Lansdowne Road Stadium that had been under construction nearly the entire time we lived here. It has been unusally cold here, and it freakishly snowed in November several inches, so when put on all the layers we had and slipped and slided our way through the 40 minute walk to the stadium. We got there just at kick-off and had FRONT ROW tickets nearly at the half line. We were 10 feet (3 meters) from them. It was great. I could hear the grunts commign from the scrum and some of the harder tackles. It was not one of the better games, as I think Argentina did not know how to play in the snow, and we crushed them 29-9! It was a great game in the snow and was a nice romantic walk. Seeing the new stadium was something I really wanted to do, but it was even better that it was free!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Rugby
Ben scored some free Ireland rugby tickets against Argentina! We got to go to the new 
Lansdowne Road Stadium that had been under construction nearly the entire time we lived here. It has been unusally cold here, and it freakishly snowed in November several inches, so when put on all the layers we had and slipped and slided our way through the 40 minute walk to the stadium. We got there just at kick-off and had FRONT ROW tickets nearly at the half line. We were 10 feet (3 meters) from them. It was great. I could hear the grunts commign from the scrum and some of the harder tackles. It was not one of the better games, as I think Argentina did not know how to play in the snow, and we crushed them 29-9! It was a great game in the snow and was a nice romantic walk. Seeing the new stadium was something I really wanted to do, but it was even better that it was free!
Lansdowne Road Stadium that had been under construction nearly the entire time we lived here. It has been unusally cold here, and it freakishly snowed in November several inches, so when put on all the layers we had and slipped and slided our way through the 40 minute walk to the stadium. We got there just at kick-off and had FRONT ROW tickets nearly at the half line. We were 10 feet (3 meters) from them. It was great. I could hear the grunts commign from the scrum and some of the harder tackles. It was not one of the better games, as I think Argentina did not know how to play in the snow, and we crushed them 29-9! It was a great game in the snow and was a nice romantic walk. Seeing the new stadium was something I really wanted to do, but it was even better that it was free!
Wild West of Mayo
With Ben in the States, 
I decided to do something he would not want to do. Head out West to Mayo and ride horses on the beach. I was so glad that I still knew how to ride. After a one hour ride in the ring to prove that I knew what I was doing, Attila and I took Pipper out for a two hour trek at low tide on Bertra Beach in Clew Bay at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
It was a bit drizzly out, but no wind. It was so exhilarating to ride like the wind on the beach. I was alone with the trainer so he could correct m
e as I went, making it a much smoother ride. It was great! The horse was also huge, 17hh. When I stood flat footed, I could not see over his back. I had a great time, and then treated myself to a seaweed bath and massage in the hotel’s spa since the stiffness of my unused muscles was setting in. The hotel had several fireplaces that I could curl up in front of, do a bit a writing/reading, drink a pint and have a nice hot meal. It was a good treat to myself while Ben was away!
I decided to do something he would not want to do. Head out West to Mayo and ride horses on the beach. I was so glad that I still knew how to ride. After a one hour ride in the ring to prove that I knew what I was doing, Attila and I took Pipper out for a two hour trek at low tide on Bertra Beach in Clew Bay at the foot of Croagh Patrick. It was a bit drizzly out, but no wind. It was so exhilarating to ride like the wind on the beach. I was alone with the trainer so he could correct m
e as I went, making it a much smoother ride. It was great! The horse was also huge, 17hh. When I stood flat footed, I could not see over his back. I had a great time, and then treated myself to a seaweed bath and massage in the hotel’s spa since the stiffness of my unused muscles was setting in. The hotel had several fireplaces that I could curl up in front of, do a bit a writing/reading, drink a pint and have a nice hot meal. It was a good treat to myself while Ben was away!Strange Anomaly #59
Death notices in the newspaper tell where they lived and they do a body removal which is another part of the funeral process either from the home after a wake when they would be in the dining room or from the funeral parlor to the church. My mate even went out and dug his grandfather's grave the night before with his dad and uncles.
Lately I have been also designing a crematorium, using my thesis research, and it has been quite interesting to relearn some the cultural differences in death and the death ritual in societies. Should prove to be quite interesting, but just glad to be using something I actually enjoyed learning about!
Lately I have been also designing a crematorium, using my thesis research, and it has been quite interesting to relearn some the cultural differences in death and the death ritual in societies. Should prove to be quite interesting, but just glad to be using something I actually enjoyed learning about!
Architecture Open house
Another year had gone by, so it was time to do the Dublin Architecture tour. We saw a few home with
my co-worker Paul and his fantastic wife Meg, who puts up with three babbling architects. First off was a typical Dublin ‘villa’ with front steps leading to a piano nobile over a low garden level. The architect was a bit bumbling but was quite interesting to go over the intensive renovation. Next up was a contemporary terrace of ‘double return’ mews housing is at the interface of artisan terraced housing. It was very stark materials, very cold, but true to the materials nature. It was interesting but not quite a place I would want to live. The floor boards were so spaced apart that anyone in heals walking around would be walking through an obstacle course, not to mention the gigantic particles of food that could fall through the huge cracks.
Day two we started with the new Trinity College Long Room Hub Humanities research building. Perching on the end of the Arts Block, it closes Fellows Square and frames the view from Front Square over the roof of the 1937 Reading Room. The new building is seen as a powerhouse of ideas;
the honeycomb granite surface is broken and imprecise; large rooflights form canons of light and create dramatic tall spaces for work and research. It was a pretty awesome building that was detailed superbly. Very clean and well through out. This lead up to the awesome crown jewel of the tour. Nun’s Lane is a contemporary residence and workplace on a garden-estate in Killester. The dual function of home and office is expressed in two distinct cubes. Inside, the house reveals great innovation in layout of spaces, changing levels and material choices. It is the type of house that Ben and I would someday like to design for ourselves. It was breathtaking. Very modern, but still functional and not too cold. It still felt like a home. It was a good way to end the two day tour, with something that took our breaths away....
my co-worker Paul and his fantastic wife Meg, who puts up with three babbling architects. First off was a typical Dublin ‘villa’ with front steps leading to a piano nobile over a low garden level. The architect was a bit bumbling but was quite interesting to go over the intensive renovation. Next up was a contemporary terrace of ‘double return’ mews housing is at the interface of artisan terraced housing. It was very stark materials, very cold, but true to the materials nature. It was interesting but not quite a place I would want to live. The floor boards were so spaced apart that anyone in heals walking around would be walking through an obstacle course, not to mention the gigantic particles of food that could fall through the huge cracks.Day two we started with the new Trinity College Long Room Hub Humanities research building. Perching on the end of the Arts Block, it closes Fellows Square and frames the view from Front Square over the roof of the 1937 Reading Room. The new building is seen as a powerhouse of ideas;
the honeycomb granite surface is broken and imprecise; large rooflights form canons of light and create dramatic tall spaces for work and research. It was a pretty awesome building that was detailed superbly. Very clean and well through out. This lead up to the awesome crown jewel of the tour. Nun’s Lane is a contemporary residence and workplace on a garden-estate in Killester. The dual function of home and office is expressed in two distinct cubes. Inside, the house reveals great innovation in layout of spaces, changing levels and material choices. It is the type of house that Ben and I would someday like to design for ourselves. It was breathtaking. Very modern, but still functional and not too cold. It still felt like a home. It was a good way to end the two day tour, with something that took our breaths away....Monday, November 29, 2010
Halloween
Jen, who just moved to Switzerland, came back for a short weekend visit. We met up on H
alloween for a dinner. Now, I love to dress up for Halloween but the crowd she hangs with are so not the type. We were going to a very civilized dinner so I decided that since I tarted myself up the best I could I would secretly be going as an off-duty super model (did I mention I LOVE to dress-up?) and even one of the drunks I passed during the evening guessed my costume. (OK, I had to drop that in there for my ego, a compliment is still a compliment). We had a fabulous dinner where I tried to follow their speedy Italian. Even though my Italian consists of hello/goodbye, thank you, little mouse, and princess; I was able to follow along for the most part. Crazy, I know!
Jen's
boyfriend Neil knows the owner of one of the nightclubs Krystal, and got us in for free to the VIP area. Our group of 10 were about the only ones not in costume. I was proud of Dublin since I had never seen so many people dressed up before. Very proud. But I had forgotten that it is a night for women to dress like street walkers. Even I was surprised at how many times I glimpsed neither regions I just should not see. One of the costumes consisted of a full body see-through nylon that only had small crystals over the groin and nipples. Wow. The best costumes of the night had to go to the group of Princess Leia's each dressed as a different Leia from Star Wars. Slave Leia, white dress with the hair buns, bounty hunter, it was great! My days of dressing up as Slave Leia may be over, but I am glad that there are other options too.
alloween for a dinner. Now, I love to dress up for Halloween but the crowd she hangs with are so not the type. We were going to a very civilized dinner so I decided that since I tarted myself up the best I could I would secretly be going as an off-duty super model (did I mention I LOVE to dress-up?) and even one of the drunks I passed during the evening guessed my costume. (OK, I had to drop that in there for my ego, a compliment is still a compliment). We had a fabulous dinner where I tried to follow their speedy Italian. Even though my Italian consists of hello/goodbye, thank you, little mouse, and princess; I was able to follow along for the most part. Crazy, I know! Jen's
boyfriend Neil knows the owner of one of the nightclubs Krystal, and got us in for free to the VIP area. Our group of 10 were about the only ones not in costume. I was proud of Dublin since I had never seen so many people dressed up before. Very proud. But I had forgotten that it is a night for women to dress like street walkers. Even I was surprised at how many times I glimpsed neither regions I just should not see. One of the costumes consisted of a full body see-through nylon that only had small crystals over the groin and nipples. Wow. The best costumes of the night had to go to the group of Princess Leia's each dressed as a different Leia from Star Wars. Slave Leia, white dress with the hair buns, bounty hunter, it was great! My days of dressing up as Slave Leia may be over, but I am glad that there are other options too.
Ben's away and the girls will play
Katrin came over from Germany to visit while Ben was away. 
We had a packed schedule for the four days she was here. Straight off the plane it was off to Dun Loughaire to walk by the sea, have some Guinness and eat some seafood chowder. We went into the new office so she could see it, but sadly on a Friday no one is around. Marcella stuck around for a bit of dinner, and soakage, before heading out with the old OMP gang for a night of pints at Hogans. It was like old times. The good old times!
e with some of our friends little girls. Freya is about 5 and we had an amazing time building Legos and drawing. Apparently my sheep are terrible, but I can do a decent horse and have a fabulous Stegosaurus. I was amazed with how many dinosaurs she knew, and even more amazed that I knew how to draw them. Michelangelo has nothing to worry about, but it was fun to remind myself that I do know how to draw. Their younger daugher Mathilda has the cubbiest cheeks and is such a good little baby. When took the girls to the park and we played for 
hours on the equipment so Katrin could talk with Eoin and Christina since she was so close with them. As the sun set, we went to one of my favorite pubs, The Library Bar, where I kept Freya entertained with drawing the universe as she sipped her hot cchocolate. Children at that age are just little sponges, soaking up information. We went over the entire universe, she could name all the planets, and by the end we could draw the all. Rings, big red spot and moons. I was impressed. When they had to put the little ones to bed, I made a quiet dinner at home since we had to rise early and take Kat back to the airport. It was a quick trip, but one that was much needed sinced I was getting a bit lonely without Ben around for so long.
We had a packed schedule for the four days she was here. Straight off the plane it was off to Dun Loughaire to walk by the sea, have some Guinness and eat some seafood chowder. We went into the new office so she could see it, but sadly on a Friday no one is around. Marcella stuck around for a bit of dinner, and soakage, before heading out with the old OMP gang for a night of pints at Hogans. It was like old times. The good old times!Saturday
was up early to see the new baby of Brian and Cathy's who is only a few weeks younger than Abe. It is good to see a baby about his size so I can judge how big he is since Ben was actually at home being able to play with Abe. We enjoyed our tea in the sunlight spilling into her penthouse apartment while the baby slept soundly. It was nice to catch up with Cathy and some other work friends while there. After an afternoon of civilized tea, we took a walk with another couple along the Grand Canal Docks. We managed to give ourselves a self guided tour through the new Opera/Theater building. We got kicked out, but luckily we were done exploring. Our architect excuse did not work this time. Usually it does work and we get a bit of leeway for taking a peek at buildings. After a few drinks watching the rain come down on the canal and a beautiful sunset, we were back to my house for a few drinks before heading out for some dancing. Jazzanova (from Germany infact) pioneers of brilliant happy dance music are playing in the twisted pepper. I do love to dance, but I have never been a big one for house music and after 6 hours of dancing to it, by the end I was just bored. It was good to get the dancing out of my system.
e with some of our friends little girls. Freya is about 5 and we had an amazing time building Legos and drawing. Apparently my sheep are terrible, but I can do a decent horse and have a fabulous Stegosaurus. I was amazed with how many dinosaurs she knew, and even more amazed that I knew how to draw them. Michelangelo has nothing to worry about, but it was fun to remind myself that I do know how to draw. Their younger daugher Mathilda has the cubbiest cheeks and is such a good little baby. When took the girls to the park and we played for 
hours on the equipment so Katrin could talk with Eoin and Christina since she was so close with them. As the sun set, we went to one of my favorite pubs, The Library Bar, where I kept Freya entertained with drawing the universe as she sipped her hot cchocolate. Children at that age are just little sponges, soaking up information. We went over the entire universe, she could name all the planets, and by the end we could draw the all. Rings, big red spot and moons. I was impressed. When they had to put the little ones to bed, I made a quiet dinner at home since we had to rise early and take Kat back to the airport. It was a quick trip, but one that was much needed sinced I was getting a bit lonely without Ben around for so long.
Strange Anomaly #58
When dancing in a club here, I do not need to initiate the dancing girl circle like we do in the States so we can watch out for our girlfriends to see who is trying to dancing with them and give them the nod or violent shake of our heads in approval. It was so nice to dance all night long and not have someone come up from behind and grind on me. I like that the Irish men were not overly aggressive and we could all have a good time.
Friday, October 29, 2010
31 in with a bang, out with a sigh
Ben flew to the States on my 32nd birthday. I mean what is 32? Definetly no where near your twenties, not quite mid thirties, still a ways away from 40, sort of a nothing birthday. At my age my mom had a 7 and 5 year old, and Grandma K was a first time grandmother and last time being a new mother. I cannot imagine having a grandchild right now! Times certainly have changed. Instead of being alone, Tori rescued me from myself and we had a wonderful night of bloody Marys, take away Indian food and a crap movie. It was a good birthday!
Nuns on a daily basis
On my way into work everyday, I pass a group of nuns who live in the area. They do still wear their habits, but they are short and grey. Not sure what the difference is, but it is just an odd thing to see everyday, a pack of nuns.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Polish Yum Yums
My friend Ania is the first name in my phone, so when I forget to unlock it and just threw it into my handbag, it is amazing the random stuff I can send her. With her daughter in Poland for the summer, I have been helping to keep her busy, so she invited me over to dinner to teach me about Polish food. She made us some handmade pierogi and żurek. It was a great night to explore different foods and just catching up over wine.
When my other Polish friend Daria came back from Egypt after working on the National Polish Archeological dig, we had another little lunch where Daria made some pureed beet sauce poured over some dumplings and roasted duck with apples called kaczka z jabłkami accompanied with some gravy over pyzy (a potato dumpling). The names totally escape me on some of the other things that she made but it was delicious none the less. Next time I just need Ania or Daria to take me to the market and translate all the food names that look so interesting!
When my other Polish friend Daria came back from Egypt after working on the National Polish Archeological dig, we had another little lunch where Daria made some pureed beet sauce poured over some dumplings and roasted duck with apples called kaczka z jabłkami accompanied with some gravy over pyzy (a potato dumpling). The names totally escape me on some of the other things that she made but it was delicious none the less.
Strange Anomaly #57.1 and 57.2
This is a two for one deal:
First we have had a pretty amazing summer. That in itself is an anomaly since these last few years have been some of the worst on record for a while.
Second there have been icecream trucks. Ok, that may not be strange, but I had never seen them before and I have seen a few now. Little vans driving around blaring music, and what is so anomalous about his is the fact that they were blaring Yankee Doodle Dandy. I heard/saw this two diffrent times with two different vehicles. It may not be the norm, but it was strange none the less. I was great seeing all the kids pour out of their houses and chase after it!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
World Cup 2010
I have been an avid soccer player most of my life and although I would get up early in America to watch past World Cup tournaments, it is great living in Europe and getting the full force of the excitement! Ireland was not included in this due to a handball by France, so there was not as much excitement in this country, but still exciting none the less. At work we even hooked up our telly to catch a few matches during the day.
More countries to check 'The List'!
Luxembourg, France, Belgium and Germany in just 4 days! Katrin lives right on the boarder of those three countries in 
Germany so with them being so close, I could not resist. I was not going to let the eruption of Eyjafjöll volcano in Iceland ruin my trip! With all the ash in the air so many flights had to be canceled and I originally had to miss out on going for Dominic's birthday. But once the two of them split up, I still was going to go to support my friend! On the night before the big trip the ash did spoil it and had to be canceled, luckily the two other lads that were going to accompany me got to also get a refund. Fast forward two months later, and I finally got to go back again! Third trip is the charm!
A week before I arrived, Katrin had lost her job, and although she had done a few interviews, her last one was up in her old university town, so we took a road trip up to Aachen
to stay the night and go to her interview. We took the long way around just so we could detour into Luxembourg
City, where we had a wonderful breakfast, and into Belgium, seeing where my friend Jen is from, Liege. We arrived in Aachen just in time for a pretty spectacular thunder storm. No lightening, but pure rumbling in your gut thunder. Her interview went well and we had much to discuss while wandering around her old college town, taking in the sights. It was a great last night in Germany!
I was so happy to get and see her hometown, college area, and meet her entire family. Although I have been to Germany many times now, it was great spending it in a more remote part of the country and seeing it through the eyes of the locals. Next time maybe I can bring Ben on a not so stressful trip!
Germany so with them being so close, I could not resist. I was not going to let the eruption of Eyjafjöll volcano in Iceland ruin my trip! With all the ash in the air so many flights had to be canceled and I originally had to miss out on going for Dominic's birthday. But once the two of them split up, I still was going to go to support my friend! On the night before the big trip the ash did spoil it and had to be canceled, luckily the two other lads that were going to accompany me got to also get a refund. Fast forward two months later, and I finally got to go back again! Third trip is the charm!Upon leaving a cold and rainy Ireland, I landed in a warm and sunny 
Germany! Since it is quite a drive from Saarlouis to the airport, we stopped on the side of the road, took out a blanket and sat next to some old ruins and had a mini picnic. After we had our snack, it was off to a Lake to enjoy a mid day cold beer and listen to someone playing their huge Swiss horn. We had a dinner with her sister and boyfriend who have amazing English. It was a good evening trying all different types of wines, whiskeys, appretieves and beers of course all whilst sitting on their back porch over looking their garden. By nightfall, we finally made it to her father's house to relax and play with his dog Spider, the frisbee catching superstar!
Germany! Since it is quite a drive from Saarlouis to the airport, we stopped on the side of the road, took out a blanket and sat next to some old ruins and had a mini picnic. After we had our snack, it was off to a Lake to enjoy a mid day cold beer and listen to someone playing their huge Swiss horn. We had a dinner with her sister and boyfriend who have amazing English. It was a good evening trying all different types of wines, whiskeys, appretieves and beers of course all whilst sitting on their back porch over looking their garden. By nightfall, we finally made it to her father's house to relax and play with his dog Spider, the frisbee catching superstar!The next morning we rose early, since it was getting hotter and hotter, and drove with her sister to Strasbourg, 
France. It is a great little city, with the river intertwining through the city creating all sorts of canals, similar to Brugge or Venice. I even got to try out what little bit of French I have retained to order some fantastic wine. We strolled through the city just soaking up the sunshine. That night was Saarlouis's summer festival, similar to the Rose Festival for those that live around Portland. We met up with some of her friends and just strolled through the throngs of people going from stage to stage listening to various music, sampling all the beer. The three of us girls, Kat, myself and her sister, Hannah, had a great time singing on our way back to the house.
France. It is a great little city, with the river intertwining through the city creating all sorts of canals, similar to Brugge or Venice. I even got to try out what little bit of French I have retained to order some fantastic wine. We strolled through the city just soaking up the sunshine. That night was Saarlouis's summer festival, similar to the Rose Festival for those that live around Portland. We met up with some of her friends and just strolled through the throngs of people going from stage to stage listening to various music, sampling all the beer. The three of us girls, Kat, myself and her sister, Hannah, had a great time singing on our way back to the house.Since it was a late evening, 
we had a bit of a sleep in before driving into the main county capitol of Saarbrücken so Kat could perform in a flash mob. Since I knew what was going to happen I positioned myself next to a main open plaza. Suddenly music came from no where and some dancers appeared out of the crowd of unsuspecting shoppers and started dancing. The song changed and suddenly 50 people joined them from the crowd, Kat included, to do what looks like an impromptu dance routine. When the music ended, they just walked off like nothing happened. It was great to watch! With the temperature rising even higher, we decided that a milkshake was just what we needed.
I met a few more of her new friends, and I realized she has a good group of people around her back home. We strolled down the river and laid out in the sun next to the beer garden, enjoying some sausages and beer. My kind of lazy weekend. That night was the closing of the week long festival, so again we took the 10 minute stroll from her dad's house into the city centre to enjoy the fire work show and concerts.
we had a bit of a sleep in before driving into the main county capitol of Saarbrücken so Kat could perform in a flash mob. Since I knew what was going to happen I positioned myself next to a main open plaza. Suddenly music came from no where and some dancers appeared out of the crowd of unsuspecting shoppers and started dancing. The song changed and suddenly 50 people joined them from the crowd, Kat included, to do what looks like an impromptu dance routine. When the music ended, they just walked off like nothing happened. It was great to watch! With the temperature rising even higher, we decided that a milkshake was just what we needed.I met a few more of her new friends, and I realized she has a good group of people around her back home. We strolled down the river and laid out in the sun next to the beer garden, enjoying some sausages and beer. My kind of lazy weekend. That night was the closing of the week long festival, so again we took the 10 minute stroll from her dad's house into the city centre to enjoy the fire work show and concerts.
A week before I arrived, Katrin had lost her job, and although she had done a few interviews, her last one was up in her old university town, so we took a road trip up to Aachen
to stay the night and go to her interview. We took the long way around just so we could detour into Luxembourg
City, where we had a wonderful breakfast, and into Belgium, seeing where my friend Jen is from, Liege. We arrived in Aachen just in time for a pretty spectacular thunder storm. No lightening, but pure rumbling in your gut thunder. Her interview went well and we had much to discuss while wandering around her old college town, taking in the sights. It was a great last night in Germany! I was so happy to get and see her hometown, college area, and meet her entire family. Although I have been to Germany many times now, it was great spending it in a more remote part of the country and seeing it through the eyes of the locals. Next time maybe I can bring Ben on a not so stressful trip!
Strange Anomaly #56
I find myself trying to still be the good little hippy that I am by recycling and buying items that are good for the environment and what not. But I got confused when shopping for clothes washing soap and the blue one was 'Non-Bio' and the green one was 'Bio'. I of course buy the 'Bio' but finally got a reason for what it means and had to share in my discovery:
"Biological washing powder contains enzymes which break down stains etc in the wash .Non Bio doesn't contain the enzymes.
In terms of the environmental impact, neither system is perfect.
Whilst the enzymes contained in a biological wash powder may take longer to disperse in the environment, the temperatures for washing can be lower than for a non-biological powder. The non-bio powder could take a higher temperature to do the same wash, which uses more electricity and water and this also has an environmental impact.
Unless you have really filthy wash I would avoid biological powder."
In terms of the environmental impact, neither system is perfect.
Whilst the enzymes contained in a biological wash powder may take longer to disperse in the environment, the temperatures for washing can be lower than for a non-biological powder. The non-bio powder could take a higher temperature to do the same wash, which uses more electricity and water and this also has an environmental impact.
Unless you have really filthy wash I would avoid biological powder."
Monday, July 12, 2010
Super Shoes!
I have recently jumped aboard the Sketcher's Shape-up bandwagon! Since I walk a hour (each way) to work, I realized that I do a lot of walking. And since I go through shoes like most people go through bars of s
oap, I decided it was time to invest in a proper pair of shoes. One the the girls here at work has a pair and is in amazing shape with a tight perky backside (nevermind the fact that I am over a decade older then her) but I was convinced that if I get these shoes, then my dariair will look just like hers! I wore them all over Scandinavia and whenever I am not a work, I have them on. They definitely have gotten better looking since the first MBT's came out, and do work different muscles brilliantly, but they still are not that cute looking. They do their job and I am well on my way to toning up to get back my early twenties shape! So far so good!
oap, I decided it was time to invest in a proper pair of shoes. One the the girls here at work has a pair and is in amazing shape with a tight perky backside (nevermind the fact that I am over a decade older then her) but I was convinced that if I get these shoes, then my dariair will look just like hers! I wore them all over Scandinavia and whenever I am not a work, I have them on. They definitely have gotten better looking since the first MBT's came out, and do work different muscles brilliantly, but they still are not that cute looking. They do their job and I am well on my way to toning up to get back my early twenties shape! So far so good!
Scandinaivia: Part Deux
It is that time of year again for me to go on our big holiday of the summer! With our time in Europe drawing to a close, I checked the 'Must See' list and Scandinavia was still not crossed off. I found a great travel agency that booked all of our hotels and transportation between the three remaining capitols: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway. Ben's hopes were not set that high as he knew nothing of these places and I knew I could blow his socks off!
First stop on the tour was Helsinki. One of the main sights on this 
stop was to see Alver Aalto's work. He did a great library down in Mount Angel and we wanted to see more of his work in his home country. It was a bit overcast and misty, but was comfortable enough for being so far up north. Our hotel was central enough that we could get to everything we wanted to see. First day was all city centre stuff, Presidential palace, Rock Church, most of Aalto's more functional work, the seaportside market, the large bustling market hall and taking a walking tour around the scenic residential quarter. We walked through botanical gardens and lounged on the steps of city hall. We had worked up quite an appetite so we had a big dinner of various fish and reindeer. No Dasher this year for Santa, because we ate him! The next day we took a tour boat out to the zoo early in the day. There are so many little islands that constantly have little boats going out to them. The zoo was great, but I love zoos! The animals were all up and about since it was a bit rainy and not that cold. The lion was pacing right in front of the thick glass, nothing like looking a full grown male lion in the eye with only 2 inches of glass between us! Exciting stuff! I got to see a few different wild cats that I had never seen before and a European Lynx chowing down on a full rabbit, ethically euthanized of course. I had never had seen that before, glad they did not throw him a slab of beef, since rabbit is what he really would eat, guts, fur, eyeballs and all. We took a walk around one of the many lakes since Finland is know as the land of a thousand lakes and I believe it. We caught the last few of the Aalto buildings before the sun disappeared around 10 at night.
stop was to see Alver Aalto's work. He did a great library down in Mount Angel and we wanted to see more of his work in his home country. It was a bit overcast and misty, but was comfortable enough for being so far up north. Our hotel was central enough that we could get to everything we wanted to see. First day was all city centre stuff, Presidential palace, Rock Church, most of Aalto's more functional work, the seaportside market, the large bustling market hall and taking a walking tour around the scenic residential quarter. We walked through botanical gardens and lounged on the steps of city hall. We had worked up quite an appetite so we had a big dinner of various fish and reindeer. No Dasher this year for Santa, because we ate him! The next day we took a tour boat out to the zoo early in the day. There are so many little islands that constantly have little boats going out to them. The zoo was great, but I love zoos! The animals were all up and about since it was a bit rainy and not that cold. The lion was pacing right in front of the thick glass, nothing like looking a full grown male lion in the eye with only 2 inches of glass between us! Exciting stuff! I got to see a few different wild cats that I had never seen before and a European Lynx chowing down on a full rabbit, ethically euthanized of course. I had never had seen that before, glad they did not throw him a slab of beef, since rabbit is what he really would eat, guts, fur, eyeballs and all. We took a walk around one of the many lakes since Finland is know as the land of a thousand lakes and I believe it. We caught the last few of the Aalto buildings before the sun disappeared around 10 at night.The last day in Finland we did a quick walk around the central park and a few of the museums before we boarded our cruise ship! We left Helsinki just before dinner 
time, so on board we had a great seafood dinner, walked around the large cruise ship, watched an acrobatic performance, listened to one of the worst Drag performances ever and take some great pics of the islands. We watched a movie on the laptop and tucked into our respective bunks for a bit of shut eye. By the time we got up the next morning, we had time for a quick shower, another fabulous breakfast and we were off the boat by 9am to have a whole extra day in Stockholm then previously thought! And the other great thing was, our old friend the sun was there to greet us! A quick note of all our hotels, they were amazing. Comfortable, clean, free Wifi, free buffet breakfast that was fabulous and were always centrally located right next to the ports/train stations for easy getting around.
time, so on board we had a great seafood dinner, walked around the large cruise ship, watched an acrobatic performance, listened to one of the worst Drag performances ever and take some great pics of the islands. We watched a movie on the laptop and tucked into our respective bunks for a bit of shut eye. By the time we got up the next morning, we had time for a quick shower, another fabulous breakfast and we were off the boat by 9am to have a whole extra day in Stockholm then previously thought! And the other great thing was, our old friend the sun was there to greet us! A quick note of all our hotels, they were amazing. Comfortable, clean, free Wifi, free buffet breakfast that was fabulous and were always centrally located right next to the ports/train stations for easy getting around.The first day we set out in Stockholm to see the old city centre, with the winding 
medieval streets and Royal Palace. We had lunch sitting outside in the sun, took a nap on the seaport side on a bench, wandered over to the Nobel Peace prize place and of course dinner at Hard Rock Cafe to get that ever collectible shotglass. I even dragged Ben over to a c
hocolatier that claimed to have the world's best hot chocolate. It was pretty good and we even picked up some chocolate to snack on for the rest of the trip. Stockholm was beautiful, the women were stunning, the men were attractive, it was one of the cleanest cities I have ever been in and of course the fact that it was sunny and hot helped immensely! We strolled through one of the many large parks that sits on its own little island, since Stockholm is made up of many different islands. We went up a telecommunications tower to look out over the city at the 30th storey. Ben was surprised since when you walk in, it does not look very welcoming and looks a bit utilitarian. It was one of my many tricks up my sleeve! The other surprise, was the Absolut Ice Bar, where the entire bar, seats, tables, walls, and even your glasses are made of ice. We had to wear thick jackets and gloves they provided and of course got a free drink. It was a bit kitsch, but still interesting!
medieval streets and Royal Palace. We had lunch sitting outside in the sun, took a nap on the seaport side on a bench, wandered over to the Nobel Peace prize place and of course dinner at Hard Rock Cafe to get that ever collectible shotglass. I even dragged Ben over to a c
hocolatier that claimed to have the world's best hot chocolate. It was pretty good and we even picked up some chocolate to snack on for the rest of the trip. Stockholm was beautiful, the women were stunning, the men were attractive, it was one of the cleanest cities I have ever been in and of course the fact that it was sunny and hot helped immensely! We strolled through one of the many large parks that sits on its own little island, since Stockholm is made up of many different islands. We went up a telecommunications tower to look out over the city at the 30th storey. Ben was surprised since when you walk in, it does not look very welcoming and looks a bit utilitarian. It was one of my many tricks up my sleeve! The other surprise, was the Absolut Ice Bar, where the entire bar, seats, tables, walls, and even your glasses are made of ice. We had to wear thick jackets and gloves they provided and of course got a free drink. It was a bit kitsch, but still interesting!We also went to sev
eral museums over the few days, and we have collectively decided that the museums of Sweden are WEIRD! No real way to describe how surreal they are, and just all out strange unless you see them yourselves. We were a bit disappointed in the viking museum and even more so in the Norse museum since it wall all about how Swedish interiors. Our last day in the city was during a bank holiday so mostly everything was closed. We strolled around the city and just had a great time visiting the Östermalmshallen Food Court where it is a huge market for food, the Kungsträdgården was in full bloom with Cherry Blossoms to get some great photos, and got to see a fancy changing of the guard at the castle. We never did get to go into the Royal Palace, but once you have seen the British crown jewels, nothing else will really compare.
eral museums over the few days, and we have collectively decided that the museums of Sweden are WEIRD! No real way to describe how surreal they are, and just all out strange unless you see them yourselves. We were a bit disappointed in the viking museum and even more so in the Norse museum since it wall all about how Swedish interiors. Our last day in the city was during a bank holiday so mostly everything was closed. We strolled around the city and just had a great time visiting the Östermalmshallen Food Court where it is a huge market for food, the Kungsträdgården was in full bloom with Cherry Blossoms to get some great photos, and got to see a fancy changing of the guard at the castle. We never did get to go into the Royal Palace, but once you have seen the British crown jewels, nothing else will really compare.For the last leg of the trip, we took a 6 hour train ride to Oslo. The closer we
got to Norway, the cloudier the weather, until finally it was lashing rain! LASHING! We stopped for one of the most expensive crappy meals we ever had, €45/$55 for a small nacho, a sandwich and two tap waters. Needless to say, Norway was just as expensive as we were warned. The next morning we ate as much as we could with breakfast and headed out umbrella in hand. We took a walk around the Royal Palace, up the main streets, through town into the Vigeland Sculpture Park. A Norwegian sculpture had over 200 pieces of his work there, and we walked all over the huge park getting up close and personal to it. We stopped for lunch on the waterfront, and that is when the torrential downpours began. We walked up through the Akershus Fortress and old Castle, taking refuge in some of the old outbuildings and finally crossing the drawbridge back into the modern parts of town. Since I was tired, my feet hurt, was all wet, we headed back to the hotel to wait it out. Luckily by dinner time, it had cleared up a bit and we got to walk all over the Opera house. This was a great architectural marvel. It was loosely based on an iceberg/
glacier idea. The white marble snaked up the building that the pedestrians could walk all the up the side of it, up to the roof with the main performance area popping up as glass in the middle. We got to walk inside to see the ramps of the entrances spiral upwards similar to Guggenheim, but in wood, not plaster. I was glad Ben talked me into going to see this. We had a great dinner and tucked in for an early night since we had to catch the train at 5am to get home. Although I wish we had another day to properly see the fjords and other things outside of the city centre, with how much it cost, maybe it was not such a bad thing to give it a miss.
got to Norway, the cloudier the weather, until finally it was lashing rain! LASHING! We stopped for one of the most expensive crappy meals we ever had, €45/$55 for a small nacho, a sandwich and two tap waters. Needless to say, Norway was just as expensive as we were warned. The next morning we ate as much as we could with breakfast and headed out umbrella in hand. We took a walk around the Royal Palace, up the main streets, through town into the Vigeland Sculpture Park. A Norwegian sculpture had over 200 pieces of his work there, and we walked all over the huge park getting up close and personal to it. We stopped for lunch on the waterfront, and that is when the torrential downpours began. We walked up through the Akershus Fortress and old Castle, taking refuge in some of the old outbuildings and finally crossing the drawbridge back into the modern parts of town. Since I was tired, my feet hurt, was all wet, we headed back to the hotel to wait it out. Luckily by dinner time, it had cleared up a bit and we got to walk all over the Opera house. This was a great architectural marvel. It was loosely based on an iceberg/
glacier idea. The white marble snaked up the building that the pedestrians could walk all the up the side of it, up to the roof with the main performance area popping up as glass in the middle. We got to walk inside to see the ramps of the entrances spiral upwards similar to Guggenheim, but in wood, not plaster. I was glad Ben talked me into going to see this. We had a great dinner and tucked in for an early night since we had to catch the train at 5am to get home. Although I wish we had another day to properly see the fjords and other things outside of the city centre, with how much it cost, maybe it was not such a bad thing to give it a miss.With being so far up north the summer nights are long. The sun comes up before 4am and sets well after 10pm. We got to the train station, after paying a small fortune, we caught the direct train out to the airport. We checked in, got through security, found our gate and just waited until we were ready to board. So far, so good. But within minutes of us getting ready to board, our flight was canceled due to the ash funny-business.
We got all our luggage, headed back out to the main airport area and began queueing to talk to an airport representative. We were told we had three options: 1) cancel the trip and get a full refund, no. 2) Wait a two more days and get on the next flight to Dublin and hope that the ash does not delay that one too, nope. 3) Get a flight somewhere else. So I asked if they flied to London, and yes, we could get one of the last flights heading into there in a few hours. So England bound we now were. I knew before hand, that if I could get to London, I could always get home on the ferry, so there was a Plan B if you will. We landed in London and found out our options there 1) take a £250 flight into Dublin per person ($700 total) or 2) take the train/ferry the next day for £32 each ($80 total). But the cheaper transportation option meant stay a night in London. Now, even though I had a Plan B, I still was not prepared with maps and hotels, so in desperation I rang my friends Irish mobile number that I had hoping that she still had it since she was now living in London. Not only did she have it on, she was home and she came to collect us and stay with her for the night. She did say the last time I saw her that if I was ever in London, I could come and stay, so I just took her up on it. Her boyfriend made us an amazing dinner, and three bottles of wine later, we were all caught up on our gossip, happenings in life and general complaints about our office. Early the next morning Ben and I took three different train rides through England and Wales over to catch the ferry, which took about 1 1/hours to take us into Dublin city. I had always wanted to take the ferry, but not necessarily under these circumstances. We made it home a day late, very stinky, but very happy. Scandinavia may be expensive, but well worth the trip. Next time Arctic Circle and try and find Santa!!
Strange Anomaly #55
Now every town/county/country has its own planning requirements for architecture. But one strange one I came across recently in order 
to get planning permission was a Bat survey. Although they are not endangered here, I had to find a bat specialist, of which there are many, have him sonically try and find bats in the existing structures we want to have removed and survey the rest of the site to see if there were only ‘ a solitary bat such as an immature female, a male or a non-breeding female up to several hundred pregnant or lactating females’ and take into ‘consideration of the impact of demolition on the feeding and commuting behaviour of the surrounding bat fauna.’
to get planning permission was a Bat survey. Although they are not endangered here, I had to find a bat specialist, of which there are many, have him sonically try and find bats in the existing structures we want to have removed and survey the rest of the site to see if there were only ‘ a solitary bat such as an immature female, a male or a non-breeding female up to several hundred pregnant or lactating females’ and take into ‘consideration of the impact of demolition on the feeding and commuting behaviour of the surrounding bat fauna.’
Saturday, June 12, 2010
(Un)Holy Thursday Mess
It tragically has become the story of the month.... more redundancies. With more being laid off with each coming month, that means that th
ere are more leaving do's. This time it was saying goodbye to Colin. The Thursday before Easter was the last work day so since this was also our last time working in Milltown before moving to Terenure, we headed to McSorley's for one last blow out. Past and present employees turned out in droves. NOt only to say goodbye to our comrades, but also to get in the last drinks before Good Friday. Good Friday and Christmas are the only illegal times for a pub to be open. So promptly at 11:30 on Holy Thursday the lights flashed for last call and by midnight, no more drinks. You would think that people would not be able to get drink for the next year as they cleared out the shelves at the market or off-license, but it only was for 24 hours. Edell and I took off at last call since it was getting quite messy with people picking each other up, swinging each other around and hugs and crying. None of the above for me thanks. I said my goodbyes and the two of us tottered off to get some greasy yummy chips for the walk back into town. Good end to a sad night, but I will see these people again, either in Oz or North America sooner rather than later!
ere are more leaving do's. This time it was saying goodbye to Colin. The Thursday before Easter was the last work day so since this was also our last time working in Milltown before moving to Terenure, we headed to McSorley's for one last blow out. Past and present employees turned out in droves. NOt only to say goodbye to our comrades, but also to get in the last drinks before Good Friday. Good Friday and Christmas are the only illegal times for a pub to be open. So promptly at 11:30 on Holy Thursday the lights flashed for last call and by midnight, no more drinks. You would think that people would not be able to get drink for the next year as they cleared out the shelves at the market or off-license, but it only was for 24 hours. Edell and I took off at last call since it was getting quite messy with people picking each other up, swinging each other around and hugs and crying. None of the above for me thanks. I said my goodbyes and the two of us tottered off to get some greasy yummy chips for the walk back into town. Good end to a sad night, but I will see these people again, either in Oz or North America sooner rather than later!Strange Anomaly #54
The 
post man in the city centre does not have a funny little car he drives around, no he cycles all the post to everyone. Super sturdy bike like the old durable WWII looking things, and has a large basket in the front and two huge satchels hanging down on either side by the back wheel. Much more economical but I do feel sorry for them in all the rain and wind with no vehicle to try and get warm in.
post man in the city centre does not have a funny little car he drives around, no he cycles all the post to everyone. Super sturdy bike like the old durable WWII looking things, and has a large basket in the front and two huge satchels hanging down on either side by the back wheel. Much more economical but I do feel sorry for them in all the rain and wind with no vehicle to try and get warm in.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Chapel to Argus House
After a three years in The Chapel at OMP 
we could not longer fill it and were rattling around in the place. In a strange deal, we are swapping buildings with another company, and moving out. It will still be an hour walk to work, but just not a nice of a walk. The Chapel was meant to hold 130 and by the time of the move we are now only 30 in Dublin. Change will be good, but sitting in front of the rose window for the last few years has been quite nice.
Now I sit in f
ront of a broken, yet thankfully not drafty, fireplace. 
It is a cosy old house that was converted to offices. Just a bummer that we have no canteen, just an old picnic table sitting in the middle of the carpark. Plus our desks are half the size, so now I have stuff flowing over and piles and trying to eat around the piles is acrobatic work!
we could not longer fill it and were rattling around in the place. In a strange deal, we are swapping buildings with another company, and moving out. It will still be an hour walk to work, but just not a nice of a walk. The Chapel was meant to hold 130 and by the time of the move we are now only 30 in Dublin. Change will be good, but sitting in front of the rose window for the last few years has been quite nice.Now I sit in f
ront of a broken, yet thankfully not drafty, fireplace. 
It is a cosy old house that was converted to offices. Just a bummer that we have no canteen, just an old picnic table sitting in the middle of the carpark. Plus our desks are half the size, so now I have stuff flowing over and piles and trying to eat around the piles is acrobatic work!
Strange Anomaly #53
We have been reading out loud at work the daily trivia, and most of them I was slow on the draw for, or when it came to English History I was a bit fuzzy, but nailed the US ones. But one that stumped me (that I so would have gotten) asked how many stars are in 'The Plow'. Is it a TV show? Movie? Celebrity reality show that I had never heard of? None of the above actually. After the bewildered looks I got from them when I evidently a bit slow for not knowing what they were talking about, some laughter and a fair bit of gesturing, it was revealed that is was none other than the 'Big Dipper'. I so should have gotten that question! Yet another example of same thing, different name. A few others that fall into that category is board games: Sorry = Ludo, Clue = Cluedo and Drafts = Checkers.
M+J in Dublin
Misti and Johnny came to visit! YAY! Even though I just saw them for their wedding, this was a second Honeymoon for them. Within 
minutes of landing, I had them fed, showered, quick cat nap, and out for a pint of the black stuff in Ireland's smallest pub! Ben had to work the first part of the week, so we got a tour of Ben's new office that had just been completed that I had not even gotten a chance to see. To save on money for us as well as them, we cooked at home and got to enjoy Johnny's AMAZING salsa and other culinary delights that his mother send us recipes to.
minutes of landing, I had them fed, showered, quick cat nap, and out for a pint of the black stuff in Ireland's smallest pub! Ben had to work the first part of the week, so we got a tour of Ben's new office that had just been completed that I had not even gotten a chance to see. To save on money for us as well as them, we cooked at home and got to enjoy Johnny's AMAZING salsa and other culinary delights that his mother send us recipes to.I did give them one day on their own, but they slept in until 2 in the afternoon and I think caught up on the last year of sleep with having a little one in the house.
Luckily Irish museums are free, so between the sunny, albeit cold 
weather, we were having, we brought along our sandwiches, I gave them a free tour of Dublin parks, art museums, Dublin Castle, Chester Beaty Library and past the great churches. We ended the night in Ireland's Oldest Pub (you will see the trend here).
weather, we were having, we brought along our sandwiches, I gave them a free tour of Dublin parks, art museums, Dublin Castle, Chester Beaty Library and past the great churches. We ended the night in Ireland's Oldest Pub (you will see the trend here).I wanted them to meet my 'Irish Family' so on the Saturday night I invited all of my friends over, made a big pot of my Mexican surprise and had a few beers in the house. A great way for both of my family of friends to meet each other. We also hired a car so Misti could try out driving as well on the opposite side. We took them to our favourite haunts outsid
e of the city centre: Glendalough, Newgrange, Monistaboice and of course Ireland's highest pub, Johnny Foxes. Since we had loads of drink left over from Christmas time from clients, some bottles of wine from Thanksgiving as well as Birthday bottles of Whiskey, we spent most of our evenings playing various different games at the house and drinking all our free stuff. We even invented a new game: Irish Barbarian Pirate Rummy (a take on Norwegian Rummy that they taught us). And of course lots of Farkle.
e of the city centre: Glendalough, Newgrange, Monistaboice and of course Ireland's highest pub, Johnny Foxes. Since we had loads of drink left over from Christmas time from clients, some bottles of wine from Thanksgiving as well as Birthday bottles of Whiskey, we spent most of our evenings playing various different games at the house and drinking all our free stuff. We even invented a new game: Irish Barbarian Pirate Rummy (a take on Norwegian Rummy that they taught us). And of course lots of Farkle.Of course, what would a trip in the Big Smoke be without 
going to see the Guinness Brewery, Jameson Store house (Johnny and I are big whiskey drinking fans), and a few pubs within city centre. They took a trip into Temple Bar and with two pints coming to the equivalent of $20, we were not going to be drinking in town. Which this has to be Ireland's most expensive pub.
The time was short but sweet, and I think we crammed in as much as we could without spending a fortune, it is always great going underbudget when you are on holiday. Just nice to see our friends that we have missed so much!
going to see the Guinness Brewery, Jameson Store house (Johnny and I are big whiskey drinking fans), and a few pubs within city centre. They took a trip into Temple Bar and with two pints coming to the equivalent of $20, we were not going to be drinking in town. Which this has to be Ireland's most expensive pub.Saturday, May 29, 2010
Strange Anomaly #52
Firefighters not the studmuffins they are in America, or should I say the Fire Brigade. I know as for myself I desperately wanted to be a FireMAN when I grew up after watching my neighbours house burn down, and when I realized that I was 1) not going to become a man, much to Ben’s delight and 2) that although women can do the job, I just would not be bodybuilder enough material to do the job physically well. As I was told by a Northener, the firefighters as not as well respected due to that fact that when the ‘Troubles’ we going on up North, they did not want the firemen to put out their fires so bottles and rocks were thrown at them.
As with the imagery provided below one can also see the hotness factor. Maybe if the Irish ones spoke, it would give them a few additional hot points for the accents, but for the most part, I have never met an ugly American firefighter. And for the record, the Irish man was in a calendar as Mr. May of 2007. If this is the type that makes it into a calendar, Case. And. Point.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
St Patrick's Jewelry
Meg, Paul's wife, has been a great contributor to my creation of jewelry. The night before St. Patrick's Day she invited all of her co-workers over
to her place for a little boozy fun before the jewelry shopping. I had all of it laid out, and after a few bottles of wine, some nibbles and chats later, they were ready to shop. Out of the 8 there, they all bought at least one thing, and one even bought stuff for her wedding. That is awesome! The extra cash definitely helps and it funds me doing even more pieces. So in true Irish fashion, my eyes were hanging out of my head the next day after drinking too much wine, so it is great that we get that as a national holiday! Just have to remember why I usually limit myself to one or two glasses of wine, not one or two bottles..... I always have learned the hard way!
to her place for a little boozy fun before the jewelry shopping. I had all of it laid out, and after a few bottles of wine, some nibbles and chats later, they were ready to shop. Out of the 8 there, they all bought at least one thing, and one even bought stuff for her wedding. That is awesome! The extra cash definitely helps and it funds me doing even more pieces. So in true Irish fashion, my eyes were hanging out of my head the next day after drinking too much wine, so it is great that we get that as a national holiday! Just have to remember why I usually limit myself to one or two glasses of wine, not one or two bottles..... I always have learned the hard way!
Strange Anomaly #51
Sirens have all different sounds. Some sound like US police and others sound like mainland Europe. When I asked about this, I was told people were less able to igonore them if they change around since people do not move out of the way in emergencies as quickly as they do in the States.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
10,000 Miles in 5 Days
I was super exited when Misti announced she was getting married 
and even happier when she asked me to be in it! But I live thousands of miles away and had no holiday time left to take. So luckily she just happened to plan it during one of our bank holidays and with how much overtime I work I was able to work the hours in the same week and did not have to take anytime off.
So
Thursday morning I caught a plane and few all day to reach Portland just before midnight. Friday mom and I drove the 5+ hours to Shady Cove just in time to do hugs, wedding rehearsal, quick dinner and then into bed. Saturday was the wedding all day long which was amazing. No bridezilla moments. 
Karaoke to some country songs. Aiden got involved with the vows since he could not understand why everyone was staring at his parents and he was not the centre of attention. I was such a wonderful day to not only to see two people that belong together get married, but all of our friends that I have missed so much.
Sunday after a quick breakfast where nearly the entire wedding took over the restaurant,
it was back up to Portland but with Mark and Whitney with us! They were heading back to Arizona but leaving out of Portland as well to see Mark's family. It was great being able to catch up over such a long drive. I had enough time in Portland to see my brother and his wife. Then Monday back on the plane and straight into work after landing. It was hard for me to believe how quick that trip was and that I was even in America!
and even happier when she asked me to be in it! But I live thousands of miles away and had no holiday time left to take. So luckily she just happened to plan it during one of our bank holidays and with how much overtime I work I was able to work the hours in the same week and did not have to take anytime off.So
Thursday morning I caught a plane and few all day to reach Portland just before midnight. Friday mom and I drove the 5+ hours to Shady Cove just in time to do hugs, wedding rehearsal, quick dinner and then into bed. Saturday was the wedding all day long which was amazing. No bridezilla moments. 
Karaoke to some country songs. Aiden got involved with the vows since he could not understand why everyone was staring at his parents and he was not the centre of attention. I was such a wonderful day to not only to see two people that belong together get married, but all of our friends that I have missed so much. Sunday after a quick breakfast where nearly the entire wedding took over the restaurant,
it was back up to Portland but with Mark and Whitney with us! They were heading back to Arizona but leaving out of Portland as well to see Mark's family. It was great being able to catch up over such a long drive. I had enough time in Portland to see my brother and his wife. Then Monday back on the plane and straight into work after landing. It was hard for me to believe how quick that trip was and that I was even in America!
Strange Anomaly #50
Teachers go by first names. Started when most of the teachers were nun, Sister Mary, Sister Aofie but now the just call the teached who are not nuns by only their first name. No Ms. Arstad or Mrs. Gould, but plain Meg.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Warning: Do not stab freezer with knives
Our freezer has never worked properly since the door never closed 
all the way so within a few weeks it would completely freeze over. One day when I was trying to fit my pie crusts into the freezer to make room I started chipping away at the ice. Well, it sort of slipped and punctured the side and freon started coming out. Needless to say, that fridge died. Our landlord was nice enough to buy us a new one and since it was so cold, I climbed inside the empty box. I loved playing in boxes as a child, and of course I still like to. I kept it in the house for about a week, but then since we live in a small place I could not stand it being in our space anymore so it was recycled. But I still love playing in oversized boxes!!
all the way so within a few weeks it would completely freeze over. One day when I was trying to fit my pie crusts into the freezer to make room I started chipping away at the ice. Well, it sort of slipped and punctured the side and freon started coming out. Needless to say, that fridge died. Our landlord was nice enough to buy us a new one and since it was so cold, I climbed inside the empty box. I loved playing in boxes as a child, and of course I still like to. I kept it in the house for about a week, but then since we live in a small place I could not stand it being in our space anymore so it was recycled. But I still love playing in oversized boxes!!
Strange Anomaly #49
No Juvenile detention halls. 
Even though kids act up they just get a fine and the parents pay it, then they are right back out on the street selling the drugs to pay back their parents. After the rock hidden in the snow ball hit me, and watching many other teenage boys act up around the city, I can understand why they do whatever they want. There are not consequences.
Even though kids act up they just get a fine and the parents pay it, then they are right back out on the street selling the drugs to pay back their parents. After the rock hidden in the snow ball hit me, and watching many other teenage boys act up around the city, I can understand why they do whatever they want. There are not consequences.
Courts Tour
Ben worked nearly 
three years on the new Criminal Courts building and it had its grand opening! A few weeks before final completion they had a friends and family tour. Since we do not have any family here, we picked the next best thing, friends that are family. Colin joined us as our family and we also figured since he was Irish he would have a bit of interest in the countries newest criminal court, purely as a curious bystander of course.
Pete, Ben's boss, was the head of our group. We got to go to all the places that the public
would never be allowed to: The awesome views from the judges 
chambers, 
their private ensuites in their offices, walking within the double skin service area and even down into the holding cells. That was cool! The place that I was looking forward to seeing was the child witness room that Ben did most of the design for. Now since I can never be a child again, I will most likely never be an Irish child witness so this was my one chance to see it. Even though I think the room was awesome, there are so many other cooler things to photograph so I may never have another chance to see it.
For the grand
public opening, Ben went but was not allowed to bring guests since the President was there to speak. He may not have met her, but I still think it is pretty cool that he got to see her in person!
When Misti and Johnny were here
after being open for a month or so, we gave ourselves a self guided tour and got to snicker at the judged who still wear those silly looking white wigs that seem so outdated. It was great to see at least on of the projects that we have worked on get built!
three years on the new Criminal Courts building and it had its grand opening! A few weeks before final completion they had a friends and family tour. Since we do not have any family here, we picked the next best thing, friends that are family. Colin joined us as our family and we also figured since he was Irish he would have a bit of interest in the countries newest criminal court, purely as a curious bystander of course.Pete, Ben's boss, was the head of our group. We got to go to all the places that the public
would never be allowed to: The awesome views from the judges 
chambers, 
their private ensuites in their offices, walking within the double skin service area and even down into the holding cells. That was cool! The place that I was looking forward to seeing was the child witness room that Ben did most of the design for. Now since I can never be a child again, I will most likely never be an Irish child witness so this was my one chance to see it. Even though I think the room was awesome, there are so many other cooler things to photograph so I may never have another chance to see it.For the grand
public opening, Ben went but was not allowed to bring guests since the President was there to speak. He may not have met her, but I still think it is pretty cool that he got to see her in person!When Misti and Johnny were here
after being open for a month or so, we gave ourselves a self guided tour and got to snicker at the judged who still wear those silly looking white wigs that seem so outdated. It was great to see at least on of the projects that we have worked on get built!
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