But I made a video and I wanted to show you that video.

Cause it’s my bloggy and I’ll vlog if I want to… vlog if I want to… vlog if I want to.. you would vlog to if it happened to you.[That last part doesn't make tons of sense, but I couldn't figure out how to change the lyrics to the song... sorry.]

As always, I’m about to preface this thing to death.

1. I don’t have a high-def video camera. Sorry.

2. I know I look the same in this video as I do in this post. Same day. No shame there.

3. This really is in hopes of THANKING YOU for all your support and love during this season in Edinburgh.

4. You may have to watch it a few times to catch all the words… because of the accents. For example, Taylor says, “cause that’s what Annie needs… an ego boost.” It’s a good joke, but it may be hard for your American ears to hear.

5. I think that’s all.

Can I say it again? THANK. YOU. I feel your prayers with me constantly and your words of encouragement have helped me tough out the hard days. I am so grateful to you and for you and for this season in Edinburgh.

. . . . .

Anything else y’all wanna see before I leave Bonnie Scotland at the end of the month?

[You're welcome. I know how you people like your vlogs.]

A few things:

1. Have you noticed that I rarely, if ever, let you watch a video without a zillion prefaces first? It’s still true today.

2. My hair. I’m sorry.

3. Our church leadership is in a season of fasting and prayer which probably attributes to the more somber-esque mood of the whole thing.

4. I’m still learning a new video editing program [iMovie '11 instead of iMovieHD if you must know], so forgive any harsh transitions or volume issues.

5. One thing I love about iMovie ’11? NO LISP! Yay.

6. My flatmate Becky didn’t join me on this excursion. You’ll have to watch The Royal Wedding to see her. Sorry- I know she’s a natural and you love her. Next time.

7. Sorry it’s longer than 5 minutes. I try to edit as tight as possible, just didn’t happen in less than 5 this time. Blame it on the time difference? Videos are longer when they are made in the future? Sure.

8. At 4:02, when I say “partnering with us,” I mean Christians in general. Not Crossroads Church specifically.

That is quite a lot of prefacing for a Monday. Forgive me.

On with the video….

Questions? Comments? Concerns about my hair?

What other things would you like to see in a future Scottish vlog?

[Sure. I'll be mocked for a while. But in the end, when TUBULAR makes a comeback like RAD has made a comeback, you'll know who to thank. Or blame. Dealer's choice.]

Over the weekend, I was introduced to a few You Tube videos that are just too good to keep to myself. Hence the title. [See what I did there?]

Tuesday sometimes need a good dose of YouTube. That’s what my doctor says anyways.

First, Karmin Music covering Lady Antebellum…

RIGHT? How much do you LOVE that? I know. They’re insanely talented.

Next up… Tripp and Tyler –> Tripp Gets Knighted…

This one had me LOLing all over the coffee shop yesterday. We used to watch Tripp and Tyler so much in college. This was a personal favorite of mine…

I’m not going to tell you who I am in this video, I’m just going to say that I think singing harmonies is a really good time.

Also, Amber is teaching us how to wear fashionABLE scarves in the summer and trust me when I tell you that if Amber thinks it is cool to do, it always is.

And finally, because sometimes you just need a good slaying on Tuesday, here is Adele. Sheesh sheesh sheesh.

Share and share alike- anything you’re loving on YouTube (or Vimeo)? Give us the links in the comments so we can all waste lots of time today.

- I do not know why my voice is so raspy or why my laugh is so ridiculously noise-less. I’m usually [proudly] a loud laugher. But something is a little askew with my voice.

- Let me introduce the cast of characters:

• Adam : competitor
• Annie: you know me
• Lyndsay: cute blonde, interviewer and part-time camerawoman, you know her [ALSO- today is Lyndsay's birthday!!! Yay!]
• Laura: lovely red-headed spitfire, bless her heart she has to live with me
• Nichole: dark-headed beauty
• Graham: quiet, lovely, blonde, and one friend that I will proudly say did NOT help Adam
• Jami: cute blonde whose loud laugh makes me jealous [and she's the one who asks to be called "Lady Justice" at 2:46]

- We love Sweet CeCe’s and we love how much they loved this competition.

- The beautiful music in the background is [of course] the dear Mandy Mann.

- Our friendship is always this awesome.

. . . . . . . . . .

[hey subscribers- just in case you can't see it, there is a video here. So click on over a get your 5 minutes of giggles for today.]

. . . . . . . . . .

Is FroYo all the rage in your neck of the woods like it is here?

My normal concoction is red velvet yogurt with oreos. What’s yours?

Tip of the ole hat to Jamie Tworkowski from To Write Love on Her Arms for sharing this video. I think it is genius and cute and hilarious and it makes Monday not hurt so deep.

——

Also… I just have to share this picture of Shelby with you. [You know Shelby. I'm her aunt in charge of entertainment.]

You know I adore her already, but this just plain sent me over. the. edge.

Oh Monday. You’re too good to me.

ALL THE LIVE LONG YESTERDAY I had “I come to you with expectations, Baton Rouge…” running through my head.

That junk is funny.

Dave and Andrew will be out and about for the next few weeks and there will be a special handshake for any AnnieBlogs readers out there. So make sure you walk up and say “I’m an AnnieBlogs reader- shake my hand!”

You won’t regret it.

[Or maybe you will. I can't make any promises. But you'll laugh- that's for sure.]

Also, Andrew’s new record comes out today and listen. You WILL regret missing out on this. It’s called She Remains the Same and I have rarely enjoyed an album this much this quickly. His CD release party on Sunday was a blast and Andrew live is as good as the album. I promise.

And please watch this video again. Even if you don’t live anywhere near Baton Rouge. Because this humor is inspiring.

[Inspiring? Too strong? Nope. I meant it.]

And traditional media [or quasi-traditional media] answered with a vengeance. I have recently enjoyed a few great movies, a few great albums, and a plethora of great books.

I’m talking books as far as the eye can see. [That's a blatant exaggeration.]

Let’s start with movies.

I want to see Nanny McPhee. I even looked on my ONDEMAND last weekend and couldn’t find it. So I’m gonna rent it. I’ll let you know. But my all time favorite movie is Mary Poppins and I am a nanny, so I’m bound to adore it.

I saw Eat.Pray.Love. Julia Roberts was, as to be expected, absolutely darling. I read the book and the book was exciting in the same spots and boring in the same spots and new age in the same spots.

I also saw The Other Guys. Will Ferrell, you slay me.

Here’s some stuff I’m reading.

First, you must get Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson. It’s beautiful. It’s easy to pick up and put down and pick up and think and dream. I think you’ll like it.

My latest addiction: The Hunger Games. Oh listen. If you haven’t started this series, carve out some time and get ready. I couldn’t stop reading. NOT AT ALL. It’s some of the best writing I’ve read in a long time. There are a handful of us living here in Nashville that are reading them and truthfully, we can’t talk about anything else.

The first book- The Hunger Games [Genius. Pure genius.]
The second book- Catching Fire [My favorite of the series.]
The third book – Mockingjay [This one literally come out a weekish ago and I read it in light speed. And I cried.]

I also am finishing up Resurrection in May. I’m crying a lot in this one too. Africa. A sweet grandfather. A farm. Flowers. Just awesome.

Here’s what I’m hearing.

For the first time, I saw She & Him perform last week at the Ryman. And listen, it was the most fun I’ve had in a while. Buy the album. Turn it up in your house. Open the windows. Then dance. And call me in the morning.

Also, a new band called Mockingbird Sun is offering their EP for FREE. That’s zero dollars. Get it, yo. Get it.

So. That should last you a while.

Share and share alike, my friends. What have you seen/read/heard?

I’m hanging out and resting a few days in Chicago before I head back to Nashville.

I have lots to share with you from camp, but for today, just a few of my favorite moments. There were many many many. But here are two that I happened to capture.

Cuteness personified.

Much more to come once, you know, my brain has recovered and my voice isn’t so tired and I stop being mopey like Eeyore because I had to leave a beautiful place full of awesome girls, super fun counselors, Godly staff, and gorgie-poo weather.

Sheesh- it was somethin’ special.

Because I am overwhelmed. Still. A week later.

Enjoy the gorgie-poo decor… and the delicious food… and the beautiful hearts of the men who served … and the genuine laughter on the faces of a few girls who really love each other.

The song is Home by the most wonderful Dave Barnes. And when this song drifted from the speakers into my ears during the party, I stopped, listened, and teared up. Because these lyrics say it.

Photography by the dearest Skip Hopkins. He not only captured the beauty, he captured the emotion. That’s a gift.

I’ve tried to write thank you notes, but they fail to tell the depths of my appreciation for what my friends did for me. Even as a writer, the English language is failing me. I just know that my heart was massively moved by this night.

I will never be the same.

If you watched last night, you met Roberto’s mom.

If you’ve seen Roberto’s mom, you have met my twin.

I mean, truly. Look at this.

That pretty much looks like my face. Bi-za-rro.

Also. Forgive me, my hair is dirty and it was 10:45pm, so I’m not looking my freshest.

So we grabbed an iPhone that records video. [Because I didn't have my flipcam. WHY OH WHY did I not have my flipcam!??] Hence the less than awesome quality. I am so so sorry. More than you know.

We attempted to show you the similarities but I have never. no not ever. gotten so giggly while trying to make a video. We were laughing. So very much.

Enjoy.