My Love for Red Footwear

Apparently this started at a young age as shown by this photograph taken by my Dad.



Anyone who has been following my flickr page will have noticed I've become a bit enamoured with my red shoes. I took a nice group photo of my various red shoes/boots at the time back in November 2006.



However, in January 2008 I began the obsession with one particular pair. I called them my disco shoes as they had glitter imbedded in the fabric and some red plastic 'jewels' stuck on the sides (very out of character for me).



That first shot was taken in the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. I thought it was a cool shot and after that day I started happily snapping away at my lovely red sneakers in various locations.

On the shore of the Thames in Greenwich



In the Victoria and Albert Museum in London



The South Side of Glasgow



You get the idea.

The odd time I'd stray outside the norm and take a shot of my other shoes but I don't think it had the same impact as my red disco shoes.



But then it happened. The shoes were dying :( They were starting to get uncomfortable to wear and holes were developing in the soles. When I think about it I bought those shoes more than 10 years ago for something like $3.00 at Payless (50% off an already ridiculously low price). I was surprised they'd lasted as long as they did as Payless isn't really know for excellent quality.

I had the idea in my head that I wanted to replace them with a pair of red Converse All Star shoes but this was getting difficult as I have tiny feet (UK size 2). I was on holiday in London over the summer so I decided this would be a good opportunity to hit the shops and get a new pair. I went into a number of shops but I couldn't find any red ones in the correct size. So eventually I gave up and purchased these instead.



I like them, they fit well and with swapping the laces I think they are a bit of fun. But if I'm honest with myself they just don't have that special 'thing' about them. They aren't magical.

And then I saw them…



Aren't they beautiful? Can you feel the magic? My Ruby Slippers, just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. These will be the best shoes ever!

Let the magic begin.

Under Siege

No it's not a Steven Seagal flick but the scene outside the office this morning.

Sitting at my desk I could hear the distant sound of pipers. Being Glasgow that's not entirely unexpected so didn't really think much of it. However, a bit later my curiosity was piqued when I started to hear shouting. I looked to my right and could see a number of people crowded around a window looking at the commotion outside. So of course I needed to see what was going on.

And this is what I saw



A whole bunch of men in desert camouflage and guns standing in formation for 3 blocks.



Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. My main question is:

WHY ARE THERE MEN WITH GUNS OUTSIDE MY OFFICE?!?!?!?!?!



According to one of my colleagues they are the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Goody, but what are they doing outside with guns? A quick search of their website gives me no answers and I don’t see anything on the BBC website either.

Every now and then one of the guys in charge shouts something and guns get moved from left shoulder to right, or they turn to the right, or the stomp in place. I'm becoming suspicious that this is just a delay tactic as one guy keeps checking his watch.

Eventually the 'colours' walk past and get into formation, everyone turns to the right and off they go down the street and round the corner.



I'm unclear as to if it will be safe to leave the building to purchase my lunch when there are random regiments marching around in desert camouflage.

*Update* after dinner I did another search on the news sites and found this article on The Herald website

Oh and if that wasn't enough interestingness enough for my day... This was the view outside at 4:13PM



Um a girl in ugly underwear, dancing on a broken wooden box.



The Scottish are a strange people

No Rest for the Weary

Yup, still sick.

I had a brief moment this morning when I awoke at 7AM being able to breathe out of BOTH nostrils at the same time. Sadly this was the morning I was going to allow myself to sleep in to give my body some healing time.

But by the time I curled up in bed again with my hot tea (French Breakfast by Mariage Freres) ,bowl of muesli and yogurt when the head started to clog up again :( I find it strange that last year at about this time I was also knocked silly with a stupid cold/flu bug. What is it about October that doesn't agree with my immunity?

I'll give myself another hour in bed (I'll turn off the computer when I'm done this) and then I need to get up and start my day. It's going to be a busy one and I can't really go into details at the moment but stay tuned as I'll give a summary and some photos after the fact.

I will have to pack a wad of tissue, a packet of Extra Strength Halls and stash of decongestants in my purse in order to get myself through the day. I know I'll regret the pace at the end of it all but I am confident it will be a fun day.

I'll just look like death tomorrow ;)

Right, nap time

A Public Service Announcement

Extra Strength Tylenol Flu Daytime/Nighttime does not work for me. I repeat does NOT work for me. It may work for others, but not me :(

It's going to be a long night.

Sneeze
Cough, Cough
Wheeze
Sneeze
Honk

Sigh

The Pink Floyd Story: Which One's Pink?

I've just finished watching this documentary on the BBC iPlayer. Pink Floyd is a band I know but not intimately. Who hasn't heard of The Dark Side of the Moon and how it's STILL selling.

I remember my Dad bringing home the double album The Wall and sitting in the living room with the head phones on and listening to it in its entirety in one go. I was too young to really grasp the concept of the story and the music was a little out there for a 14 yr old girl. I recall a sense of slight depression after such an intense listen.

I learned more of 1973's The Dark Side of the Moon while enrolled in an Engineering course. It was referred to on numerous occasions when teaching about tape loops, use of synthesizers and how anything is possible if you are open to new ideas and experimentation as Engineer Alan Parsons did when working on this album.



I probably became more of a fan of the band when Roger Waters left and David Gilmore took over as the lead. I preferred his vocals and today can truly appreciate his talent on the guitar. Plus, he was quite the hottie when he was young ;)




Meddle, Wish You Were Here, A Momentary Lapse of Reason...

I wonder if FOPP has any Pink Floyd on their cheap wall?