So today I was sitting around after work thinking "Hey, I miss my blog!" and here I am. It's been a while, I know, but between work, and wedding planning, and life in general... not to mention a near-nervous breakdown, I haven't had much time to breathe, let alone blog.
This will be remedied, effective immediately.
What's been going on in the Land of K to keep me away so long, you ask? Well, I'd be only too delighted to fill you in!
The Big Move
Given that there's apparently something called A Recession going on nowadays, B and I decided we'd be smart to try and save as much money as we possibly can. My previous stint of unemployment left our savings severely depleted, to the point of giving people blank stares if they asked about "financial plans".
One of our biggest expenses was our rent. Our apartment was absolutely fantastic and we loved it to bits, but for one thing it was costing us a small fortune every month (even WITH the rent reduction last year), and we realised we were also quickly running out of space.
Cue a mad search of The Internets, where we found an absolutely fantastic new (to us) house. It's about 10 minutes down the road from our old apartment (cue also the Barenaked Ladies song, which plays in my head every time I write "old apartment"), has 3 bedrooms split over 6 levels, a rooftop garden and... the best part... is €500 less per month than we paid for the apartment.
Woo hoo!
The Olympics
Ah yes, the great Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Now, I freely admit to never being a fan of the whole idea. Personally I think the only good thing to come out of the Olympics was the widening of the Sea to Sky Highway, but that's beside the point.
We watched it. Oh yes. Stayed up until obscene o'clock to catch the Opening Ceremonies and several life-or-death hockey games. Introduced the inlaws to the joys of luge, skeleton, snowboardcross and aerials, and got to hear repeatedly that "Canada is so much awesomer than Ireland" from B's nieces and nephews.
And the homesickness. Holy God did I get homesick for an entire fortnight. There's something strange and surreal about watching your hometown on TV, knowing your friends and family are out there celebrating, and that I would be too, if I wasn't 5000 miles away watching the whole thing on TV. My God, the homesickness.
The Wedding
It's all coming together! This wedding planning malarkey is actually quite easy! (she says, having nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to book 10 inlaws on flights over to Canada)
But seriously. All the big ticket items are sorted. I have learned that EVERYTHING is cheaper if you go through the US - invites, decorations, etc. €4.50 per invitation in Ireland? I think not! I have also learned ridiculous things, like it WILL work out cheaper for you to fly your Irish wedding photographer over to Canada, put him up for 2 nights and pay a daily rate than it will to book a Canadian photographer.
It's madness, but I'm a quick learner.
Next up? All the small nitpicky details that are sure to do my head in.
Conclusion?
That pretty much sums up life, the universe and everything with B and K lately. Now that I'm (fully intending to be) back to posting regularly, I'll have lots more updates on the smaller, more mundane aspects of everyday life as well.
You know you love it. :)
April 26, 2010
January 15, 2010
Customer Service Wins!
Alright, so my first week back after Christmas was kind of a stress filled bummer... but rather than venting to the Internets I am instead going to focus on the positives and present my two Customer Service Wins of the Week. So excited.
Win The First: Alan Moloney, WHSD.net comics
Around about the time that Ireland decided to recreate the flood scene out of the Bible, one of B and my favourite cartoonists decided to give away prints of his cartoon strip in exchange for donations to the flood relief efforts. In all my wisdom I think "Hey, that would be an awesome part of B's Christmas present!" and fire off both a donation and an email to Alan.
This is where the postal system (curse you, An Post) comes in.
He sent the thing twice. TWICE. And to date we haven't seen it. At first it wasn't a huge deal as we didn't do Christmas til after I got back. But now it's mid-January. Where is my package, An Post?
Not wanting to be a huge whinging complainer (I am Canadian, after all), I sent another email to Alan, who promises to re-send everything (for the third time!) and include a copy of his new book.... to my work address this time.
I'm so happy I could hug him. But I will do the next best thing and strongly urge you to read his cartoons. Even if you don't get some of the Irish references, they are still hilarious.
Win The Second: O2
I don't normally think about my mobile phone provider or my plan or anything like that. Since discovering the wonderful world of Skype (God bless it), I hardly even use my phone anymore, except for work (rarely) and calling B on my lunch break (daily). Oh, and to find out about my local yoga classes.
So when Anonymous Customer Service Rep called me yesterday I had no idea what was going on. I do apologise... I'm sure ACSR had a name (poor guy) but I didn't catch it, so can't thank him properly.
Anyway. He offered to keep me on the same plan (whatever I agreed to last time) but for €5 less a month. Being all cynical and suspicious of cold calls from ACSRs, I naturally asked what the catch was. The only catch (and I asked EVERYTHING)... I have to stay with O2 for 18 months. I can change anything else, just not my provider. Now, seeing as I've been with them since... er... 2004... I don't think there's any danger of that. Especially not when they call me every year to downgrade my plans and/or make life cheaper for me.
I love these guys. And the ACSR also managed to alert me to the fact that as a customer I am entitled to loads of free things and discounts on other things... like clothes! And dinners! And cheap weekends away!
Loving it.
So thanks, people and organisations with awesome customer service skills. You successfully managed to turn an otherwise downer of a week into something a bit more manageable.
I owe you one.
Win The First: Alan Moloney, WHSD.net comics
Around about the time that Ireland decided to recreate the flood scene out of the Bible, one of B and my favourite cartoonists decided to give away prints of his cartoon strip in exchange for donations to the flood relief efforts. In all my wisdom I think "Hey, that would be an awesome part of B's Christmas present!" and fire off both a donation and an email to Alan.
This is where the postal system (curse you, An Post) comes in.
He sent the thing twice. TWICE. And to date we haven't seen it. At first it wasn't a huge deal as we didn't do Christmas til after I got back. But now it's mid-January. Where is my package, An Post?
Not wanting to be a huge whinging complainer (I am Canadian, after all), I sent another email to Alan, who promises to re-send everything (for the third time!) and include a copy of his new book.... to my work address this time.
I'm so happy I could hug him. But I will do the next best thing and strongly urge you to read his cartoons. Even if you don't get some of the Irish references, they are still hilarious.
Win The Second: O2
I don't normally think about my mobile phone provider or my plan or anything like that. Since discovering the wonderful world of Skype (God bless it), I hardly even use my phone anymore, except for work (rarely) and calling B on my lunch break (daily). Oh, and to find out about my local yoga classes.
So when Anonymous Customer Service Rep called me yesterday I had no idea what was going on. I do apologise... I'm sure ACSR had a name (poor guy) but I didn't catch it, so can't thank him properly.
Anyway. He offered to keep me on the same plan (whatever I agreed to last time) but for €5 less a month. Being all cynical and suspicious of cold calls from ACSRs, I naturally asked what the catch was. The only catch (and I asked EVERYTHING)... I have to stay with O2 for 18 months. I can change anything else, just not my provider. Now, seeing as I've been with them since... er... 2004... I don't think there's any danger of that. Especially not when they call me every year to downgrade my plans and/or make life cheaper for me.
I love these guys. And the ACSR also managed to alert me to the fact that as a customer I am entitled to loads of free things and discounts on other things... like clothes! And dinners! And cheap weekends away!
Loving it.
So thanks, people and organisations with awesome customer service skills. You successfully managed to turn an otherwise downer of a week into something a bit more manageable.
I owe you one.
January 12, 2010
End of 2009 Survey!
Hi blogosphere! Remember me? Okay, so I had a bit of a crazy hiatus (again) but with a new year comes a New Year's resolution to be better at blogging. And so I'll stick with tradition and present...
END OF 2009 SURVEY
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I went back to school (I'm now a Public Relations professional!), got engaged (!!), travelled to Ethiopia... lots of things!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any last year. This year it will definitely be to get smarter with the finances. I can do that now I have a job again!
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, this year seemed to be the Year of the Babies, and there were 2 new ones so welcome to the world, Hazel and Benjymyn! I've already secretly paired you up as Canadian boyfriend and Irish/German girlfriend. That would be super cute.
What countries did you visit?
Mostly Ireland and Canada, but I did have an amazing 5-day trip to Ethiopia at the end of November as the final result of my volunt-work. It was absolutely incredible and I can't wait to hopefully get back there with The New Job (I really should stop calling it that).
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More holidays. Last year was pretty lacking. Even the trip to Ethiopia was for volunt-work. Although this year most of our holidays will involve weddings and wedding planning. Oh, and an excellent honeymoon, if all goes according to plan!
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'll go all soppy on this question and say the day that B proposed... aww...
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I'd have to say getting a job after 11 months worth of unemployment. With a charity. During a recession.
What was your biggest failure?
11 months of unemployment? No, I won't say that, because I volunteered and went back to school, so at least it was productive.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really, apart from the usual head colds. Was finally diagnosed with IBS though... but that's manageable. Oh, and I had wicked altitude sickness my first day in Ethiopia. Stupid altitude migraine.
What was the best thing you bought?
Can't say I bought an awful lot last year.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
The board of directors who hired me! Yay for them! And B, for proposing!
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I can't seem to think of anyone.
Where did most of your money go?
Mostly on trying to survive unemployment. Unemployment does a number on a girl's savings.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Wedding plans... squee! :) And The New Job.
Compared to this time last year, you are:
a) happier or sadder? Happier, definitely!
b) thinner or fatter? Actually a little thinner!
c) richer or poorer? Poorer, unfortunately. 11 months of unemployment took their toll on my bank account.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Getting out there, as always. It was tough this year, as Dublin is a very expensive town when you're unemployed.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying. I know everything always works out in the end, but it doesn't stop me worrying in the meantime.
How did you spend Christmas?
Up at my grandmother's, surrounded by family... exactly the way it should be... except no snow this year until the 28th. No white Christmas for 2009.
How did you spend New Years?
Surrounded by my friends, and fussing over a baby. You know... as you do.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
I think I fall in love with B a little bit more every day. I'm so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.
What was your favourite TV programme?
Lost and Fringe, as always. And the Amazing Race, but we have to watch that online.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I don't waste time hating people.
What was your greatest musical discovery for 2009?
Finding out that The Tragically Hip were playing in Tripod at the beginning of December! Seeing Canada's biggest band performing in a tiny venue? Best. Birthday. Present. Ever. Thanks B!
What did you want and get?
A husband-to-be? :) And a new job, and Stamp 4 residency (no more work permits! Woo hoo!)
What was your favourite film of this year?
Hmm... I actually really liked Let The Right One In. In terms of blockbusters I liked Star Trek, Harry Potter 6 and the most recent Saw.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Aggh... I was 29. Am 29. Too close to 30. I spent the day at work, and then taking care of my future father-in-law, as my future mother-in-law had to have minor surgery that day.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing really... 2009 was pretty spectacular.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
As ever, the "I can't afford to go shopping but need to look professional" look.
What kept you sane?
Volunteering and going back to school. I have to keep busy or I go a bit mad.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'd probably say the gay marriage debate worldwide.
Who did you miss?
As always, my friends and family back in Canada.
Who was the best new person you met?
My new coworkers (well, they volunteer), the people I've met through my PR course, B's friends from college that I finally met at his friend's wedding... everyone's been lovely.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Persistence pays off.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"You're the best friend... That I've ever had"
END OF 2009 SURVEY
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I went back to school (I'm now a Public Relations professional!), got engaged (!!), travelled to Ethiopia... lots of things!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any last year. This year it will definitely be to get smarter with the finances. I can do that now I have a job again!
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, this year seemed to be the Year of the Babies, and there were 2 new ones so welcome to the world, Hazel and Benjymyn! I've already secretly paired you up as Canadian boyfriend and Irish/German girlfriend. That would be super cute.
What countries did you visit?
Mostly Ireland and Canada, but I did have an amazing 5-day trip to Ethiopia at the end of November as the final result of my volunt-work. It was absolutely incredible and I can't wait to hopefully get back there with The New Job (I really should stop calling it that).
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More holidays. Last year was pretty lacking. Even the trip to Ethiopia was for volunt-work. Although this year most of our holidays will involve weddings and wedding planning. Oh, and an excellent honeymoon, if all goes according to plan!
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'll go all soppy on this question and say the day that B proposed... aww...
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I'd have to say getting a job after 11 months worth of unemployment. With a charity. During a recession.
What was your biggest failure?
11 months of unemployment? No, I won't say that, because I volunteered and went back to school, so at least it was productive.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really, apart from the usual head colds. Was finally diagnosed with IBS though... but that's manageable. Oh, and I had wicked altitude sickness my first day in Ethiopia. Stupid altitude migraine.
What was the best thing you bought?
Can't say I bought an awful lot last year.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
The board of directors who hired me! Yay for them! And B, for proposing!
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I can't seem to think of anyone.
Where did most of your money go?
Mostly on trying to survive unemployment. Unemployment does a number on a girl's savings.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Wedding plans... squee! :) And The New Job.
Compared to this time last year, you are:
a) happier or sadder? Happier, definitely!
b) thinner or fatter? Actually a little thinner!
c) richer or poorer? Poorer, unfortunately. 11 months of unemployment took their toll on my bank account.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Getting out there, as always. It was tough this year, as Dublin is a very expensive town when you're unemployed.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying. I know everything always works out in the end, but it doesn't stop me worrying in the meantime.
How did you spend Christmas?
Up at my grandmother's, surrounded by family... exactly the way it should be... except no snow this year until the 28th. No white Christmas for 2009.
How did you spend New Years?
Surrounded by my friends, and fussing over a baby. You know... as you do.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
I think I fall in love with B a little bit more every day. I'm so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.
What was your favourite TV programme?
Lost and Fringe, as always. And the Amazing Race, but we have to watch that online.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I don't waste time hating people.
What was your greatest musical discovery for 2009?
Finding out that The Tragically Hip were playing in Tripod at the beginning of December! Seeing Canada's biggest band performing in a tiny venue? Best. Birthday. Present. Ever. Thanks B!
What did you want and get?
A husband-to-be? :) And a new job, and Stamp 4 residency (no more work permits! Woo hoo!)
What was your favourite film of this year?
Hmm... I actually really liked Let The Right One In. In terms of blockbusters I liked Star Trek, Harry Potter 6 and the most recent Saw.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Aggh... I was 29. Am 29. Too close to 30. I spent the day at work, and then taking care of my future father-in-law, as my future mother-in-law had to have minor surgery that day.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing really... 2009 was pretty spectacular.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
As ever, the "I can't afford to go shopping but need to look professional" look.
What kept you sane?
Volunteering and going back to school. I have to keep busy or I go a bit mad.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'd probably say the gay marriage debate worldwide.
Who did you miss?
As always, my friends and family back in Canada.
Who was the best new person you met?
My new coworkers (well, they volunteer), the people I've met through my PR course, B's friends from college that I finally met at his friend's wedding... everyone's been lovely.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Persistence pays off.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"You're the best friend... That I've ever had"
November 4, 2009
It's dark... and cold...
Mother Nature is a funny individual. The very second the calendar flipped over to November 1st, Dublin became absolutely bloody freezing. We've had rain, we've had hail, but mostly we've had bitter, icy, gale force winds. At The New Job I make sure to stray no further than 2 feet from my cosy little space heater at all times. Happy not-quite-winter!
And it's getting dark at a ridiculously early hour. My commute home from volunt-work is now entirely in the dark. And the storefront Christmas decorations are out! Actually they've been out since before Halloween. Slow down, 2009 - where are you going in such a hurry?
I say this because (due to a number of factors, mostly involving commitments at The New Job) I have yet to book my flights home for Christmas. Last minute much? I have a whole big list of things to do over the holidays, predominantly involving wedding miscellany, and I have no idea how I'll be able to get it all done. Ah the joys of the holiday season.
So apart from the dark, the cold and the less-than-2-months-til-Christmas... everything is actually fantastic. I love my job(s), I had a fantastic birthday weekend (including tickets to see The Tragically Hip in December!), and I'm really enjoying the dark evenings, cuddled up on the couch with B, watching scary films and/or rubbish TV.
See? Even dark days and freezing temperatures have an upside! Plus, in 2 weeks I'm off to Ethiopia with volunt-work, where it is currently a very pleasant 25 degrees. Have you sponsored me? You should sponsor me.
And it's getting dark at a ridiculously early hour. My commute home from volunt-work is now entirely in the dark. And the storefront Christmas decorations are out! Actually they've been out since before Halloween. Slow down, 2009 - where are you going in such a hurry?
I say this because (due to a number of factors, mostly involving commitments at The New Job) I have yet to book my flights home for Christmas. Last minute much? I have a whole big list of things to do over the holidays, predominantly involving wedding miscellany, and I have no idea how I'll be able to get it all done. Ah the joys of the holiday season.
So apart from the dark, the cold and the less-than-2-months-til-Christmas... everything is actually fantastic. I love my job(s), I had a fantastic birthday weekend (including tickets to see The Tragically Hip in December!), and I'm really enjoying the dark evenings, cuddled up on the couch with B, watching scary films and/or rubbish TV.
See? Even dark days and freezing temperatures have an upside! Plus, in 2 weeks I'm off to Ethiopia with volunt-work, where it is currently a very pleasant 25 degrees. Have you sponsored me? You should sponsor me.
October 21, 2009
Autumn... with a vengeance!
Wow... it's getting dark so early, and I just know that once the clocks go back this Sunday (next Sunday for those of you in Canada) it's only going to get worse. I don't actually mind the added darkness... I love snuggling up under a blanket on the couch and watching tv or reading a book. At the moment I'm re-reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Yes, re-reading. Yes, I know it only JUST came out... I'm a fast reader.
Methinks a trip to the local library might be in order.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. As much as I love the autumn, what I'm anything but loving at the moment is the gale force winds and torrential rain we've had since Monday. Honestly. Number of umbrellas broken to date this week? 2. And I've only used them for the last 3 days!
Luckily I've become quite good at dodging rainshowers. This usually involves watching the clouds to see which way they're moving, figuring out how long it takes me to get from point A to point B (around 10 minutes) and making a break for it at the first hint of sustainable dryness.
Didn't quite time it right today though, and got soggy. Luckily The New Job comes complete with my own personal space heater, which for the last few days I have used as a clothes dryer. I suppose I could take a second bus and avoid my half hour walk-commute every morning, but where's the fun in that? Besides, I'm going to have a wedding dress to fit into!
Right, I'm off to search for Ark blueprints and to source two of every animal.
You know... just in case.
Methinks a trip to the local library might be in order.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. As much as I love the autumn, what I'm anything but loving at the moment is the gale force winds and torrential rain we've had since Monday. Honestly. Number of umbrellas broken to date this week? 2. And I've only used them for the last 3 days!
Luckily I've become quite good at dodging rainshowers. This usually involves watching the clouds to see which way they're moving, figuring out how long it takes me to get from point A to point B (around 10 minutes) and making a break for it at the first hint of sustainable dryness.
Didn't quite time it right today though, and got soggy. Luckily The New Job comes complete with my own personal space heater, which for the last few days I have used as a clothes dryer. I suppose I could take a second bus and avoid my half hour walk-commute every morning, but where's the fun in that? Besides, I'm going to have a wedding dress to fit into!
Right, I'm off to search for Ark blueprints and to source two of every animal.
You know... just in case.
October 16, 2009
I'm off down the country... here's a meme!
With The New Job and all, things have been a bit crazy and all over the place lately. I'm really REALLY enjoying everything, but it's taken a while to adjust and find my feet. As an attempt to unwind, B and I are headed down to Wexford to visit the sister-in-law-to-be and her family - you know, because nothing says "unwinding" like spending the weekend with 4 children under the age of 12, and an occasionally hyperactive dog.
In the meantime, here's a meme.
It’s not fall until:
The leaves start hitting the sidewalk, there's a crispness in the air (yet sunny), and the smell of peat fires follows me home from work.
Kelly Preston’s character in the movie For Love of the Game expresses her need to escape NYC because “Summer’s almost over, and I feel like I missed it.” What do you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?
I need to try and get out as much as possible. At home this would usually involve a road trip up to the Okanagan, but over here it's a bit different. We didn't have much of a summer this year - no holidays, lousy weather, caught up in exams and course projects, etc - but I also like the arrival of autumn even more than the summer, so I'm pretty happy.
The US Tennis Open, one of four Grand Slam events in that sport, is currently in the quarterfinal round. If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?
The Olympic Men's Hockey final - but only if Canada was in it, obviously. Failing that, the Stanley Cup Final, but again, only if the Canucks were in it.
Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?
Probably my laugh... I laugh a lot. Like... All. The. Time. Or my weird half-Canadian half-Irish accent.
Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?
The Dublin music scene... there are so many great artists out there that deserve recognition. But then, there are also excellent Irish music bloggers too, so they're probably better placed to write about the music scene. I can content myself with writing about good gigs I've been to.
If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?
Age 16: "Don't bother with the science courses. You're not going to end up being a doctor and it's the best decision you'll ever make! Take history or law or something fun instead! Who needs calculus?"
Age 21: "Pretty soon you're going to have to make the hardest decision of your life, and break up with your best friend. And yes, it will suck, and it really is a shame, but you've grown so far apart that you both realise it's just not working anymore. And yes, you'll be sad, and years from now when you hear she's getting married and then having a baby, you'll really miss her... and that's alright too. But you'll also make new, incredibly amazing friends who will always be there for you - so treasure them."
Age 25: "Things will only get better from here. I know this is the lowest of the low right now, and that you just want to pack it in and go home, but stick around and in a few years you'll be exactly where you want to be. You'll surprise yourself with how strong a woman you really are."
How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?
I'll admit they can be fairly high. It takes a while to get to know me properly, because I can be a bit shy at first. I'm often worried this comes across as me being snobby, and I hope it doesn't. I suppose B was the last person, and I'm glad he did! As for tools... well, being genuine, open and honest really helps. I don't do fake people... I want to know REAL people. And it helps if you're passionate about something... even if I don't share or agree with that passion, it's always nice to see someone care about something, and it helps me to learn new things!
The sexiest thing a man can say to you (or has said to you) is
"I'm so proud of you" - not in a parental type of way, but because it shows that he's had faith in me, believes in me and supports my dreams.
In the meantime, here's a meme.
It’s not fall until:
The leaves start hitting the sidewalk, there's a crispness in the air (yet sunny), and the smell of peat fires follows me home from work.
Kelly Preston’s character in the movie For Love of the Game expresses her need to escape NYC because “Summer’s almost over, and I feel like I missed it.” What do you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?
I need to try and get out as much as possible. At home this would usually involve a road trip up to the Okanagan, but over here it's a bit different. We didn't have much of a summer this year - no holidays, lousy weather, caught up in exams and course projects, etc - but I also like the arrival of autumn even more than the summer, so I'm pretty happy.
The US Tennis Open, one of four Grand Slam events in that sport, is currently in the quarterfinal round. If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?
The Olympic Men's Hockey final - but only if Canada was in it, obviously. Failing that, the Stanley Cup Final, but again, only if the Canucks were in it.
Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?
Probably my laugh... I laugh a lot. Like... All. The. Time. Or my weird half-Canadian half-Irish accent.
Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?
The Dublin music scene... there are so many great artists out there that deserve recognition. But then, there are also excellent Irish music bloggers too, so they're probably better placed to write about the music scene. I can content myself with writing about good gigs I've been to.
If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?
Age 16: "Don't bother with the science courses. You're not going to end up being a doctor and it's the best decision you'll ever make! Take history or law or something fun instead! Who needs calculus?"
Age 21: "Pretty soon you're going to have to make the hardest decision of your life, and break up with your best friend. And yes, it will suck, and it really is a shame, but you've grown so far apart that you both realise it's just not working anymore. And yes, you'll be sad, and years from now when you hear she's getting married and then having a baby, you'll really miss her... and that's alright too. But you'll also make new, incredibly amazing friends who will always be there for you - so treasure them."
Age 25: "Things will only get better from here. I know this is the lowest of the low right now, and that you just want to pack it in and go home, but stick around and in a few years you'll be exactly where you want to be. You'll surprise yourself with how strong a woman you really are."
How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?
I'll admit they can be fairly high. It takes a while to get to know me properly, because I can be a bit shy at first. I'm often worried this comes across as me being snobby, and I hope it doesn't. I suppose B was the last person, and I'm glad he did! As for tools... well, being genuine, open and honest really helps. I don't do fake people... I want to know REAL people. And it helps if you're passionate about something... even if I don't share or agree with that passion, it's always nice to see someone care about something, and it helps me to learn new things!
The sexiest thing a man can say to you (or has said to you) is
"I'm so proud of you" - not in a parental type of way, but because it shows that he's had faith in me, believes in me and supports my dreams.
October 12, 2009
Being Thankful
Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving, and once again, I missed out on the annual tradition of enormous turkey dinners, picking out our Halloween pumpkins at Bear's Fruit Stand in Keremeos, and watching various relatives succumb to turkey-induced comas.
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But that doesn't mean I can't be a part of the spirit of goodwill this holiday is all about! And with that, I give you... Things for which I am Thankful.
1. I am thankful that my hard work and perseverance over the past 11 months has paid off, and I now have a brilliant job. I am thankful that I really enjoy getting up and going to work every morning. I am thankful that I have a job with an organisation that I truly believe in, and that leaves me feeling incredibly positive at the end of every day.
2. I am thankful for the love and support of my family. Although by now I'm well used to living 5000 miles away from home, I'm thankful that we can talk nearly every day over Skype, and that they can still be involved in things like wedding planning, because it's sometimes lonely doing it without my family nearby.
3. I am thankful for my friends. I am so lucky to have a wonderful, uplifting and inspiring group of friends who love me just the way I am. I'm thankful that even though we may be oceans apart, and not see each other for months (or in some cases, years), when we do finally see each other it's like we haven't been apart at all. I am thankful that they believe in me, support me and encourage me when I'm feeling a bit low.
4. I am thankful for B. Evictor (not killer, mind you) of spiders, maker of some tasty dinners, garbage removal service extraordinaire. As one of my mom's friends said, he's my protector. I'm thankful that he's in my life, that he loves and supports me unconditionally, and always believes in me. And I'm thankful that one day soon he's going to be my husband!
So I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, wherever you were. Eat loads of good food for me. Personally, I had pizza for Thanksgiving this year. Not quite the same, somehow.
But that doesn't mean I can't be a part of the spirit of goodwill this holiday is all about! And with that, I give you... Things for which I am Thankful.
1. I am thankful that my hard work and perseverance over the past 11 months has paid off, and I now have a brilliant job. I am thankful that I really enjoy getting up and going to work every morning. I am thankful that I have a job with an organisation that I truly believe in, and that leaves me feeling incredibly positive at the end of every day.
2. I am thankful for the love and support of my family. Although by now I'm well used to living 5000 miles away from home, I'm thankful that we can talk nearly every day over Skype, and that they can still be involved in things like wedding planning, because it's sometimes lonely doing it without my family nearby.
3. I am thankful for my friends. I am so lucky to have a wonderful, uplifting and inspiring group of friends who love me just the way I am. I'm thankful that even though we may be oceans apart, and not see each other for months (or in some cases, years), when we do finally see each other it's like we haven't been apart at all. I am thankful that they believe in me, support me and encourage me when I'm feeling a bit low.
4. I am thankful for B. Evictor (not killer, mind you) of spiders, maker of some tasty dinners, garbage removal service extraordinaire. As one of my mom's friends said, he's my protector. I'm thankful that he's in my life, that he loves and supports me unconditionally, and always believes in me. And I'm thankful that one day soon he's going to be my husband!
So I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, wherever you were. Eat loads of good food for me. Personally, I had pizza for Thanksgiving this year. Not quite the same, somehow.
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