Scottish Deep Thoughts

So the past couple of weeks I have gradually unwound and have been able to catch my breath (sort of).

The weather has dramatically improved as if a metaphor for the easing of the past 2 months' deluge of papers and stresses. The sunny weather makes one realize just how beautiful this country is.

I took advantage of this fine weather last weekend and drove to Tomintoul (about 30 minutes away) and spent the day out there. Tomintoul is in the centre of the "whisky trail" and, therefore, has a very good whisky shop. I stopped in to buy birthday gifts for my dad and grandpa. I was a bit intimidated at first but my nerves were soon put to sleep by the free drams - 4 samples of good whisky in 5 minutes will make anyone more at ease with paying the somewhat expensive prices of the bottles of the good stuff. I ended up with a really good bottle of 18 year old local malt for my grandad and some miniatures and a whisky glass for my dad. I strode off from the shop satisfied with my purchase and kinda buzzed. I headed off for a nice walk in the surrounding area.

The next day I packaged the whisky and went to the post office after work with the confidence that it would arrive on time for their birthdays.

"oh. It's whisky? Sorry, but we can't send alcohol in the post to international destinations."

Dammit. I had no idea that this rule existed! It's not as though I am trying to start a small-scale overseas bootlegging operation! What a joke. oh well. It will have to be hand delivered, which brings me to my big announcement...

I'm coming to Canada for the summer! I have to go back to sort out some overly-complicated Visa/Work Permit arrangements so that I can still work here next year. My return should be fun (as long as I can get all the Work Permit sorted without any problems). I'll be over early July and leave early August. I think I should be in Vancouver for most of the time but, again, depends on Work Permit stuff. Should be hitting up the island and the Okanagan.

I think Rich should be back in Canada now. The reason I say "I think" is because I haven't heard anything from him since left. He has been talking to mum and his girlfriend...but no contact with the brothers. I am not happy with him at the moment - I think he really rushed his trip.

Another big announcement...I bought my tickets to Pearl Jam in Berlin! I am super excited. The show is on Saturday Sept. 23 so I am just going for the weekend. I have 2 tickets so if anyone is in Berlin (or can make it there) you have a ticket!

I went out to Nethy (10 minutes away) on Saturday for a walk. It is really beautiful out there. I need to go more often. I had a hockey game on Saturday night against Aberdeen. I hadn't played in about a month so I knew I was gonna be a bit out of shape. We won 8-6 and I scored 4 goals so I was happy.

I had another game on Sunday against RAF Lossie. They're really bad so we were able to run over them 24-3. I scored 5 goals. Now am I very sore and tired. I'm getting old.

There. I am up to date again.