When you're in Scotland the grass is always greener. Scotch isn't Scotch; it's whisky. Fries are known as chips. Chips are crisps. Cookies are biscuits. Trout tastes like salmon. Pounds are currency and not a thing on a scale. Looking right when crossing the street isn't just a suggestion. And, thank the Lord, diet coke does exist!
That's a long introduction to say I have been in Scotland since Monday. Mark is working on a 100 day project in Aberdeen, Scotland, and I decided I would accompany him on his 2nd trip.
Aberdeen is on the northeastern coast of Scotland. When I was growing up, I always pictured Scotland with its rolling hills but I never thought about the expansive beaches. Lucky for me, our hotel is just across the street from the beach. So while Mark is hard at work, I can walk across to stroll along the beach.
I am not going to say that Aberdeen has been the most exciting place to visit. I can guarantee the next time Mark says he is traveling to a small town in the UK I will likely say "have fun, see you when I see you" and will very happily stay home. However, I am glad I decided to come on this visit. If for nothing else, I have a new found respect for what Mark does for a living.
I always knew Mark was a hard worker; it was one of the first things that attracted me to him. But seeing what he has to do on a regular basis and how little time he gets to himself is crazy. When we arrived on Monday morning after traveling overnight, he showered and went straight to the office without lunch. In comparison, I ordered room service, showered and then slept for a few hours. Ahhh the life of a lady of leisure...
While Aberdeen isn't the most exciting place, it also isn't the best place to visit for two people who can't eat meat. For Lent this year I decided to give up meat. For a few weeks prior to Ash Wednesday I contemplated whether I should give up meat or chocolate and finally decided on meat. As the "nice" wife that I am, I told Mark if I was going to give up meat he should probably do the same because my rule with cooking is if I don't or won't eat it, I definitely won't cook it.
Last year for Lent I gave up Facebook which I thought would be difficult but it really wasn't bad at all. I actually ended up staying off of Facebook until my nephew was born in September because I liked it so much. Giving up Facebook was freeing, I recommend trying it for a few days or weeks if you haven't.
Let's just say that giving up meat has been MUCH more difficult. Last summer I was so sick of meat that I was practically pescetarian already so I foolishly thought this wouldn't be too big of a challenge. On the contrary, since giving up meat and being left with veggies and fish I have a new found love and craving for beef, chicken and pork...let's not forget my good friends duck, quail, rabbit and lamb. I can't believe I am saying this, but I have never craved a hamburger so much in my life!
I know this sacrifice is nothing compared to God's sacrifice but man it takes commitment, especially when room service "accidentally" delivers a chicken bacon club sandwich to your room when you ordered a tomato and cheese sandwich instead. Thank goodness my Mom drilled into me at an early age that God was always looking, I could have easily devoured that awesome looking club sandwich on a very empty stomach.
I will say that despite our Lenten diet we have had some good meals in Aberdeen (thanks Musa and The Sand Dollar Cafe). Our restrictions have forced us to try new things like seafood pot pie and veggie bean burgers from Burger King. As always, my favorite part of each meal is still dessert - preferably sticky toffee pudding!
Well I'm off to check my mercury levels. C'est la vie, y'all! Thanks for reading.
That's a long introduction to say I have been in Scotland since Monday. Mark is working on a 100 day project in Aberdeen, Scotland, and I decided I would accompany him on his 2nd trip.
Aberdeen is on the northeastern coast of Scotland. When I was growing up, I always pictured Scotland with its rolling hills but I never thought about the expansive beaches. Lucky for me, our hotel is just across the street from the beach. So while Mark is hard at work, I can walk across to stroll along the beach.
I am not going to say that Aberdeen has been the most exciting place to visit. I can guarantee the next time Mark says he is traveling to a small town in the UK I will likely say "have fun, see you when I see you" and will very happily stay home. However, I am glad I decided to come on this visit. If for nothing else, I have a new found respect for what Mark does for a living.
I always knew Mark was a hard worker; it was one of the first things that attracted me to him. But seeing what he has to do on a regular basis and how little time he gets to himself is crazy. When we arrived on Monday morning after traveling overnight, he showered and went straight to the office without lunch. In comparison, I ordered room service, showered and then slept for a few hours. Ahhh the life of a lady of leisure...
While Aberdeen isn't the most exciting place, it also isn't the best place to visit for two people who can't eat meat. For Lent this year I decided to give up meat. For a few weeks prior to Ash Wednesday I contemplated whether I should give up meat or chocolate and finally decided on meat. As the "nice" wife that I am, I told Mark if I was going to give up meat he should probably do the same because my rule with cooking is if I don't or won't eat it, I definitely won't cook it.
Last year for Lent I gave up Facebook which I thought would be difficult but it really wasn't bad at all. I actually ended up staying off of Facebook until my nephew was born in September because I liked it so much. Giving up Facebook was freeing, I recommend trying it for a few days or weeks if you haven't.
Let's just say that giving up meat has been MUCH more difficult. Last summer I was so sick of meat that I was practically pescetarian already so I foolishly thought this wouldn't be too big of a challenge. On the contrary, since giving up meat and being left with veggies and fish I have a new found love and craving for beef, chicken and pork...let's not forget my good friends duck, quail, rabbit and lamb. I can't believe I am saying this, but I have never craved a hamburger so much in my life!
I know this sacrifice is nothing compared to God's sacrifice but man it takes commitment, especially when room service "accidentally" delivers a chicken bacon club sandwich to your room when you ordered a tomato and cheese sandwich instead. Thank goodness my Mom drilled into me at an early age that God was always looking, I could have easily devoured that awesome looking club sandwich on a very empty stomach.
I will say that despite our Lenten diet we have had some good meals in Aberdeen (thanks Musa and The Sand Dollar Cafe). Our restrictions have forced us to try new things like seafood pot pie and veggie bean burgers from Burger King. As always, my favorite part of each meal is still dessert - preferably sticky toffee pudding!
Well I'm off to check my mercury levels. C'est la vie, y'all! Thanks for reading.
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