A Very Ancient Christmas

Hello All,

   I want to start out this blog a bit more serious that the usual goofiness. Christmas is my favorite holiday because of what it represents. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. I want to start out this blog by saying God is Great! The thought of his Grace brings me to my knees with tears streaming down my face.

Christmas in The Highlands



The Cast: Raymond & MB, Andrea & Garrick, Lindsay & Adam, and Adam's best friend Bob.

The Van  

On Christmas Eve we all crammed into a 7 seater minivan. Let me stress the word MINI! When I booked the car rental the women said the van was made for two adults and 5 children. Let me stress that NONE of us are child size. There was also NO trunk space. This means we all had to carry what we brought on our laps or around our feet. The two poor guys in the very back had things piled on top of them. They were good sports! 

The reason we didn't get a bigger van was because Raymond was not old enough. 30 was the age limit and Raymond is 29. Also the van we did get was a stick. Raymond was a CHAMP shifting with his left hand and navigating through the narrow Scottish roads. We had no shortages of Wind and Rain storms. 

Hiking



Can you spot us?



 He had some great adventurous hikes. We went exploring every day. The Highlands is an amazing place with so much ancient history. One of my favorite hikes was to a Pictish fort on top of a mountain. The hurricane force winds we had a few weeks back had torn down tons of trees blocking the beginning of the path. We climbed through these trees and a few scrapes and twigs in the eye later we made it through the trees to a clearing. We went straight up from there. The fort was amazing. It was so awesome to be in a fort that was so ancient, the view wasn't too shabby either.

There was no snow on the ground but the rivers were overflowing! One day we went into Inverness and walked around. We then went a little outside of the town and found this ancient burial grounds. They were dated to be around the time of King David. How amazing is that?

Just outside of Inverness is Loch Ness. Of course we went searching for NESSIE!!! Raymond, Adam and Bob went swimming in Loch Ness. It was so cold but they braved it. Bob even did in NAKED!!!! AHHH

The ladies were not so keen on getting ALL the way into loch Ness. So we kinda got it...



Our "Getting in pic"



On Loch Ness there is a castle called Urquhart Castle. It was amazing!

On our way home we stopped at an ancient Roman camp site near Perth. The wind and rain were fierce, stinging our faces but just picturing a Roman legion camping here on there way to try and defeat the "savages of the north" was inducing chill bumps.

Yes, I'm a history nerd.

Christmas Morning!

Christmas morning Raymond and I woke up late and breakfast was already cooked! What great friends we have! We all ate breakfast casserole and home made cinnamon rolls. (pretty sure I gained 10 lbs from this trip the food was so good) We all brought one gift and did a white elephant gift exchanged.

The gift I got stuck with is terrifying. It is a creepy clown figurine holding a small snow globe. Inside the snow globe was a monkey wearing a hat. Let me tell you, I'm really scared of clowns. I also got a cool foam airplane.

While my older brother was babysitting me he let us watch IT and I've never been the same. Clowns are never ok with me.

Christmas supper was great! We had ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and awesome bread. Bob cooked the Ham and it was really tasty!

Sardines & MORE

We played a lot of games while in our 4 bedroom rental house. The first night we played Sardines. Lindsay was the sardines queen. She found almost everyone first and it took us forever to find her when she hid. We had so much fun and laughed till our cheeks hurt.

The entire time we were there we played games. I'm glad we have found friends who like to play games like we do.

All in all we had a great time in the Scottish Highlands and I would love to go back and have more adventures. Who's with me?

Dream Logs + Bus stop Psycho & Beyond

As requested I will have more Raymond Dream Logs towards the end of this post. I have written down several of them. Raymond found my word document and read it. "I never said any of those things" oh Yes... yes you did. One day I'm going to have my camera and film him.

Story 1: 

Bus stop Psycho 

I want to first start out by telling the delightful experience I had last week while trying to catch a bus in Guardbridge.

I was heading to St. Andrews like any other normal freezing, windy day in Scotland. I was waiting at the Mill Clock bus stop (this is our bus stop) all of a sudden, I look across the road and here comes this wide eyed woman, about my age, running across the street. She makes it to the bus stop and the conversation, mostly with herself, that takes place will stay with me for a very long time. The conversation as unfolded like this:

Lady: "AH, I hoped the bus would be late. but now It's on time because I'm a University note taker and my class starts in 10 minutes!"

Me: "Oh are you a post grad? My husbands is in the St. Mary's post grad program. Guardbridge is a great place for postgrads isn't it?"

Lady's phone alarm goes off and she leans outside of the bus stop and starts to scream.

Lady: "BUS YOU BETTER GET HERE NOW!!!" "I'm going to be late so you better HURRY UP AND GET HERE NOW!!!"

At this point in knew I was dealing with someone a little looney. She walks back into the bus stop

Me: "What is your name?"

Crazy Lady: "MELISSA" She growled at me. "I'm not in the mood to socialize, can't you see I'm trying to get the bus here!" "Today of ALL days I wake up LATE and my CAT IS MAD AT ME."

He alarm goes off for the 4th time.

Me: "You sure do have a lot of Alarms"

Crazy Cat Lady Melisa: "THAT WAS MY SNOOZE ALRAM IF I WASN'T GOING TO MAKE IT TO CLASS GOSHHHHHHHHHHHH"

I couldn't help giggle because of how insane she sounded but I think it just made her even more angry. She then started yelling at the bus (still no where in site) and running out in the middle of the road to look around the corner to see if the bus was coming. She almost got run over a several times. So I decided to say something to calm her down.

Me: "Hey Melissa, I understand you are stressed out but no amount of yelling or walking out in the street is going to make the bus come any faster. There is nothing you can do about it now."

Melissa: "YOU ARE NOT HELPING ME. I'M JUST GOING TO STRESS OUT ABOUT THIS PLEASE DO NOT TALK TO ME."

I'm typing in all caps for a reason folks. This girl was screaming at me. It was one of the strangest most hysterical break downs I'd ever seen. This girl was bonkers.

P.S. She was getting her doctorate in Psychology. (make your own assessment)



Raymond met Melissa a couple of days later on a bus ride home. She talked to him the entire way back about her cat. We got off the bus and Raymond said this. "That girl has no self-awareness at all, she is completely oblivious to how she comes across to people." This is completely true.

Story 2: 

WIND

I know I already blogged about the crazy wind we have been having but I wanted to post some pictures of us playing outside!

Lindsay is lookin' fine in that super model weather

I look like i'm a dragon breaking fire.

It was seriously windy. We almost got knocked over a few times.

Story 3: 

St. Andrews Aquarium

One on my good friends here works at the St. Andrews Aquarium. I've heard all about it, so I decided to go visit her. Here are some pics

Octopus! 

Seals

and Meerkats? 

Yep, one of their biggest attractions is the Meerkat exhibit. There are so fat! hahaha

Story 4: 

 Christmas

Here is where I hang out most of the day. I don't know what I would do without a fireplace!

We are renting a house with two other couples and spending christmas in the Highlands! It will be a white Christmas for us! We are very excited to get away and also excited to share this holiday with our close friends.

Story 5: 

Raymond Dream LOG

This first one Raymond says doesn't count because he was half asleep. I think it totally counts. When Raymond get's really really tired and he's almost asleep sometimes I like to talk to him and see what comedic gold I can get. This is really for my own pleasure. Well it was until now.

Raymond, sing me a song please.

Raymond sings me a 5 minute long song about a man with the Hiccups. I don't remember the lyrics but next time this happens I will get it on camera.


Raymond Dream Log 1:  

YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!

Me? What about me?

YOU are full of wonderful things. Things that I LOVE

He then squeezed me so tight i thought I was going to pop. He rolled over and went back to sleep.


Raymond Dream Log 2:

It was the middle of the night and I, as usual was cold. I maneuvered around to acquire some of Raymond's body heat. I said to Raymond,

"Your breath is warming my back."

His response, "That's because I'm full of science"


Raymond Dream Log 3:

Sits up quickly, "Throw the fish and they will open the Window FOR US!

Raymond Dream Log 4:

"You need to wear Plaid to get back on the team."
"Why do I need to be on the team?"
"So you can get back to earth, you don't want to stay on Mars's Thorax do you?



THE END



Let me know what you think!

Wind + Red Necks= Frustration

National Weather Alert:

 WINDS ARE LIKELY TO GUST TO 70-80 MPH, WITH OVER 90 MPH ON EXPOSED COASTS AND HILLS.


The wind is CRAZY! The birds are not happy. I saw one try and fly and it didn't go so well for the little guy. I walked outside because I noticed some trash in our backyard.

I opened our gate and was attacked by trash. Our lovely neighbors moved out of their house and left their trash bins full. The bins were knocked down and trash is everywhere.

 I've taken a video and some pictures to show all of you. Warning our neighbors did not clean up after themselves.

I know you can't hear what i'm saying some of the time. That is because the wind is so strong. I almost fell over while walking up the drive.

Here are some pictures.

Our Back Yard and Garden

Our Driveway right side is ours left side is our neighbors 

Driveway

We share a driveway and as you can see, they have a broken down car sticking out of their drive and and other broken down car in their back yard.

The second broken down car

This is the trash that blew down the street. GRUMBLE CAKES



I called Raymond and asked him to buy nylon gloves. I'm gonna be cleaning all this up for days!



One day I'm going to look back on this and laugh... today is not that day.

Stalked by a Black Bra!

Okay, I know I'm not literately being stalked by a black bra but it sure seems that way. Let me explain...

I usually work nights at the University Sports Centre. The hours are usually 5:30 - 11:00. This means I help close down and one of my many lovely tasks is to clear the ladies locker room. There is always without fail a black bra hanging on a hook waiting for me.

Seriously, I have no idea how these kids leave the Sports Centre clothed! There is always shoes, pants, shirts, and that dang black bra!

Is it the same black bra you ask? NO it's a group of them. I think they are all in the same gang. It's starting to worry me. I hope my black bra doesn't join 'em or I'm in for a rather cold / awkward ride home.

Dear Black Bra of mine,

Please don't join the BBG (black bra gang) I really do love you and would miss you dearly. I know your job is very important and I will never take you for granted. I promise to always put you in your special washing machine bag and as the directions say, never put you in the dryer.

For realzies,
   Mary Blake


Now that I've gotten that out of the way...


Raymond and I went for a walk on Saturday and it was beautiful. You can see all the pictures here
A Scottish Winter In this album you will also see the thanksgiving we had with our awesome friends.

Raymond Update:

Raymond is in Edinburgh tonight for a conference. His paper was accepted so he will be presenting tomorrow afternoon. Keep him in your thoughts. I keep trying to convince him to write a blog entry but he's been so busy lately. Maybe if you guys bug him enough he'll write one!

Raymond Dream Log:

Raymond Jumps up out of bed in the middle of the night.
Raymond "Ahhh I have to get ready"
Me "What? Raymond get back in bed"
Raymond "NO They are coming I have to get ready for them"
Me "Who is coming?"
Raymond "The little people are coming for me. I have to get ready"
Me "It's the middle of the night, No little person is coming. Get back in bed.

He slowly got back into bed and fell back into a deep sleep.

Raymond Dream Log 2:

Raymond starts making weird high pitched robot sounds like. BEEP BOOP BEEP  and starts laughing hysterically. I start laughing. Raymond says, "The rainbow cover!" "Ah, the Rainbow Cover!" Then starts laughing again.

At this point I'm laughing as well and he's fallen back to sleep.


Comment below and let me know what you think about the blog. Also let me know what you want to hear about.

Later Days

Hotty Twins in Scotland

    Ok before you say anything… I know I know I know. I need to do better at updating the blog. You are right I have no excuse and I will try my hardest to do better. My goal is to write a blog every week. So far I’m not doing so hot. New Year’s Resolution 1: Blog at least one a week.

     I feel very scholarly as I write this blog, let me set the scene… 

I’m sitting in an office located in the oldest building belonging to the University of St. Andrews. (Impressed?) I thought so. This blog post will mostly be about my sister (Laura, Loolums, La La) this list could go on and on so I’ll stop there. 

Pictures Album of Laura's trip! <----- Check out my Twin Scotland trip photo album!

     I couldn’t sleep the night Laura arrived. I was too excited to sleep. *Insert Disney World Commercial Here*  I woke up early to catch the 6 am train to Edinburgh and finally was re-united with Laura, after her plane was an hour and half late. Together again and it felt so good! Well I felt good... Laura felt... tired (red-eye)

Double decker bus leaving the airport

     We got on the train and headed back to my place to relax a bit and get her a “big ass cup of coffee” lucky for her I have a big ass coffee mug. FYI: The mug’s name is big daddy, thought you should know. That day I showed her around St. Andrews and we talked, laughed and took pictures with the awesome camera she brought me. (Thanks again Dad & Mom)

     On Friday morning we did what we do best. Laid in bed and made each other laugh. We went through my old pictures library and couldn’t believe how hysterically bad we looked back in the awkward days. (Picture to follow) (Sorry Laura I’m gonna have to do it) We laid in bed most of the morning/afternoon. It was the perfect morning with Laura. We went into town and had a Photo shoot with Anna Blanch It was a lot of fun but COLD COLD COLD. I’ve decided to put of a few photos of Anna’s up and compare them with a photo we were laughing at from our past. (Hysterical) (don't judge)

Before: This isn't the worst I could do by far, but we need to keep some shred of dignity

Laura Puckett and Mary Blake Morehouse
All Grown Up

Mary Blake
Grown up: Yes
Still a Kid inside: Yes

Laura Puckett is Stunning

Pictures by Goannatree

Best Swing EVER

     The next day we went to the Sea towns Pittenweem and Anstruther. It was so much fun and we took a LOT of pictures of our day.  We get silly and that’s what I love about us! It was a beautiful day and I was blissfully happy. 

Laura Puckett is excited about exploring

My I'M TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP face

     On Sunday we went to Trinity and then I had to work. Laura and Raymond took the motorcycle and went to Tentsmuir forest. I’ve never been but they say it was a really awesome spot. Also I’d like to point out that this was Laura’s first time on a motorbike and now she’s bound and determined to get one herself. Sorry Dad.

     Here is a little bit of background: My parents threatened to disown us (I might be exaggerating) if we ever so much as rode on a motorcycle. They were not pleased with my oldest brother when got one after graduating college and they were not so thrilled about Raymond and me having one. Granted my oldest brother’s bike goes a million miles per hr and ours goes 50 downhill, with the wind at our back, on a good day, but still, it’s a motorbike nonetheless. 

     Wow This ADD side track moment has been brought to you by Mary Blake Morehouse.

Back on Track:

     Monday, Laura and I headed back to Edinburgh to see the sites and hang with Annie Downs our amazingly awesome cousin. We stayed with her for two nights and had a completely outrageous blastastic time. We took an underground city tour. It was awesome / eye opening and gross. The tour guide told us about the plague where thousands died and were burnt in a pit outside of town. This is the same pit where they used the burnt ashes mixed with horse hair to make plaster for walls. GROSS. We actually saw the plaster! Seriously guys it was sick sick sick. The tour was completely awesome though. There were all types of people on the tour, including German bikers who broke almost every rule the tour guide laid down. 

     Tuesday we went to the Palace and several different museums. It was a great day of enjoying the city and seeing things other than the castle. (granted the castle is really cool but we have both been and wanted to experience other things) That night we went on a murder mystery tour. This is an exciting tale.

Abbey beside the Palace in Edninburgh

Annie and Laura outside St. Giles Cathedral

The Tour started outside the witchery hotel and restaurant. There were two tour guides one was a dead man and the other, his helper. The helper had a variety of costumes he changed into throughout the tour to go along with the script and jump out and scare people. He kept these costumes tied around his waist, and so looked pregnant the entire time.

     They chose Laura and me to pick on the entire time. I was chosen by the tour guide to be a witch and Laura was the girlfriend of the assistant. Let me explain: towards the end of the tour the ghost of a priest jumped out to scare people. He then walked around the crowd and picked Laura as his girlfriend. The tour guide asked Laura “Is this truly your love” She responds “Oh yeah, I knocked him up” while rubbing his clothes baby bump. They didn’t know what to do after that. The tour guide said “Um… no one has ever said yes before” Laura went off script and they were stumped. It was actually pretty hysterical.

     The next morning La left to go back home and I spend some more time with Annie. I miss Laura more than ever now that she’s gone. Having Laura as a twin sister is the most amazing thing in the world and I couldn’t ask for a better sister. 

  

Don't mess

Later Days 

Naked Calendar and Beyond

This blog will consist of a few short "stories". I've got a lot of little things I want to tell y'all about.

         Story 1          

Compliment 

"You're a gentleman and a Scotsman". Raymond was given this complement when he let some men, who were cutting down a tree out front, borrow some tools. I think that is the highest honor one can receive. 

~ The End

Story 2

 Twin Visit!

I'm so excited about Laura (My twin sister) coming to visit me. She arrives on Thursday morning. I'm taking the 6:15 am train to Edinburgh and Thursday morning could not come soon enough. I have her entire trip planned out from a day trip to Pittenween to Stirling Castle and everything in between. Get excited about that blog post!

~ The End

Story 3

The Naked Canedar

I know this is the one you all have been waiting for:

 This story begins on a normal work day. I was sitting behind the desk one normal afternoon. One male student, who is on the football team, walks in and asks me where he should go for the photo shoot. I have no idea what he is talking about, this is not a unusual occurrence.

I direct him to the football coach and he then directs him to the locker room to get "changed". The rest of the boys come piling in and head to the locker rooms. I hear jokes like "Ready to get naked?" I'm thinking this is just playful banter.

NOPE

The football team comes out in their pants. (remember previous post about pants aka underpants) Now don't forget, this is Scotland, in November, it's freakin' cold outside. The normal cold jokes go around and they are off to the front pitch to have their shoot.

Right now I'm thinking OK they are going to have a photo shoot in their boxers.

NOPE

From my desk I had a FULL view of what went on. Three giggling girls ran out there with their cameras, one minute the football players are all lined up with their boxers on, I look away to help a customer, the next minute I look out and the boxer are gone and the guys are doing a butt shot. The entire football team, outside on the pitch having a naked photo shoot for an Athletic Union Calendar. Now don't get me wrong, I've seen the movie Calendar girls but I didn't know it was this common.

It's not just 3 snaps and they are done. Oh no. This was a 20 minute naked pose after naked pose broad daylight full on photo shoot. Some of our customers picked the wrong time to come in for a work out, that's for sure. I had to reassure an old man that this was not a normal occurrence. One girl walked straight up to me wide eyed and said, "I didn't know where to look!" HAHAHA

It was like a train wreck you don't want to watch but you have to sneak a few peeks. (human nature). News travels fast and before I know it the men and women who work upstairs have come down to also watch. By this time I'm redder than a tomato and wishing it would all just stop.

It finally stopped and everything went back to normal. I found out this is a yearly calendar and that several of the AU clubs are posing naked. Among them are, men's football, men and women's rugby, women's golf, and wait for it.... wait for it.... the Trampoline club. That's right. I said the Trampoline club. ON the Trampoline. That is one shoot I don't want to go anywhere near. I asked the club captain if she was worried about her wobbly bits showing up on camera. She hadn't thought about that. Come on people, that can not be flattering.

A few nights later I was there to witness the Rugby men's naked shoot. It was at night, Thank Goodness! I couldn't see much and the lasted only about 10 minutes.


~ The End

Story 4

Race the bag lady

One day in a far away land I was preparing to go for a run. My usual route is from Guardbridge to Leuchars. It's only a 2.5 mile run and it's a great way to get out of the house and see God's beautiful creation. On this run I pass the Leuchars train station. While passing said train station I passed a lady carrying 4 plastic bags. She was in her 60s but looked worn. She had on a heavy coat and very broken in  converse sneakers. I passed her and said hello. 

Next thing I know she starts running after me. I slow down and she passes me and stares at me like she's saying "you dare run past me? I'll show you". I'm half laughing half scared about what this bag lady is going to do to me. What is she going to pull out of her bags? She keeps looking back at me, scowling. I'm thinking this is the weirdest thing that has ever happen to me on a run. 

Bag lady's phone then begins to ring. What's her ring tone you ask? Cat's meowing of course. How could it be anything else? She suddenly stops and answers her phone. I run past her and speed up. I make it back to my house safe and sound. I was not harmed by the Bag/Cat lady. 

~ The End

Story 5

Day Trips Rock

Yesterday, Raymond took the day off and we went to Pittenween and Anstruther. Two coastal towns about 30 minutes by bus from St. Andrews. Accompanying us were two very awesome people, Garrick and Andrea.  It was so much fun. I have to steal some of the photos Andrea took (we are camera-less for only a few more days. Laura is bringing us a Camera. THANKS MOM AND DAD!)

Our first stop was in Pittenween. It's a tiny town on the North Sea. It's absolutely beautiful. We first walked to this restaurant where we had the best hot chocolates! This place puts chocolate in everything they serve. It's pretty amazing.

 I had the Hazelnut and Andrea had the Dark hot chocolate.

I chose to drink mine out of the cinnamon stick provided. Andrea couldn't do this because her cinnamon sick was defected. (also i think she's too lady like, her momma raised her up real good. My mother is ashamed of my uncouth ways, BUT she loves me anyway)

We played dominos and had a blast. We are so happy to have found people who love to play games as much as we do.
         Side note: Yes that is Raymond's Nancy Drew/ Hardy boys button he found on his desk in German class. Yes, he has worn it everywhere.

We walked from Pittenween to Anstruther. It was a beautiful walk along the coast and a lovely sunny day.

The boys continue their bro-mance while I wait on Andrea.

Raymond is pretending he's a zombie or something. I'm trying to take a cute, frame worthy picture with him and he does this....

On the last leg of our walk we found an awesome swing set. So of course we had to swing. Anstruther is in the background of this picture.

We ate lunch and walked around before departing. It was a great day trip with great company.

~ The End


And they All lived Happily Ever After

"I'm More Fit Than A Butcher's Dog"

Hello All,

    I want to first set the scene of what I'm doing at this very moment:

I've just moved to the den to get away from the bowl of cookie dough in the kitchen. Raymond and I are making sugar cookies and I have no self control whatsoever. Raymond is upstairs working on school stuff (cough *nerd* cough) and I'm jamming out to Shane & Shane The one you need. I bought this CD last night thanks to an iTunes gift card. Thank you Carolyn and Scott Morehouse!!

    Now that we have that out of the way...

This post will be about my hysterical Job, Receptionist at the University of St. Andrews Sports Centre. Let me first start out by saying God is Great. He is the only reason I got this job. My co-workers have described me as "lucky" because getting a University job is almost unheard of unless you know someone. I knew no one. If you want to know the long story about how I got this job let me know. It's truly a God intervention story. Starting with I didn't even apply.

      Vocab:
 1. Field - Pitch
 2. Cleats - Boots
 3. Why? - How?

Out of the entire staff there are only two Americans, myself included. I'm the only American that is not a student. This makes for some hysterical  conversations. Let's start with me telling you about Willy, the head grounds keeper. Willy is from Fife and has a thick accent. I find it hysterical because I can not understand one word he says.  I dread it when I answer the phone and it's Willy. I know it's going to take a long time to decipher what he is saying. I tell him constantly that I have no idea what he is saying. When we finally figured each other out I'm laughing hysterically and he tells everyone he has to use his "posh" voice with me. I feel like Willy and I need to come up with some sort of code.

The people that work at the front desk and up stairs are also very entertaining. I have so much fun singing with Gillian and teaching her how to speak "southern". Iain just likes to dance (goofy dance) to whatever is on the radio and talk about his delicate woman hands (don't ask). He's fun.  Joyce tries to teach me how to speak Scottish but it's not sticking. I get made fun of almost everyday for saying y'all. I can't stop saying y'all. It's been in my vocabulary way too long. I promise I'm going to have them saying y'all in no time. I still can't speak in a Scottish accent unless it's a line from Shriek.

Locked IN:

One thing that happens constantly is people locking each other into closets. If the person is smart enough to carry their phone with them they call me and I decide if they should be let out or not. (usually I let them out) The favorite is locking people in the boiler/laundry room. Its loud, hot, and people are easily trapped in. I always carry a key in with me. I will not be fooled. (well I have not been fooled yet)

BLOOD:

Sports Injuries happen, and I'm there to be weirdly interested/grossed out by them. Grossest things I've seen:

1. Eyeball bleeding - basketball
2. Ear/head bleeding A LOT- rugby. This was really disturbing b/c the guy kept fainting
3. Teeth knocked out- this happens a lot.
4. Black eyes- happens all the time in boxing

Annoying:

I get hit on by students. I let them know that I'm way older than them and married. It was flattering at first, now it's just annoying. One poor kid hit on me and then pretended to make a business call. Something about 50 million barrels? He kept looking up at me to see if I was listening and I kept giggling at his efforts to impress. He keeps asking when I work and hangs around reception. That poor kid.

Pictures of the Sports Centre

The equipment is amazing the facility is outdated and in desperate need of a face lift.

Dundee United is the football team that train at our facilities. Everyone there knows I'm hopeless when it comes to knowing about any european sport. I know nothing about: Netball, Korfball, Cricket, or Rugby to name a few, but I'm learning!

tootles

MB

Family, Friends, and Adventure

It has been a fully loaded amazing week. My mom and her best friend Marilyn came to visit. We had a total blast!

(Marilyn and Beth/MOM at the Cathedral)

One thing awesome about their visit is they brought 4 bags full of my stuff! YES! My shoes have arrived. Thank goodness! 

(This is me carrying two military duffel bags and a rolling suitcase.  The bag on the front was my bag-o-shoes.)

The taxi driver told us he had never seen anyone carry so much luggage and that I had to be slightly crazy. Yes this is true cabby, no need to point it out. 

We spend that first day walking around St. Andrews seeing the sites. I wouldn't let either of them sleep because that is a sure fire way to get crazy jet lag. So I bullied them the entire day. Poking was involved. I'm pretty sure Marilyn fell asleep sitting up at one point. The technique worked and they slept a full night and were not jet lagged the entire trip! Amazing!

Raymond did this to me as well. I think I was more of a spoiled sport than Mom or Marilyn. I begged and pleaded with him to let me take a nap. He was strong, and I am thankful because I didn't get one bit of jet lag either.

(Edinburgh Castle)

The next day we went to Edinburgh to see the sites! This was Marilyn's first trip to Europe so it was exciting to show her around. Everything just looks so different. Raymond was able to move some things around and joined us on our trip. 

We did some tourist shopping, walked around Old Town, walked up and down the Royal Mile, and visited John Knox's house. It was also a blast to show Mom and Marilyn where we ate and stayed on our last trip to Edinburgh in February 2011. They were especially interested in the Hostel, where we shared a room with several other individuals. 

Another great part of this past week was the visit of my cousin Annie! Annie lives in Edinburgh and came over on Sunday morning to see all of us. She's so great. It is crazy that we live just an hour away from each other. I'm excited to get to know her more and have some real family time. 

All in all this has been an exciting family filled week. I thank God for giving such an amazing life.