When my alarm went off early this morning I contemplating skipping my 4 mile training run, but made a deal with myself that if it wasn't raining then I would get up and go. Peeking out the window, I saw clouds but no rain.
So forcing myself to get dressed, I started my run. I wasn't even one mile into the run yet, when it started POURING. As if running 4 miles at 6 in the AM isn't miserable enough!
August 31, 2009
August 30, 2009
I heart Simon
He's so adorable on X-Factor. He's not the complete (but honest) meanie like he is on American Idol, and sometimes he even wears graphic tees!
The other judges are good too (not annoying like the American Idol judges)
From left to right-
Louis Walsh- A pretty funny Irish man who is obsessed with boy bands
Danni Minogue- Sweet girl, sister of more famous Kylie
Cheryl Cole- Adorable judge and member of the girl group Girls Aloud.
The other judges are good too (not annoying like the American Idol judges)
From left to right-
Louis Walsh- A pretty funny Irish man who is obsessed with boy bands
Danni Minogue- Sweet girl, sister of more famous Kylie
Cheryl Cole- Adorable judge and member of the girl group Girls Aloud.
August 28, 2009
The Rose of Tralee
This week the Rose of Tralee festival and "international" pageant was on in Kerry. A fan of all beauty pageants, I recorded this event religiously and just finished watching it last night.
First off, it's not really a beauty pageant (or so they say). The gals are judged on their poise and "likability". So basically, they get dressed up in pretty (?) gowns and have interviews on stage. Some of them, if they chose, can perform a "party piece" or talent. There was some singing, playing of instruments, etc. but it's not required. Random, right? Watching the Rose of Tralee was only ok. There was no crazy dance sequence, bathing suit competition, multiple gown changes... typical of pageants.
I have two gal pals that tried out for the Rose of Tralee this year. They made it to their respective regional competitions (County Cork and County Wicklow). The requirements to be in the pageant is that you must have some Irish blood (rules me out!).
Apparently, it is very prestigious in Ireland to win the rose, but honestly they could have gotten a better crown. Something more sparkly, maybe?
First off, it's not really a beauty pageant (or so they say). The gals are judged on their poise and "likability". So basically, they get dressed up in pretty (?) gowns and have interviews on stage. Some of them, if they chose, can perform a "party piece" or talent. There was some singing, playing of instruments, etc. but it's not required. Random, right? Watching the Rose of Tralee was only ok. There was no crazy dance sequence, bathing suit competition, multiple gown changes... typical of pageants.
I have two gal pals that tried out for the Rose of Tralee this year. They made it to their respective regional competitions (County Cork and County Wicklow). The requirements to be in the pageant is that you must have some Irish blood (rules me out!).
Apparently, it is very prestigious in Ireland to win the rose, but honestly they could have gotten a better crown. Something more sparkly, maybe?
August 25, 2009
Temptations
With the whole training for the half-marathon bit I'm going through right now, I'm trying to resist all sorts of bad for me items including alcohol, fried foods, sweets etc....
G makes it really hard when they send out emails informing us that Mr. Whippy, the amazing soft serve ice cream is downstairs... this is on top of the Ben & Jerry's we have everyday. Sigh!
I am going to try and resist :(
G makes it really hard when they send out emails informing us that Mr. Whippy, the amazing soft serve ice cream is downstairs... this is on top of the Ben & Jerry's we have everyday. Sigh!
I am going to try and resist :(
August 24, 2009
On to the finals!
Yesterday, we attended the Semi- Final Gaelic football match between Cork and Tyrone, and it was brilliant! The weather was looking a bit dodgy as we traveled to Croke Park, but once we got there the sun was shining bright.
In case you're not familiar with Gaelic football, it's best described as a mix between soccer and rugby. Take a peek at a video. Three points are given for a goal within the net, and 1 point is given for a field goal (like in American football). So the score is (goal - field goal).
I do not have Cork team merchandise but still wore red to support the Rebels, but it was a lost cause. Both teams are red and white, and my support was lost in a sea of red. The match was very exciting, and although Cork lead the entire time it was still very intense.
We were surrounded by Tyrone fans so I found the need to clap and cheer at every Cork goal (obnoxious, I know), but obviously it lead to favorable results as Cork won the match 1-13 to Tyrone's 0-11.
In case you're not familiar with Gaelic football, it's best described as a mix between soccer and rugby. Take a peek at a video. Three points are given for a goal within the net, and 1 point is given for a field goal (like in American football). So the score is (goal - field goal).
I do not have Cork team merchandise but still wore red to support the Rebels, but it was a lost cause. Both teams are red and white, and my support was lost in a sea of red. The match was very exciting, and although Cork lead the entire time it was still very intense.
We were surrounded by Tyrone fans so I found the need to clap and cheer at every Cork goal (obnoxious, I know), but obviously it lead to favorable results as Cork won the match 1-13 to Tyrone's 0-11.
August 20, 2009
Makeshift Dinner Parties
The BF has been in Switzerland for work this week and to celebrate (I mean mourn... I definitely meant mourn), I invited some gal pals over each night for a dinner party! The menu was relatively the same for both nights- home made egg rolls, wonton soup and steak and rice one night and fried rice the second night.
I'm no top chef, but I make a relatively decent meal. However, this is the first time since I moved here that I attempted to make traditional goodies. It's difficult here to make food like mom's since there are only 2 small Asian supermarkets. They carry most of the basics, but I couldn't find the right brands for certain ingredients so my food was a bit makeshift as I substituted some items with the products that were available here.
The girls enjoyed it greatly since there's not a great place to get Vietnamese food here. I thought the food was pretty, but didn't quite taste like mom's.
I'm no top chef, but I make a relatively decent meal. However, this is the first time since I moved here that I attempted to make traditional goodies. It's difficult here to make food like mom's since there are only 2 small Asian supermarkets. They carry most of the basics, but I couldn't find the right brands for certain ingredients so my food was a bit makeshift as I substituted some items with the products that were available here.
The girls enjoyed it greatly since there's not a great place to get Vietnamese food here. I thought the food was pretty, but didn't quite taste like mom's.
August 18, 2009
Random Sight of the Day
I was walking in the hallway at work, heading to my next meeting, when I ran into a fella brushing his teeth... IN THE HALLWAY... using an ELECTRIC toothbrush. Disturbing...
Staying!
After viewing a bunch of different apartments in the Ballsbridge area, the BF and I decided to stay in our lovely little apartment instead. Although I wanted to live a bit closer to the center of the city (right now we're 2.5 miles away), I didn't want to deal with the hassle of moving, and I'm glad the BF agreed.
August 17, 2009
Oh Reds!
Really, you're going to start off the season with a crappy loss?!?! After only losing 2 games last season?!?!? Looks like it's going to be a long year...
August 15, 2009
Happy Premier League Day!
Yeah! I couldn't be more excited that the soccer/football season is starting again. To celebrate, I decided to sign up for my first fantasy league. I've never done one before, and I'm quite excited!
Last night instead of going out, the BF and I created our individual teams (Dorks, I know). We're in separate leagues so we chose similar players. The most fun part was creating the uniform (green and yellow) and picking the team name (Tranimals F.C. in a tribute to my soccer loving little sisters).
Below is my uniform:
We had £100 million to buy our team members. I wanted a squad of hot men, skillful men, but they were pricey. Hopefully, the team I picked makes it to the top of the table!
Last night instead of going out, the BF and I created our individual teams (Dorks, I know). We're in separate leagues so we chose similar players. The most fun part was creating the uniform (green and yellow) and picking the team name (Tranimals F.C. in a tribute to my soccer loving little sisters).
Below is my uniform:
We had £100 million to buy our team members. I wanted a squad of hot men, skillful men, but they were pricey. Hopefully, the team I picked makes it to the top of the table!
August 14, 2009
When do I actually work?
Since I belong to two different teams, there have been lots of team events that I have attended in the past couple of weeks. Yesterday, the agency team had a kid themed party. There was a scavenger hunt throughout the building, then lovely home made cakes found at typical Irish parties (krispie buns, fairy cakes, etc). Winners of the scavenger hunt won loot bags. Our team, the Party Hats, came in third :( Still, it was a lovely way to spend some time bonding with the team.
August 12, 2009
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
Ut-oh! We might have some upcoming changes to our little life.... No weddings or babies... (Whew!)
But, our lease ends next week. We hadn't seriously thought about moving at all because our place is lovely. However, we saw apartments in our place offered for less then what we are paying and asked our landlord for a rent reduction. He's not really wavering on lowering the rent (even though there are many, many empty apartments in our block.) so we're going to look for potential new places this weekend.
Our current home:
Last year when the BF looked for places (I was still in Boston and signed a lease for our apartment site unseen), there weren't that many options, but now there are tons of nice places. We're looking for a 2 bedroom (Guest room!) with definitely 2 bathrooms (otherwise our living situation would be rather unpleasant). There's a lot out there right now so fingers crossed for a lovely new place or a rent reduction.
But, our lease ends next week. We hadn't seriously thought about moving at all because our place is lovely. However, we saw apartments in our place offered for less then what we are paying and asked our landlord for a rent reduction. He's not really wavering on lowering the rent (even though there are many, many empty apartments in our block.) so we're going to look for potential new places this weekend.
Our current home:
Last year when the BF looked for places (I was still in Boston and signed a lease for our apartment site unseen), there weren't that many options, but now there are tons of nice places. We're looking for a 2 bedroom (Guest room!) with definitely 2 bathrooms (otherwise our living situation would be rather unpleasant). There's a lot out there right now so fingers crossed for a lovely new place or a rent reduction.
August 10, 2009
Committed!
I finally signed up and committed to my first half marathon. EKKKKKKKKKKKKS! I actually thought about running it seriously last week and started the training program last week. Of all the programs I found online, this one seemed to be easiest to follow.
The first week of training has gone well so I signed up officially this morning for the race on September 26th.
Fingers crossed I don't vomit while doing the run!
The first week of training has gone well so I signed up officially this morning for the race on September 26th.
Fingers crossed I don't vomit while doing the run!
August 7, 2009
Shotguns and Booze
That's how we do it at the big G!
Yesterday, I had a marketing team off-site in Avon Ri, Wicklow and they decided that the team would bond over guns and booze. Well, to be honest, we did more than that. There was a ropes course and rock climbing (my favorite!), and then we had clay pigeon shooting. I was not a fan. It was the first time I'd been around guns and it's scary. And shooting one is terrible. The recoil from the gun hurts :(
We did have a lovely BBQ above the river valley so that made up for the scary guns and I had my first pint of Guinness. "What?" you say. I know, I know... I have been living here for months, but I just don't like beer so never drank it. I was peer pressured in to it last night by the team (very high school). It was fine as far as beer goes, but I think I'll still stick to my gin and tonics.
Yesterday, I had a marketing team off-site in Avon Ri, Wicklow and they decided that the team would bond over guns and booze. Well, to be honest, we did more than that. There was a ropes course and rock climbing (my favorite!), and then we had clay pigeon shooting. I was not a fan. It was the first time I'd been around guns and it's scary. And shooting one is terrible. The recoil from the gun hurts :(
We did have a lovely BBQ above the river valley so that made up for the scary guns and I had my first pint of Guinness. "What?" you say. I know, I know... I have been living here for months, but I just don't like beer so never drank it. I was peer pressured in to it last night by the team (very high school). It was fine as far as beer goes, but I think I'll still stick to my gin and tonics.
Final Croatian Post
Our last stop in Croatia was Split. The biggest attraction in Split is Diocletian's palace which is a world UNESCO site. The palace was built by the Romans at the turn of the fourth century AD. What's so amazing about this particular ruin site is that people have moved in and built their lives in the ruins. Shops and homes abound as you walk around to view the palace sites.
Roman Ruins
Everyday life among the ruins
Roman Ruins
Everyday life among the ruins
August 5, 2009
The Islands
After staying in Dubrovnik for 3 nights, we headed off towards the islands. We moved around to three different islands and each one had it's own unique flair.
Our first stop was Mljet which was all about nature. We spent most of our time in the national park walking around and kayaking in the large salt lakes. It was SO salty! After getting out of the lake, my body would be covered in salt particles as I dried in the sun.
Next stop, Korcula. As mentioned in one of my past posts, it was a bit problematic getting here, but once we were there it was lovely! We happened to be on the island during the Saint Sveti Todor Festival, who is the patron saint of Korcula. There were religious processions and special sword dances.
After Korcula, we headed to Hvar, which is considered the international jet set island. We spent our time people watching the glamorous people in their yachts and designer clothes walking along the harbour.
Here is a picture of me "Being Fabulous" in one of the clubs.
There was also a BBQ at the guest house that we were staying at so the BF and I went out with some of the pals we made there. Fun fun... Next stop, Split!
Our first stop was Mljet which was all about nature. We spent most of our time in the national park walking around and kayaking in the large salt lakes. It was SO salty! After getting out of the lake, my body would be covered in salt particles as I dried in the sun.
Next stop, Korcula. As mentioned in one of my past posts, it was a bit problematic getting here, but once we were there it was lovely! We happened to be on the island during the Saint Sveti Todor Festival, who is the patron saint of Korcula. There were religious processions and special sword dances.
After Korcula, we headed to Hvar, which is considered the international jet set island. We spent our time people watching the glamorous people in their yachts and designer clothes walking along the harbour.
Here is a picture of me "Being Fabulous" in one of the clubs.
There was also a BBQ at the guest house that we were staying at so the BF and I went out with some of the pals we made there. Fun fun... Next stop, Split!
August 4, 2009
Dubrovnik
Our first stop! We arrived and couldn't believe how hot it was- such dry, dry heat.
We mostly hung out in the old city which is beautiful with old statues and stone structures. The entire city floor was marble!
What was so great about this city was that when it got unbearably hot, you just needed to walk towards water and you could just jump in. They had little ladders off tons of piers and along the city walls so you could just pop in for a dip and then dry off within minutes.
We spent most of our time reading and drinking along the piers of the city.
At night, we would have dinner and people watch in side alley cafes. So quaint!
We mostly hung out in the old city which is beautiful with old statues and stone structures. The entire city floor was marble!
What was so great about this city was that when it got unbearably hot, you just needed to walk towards water and you could just jump in. They had little ladders off tons of piers and along the city walls so you could just pop in for a dip and then dry off within minutes.
We spent most of our time reading and drinking along the piers of the city.
At night, we would have dinner and people watch in side alley cafes. So quaint!
Relaxed and Refreshed!
It's amazing how energized I can be after relaxing in the sun for 10 days. I didn't even mind reading through over 500 emails this morning for work at all!
We had a lovely lovely time in Croatia, and it seriously is one of the most beautiful places I have been with all the old town buildings and harbours. We started in Dubrovnik and then went to Mljet, Krocula, Hvar and then Split. I'll be doing a mini post on each place because they were all so different but wonderful in their own little ways.
Just one of the beautiful views!
We had a lovely lovely time in Croatia, and it seriously is one of the most beautiful places I have been with all the old town buildings and harbours. We started in Dubrovnik and then went to Mljet, Krocula, Hvar and then Split. I'll be doing a mini post on each place because they were all so different but wonderful in their own little ways.
Just one of the beautiful views!
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