208/365

Day 208

Who needs to go abroad to catch some rays and find some solitude? After a quick jaunt up town, and a catch-up-coffee with Kirstie, I hopped on a bike for the first time in about a year and sped along the Avenue, going a bit mad and carrying on to Burntisland. It's a lovely bit of path, right along the sea, looking across to Edinburgh, and getting some decent tunes on the iPod made it a pretty special afternoon.

I get far to emotional too easily. It was just a bike ride, godsake.

207/365

Day 207

I picked the perfect time to take a few days off work and come home! The sun made an appearance (it hasn't shown face in Aberdeen in a fair few weeks) and so I went on a wander along the avenue, then lay in the back garden reading. So far, there are no signs of sunburn. Infact, even after a good 5 hours with the legs out in direct sunlight they show no sign of being anything other than blinding white. I tried.

206/365

Day 206

I'm not the sort of person who find spending money easy, I seem to exist in an almost permanent state of mental poverty. Today, however, I pulled together all the tips I earned at the hut and bought some books. That's like £20, poof, gone! But I must admit, I did feel good after spending it on something that wasn't food, alcohol or clothes. Got the train home tonight for a few days. The journey was uneventful, nothing to report.

205/365

Day 205

Today was work. There's not much else to say. When I got home, Gavin had bought "Cidre", this new type of cider, so we had that while watching "The Green Mile". I'm pretty sure that watching that film gave me nightmares, because I had a rather vivid dream detailing the run-up to my own execution.

I swear I'm not that weird.

204/365

Day 204

Work was awful today. I couldn't get my head around all the bookings we had, and there was a steady stream of people at the door from half 12 until 8... At one point, I was so stressed and confused and panicky I considered asking the manager to take over for a bit while I calmed myself down and got some air. I powered through, however, and made it to the end of the shift relatively unscathed! Got home from work to this smile-inducing note from Gavin on my bedroom door. I particularly like how casual he is about the end statement...

203/365

Day 203

I had a day off work today, so for the first time in about a year, me and Dad hit the hills. We went for a jaunt up Lochnagar, a munro in the Cairngorm National Park, and the day started pretty wet and foggy. When we reached the summit however, 3 hours later, all the fog cleared! It was a pretty special moment. Our effort was rewarded with a trip to the pub, and then for an ice-cream, but I conceded defeat to tiredness pretty early, going to bed at 10.

Possibly my favourite day of the year.

202/365

Day 202

My Dad picked me up from work tonight! And with him he brought this, a small felt mouse made by my sister. It's kinda cute. I would thank her via text or facebook, but she's not using either for summer. She's a mentalist that one. I also got to watch "The Social Network", which is a pretty good film. But let me ask you a question folks: what is the colour of Gryffindor? Is is bottle green? No. No it is not. Who even thinks that?!

201/365

Day 201

Had my work induction today, which basically consisted of 3 hours of a nice man telling us to smile at people, and then free pizza so we'd know what products we're selling. Afterwards I took a trip out to Inverurie to had dinner with Sheila and Bert, and then I went on a run. A long run. I felt invincible at the time, but now my legs are protesting whenever I try to move.

200/365

Day 200

I've missed reading. My new book came today, it's been recommended by quite a few people. I sat down to start it, and 2 hours later I realised I actually had things to do before work. I just got all absorbed in it! I had a pretty decent shift at work tonight too, a like £10 tip from the waitresses to tide me over was very much appreciated!

199/365

Day 199

I'm going home! Finally booked my tickets for my first trip home since May, which will be next week. Because I might be working, I'm not getting the train until 9 though, so I'll be arriving home in the dead of night. Might just not tell the parents and surprise them. I'm sure they'd love me for that.

198/365

Day 198

Due to the fact that most of today was spent in bed, on the sofa, or just feeling incredibly sorry for myself, there are no photographs from the daytime to post. So I'm taking this one, taken at about 2 in the morning, to give you a little idea of why I was feeling so wonderful today.

I'm just going to put it out there are say I'm not going out until the end of the month, until I've been home. Challenge accepted.

197/365

Day 197

What initially started out as a quiet night in without alcohol soon deteriorated into a wine fueled mess of an evening. I do not remember this photograph being taken. I do not remember giving my camera to the barman at the union to take this picture. I do not remember very much. But man alive, I feel awful today.

196/365

Day 196

Poor quality photo, I know but the emotion of this evening meant that I struggled to hold the camera steady. Yes, tonight marked the end of an era. The final Harry Potter film came out today, and as a loyal fans we booked tickets to an evening screening. I was left to purchase the 3D glasses, so I obviously opted for the Harry Potter style ones. Which looked daft. (For an example of just how daft, click here) I cried consistently for the second half of the film. It was so good, so so good. And then afterwards we went to the Wild Boar and I actually got to finally try the limited edition Raspberry Kopparberg. Omnomnom.

195/365

Day 195

It was blazing sunshine yesterday, and it continued today. Which was enjoyable, because I had a full day off! I lounged about in Union Terrace Gardens for a few hours, then went for a coffee with Gavin, then headed to Victoria Park for a cold Strawberry Cider, a sunbathe, and a doze. It was probably one of the best days I've had all summer. So chilled.

194/365

Day 194

I had a smashing day today. See what I did there? The old terramundi (a clay pot you fill with money, but you have to smash to get it out) was full, so I took out my anger on it with a heavy pair of scissors. This was the result. There's a considerable amount of cash there, let me tell you! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, Gavin's trying to persuade me to buy something with it, but I'm more keen to plug it all into a savings account and put it aside for next summer...

Decisions decisions...

193/365

Day 193

The best thing ever happened at work today! I was going about my hosting business, creating queues and cleaning tables, when a table of four came in. I gave them a 10/15 minute wait, and set about getting something sorted for them. Unfortunately, it wasn't just a case of cleaning a table, we had to wait for someone to actually finish and leave. I explained this to them, gave them menus, talked them through the buffet and all that kind of stuff. I eventually sat them, and handed them over to their waitress. Then, at the end, they purposely came up and gave me a tip! A proper £2 coin, right into my hand! I'm a host, I don't get tips! I was buzzing for the rest of my shift.

192/365

Day 192

Know what? I'm really bad at this blog. Tonight Jonathan, Finnigan, Ruth, Scooby and I all went bowling. You'd think I'd realise that this would be a good opportunity for a photograph. I didn't. Hence why today's photograph is a picture of the student card we got given, for cheap bowling. The game itself wasn't anything to write home about a.k.a I did rather terribly. But it was fun.

191/365

Day 191

I couldn't beat them. But I also couldn't join them. So in an attempt to make ourselves less jealous about T, on it's final night, Gavin and I bought some pear cider, unwrapped the plastic cups, (and I donned my wellies) and had our own "T in the Livingroom". It was quite enjoyable, apart from the poor TV reception we are suffering from. Infact, the drinking on a Sunday night after work was a good end to the week, to the extent that after discussion ,we've decided to make it a regular thing. Summer Sunday Drinks.

And I didn't cry tonight.

190/365

Day 190

Ahh, the tunes at exo don't half make you bring out the moves! By the end of the night it was rather dead in there though. I didn't feel too tender waking up this morning, which was useful because I had work at 12. If was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday though.

I hit a low point tonight while Gavin was at work, and I was left to watch the T coverage on my own. Coldplay, who I don't have that big a place in my heart for, played The Scientist. I played along on my guitar. Suddenly, I was crying. Although I'm not sure why, I think it was a combination of jealousy and tiredness. Either way, next year I'm going. I'm definitely going to T.

189/365

Day 189

First night out with work friends tonight! It was Jenni's birthday, so we went to Siberia Vodka Bar for ridiculously overpriced drinks, then Slain's Castle for Jagerbombs, then Exo for tunes to dance to. This is Jim, my fellow host, and Amy, the waitress that showed me the hosting ropes on my trial shift. It did manage to take my mind off of T in the Park. Which is good, I'm a little ball of jealousy.

188/365

Day 188

Genuinely, nothing happened today. Folks went to T in the Park, I got wildly jealous as I slaved away at Pizza Hut. So here's a picture of my window. Piece by piece you're getting a tour of my flat.

187/365

Day 187

I left Iona and Niki sleeping in my flat when I went to work this morning, and upon my return I found this note scrawled in Pizza Hut crayons (I accidentally take them home from work with me when I stick them in my apron after clearing tables). My particular favourite bit is the:

"I BUM YOUR FACE"

Iona Diver, you most certainly have a wonderful way with words...

186/365

Day 186

Girls Night Out! Niki and Iona came up to visit today, so we went to Slains Castle for a good pub dinner, then to Exo for the brilliant brilliant brilliant Motown Tuesdays. The major theme for the night (other than Severus Snape, eh Iona) was trying to come up with a new drunken pose, because my "thumbs-up-manic-smile" is getting a tad predictable. Upon viewing the results in the morning, this must by my favourite.. Iona is doing the classic shock, but Lord knows what I'm on about....

185/365

Day 185

I was meant to be working a good 4 hours today, but it was bizarrely quiet so I got sent home after 1. A bit disappointing, but it did mean I got to experience some of the sunshine we've been having lately! Walked back into town and went to TK's for lunch with Gavin, before heading to Morrisons for our food shopping. My life is indescribably thrilling at the moment.

184/365

Day 184

We have internet in the flat now! No more stealing wi-fi in the Union, or borrowing Gavin's mobile internet and running the risk of running out of usage. This does now mean that I have the opportunity, once again, for drunken facebooking, which is not a good thing.

183/365

Day 183

It upsets me that I had to use this photograph for today, but unfortunately I took my camera out sans memory card, cause I'm an idiot. Went to the Monkey House to watch "THE BIG FIGHT", then to the union for a few drinks, and then as a complete curveball, and to mix my life up a bit we went to...

Exo.

Standard.

182/365

Day 182

I got paid today! For the first time ever! (Yes yes, I know, I'm a completely awful excuse for a human being). I don't really know which job paid me, but I'm going to guess it's not the Gaslamp. No matter, it's going to get spent on coffee and alcohol!

181/365

Day 181

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

I feel I must say goodbye now. I fear that once he realises I've actually put this as my photo for today, he may kill me. It's been nice knowing you.

180/365

Day 180

Last night was definitely one of two clear halves. The first, as written about yesterday, was spent with Caitlin and the folks at her birthday. The second, however, began when everyone left me in exodus to find somewhere with "better music". Better music?! This is MOTOWN! Ah well, each to their own. I was not up for leaving though, and I found some of the guys and basically stayed with them. I really hope this face does not become my new drunken pose, cause it's not exactly flattering...

179/365

Day 179

Tonight it was finally Caitlin Christie's 18th birthday. Here she is, doing her first Jagerbomb. And I quote "Do I drink it all at once?!". Oh the innocence. The night started at Paramount, which was rather bizarrely showing David Attenborough's "Earth" on their TVs, before going to Tonik for cheap cheap drinks, and then to Exo for a motown Tuesday. But that goes without saying. Many many drinks for consumed.

178/365

Day 178

Got mail to the flat today! It's actually indescribably exciting to get mail to your own proper address. And we have a working phoneline now (our phone has the worst ringing tone in the history of the universe, I swear).

And a very very very well done to my dearest soulmate Jane Balnave, who today passed her driving test. I'd like to say that the fact she slept on our sofa last night had something to do with it, but I doubt it...

177/365

Day 177

Oh, and now I deliver Betterware catalogues. Anyone want a wig?

176/365

Day 176

Just incase anyone out there believes my job at pizza hut is easy, this should make you think otherwise. This is a (rather tame) example of the waiting list I have to work with on a daily basis, and I can get through 4 or so of these in a 4 hour evening shift. You know it's getting bad when I have to start using two different coloured pens to remind myself where I'm sitting people.

Oh, and you know what I don't understand? How some people are willing to wait half an hour for a table. Honestly. Just go somewhere else!

175/365

Day 175

The day has finally come. It is time to hand in my keys and say goodbye to Linksfield Halls. As a fond farewell, here's a list of things I shall forever remember:

- The first flat party, where we woke up and the flat was actually tidier than when we started.

- The night when I was left alone after the Jagerbombs, and I blew up the chair and stuck post it notes everywhere.

- Christmas Dinner and the Christmas Tree

- Watching Single Father every Sunday night, and Jazmin's reactions to it.

- The chart.

- Hot Chocolate Sessions at Kjersti's, and general times at 131.

- "GET OFF MY CAR"

- The second flat party (my 18th), where we woke up and the flat was definitely messier

- Immature moments on the bike racks.

- Halloween at 201

- "BRING IT BITCH"

- My mime for "hand blender", and getting caught outside with a toastie maker.

- The toaster which kept blowing the fuse.

- The daddy long legs incident

And many many more which I don't care to bore you with.

Shannen, Arlene, Aimee, Katie, Jazmin and Diane: Thanks, it's been an ace year!

174/365

Day 174

Like most other days this week, I took a trip back to Linksfield to use the internet and to pick up some bits and bobs that were left behind. But today I realised that I've got everything. Those bags on my bed are all that's left. It's actually mildly depressing being in such a bare room, especially when (excuse the sentimentality of this next phrase) these walls were the location of so many memories. That said, halls are no where near as nice as the new flat, so I think I'll get over it pretty quickly!

173/265

Day 173

After the deadly serious matter of quitting the Gaslamp today (the speech I gave on the phone was apparently something to behold), I needed to chill with something a little less mature. Hence when Jonathan came over to watch films, I chose Up! (standard behaviour from me, I think I've already mentioned my love for the film in this blog - Day 62) and then Cars. Pixar are geniuses. This is my favourite character from Cars, little ol' Guido. He has pride of place on the fireplace in the livingroom.

"Pit Stop!"

172/365

Day 172

Gavin's parents visited and dropped off a brand spanking new TV, his Wii and PS2. Unfortunately the aerial for the TV isn't working (again with me hating technology), but hey, we've got Spyro, Tony Hawks 2, Mario, Wii Sports, MySims, and a bazillion other games to keep us occupied in the meantime!

171/365

Day 171

Although our calender makes our lives look busy, the truth is the majority of what's on it is work shifts, trial shifts and interviews. Which take up time, but aren't exactly thrilling. You will notice, however, that in rather aggressive font are the words "QUIT GASLAMP". Yes, that's right, I decided that on Wednesday, I shall be phoning in and quitting. Reasons: I do not get enough hours. I do not get to keep tips. The manager is both an utter wanker, and a total creep. The floor manager also behaves like a bit of a creep. The other employees do not talk to me. The regulars are depressing. They treat me like I'm stupid.

I think those are enough reasons. When I quit, however, I may just present them with the first one.

170/365

Day 170

The parents came up this weekend for a visit, and as a result I am now almost entirely moved out of halls. All my books, clothes, art stuff, my printer, bedside table, lamps, alarm clock etc etc. have been moved up to the new flat, and now it feels like home. Oh, and all of this was done before 12 because I was working the Father's Day shift at pizza hut. WOWITWASSUPERBUSY. But I survived.

Oh, and may I also thank Jonathan's car's battery for running out outside my flat last night, leading to a 2 hour wait until 2am until he could get roaded. Again, I completely and utterly love technology....

169/365

Day 169

I love my new camera. I'm implementing the "taken after midnight" rule again today, with this absolutely beautifully timed photograph of Darren last night. Well, it was either this one, or the one of Ritchie giving him a hickie...

Yes, that happened.

168/365

Day 168

Well, since I've been told repeatedly that this is the best photo ever, I feel it must make an appearance on the blog. Another night out in exo, just the usual chats to be honest. It's all that really happened apart from a slight incident with my Yellow Card and a bouncer, which wasn't all that exciting...

Just good banter!

167/365

Day 167

Another boring day. Spent the majority of it trying to sort out the internet. It's slowly getting more and more messy, although my room is a veritable haven in comparison to Gavin's bombsite.

166/365

Day 166

The Scott Sutherland Degree Show 2011 started today, so being the keen students we are, Gavin and I trekked up to Garthdee to show faces at the opening and prize giving. We didn't get any prizes, unsurprisingly. Some of our work was on show though, and we were bemused by this sign outside our studio, making it all official.

165/365

Day 165

Not much happened today. Due to our lack of internet we went to the Union for some free wi-fi times, and had the saltiest nachos on the planet for our lunch. Then Gavin made this hilarious sign. I want some more work shifts soon!

164/365

Day 164

You'll be pleased to hear that all your beautiful faces now have pride of place upon my wall. I've decided to risk the blu-tac stains in the pursuit of making my room look a bit nicer (not that it doesn't already, my my it looks fantastic). At some point I'll get myself along to Boots/Asda/Tesco/somewhere that prints photos for cheap, and expand the collection, but that won't be until I actually start getting paid. Could be a substantial wait.

163/365

Day 163

Had a little 3 hour trial shift at Pizza Hut today, it went not-too-badly! So much so that I got myself and apron, a shirt and a bumbag! It's really busy at the beach though, especially when it's sunny, and as much as I enjoy being kept busy, I can tell this is going to stress me out. Rather a lot. Although I do get the opportunity to set tables, which is my strong point, aha.

Oh, and I got to work behind the bar at the Gaslamp tonight. And a creepy old man tried to give me money then kissed my hand. And when I got home I stunk of tennants. LET ME QUIT NOW PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.

162/365

Day 162

Despite my new career at Pizza Hut, I'm still working at the Gaslamp, and today I took my first order! Put it through the till and everything. I'm not going to lie though, although I like waitressing and everything, I really really don't enjoy working there. 4 hours a week? And how exactly is that meant to do me any financial good, eh? As soon as Pizza Hut start packing in the hours, I'm pretty sure it'll be time to say byebye. Oh, and I invested in a double duvet today. Living in luxury now.

161/365

Day 161

Because I am still completely and utterly in love with it, here's another picture of the new flat. It doesn't do it justice, you'll just need to come visit, but the kitchen is the perfect size! Today I had an interview for Pizza Hut, and I basically got the job! I'm host. I'm the one that has to say "It's a 30 minute wait for a table". So much hatred is directed towards me. Oh well, think of the money!