Trixibelle

Return of the Trixi

2007-11-19T18:21:00.000Z

I'm Back! Home sweet home as they say.

The trip was amazing in a word. I feel refreshed, revitalised and extremely happy. Lots of things have changed for me in the last months. I'm a new woman.

We're settling back into our new home in the Midlands with increased excitement and vision for the future. I have a new job locally full of fantastic potential and room for growth. I have a wedding to plan, a house to decorate and a life to build and it's more than I could have ever hoped for.

I'm debating what to do with the blog as my instinct is that it has run it's course. I also don't know how much time I'll have to visit here now that life has become more interesting again. I think I'll sit with it for a while and maybe drop by occassionally while I figure it all out!

HItting the High Road .... Again

2007-04-15T22:03:00.000+01:00

Well friends and fellow bloggers we're hitting the high road once again!

Here's a link to Travelling Trixi where you can follow our adventures...

I'm nervous, excited and raring to go!

Pantomania

2007-04-14T14:24:00.001+01:00

My little sister the Drama Queen put on a fantastic performance as a nymphomaniac witch in her drama club show last night.

Between her performance, Wicked Drag Queen, the French Frog Prince and the Lusty Widow Twanky I was howling with laughter throughout the whole show!

Shouting out loud

2007-04-12T20:44:00.000+01:00

Seeing as I won't be blogging or visiting other sites as regularly as I do now from next week onwards I'm going to take a tip from other bloggers and do a shout out of blogs that I like a lot in the hope that somebody else will like them too!

Firstly try Danielle for giving me this idea and for being thoroughly lovely, interesting and fun!

In Irish blogland the following bloggers all get major thumbs up for me ... Arran, Elke and Steve 'cause I know them! Red Mum for great photos and stories, Blank Paige 'cause it's impossible to know what's coming next! Julius Geezer for being a loyal reader ~~and a Trinity head~~ (I stand corrected he's from DCU, but I still like him!!) JL for his take on Irish life, and the following blogs for being bloody funny Twenty Major, Fat Mammy Cat and Swearing Lady.

My favourite Canadian blogger is Jay she has a way with words. And American bloggers blogging for fun include My crazy life.

And check out Sinead for arts stuff and Claire for arty stuff.

I'm sure I've left loads out but feel free to browse the blogroll on the sidebar!

I haven't finished here yet but things will be slow at best!

Sh1t, Sh1te and Shag

2007-04-11T19:40:00.000+01:00

As my grandmother used to say.

I'm fecked for time at the moment! And it's all my own fault!

I would volunteer for some work that takes me all over the midlands in the week before I'm due to leave the country. But how could I refuse when I get to meet lovely people. Sit in their kitchens, chat to them for hours and then try to help them make plans for a better future? It could be worse couldn't it? But jaysus I'm wrecked and stressed!

A Day in Photographs...

2007-04-05T20:51:00.000+01:00

Today I mostly walked...

Mostly Baked.....

And then undid the good from the walking by eating the baking... Bummer!

The Bell Jar

2007-04-03T21:57:00.000+01:00

I recently read The Bell Jar and it made me think about lots of things. I said at new years that my resoloution this year was to find peace of mind. The last 12 months or so have been an 9 on the shit scale of 1-10. But I am glad to say that I feel that I am definately coming out of the other side of it now.

We should be really going away, honestly, properly, definately, later this month and no I really do mean it this time! The Lovely Boy has been beavering away merrily and has completed the last few bits of research that he wanted, and has also managed to secure a second book deal! He's very clever and I'm very proud of him!

I've also started doing some work that has real purpose and will be doing bits and pieces over the next few weeks until we go. It's good to feel useful again.

I feel like I'm moving on, that I've faced my demons and that I can take some good out of the bad. The one thing I have definately learned is that I should always trust my instincts. I got caught in a trap of making decisions based on what I thought was the right thing to do, a bit like the Bell Jar. The result was self inflicted misery which was preyed on and exploited by a nasty individual. But the truth is that I put myself in that path, and while no-one deserves to be treated badly, we owe it to ourselves not to allow it to happen.

I love Dublin

2007-04-01T16:51:00.000+01:00

I spent the last week in the Big Smoke with my wonderful friends and had a ball. The main purpose of the visit was to organise visas for China and Russia but it quickly became a week of celebration and lots and lots of chat and talk and laughing and crying. It was mighty.

My best friend Gill is getting married to Nick and they've just returned from a 5 month trip and the excitement is something else! Plus the fact that I'm going to be a bridesmaid for the first time has pushed it up a notch as well!

I made such a show of myself in Neary's on Wednesday evening. If you were there I was the one sitting in the snug merrily drinking a pint of Guiness until two people arrived and made me cry! Gill thought she'd broken me! I couldn't stop gurning I got such a happy shock!

Julius Geezer has also asked if I had seen Once. Well I have and I've written about it on the review page if you're interested. I also have other stuff to review as well but getting the time is becoming difficult!

In other news I've found the hyperlink button in Blogger! Now didn't that take me a long time to figure out? I'm sure it's been there for ages as well...

Movie Fan!!

2007-03-27T18:30:00.000+01:00

Waaarrrrrggggghhhhhh (picture Homer thinking of a doughnut)

300 rocks your socks off and more.

Review on the www.fionasreviews.blogspot.com if you're interested.

I loved this movie....

Sports Fan!

2007-03-24T14:22:00.000Z

I guess that if you read this blog at all regularly or know me at all you'll know that I have a healthy interest in all things sporty. And I mean all sports! At the moment we are awaiting the commencement of another historic game in Croke Park. This time it's soccer and it's Ireland v Wales and if we don't win... well I think it's safe to say we'll be looking for a new manager, and if not he'll be villified and his character will be besmirched and condemned from all quarters. After all it's important stuff right?

Last weekend we watched as Ireland were robbed of the six nations championship in the Rugby. IF the TV ref hadn't been Irish do you think the French try would have been allowed? WHY was he Irish anyway? Surely in such an important game the least that could have been assured to one and all that the referees were neutral in all games. An Ozzie or Kiwi ref making that same decision would have made more sense, surely? As a result the man was stuck between a rock and a hard place and I think he made a political decision. But it's not the end of the world cause the world cup is coming up and we can do well there cause that's important stuff right?

And so we come to Ireand in the Cricket World cup. Personally I didn't even realise we were going to be playing in it until we started winning. Because I'm a sports fan I know how cricket works and it's been thrilling watching our amateurs do so well. However beating Pakistan was a double edged sword. Winning in cricket would appear to be more important than anything else in Pakistan, even human life. Whatever happened to Bob Woolmer, the fact that he died is horribly tragic. If he died because of Pakistans defeat by Ireland now that truly is wrong. So what's more important in the long run? It's not a question we should have to pose is it? It's only sport after all...

Let's see how Steve Staunton and the lads fair today. They could do with a win. The country could do with seeing them play with conviction. And it might even calm Roy Keane down! (He makes me laugh and cheer and throw things at the telly all at the same time!)

Da Cats

2007-03-21T16:03:00.000Z

Sally the cat has been keeping me warm all day.

Sally is our last remaining kitten from the litter that Bosco delivered last summer. Her brother Jack was recently killed in a cat versus car incident. Sally misses him.

Sally also likes to blog.

I have great hopes that some day she will reach her goal of actually publishing something.

Because I am in cat humour here too is a picture of a portrait of our dear departed Paddy. I don't have a digital photo of him unfortunately. Paddy went on a journey to find his lost tail about a year ago. We hope he's found it.

Picture quality is crap sorry!

Planes, trains and flu like bugs

2007-03-20T13:52:00.000Z

Grandad Joe was the first to fall foul of the "flu". And it's a bad dose. The poor man was very very ill for a fortnight, delirious, unable to eat or drink, aches, pains, you know the 'flu in all it's glory.

Mother dearest was the next to fall victim. She also graduated to full on chest infection status and denial! Poor mother she's not a good patient!

Now I have something. Not quite the same as Grandad and Mother but yucky all the same. Had the shakes the aches and joint pains on Saturday, followed by the nausea and the stomach aches, and now just have the stomach thing. It's horrible. I feel sorry for myself...

But at least I waited to get ill until after London! It could be worse.

The trip was fantastic. The Lovely Boy got to read what he needed to read, the sun shone and it felt like early summer. I met up with some college friends which is something I should have done a long time ago. We ate well, discussed important issues (ranging from the pressing issue of whether Jade Goody is a bad person or just terminally stupid and carbon footpirnts. We're an eclectic bunch!) It was fun.

Photos are on Flickr (see link) if you like to see what I saw. Here's a sample...

Egyptian archaeology in the British Museum.

Some classical busking in Camden Market

I was amazed at how close people were getting to the swans in Hyde Park. I was under the impression that swans are pretty to look at but vicious when approached. I kept my distance anyway 'cause I'm a coward! But the kid in the red hat was loving it!

Buzzing around like a....

2007-03-10T00:05:00.000Z

blue arsed fly.

That's a favourite phrase of mine! Poetic isn't it????

But if you ever take the time to observe a blue bottle and then think about what you've been up to you might see where I'm coming from! Hopping from one thing to the next without settling at anything, you get the drift.

Today I was in Galway visiting my brother. I got krishna-ed for the first time in many years. They are lovely people as a general rule and I think I confused him a little bit by not needing to be saved, not having a crummy job and already being a fan of yoga and seeing the world in different ways! It amused me mightily!

I also changed my image a little. My hair has been shortened (by about 4 inches) it was far too long, and darkened. I now remind myself of how I looked about 10 years ago, which is weird....

I'm off to London on Monday for a few days. I hope to get some photos of somewhere different while there, but won't be blogging til maybe next weekend.

I have to get a Mongolian visa while there, which should be interesting, or not, I'll have to wait and see.

The Lovely Boy has research to do so I'll be mooching around on my own during the day. I'm looking forward to it. I like exploring new cities and having adventures!

The bog walk

2007-03-07T20:52:00.000Z

I walked for hours this morning in the spring sunshine. The air was fresh and clean and brisk. The sky was clear, the sun shone and the bog beckoned me onwards.

I brought my camera with me and took photos along the way to record the moment.

In case you've ever wondered, this is what happens when you sing some Johnny Cash at a bunch of cows...

This is a blackthorn tree. But be careful there might be fairies around so don't go too close!

Some neglected and lonely footed turf.

The recent high winds have felled many trees in the area this one had a bough broken. It's lying at the feet of the tree it fell from.

This daffodil was the only splash of colour along my path.

The goat in the manger!

P.S. see link for the full set.

Spring has sprung

2007-03-01T15:11:00.000Z

Seeing as it is the first day of Spring here are some hastily taken photos of real honest to goodness wild daffodils!

I'll bring my proper camera tomorrow and take some better ones.

Don't they just lift the soul?

It's back!

2007-02-26T18:16:00.000Z

Oh joy!

I found Mr Unky again! Or Mr. Punky as he is now called!

Now I will no longer have to rely on my tried and trusted moods of hungry, grumpy and alright! I can once again explore new boundaries in self discovery!

There is something to live for beyond the next box set of the West Wing!

Choc full of emotion

2007-02-24T19:36:00.000Z

I think Gerry Flannery's face as the Amhran was sung said it all.

I don't remember ever hearing our national anthem sang with such passion, emotion or meaning. It was incredible.

It was an outstanding victory for the Irish team today and one we can all remember for years to come with a smile on our faces. If only we could have beaten the French two weeks ago. Oh but for the bounce of a ball....

We should be proud of our lads, of the coach and of our country! Bring on the World Cup!

Ireland's Call....

2007-02-24T14:44:00.000Z

So here we sit on the cusp of another historic occasion in this Nation's long history.

Ireland are to play England on the hallowed turf of Croke Park, with the ghosts of Tipperary captain Michael Hogan and the other 13 people, including children, who were murdered there by the British in 1920 no doubt also in attendance (see link).

Some state this is a time for us as a Nation to heal, to forgive and to move on. Others feel it will never be the right time to forgive and have stated their protest loudly for all to hear.

For me I'm not happy about hearing God Save the Queen being played there. But then it's not a particularly good tune anyway. La Marseillaise when played always sounds uplifting and seems to encourage aspirations to greatness. Hearing it played two weeks ago in Croke Park was thrilling and exciting. My personal anxiety over the game and it's result was so great I woke myself up suffering from abject disappointment after that heart breaking defeat that night.

We can't win the Grand Slam now. Let the English play their song, I won't sing along and I won't like it but then I never do no matter where it's played.

We better beat them though. Defeat would be a shame too great to bear right now.

Are we getting stupider (sic)?

2007-02-23T18:41:00.000Z

I recently stayed with my good friends overnight and had a very interesting conversation about something that has been preoccupying my mind for quite a few months now. We came to the conclusion that as a Nation we are more stupid now than we were a decade ago. That's a sweeping statement I'll grant you but I'm prepared to stand by it.

This thought first occured to me properly during the summer when RTE radio announced changes to their broadcasting line-up. Their afternoon schedule in particular was getting a complete make-over. Rattle Bag the current affairs and arts show was being taken off the air and was going to be replaced with a radio chat show hosted by Derek Mooney. Mooney isn't the worst when he talks about topics that interest him, i.e. animals. In fact Mooney goes Wild was an informative and interesting show and I know a lot of people listened to it on a Saturday morning. However place him in a situation where he doesn't have a theme and you get the usual inane drivel that you hear everywhere else. And what's more there are no good arts radio shows to be found. There was a small outcry at the time but it seems that information about arts and culture in Ireland just isn't going to pull the crowds, and so Rattlebag was no more. I still miss it.

I have also been observing the younger generation, now that I have a bit of time, and while I admit there have never been many 15 and 16 year olds who approach anything outside of music and pop culture with anything approaching enthusiasm, it seems to me that this is even more true now than it ever has been before. With the advent and ascension of reality tv,(Pop Idol, Big Brother etc etc), the ambition of becoming rich and famous for doing very little seems attainable to young people and almost a given right. Drama, singing and dancing classes are two a penny all over the country, and while I think that in itself is not a bad thing, the fact that it seems to be all that many people concentrate on as they develop themselves into young adults worries me.
When I was that age I was involved in youth groups, Amnesty International, Green Peace and youth politics, I really and earnestly wanted to make things better. I was naive and I was interested but what's wrong with that? I wish I saw more of that now instead of the jaded cynicism and ennui which emanates from this current youth generation.

To put the icing on the cake I was informed recently that Leaving Cert Honours maths has been dumbed down. It is now apparently at the same level as the pass paper was when I sat it ten years ago. English classes in schools analyse modern films, as English study, you don't have to read Emma anymore just watch Cluelesss instead and independent thinking has been replaced by rote learning and spoon feeding.

To give another example we went to a large and modern shopping centre today for a little retail therapy. Out of 200 shops there was only one book store and it specialised in children's books, and chick lit. An up to date copy of The Economist could not be found. We could find a copy in Spain and France while travelling there but it is proving difficult to locate on a regular basis in this country.

I think it is indicative of what is rapidly becoming a problem in this country. We prefer to read the English tabloid newspapers, cheap novels and comic books than seeking out international opinion on important topics of the day. How much worse does it all have to get before we wake up and realising that we are becoming staid, ignorant, boring and worst of all stupid?

Bored Now

2007-02-18T16:11:00.000Z

I don't want to be at home!

But the Lovely Boy has work to do and so I am standing by him, and I am of course delighted for him! He's publishing a book on the War of Independence you see!

Things were going well for us on the road it was really cool to be somewhere warm when everyone at home was freezing! I'd like to do that every January!

And now that we are at home for a while it gives me a chance to organise visas from here rather than trying to it elsewhere. So I'll be keeping myself busy over the next few weeks.

But I've got majorly itchy feet!!!!

The Long Goodbye...

2007-01-10T17:28:00.000Z

And we're off!

Any posting by my while we are on our trip can be read at:

www.travellingtrixi.blogspot.com

I hope the wait has been worth it....

Turning a corner

2007-01-02T17:46:00.000Z

I have never in all my experiences of New Year's Eve been more pleased to count down the new year.

2006 was a pretty crappy year for me as these things go but considering we're off in the next week or two (barring any further disasters) I am cautiously optimisitic that 2007 is looking better!

I'll keep you posted...

P.S. My resoloution this year is to find peace within myself.

Christmas Images

2006-12-30T19:48:00.000Z

Trixiella

2006-12-20T21:10:00.000Z

Once upon a time Jenn and PJ were getting married. Trixiella was due to be out of the country and therefore did not receive an invitation. Fair enough. Now that she is back in the country the lovely kind hearted Jenn didn't want Trixiella to be the only girl not at the ball and she managed to squeeze me into her table seating arrangement (even though she did mess it all up for her). Thence delight and amazement on Trixiella's part, a rush to squeeze into a lovely black dress, a dash to find jewellery and shoes, and some hopping on one leg to get a hair appointment. And the scene is set.

As part of the last minute arrangements Trixiella went to the bank to organise a gift cheque (it's better than a crummy picture frame and more useful she thought). She met the groom in the bank and considering the wedding is due the following day was amazed to hear that he had been in work that day, hadn't fitted on his suit or even seen it yet and his parents weren't arriving until the day of the wedding. How laid back and relaxed is that she thought to her self and toddled off to get a card and give it to the blushing bride.

The bride was unfortunately not at home so Trixiella dropped the card into her post box and decided to be safe and not sorry and sent lovely Jenn a text message advising her she was very excited about seeing her the next day.

The reply went along the lines of yes I'm excited but the wedding's not til Friday.
Holy crap thought Trixiella I was all set to turn up at the church on Thursday with curls in my hair and wearing pretty but very uncomfortable shoes. It could have been a disaster...

My amazing exploding ear...

2006-12-19T14:21:00.000Z

I was due to leave this fog bound, saturated wind blown rock on the 14th of December.

Due to reasons outside of my control but within my sphere of knowledge the decision was taken not to fly.

On the 12th of December I was sent to A&E to get puss (thats the nicest word for it honestly) sucked out of my ear.

I was told by every member of my mother's family that God didn't want me to leave and that was his way of telling me.

What does this make God? I can think of a few choice phrases that I won't repeat here for fear of drawing his wrath further on me.

And what does it make me? Psychic? Unlucky? A Physical wreck who is too crap to successfully leave once she has finally settled on a plan and a date of leaving? Or maybe I was actually just lucky, as it turns out I was needed here this weekend and in all honestly if I had been away would probably have come home anyway.

So the moral of the story is don't try to leave your family before christmas cause God will stop you. Amen.

Best Hen Night EVER!

2006-11-28T15:31:00.000Z

We talked... naturally.
Drank too much, does it even need to be said.
Pampered ourselves.
Received and gave gifts.
Drank some more.
Ate well.
Danced til we couldn't breathe.
Sang til our hearts nearly burst.
Laughed til we cried.

My ears are still ringing, my muscles still ache, my stomach turns when booze is mentioned, and I'm still laughing when I remember what we got up to!

Secret Shame (the latest one)

2006-11-22T15:28:00.000Z

I have in the past listed some of my secret obsessions and the accompanying sense of shame I have at these activities in the past. They have included James Blunt and Harry Potter and that's all I'm prepared to say regarding a recap.

My latest secret shame is one I think I probably share with a lot of people at the moment and it truly is morally reprehensible.

I am currently obsessed with I'm a Celebrity... Get me out of here!

It's a show for those of you not familiar with it that uses the battered egos of one time "celebrities" who are desperate to recapture the fame that was once theirs. They are dumped in the Australian outback in a camp with little or no facilities and have to compete in horrendous tasks involving muck, slime, creepy crawlies, spiders, snakes, jumping out of airplanes... the list continues, all in order to win food. The British Public vote for the celebrity who takes on the task and they can be very very cruel.

This year amongst others we have David Gest, Jason Donovan, Mylene Klasse, Dean Gaffney and Toby Anstis. They are the ones I had heard of before the show started, the rest were unknowns to me but as is to be expeceted I now know all about them! Hence why people do it I guess.

This year there's a woman call Jan Leeming on it who I believe reads the news in England, is in her fifties, moans constantly, and she is getting hammered in the tasks. At this stage she has been voted to do more horrible things in order to win food than anyone else in the history of the show. And worse still it's compulsive viewing.

I feel so bad watching this cruelty and yet I tune in every evening. I draw the line at lifting the phone though. Does that make it any better?

Nah didn't think so either?

Handy tips for applying for a new passport!

2006-11-16T17:09:00.000Z

I finally received my shiny new passport today (Thank God!, time's really a ticking now you know) but that was not before there was a little drama and a bit of hair pulling.

So if you are planning to apply for a new Irish passport here are some tips to make it easier!

Photographs.
They have become very strict about photos. There is to be no messing anymore. You must face straight on, don't smile, slouch, wear glasses that reflect light, a head scarf or look in anyway like an individual! Be careful about the distance of your head from the top of the photo as well and you also have to have your chin and the crown of your head between certain parameters! It took me 3 goes and €18 to get it right!

The Guards
Don't believe them if they tell you your photo is ok... They really don't have a clue but are very convincing about it when you have three of them staring at the notice from the passport office on the wall and then your photo as they scratch their chins and pretend to know what they're talking about!

The Post Office
If you don't live in Dublin use passport express in the post office. They got mine to me despite having to send back my photos within 10 days. I'm well impressed.

So there you go. Basically get your photos done properly and you'll be fine!

The lesson for today is...

2006-11-15T15:40:00.000Z

5 stitches + cool scare - one mole = Ow.

Next the equation will be:

More stitches - 2 moles + more ow = One goldy coloured scarf to cover scare on neck.

Lots of sleepiness and a little brain deadedness due to anesthetic. Bit of a surprise as I didn't think a local anesthetic would make you feel weird = something new learned.

QED: Countdown to the great escape is on.

Safe and Sorry?

2006-11-07T10:55:00.000Z

As previously mentioned I had an appointment for a colposcopy yesterday, which I hadn't planned on saying anything more about, but have obviously changed my mind on that score now that the matter is over.

I think the best description I can give is to refer you to the Dentist scenes in the film The Little Shop of Horrors. There was a chair which looked comfortable enough to please a practiced torturer, instruments to make your eyes water and a silently eerie doctor who grunted nearly finished now and again when I began to look as agitated as I felt.

My brother who is a doctor, once explained to me that, while they may not be taught this outright in medical school they are certainly encouraged to consider their patients as pieces of meat. While I can sort of see the logic behind this outlook, as it protects the doctor from becoming too involved, I also found it at the time to sound callous and cold and not how I would like someone to view me. After all the phrase "a piece of meat" brings images of the carcasses of soulless mammals to mind, not a way I prefer to view myself, lets be honest. However despite having many encounters with the medical profession I have not once ever felt so mistreated. Until yesterday.

I was prepared for the torture chair in my own mind but not for the indignity that accompanied getting into it while the nurses fiddled with settings and pedals and things which weren't helping me feel any better about the said indignity. A gown would have been appreciated. A place to undress in private would also have gone a long way.

I was prepared for the telescope that they had to use but not for the student nurse who stood directly behind the doctor staring at bits of me I barely know myself by sight. And worse still grimacing, once things were under way and at a time when I was really trying hard not to show fear. The fact that she continued to stare at me once I was released from the chair as I tried to draw the few scraps of dignity I had left around me did nothing to further endear her to me. Maybe she was interested in the myriad of interesting scars I sport? If so she could have asked I have no problem telling my story and she might have learned something, but just staring at me was improper, and what's more it was unfair, after all I was just trying to get dressed.

I want to make it clear right now that I would still rather have gone through what happened yesterday then discover in 5 years time that I have cervical cancer, and too late at that because I was too scared to put myself through a colposcopy. That is a foolish way to look at this and not one I would advocate. I will do whatever I have to do to be healthy, I've seen too many doctors not to know the value of health and well being. That's not what this is about. What I have a huge problem with and am increasingly angry about is the indignity of it. I was made to suffer because the hospital was short staffed (I was told this by the very kind nurse who took me aside afterwards and helped me compose myself), I was made to feel like a freak show and piece of meat by a girl who should have known better, and I was made to feel irrelevant and pathetic by a doctor who didn't care. I'm sure not everyone experiences this procedure this way, and I'm also sure there are better ways of doing it, than what I experienced.

I'll get the results in 2 weeks time and I don't foresee that there is anything to worry about but then again it probably is better to be better safe than sorry. Right??

Tieing up loose ends

2006-11-03T17:22:00.000Z

Do you remember way back in the dark ages I announced that I planned to create a babies blanket for the Peanut to celebrate his birth? It was a very long time ago and I will forgive you if you can't remember.

However the good news is that I have FINALLY finished it.

I would like to defend myself by stating that I am usually not as pathetically slow at producing such items, but summer time is not a good time for knitting or needle work (cause your hands are too sweaty), and then I was away for a few weeks, and then I became very lazy, and then I nearly finished it but decided to leave it aside for 3 weeks instead... and so it continued.

However I am pleased to announce that the said article is now complete!

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Ta Da!

Moose I shall be coming to visit shortly now that the shame has lifted!

Full Service Please

2006-11-03T17:16:00.000Z

Right so far the boiler has been serviced, it was grossly ineffecient.

The car is due for a service on Wednesday.

The attic will be serviced with insulation in the next few days.

The garden has been serviced with a short back and sides.

And finally I am getting a full overhaul and service. The sad thing about that last statement is that while it's loaded with innuendo it actually refers to medical services...
Before we hit the road I am in line for a colposcopy (please don't ask) 3 mole removals and full dental check (I hope that's all it's going to be, but seeing how bad my luck is at the mo I'll probably have to get root canal work or something equally as hideous done). I am not impressed but apparantly it's better to be safe than sorry...

All Hallow's eve

2006-11-01T11:53:00.000Z

The difference between the celebration of the night of the spirits in the Irish countryside compared to the cities is truly startling!
For the past ten years I have been used to battling my way through gangs of intimidating younsters flinging bangers at me, each other, the local cat, or old people. I've hated every one of them. The noise usually starts sometime in September and intensifies the closer it gets to October 31st.

Now I know Minister for Fun McDowell has put legislation in place that is supposed to make the sale and use of such fireworks illegal so this year maybe (I'm not sure I believe the hype) things were different in Dublin.

Here in the midlands however last night was bordering on a religious experience! It was surreal and heartwarming and fun and truly surprising. Neighbours of my parents had built a huge bonfire on the hill behind our house and once it was lit I could see it from where my house is which is at least 4 miles away. As I approached the fire the roads were full of children on trick or treating missions, and cars parked all the way up our road without an inch to spare. At the fire itself there was some chat but mostly a warm and welcoming silence with people greeting each other with a nod as they stared into the seering heat of the flames. From the vantage point we could see at least six other fires and the most amazing fire works displays, which illegal or not were breathtaking. Someone nearby had spent a lot of money to have such a huge and long lived display, it was beautiful.

As the night got colder we were all invited into the neighbours house for wine, tea, sandwiches, games the whole works. It was a fantastic evening and if the purpose was to keep the spirits happy then they weren't the only ones appeased and refreshed.

Is it true?? Is it really true??

2006-10-25T16:21:00.000+01:00

Can someone please tell me if Michael Jackson, that is the Michael Jackson (aka Wacko Jacko) was/is in Moate, Co. Westmeath today???

Really?

And was he feeding his kids some Flahavans porridge while there?

Did Big Tom make an appearance I wonder to propose recording a duet? Well why not? If Michael Jackson is in Moate then anything is possible?

Crazy Night

2006-10-15T22:13:00.000+01:00

Had a bit of a mad one last night and am in shock at how little pain I am in today!

The diet went out the window and the pizza came in!

Gill and Nick are off for 5 months and they were sent off with style.... I think.

That's about as coherent as you're going to get from me tonight...

On a lighter note...

2006-10-09T13:44:00.000+01:00

The push to get properly fit, healthy and not squidgy is underway folks. To date I have lost 4 and half pounds and an inch from all over and that's just in 3 weeks of trying!

This week I have been mostly not eating bread!

I would recommend it as a course of action.

Cyprus 5 - Ireland 2

2006-10-09T13:43:00.000+01:00

Devastating.

Embarrassing.

Depressing.

The Roman Holiday

2006-10-07T14:57:00.000+01:00

I have finally managed to get some of my pictures from our trip to Rome up on Flickr, the link below will you directly to the set if you're interested.

I think this has to have been my most favourite holiday ever. I love Rome, I've been there 3 times now and hopefully will be back again at the end of this year, and I can't get enough of it.

In mid September the weather was perfect, it was a constant 30 degrees for most of the week, and the crowds weren't all that bad so it was absoloutely glorious! We adopted a policy of having one day in the city and the next day on a bus tour of some sort so that everyone (there was a group of us this time) could have a little rest on alternate days.

We tried one of those touristy bus tours that pick you up from your hotel, and ventured on the Christian tour of Rome (to keep the olds happy) but as it turned out everyone loved it! We visited St. Mary Major Basillica, St. John Latern and the Catacombs, and it was fascinating, the guide was excellent.

Ostia Antica

Other tours included a trip to Ostia Antica, the ancient, abandoned port of Rome, which I can't praise enough. If you go, bring sturdy shoes, hire the audio guide and spend the whole day there. We were there for about 3 and a half hours and didn't get past the amphi-theatre which is realtively near the entrance to the city!

We also traipsed all the way to Pompeii for a day on the train. It's not a difficult journey to undertake and if you are in Rome for any amount of time at all, you really should do this trip.
Pompeii is a bit crazy and has been completely over run by tourist groups and guides, but we found that if you get your map and guide book out and plan what you want to see you can by-pass the pushy groups and enjoy the place at your own pace. But if you don't have time to do this then do at least try to see Ostia, in my opinion it's much more impressive and a lot less crowded.

Pompeii.

On our final day trip we took ourselve off to see Hadrian's villa on a rainy saturday. It was very very impressive and the rain gave the whole experience a very romantic and personal feel.

The Lovely Boy took this shot at Hadrian's Villa, I think it's amazing.

While in the city we did the usual trips to the Colleseum, the Forum, the Palatine. As well as the Trevi Fountain, Capitiline Hill, the Parthenon, and lots lots more. We also indulged in very fine cuisine in the Jewish quarter amongst other places and generally relaxed and soaked up the atmosphere.

If you fancy something a little different I have to recommend the Time Elevator! It's a 5d cinema experience and we laughed ourselves stupid while there!

Where's Wally (or Trixibell) on the Spanish Steps?

For Gill

2006-10-05T17:48:00.000+01:00

Here are some of the long over due Sligo pics!
The rest should be up next week!

Wind swept and beautiful!

Streedagh Strand, Co. Sligo

From the ridiculous to the obscene

2006-09-28T15:01:00.000+01:00

I've had a few moments of sheer madness this week, which in hindsight made me laugh heartily and I think can be shared with the general public as an example of how life amuses me at times.

Firstly the ridiculous.

This morning there was a frog in my toilet.

I should have taken a picture but was far too busy jumping up and down on the bed and screaming for the lovely boy to come and rescue me. The problem with this scenario however now lies in the fact that I think we are now accomplices in Amphibian Homicide. We flushed him back down the loo. I say back because my worst fear is that he climbed up though the pipes, the happier option would be that he came through the window, but I'm prepared to accept the worst in this case. Like I said it's all a bit ridiculous.

My second story concerns the obscene.

Picture this, Trixibell enters the sitting room and starts to flick through the channels on TV. She gets to TG4 (the Irish Language station) she is confronted with Hector O'Heocaghain strapped in some sort of hamock in his boxer shorts being whipped by a dominatrix in a corset. The scene changes to another bloke (apparantly a Kerry footballer) bent over a table in his boxers also being whipped. Then Hector gets out of his contraption, while wearing a gimp mask and starts shouting and roaring about Meath beating Kerry some time in the nineties while beating the Kerry fella with some sort of a stick.

I was very confused.

Should I stay or should I go now?

2006-09-26T15:37:00.000+01:00

I've just been flicking around my blog rolling list and have noticed that quite a few of my stalwarths have gone very very quiet or have disappeared altogether. What's going on in the Irish Blogosphere?

I found it difficult myself there for a while but have taken a huge step back and now care less and less about stats and visitors, (unless they leave a nice comment for me). I'm blogging for myself and generally not for an audience. I find that as I can't be here everyday it has become more difficult to comment on events of the day, or interesting news stories as they have usually passed into archive status by the time I get around to writing about them, I have lots of saved and unpublished posts to prove it! But that doesn't really bother me as I was always a little uncomfortable about adding my two cents worth, I can't understand why anyone should care what I think anyway! However the best thing about blogging I've found is that I now have a written reference for different stages of my life over the last year and a bit. Not everything has been included here and in fact recently a big crappy unhappy thing hasn't even been mentioned, but I know it's happened and I know I don't need to record anything about it. Besides it's over and this is supposed to be a happy place where I can play!

But I have to come to realise that blog pages have their own time span and usefulness. I will be abandoning here while I travel, although I have every intention of trying to record a taste of my adventures on another page, I wonder will I care enough to come back here when I return? Life moves on and I may too. But at least I'll have a record for posterity!

Aaaaaggghhhhh Feckin Internet

2006-09-26T15:04:00.000+01:00

Right I'm finally here! It's taken 3 attempts over a similar number of days to get onto this flippin page.
Aaaaaaggghhhhh. Again for good measure!

Anyhoo have been up to lots of mischief in the intervening period between posts including, 10 days in Rome a girly weekend in Sligo, much lazing around and having fun!

I have loads of pictures to put up but due to the unstable nature of my internet connection you're just going to have to wait for them for a little while longer. My plan is to transfer them from my laptopto a memory stick and load them on Daddy's 'puter as he can access the ISDN line which for some reason my laptop won't do. But first I have to buy a memory stick.... It's all very complicated.

I am now going to have another hunt around for some sort of decent internet connection that reaches our house which is in the sticks. This is where I miss Dublin a little bit, but still not a lot to be honest.

Once we have that sorted the travel plans should follow... I hope.

De Midlands

2006-09-06T15:38:00.000+01:00

Here's what I've rediscovered so far about living outside Dublin after a very long time.

All men between the ages of roughly 15 and 25 are called Sham.
I'm a fine girl!
Pineapples are hereforth known as Pineaaaaapples.
Everyone I've met have been extremely decent.

I like it here.

It's the Peanuts!

2006-09-04T16:43:00.000+01:00

I met the Peanut!

He's handsome, healthy and has great suction!

The boobless hairy mommy also made me laugh!

The Pilgrims Progress

2006-08-22T11:44:00.000+01:00

Lourdes is a strange place, at once confusing, noisy, bustling, tacky and peaceful. The cacophony reaches it's zenith during the week of the 15th August as the week combines both the feast day of the Assumption and also the Gypsy festival.

I'm going to publish some photo's here the rest are on flickr just click through to find them.

The Basillica

Torchlight Procession

I met some fabulous people in the last week, I faced my demons and conquered them, I bonded with my lovely mother, and crazy aunts. I found myself again.

I'm not afraid anymore of what I have left behind, I can face the next step and I can't be hurt. I've found my strength again.

It's time to move on.

Canal Bank Walk

2006-08-10T22:14:00.000+01:00

Canal Bank Walk - Patrick Kavanagh

Leafy-with-love banks and the green waters of the canal
Pouring redemption for me, that I do
The will of God, wallow in the habitual, the banal,
Grow with nature again as before I grew.

The bright stick trapped, the breeze adding a third
Party to the couple kissing on an old seat,
And a bird gathering materials for the nest for the Word
Eloquently new and abandoned to its delirious beat.

O unworn world enrapture me, encapture me in a web
Of fabulous grass and eternal voices by a beech,
Feed the gaping need of my senses, give me ad lib
To pray unselfconsciously with overflowing speech
For this soul needs to be honoured with a new dress woven
From green and blue things and arguments that cannot be proven.

Oh Help!

2006-08-01T01:52:00.000+01:00

I've bought a set of denby for myself over the last few days?

Pretty isn't it?

Does this make me old?

Mel oh Mel

2006-08-01T00:40:00.000+01:00

Oh dear it seems that the once beloved Mel Gibson (who I once dreamed of as swimming in a glass of gin and tonic and using the lemon as a float) is in the doghouse.

Not only was he caught drink driving but he has also (allegedly) reportedly was mouthing off anti-semitic comments (see link) .

What is a hollywood star to do?

We've had mugshots of Hugh Grant after his flagranté with Divine Browne prevously released to the press now we await the musgshot of Mel after his conversation with the LA PD concerning his thoughts on the Jewish involvement in wars. Not very nice is it?

However should we consider the Israeli attack on Lebanon in his comments?

To anyone with a thought in their head the current infraction (war) on Lebababon isn't exactly good conduct is it?

I'm definately not of the anti-semitic variety but I have to say that I one hundred percent disagree with the onslaught that the ordinary Lebanese civillian has had to deal with in the last fortnight.

From my reading of history I commend what the Jews have had to offer society as a whole. Their approach to civilisation and order is something we can all learn from. However the current and indeed the historich approach of the Israeli state, to the sovereignty of its borders is not something to admire. Hizbollah are not without blame but the ordinary citizen in Lebanon is. The current onslaught needs to stop now. Whether or not Syria is to blame for the attacks is currently irrelevant. People are dying, innocent people, and the UN seem to be powerless to stop it. Blaming the Jews is not helpful in this regard. Blaming the State of Israel would be more appropriate.

I read an article by Robert Frisk (who is a journalist who is willing to put himself on the front line) and he indicated that Hizbollah deliberatley goaded the Israelies into action by capturing 2 of their soldiers. I have no doubt this is true. But the Israeli reaction is not proportionate.

How many more innocent children, men and women have to die before this current upset will end?

Mel Gibson shouldn't have mouthed off when drunk and while being caught drink driving but he has opened another can of worms. Don't ya think?

Bye Bye Camera Phone...

2006-07-27T00:07:00.000+01:00

I have finally indulged and bought myself a proper wigital camera yoke! It's mighty it has 7 million mega pixels (I know, I know but indulge me I have no techy knowledge!) and it takes ogeous pictures! (Can you tell I'm living in the midlands again?)

I took some brilliant action shots of the lovely boy playing lovely football in the lovely garden with his lovely brother and sister at the weekend which I was really pleased with. Then I managed to take some very blurred shots of trees. You'd think action shots would be easier to muck up than trees wouldn't you? I'll keep practicing!

It's a feckin menagerie

2006-07-26T23:29:00.000+01:00

It's been an odd few weeks around here it you're of the animal variety.

Firstly I have to announce the sad and untimely dissappearance of Paddy.

Paddy was/is our loveable, cuddlyable, adorable black and white pussy cat, who loved everyone and even inspired a local artist to paint him. Paddy was involved in an unfortunate incident about 5 years ago where he managed to lose his tail. He survived the trauma however and managed to live a very full and happy existence and it was decided by one and all that knew him that he probaly hadn't noticed it was gone, as he wasn't really the brightest animal around. However he's been looking off colour recently and we were waiting for the little bro to make an appearance before bringing him to the vet - just in case something bad had to happen to him. Little bro turned up, Paddy sat on everyone's lap in turn, left the house and hasn't returned, we think he was waiting for the bro to come home too so he could say his last goodbyes.... Poor Padso we miss him.

On other news, the Boscoeenies are now impossibly cute as the following photos bare witness...

I had to take them to the vet last week as they had sore eyes, and am now denoted their saviour as they would have gone blind if I hadn't so kudos to me! But they are gorgeous one of them (whom I affectionately have called Septic) still has a sore eye but I'm minding her and she should be fine.

As for something completely different our local friendly hedgehog paid us a visit last night...

He got himself into a spot of difficulty...

Don't worry Fiona Doolittle came to the rescue! I've never been that close to a hedgehog before and to my surprise discovered that they can move very quickly when they want!

And to round the animal update up last week a magpie dropped dead at the back door. I have no pictures cause it didn't seem right but according to Ro it panted a bit first and then just keeled over and died. Very weird.

I'm living in a fecking mad house, with a wacky family and crazed animals! No wonder my sanity is slipping!

Maybe not so joyful...

2006-07-17T22:21:00.000+01:00

Well we managed to lose both the minor and the senior games on Sunday, not a good result by any stretch of the imagination.

But it was still a nice day out and the quality time is always good so I won't be complaining all that much. Besided Dublin did well. Offaly weren't fast enough, or fit enough and although both sides missed many opportunities and Offaly went a man down for a second yellow card when he shouldn't have gotten one in the first place, it was still an enjoyable game.

Before the invasion... The crowd and the atmosphere were fantastic.

The invasion started well before the final whistle blew and that was after 3 streakers ran onto the pitch during the game!

The long road home...

Joys of the Summer

2006-07-15T23:05:00.000+01:00

Some of my happiest childhood memories are of accompanying my Dad to Croke Park on Sunday afternoons with a rake of hang (ham) sandwiches and milky coffee in a flask to watch the behemots of Offaly hurling (and sometimes football) battle it out with other great counties on the field of play.

I was there in '94 when Johnny Dooley struck that fateful goal from the 45 yard line with three minutes to spare, that was followed up by another 3 points from play, and I screamed and screamed until I thought I would pass out and the end result was that we won the All Ireland, when it looked certain that Limerick had it in the bag. And I was there last year when Kilkenny whipped the lard out of us by 31 points in the all time worst game of hurling I have ever witnessed.

Tomorrow I am heading off to watch Offaly v Meath in the Minor Leinster Football Final and Offaly v Dublin in the Senior Leinster Football Final. It's my first ever time to see Offaly play a football Leinster final and despite my exhaustion, and the general anxiety I've been carrying for months now, I am really looking forward to the game. It takes effort to enjoy stuff sometimes and I'm going to make a big effort to enjoy tomorrow.

I hear from lil sis that hang sanwiches from the boot of the car have been replaced by subs from Subway, and milky coffee from a thermos in also no longer dé rigeur, but I'll bet you that Pops will still be full of excitement and usually unconcealed aggression towards our opponents and I will as per usual be left struggling between trying to restrain his enthusiasm for fear he'll get into trouble or actually getting myself into trouble by opening my big mouth! I also think the days are now long gone where I can get away with dressing in green white and orange from top to toe, and thinking I look cool!

C'mon Offaly lets beat those Dubs!

Bosco and the Boscoeenies

2006-07-12T17:40:00.000+01:00

Ladies and Gentlemen it is with great pride and pleasure that I can now introduce you to latest addition to Chez Trixibell's family!

'Tis none other than Bosco (the kitten with sluttish tendencies) and her brood of six, I kid you not, six kittens.

At first we were ashamed of her I mean she's still a child herself, we denied that such a thing could be possible in one so young and also because we thought she was a boy for a while... But once the teets for feeding appeared there really was no point in engaging in further denials, whats done is done. So now we have 9 cats.....

.... If anyone knows of a good home for a lovely black kitten, well you know where to come!

The proud mother.

The Boscoeenies

What do we do now?

2006-07-12T17:25:00.000+01:00

Mmmm I'm still not sure what I'm supposed to do with myself now that the World cup is over? Was there life before hand? I think there was but it all seems like a very distant memory now and is definately sepia toned when I try to remember!

It was a great month of football, despite the fact that diving dominated a lot of the focus and no great talent emerged to wow us with his high scoring abilities. It was a tournament for the old guard, for those on their last legs in the game, at the end of their careers or even at the pinnacle of them (I'm thinking of the lovely Cannavaro), but it was definately an entertaining month!

I'm glad Italy won, I'm sorry France lost as I was rooting for them, and I'm even more sorry that Zidane has ended his career in the manner that he did, but then he doesn't strike me as being a sentimentalist and he thought about head butting Matterazzi before actually doing it, so he must have realised in those few seconds of maddness that there would be consequences for his actions... I wonder what was said to him, I sincerely doubt that we'll ever really be sure, but whatever it was he reacted and he paid the price.

But back to my original question, what I am supposed to do now? Answers on a postcard please!

Quarter Final 2006 (part 2)

2006-07-01T23:13:00.000+01:00

What a magnificant day for football!

The French were sublime, graceful, powerful and convincing and they swept the Brazilians off the pitch tonight. I'm sure the Brazilians will find something to moan about but to my mind they can have little to say. Ronaldinho just didn't turn up, Ronaldo is too fat, sorry I mean, Ronaldo wasn't allowed to run, and Roberto Carlos was there somewhere I believe, I just didn't see much of him, and that is not a team that deserves to proceed to the semi finals. The French on the other hand showed us what real football looks like when it's played properly! Vierra played a blinder and as for Zidane, well what can I say, he's not finished yet despite everyone's predictions. However it was Henry that really surprised me, we are so used to not seeing him perform in big matches that when he does play it reminds us of just how special he is. I enjoyed this game immensely.

As for the previous game well it would appear that Wayne Rooney's foot has made yet more headlines. I've watched the pictures more than a few times at this stage and while initially I was convinced he had been hard done by and I really felt sorry for him, now I'm not so sure. I think that he must of known that his foot was hanging around Carvahlio's groin and he really shouldn't have dragged it back like that... However as our loveable pundits on RTE pointed out only Wayne Rooney can tell us if there was an intention to stamp or not. Regardless it was an unfortunate incident, but strangely not one that drastically changed the shape of the game. It was Beckham's removal from the game that made the best impact on the English. I'm not a fan of them as I'm sure you may have guessed, not because I'm particularly anti English, more because of the nonsense that goes on in the English media about 40 years of hurt and all that crap, so to see them go out is always a little sweet! However you're not going to fancy them in a penalty shoot out situation, not with their track record, and although they played better in the second half than in any other part of the competition, they remain as a team just not good enough. Granted I'll accept that they should be good enough, but it seems that the moral fibre to succeed under pressure is an element that they just don't have. It'll be very interesting to see what McClaren will do with them now that Sven Gormless is gone. I have wondered to myself how much influence McClaren has had on the team in this competition considering that Sven really had no reason to care, he was on the way out anyway, with 5 million in his pocket, why should he give a crap? Anyway only time will tell. What they really need is to have a major overhaul on the squad and the way they approach these competitions, but it's doubtful that that will actually happen.

All I hope now is that Germany doesn't win, only because they're in our group for the European qualifications and I don't fancy having to meet the World Cup Champions as we endeavour to rebuild our national team spirit... Role on the Semi Finals!

The Quarter Finals (part 1)

2006-06-30T23:22:00.000+01:00

Part 1 of the World Cup 2006 Quarter Finals took place today and I am very disappointed that Argentina were knocked out. I am also very disappointed that Messi didn't get a chance to play today. What was Peckerman thinking? You can't play a defensive holding game in the quarter final of the World Cup. Especially not against the host nation who happen to be Germany, and have a habit of over achieving in that particular competion. It's a shame that they're gone as I really thought that a Brazil v Argentina final would have been an ultimate match. However it is not to be.

The Italy v Ukraine game was predictable and there's not much to say apart from I'm glad Italy made it look easy and I think they have an excellent team despite the fact they don't have a star striker, they make defending a joy to watch and that has to be applauded.

As for tomorrow's games. Well England v Portugal and Brazil v France ooooohhhhh yeah it should be a great day's viewing alright.

Though typically England once again have all the luck on their side in this competition. I nearly had a fit watching the Holland v Portugal game last weekend. Not because of the crazy/dirty play on exhibition but because Portugal seemed to be determined to weaken their side to make it easier for the English to beat them! I can't say I hold out much hope of them being able to win tomorrow and much as it pains me would predict that England will make the semi finals. I only hope that they make this bitter pill easier to swallow by playing some decent football, but I won't hold my breath.

As for Brazil v France, well if Zidane keeps playing like he did against the Spanish this has the potential to be one of the best games of the competition. I am looking forward to it!

Escaping into fantasy

2006-06-30T23:11:00.000+01:00

As previously stated the prospect of the reunion of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock on the silver screen proved far too tempting for me to ignore this week and so I escaped into fantasy land and left any logic I possess at the door. Now whether it is my current altered state or just the fact that I'm a sucker for a crappy romantic movie all I can tell you is that I loved this film! My review is on the other page over there if you want to check it out.

I also recently (finally) read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (review also on other page) and it struck me as I was writing out my little pieces that I really have been escaping into fantasy recently. I haven't given myself up to silliness or indulged myself in escapism in a very long time and I had forgotten how much fun it is. It's also extremely relaxing to just go with a story and believe in it even if the logical part of your brain is screaming for reason!

I have also rediscovered that the art of knitting is another excellent method of escapism and relaxation!

I am currently creating a blanket for Peanut's pram (that would be Elke and Steve's peanut) and while it is going to be a gift it has also become a rather excellent way for me to control my recently peaking levels of anxiety!

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Peanut's Blanket.

So there you go folks if like me you feel the world is getting you down, give up on reality, become a recluse and start knitting! You'll feel better in a matter of a few short weeks! Honest.

SOLD!

2006-06-28T13:32:00.000+01:00

Whey Hey!

We have finally sold our house!
Confirmation has been received today and cheque is on it's way to the Bank!!!
Ok so we're homeless but who cares, we're on our way to fulfilling our dreams and that's all that matters!
We're clearing the hurdles one by one that were appearing in relation to the house we want to buy in the Midland's and for the first time I can see where we are going as a real destintion!

The really exciting part is that we can now start to plan our trip properly. While we were hoping to be back by next September (ie 2007) it looks like it might be later in the year than that, which puts my plans for apprenticing and stuff out but I don't really mind too much. In a way it's better as it means that I can just wait til I come home to start looking for one properly rather than fussing about it now or worrying about it while I'm travelling. It also gives us more freedom.

The down side is that I'll be over 30 before I start apprenticing! Feck! It'll be high time to be getting serious about being grown up by that stage won't it?? In the meantime I'm going to enjoy the freedom of not having to do anything, living in a hotel and going to the cinema in the middle of the afternoon (only to see films that the boy won't go to ! It's more fun seeing the good stuff with him anyway!) I have my eye on going to see the Lakehouse this afternoon, Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunited at last! How could I miss that on the big screen!

Wilde Living

2006-06-24T16:06:00.000+01:00

I've become a lounge lizard! And am currently residing Oscar Wilde style in hotel rooms throughout Dublin!

All of our worldly possessions are in storage. All of my clothes are in bags in my parents house. I am without a computer, a tv, or a place to charge my phone and I have to say it's all good!

The sale of our Dublin house should be closing next week which is just a week overdue, while this has been annoying it is to be expected and isn't really all that bad going. The house that we're buying has given us a major pain in the head over recent weeks but we finally signed contracts on Friday and whilst these won't be binding until the vendors sign them, and we can't let them do that until we close our sale, I have hope that things are finally looking like they are working out. I hope that doesn't jinx me!

To keep myself occupied I have taken up knitting again. I have also watched nearly all the world cup games and spent last week going to afternoon shows in the cinema whenever I fancied it. For the record X-Men 3 was disappointing and a bit confusing - and I'm an X-men fan...

New Day, New Beginnings

2006-06-13T22:09:00.000+01:00

I was up when the cock crew recently so I went for a walk to clear my head.

Things are moving on in my little world. We're packing our stuff and will be homeless for a short while, but that's not the end of the world! The sun is shining and new dawns are breaking every day, apparently, so I reckon all will be well!

I'll probably have more time to take photo's and visit here as well over the next while, at least that's the plan anyway!

In silent and in pensive mood

2006-05-31T12:39:00.000+01:00

I've been far from active in my interaction with the rest of mankind in recent weeks and that state of affairs seems to be reflected here in blog land as well.

It's pretty stressful this buying and selling houses business and I have to admit there are other forces at play which have been making the whole thing a hell of a lot more difficult then it really should be. The two of us have really battened down the hatches and are still waiting for the storms to clear. But things are improving and light is almost a perceptible reality at the end of that long dark tunnel so it's probably a little safer now to come out of hiding.

I have various thoughts on my mind at the moment and am actually struggling with how to deal with these feelings. Did you ever feel like you were painted into a corner and just had to wait it out until the paint dried? One thing I've decided for definate is that once this is all over and we're free and actually making plans to travel and setting up our new home, is that I'm going to change my outlook on life. I feel that I can concentrate on the negative too much, that I have developed an attitude of get them before they get me, and I don't like it. It's not how I was raised, it's not how I believe people should live and it's not healthy. In fact it's making me unhappy. I hope that a lifestyle change, hopefully working in a field where I am challenged in a positive way, and being closer to nature will help heal these self inflicted wounds and maybe even make me feel like a better person. I'd also like to get involved in volunteer and community work as well I have a huge urge to do something positive. From a selfish point of view I want to feel better about myself, but I also want to give something back.

So there you go that's what's up with me at the moment, well some of it anyway!

C'mon Munster!!

2006-05-20T12:32:00.000+01:00

Just imagine it. Munster whipping Biarritz in the afternoon.
Brian Kennedy whipping Europe in the evening. It could be an Irish whitewash!!

No but seriously I'm a barrel of nerves about this afternoon's game. I can barely breathe.

There really is only one result isn't there?

C'mon the boy's in red bring that trophy home and we won't stop singing for weeks!!

Secret Eurovision Shame

2006-05-20T12:25:00.000+01:00

#1 - I watched the semi final of Eurovision on Thursday night. All of it.

#2 - I cheered when Ireland qualified. Loudly.

#3 - I really like Finland's entry.

Anyone who makes this sort of an effort deserves fame and fortune or at the very least to win Eurovision!!

#4 - I will be watching it again tonight.

Stat Counting

2006-05-03T21:43:00.000+01:00

I've seen Red Mum do it, Blank Paige recently composed poetry about it, and now I feel myself perplexed by it.

You see one of the biggest searches that I get coming to visit me here is for some bird called Emily Fleeshman! Who the hell is she? I'm very confused about this one!

On a more promising note other searches directed this way in recent times included
Eating the most McVities Digestive Biscuits
Lovely Bottoms
Bossoms
PFO letters
and of course the FE1's or Blackhall Place exams.

I think they all just about sum me up!

Blogging

2006-05-03T21:22:00.000+01:00

**Warning! This is yet another post about blogging and the reasons for doing it!

It seems that every once in a couple of weeks at this stage I consider this blogging thing with new eyes! I think it's the nature of the beast to be honest so I'm just going to go with it!

I've been coming here for a year now as I recently mentioned and my approach has changed a little but not a lot! I think I've finally settled into a pattern of blogging I've found my own voice and am comfortable with what I produce here. There was a point just after Christmas where I was beginning to feel a bit pressurised and stressed about blogging! Mad isn't it! But I was. I felt that I had to be interesting, or a bit funny but at all costs I had to post. I've managed to leave that urge behind and not having access to the blog on a daily basis has definately helped me calm down about the whole thing and made it a more enjoyable experience for me as well!

My dad recently commented (in person) to me about my post about my little sis< after a little hmming and tutting he told me that he thought it was very well written! I was thrilled! Over the moon in fact and I felt very proud of myself.

It dawned on me then what I really want to do with this site, I want to write well, make people smile a little with my observations on life, not feel the need to comment on everything and anything that is occuring in the world (there are enough people doing that) and not feel pressure from within or without to do anything more than that!

Wayne Rooney's Foot

2006-05-03T21:08:00.001+01:00

What was your first thoughts when you saw/heard/read that Rooney had broken his foot?

Did you laugh?

Did you cry?

Did you shake your head in sympathy with the lad?

Or did you spare a thought for Sven Gormless and wonder what he's going to do now without his golden young striker?

I have to say my initial reaction surprised me. I genuinely felt sorry for him. Genuinely.

I'm not a supporter of the English team for various reasons, and as much as it sounds like begrudgery I would really hate to see them win the World Cup, cause we'd never ever hear the end of it again, ever, and that's not something to look forward to. And it has to be acknowledged that despite his youth, his resemblance to Shrek and his ability to run up large debts even though he earns far too much money, Wayne Rooney is a very good footballer. Without him Englands hopes of winning WC are somewhat damaged, but not completely dashed it must also be said, but I can't take any comfort from that.

What's wrong with me? Everyone else I know is grinning in glee!

Evil Fish

2006-04-30T17:56:00.000+01:00

It was a weekend dominated by fish.

We saw pretty ones!

Floated beside famous ones.

(This is robbed from somewhere as I wasn't quick enough to picture him myself! It's Funghi in case you don't recognise him!)

Ate dodgy ones.

There was much vomiting and illness and as a result we gave up and retired to the bossom of our family early.

However the early part of the weekend was lovely, the sun shone, the phat-mobile was in tip top motoring form and we had a lovely time. Tis a pity that the fish got us in the end!

Culture Vulture

2006-04-25T23:58:00.000+01:00

I've spent the last two nights immersing myself in very different and highly entertaining cultural art forms and the thought struck me that the Midlands probably won't offer me such wonders, and I felt sad. But on further consideration although I will more than likely miss opportunities like seeing Glen Hansard play in Christ Church Cathedral in the future the point is that I've done it now and have been doing cool stuff like that for 10 years now so maybe it's time to move on! Besides I have secret plans to stay in hotels and have wild and decedent weekends gorging myself on theatre and gigs and fine dining, not to mention the company of friends! And really and truly that could be fun too!

So as I mentioned we were at the gig in Christchurch on Monday night, and it was brilliant. The setting was as you would expect, very atmospheric. There was beautiful use of light in the church, like this!...

and the acoustics were amazing!
I really enjoyed the music which was really beautiful and felt very relaxed and happy leaving which is a good thing!

And then tonight we buggied on down in the phat-mobile to the Opera! It was cool! Faust rocks as far as I'm concerned even if the subtitles did break down and I had to make the story up in my head! I loved it anyway! Great production by the way if you fancy going I don't think you'd be disappointed.

As for this weekend Me the boy and the Phat-mobile are heading to the Kingdom! I just hope the weather is nice as we have 5 days in which to entertain ourselves while there! It'll be great to have a break and lie about drinking Guiness! Now that's real culture!

Ooo I almost forgot!

2006-04-18T22:13:00.000+01:00

Me and my blog have been together a whole year (plus some) already.

I was just looking back on my first few posts and it only seems like yesterday in a very surreal way, as we're only seeing the fruition of plans laid then now!

This time last year I was between exams and waiting for results, that really doesn't feel like a whole year ago believe me! We had also made the decision to travel but hadn't gotten as far as laying plans for upping sticks and leaving Dublin altogether, that came later. I'd forgotten that the initial plan had been made so early on isn't that strange? Such a big decision and I'd forgotten when we'd made it! Ah it's not that odd if you knew just how ditzy I really am!

Well it's been a good year, a positive year and I'm really glad that I have this record of it so at least I can have some appreciation of all that I've done and achieved in the recent past.

Next step is to get me a lap top so I won't have the boy peering over my shoulder giving out about my spelling or moaning about cyber stalkers! Ah well it can't be perfect I suppose!

"Wheeling" and "Dealing"

2006-04-18T22:10:00.000+01:00

We've sold a house.

We've bought a house.

We've been vaccinated.

It's been a crazy humdinger of a week!

Go On! I Challenge...

2006-04-09T18:30:00.000+01:00

and

to have a go at naming their favouite things! It'll be good for you! Honest.

Thanks RM for the suggestion!

Here are a few of my favourite things!

2006-04-06T20:24:00.000+01:00

When the dogs bite and the bee's sting I often find it a useful exercise to count my blessings and take pleasure where I can!

I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom at the moment or anything but there are times when sustenance must be taken from the simpe pleasures in life!

So here's my list!

1. My new car!
A bit of a no brainer there I guess but I am really enjoying the fabulous freedom of being able to leave whenever I want!

2. McVities Digestive Biccies
A simple pleasure I grant you but lurvely none the less, especially when dipped in very hot tea until they are soggy but not mushy. Yum!

3. Deal or No Deal
I have become addicted to this TV show, I watch it on More 4 in the evenings while cooking dinner. I got fierce excited this week when one of the contestants (I think it was Emily) nearly won £250,000! She only got £100,000 in the end! Hah I'd take it and be glad! It's a cool show based on nothing more than luck and Noel Edmund's personality! I'm glad he's back on the telly!

4. Planning my trip.
When all else fails I close my eyes and try to imagine I'm in China!

5. Working out.
I didn't think I would ever say this but I love going to Curves in the evenings. I've lost 6 inches so far and can really see my body beginning to tone up, it also brings the reality of leaving closer to home as well as I'm only really going there so I can be big and strong enough to lug a back pack around the world!

6. Cuddling the Boy.
Ah yes he's great at the oul cuddles alright and they always make me feel 100% better. What would I do without him?

7. Having a little cry
This is an odd one but stay with me here! There are times in ones month when having a little cry, whether it's over Cornation Street or stubbing your toe, clears the air and makes it all a little bit easier!

8. Listening to my MP3 player.
Especially when it's on shuffle and I don't know what's going to appear next! It can be anything from Pearl Jam to Bluegrass and all sorts in between!

9. Cooking
Even when I'm shattered and miserable making yummy food and, even better, eating it never fails to make me happy!

10. Going for a long walk
This is a pursuit best attempted at home where the air is clean, the birds sing prettily and there's lots of things to look at, unfortunately it doesn't work so well for me here in the Big Smoke!

11. Blogging/Writing
Although I haven't been writing as much I used to here I find myself still jotting down my thoughts and ideas on scraps of paper in work and then eating them in case they are discovered! (I'm joking, kind of, it's just they don't like any form of self expression in the Bank, and I'd hate at this stage to be found out as an individual, I'd probably get the sack!)

So there you go that's my top 11 it's one better than 10 you know!

Freedom!

2006-04-03T21:55:00.000+01:00

We bought a car a couple of weeks ago and it's just bliss!

I've wanted to own my very own car ever since I can remember but circumstances have always made it -well the best word to use is - unnecessary. And it's bothered me a little over the years, as I always saw myself as being a car owner first and foremost when I was little and tried to see what the future held for me! I was completely obsessed with driving when I was a kid as well to the point where I used to insist on sitting on the armrest in the back seat of the car and "pretending" to drive! This involved using my feet on imaginary pedals, shifting the imaginary gears whenever the parent did, holding an imaginary steering wheel (properly mind none of this random wheel turning for me!), checking mirrors the works! I reckon I knew the theory behind driving inside out by age 5!

And here I am 28 flippin years old and only now have I got my first car, little me would have been disgusted!

This is very like my car!

I love my car! It's a 99 Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia. It's got all the bells and whistles ya need including a cd player, air con, electric windows and it's got a wood finish dash! Very swank. It's currently parked up during the week but this weekend we decided on a whim to go to Cork, then we went to Athlone and back to Dublin this morning, it's great! Next weekend we're heading off again and I honestly don't know where it will end! But I'll keep you informed.

Oh yeah and yes we are still going away the car will be minded by Grandad when we go so don't worry all plans are still moving forward!

The Unluckiest Teenager

2006-03-27T20:50:00.000+01:00

My little sister, Ró, is pretty cool. She's 15 going on 16, very grounded, funny, intelligent and unfortunately for her a bit unlucky, well recently she has been at least.

Unlike her more slutty friends, who have been serial snogging young greasy child-men for the last few years, she has taken a more discerning approach to boys. She has her standards and she's been sticking to her guns! I didn't show the same restraint myself I'm ashamed to admit but applaud her and her principles! Besides I've seen the crowd she hangs out with, and can see her point!

But anyhoo it was with delight that I received a text from lil sis in which she wanted to inform me that she was going on a date, that the boy was reallllly nice nice (which I take is a good thing) and she was very excited/happy.

Oh joy thought I she's off the mark!

But really there is very little justice in the world, the poor chicken is now laid up at home with an enlarge spleen and, wait for it....

The unluckiest teenager

Glandular fever.

All you can do is laugh! And bless her she does see the funny side of it too!

What a week eh?

2006-03-23T21:51:00.000Z

Ok I have no doubt that this topic has been discussed ad nauseum in the blogosphere all week but I didn't get a chance to come here until tonight so now it's time for my thoughts on the Recalcitrant Rotweiler of Ranelagh!

It was a weird story wasn't it? I mean we're all used to Mr. McDowell doing his own thing and not really giving a damn for the consequences but here we had a situation where he not only lost his temper, his composure but also let's face it his dignity.

I'm not a big blue shirt fan, and while they may have had fascist leanings in the past (cue Eoin O'Duffy and his marching band) it was a strange and wild use of fantasy to claim that poor mild mannered Richard Bruton (or Brutal the younger if you will) was the next Joseph Goebels. But to wake up the following morning to hear our esteemed Minister for Justice apologising on Morning Ireland really confused my start to the day! I don' t think the presenters really knew what to do with him or his apology!

But then to top it all off he half heartedly apologised also for claiming Green Party supporters were responsible for trashing the PD's headquarters during the recent riots. But I actually don't think he did apologise for that one and it was just smoke and noise to cover the fact that he still things the muesli eating, sandal wearing anarchists were to blame.

He's a bit of an odd fish really isn't he? He appears to the type of man who would fight with his own toe nails if there wasn't anything better to do! And I suppose for a man in his position it does take a lot of courage to admit when you're wrong, we all know it stinks when you get caught out but I really don't think he had another option in this case!

What DOES it mean to be Irish?

2006-03-19T22:37:00.000Z

With the coming and going of Paddy's weekend I, like many others in the media and in the country at large found myself pondering the big question as stated above. I found myself looking around at our country and scratching my head over the furore and drinking plans being made by so many over our national saints day.

I read in the newspapers how kids in primary schools have no idea who St. Patrick was, I heard from a priest I know that the only child called Patrick in a local national school recently visited by him was a little Jehova's witness boy, who really couldn't care less about the patron saint of this country.

And then I watched the parade in Dublin on Friday from the safety and comfort of my sofa, to see if I could glean some inspiration about why we feel need to celebrate our Irishness in such a loud and boisterous way. I was left feeling a bit bemused and even more confused by that experience I have to say. Apparantly Irishness is about dressing up in silly costumes and/or playing brass instruments, or as in one very memorable display, wearing a bikini in the freezing cold and pretending that your're Brazillian and it's Mardi Gras??? I'm very confused about that one.

And still I was left without an answer about what it means to be Irish.

Saturday however brought a whole new set of experiences for me to ponder and it also brought some results.

You see I now am firmly of the opinion that what it means to be Irish is simpy that we prove that we are better than the English.

Our wonderful, dogged and talented men in green showed me on Saturday that even when I had given up, there is still hope that we can win. I was so sure that it would be another gut wrenchingly disappointing day of rugby, with the English finding their courage and their mark and wiping the floor with us, as has happened so often in the past. But this weekend it didn't. That victory together with the fantastic record 10 wins at Cheltenham by Irish trainers showed me what it means to be Irish without a shadow of a doubt.

My faith in this small nation, and my pride in being part of it despite all of its failings and the aspects of our culture which I feel is not to be lauded, was in fact reinforced. So there you have it, it was a momentous weekend for me in many ways!

Running on Empty

2006-03-14T22:08:00.001Z

Ever see that film - Running on Empty? It was one of my absoloute favourites as a teenager. It had River Phoenix in it, a James Taylor soundtrack and a teenage love story as well as radical political undertones and overtones! I loved it, I must have watched it at least 20 times! Ah memories.

Anyway it only came to mind cause I feel like I'm running on empty at the mo! But the James Taylor soundtrack in my head will keep me going I just know it will!

Time is ticking by for us. The house is being viewed is attracting some interest but no bloody offers yet, which is beyond frustrating. We have more people coming back for a second look this week and I hope to God somebody decides that they want to live here for definate. At least then we can relax a little knowing that we'll get a decent sum out of the place and can realise our dreams and aspirations! There's a lot riding on this for us you know!

On the other side we're off country bound for the second weekend in a row this Paddy's day, I hope to view the car of my dreams that Daddy dearest has sourced for me and also to do a lot of lying around shouting at rugby games. I can't wait! Wouldn't it be marvellous if we won not only the triple crown but also the Six Nations? I suppose I can dream eh?

Congratulations and Celebrations!

2006-03-13T21:54:00.000Z

I have a sneaky suspicion that this blogging lark in general may not be destined for anonymity for much longer. It was with delight and excitement that I came across muchos media coverage of the Irish Blog awards which took place over the weekend.

Congratulations to one and all, especially Twenty Major for his THREE awards and to Sinead who is by far and away one of my favourite bloggers.

I came across coverage of the awards in high profile media areas such as the Last Word with Matt Cooper and in the Irish Times which can only be a good thing for the Irish Blogosphere!

But it did get me thinking, who would have thought the bould Twenty would become an Ambassador for us all!

Randomness and Ramblings

2006-03-08T22:33:00.000Z

Well I haven't even dropped by here myself in recent days to see what's up and who's coming to visit, so if you are sticking with me thanks! I'm sorry for the crappiness and the not postingness but between scrubbing and painting (or watching the boy paint, to be strictly fair!) oh and crap broadband connections even checking my email has become a bit of a luxury recently.

I've had lots of thoughts over the last week and have even composed whole posts on scraps of paper but now that I'm finally sitting here I don't want to write about what happened a week ago! This blogging thing is a very current medium I find!

Anyway here are a few pics of our little garden coming to life. We planted hundreds of bulbs last year and it's just amazing to see them growing and blooming, despite the horrible weather.

Oh Lordy Lordy Lordy

2006-03-08T22:15:00.000Z

My hands are red raw, my eyes sting, my back aches, but finally, finally our house is ready to sell.

We have painfully considered auctioneers' pitches and dealings, and made a choice based on random things at the end of the day, those poor folks fighting over our house like that, I almost feel sorry for them.

So now it's really happening. Viewings will be taking place, strangers will be invading our little haven, with beady eyes and greasy fingers.

It's time to sit back with digits crossed and hope that the market is as greedy for a pretty house as we've been told it is!

Spawning in Springtime!

2006-02-28T23:24:00.000Z

NO! Not me!

Elke!

She's having Steve's baby!

She's the first of my college mates to get proactive and procreate! It's mad! We're all so old now and there's only one of us making more of us!

I'm soooo pleased for them and you can view the "Peanut" on their blog.
It's in the sidebar "Here is New York".

I can't be arsed doing the html thing as it's late and I'd have to dig around to find it!

Fear & Loathing in Dublin

2006-02-26T12:07:00.000Z

It was disgusting and upsetting to listen to and watch the reports from Dublin yesterday concerning the riots which took place on O'Connell Street before the Love Ulster march was due to take place.

Why Ulster Unionists feel the need to march in the North is something I don't understand. I understand even less why they feel the need to march on the streets of the capital of the country that they don't want to be a part of, however if it is supposed to help the healing process well I'll stay away from it and ignore the fact that they are probably trying to taunt us. Lining up in front of them, throwing masonry at undermanned Gardai and burning out cars however is not the way to make these people not want to march on our streets.

Those thugs that took over our streets yesterday in the name of Republicanism have only succeeded in confirming Unionist hatredand disparity of our Nation and that is not going to help this island find a lasting a peace. It was a shameful display of thuggery and criminality and not something that I would want to associate myself with or condone in anyway.

Happiness is...

2006-02-23T22:57:00.000Z

I was a bit of an old misery bag earlier today due to having an almighty tummy ache last night which left me feeling tired and emotional ( I have since found out that I have an infected stomach. Yuck.) But anyway as a result of the pain and the misery I had one of those mornings in which the slightest thing threatened at worst to shove me over the age into absoloute abject misery or at best make me cry. Not good.

So to cheer myself up I made a list of all the things taht were positive in my life, all the things I have to look forward to and all the reasons why everything wasn't s bad as it seemed just now, and that helped a little. I then went out in the rain to a local book shop and picked up a book which gives tips and advice to travellers which gave me a warmish feeling inside as I flicked through it and dreamed of places I want to go and see.

But the real restoration of my spirits came when I wandered into Butlers Chocolate Café and purchased happiness in a cup. A low fat Mocha. So much yumminess and happiness in one purchase! I need never feel blue again! I've found my salvation! Although I'm not too sure it was the best thing to have with an infected belly it sure did make me smile!

The art of the PFO

2006-02-21T19:39:00.000Z

I sent off a bunch of letters and CV's last week to various high profile solicitors in the Midlands just to test the waters. To be honest I really didn't expect to get any acknowledgement from any of them or any indication at all that the application had been received as it was unsolicited. However I received my first PFO today! And I'm pleased! Well at least it means the application was received and they said they would keep me in mind should they start looking for apprentices which is a little ray of hope that I'm going to hold onto! I'm not ready to take up a position immediately anyway as we have the travelling planned first but at least my name is out there and maybe I'll be remembered in the future. Yah never know!

I'm about to post a review of Good Night and Good Luck on the other site now and am then going to watch the champions league! Better be quick as it's rapidly approaching 7.45!

But ugh speed and me are not good friends at the moment! I think the combination of the extra walking distance to and from work, the longer day, and curves is really draining my energy! Plus I seem to be eating more than I really need which is counteracting the point of exercising.... Feck it! I'm hungry!

Busy busy busy

2006-02-19T18:14:00.000Z

I know I've been a little off with the blogging thing lately but believe me I am contributing here whenever I can it just doesn't seem to be happening very regularly at all. So I'm sorry.

Life has become very busy very suddenly for me and the lovely boy! The change of job has also had a huge impact on me not least for the fact that I don't have internet access anymore but also because unlike in my last job I'm busy and I'm learning stuff and it's good for me to experience that again as the last place I worked in was a far cry from the reality of life.

On the home front we are preparing our house for sale and next weekend we are heading out of Dublin to view houses in areas that we think we might like to live in. And I'm very excited about it all! Our current house needs very little work done but even the act of decluttering (I'm a hoarder I'm afraid!), refreshing paint work, weeding and cleaning takes time, effort and energy, which is leaving very little of anything for me to use to express myself here.

However saying that I am really missing my blog. I miss thinking about stuff and then putting those thoughts into words and commiting them to a medium. Today I've been working on the house all day and was feeling a little blue as it's sunday and I hate the thought of having another week of working and not moving to face into, but after spending a little time here I feel better already! So I am going to keep the blog up but it may only be a post once or maybe twice a week. But for me that will be better than nothing!

On Empty Vessels

2006-02-19T17:59:00.000Z

It is only when you are forced to mix with people and have no choice as to who it is you are sitting next to or walking in front of that you truly realise just how dumb some people really are. My prime examples for this little rant will be taken from my recent experiences at the cinema.

I'm sure we've all had to suffer through the indignity of having our chairs kicked or popcorn crunched loudly in our ears while attending the cinema, and while annoying, these events come with the territory and just have to be endured. However we have recently come across a much more annoying and to me baffling form of aggravation at the cinema. Talking. Out loud and throughout the whole film.

What is the point of that? Surely you pay nearly nine quid in to see a movie because you want to see it not because you want to talk to your mate? Or am I missing something? The prime culprits seem mostly to be young women in groups of two between the ages of 18 and 25. My advice is to avoid at all costs or risk having to become obnoxious and slightly aggressive in a bid to get them to shut the hell up.

On a different note, on my way out of Good Night and Good Luck this weekend I happened to overhear a particulary vacuous but amusing conversation between two such empty vessels.

Girl One: That was shite.
Girl Two: Nah I liked it, but if me ma asks me what it was about I won't be able to tell her.
Girl One: Yeah I liked it too.
Girl Two: But it was confusing right?
Girl One. Oh yeah, definately.

I used to think we were a nation that was able to pride ourselves on our education and intelligence. Yet the more I look around the more depressingly obvious it is to me that most people just reflect exactly it is that Ed Murrow warned us about fifty years ago. And it would appear that it is unlikely to improve.

Isn't it pretty?

2006-02-13T21:52:00.000Z

I really like this! I know I'm sad!

I'm on a roll tonight, with this blogging lark! I've also managed to pull together some letters begging for apprenticeships in 2007 as well and surfed some sites so it's been a good night!

It's just a pity google won't let me get into my gmail account tonight. It could have been a perfect day otherwise!

Have you noticed that spring is springing yet? The 100 million bulbs we planted in the Autumn are beginning to surface already and if the rain that I hear pelting down outside hasn't drowned them I'm going to start photographing their progress as a record of what we made!

Until next time folks au revoir and there are some reviews on the other site if you are interested!

Spit on Couples Day

2006-02-13T21:45:00.000Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20156178@N00/99372241/" title="Photo Sharing">http://static.flickr.com/28/99372241_e66ec9a957_o.jpg" width="99" height="99" alt="cupid" />

When I was in college my friend Beefor used to abhor this day of love and affection, the Hallmark holiday of Valentine's day, and as a result he dubbed it "Spit on Couples" Day, if fact I'm almost sure that he did actually spit on couples on February 14th, but would have to corroborate that with my other bitches, before I could be absoloutley sure!

Anyway I have to say that I agree with the sentiment. I hate Valentine's day. I find it cynical, expensive, in poor taste, and oh yes pathetic. If the highlight of your romance is to squeeze yourself into an over booked over priced restaurant once a year, with some half dead unbelieveably expensive non smelling roses under your oxter then you really need to re-evaluate your relationship. I have done it and can say with some authority that I've never enjoyed the experience.

As a result tomorrow night I will be going to the gym, cooking bangers and mash and watching TV tomorrow night, as normal. And I'll be with the man of my dreams. I definatley don't need a stupid card or anything to make me feel romantic towards him!

Great News!

2006-02-13T20:42:00.000Z

I passed my Irish Exam!

Tá athas an domhain ar mo chroí!

I can almost taste the relief! Roll on everything else!

The things you see

2006-02-08T21:43:00.000Z

I had to share this picture before I sign off....

I passed this on my way home one night and it scared the bejayus out of me! Then I howled with laughter when I figured out that it wasn't a scary person coming to kill me, but maybe you can understand why I was scared????

On being a woman & being me

2006-02-08T21:33:00.000Z

I'm pretty concientious about my health and well being and like to make sure the MOT is done at least once a year. I also make sure that I'm up to date with all relevant tests and procedures like the smear test. So I took myself off to the doctors this week to submit myself into the care of a medical practitioner in order to make that all is right in my world because I owe myself that much! And seeing it's a topic which has been in the news this week I thought I should give a brief account of why women don't go for smear tests very often.

I tend to forget or block out of my mind how horrible the procedure actually is, but add to that the bill of €70 the fact that I'll probably have to get it done again because it was messed up and the fact the nice people in the pharmaceutical companies (all of them) have taken the version of my prescription which works for me, off the market -(all of the versions), at the same time, it means that I will face another ordeal and another €70 bill in 3 months time. Sometimes having woman's bits really sucks. Saying that I will go back and do it again because having cancer cells would suck a lot more. But seriously the price is extortionate and the sooner they bring the cervical cancer screening programme on line the better.

On the other hand in order to get myself ready for our big adventure I have decided to get myself fit and healthy over the next few months. I know in my heart of hearts that gyms and me don't go together and that if I'm really serious about getting stronger and fitter a group situation is the way I should go, so I joined Curves!

Yep. Me. In an all woman, tesosterone free environment with bad dance music, a cd on repeat telling us when to change machine and, the piece de resistence, an hour and a half workout all squashed into 30 mins of sweating! All I say is that it can't do much harm!

Ok so it's more like gone fishin'

2006-02-04T16:13:00.000Z

Ahem.

I had a bit of a blow out this week. Apologies. I'm grand honestly but the blog isn't and I had to change my url! I know! I KNOW! Just don't ask me how I did it 'cause I really have no idea!

Anyway this is my new home and this where I'm staying for a while I will also be leaving the template and everything else the very same way forever 'cause it wrecks my head when I get it wrong!

So there you go posts will be fewer and more select due to time constraints which I feel is a pity but it just has to be that way for the moment as there is just soooooo much to do!

On Sabbatical

2006-01-31T19:10:00.000Z

The time has come to assess what is important and what is not. I need some space.

Last Day!!!!

2006-01-27T15:06:00.000Z

last day last day last day last day last day last day last daaaaaaaaay. Add your own music and sing along!

New job monday folks! Will let you know if I surive the exit interview without venting my spleen and the leaving drinks without making a fool of myself and speaking my mind! Oh the temptation's there alright, believe me!

Will she make a reappearance???

Euro 2008

2006-01-27T11:44:00.000Z

Thankfully we've avoided England in the draw I know some people were salivating at the prospect of playing them but personally I found the thought of God save the Queen being belted out at Croke Park really distasteful.

However it's not the worst draw out there though I don't fancy our chances much with both Germany and Czech Republic in our group. When did Germany and Italybecome a second bucket team and Sweden and Greece a first? 'Tis a crazy world!

The link should bring you to the full list!

The Heebie Jeebies

2006-01-26T14:26:00.000Z

I was a bit bored last night as the boy was fixing the 'puter and we couldn't do stuff on it so I ended up watching crap TV with a blanket over me and a cup of tea. It was nice.

It was nice until Big Brother time and George Galloway's best bits and him being a cat. Jaysus.

Red Mum has the video on her site which I hadn't watched cause I don't have sound here and video stuff doesn't tend to work on my system, but you should check it out if you really want to know what this is about.

Jaysus. I'm still in shock. I thought I was going to cry last night watching it. No really. It was that disturbing. What the hell was he thinking? I don't think I'll ever be the same again.

Justice for Justice sake?

2006-01-25T11:50:00.000Z

It's hard to escape the news from yesterday that Wayne O'Donoghue was sentenced to just 4 years in prison for the manslaughter of Robert Holohan. My own initial reaction was one of surprise and then horror and distress when I heard the reports of Mrs Holohan's victim impact statement in the court prior to sentencing. The questions raised by her on first impressions are shocking. But on further consideration and analysis as was provided last night the reasons why these questions weren't posed in court seems a little clearer.

Robert Holohan

The DPP have an obligation to argue the strongest case they can in any given case. That often means that while evidence is present it may not be arguably strong enough to lead to a conviction. It would appear that this is the case with at least some of the physical and forensic evidence referred to by Majella Holohan.

However I have to admit that I am still surprised that on the strength of the case presented to him as we heard reported via the media that the sentence is for only 4 years. I understand that as there was only minimal physical trauma inflicted on the body that this was a mitigating factor in the judges decision. But the fact, as alluded to by him before sentencing, that Wayne O'Donoghue actively misled the authorities in the search for Robert's body, that he did not admit to what happened until the body was found and generally behaved in a manner which succeeded in creating more pain and hardship for the families involved than was necessry, surely should have attracted a harsher sentence? If it was an unfortunate and tragic accident he would surely have been in a better condition if he had behaved rationally and looked for help at the time of the event.

Wayne O'Donoghue

That's the part that really puzzles me. The other puzzling factor for me is why the DPP initially sought to bring a Murder conviction but downgraded it to Manslaughter. Murder convictions are not sought lightly as they are incredibly difficult to prove beyond reasonable doubt and often a manslaughter conviction is easier to prove and therefore the preferred option. At no stage have I come across the reasons why the charge was changed. Has anyone else?

What we are left with now in this case, is the confusion and questions concerning Majella Holohan's statement, the fact that O'Donoghue will probably be out next year with good behaviour, and the media circus which is bound to pursue this one for the next few days. The question of whether justice has been done is a mute point. How can there really be justice when the sad fact is that 2 families have been destroyed by these events and while I hope that the Holohan and O'Donoghue family will one day find peace, life will never be as simple as it once was for them, or the community they come from.

Crazy crazy people

2006-01-24T00:19:00.001Z

On the news this morning on the way to work I heard a story about how in England a reality TV story was pitched on the basis that strangers would be put in a house together with the purpose that the remaining 2 strangers would conceive a baby on the show.... I think the Observer explains it a bit better:

I think the scientists call this process desensitisation,

and it works alarmingly quickly. For example,

in a matter of days BBC3 will broadcast Mischief:

Let's Make a Baby, a programme which is clearly

meant to be a response to Greg Dyke' question:

'How low can reality TV go?' which he posed at

last summer's Edinburgh TV Festival. The

show's premise is to set up an independent

TV production company and hire a

comedian-turned-MD to pitch a format entitled

'Let's Make A Baby! (The Race To Conceive

Britain's First Reality TV Baby)' to a bunch of

executives at Europe's biggest TV sales fair.

Presumably this idea felt fresh, funny

and suitably envelope-pushing way back in,

say, September; but if I read this week

that it is to run on Saturday nights throughout

February, hosted by Davina, I'd not only be unsurprised,

I'd probably not even bother tuning in. Though

obviously, 'Let's Make A Superbaby! (The Race To

Conceive Britain's First Celebrity Reality TV Baby)'

would be a different matter entirely and you'd have

to peel me from the screen. And surely it's time

Vernon Kay and Tess Daly had another one?

But according to the news this morning it was all a big joke and the people involved just wanted to see how many suckers would turn up for the auditions. 200 hundred people turned up. 200 people thought it would be a great idea to get on a Reality TV show by offering to make a baby with a complete stranger on live television, their choice of partner being controlled by the whims of teenagers with too much time and money on their hands. I think there is an argument for sterilisation in this story. Does that make me a conservative, eugeniscist? I know that's strong but stories like this make me feel very cross and worried about the society that we have created. What would happen to the child? Would the £15,000 prize money go towards its upkeep or would the TV company take it away to make a Truman World type show for real? The mind boggles.

Or is anyone else gob smacked by just how low people will go to get their faces and other bits on the telly?

P.S. rambles on stuff I've seen lately have been put up on my other site if you have an interest.

Mounting the insurmountable!

2006-01-23T10:49:00.000Z

Yes I did! I climbed my first hill type mountain in about 10 years this weekend.

It's true I thought I was going to die from some sort of altitude sickness that robs your breath and hits you with the worst dizziness I've ever experience, but that just turned out to be exertion on my part according to my more experienced companions! I felt a bit pathetic at that stage but soon rallied when I reached the top lay on my back panting loudly and moaning for a while and then realised that I'd made it!

View from the top!

Going down was much easier and my tip to anyone who wants to try this mad sort of exercise activity is that on the way down utilise your bottom as much as possible! I did and it was very effective!

This is the path we took, it's steeper and more difficult than it looks and this was very near the top so don't scorn!

I got gmail!

2006-01-20T12:44:00.000Z

Finally! I feel special now!