Reporting live from Aberdeen, this is Rebecca Marie.

Looks like Mondays are becoming my unofficial blogging days!

I had two thoughts today as I watched a daily vlog entry from one of my youtube subscriptions: 

First of all, how can anyone blog/vlog EVERY DAY?! Their lives must revolve around updating strangers about their lives. Weird. To each his own, I suppose...

Secondly, as weird as it is, I don't think (at least I hope not!) that there are any strangers reading this. That being said, I think I'll be a hypocrite and do a vlog for you guys! If there's so many people that do it on youtube, maybe there's a hidden joy to it...But shhhh, don't tell anyone. (mostly because I might not get around to it and don't want to be pegged as 'the girl who doesn't do what she says she will'...but let's just say because ....erm.....because it's a secret. Yea, you like secrets, don't you? You just keep this one nice and close and quiet and --wow, this bracket is getting SO out of hand...). I was thinking about doing a vlog a long time ago, but its just so much more effort if you want to edit it, and, as I'm sure you will see, I'm super awkward on camera. 

One thing here, before I forget: Here's a link I came across randomly about one of the featured artists that I went to go see at the Aberdeen Art Gallery in the fall -- I'm not sure if I blogged about it, but his name was Ron Muech and he made non-lifesize models of people. The exhibition was just amazing. Sculpture is definitely my preferred art type and this guy just took my breath away. Check out this link for what he does: Ron Muech's Art

So in preparation of my on-screen debut which may or may not happen, I thought I would entertain you with a news broadcast-themed blog today...all things mentioned really did happen (or are going to happen). Even the commercials. Heck, ESPECIALLY the commercials.

*cue news music*

Good evening, this is Rebecca Marie reporting live from Aberdeen, and you're reading BWU (Becky's Weekly Update).

In this week's news: A year older, definitely, but a year wiser? It's up for you to decide after hearing this 21-year-old's birthday adventures; In science, a twitch develops as medical precautions are pushed as"eye"d; Religious debate breaks out over whether or not a young woman's Lent resolutions are still holding strong after a controversial meal; Politics rears its ugly head as a student's plans to depart the UK are challenged by University of Aberdeen staff; And in tourism: Where you should and shouldn't go this Easter break.

Today's broadcast is brought to you by the worthless washing and dryer machines in Johnston House, "We break ourselves so you don't have to".

It's not every day a girl turns 21 - and that's why Aberdeen      University student Becky Stewart was excited for her big day last Friday. Mail packages arriving earlier in the week       awaited opening and, as Becky herself states "it was the  nicest day of the year -- sun shining, blue skies...the first day where most people were outside without their jackets on." The lucky lady was greeted in the morning with her first-ever breakfast in bed, brought to her by hallmates Sarah and Alex, complete with fresh fruit salad and yellow flowers, a personal favourite for the now-official adult. Her day was off to a fantastic start, and after receiving cards and reminiscent childhood pictures and loving wishes from family and friends living across the world, Becky, being the diligent student she is known for being, attended her lectures scheduled for the day.  A fresh start as a 21-year-old was mirrored by a fresh start [the first lecture] in a music theory analysis class, and everything seemed to be on track for a successful day. It wasn't until the early evening when spectators began to realize that older isn't always wiser. Although the birthday girl had good intentions, the journey to Bhan Thai restaurant for supper was, to the chagrin of many who joined her, a much longer walk than expected, the result of a 'short cut' that was not properly planned out. After tracking, backtracking, trekking, and retracing steps, the company of comrades made it to their destination. Once again, the lack of planning led to some surprised looks when such a large group arrived at the tiny restaurant looking for a table. Although no reservations were made, some say it was "birthday luck" that landed the girls a table without a queue and a delicious supper enjoyed by all. All's well that ends well, in this birthday tale.

The night concluded with a trek through a number of pubs and bars across the city, and more drinks than she has fingers. Becky refers to it as "the one night a year I can really let myself go". Medical examinations are still being done to solve the grand mystery of why she did not have a hangover on Saturday.

  

<--Tequila: Best friend or worst enemy? BEST FRIEND. Definitely.

Next up, in medicine: Don't disregard the warnings on your medication. A regular Opticrom user shares her story of what can happen if you do.

It was just another day for Becky Stewart, a 20-something chronic eye allergen victim, when she bought a small bottle of Opticrom from Sainsbury's pharmacy. Prescribed as a treatment for her recurring case of allergic reactions to her own contact lenses, the packaging suggests against the wearing of contacts during use. Miss Stewart followed the directions, except for one night nearing the end of the prescribed treatment period. For the special occasion of her 21st birthday, she wore her contacts for her exciting night out -- and her actions didn't go without consequences.  The next morning, Miss Stewart reportedly had trouble focusing her right eye even when wearing glasses. After it eventually focused, a twitch has developed and has persisted ever since. She explains "it's been happening on and off for about 4 days now. It's really quite annoying." Doctors aren't sure whether the twitch is connected to the Optimus Prime Opticrom or if it is simply a matter of dehydration. Either way, they've recommended that Miss Stewart "keep an eye on it" for any other strange ocular activity.

After the break, a young girl's innocent meal with a friend sparks debate over her religious loyalties.

*Is your loved one out of the province this holiday? Why not surprise them with a gift from their home province -- LCBO's Party in a Box! This all-in-one box is everything your special someone will need for any great celebration. Each pack comes with a set of birthday hats, party blowers, streamers, and most importantly -- LCBO's assortment of wine and spirits: a bottle of wine, a case of Bailey's assorted Irish cream samplers, and some Apple Sours for the young in all of us. Show your daughter she's missed while studying abroad -- purchase your Party In a Box at a LCBO near you!* onlywhilequantitieslastatselectedlocationsonly,mustbelegaldrinkingage

*Sorry for the late notice, but Tim Horton's Rrrrrroll up the Rim to Win event is almost over! Hurry over to the location nearest you ...after all, it's not like it'll be more than a 2 minute drive in any direction, eh? Chances of winning are 1 in 9, and with odds like these, its worth every maple leaf-bearing penny! But if you're not having any luck, try sending a cup away to a friend in Scotland -- they're sure to get a winner! Time's running oot, so get yours today!*

 

                                    Gagnez un cafe

é !!

Welcome back to BWU, I'm Rebecca Marie, bringing you up-to-the-minute facts about all things Becky.

Last week was a tough one for all of you out there who gave up cheese for Lent. As the end of the Lenten season draws near, temptations are growing.  It's becoming more and more difficult to fine dine without the worry that the cheese will find it into your meal somehow. A dedicated citizen and Lenting Catholic, Becky Stewart, had a difficult encounter last week when she found herself sitting in an Italian restaurant -- perhaps the most difficult place to be whilst lenting chocolate and cheese, making it the ultimate test of her faith. Scanning the menu for a meal without cheese, Miss Stewart settled on a mushroom and pasta dish. She discovered when her food arrived, however, that the dish had been topped with a healthy sprinkle of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese.  She maintains that she scraped off all of the cheese and ate only what was underneath, but some witnesses say that they saw her miss a few strands of the melted goodness. Others, still, from her place of residence, have reported seeing her eat not only a slice, but a good quarter of a cheesecake for lunch one day, a claim that Miss Stewart herself agrees with. But local religious groups have brought a strong argument to the table, arguing that "CHEESEcake has cheese in it".  Miss Stewart disagrees, holding the opinion that although it technically is a cream cheese that is included in cheesecake, that is not what she intended to give up at the beginning of Lent, and thus it is a valid exception. However, with a history of so-called 'mistakenly' drinking hot chocolate albeit her giving up of chocolate, her claims look more like 'cheesy' excuses than valid reasoning to many. 

*Want to feel sexy? Want to look smart? Want to impress him? Try one of our new pashminas! The newest look in scarf fashion, our scarves will have everyone begging for more! It's the perfect birthday present--and one size fits all (unless your neck is the size of a tree trunk). You can't put a price on self-confidence and fashion! Get one while quantities last!*

*Now on DVD -- the Swan Princess! Digitally remastered and with special effects so that you can have your very own friends as cast members -- they'll love it!  Still featuring the soundtrack you know and love, My Idea of Fun and For Longer than Forever.  Get one quick before it goes into the figurative non-Disney vault for good!*

Good evening, and welcome back to this week's BWU.  

In politics, a costly miscommunication sets one staff member at the University of Aberdeen up for a disappointing letdown. The Head of the Music department will meet with student Becky Stewart on Thursday to discuss an extension of her studies in Aberdeen. The idea was put into his head by a flattering yet inaccurate account by last week's Man-of-the-Hour, Todd Fallis. We have a reporter live with Becky to tell us about what happened. 

"So you had a masterclass and private lesson with Todd, correct?"
"Yea, that's right. About a week ago. It was all going very well -- he's a great guy -- and we got talking about my studies and the fact that I'm here on exchange. Then he asks me if I'd consider staying here for the completion of my degree."

"And what did you say to that?"
"I told him that I love it here in Aberdeen, mainly because the workload is far less and the stress levels are so low in comparison to life in the Tricolour world of Queen's, but that I am planning on heading back to Canada in June. I guess he took it as me asking about the possibilities of staying here for the completion of my degree, and suggested to the head of the entire department that he talk to me about extending my stay here."

"And is there any way you would seriously consider staying?"

"No. I have an apartment that I'm paying rent on, tons of friends who are awaiting my return, a badass homecoming and frosh week to look forward to, and most importantly, graduating alongside some of the best friends I've ever made. I wouldn't throw that out the window for a chance at a easier workload, not in a million years. I also have a student visa that's expiring this summer."

"So no chance of getting a degree from the University of Aberdeen then?"

"It's not as black and white as that. I might consider coming back for graduate work or a second undergraduate degree. But nothing in the next 2 years at least, as I have a life waiting for me in Kingston".

"Thanks for your time, Becky, you're beautiful and awesome and I really just wish I could be your BFF in the whole wide world. Can I pleasepleaseplease have your autograph?"

.....awkward stare.....

Thank you, creepy mystery reporter. Now that her side of the story is clear, we'll all have to wait and see what happens when she meets with the head of department on Thursday.

To finish things up, a list of great places to visit over your Easter holidays: 

Our tour information guides say that this year the "in" thing to do is get away to a place out of the spotlight. Spend your time with a family in a small town in Southern England instead of just being 'another tourist' in larger English cities like London; spend a week on the coast of Ireland enjoying the beaches and pub life. Of course, the holidays wouldn't be complete without a few touristy moments -- we suggest you enjoy a few days in a magical city -- perhaps something like Edinburgh.

That's all for today, folks.  For BWU, I'm Rebecca Marie. Thanks for tuning in and have a splendid evening.

*cue news music*

Until next time,

Beckers