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That Time I Went to Glasgow Day 1
Hello, friends! I’m on day 2 of my little vacation across the Atlantic, but figured while my friend Laura is answering some work emails from home I’d throw up a quick post on my time here so far. Glasgow is an awesome city and I’m so excited I was able to come here for a visit!
Wednesday night I got to the airport and past security with no issues at all. Surprisingly enough, my flight on US Airways was early and we boarded on time (I have major beef with them after they blew my day 1 in San Diego). Once boarded, we of course had a wait to take off because of weather in the vicinity, but once in the air it was smooth sailing all the way to the UK.
I got through customs quickly and hopped a cab to my friend’s office to pick up keys. I barely slept on the flight over, so I needed coffee and breakfast stat. Her building has a Starbucks right below and even though I am not fond of them and it was totally lame to go there instead of a local place, I was in a coffee emergency and needed to spare the Scots from dealing with an uncaffeinated Krissie.
How American of me. I wandered around the centre part of the city for a bit before heading over to Laura’s flat. I couldn’t resist taking a pic of their version of a dollar store, mostly because I have an immature sense of humor at times…
Hehe.
Laura’s flat? Amazing. It’s a 2 bedroom bi-level penthouse apartment and it is awesome. I couldn’t resist catching some sun on the deck especially since sunny and mid 60s is very rare weather over here!
Once Laura was off work we walked over to the bier halle to enjoy 2 for 1 pizzas and some Brooklyn lagers. We caught up on high school, random shit, and laughed while people watching. I wish I had taken a pic of this one waiter’s epic, rainbow-colored knit sweater vest. It would win at any ugly sweater party, hands down.
Cheers to long-time friends! After finishing a couple rounds we went back to the flat and enjoyed the porch a little more before turning in around midnight.
This morning we coffee-ed up and had a delicious pre-made quiche. We’re bachelorettes, ok? Fancy breakfast from scratch? Totally optional.
Our plan for today is to just stay local and enjoy the sights around here. I’m absolutely loving it here so far and cannot wait to see more of the city and meet more locals. We may hit up the gym as well for a quick workout, not sure. Here’s to day two!
A Tattoo Update
The week or so after getting back from San Diego (final day post likely tomorrow, if you care) has been pretty awkward, weird, and stressful. I won’t lie in saying within 12 hours of being out there I wanted to just up and move. I know I’d have the same stuff there vs here, but with the weather and proximity of fun family and friends, it’s beyond tempting. It might be in my two year plan to get out there. What’s holding me back here? Nothing at the moment. I figure with the one year lease signed and in effect until next July, I can start mapping out a plan to pay down a lot of stuff (currently looking into bike commuting for good weather days to save gas $$$) and figure out locations and places of employment. We’ll see. A lot can happen in two years, that’s for sure.
A good way to counter feeling a bit weird is to go see your favorite band, which is what I did Friday night. My friend Sheena picked me up and we headed downtown to catch the 311/Slightly Stoopid show at Penn’s Landing.
I’m fairly sure most of the kids were there to see Slightly Stoopid and wondered why 311 wasn’t the opener… youth. They put on an amazing show and I danced my face off the entire time. I wish I had a full pic of my outfit. I sported a bright blue maxi skirt, orange flops, a bright green tank, and a Free People off-shoulder top. The reason I went a little crazy was due to the fact I forgot to shave my legs and the skirt was the only thing non-pants that would cover it. And with a skirt that bright, you have to play it up, right? Right. ![]()
It was a fab time, that’s for sure.
Saturday I woke feeling pretty upbeat from the night before and leisurely made my way into the city. I stopped at my friends’ place for some midday BBQ food and then hopped over to Olde City for my second tattoo session. We only got two of the flowers done. I had no idea how detailed they were going to turn out and the top flower hurt SO BAD. Anyone that says tattoos don’t hurt ever is a liar. They do, it just depends on how tolerable the pain is during it. My shoulder area? Not so much. But, here’s how it came out.
My artist mixes her own colors, so it’s very likely the coloring cannot be repeated when she runs out of the ink. I find that pretty spiffy.
We gave Humphrey (the Nerds fairy) eyes so he now has a soul, and she darkened the outline of the flower bud. The last session should be in two weeks and we’ll get Mr. H colored in along with the bud and the two dragonflies. I absolutely love how real the flowers look! Carla does AMAZING work. If you’re in the area and want a tattoo, I highly recommend her and can hook up the contact info. ![]()
I ran into a bit of car problems not long after the appointment which I am still working on today. It’s annoying, but looks like I’ll have my car back in the next day or two. In the meantime, I’m pretending to be a “green” citizen and walking/public transing like crazy. It’s interesting and also contributing to the idea of biking more often. I’m also trying to tackle the mess that is my apartment. How the hell do you acquire so much stuff? The cats don’t seem to mind my place isn’t spotless just yet.
I’m just glad they’ve adjusted so easily! That’s all from this peanut gallery for now. I might go running a little later and then tonight I have my soccer match. Can’t wait to get back on the field, I missed it!
Independence Weekend Fun
Good afternoon, friends!
Happy 4th of July!
Yesterday we paid a visit to my friends Nea (it’s also her birthday today!) and Mike for their Independence Day BBQ. We’d not been to their house yet and I was really excited to go. I was a bad blogger and didn’t take any pics of the food I ate (omg the cupcakes she made rocked), but I was a good guest and managed to bring a dish with me.
Three Bean Salad
(Adapted from Skinny Bitch recipe)
1 can chickpeas
1 can red kidney beans
1 can sweet corn
Half a bag of shelled edamame
1 red bell pepper
2 scallions
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp dried basil
For dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp spicy mustard
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Boil edamame according to bag instructions. Rinse and cool with cold water. Allow to drain and place in large bowl. Rinse and drain chickpeas, corn, and kidney beans and place in bowl. Chop red pepper and scallions and mix in with beans and corn. For the dressing, combine olive oil, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in small bowl and whisk together. Pour over salad and gently toss. Add basil and parsley and toss again. Then, serve!
The bean salad went very quickly and I had at least one request for the recipe. It’s really easy to make and has a really refreshing flavor. The bbq was a blast and much time was spent playing and snuggling Zoey, their new boxer pup.
Isn’t she adorable?!? While watching movies at the end of the night she slept right on my lap and was having puppy dreams. Too fricken cute.
Scott and I are taking it easy today since 4th’s of years past were much more chaotic. The plan is relax, maybe a brief trip to Target (I have a gift card!), and watching the Phils game at 6pm. Have a fun and safe time wherever your Independence Day plans are!


