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!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Escaping into fantasy
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!
" />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.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
SOLD!
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!
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!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Wilde Living
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...
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...
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
New Day, New Beginnings
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!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
In silent and in pensive mood
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!
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!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
C'mon Munster!!
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!!
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
#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.
#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.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Stat Counting
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!
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
**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!
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
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!
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!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Evil Fish
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Culture Vulture
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Ooo I almost forgot!
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!
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"
We've sold a house.
We've bought a house.
We've been vaccinated.
It's been a crazy humdinger of a week!
We've bought a house.
We've been vaccinated.
It's been a crazy humdinger of a week!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Go On! I Challenge...
and
to have a go at naming their favouite things! It'll be good for you! Honest.
Thanks RM for the suggestion!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Here are a few of my favourite things!
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!
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!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Freedom!
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!
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!
Monday, March 27, 2006
The Unluckiest Teenager
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!
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!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
What a week eh?
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!
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!
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