Sorry you're not a winner...

Instead of reading about 18th Century Irish Patriots...

2009-12-06T17:41:11Z

You know how sometimes people on your friends list post about stuff going on in their life, and all of a sudden you think "Wait a minute? Since when were they working THERE? Since when were they dating HIM/HER? Since when?" And then you wonder how you could have missed all that seemingly pretty standard information, but somehow you feel too ashamed to ask for clarification because it seems like info you should already know? It happens to all of us sometimes.

Please copy the topics below, erase my answers and put yours in their place, and then post it in your journal! Please elaborate on the questions that would benefit from elaboration. One word answers seldom help anyone out.

Name
Elaine. Lainey. Laine. Whatever you want to call me really, I'm not too fussy.

Age
Too old for N-Dubz. (21)

Location:
In my rather swanky flat in Aberdeen :) This flat feels too good for me to live in. I'm not worthy of it!

Occupation
Well I'm officially a student of History and History of art. This is my last year though so who knows what comes next. I also currently work in a pub called the Bobbin. We recently won an award for being the 'best bar none' in Aberdeen. I think they also ran that award scheme in Dunfermline, I'd like to see who won it.

Partner
Not at the moment. There's no one I like and to be honest, I don't really have time for all that right now.

Kids
Maybe one day. But I'd need a partner first and I'm also only 21, pleeeeenty of time for that. Let me get the rest of my life sorted first please.

Brothers/Sisters
One older sister, Caroline. She lives up in Stornoway as an English teacher now. Oh to have a direction in life...

Pets
none. I'm not allowed pets in my swanky flat. Plus I can't really afford any.

List the 3 biggest things going on in your life:
1. Last year of uni. Trying to figure out where I go next, as well as keeping up with all the work I have to do.
2. Christmas is coming up so I'm trying to get sorted for that in between all my dissertation/course reading and doing my fieldwork portfolio
3. The bobbin is always a big thing in my life. It's pretty much the basis of my social agenda. Which is wierd since it's my job and most people prefer to keep their working life and social life separate. But the bobbin is a bit of a clique - you either fit in or you don't. And really we're just a group of friends who happen to run a pub.

so lately I've been feeling a bit lost.

2009-12-04T17:38:39Z

I don't know where I am with my life right now and it's doing my head in.
I applied for team leader at work and I didn't get it. Which is fine, but it got me thinking. I pretty much know that the next time the job opens up it's mine if I want it but I don't think I'm ever going to be in a position to take it again. This was my one shot. I don't have any Idea where I'm going to be in the next 6 or 7 months. If I'm here I'll either be looking for a job full time or I'll be doing a postgrad. I may not even be here. If I get in to do postgrad I'm worried I won't have a life anymore because I'll have too much work, and it'll get on top of me. I'm sad that I'm going to be losing loads of my friends, either because they're moving on or I am... I feel like I'm already drifting because my workload this year is already crippling me. I'm worried I'll let things overwhelm me too much and I won't get a good degree mark so I'll be stuck in a useless dead end job forever. I'm terrified I'm going to have to move home because I'll have no job, no money and no direction. But I don't think I can move home after being away for 4 years. This is more home to me now than 'home' is.

And I miss my social life. I don't know what's happened to it. More than ever I find myself sitting around the flat moping by myself because my bobbin friends are working or have other exciting plans, Jayne is off with her new fancy man every single spare moment of the day and Ross is at home or with his cousin or at his aunt and uncle's or watching football with Liam.
I miss having excitement in my life. And I've discovered that having nights of drunken debauchery with boys who work in the kitchen doesn't actually make me happy. It doesn't make me unhappy, but It's not the way I want to be living my life.

I feel like I don't really know who I am or what I'm doing right now.

Nice boy from my class gave me a lift home.

2009-10-22T16:28:49Z

Just as well, it's rained relentlessly since tuesday. I've have countless soakings walking to and from uni, including a soaking from a bus driver who decided it would be hilarious to drive through a puddle really fast when there was no way for me to get away. Joy.

We've been overcharged by £25 for our electricity bill because someone left the kitchen light on for 2 weeks between the reading being taken and us moving in. RAGE.

Arklay has lost my till key for work. I leant it to him because he forgot his. What a dick. It better be in the bobbin somewhere or I'm going to lay the smackdown on his ass.

Essay for tomorrow. What a nightmare. I can't seem to figure out a way to structure it effectively. I think Mr Gash is going to be a bit disappointed with me this time.

Trip to Edinburgh on Saturday. Couldn't have come at a worse time what with the slide test being on tuesday but I'm just going to have to get over it. Not sure what I want to do while I'm there. Jayne's not going because she's too stressed. She has another essay and a presentation to do on top of everything else. So I reckon I'm just going to head off on my own and see what I come up with. Might go to the Museum of Scotland or the Castle...

Then all that's left to do is get ready for Paris. I need to get sorted with all my Euros and get my standing order form in so my rent gets paid while I'm away. We're flying from Edinburgh so Jayne and I are heading down to Dunfermline to stay with mummy and daddy first and then we'll stay when we come back too.

I'm being lazy and getting pizza hut tonight because I'm stressed and can't be bothered cooking. So yay for that. And actually it's just arrived so I'm going to go and eat!

Ross is doing my head in.

2009-10-16T21:02:55Z

First of all he was whinging that he didn't get to go to Dundee because he was only going if Charlotte and Fraser would pick him up on their way up here. Then he was whinging because I made my tea without him when he was at the library and I didn't know when he'd be back. Now he's whinging that he's bored and has gone to wash the dishes and I know he's going to whinge because I can't really wash my own dishes after I almost burned my hands off on Tuesday.
The thing he forgets is that I went and bought loads of stuff for us to eat yesterday. All the ingredients for a really nice tea, plus loads of junk food for later on. And I don't expect him to pay me back for that. And it's not my fault he didn't get to go to Dundee. And he couldn't really expect me to starve while I waited for him to come home from uni. And I washed his clothes for him today.

*le sigh*

a bit of pre-bedtime boredom

2009-10-07T23:11:34Z

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? Bourbon biscuit. mmm...

2. Where was your profile picture taken? Soco Social in Glasgow.

3. Can you play Guitar Hero? Yeah. Not as well as I want to be able to though. I think I should be on expert by now.

4. Name someone who made you laugh today? Stevie - "Stave textin Laynie" hahaha.

5. How late did you stay up last night and why? Umm... like 3am? I was at Bloc Party, then we went to Snafu and then I came home and made myself a cheese toastie before bed.

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you? At this moment in time, no. My life is here. I'm actually debating what I'm going to do after this year because I don't feel ready to leave.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? No. Willing to try that though...

8. Which of your Facebook friends lives closest to you? Ross. He lives "round the hall" (in other words, he's my flatmate)

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? Yes. Look at me and Stevie. Actually getting on like nothing ever happened between us. Whoever would have thought...?

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper? I used to hate it but I was handed a free can in town a couple of weeks ago and I discovered I actually don't object to it.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Monday. Bad day.

12. Who took your profile picture? Caroline.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Kele from Bloc Party.

14. Was yesterday better than today? Yes. appart from the fact I was still feeling a little down, I had pizza hut buffet, then went to class and saw some cool Agostino Carracci prints (like, actual real ones) then went to Cat's house, then to Society to meet Kyle, Iain and Johncock, then went to see Bloc Party (Touched Kele!), then to Snafu where Bloc Party actually ended up hanging out. It was pretty cool.

15. Can you live a day without TV? Yeah I could. But since I have a tv, I won't.

16. Are you upset about anything? Yes. But it's all good. I'm choking it back.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Yes.

18. Are you a bad influence? For some things yes. But only things like convincing people to buy new clothes they can't really afford and persuading people to eat things they shouldn't. Nothing major.

19. Night out or night in? Depends. I love a night out but sometimes I just want to stay in and watch tv.

20. What items could you not go without during the day? phone, watch, lip balm.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? I've never visited anyone in hospital. No one has ever been ill enough, thankfully.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? "how is Ross? Is he in much?"

23. How do you feel about your life right now? It's ok. Uni is going well. I've applied for team leader at work. I'm going to Paris in a few weeks... The only thing that would make it better would be an attractive boy who wouldn't screw me over.

24. Do you hate anyone? Nah. Me and Charlotte were talking about this and we've come to the conclusion that we've grown out of hating people.

25. If we were to look in your FaceBook inbox, what would we find messages about? *goes to facebook inbox* Ok, so we've got one about the new bobbin fan page, one about all the football matches we had on in the bobbin on sunday and also about freddie's pub quiz, two about Davy's band, 'Crashdown' and gigs they had coming up, one conversation with Cat, filling her in on all the gossip while she was in Brazil, and one from JD about 'Hamish' that he forwarded on from an email he got from Mitchells and Butler. Most of them need deleted.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? I would indeed.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Not that I can recall. It would be wierd if they did.

28. What song is stuck in your head? Arctic Monkeys - Crying Lightning. Don't know why. I must have heard it on something.

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2.00a.m. who do you want it to be? Someone really attractive...

30. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? Umm, no. That's a bit young to be honest.

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow: History seminar and go to work.

32. Do you think too much or too little? Too much probably.

33. Do you smile a lot? I don't think I do. JTB used to say he was worried about me because he never saw me smiling. I feel like an arse if I'm totally cheesing away for no reason.

Can't stop crying.

2009-10-05T23:35:40Z

Shit.

I handed in my team leader application at the pub today.

2009-10-04T23:21:02Z

We just had to write John a little letter saying why we want the position etc. So I wrote about half a page, just the usual rubbish about how I feel I'm dedicated to the job and can lead a successful team. I think that's what most people will go for. There's one or two people still to hand them in. Stevie has already handed his in. He didn't just write a little letter, nono. He wrote 4 pages about why he should get the job and what changes he thinks should be put in place to make the place run better. This isn't just an application letter, this is like a bloody dossier. I'm not sure how that's gone down though to be honest. I don't think Davy is too impressed. Not sure about John. Either way, I'm not feeling too threatened by it. My opinion is that I'm going to get an interview anyway. If they want to ask me questions about what improvements I would make they can ask them then. All I wanted to do in my letter was show that I'm serious about it, the rest can come later.

gumless @ 2009-10-02T13:31:00

2009-10-02T12:34:20Z

I asked Kyle Munro what the deal with us is. He responded with "Eh? Emm... I duno. What is the deal with us?"

I guess I have to take the hint. :(

Elaine feels like an idiot again.

gumless @ 2009-09-22T18:43:00

2009-09-22T17:45:14Z

Today Kyle's girlfriend asked me if I'd have a word with him about the way he speaks to her. I don't really want to get involved but at the same time, I kind of think someone needs to tell him how out of order he is. So maybe I will say something...

It was Kyle Bayliss' birthday today...

2009-09-21T23:08:59Z

...so I went up to the pub to see him and wish him a happy birthday etc. and his girlfriend was there. This was the first time I'd met her properly. She decided that we should all club in a pound each and get him some shots, so we all gave over our pounds and she went to the bar with one of the other girls and Stevie. Mistake no.1. Stevie made sure the shots consisted of the most disgusting things you could imagine. we're talking guinness, sours, tequilla, sambuka, lime juice, baileys... you name it. If it's disgusting it was in there. So Kyle proceeded to do some of the shots (probably about a quarter of them) then went away to be sick. He then came back to the table and decided the next plan of action was to say some of the most disgusting and inappropriate things I've ever heard to his girlfriend, in front of everyone, because it had been her idea to get the shots. I actually happen to think she's a lovely girl. I think he's done really well with her, because it's not normal for him to actually pick a nice girl. And I think if I was her I would have told him where to go right then and there. I don't even want to repeat the things he said. And she was, quite rightly, really offended. All the guys laughed but I just sat stunned. And I told her I thought what he said was unacceptable and if I was her I'd be going nuts. But she just let it slide.
I just went to the pub tonight and not into town because I have to be in the bobbin at 9.30 tomorrow morning to set up for the freshers fayre. I seriously hope he hasn't said anything else to her that he shouldn't have.

In other news, I think something might be going on with me and Kyle Munro now. I was out with him and some other people (actually I was out with Scott and Kyle happened to be there) and lets just say it definately doesn't seem like we're just friends anymore. Call me stupid, but I'm actually kind of hoping there's something going on. We shall see what happens from here.

So Triple Kirks were on another staff night out last night.

2009-09-15T14:42:47Z

As usual we got the task of covering them, the same way they do for us if we go out. But the difference is when we go out we usually choose a night that's going to be reasonable for them to work. They, on the other hand, chose not only the traditional student night, but also an Aberdeen away game which just so happened to be getting shown on ESPN. So we got screwed right from the word go. First of all me and Cat were in at 6.15, then Kyle arrived at 8 and Arklay, in typical Arklay fashion, neglected to check that he was working, so arrived really late after John having to call him to tell him he was supposed to be in TKs. As if that wasn't bad enough, Clark got hurt at football so couldn't come in and he got Alice (new girl, Italian, lovely) to cover him. But it was her first shift ever and she was only in to work the club and not the pub. Talk about dropped in at the deep end. Exodus was MENTAL. I did nothing but wash glasses for 2 hours and I was struggling to keep on top of them. The only saving grace is the fact that the bar staff don't have to collect the glasses in Exodus because the bouncers do it. I certainly couldn't work there every night though. I'll stick to the bobbin, thanks. Alice did so well though. She kept really calm and just got on with it. I think she was more calm than I was. So the future is looking bright for her in the bobbin.
But overall my TKs experience wasn't too bad. Last time was much much worse. I think the fact it was all bobbin staff working helped. Because I don't really gel with the TKs staff. I really like Emo (Ryan, but everyone calls him Emo because he is exactly that. I was Emo last night actually since I had his till key), and there's a guy called Craig who I really like as well. He properly came up and introduced himself and shook my hand and everything last night, which was really nice. Oh, and I also like the guy who looks about 12 but I can't remember his name. Other than that I'm not keen. I didn't enjoy working with them the last time I was in TKs because I felt like they thought I was stupid when I asked them where things were and stuff.
But yeah. Back to the bobbin tonight, thank goodness.

Cancer does not erase the fact that someone murdered 270 people.

2009-08-20T12:41:56Z

I'm so angry. It's things like this that makes me realise how shit the government in this country is. The man should rot in jail.

gumless @ 2009-08-12T12:29:00

2009-08-12T11:58:58Z

So after my Reggae Regga sauce outburst I have to concede that the Reggae Reggae chicken burger that we now have on the bobbin menu is actually quite tasty.

Davy got attacked by a psycho as he was leaving work the other day. But he was ok and he managed to get himself back safely inside the pub and called the police. The guy was arrested further down King Street. It's mental though, it was totally unprovoked. It wasn't even like the guy had been in the pub and refused service or anything. He was just outside looking for someone he could kick in. Davy and Portuguese John heard a commotion outside so Davy said he'd try to sort it out on his way out since he was just leaving anyway. But the guy was in his face right away screaming that he was going to kill him. Not cool.

I'm working heaps this week. I was working more than usual anyway, but I also covered JJ's shift yesterday which was a full day shift. And if he hasn't been able to get his shift covered tonight I think I'll tell him he can go home at 10.30 instead of me (provided we're not really really busy) because he has a new full time job so he doesn't really want to be working tonight. But he might have found someone to cover, in which case I'll finish at the time I'm meant to. I have this feeling it's going to be busy tonight and we're both going to have to work until close because it's the Scotland v Norway World Cup qualifier tonight. But maybe not. I think kick off is 6 or 6.30 so everyone might leave after it finishes. Fingers crossed.

One thing is irritating me just now...

2009-08-08T22:14:24Z

...and that is Reggae Reggae Sauce. I think it's gradually trying to take over the world. Birdseye, Subway, Hungry Horse... We even have it on the bloody Scream menu now. What's next? McDonalds? KFC?

Random...

2009-08-08T19:45:33Z

Today at work I was by myself because John had to go into town for some bits and pieces. It was quite early so we only had a couple of customers in. All of a sudden this (I kid you not) retro red London bus pulls up outside. The driver then gets out, comes into the pub and says to me "Is there a group of firemen going to a wedding here? I was supposed to pick them up." I just stared at him, then looked around the pub and went "ehh... no. Sorry" and he went "Oh right. Okay." and then he left.

I'm sorry but why the hell would a group of firemen be going to a wedding in a London bus? Really random.

Meme because I'm bored

2009-08-07T21:14:49Z

1.How far away is the last person you kissed?
Emm... about 60 miles I think.

2.Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever?
No.

3.Last person you were in the car with?
Portuguese John.

4.Any plans for tomorrow?
Working all day and then probably just relax.

5.How long does it take for you to take a shower?
erm... pass. Probably about 15 mins.

6.When is your birthday?
29th July.

7.Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
It'll be ok probably. As good as work normally is. At least I'm not in Triple Kirks.

8.Did you kiss anyone friday?
Nope.

9.Ever thrown up in public?
Yes unfortunately.

10.What's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
How relieved I am that Alex is working TKs instead of me.

11.Who was the last person you talked to?
In person - Sean
On msn - James
Text - Alex

12.What is the WORST subject they teach at school?
Creative cake decoration. (no joke, that's actually a subject)

13.Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with?
Does Marv count?

14.What is your favorite colour shirt to wear?
don't really have a favourite.

15.Have you ever been in a car accident?
No

16.Whats the closest thing to you that's green?
the 'Start' button on my desktop.

17.Where would you like to be right now?
Somewhere hot and sunny.

18.Write down some lyrics to the song your listening to...
I'm not listening to a song. I'm watching Hotel Babylon.

19.How many dogs do you have?
none.

20.Is anything bugging you right now?
Emm... Not really.

21.How is life going for you right now?
Not bad. I'm pretty bored and skint but other than that everything is ok.

22.Is there someone you care about more than yourself?
My family and my friends.

23.What made you laugh today?
Alex's texts.

24.What was the last movie you watched?
I can't remember what it's called... the one that's in the cinema just now with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale... emm... *thinks* "Public Enemies"!

25.What's the last conversation you had about?
About whether Alex could work TKs or not and about what I'm going to do to make it up to him (i.e. not sexual favours like he would want)

26.What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?
sleeping.

27.Do you like your hair long or short?
quite short. I think I might have it cut shorter.

28.Do you want to see somebody right now?
I wouldn't mind...

29.Do you like the rain?
No.

31.The last person you kissed needs you at 3 AM, would you go?!
Maybe. It would depend what he wanted.

32.Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else?
Yeah. I'm pretty sure if I was in the right situation I would.

33.Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you?
Nah, I don't think so.

34.How do you feel about girls smoking?
Smoking is disgusting.

34.Could you see yourself with someone forever?
Maybe one day.

35.What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
"what time is it?"

36.Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months or more?
I know I can.

37.Do you forgive or forget?
Depends.

38.Do you trust people?
Some people.

39.What are you not looking forward to?
work.

40.Do you get mad easily?
Sometimes.

41.Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
eh, yeah. I tend to get it a lot from creeps in the pub.

42.Do you have strange dreams?
Yeah, sometimes. Jurassic Park/School dinner hall springs to mind...
And non-existant spiders in my bed.

43.Ever licked someone’s cheek or forehead?
I don't think so.

45.When did you last throw up?
A few months ago.

46.What do you have on you at all times?
my phone.

47.Would you go out in public without getting dressed up?
Yeah. But it depends where I'm going.

48.Do you like fruity or minty gum?
Either.

49. Favourite musician or group?
Maximo Park.

50. Favourite film of all time?
hmm... Maybe 'A Beautiful Mind'... ?

51. Favourite computer game?
Guitar Hero. Whoever invented it is a genious.

52. First album you ever went and bought with your own money?
I can't remember. Something hideous probably.

53. Think back five months ago, were you single?
5 months ago was... March. Yes, I was.

54. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
Of course.

55. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Nah, probably not.

56. Last thing you bought?
a bottle of juice in Boots.

57. Are you a jealous person?
Yeah. Pretty bad.

58. Does it take a lot to make you cry?
Emm... Not really. But I wouldn't say I cry a lot either.

59. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Yeah.

60: Favorite news channel
BBC news 24 probably. Unless there's a hurricane somewhere and then it's Fox News.

61: Football team
Don't have one.

62. Is there anybody you wish you could be spending time with right now?
I guess so.

63. What does the sixteenth text in your inbox say?
I can't actually tell because of the way my phone saves messages.

64. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Maybe. So long as it's not James saying "hey hw u?"

65. Is your life anything like it was a year ago?
No. A year ago I worked in Dunelm and I was still with David.

66. This time last year, can you remember who you liked?
Yeah. David. And I didn't like him, I loved him.

67. You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it?
Apple and Pear Robinsons.

68. Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't?
Nah.

69. What is the last thing you said out loud?
I don't remember what it was. probably just "thank you" or something.

70. When was the last time you cried?
Not sure. I haven't for a while.

71. Do you have friends you can tell stuff to and you're sure they won't tell?
Yeah I think so.

72. What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
took off my make up.

73. What can't you wait for?
emm... pass. There's nothing really exciting coming up for me.

74. Have you ever told anyone you would marry them?
I don't think so. If I have I would have been messing around.

75. What's the worst way to say "i love you?"
Is there a worst way?

76. Seven days from now will you be in a relationship?
Nope. I very much doubt it.

77. Are you mad about anything?
Nah.

78. What is the last thing you got in trouble for with your parents?
I don't remember.

79. Are you mean?
Not seriously...

80. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Reasonably.

81. Has a boy/girl called you babe or baby in the past two days?
Alex may well have. But I don't pay attention anymore.

82. Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
I'm ok with it so long as it's not in my flat and/or the smoke isn't in my face.

84. Has anybody ever given you butterflies?
Yes. Lots of people have in the past. The worst was that American boy who came to school in 5th year. I could hardly even talk to him. haha.

85. How long do you think you will live?
Until I'm quite old hopefully.

86. Does it bother you when people respond with one word?
Sometimes.

87. Do you believe once a cheater, always a cheater?
No. I think people can change. But whether they could gain my trust would depend on the situation.

88. Who disgusts you?
can't think of anyone off hand.

89. Name one thing people think about you that's not true?
I can't actually think of anything just now.

90. What would you do if your best friend turned gay?
I don't think I'd do anything...

91. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
straight.

92. Do you drink tea?
occasionally, yes.

93. How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
Nice. But just the chocolate would be sufficient.

94. Do you currently have feelings for anybody?
Yes.

95. Have you ever stripped for money?
no.

96. Is the last person you kissed more than a year older than you?
No. Only a couple of months older.

97. Ever kissed someone with the letters c, a, s, d, q, o, r, j as their first initial?
I've kissed a C, an A, an S, a D, an R and a J

98. Two days from now this time, where will you be?
I'll probably either be here or at work.

99. Do you think you are a good person?
I'm going to say yes. But sometimes when I drink I do questionable things. I usually don't remember these things the way they actually happen.

100. Anything more to say?
Don't think so.

I'm going to kill Ross.

2009-07-25T21:08:40Z

He's driving me up the wall. And he's not even here. But that's exactly the problem. We're moving on Monday and even though he had the whole weekend to come up and help me pack, instead he's not coming until tomorrow. so I'm doing EVERYTHING myself and he DOES NOT GIVE A SHIT. I probably won't even see him tomorrow. I'll be at work by the time he gets here. But you know what, I hope he comes in and panics when he realises how much he has to do and how little time he has. But he won't. He'll just go "och, we've got all day. Just see how it goes."

UGH. I'M SO STRESSED OUT AND PISSED OFF.

I'm actually going to hit Marv one of these days.

2009-07-20T12:42:14Z

He had a go at me again because I wouldn't serve him a pint after 11.45. He was like "UGH. THEY ALWAYS FUCKING SAY THAT." So I just explained that it's house rules and the reason we do it is because legally we need to get people out of the bar by 12.15. so he was like "Eh, well I don't think you're going to have a problem getting people out tonight so I'll have a pint please" so I was just like "We will have a problem if people all have full pints in front of them. I didn't make up the rules, I just have to follow them and you are not the exception." and I walked away from him. Then Rob gave him like a vodka and coke or something instead. I seriously have no time for him whatsoever. I pray that when I go in he's not going to be there. He had a domestic with his fiancee in the pub the other day too. She was crying because he had spent £240 on booze in a week and she was made to feel guilty if she wanted to spend £40 on a dress. I feel really bad for her. Because she's actually a nice enough woman and he is such a waste of space. And she actually loves him. She must sit at home every night by herself knowing that when he comes in he's going to be steaming drunk. She must only ever see him in the morning when he goes out and at night when he comes in smashed. Poor woman.

Found out the weird old man who carries around his little dog fancies me. I thought Davy was joking... Apparently not.

Me and Cat are going on a trip to Edinburgh on Thursday. We decided since we've had nothing to do lately it would be fun. So we're getting the megabus down at 7.15am and we get back up here at midnight. Fun fun fun!

lets pass some time with a pointless quiz

2009-07-16T22:53:29Z

Makeup

-What foundation do you use?
I use Benefit's 'Hello Flawless' in '"Gee, I'm swell" SHELL'. I don't use a liquid foundation.

-What powder do you use?
^^^See above ^^^

-What eyebrow pencil do you use?
I don't use an eyebrow pencil. I find that my eyebrows are fine just being waxed and left at that.

-What eyeliner do you use?
I don't wear eyeliner a huge amount. Right now I'm just using a Barry M kohl pencil in brown. I never wear black eyeliner anymore. I find brown is less harsh.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow?
favourite at the moment is Urban Decay 'Maui Wowie' which I usually blend with something else like MAC 'Blackberry'

-What mascara do you use?
Maybelline "Colossal Volum' express". I'm not one for buying really expensive mascara. I don't think it lasts any longer or does a better job than the regualar high street brand stuff.

What are your favourite lip bams/glosses/sticks?
Bobbi Brown is my favourite. It goes on really nicely and lasts ages. I have an Urban Decay one I like as well but it doesn't go on as nice as the Bobbi Brown one. I don't really have a favourite gloss. Right now I'm using a Rimmel Vinyl Bronze one and also a pink coloured sparkly Benefit one.

Hair

-Do you colour your hair?
Not for a looooong time.

-At home?
When I did used to dye it I did it at home.

-At the salon?
Never had it done at the salon.

-What is your stylists name?
I just get whoever is available. Last girl who did it was called Lorna I think.

-What salon do you go to?
I normally go to Dare Inspirationals on Little Belmont Street. I've also been to the one in Langstane Place before.

-What is your natural hair color?
I'm not sure whether to call it dark blonde or light brown.

-What is your hair color now?
^^^See Above^^^

-Do you have straight or curly hair?
Straight.

-Do you use a curling iron?
Nah. I've never suited curly hair.

-A straightener?
Just to get rid or the kinks and/or shape it slightly.

-What kinds?
GHD every time.

-Do you use a blowdryer?
Always unless I know I'm going to be in the house all day, then I'll leave it to dry naturally.

-Do you use gel/mousse/serum/hairspray and if so, what kinds?
Recently I've been using Lee Stafford's Mess Up spray wax. But to be honest, I'm not that impressed. Any kind of hairspray would do the same job.

-What shampoo do you use?
Usually Elvive Damage Protect or whatever it's called. But I couldn't get that when I last bought shampoo so when this bottle runs out in the next day or two I'm going to try TreSemme volumising stuff.

-What conditioner do you use?
Whatever matches the shampoo I'm using.

-Do you use leave in conditioner?
Nah. I used to when my hair was coloured but I don't anymore.

Scents

-What deodorant do you use?
Sure Crystal

-What body wash/soap do you use?
I was using Dove Go Fresh but I'm now using Palmolive Aromatherapy stuff.

-Do you use a loofah, washcloth or soap to wash?
Either a shower puff or exfoliating gloves - they feel a bit scratchy but leave your skin super-smooth.

-What perfumes do you use or like?
I like quite a few but my favourite that I'm using right now is Christina Aguilera's 'Inspire'. Whatever you think of her music, her perfume is gorgeous.

Jewellery

-Are diamonds really a girl's best friend?
YES.

-What is your jewellery essential?
Not a big jewellery wearer. Just my watch unless I'm wearing something that requires a necklace or something. You know how sometimes things just look too plain without it?

-What jewellery do you wear most?
Always a watch and sometimes some beads or something.

-What jewellery do you crave most?
I don't really. Like I said, I'm not a big jewellery wearer.

Purses and Shoes

-How many purses do you own?
If you mean bags....I don't know. a few. I tend to find one I like and stick to it until it dies.

-Which is your favourite?
My black quilted Marc B one that I got in Topshop on Oxford Street. It looks quite 80s which isn't usually me but I don't care.

-How many shoes do you own?
Pffft... I have no idea.

-Which pair is your favourite?
emm... my red ones that tie round my ankles? Maybe. I don't wear them much though. They hurt my feet quite a bit. I've probably only had them on 2 or 3 times in the 3 years I've owned them.

-Who is your favourite handbag designer?
I don't really have one.

-Who is your favourite shoe designer?
Whoever it was that designed those £900 diamonte heeled ones in Harrods! They were to die for. Failing that, probably Dior. It used to be Prada but I think they've gone downhill lately.

Shopping

-What are your favourite stores to clothes shop?
Miss Selfridge. New Look is a must because it's not too pricey. Republic (surprisingly) if you want something that stands out (or that your friends will borrow and not give back...)

-What is your personal style mantra?
so long as you're comfortable and happy, that's all that's important really. (See, I say that. But I'm soooo critical about what people are wearing. You'd think I was some kind of expert)

-How would you describe your personal style?
Girly, sometimes quirky, but never tacky.

-What is your favourite shirt?
You know, I have no idea. I don't have a huge amount of shirts. I tend to wear dresses or just tshirts/vest tops and cardigans.

What is your favourite jeans?
My Miss Selfridge skinnies that I got for a tenner in the sale last summer. Total bargain.

Gutted.

2009-07-16T00:51:57Z

They organised Pimms night for tonight and I was working so I missed it. Maybe I'll try to get some people out for another one tomorrow. I don't even like Pimms much but I really want to win this £100 bar tab.

We had a proper junkie came into the bobbin tonight. I took one look at him and went "ehh... Davy... I don't want to serve this guy. But I don't know what to say to him" And he was like "why, what's the matter, is he drunk?" And I replied "He's foaming at the mouth." To which Davy was like "hahaha, don't be ridiculous" then turned round and looked at him and he was like "holy shit..." and promptly got rid of him. But seriously, I don't know if I've ever seen a junkie that bad.

I really hate Marv. Marv is one of the locals who comes into the pub. He's a chronic alcoholic and usually drinks until he has to be kicked out. I knew he was a bit of a pain in the arse but recently I've just had no time for him at all. It started last week when he was steaming drunk and I said to him "you won't be getting any more drinks from me" and he was like "excuse me, you can't refuse to serve me..." and I just walked away and served someone else" Then John walked by him and Marv went "SHE said that she's not going to serve me anymore. SHE has no right to do that." And John was just like "Marv, you're drunk and you've got almost 2 pints in front of you. She's well within her rights not to serve you" and he was like "THAT'S RIDICULOUS. I'M IN HERE DRINKING 12 HOURS A DAY!" and it kicked off into a huge argument resulting in Marv storming out. But the problem is, Marv gets so pissed he doesn't remember if this has happened. So he comes in again and again, talks to us like shit and demands his "bottoms" in a Magners glass. Bottoms is basically a Tennents tops but you put the lemonade in the bottom so it mixes through, rather than sitting on the top. But lately we've just been serving him shandys because that way he'll hopefully get less pissed. But the magners glass thing is ridiculous. Because he'll have a go if we've not got one and he gets his pint in a non-branded glass. He even whinges if it's in a guinness glass. So the other day Stevie decided to tell him that we didn't have enough Magners glasses so we had to save them for when people bought Magners and he'd have to have his "bottoms" in a normal glass. So what he did was went and found someone else's empty Magners glass from outside and poured his pint into it. Because he's so snobby about drinking out of a Magners glass that he's willing to take a dirty one that could have had anyone's gob round it and pour his pint into it. And then tonight he had a go at me because John said the bar was closed but I was still pouring pitchers of Pimms for Stevie, Davy, Lucas, Dawn and Shadow (they ordered before John called it) but I wasn't willing to pour him another pint after that. He was like "Oh yeah. Staff priviledges. Get tae fuck." and stuck his V's up at me.
UGH. I wish John would just say he's barred and we can all get on with our lives happily without him.

I think Kyle Bayliss is organising my birthday...

2009-07-13T01:22:59Z

For some reason I have the feeling I may have made a horrible mistake.

RANT.

2009-07-12T17:27:10Z

This morning I had to go into work to fill out 3 hours worth of paper work and do a test that enables me to work in a bar after september the 1st. No one can work in a bar in Scotland after that date without having completed the training programme and filled out all the appropriate documentation, so essentially, it's a bit like a license. The reason for the new training is that new legislation is coming in to try to combat the drinking culture in Scotland at the moment (I think something similar is also happening in England but I'm not sure if it's quite to the extent that ours is).
Basically I think the whole thing is a heap of shit. I'm just going to run through some of the things they're enforcing.

The first important thing is that they're emplying licensing officers to come round and check we're complying with the rules. These people might turn up at any point in the night, including after we've closed. So that means we can no longer have a quiet pint after work. There is also going to be no overlap time for the rules to be properly enforced. So if we forget something or let something slip and it's the 2nd of September we're screwed.

No alcohol to under 18s is a given and that doesn't really affect us anyway since we don't let children in the pub. All it means is that we'll have to be extra vigilant with IDing. But that's fine.

No alcohol to any drunk person. Also a given, but here's where I have a problem. What is drunk? People could be tipsy but still in control of themselves but does that mean they're drunk and I'm not allowed to serve them? If I was to choose to go ahead and let them have another drink and then one of the licensing officers was to come in and go "they're drunk", I get an on the spot fine. I can understand not serving someone who is hammered and has clearly had enough. But it's too vague. Also, what if someone comes in, seems fine, but has actually necked a bottle of vodka at home and it's just not hit them yet, then I give them a couple of drinks and they end up smashed and that becomes my fault and I get done for it? Hmm.

No promotions that last less than 72 hours. So bascially no happy hours, no Quids night in our case, no cocktail nights, nothing like that. That's not so much of a problem. No Quids night will be a little bit of a blow but I won't miss it.
Also no offers like 2 for 1 drinks, or 69p vodkas or things like that, no nights where you pay to get in and it's a free bar... but none of those really affect us. We can still do yellow card, though the prices might change a bit.

The most annoying thing of all is MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES. The idea behind this is that it allows for things to evolve over time. Things can be added, changed etc. But basically it also means that an officer can come in, look at something and go "that's against the rules" we go "no it's not. there's nothing to say we can't do that" and they go "yes there is. It's a miscellaneous offense. Here is a 5 grand on the spot fine" LOAD. OF. PISH. How can they justify being that vague?

And the last thing is, in order to get our license we have to submit a kind of plan of all the important information about the pub. So it needs to know who the bar manager is, who all have personal licenses (i.e. duty managers), what our opening hours are, promotions we have (i.e. yellow card) and any activities we do in the pub (anything like quizes, charity events, kareoke, that kind of thing). This is where this becomes a little bit silly. Because, for example, we don't do kareoke. But if we don't put down that we do kareoke we can NEVER have a kareoke night, EVER. In order for us to do one we would need to apply to have the licence changed and that's a very long and expensive process. So basically John has had to write down absolutely everything he can think of that we could possibly do just on the off chance that we might one day decide to do it. Total joke.

All these changes are going to kill small old man pubs because it costs every bar money to implement the changes and some of these pubs are already struggling. I don't think that's fair. Clubs are just going to run promotions that aren't quite as cheap for 3 days and open earlier. So people aren't going to go to pubs anymore. The only one good thing I can say is that since all this the Aberdeen curfew idea has been changed. I don't know if any of you are familiar with this idea but basically they were trying to make it that you wouldn't be able to get into any bars or clubs after 12.30. And if you left, you wouldn't get back in after that time either. Possibly the worst idea ever. So they've changed that now. There's still going to be a curfew but it's going to be 2am. So through the week bars are closing then anyway and at the weekends there's only an hour left so chances are you won't be going anywhere else once you're in a club by that time anyway. So that's alright. I can deal with that.

Places like Tesco Express are going to suffer because they're only going to be allowed to sell a very small amount of alcohol - things like bottles of wine. There will be no spirits and very few things like bottles of cider and beer and alcopops. The only cases where an exception will be made in shops like that will be if they can prove that they are the main provider for the area. Which in the majority of cases they won't be.

It's all just shite. I know what they're trying to do but it screws us over. But I'll stop boring you now I've had my little rant.

I just found out today that Pimms is gin-based...

2009-07-12T02:20:01Z

...Maybe that's why I don't like it much.

Alex is turning into Kyle Bayliss.
"Elaine, I'm bored. Entertain me."
"I don't know how to entertain you, Alex"
"oh, I think you do..."

"Elaine, I think we should go on a date. Go on a date with me...?"
"haha... No."

"Will you come to my birthday, Alex?"
"Oh sorry, I can't. I'm away until the 30th. But when I'm back we can celebrate your birthday in our own way ;-)"
"Thanks for the offer, but no"

The thing is, he may be turning into Kyle, but I actually like him a lot more than Kyle at this moment in time. I dealing with him is so much easier. Although I've not seen Kyle for quite a while so maybe he'll have got over his phase of being a complete tosser. I dare say I will find out tomorrow.

We have our training for the new legislation that's coming in in September, tomorrow. Without doing the training course and filling out the paperwork you can't legally work in a bar in this country after September, so it's pretty important. Pain in the ass though.

So I suppose I'd best go to bed since I have an early start for the training. Blah.

So I'm back in Aberdeen now

2009-07-11T14:36:25Z

Me and Niamh haven't spoken a word since I got back on Monday. Not that bothered. I'm not the one being antisocial, I've sat in the living room watching tv and things. If she wants to hide in her bedroom that's her problem.
I've not done a lot since coming back really. Worked a wee bit, gutted out my wardrobe in preparation for the Big Move, done some uni work.
The pub has been quiet. I've been on my own a lot. We've been trying to sell Pimms to everyone since all the scream pubs are competing to sell the most. We were in first but last week we dropped to third. Uncool. Though last night we sold heaps and if we can keep that up we're on course to go back up to first. It works in percentage so even if there's only 5 people in the pub, if we sell 5 glasses of Pimms that's a 100% turnover. We're also thinking of having a staff Pimms party where all we drink is Pimms and try to entice everyone else in the pub to drink it too. I hope I'm not working that night. At £1.99 a glass that's a cheap night out.
I was supposed to be going to see Transformers tonight (though that would have been my last choice of film to see) but Stevie has offered me his shift tonight because he's apparently not feeling well and I told him yesterday that I'm skint. He could have told me he wanted to go out on the piss tonight and I'd still have worked his shift because to be honest, I need the cash badly. Though as it stands I'm on course to being able to pay my first month's rent for my new flat so that's good. Transformers will have to wait for another night.

So that's about it. Work work work.

Quote of the week comes from Davy Shanks:
"Guys, I accidentally saw Basshunter live..."

THINGS TO DO TODAY

2009-06-09T11:17:06Z

1) Town for Rockness things + pay deposit on new flat
2) Take book back to library
3) Finish ironing
4) Tidy flat
5) Surprise party for JD (*tear*)

AAAAARGH! NO TIME!