Day 304: Fake It Bench Monday!

It was too dark outside when I got home, so I had the idea of creating my own bench inside! You totally couldn't tell that wasn't a real bench outside in a park, could you!? Amazing huh! The tea cup, 'Easy As Pie' poster, and apron in the background totally don't give it away. Haha.

I'm quite chuffed with my bench to be honest.

I also got Bench Monday shots from two special guests this week :D First we have a lovely Bony gentleman, helping Flora out with her PhD, and chillin on the bench in the lab. Flora informs me that "he's leaning on a jar of strontium chloride because he has osteoporosis, poor guy, and a) can't stand up without the support (even with his feet blu-tacked to the bench) and b) because strontium boosts the activity of bone-forming cells and so helps cure osteoporosis and he's trying to tell me he wants me to concoct a nice strontium medicinal potion for him...." Genius.

And just a few minutes ago I was surprised by this lovely image of Rachel, chillin with her monkey, in her super cosy slippers that I need a new pair of...

Happy Bench Monday!!

Day 303: Happy Birthday Cassiaaaaaaaa!

Don't you just LOVE these LED balloons!? I seriously can't get enough of them; I buy them for people any chance I get! And today was certainly no exception. It was the wonderful Cassia Martin's Birthday! So I popped a pack in with her birthday card, and got her to take them out after YF tonight, with the sole purpose of having some LED Balloon Banter for the blog! Haha. Despite being in a different room from everyone, our excitement drew some attention, so we were able to create this fabulous masterpiece for Cassia! Happy Birthday :D Credit goes to Tanya, Mairi, Kerry, and Cassia herself on balloons, and Iain for the hard task of spelling Happy Birthday (or Barthday) in the air with the popped balloon.

And what made these balloons even more hilarious was their faces...

From left to right here we have Tanya, Iain, Mairi and Cassiaaaaaaa.

Hope you've all had a great weekend!

Day 302: Drivin' Through The Hills

I headed up to the Shneck this morning for our second Youth Conference 2012 committee meeting, and the light over the hills up near Aviemore was incredible! But, having been stuck behind someone for the first 40 minutes of the journey I was running a little late, and thought I better not pull over to snap a photo.

I was hoping I'd get another opportunity on the way home, during which I was accompanied by the lovely Tanya Calder! But the sky was just grey, and wet most of the way. Sadly. I had the viewpoint, just past the Lecht ski resort, in mind as my last resort, and despite it being rainy and a tad windy (ha) when we pulled up, the sun was actually piercing through the clouds. So, it wasn't too bad...

Thank you for keeping me company on the way home Tanya!

Day 301: Chineeeeeeeeeese!

We got a Chinese takeaway tonight, my first one or monthys!! Lolsies...I wasn't watching what I was typing there...didn't realise I'd put a 'y' at the end. Just comes naturally these days.

I dropped my phone in my tea cup this morning...impressive huh! It wasn't full, so just half got wet...and it was only in for a second, if even! But, it still went wonky...so I decided to try out this whole "Leave it in a bowl of rice" thing...it appears to have worked. But I'm pretty sure I have a piece of rice stuck in my phone now. And I feel the need to rinse the starch off it...ha.

I went in to town and played crazy golf with Katherine, Tom, Mairi, and Laura this afternoon. Woop! (I took my phone with me, having transferred it and the rice in to a sealed bag, ha) Tom and I came joint first...he actually plays golf you know, I'm pretty chuffed to be on par with that.

Day 300: Norm's Debut

This is Norm, the frog, looking fresh after his surgery. You see, Norm was in an accident tonight...he was pushed off a wall and lost his arms, and legs, and toes. It was a terrible moment. And the person to blame for this horrific incident was none other than...the absolutely wonderful Katherine Sced!! :D She's back in town for a few days, yay! And, thankfully, she brought Tom along too. Tom was Norm's surgeon, and he did a pretty darn good job bringing Norm back to his totally creepy, lanky self.

You're probably wondering what on earth is going on in front of Norm...they were all starting a game which was both terrifying, and hilarious. I'd explain it to you but it's totally pointless, and it's LATE! So I'll just say we had such an amazing night filled with laughter, slight embarrassment, and blue fish hunting :)

Day 299: Journey Masterpiece

I was wondering what fascinating thing I could photograph for today's post...the day was almost over, but Mum and I were heading in to the prayer meeting at church, so hopefully I wouldn't just need to photograph my cup of tea before bed or something. Ha.
After our journey in I remembered when Dad came home from work one night saying he had something to show us on the video camera...he'd filmed his journey home from work. Bear in mind that we lived out near Alford at the time, and he worked at Rotech, in Mastrick. HA. And apparently there were a couple exciting moments during this 30 minute video! He'd laid the camera on the dashboard, and these exciting moments were when the camera had fallen over due to a roundabout or a corner. We laughed. Simple things...
So, on the way back home from Church, I thought I'd create my own journey masterpiece. Obviously it had to be a photo, not a video, but that didn't mean I couldn't capture the motion! I did a 30 second exposure on the lead up to, and around, the Kingswells roundabout outside of town. That part would also have been on Dad's video! Probably one of the times the camera fell over...ha.

This song just came on my Spotify http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5THMr7YbEM. I definitely recommend a listen. You might recognise it from the new Twinings advert...that's not why I like it!

Happy Wednesday :)

Day 298: Great, though perhaps unhygienic, way of amusing your guests!

To go from watching a movie at the cinema about a deadly disease being spread around the world from one hand shake, and totally not wanting to touch anything, to searching someones bathroom for a blue fish, is kinda weird! Lets face it, individually both of those things are kinda weird...putting them together makes for an odd night. It's after midnight...how did that happen?! I'm talking absolute rubbish.

Are you hoping for an explanation? The simple answer is that Cassia goes to great lengths to make sure her guests are entertained. Or...she doesn't want to socialise with them, so finds ways of distracting them...for great lengths of time! Finding that fish is NOT easy.

In that photo Tanya is searching for the fish after I hid it :) I was feeling smug. I thought my hiding place wasn't very good, but I was wrong. It's up there with the best. I'm gonna go get some sleep now...

Apologies to those who are a little confused, and perhaps a little put off visiting Cassia and Flora now...haha. You totally want to find the blue fish, I know it.

Day 297: Cosy Bench Monday

With some post migraine effects still lingering, it's just me, my slanket, and Jack Bauer this afternoon, oh, and monkey!

I don't want to sleep, since too much sleep can trigger a migraine, but I'll be sure not to stay up late tonight, since lack of sleep can trigger a migraine. Ha. I did a lot of reading up on them before lunch today, made a couple more interesting discoveries. A positive note is that I know tea's not to blame, cause I drink decaf now! So I'm gonna go make another cuppa.

Day 296: Bye Granny!

This was Fin watching Mum as she headed off to do door duty at church this evening. He wanted to escape outside with her; he loves being outdoors!

Day 295: Happy Birthday Martha :)

Some of the ladies at church put together a wonderful surprise party for our minister's wife, Martha, this evening, to celebrate her 50th Birthday! Hope you had a fantastic time my dear :) I think the highlight was definitely the pinata...haha. Finlay, the only boy at the party, was absolutely lovin' it! Typical boy, enjoying seeing a something being smashed up with a stick. Haha. And all the ladies were lovin' his chuckles.

And here are a few photos from our Berry gathering down in Dunkeld this afternoon...

I really wanna go fishing!

Day 294: Super Ninis!

What a day! In the morning I had this weeks phone date with the lovely Scedders, and then after lunch I went round to Cassia's for some cupcake decorating and chit chat. She sure knows the way to my heart! Haha. I ended up staying for dinner, and didn't leave till about half 10, after who knows how many hilarious comedy YouTube videos. It was such a good afternoon! And what's even more hilarious, is that we're not actually gonna eat the cupcakes we decorated! The icing was pretty disgusting, after the vast amount of food colouring that was added, and the dough type icing I brought along was simply man handled too much. Haha. We ate a few of them...the ones that didn't have frogs, or snakes, or just a general mass of icing, on top. Ha.

It all looks so pretty and colourful though huh! It was amazing. We were sat at that table for hours, just talking, rolling icing, drinking tea, laughing, dropping sprinkles everywhere, eating sweets, talking, laughing...so good! And now I really must stop talking, and go to bed.

We're off for a family meal in Dunkeld tomorrow afternoon, I'm excited for some pretty pictures by the river, so here's hoping it's a nice day! Hope you all have a good weekend :)

Day 293: I Am A Business Woman

Thanks to the forceful words of Emma last Thursday, I called up Business Gateway and got myself signed up to a few business workshops. Tonight I attended the launch of this year's Women Into Business workshops, and...it wasn't even that daunting! There were about 40 women there, 4 or 5 around the same age as me, and one of the ladies talking was a Freelance Photographer, based in Torphins, so it was great!

Next week I'm attending workshops on Business Expenses, and doing my Self Assessment online, and there are many many more that would be very beneficial to go to. So, hopefully, this will get the ball rolling and I'll be a genius business woman in no time!

Day 292: Together Again

I am aware I look like a total weirdo, but I'm just so happy; he's back in my life, all shiny and new! Well...the drive through the countryside to get back home made him a little grubby already, but whatevs. No scratches :D

On another note...I'm soooo super hungry! Time to eat food.

Day 291: Comfort and Cookies

This is exactly what was needed after work, without JD returning to me, on such a CreyC windy cold day; chillin' out on my bean bag, with a cookie, my first cup of tea for the whole day, and joggers! Oooh it was good.

And now I'm watching some 24 Season 7. Woop Woop!

Day 290: Damp Bench Monday

I was meant to be getting JD back from the garage today, but sadly, he wasn't ready to come home yet :( I miss him! The fact that the buses tricked me this morning, and then it was pouring outside all afternoon didn't help. Why did I say 'pouring outisde'...of course it wasn't pouring INSIDE. Could've gone home from work early if it had been though...Ha.

Anyway, my feet were absolutely soaking within a minute of leaving work, so I was tempted to get a pizza delivered for my dinner. Rather than go to Tesco, by foot, in the rain...bleugh. Haha. But then I manned up and got off the bus at Tesco and gto something delicious for dinner, and walked home...I'd have been as well walking bare foot though, rather than my feet almost slipping out of my pumps. Deffo wearing my boots tomorrow!

I love you JD, come back to me.

I almost forgot, I took a few other Bench Monday snaps over the weekend...

1. The Morrison Clan at Balmedie...Finlay's got the whole 'keep your face out the photo' thing down to a tee now!

2. Sarah with her beautiful blue skirt, and tights, on the funky blue bench in Johnston Gardens...

And my wonderful cousins have provided me with their own Bench Monday addition from their trip to Harris last week...

They also came up with a new idea for the blog...Rock Friday!! I love it! Haha. Thanks guys!

Day 289: Tree Lovin'

This beautiful tree is in Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, we went for a lovely stroll there this afternoon before Church. I can't get enough of the Autumn feeling!

Day 288: Love Love Love Balmedie!

Today has been a good day! :) Sarah and I went shopping for a few hours this morning...and this afternoon...then went to Handmade Burger Co. for lunch. Oh.My.Life. Always totally stuffed after going there! It was deeelish.

Then we went for a wee road trip to Balmedie (LOVE) later in the afternoon with The Morrison Clan, including the Grandparents. And I loved this shot of Andrew and James. Jamesie kept running for the shore line, it was hilarious. Both the boys were loving being at the beach :) I love it! I've said love a lot in this post...I'll stop now.

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Day 287: More Pretty Autumnness!

Just a few snaps from a wee stroll in the local Nature Reserve this afternoon :) Happy Friday!

Day 286: We Have a Dining Table

Today's picture is a Before and After set, not one that shows off my photoshopping skills...if my skills were THAT amazing I could probably take over the world or something. No, it's a before and after with regards to tidying up...

I'd forgotten our dining table was so big...it's been messy like that for at least a month, and ashamedly 99% of the stuff was mine. But, now it's all been recycled, tidied away, or placed on a chair waiting for me to use it again tomorrow...ha. I wonder if I can keep it like this until Mother comes on Tuesday...

I made cookies tonight! They look good...but I thought they tasted a bit funny, and I'm realising it's the dark chocolate. I'm really not a fan! Slight problem...maybe I'll just use them as Frisbees tomorrow...see if I can take out some seagulls.

I joke, obviously. The seagulls would probably catch them, like a dog.

Day 285: Burger King Banter

A few of us went along to Burger King, again, after the PM tonight, and this is Iain being totally antisocial with his colouring in. Admittedly, I did do a few puzzles and some colouring myself.

I'm trying out a new way of using my logo, as a few of the men in my life have been telling me their opinions on the new logo and whether it actually works as a logo/watermark for my images. I absolutely love it, so I don't want to get rid of it! But, I do understand their opinions and I'm going to have to have a play around and figure something out. I'm open to constructive criticism!

Day 284: Soppy Girlfriend Lovin'

I've never been one of those girls who sits on the phone every night for hours talking to her girlfriends, I usually like to spend as little time on the phone as possible. But there is one girl who gets my full attention on the phone for as long as she likes, now that she's finished Uni, and moved back down south!
I sat by my phone after work tonight with my cup of tea, expecting her call, and it was wonderful to hear her voice. I held that phone to my ear for over an hour, enjoying the life update! We're only speaking every few weeks, and that's just not good enough! So, hopefully, we'll be pencilling in a weekly phone date from now on.
Maybe I'll be one of those girls one day...

Day 283: Reminiscing Bench Monday

Rach and I went for a wee spin out to Tough this afternoon. For those of you who don't know; that's where I used to live, and it's not pronounced 'tuff', it's pronounced like 'too' with a cat hissing noise added at the end...if you get me...

Anyway! I took the afternoon off work, did a spot of shopping, and then picked Rachel up and we headed out the road for a wee tour around Tough, remembering our younger years. Rach definitely enjoyed driving past the place where my dog pulled me over. I'd like to say I had a Rottweiler or something...but I didn't. Glen was a Cairn Terrier...hahaha, yes, I know. He just caught me off guard when he spotted some rabbits!

We were about to go on the hunt for a bench when we drove past my last Primary School (I had a few, cause I got kicked out for being well bad, innit...just kidding. We just moved a few times), and spotted the bench right out at the front...it's been there for, like, ever. So we deffo had to go in for today's Bench Monday photo. It's definitely a favourite! We had a great laugh :)

And yesterday, at Church, one of my Girlies pointed out this cute Bench Monday photo opportunity across the hall...I had to go grab my camera!

Happy Bench Monday!! :)

Day 282: Martin, Morrison, Stewart Posse

This is a reenactment of a photograph that was taken when Finlay was just a couple days old. Can't believe he's over 14 months old now! The two cousins are almost at the age where they can start causing mischief together.

This is the original photo! Crazy huh. Look how teeny tiny they are!

And here are the two aunties with their beautiful nephews...

I'm too tired to talk any more, it's been a busy weekend!

Day 281: Happy Birthday Iain!

What better way to finish up this weeks theme than with Birthday Cake!! Yaaaay! Happy Birthday Iain :) I know you'll love this photo. New profile pic perhaps??

Day 280: Anya's 'Licious Lemon Cupcake

I brought some of my cupcakes round to Lynsey's this afternoon to accompany our catch up, and I snapped a few photos of Anya before she tucked in, ever so ladylike, to hers. Thank you for a lovely afternoon, and delicious meal, Lynsey!

Then this evening, I attended a ceilidh at the Music Hall with some friends, and couldn't resist taking along my moustaches and lips...

Day 279: Raspberry and White Chocolate

I enjoyed having a wee break from work this afternoon to photograph today's cake. Raspberry and White Chocolate...Yum! It had a raspberry coulis centre, and plenty of icing on top. I might send this photo to Aberdeen Cakes and Cupcakes as a wee thank you for their delicious cupcakes.

I wonder if they need any promotional photographs done...

Day 278: Getting Through Them!

I thought I'd keep going with the cake theme for the week...unless we run out, but I don't see that happening! I'm having 2 a day...but I'll be working at home tomorrow so maybe I'll have one for breakfast, one for a snack, one at lunch, one for a snack, and one at dinner. And maybe one more for a snack.

This one in particular is from the batch of Lemon and Ginger Cupcakes Sarah made on Sunday. They're scrumptious! Could do with piling on a bit more icing...but that's just a personal preference.

Day 277: More Cake!

There appears to be a theme this week...cake, cake, and more cake! I aint complaining.

One of the guys at work got 2 boxes of cupcakes delivered to me this afternoon. It was to say thank you for sorting out a lot of credit card receipts from the last 2 months, saving him from doing it. It's actually a job I enjoy doing, so getting cake for doing it is great!

Day 276: Decaf Tea and Cake Bench Monday

I took some of that delicious mocha cake Sarah made last night round to Laura's tonight, and we enjoyed doing Bench Monday indoors wrapped up in our massive jumpers/dressing gown, along with some tea (decaf for me) and a lot of catch up chat. We were practically like a couple of old ladies.

And now I'm an old lady who's up past her bed time!

Day 275: Caaaaaaaake!!

We had a box of 12 eggs in the fridge that needed to be used, or the poor chicken's efforts would soon have been a waste. So, Sarah made a MOCHA CAKE, and Lemon and Ginger Cupcakes!! I love my sister. And I love being greeted by cake when I get home.

Cake for breakfast anyone?

Day 274: Shopping, Bowling, and DANCE MATS!

I won bowling. Just sayin.

Tonight's photo captures the moment of Julia and Flora's first time on a dance machine! It was a special moment, and they did very well considering Laura and myself are a hard act to follow...ha.

I think Cathryn deserves a shout out for her incredible skill at everything she tried tonight! Well done. 38 is a bowling score to be proud of. Your first ever attempt on the dance machine was just as impressive! And good job for almost catching that angry bird for Laura :) Love you!

I hope you've all had an excellent Saturday! I personally have thoroughly enjoyed my busy day. I bought a massive jumper, and a pair of wedge ankle boot shoe things. Happy days!