and lunch with new friends, book club, and another round of golf! The weather wasn't very nice for golf but we sucked it up and went out anyways.  Instead of wearing a nice top and a golf skirt or shorts, here, you have to have rain proof gear. Since I have not invested in any rain proof golf gear, my ski jacket is getting some use before the snow season.  Like all the Aberdonians say around here, "There's never bad weather, just bad gear." I guess I need to do some shopping.

lasagna for lunch @ Carmines

Sometimes I feel like I want to work to get the most of out my education while I still can, but with all these activities, I'm not too sure anymore, hehe.  I kind of miss crunching numbers and having deadlines, but not having to worry about everything that comes with a job has been pretty nice =)  I told myself that I would take the rest of the year off and decide what I want to do after the holidays, so we shall see.

I'm starting to feel more settled here now that we have all our furniture.  The house is starting to feel more homey;  especially with Yankee candles burning. I seriously think we paid way too much for Yankee candles here but it's nice to have something familiar.  I doubt I'd ever buy it again; I'll try a local brand next time. I'm also getting better at driving so if anyone wants to visit, I can drive you around.  That's if you trust me.

yay for warm comfy furniture

Well, Gerald and I are off to Glasgow this weekend to hang out with our cousin Mickie.  I love seeing familiar faces in a foreign land so I'm looking forward to it. That's about it for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Stupid is as stupid does....

Today I watched Forest Gump for the 20th time while making eggrolls using Mama's recipe.   I needed something to keep me entertained while shredding cabbage and carrots.  Out of the very few DVD's we have, Forest Gump was the only one I knew I wouldn't get bored watching again.  I love Forest! No matter what people said about him or what he went through, he kept on going. My favorite quote of the movie is "Mama said they was my magic shoes. They can take me anywhere." I hope every kid owns a pair of magic shoes.

Anyhow, I made a batch of 50 eggrolls today and they came out pretty delicious! This is my first time actually making eggrolls for myself since I can't just call Mama and tell her "I want eggrolls!" There's going to be a first of many things here in Scotland.

I'm going to leave you with one of the best soundtrack song of all time....The Feather Theme.

Fore!

"Fore!" is shouted as a warning during a golf game when it appears possible that a golf ball may hit other players or spectators.

view from the 6th hole, you can see Aberdeen and the sea from up here

Luckily the course was empty so I didn't run into that problem.  I went out to Hazlehead Golf Course and played the 9 hole with 3 other women from the AWA. Per the course description, "The Nine Hole Course has wide fairways and a marked absence of rough, making it the perfect starting point for the enthusiastic beginner." And that enthusiastic beginner was me! The 9 Hole Course - 2770 yards / 2531m - par 35.  Par 35, hah! we didn't keep score.....and there was good reason for it.


When playing golf, I always imagined driving a golf cart but not in Scotland.  You walk and carry your bag or use a trolley.  I was a bit disappointed because driving the cart is so much fun! All the other ladies had trolleys but I didn't know any better so I had to carry my bag.  It was a bit annoying considering how many times we stopped along the way.  And each time I would have to take the bag off my shoulder, set it down, hit my ball and repeat. I need to invest in a trolley.


Anyhow, back to actually playing the game, I don't think I did too bad for my first time.  I didn't hit as far as I would like but my ball did go straight most of the time, or at least I thought it did.  The course was very forgiving so even if you hit too much to the left or right, you can always get back on track. Also, a few missed swings here and there and taking out chunks of grass were not my greatest moments but I managed.  Overall, it was a fun day and I would definitely like to continue learning the game.  I mean, I do live in Scotland now so might as well.  Who knows, one day I might get better than Gerald...haha. Yah right!

Please let it fit!

It was a cold and rainy morning but I had the biggest smile on my face! I was super excited that our shipment was finally getting delivered. It took the 3 men, plus Gerald, a full days worth to unload and unpack all but a few of the boxes. We had a total of 132 boxes! I didn't want to get in the movers way so I sat on our nice comfy couch that they managed to fit through the door! They had to remove a few doors to get it in but it fits! I felt like a little kid on Xmas morning when I discovered some of the goodies. Also, I can't forget the bed I've been missing so much. Let's just say I slept like a baby and will do so from now on.Now time to organize!

prayers always work for gerald...hehe

the closest thing i have to sprinkles...

rudy's bbq for everything and crab boil for my gumbo!

heavenly

Venezia!

Nerald

Vanry

Vanerald

Venice

Prego!

Time Flies when You're Having Fun!

Before moving to Aberdeen, we planned a trip to Venice to meet up with a dear friend. At the time, September 8th seemed so far away but now we're all packed and ready to catch a flight in the AM. Everyday I wake up thinking, hmm, what am I going to do today and next thing you know, the week is over. This could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you view it. Good, because I can't wait to see my family and friends from back home; Bad, because I don't want the fun times to go by so fast.

I attended an AWA meeting today and got volunteered to organize a photography group. I expressed interests in taking pictures of events and one of the members decided we should form an activity group. Not sure what the group will be about but it will be fun to meet new people! I also signed up for the hiking, golf, happy hour, Aberdeen discovery, and the book club. This should keep me busy for a bit...

The only thing that hasn't come soon enough is our shipment from the States. We were suppose to get it this past Tuesday but there was a mix up and we won't receive it until Monday. I was so excited when this truck pulled up to our house and 3 men came out assessing the space in the house. Little did I know that the truck was empty and the truck that had our shipment was still at the port. They removed our rental furniture earlier that morning and now we have to stay at a hotel until Monday. It's okay though because we're leaving to Venice tomorrow and when we get back, I'll have my Heavenly bed

.

Also, Gerald and I got to watch the UT season opener against Rice via Internet and it felt so good!!! Of course nothing like watching it on a big HD TV but I loved seeing all the burnt orange. We're sporting the Longhorn emblem on the ride as well. I wonder what people around here think of it? Thanks again Jo and Ross!!

Enjoy the rest of the week! Miss you fams and friends!

Bahn Thai - FTW

As many of you already know, Asian food is my favorite!! Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese...I LOVE it all! Oh and I can't forget Mama's home cooking! Since moving to Aberdeen, Gerald and I have tried a few Asian restaurants but none of them have been able to satisfy my taste bud. Last night, we decided to give it another try. Gerald's coworkers and a few random people we've met recommended that we try out Bahn Thai for authentic Thai food. We met a friend at the gym and decided to invite him and his girlfriend along for the tasting. Both of them haven't really eaten Thai food so they left the ordering to me. We had spring rolls (the fried kind; i have yet to find the soft ones, but I did find spring roll wrappers at the Asian market today so I'm a happy camper!), gaeng dang, pad see eww, pad thai, chicken pad gradpow, and Bahn Thai fried rice. Carb load, yes, but delicious! I'm not sure if this beats Viengthai from back home but it sure does come close. Our new friends enjoyed the meal very much, so I was happy! Bahn Thai - we will be back!

Roundabouts are my new Challenge!

So I finally built the courage to take a drive on my own today. Driving to the gym that's 3 miles away shouldn't be that bad, right? Well, it wasn't that bad but I did run into a few issues.....

1. Do not block the crosswalk as there are lots of pedestrians.

As I was trying to turn onto the main road in town, either the light was too short or I was too afraid to go and ended up blocking the crosswalk until thenext green light. So I just looked straight ahead and disregarded the pedestrians that were walking around the vehicle to cross the street.

2. When entering a roundabout, please figure out where the lane will lead you.

We're told that if you want to turn left or go straight, stay on the farthest left lane. If you want to turn right or make a U-turn, stay on the farthest right lane. Simple right? Well, I was on the farthest right lane and luckily there was a 2 lane exist so I was able to go straight. Whew, I lucked out on that one.

3. Again, when entering a roundabout, please figure out where the lane will lead you.

I wasn't so lucky on the way home. I was on the farthest right lane entering the roundabout and realized I needed to go straight. I noticed this as I was already in the roundabout so I had to continue through and exited the next street. Gerald and I walked it around this area once so the buildings looked familiar and I was able to find a side street home. It was actually a good thing that this happened, because I think I found a new route to the gym!

4. How did parking get so hard?

In Texas, we have big cars and big garages and there's never a problem about space. Here in Aberdeen, we have a big car and a small garage; quite the opposite. Because of this, I have to remember to fold in my side mirrors before entering the garage; this will be a pain when it's raining. We also set up 2 construction cones on either side of the garage to guide us, along with a trash bin and box in front so we know when to stop. Seriously, all this for parking? Today, I was able to get in without a problem. Hopefully it'll be the same the next time around.

See, it wasn't that bad? hahaha

Also, I said I'll post pics of Gerald's bday meal so here it is. Everything was wonderful minus the mashed potatoes. They didn't have anything labeled half and half at the grocery store so I just picked up something called single cream; it was way too thick! I had to pour a few cups of milk in the potatoes to get it back to the right consistency but it still tasted kind of funny. Next time, I'm sticking to milk!