In order to spend an extra day with my family over the Thanksgiving break, I decided to fly home on Sunday and arrive in Dublin early Monday morning. No sweat! I travel well and generally sleep well on the plane. err... not so much this time...what the heck?
I got on the flight, got settled in and even had an eye pillow. Not one wink of sleep came to me. I tried everything but could not fall asleep! :(
I arrived in Dublin at 5:00 got home at 6:00 and set my alarm for work at 8:00...two hours. Oh dear. It's going to be a long day!
November 30, 2009
November 26, 2009
Gobble Gobble
Happy Thanksgiving!
The thing I'm most thankful for this year...the amazing Euro/Dollar exchange rate. America is on SALE!
Ok I kid, I kid... I am thankful for family, BF and friends, etc etc. (I'm not too sentimental, can you tell?)
The thing I'm most thankful for this year...the amazing Euro/Dollar exchange rate. America is on SALE!
Ok I kid, I kid... I am thankful for family, BF and friends, etc etc. (I'm not too sentimental, can you tell?)
November 25, 2009
Working while on Holidays
I have been traveling as much as I can which lead to almost no vacation days left to come visit the family for the holidays. So instead of skipping out on seeing everyone again for the second year in a row (Thanksgiving AND Christmas), I was able to convince my boss to let me work out of the Boston office for a couple of days. SCORE!
Most people think it's terrible to be working while on vacation but for me it's actually fun (ok maybe not fun but not tear-inducing). I use to work out of the Boston office so it's really been just a couple days to catch up with my friends and do some work on the side... I mean lots of work with a little catching up :)
Most people think it's terrible to be working while on vacation but for me it's actually fun (ok maybe not fun but not tear-inducing). I use to work out of the Boston office so it's really been just a couple days to catch up with my friends and do some work on the side... I mean lots of work with a little catching up :)
November 24, 2009
What is the neighborhood coming to....
I spent the night at my friend's house which is in my old neighborhood (which I absolutely love and miss!). This morning driving to work, there was a bit of a traffic jam leaving her house. I thought this was strange as she lives on a relatively quiet street. As traffic started moving, I saw what was causing the jam....
A TURKEY! A real live, wild turkey!
I tried to take a picture but he was not having any of it and walked away (such an unprofessional model!).
A TURKEY! A real live, wild turkey!
I tried to take a picture but he was not having any of it and walked away (such an unprofessional model!).
November 22, 2009
Stuck in my head
I have been watching this silly video all week since my friend Jackie sent it to me on Monday.
And, dear readers, I'm finally here! Back in the U.S of A for the week, and it's as lovely as I remember it. Only 6 hours in Boston, and I've already gorged on mom's home cooking and stopped into the closet mall possible. I was welcomed back with the smell of Abercrombie's perfume mixed with Auntie Anne's pretzels. aMAZing!
And, dear readers, I'm finally here! Back in the U.S of A for the week, and it's as lovely as I remember it. Only 6 hours in Boston, and I've already gorged on mom's home cooking and stopped into the closet mall possible. I was welcomed back with the smell of Abercrombie's perfume mixed with Auntie Anne's pretzels. aMAZing!
November 19, 2009
Oh Happy Day!!!!
So it has been nothing but doom and gloom over here- a full week of rain and terrible, terrible results for the World Cup Qualifier for Ireland against France where France CHEATS! Like really really cheats and admits cheating...
Yes that is a handball into goal :(
But the one ray of sunshine in my life (besides going home for a full week and eating mom's glorious home cooking)- I found out today that one of my FAVORITE reality shows, So you think you can dance, is coming to the UK. Sweet Jesus! I can hardly wait until January...though with my luck it will probably be on at the same time as my other fave show 24.
Yes that is a handball into goal :(
But the one ray of sunshine in my life (besides going home for a full week and eating mom's glorious home cooking)- I found out today that one of my FAVORITE reality shows, So you think you can dance, is coming to the UK. Sweet Jesus! I can hardly wait until January...though with my luck it will probably be on at the same time as my other fave show 24.
November 18, 2009
Bless
My dorky dad friended my on Yahoo Friends today. He's getting so hip! Below is a picture of his avatar. How freaking adorable! It kind of looks like him but 20 years earlier. Also, he's an engineer hence the dorky (but lovable!) background. Can't wait to see my family in just 3 short days!
November 16, 2009
G is for Gorgeous
This weekend, the girlies (11 in total) and I decided to head off to Galway for a relaxing girlie weekend, and it was FABULOUS!
We rented a private bus which picked us up right in front of the office, and we were on our way. We stayed at the 5 star G Hotel in Galway and I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff were amazingly accommodating, the hotel itself was gorgeous and the bed was probably one of the best I have ever slept in.
Once we got there on Friday night, we went straight to the room to get dressed up and headed out to dinner at a Thai place in town. We then went to a couple of bars and then over to Halo, a nightclub in Galway (One of two!).
Saturday morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast in the hotel restaurant (Pancakes - Yum!). We then indulged ourselves in the the most amazing spa - so dark, relaxing and warm. I think I could have stayed there forever.
Spa at the G Hotel
After our spa treatment, my roomie and I went into town and walked around for a bit. Even though the weather was so lovely, we wanted to hurry back to the hotel and more specifically the amazing beds! Finally, it was time to get ready for another night out. We went to our friend's room for the X Factor before going to the hotel restaurant for a gourmet 3 course dinner. Full of food, we ended up at the same club again to dance it all off.
After all the lovely girliness I was ready to head home, but as we were waiting for our bus, we got a phone call from the driver. As it turns out our bus broke down. EKKS! We waited 2 hours before they could get another bus. Baring that little crisis, I could not have asked for a better weekend!
Bonus points- I got home and the BF had cleaned the WHOLE house- mopped the floors and everything. He's so well trained!
We rented a private bus which picked us up right in front of the office, and we were on our way. We stayed at the 5 star G Hotel in Galway and I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff were amazingly accommodating, the hotel itself was gorgeous and the bed was probably one of the best I have ever slept in.
Once we got there on Friday night, we went straight to the room to get dressed up and headed out to dinner at a Thai place in town. We then went to a couple of bars and then over to Halo, a nightclub in Galway (One of two!).
Saturday morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast in the hotel restaurant (Pancakes - Yum!). We then indulged ourselves in the the most amazing spa - so dark, relaxing and warm. I think I could have stayed there forever.
Spa at the G Hotel
After our spa treatment, my roomie and I went into town and walked around for a bit. Even though the weather was so lovely, we wanted to hurry back to the hotel and more specifically the amazing beds! Finally, it was time to get ready for another night out. We went to our friend's room for the X Factor before going to the hotel restaurant for a gourmet 3 course dinner. Full of food, we ended up at the same club again to dance it all off.
After all the lovely girliness I was ready to head home, but as we were waiting for our bus, we got a phone call from the driver. As it turns out our bus broke down. EKKS! We waited 2 hours before they could get another bus. Baring that little crisis, I could not have asked for a better weekend!
Bonus points- I got home and the BF had cleaned the WHOLE house- mopped the floors and everything. He's so well trained!
November 13, 2009
Immigration
It's that time of year again... Back to immigration for me for a new registration card. Last year I knew someone who knew someone who let me cut the queue. This year not so much (boo!), and I have heard HORROR stories of day long events waiting to get seen and get registered.
Determined not to meet the same fate, I woke up EARLY to get to the Gardai station. As I approached the building, I saw a looooooooooong line snaking around the building. Oh dear! But then realised that it was people on student visas who can't come in until 9:00 (second class citizens. woot woot!). I joined the shorter queue and was in and out in two hours. Not too bad considering the horror stories.
So I'm officially legal again here. YEAH!
Determined not to meet the same fate, I woke up EARLY to get to the Gardai station. As I approached the building, I saw a looooooooooong line snaking around the building. Oh dear! But then realised that it was people on student visas who can't come in until 9:00 (second class citizens. woot woot!). I joined the shorter queue and was in and out in two hours. Not too bad considering the horror stories.
So I'm officially legal again here. YEAH!
November 11, 2009
Intervention...please!
I need an intervention. Please stop me from using my credit card to buy adorable (and cheap US) items online. My parents are yelling at me because the UPS man is making stops at their house EVERYDAY. ekkkkkkkkkks!
I'll deal with the anger once I'm wearing my new coat, boots, dress, sweater. AH! Can't wait to go home. Only 10 more days to America!
I'll deal with the anger once I'm wearing my new coat, boots, dress, sweater. AH! Can't wait to go home. Only 10 more days to America!
November 10, 2009
Anfield, Liverpool
So last night BF and I left work just a little early to fly over to Liverpool for the evening football match. Due to a slight air delay from Ryanair (no surprise here), we made it just in time for the match- arriving just 2 minutes late. Not too bad.
First off, Liverpool the city. To be honest, we didn't get to see any of it, but I did see a bus with signs to Penny Lane. CUTE! What's not so cute, that freaking song was stuck in my head the entire match.....
Beatle-Mania at the airport
Once we finally made it to the stadium, the crowd was fun and lively. Lots of chanting and singing fights songs. It was actually a really fun game. Just when I thought I was getting my voice back from all the recent weekends away, it's gone again from all the shouting. The game ended in a 2-2 tie... Disappointing.
Can you hear the Liverpool fans chanting "Liverpool" over and over?
Anyways, BF and I then headed to our hotel for the 5 hours that we would stay there since we had a 6:30 flight in the morning and had to wake up WAY to early for it. The place that we were staying- Jury's Inn- was gorgeous! We had amazing views of the Irish sea. It was a nice change to see the Irish sea from the other side as we can see it from our bedroom too.
Here is BF looking for our apartment
First off, Liverpool the city. To be honest, we didn't get to see any of it, but I did see a bus with signs to Penny Lane. CUTE! What's not so cute, that freaking song was stuck in my head the entire match.....
Beatle-Mania at the airport
Once we finally made it to the stadium, the crowd was fun and lively. Lots of chanting and singing fights songs. It was actually a really fun game. Just when I thought I was getting my voice back from all the recent weekends away, it's gone again from all the shouting. The game ended in a 2-2 tie... Disappointing.
Can you hear the Liverpool fans chanting "Liverpool" over and over?
Anyways, BF and I then headed to our hotel for the 5 hours that we would stay there since we had a 6:30 flight in the morning and had to wake up WAY to early for it. The place that we were staying- Jury's Inn- was gorgeous! We had amazing views of the Irish sea. It was a nice change to see the Irish sea from the other side as we can see it from our bedroom too.
Here is BF looking for our apartment
November 9, 2009
Being Irish-y
So for my one year Irish anniversary, we decided to do some touristy things which we always walk past and never pay attention to.
We started on Saturday with a walk through the Merrion Square Park. I have been past this park a gajillion times since I've moved here as it's on the way to the city, but I have actually never taken the time to go in and look around. We found the much talked about Oscar Wilde statue. I quite liked him with the funny smirk on his face- makes him more interesting then normal statues.
We then headed next door to the National Gallery of Ireland. Best part of the museum...it's FREE! As we walked around, we made a promise to visit the gallery more often. (Course this will probably never happen, and we'll never cross those doors again!).
We then had lunch at Bewley's Cafe on Grafton street. This landmark building is in many guide books so we figured we should probably stop in there (as we were being tourists for the day.) Bewley's is famous for their teas.
Finally, for dinner we headed to Tonic in Blackrock which is not touristy at all, but this is the first restaurant that the BF and I went to when I first moved here... go on...ahhhhhhhhh cute! :)
We started on Saturday with a walk through the Merrion Square Park. I have been past this park a gajillion times since I've moved here as it's on the way to the city, but I have actually never taken the time to go in and look around. We found the much talked about Oscar Wilde statue. I quite liked him with the funny smirk on his face- makes him more interesting then normal statues.
We then headed next door to the National Gallery of Ireland. Best part of the museum...it's FREE! As we walked around, we made a promise to visit the gallery more often. (Course this will probably never happen, and we'll never cross those doors again!).
We then had lunch at Bewley's Cafe on Grafton street. This landmark building is in many guide books so we figured we should probably stop in there (as we were being tourists for the day.) Bewley's is famous for their teas.
Finally, for dinner we headed to Tonic in Blackrock which is not touristy at all, but this is the first restaurant that the BF and I went to when I first moved here... go on...ahhhhhhhhh cute! :)
November 6, 2009
One year!!!!
A year ago today, I was packing up my life and trying to stuff every last possible dress, sweater and shoes into my luggage to move over to the lovely old Emerald Isle.
The year has gone by unbelievable fast. I have made fabulous friends (and managed to keep in touch with all the old ones). I have built a lovely little life for myself with the BF in our cute apartment. And I have been sooo lucky to have the opportunity to travel lots (London, Paris, Prague, Morocco, Croatia, Scotland, Ireland and soon India!)
Below is a very small list of things I've learned about living in Ireland.
- I can cross the street without getting run over.
- It is not that hard to order meat at the grocery store using the metric system.
- My typing fingers can be retrained to substitute "s" for "z" in words like customise, optimise, etc - very popular words for work.
- I can survive not shopping every day after work.
- I also learned that no good store delivers to Ireland when trying to online shop.
- I can estimate how far a kilometer is. (That was a good one for the half marathon!)
- A tea break at 3:00 is a lovely way to spend the afternoon to re-energise at work.
- There really aren't sheep running around all over the place here. No, really!
- The secret to moving in together--- two bathrooms!
To celebrate my one year anniversary tomorrow, the BF and I have plans to do something very Irish-y. Fun fun! Will update when we figure out what we do.
The year has gone by unbelievable fast. I have made fabulous friends (and managed to keep in touch with all the old ones). I have built a lovely little life for myself with the BF in our cute apartment. And I have been sooo lucky to have the opportunity to travel lots (London, Paris, Prague, Morocco, Croatia, Scotland, Ireland and soon India!)
Below is a very small list of things I've learned about living in Ireland.
- I can cross the street without getting run over.
- It is not that hard to order meat at the grocery store using the metric system.
- My typing fingers can be retrained to substitute "s" for "z" in words like customise, optimise, etc - very popular words for work.
- I can survive not shopping every day after work.
- I also learned that no good store delivers to Ireland when trying to online shop.
- I can estimate how far a kilometer is. (That was a good one for the half marathon!)
- A tea break at 3:00 is a lovely way to spend the afternoon to re-energise at work.
- There really aren't sheep running around all over the place here. No, really!
- The secret to moving in together--- two bathrooms!
To celebrate my one year anniversary tomorrow, the BF and I have plans to do something very Irish-y. Fun fun! Will update when we figure out what we do.
November 4, 2009
Irish Accents- Yum!
In a recent poll, the Irish accent has been voted the sexiest.
This report supports what I have been telling BF for YEARS- his accent was the only reason why I started dating him. :)
This report supports what I have been telling BF for YEARS- his accent was the only reason why I started dating him. :)
November 3, 2009
Dance classes with Colin Farrell...
I mean with Colin Farrell's Brother! :) Tricky... Tricky!
I just found out today that the dance classes that I'm taking (Hip Hop- Not Pole) at NPAS is owned by Colin Farell's brother. Apparently last week we were talking to this random guy in the studio and he was Colin's brother, Eamon. I had no idea. How cool!!?!
Here's Colin and the brother I met last week.
I just found out today that the dance classes that I'm taking (Hip Hop- Not Pole) at NPAS is owned by Colin Farell's brother. Apparently last week we were talking to this random guy in the studio and he was Colin's brother, Eamon. I had no idea. How cool!!?!
Here's Colin and the brother I met last week.
November 2, 2009
I'm going to be an...
Kidding, kidding... I'm going to be an AUNT!!!! When I told BF, several weeks ago that I was going to be an Aunt, he thought I said Ant and was like what the feck for? For Halloween? OH BF!
Anyways, my darling older sister and her lovely husband went and got themselves knocked up. How cute is their baby going to be!?!?
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