Billy Miner is my Man

In yesterday's paper was a flyer shouting, "NOW HIRING" at the Billy Miner's Roadhouse. I'd already applied at Tumbleweeds, but they're not opening until October, and I kind of need to start earning some cash, er, NOW!
This morning I printed off my updated resume and coverletter and zoomed down the highway to see if I could make something of myself. Or something.
It was a strange time. The last time I'd dropped off resumes and anticipated interviews was back in the Pre-Tim-Horton's Days...and its not a feeling I am particularly fond of.
I hate worrying about first impressions, I never feel qualified, and my mind never works very fast when it comes to interviews.
Nevertheless I girded my loins, so to speak, and entered the restaurant.
And I saw Kelsey. It would be fun to work with Kelsey.
I asked for the manager and soon a middle-aged blonde with an apron and a slightly harried manner glanced me over, took my resume and sat me down at a nearby table. She hardly grasped my hand when I introduced myself and scanned the papers in front of her.
"Have you ever waitressed before?" She asked.
I wondered if she had seen the part on my resume where I applied for Prep Cook. And my work experience at Camp Homewood. And Tim Hortons.
"Um, no, but I have worked in an industrial kitchen type setting, and I'm used to the fast paced environment-"
She nodded without looking up.
"Hmmm," She paused, "What hours can you work?"
I explained to her my schedule, and she seemed satisfied. And then she said something else and left. I was pretty sure it was something like, "Wait here." But after a few long minutes I began to wonder if I had been excused from the premises. There was no sign of her. Feeling fairly certain that I should wait it out, I looked around. It was a pretty cute restaurant...lots of "wild west" decor and an open, airy feel. Most of the patrons at this hour (10:30 AM) were relaxed over-the-hill-ers enjoying a Saturday morning brunch. A few seemed to be regulars.
At last the manager returned, bearing a menu and a couple stray papers.
"Alright, we'd like to hire you," She said, bent over a schedule.
I'm hired? Just like that? I guess my innocent smile negates the need for a reference check.
"...as a server." She continued.
Wait.
What?
HOLD ON. I don't DO the waitressing thing. I don't LIKE the waitressing thing.
"I've never waitressed before," I said nervously, trying to point out that I had KITCHEN EXPERIENCE. PUT ME IN THE KITCHEN. I LIKE THE KITCHEN!
"We'll train you, and then you can get to know the menu and how everything runs," She said, jotting down a few things on her schedule. "When do your classes start?"

I walked out of there hired, certainly...but I don't know how long my shifts are, what I will be getting paid, and doing something I've always said I would never do.
Didn't I mention something about not being able to think straight in interviews? Its very sad.

Actually I'm not too worried about it. The waitressing won't be forever...just until I know the menu. I'll make sure of that. And I'll figure out the rest of it when I start on Tuesday. I'm just glad that I've got something to get me through university this year! Maybe I'll even be able to get a car....ahh luxury.

Solitary Confinement

So today I am home alone, and I think I'm either sick or getting sick. So I haven't done much.
I did happen to find this post on a random blog. And let me tell you, I giggled like none other. Maybe its the twisted Kostelyk humor in me, but I found it ridiculously funny.
So maybe it will amuse you too.
Right now I'm in a blogging slump in case you didn't pick up on that. I wish I could write more interesting posts...but nothing is coming to me right now. I'm sure once classes start I'll be able to fill you all in on the quirks of culinary school and the people involved. There are bound to be lots of 'interesting' characters and situations there!

Blaaaaaaahhhh....

Don't get me wrong- I had a really great week out at Homewood. I'll probably do a post later.
But that's just it...I'm doing everything "later" and its making me feel soooo disorganized and rumpled up in my mind.
My room has not yet recovered from the post-painting mess, I have a few appointments I need to make AND attend before school starts on the 27th, I'm trying to get a job, considering buying a car, should get rid of my "N", I still haven't had my orientation at the university....I need to buy JEANS (my absolute favorite shopping chore...), my emails are way behind, and what am I doing...sitting here BLOGGING about it.
I don't understand myself.
The fun part of my summer is OVER. No more hanging around, no more putting things off...its time for me to get down to business.
In fact I will make a list. And I will start tomorrow.

Argh. This week is going to be so much fun.

Heading Out

So its been a pretty stellar long weekend...I so enjoyed playing floor hockey on Friday, and rugby/football/keep-a-way + Soccer on Sunday night, even if it has left me looking as though I am physically abused. Huge purple & green bruises all up my legs. Fun fun!
Spent the day at LeFebvre's cabin on Shuswap lake yesterday-- water was sooo warm! Warmer than our pool. Spent hours in the water which is VERY unusual for me, and then played some "scum" (card game!) and then I fell asleep in the sand until dinner hehe...
I'm hoping to spend today being industrious (aren't I getting a good start??) getting ready for camp and preparing for MY FUTURE (aka School starts on the 27th), plus....meeting up with some friends who now live out of town! Should be a good day.
Now please excuse me while I check on my laundry and try to get some things done before I leave for town...I am a very busy person, dontcha know.

Oh ps. playing soccer the Girls (+Behn) beat the boys. That's right. We even had 1 less player for the first 1/3 or so. Paul, you were SO trying. Just face it. And then go back to the kitchen.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jog

I have quite shamelessly neglected my blog this week. I'm tired of it to be honest. I think I might just quit.
But not really.
Its been a pretty good First Week Home. We had lots of company over, and I went to a road hockey night (and nearly coughed up a lung-- I really need to get in shape!), and a "surprise" birthday BBQ, and a youth & young adults BBQ, painted my room (maybe I'll put up pics later), and went to Gateway church on Sunday...its a little different than the Presbyterian services I've been attending all year!! It was good to sing some of the newer worship songs I like again.
I was supposed to go to my TRU orientation yesterday, but....apparently someone forgot about it, and that person wasn't me...
So now I have to get in touch with the program coordinator and find out if that is going to happen after all. But she's on vacation until August **th? So we'll see how that goes.
Anyway, its been so great to see everyone again! I really missed you all! I'm so excited about this year :)
This week will be busy as well. I'm hoping to catch up with out-of-town friends who will be IN town, and then Mom and I are heading down to the Island to cook at Homewood for just over a week. I can't wait to see my camp friends again, and of course the 2 Homewood-ing brothers! Contrary to popular opinion I am not going to Homewood for a long period of time! Somehow it seems word got around that I was leaving you all again. Not true! I'm pretty much in Kamloops to stay...for a while.
I start Culinary school on the 27th of August, which seems SO close! I'm really excited, but really nervous too, big surprise there! Its a 12-month program, and I'm hoping to snag a part-time job so that I can do it all in one go. Then...we'll see if I survive before I plan any further ahead :)

Anyway, I should go. If you're lucky, I might update this week :D

Back in my Home and Native Land

I slept in my own bed last night, snuggled up on my feather duvet next to my soft fuzzy green blanket. Oh, how I have missed that bed...
I kind of missed you guys too, I guess.
:P

I don't really remember what time we got into Kamloops yesterday, but it was probably around 8PM. As soon as we hit the Coquihala I was totally gone; mouth hanging open, probably snoring...the works. (no drool though. its too hot and dry here...)

Since around 7AM Monday morning in Edinburgh, I hadn't really had more than an hours' sleep at a time. The train to King's Cross in London was quite pleasant (I think we should have more trains around here) and I arrived between 5-6PM. After a quick search for Platform 9 3/4, I dashed across the street to St. Pancras station and caught to Tube to Gatwick Airport. That took pretty long, and the train was packed, and very uncomfortable. Not nearly as nice as the one from Edinburgh. It clanked and screeched and it was SO HOT. I caught a glance of the Gherkin (sp?) and what I think might have been Big Ben, and the train crossed London Bridge. So that was my experience in London!

Gatwick Airport was smaller than I expected, which was nice because I didn't feel so lost. It was roasting inside though. I bought myself a book (Making Money by Terry Prachett) and settled down for a very uncomfortable night on a bench by the Departures screen! There were quite a few others with the same idea, so there wasn't a lot of room. Around 12AM I decided to call it a night, and bunched up my hoodie for a pillow, and attempted at sleep sitting up. Not so successful.
About 40 minutes later the guy who was sleeping on the rest of the bench sat up and gestured for me that it was now free for me. I didn't argue. With a quick thanks, I lay down and tried to sleep again.
Maybe I'm just a pansy, but I couldn't get comfortable and sleep was nearly impossible.
I caught a few winks here and there, but it seemed like I was awake all night.
Around 4:30AM I sat up and began to read again. I got some breakfast at 7:30AM, and the trundled down to check myself in to my flight. Waited in line FOREVER, paid $ for my suitacase being 7 kilos over the limit (grr). At last I made it through and shopped around for a couple hours, and read my book.
Finally the Gate # came up and then once I got checked in there, it was just a long wait ahead of me...

We took off at 11:40AM July 22, and arrived around 2:30PM (which felt like 10:3o PM for me), but the flight itself took over 1o hours. That wasn't so bad when I flew in October because it was dark and I slept a little bit, plus I had headphones so I watched the movies. This time around it was BRIGHT and i had left my iPod in Karissa's bag, so no headphones...
On top of this, I was so tired and sore, and restless. The poor guy beside me was probably so annoyed with my squirming! I tried to sleep, but that only resulted in a headache from being in an uncomfortable position. Then I got motionsick for the first time in my life! It was intense. I was lightheaded, and my throat was thick and tight, and all the smells around were so disgusting (we were right beside the toilets, and there was food being passed around...yuk). Everytime I looked out the window I groaned. I was just getting out the barf bag in front of me, because all the toilets were occupied. I thought for sure I was gonna puke...it was a terrible feeling.
The only reason I didn't, I firmly believe was by the grace of God! I was praying so hard, "PLEASE settle my stomach! PLEASE don't let me puke!!!"
And I didn't, for no apparent reason, so HALLELUJAH! :P
It seemed like forever before we landed. And then going through customs was fun, as always. Then waiting for my bag took forever, because it was one of the last one's off.
My flight was supposed to land at 1:40, but with the delays and everything, I didn't walk out of there until around 4PM (which felt like midnight).
It was SO good to see my parents again!! I wasn't sleepy at first, so we did get some talking in, but like I said, as soon as we hit the Coq, I was out like a light.
I could hardly believe it when the car stopped and I was home!
So now maybe you can understand how happy I was to sleep in my own bed?

By the way, Kamloops is ridiculously HOT.

So today, I'm planning on unpacking what I can manage, and I'll hopefully have a nap later on, and then HOPEFULLY see good ol' brother Paul tonight! I'm so excited!

It is good to be home :)

The Yogurt Didn't Kill Me

I know its been a long time since my last post about eating expired yogurts...but in fact I haven't been dying from dairy products gone bad.
July has been so extremely busy...
I had a fantastic final week in Fermoy, working with a team from Bloomfield Church in Belfast in putting on a childrens summer Bible club. It was absolutely mad, but very fun!
Last week today I was saying goodbye to all my Fermoy friends. There were many hugs and tears all around, but I hope to go back to visit some day. I will miss them all very much!
On Monday I bade farewell to the Dobsons (the family I was staying with, and have spent a lot of time with over the year!) and Christine drove me up to Dublin airport to put me on my plane to Edinburgh.
I arrived in the afternoon, and was met at the airport by Karen's cousin, Lyn, who has kindly allowed me to stay at her place while in Scotland!
The Wild in Scotland tour left early the next morning, so I headed off there and spent the next 5 days experiencing the Highlands and Orkney.
Just got back last night, and went to Church with Lyn and her husband Phil who is the minister of a church here, this morning. Chatted with a few people after the service, which was great.
I'm planning on taking Lyn's little Scottie terrier, Angus, on a walk today, and hopefully I will get a few nice photos of the city as well. Its a really beautiful place...stunning city.
Anyway, I take the train to London tomorrow, and will fly out of Gatwick airport Tuesday morning at 11AM and arrive in Vancouver in the early afternoon! Gotta love short flights!
So that's what I'm up to.
When I get home I'll be sure to put up some pictures for you, and try to make my posts a little more interesting, but this is all I've got for right now.
2 days and I'm home....WEIRD!

How far will YOU go?

I have a confession.

I've been eating out of date yogurts for the past few days.
They expired on June 29th, and I'm still working my way through them. One to go.
Actually there are 2 sitting in the fridge, but one expired on the 15th of June and the package has been damaged. I'm not quite THAT brave. I guess I should throw it out.

I was listening to a radio program on the subject recently. Someone phoned in and confessed to eating a yogurt that was a month out of date! And they were perfectly fine. (except for a small mental disorder...)

How seriously do you take expiry dates?

Sunny Day!

It looks like we might get some sunshine today! I'm so pleased!
Last night the church got together to clean up the garden (read: back yard) of the manse, because it is fairly large and has become overgrown with weeds!
When we started at 7pm it was not raining, but it had been raining all day (see yesterday's video clip!). We got about 30 minutes in and then it began to rain again! At first we dived for cover until it let up, but then it came again and again and again...there was no point! We were soaked!
However, "many hands make light work" and what would have taken a very long time for a couple people to do was done in 2 hours when everyone pitched in. We were dirty and wet, but the garden has been weeded! They even planted a few new flowers.
Today we're all meeting up again. That's why I'm so excited about sunshine!
I think there's going to be some pruning and trimming done, and some finishing touches. Originally we were going to be working Friday and Saturday as well, but it looks like we're almost finished! Hooray!


(Boring post, I know...but I was desperate to write about something, and I've been doing nothing since I got back)

The Difference Between Kamloops and Fermoy...

Apparently Karissa and I chose the right few weeks for our trip, since this is more or less what the weather has been like since I got back!
While its hitting 42 degrees back home in Kamloops, its absolutely ferocious rain and wind over here, and we're still wearing socks, sweaters, and long pants.
The funniest part is...I think I prefer the rain!

(hot weather makes me grumpy)

I'm Nuts about Crunchy Nut...

Someone please tell me that we have this cereal in Canada and I've just never noticed it before.
Please.

I've become officially addicted to Crunchy Nut corn flakes over the last month. I love it...check out "Crunchy Nut tv ad" on Youtube and you'll see that I'm not the only one. I'm not usually one for peanut-y things, but there's something so right about the blend of honey and peanuts on corn flakes that delights my tastebuds. Its absolutely delish.

I'm not sure I'll be able to bear leaving it behind...


Oh yeah, Happy Canada Day!
(22 days...)

Goofing Off..

What's Up With Me?

So, I'm back in Fermoy since last Thursday, and while I was a wee bit out of sorts on Friday, yesterday and today have been grand. Saturday we delivered about 2,000 pamphlets advertising for the summer Bible camp next week, and then the Teens group went to Perks fun center for bowling, laser tag, and fun racecar games that are a complete rip-off but sooo sweet.

*two minute spider-killing interlude*

ick...it was a big black gross one. I got shivers down my spine looking at it. Couldn't very well go to sleep knowing that it was still roaming the house now, could I?
No.

Anyway, today at 3 some of the teens and I went to the Fermoy cinema to watch Prince Caspian. (One thing that sucks about living this side of the world is all the movies come out later. PC was just released June 26, as opposed to May 2 in North America)
I didn't quite remember how it all went in the book, as it wasn't one of my favorites (wahooo Horse & His Boy!!) so it was all quite new and exciting for me! While it was still pretty predictable (dare I say bordering on cheesy?...I don't know if I dare), I really enjoyed it and would watch it again with no hesitation. I could hardly believe it was 2 1/2 hours long, because it just flew! Plenty of battles and action (without the excess blood and gore, which I appreciate...) and entertaining new characters.
The only thing that really bothered me was how Lord of the Rings Wannabe it came off, with the whole Tree army thing, and the "live" river washing away the baddies. I'm not sure if those things were in the book or not, but it just felt like they were ripping it off LOTR.
As for the 'romance', it was so subtle that it really didn't matter until the end when you're kind of like..."Why?". But you don't really care enough to think about it beyond that.
Strangely enough I found that Prince Caspian prompted more spiritual thoughts for me than The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe did. While the former held more straightforward allusions, I found I was frequently drawing thought processes off scenes in PC, such as when Lucy asks Peter "do you remember who really defeated the White Witch?" (or something like that!). Like Peter I find I'm often trying to do things on my own, instead of remembering that it is Christ who has the power to win 'battles'.
There were plenty more little tidbits in there that I enjoyed, but you'll have to discover them for yourself.

This week will be busy enough to keep me out of trouble. I have a sunday school lesson to prepare, 3 mornings that the church is getting together to have a "gardening party" to shape up the manse backyard, a party at the cafe in Cork, packing and moving to Christine's (as the manse will be used to house the Bloomfield team that is coming down to run the Bible Camp), planning and prep for the coming week, possibly looking after some children at some point!, hopefully meeting with Katherine on Saturday, and I'm sure many more things will come up as well.

Then from the 6 - 13 is the Bible camp week which will be CRAZY I'm sure! On the 14th I fly out of Dublin to Edinburgh, and from the 15-20 I'm touring Scotland! Then I head down to London, and I fly home on the 22nd...I can hardly believe it.

On one hand I am really sad to leave everyone here. I've spent so much time with them, getting to know them, doing what they do, learning so much...
On the other, I'm kind of tired! And I miss home and my family and my friends...and familiarity.
Even though I've spent nearly 9 months here it doesn't quite feel like home. Its always felt temporary, which might be very much my fault, but nevertheless I'm not sure I ever settled completely! There's no place like home, and I am looking forward to it, which is actually kind of hard to admit in a way because I'd like to think of myself as a little bit independent and adventurous!
(Yeah riiiight....)

Anyhoo, now you know what my basic schedule is until I arrive in Canada!
I can't even begin to think about what happens after the plane lands in Vancouver, cause I'm just toooo tired.
And the jet lag is gonna be BRUTAL. whooopeeee.....

Grand Finale

So yesterday was the last real day of "fun travel" for Karissa and I.
We had great plans of seeing the Wicklow Mountains and exploring the great "Glendalough".
And I woke up at 5AM with the urge to spew my innards.
Yes...I came down with a nasty stomach bug on our last day.
I spent the day in bed and within sprinting distance to the bathroom. Not exactly how I wanted our trip to end...
Considering that its the first flu bug I've caught since I've arrived, I guess I can't complain too much. I was just disappointed about the timing of it.
I felt better today...wobbly and weak, but not sick to my stomach. Not that really mattered, since Karissa had to dash off early this morning to catch a bus, and we didn't get to do anything special to celebrate our trip.
Anyway, it was really fun and we had good times and good chats. Not everything went as planned (see above) but we learned to roll with the punches and enjoy the moment anyway! It was a great time, and I think we both did a lot of stepping out of the ol' comfort zone, and experiencing a lot of "firsts"!
I'm pretty tired now though. I think I need a vacation.

First Prize

Thank you Bonnie, for validating my musical abilities, and also for de-lurking. You make me happy when skies are gray....

er....

ANYWAY...

The song I was playing on the bells was indeed, "You Are My Sunshine", and therefore you win First Prize.

I've put 30 seconds of very hard thought into this prize...it will be great.
Since you are traveling vicariously through Karissa and I, this prize will bring you a great sense of accomplishment and achievement, and all those good things. Or maybe you will just feel very cold, because that's how we felt...




In case you didn't understand our babble, the video was taken on the top of this mountain:

Croagh Patrick!
Its incredibly steep near the top...it took us about 4 hours to get up and down again.
Apparently this is where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days before casting all the snakes out of Ireland. Traditionally Catholic Pilgrims would climb it in bare feet, as penance...or something.
Considering that the rock was very shale-y and sharp and pointy, and we're not Catholic, I think its a good idea Karissa and I did not prolong the pain and climbed in good shoes.
The views were FANTASTIC and it was totally worth it, even if we were half-dead by the time we got back to our hostel.
So Bonnie, I hope I enabled you to vividly imagine taking this trip. If you are feeling too tired to speak more than one word within a 15 minutes period, your legs are wobbling like a newborn lamb's, and you are so sweaty you look like you just came out of the shower...
I think its safe to say you have recreated our experience with frightening enthusiasm.
Enjoy :)

Bunratty, Blarney, and Beyond...

Karissa and I had a spendiferous time out in Bunratty! We spent some time roaming the Folk Village...kind of a park of preserved Irish buildings throughout the ages...and exploring the castle. Then at 5:15 our "banquet" started. We were greeted at the door by a very scary frog-like man in tunic & tights, and a young squire who asked if I was old enough to have Mead (legal drinking age is 18 here...hmmm). Karissa didn't even get asked, she just got fruit juice *snicker*. haha...
The mead was nasty.
I wanted fruit juice.
There was a harpist and a violinist performing in the centre of the hall, and it was very good. We were then offered a peice of brown bread dipped in salt. can't remember the name of it, but it was supposed to ward off evil spirits. Interesting theory...
Then the Frog Man called for everyones attention and brought an elderly couple to the middle of the room, and crowned them King and Queen of the night. Later Karissa and I figured they must have come with a lot of their family, and it was their anniversary or something. Anyway, they were really cute, and the "grandpa" was enjoying the attention! Very funny.
Closer to 5:45 we were ushered into the Banquet Hall...a very crowded room full of tables and benches, and a fireplace and a gate to the dungeon in one corner.
The Froggy Man gave a welcoming speech and our first course consisted of a DELIGHTFUL vegetable soup and brown soda bread. It was soooo yummy. I wanted to eat it all, but figuring it was a 4 course meal, I decided to restrain myself :P

After each course we were entertained for a while by Froggy Man and his cast of medieval helpers. They were a fantastic singing group, and we also heard some more from the Harpist and Violinist. Occasinally the Frog Man would require some audience participation, like the time he brought a young man (from a bus tour group) before the King and had him sentenced to the Dungeon for fooling around with the ladies (the guy really hammed it up), or had a man knighted for offering his seat to the Queen previous to the banquet. It was good "Craic" as they say.
The food was also fantastic! After the delicious soup we enjoyed some spare ribs, and then roast potatoes with veg and chicken thighs (no utensils besides a wooden plate and a knife!). Red or white wine to drink (Karissa poured herself a goblet of white wine thinking it was water...her face was PRICELESS when she took a gulp!!!) and water for those less inclined to the alcoholic beverages :)
For dessert there was a creamy little cake on a biscuit-y base, with strawberries and raspberries . YUM!

After the banquet ended we headed across the street to "Durty Nellie's Pub" for some traditional music...it was supposed to start at 9:30, but we waited around for an hour before they FINALLY showed up! It was good when it started though.
We stayed at a B&B as a special birthday treat. Definitely a luxury! Our own bathroom, our own TV, our own HAIRDRYER! It was really nice.

The next morning we traveled and traveled and traveled. From Bunratty to Limerick to Tralee to Dingle.
Dingle is a little seaside town on the Dingle Pennisula (in the West of Ireland, county Kerry) best known for its resident bottlenose dolphin, Fungi!
Apparently Fungi decided to move in sometime in 1983 (I think?) and hasn't left since. Now tourists such as ourselves flock to the sighting boats for a chance to glimpse him.
We were hoping to actually go swimming with Fungi, but that didn't work out...sigh. We ended taking the boats out just like everyone else. Spent about an hour getting a look at the dorsal fin a second before it went under. I'm not bitter. Not at all.

Took the rest of the day busing to Cork, where we crashed at my friend's apartment (she was out of the country at the time, but generously allowed us to stay there!). Took the city tour the next day and rang the famous Shandon Bells. Check out the video for a chance to see my musical talent in action.

We also went to the Cork City "Gaol" (which is Irish for "Jail") and toured the grim buildings filled with creepy mannequins and a scary exhibitions.
Today we headed for Blarney...and it was pouring rain. To lift our spirits we stopped for Tim Hortons in the local Spar...and I got a donut this time! Honey Dip...and very, very good. I heartily approve. The slogan for Tim Hortons here is, "A Taste So Big it has to be From Canada". Catchy...
By the time the bus arrived in Blarney the rain was worse! We decided to do our shopping first in hopes that by the time we were done, it would have let up. No such luck!
We made our way to the castle and explored a few of the outlying bits and peices before climbing the massive amounts of narrow winding stairs to get to the Blarney Stone.
It struck me as strange to go to all this work and wait in line, simply to kiss a piece of rock that loads of other people have just also kissed. Gross? Yes I think so. I really had no intention of kissing the Blarney stone at all. Never have. But there I was trapped between tourists, Karissa + More tourists, and a very far drop on either side. So I did what I thought best. fake it.
I got down in the very unflattering position, grasped the slippery wet bars and leaned waay back. And kissed the air.
"No, lean further back. Get closer" Said the guy that supports you. What could I do? He was obviously not fooled by my act. By that time I just wanted UP! I gave the rock a hearty smooch and got the heck out of there!
(I still haven't got the Gift of the Gab either...what a waste of time :P)
After that whole fiasco Karissa and I decided to get our money's worth and explore some of the grounds. We found a fairy glade, a druid's circle, and a witch's rock. Hooray. The rain was bucketing and were nearly drowned. We ran for the bus stop and got home, only to head out the door again and catch another bus to Fermoy.
Home at last!
So nice to have unlimited internet access, our own music, and my own bed!
Anyway its past midnight, Karissa is sound asleep, and I'm getting pretty sleepy. Hope you enjoyed the few pictures I was able to put up!

Jill

Your Lucky day

Well whoop-dee-do, you get another update! Aren't you the lucky lurker!
I feel like I have had no sleep since my last post. Note to self: do not go to the first hostel on the list. Do not be enticed by "free" breakfast and internet.
The place we stayed in last night was not terrible in and of itself. However it was attached to a neighbourhood pub and our window was right above the terrace, and there was certainly a lot of revelry going on throughout the wee hours of the morning. Lots of noisy noise, which was not conducive to a good sleep, which my poor body so desperately needed. And the bedding was damp. Maybe everything was because we were so close to the ocean and it was a very cold damp sort of place, but my duvet and sheets and pillow were most definitely damp.
My point is that I was tired when I went to bed, and I was even more tired when it was time to get up in the morning. Then Karissa and I walked most of the day so I am even more weary.
I crave sleep.
Anyway, it was a good day overall, and we took quite a few pictures to make up for yesterday. We also tried a second time to track down the elusive Worm Hole, without success.
And I ate...fish and chips. Because I promised Christine I would eat fish and chips at a seaside town, and it doesn't get more sea-sidey than an island. So now I can say I've done it, even though I despise fish.
At first it wasn't so bad because I was STARVING, but then the deepfried crust came off and I saw SCALES and my stomach kind of flip flopped. ICK!!! After that I couldn't look at it, I just had to take a bite and chew and pretend it was chicken. I didn't finish it all because after the near-death-by-starvation feeling wore off I couldn't stomach it.
Tomorrow is Karissa's 20th Birthday and we are going to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village to celebrate! We are also finishing off the night with a medieval banquet inside the castle and splurging on a B&B instead of a hostel. (It will even have a blow drier....ahhh, luxury!)
I am fully expecting to have a ridiculously good time at the banquet...what with cheesy costumes, authentic medieval food, and live music, how could it be otherwise??? I am definitely going to take a lot of pictures!
Can't wait to put them up for you to see!

Jill

Aran Islands

So today marks the Halfway point through our trip! I can't believe how fast its gone!
We took the 1PM ferry to Inishmore today and after dropping our stuff off in a hostel, we made our way to the Bike rental place. They have nice new bikes...yay! Not like the 70's banana seat thing I rode in Killarney! But bikes are bikes and I can't really say we get along too well. That's ok.
It wasn't too long before Karissa and I began to realize just how long its been since we did serious bike riding. The muscles aaaache. Unfortunately we were already a ways in when Karissa realized that she left her extra memory card in the hostel and we had about 12 pictures left on the card we had. Shooooot. So we were very sparing with our pictures. But we have tomorrow, and if we're not too decrepit tomorrow I'm going to try and convince Karissa to rent a bike again and see some more stuff, because we were kind of rushed today.
We did get out to the big ancient stone fort and see the awesome sheer drop off cliffs that definitely have nothing protecting you from a strong gust of wind to your death. Scary and very neat.
I lowered my centre of gravity (aka got on my belly) to peer over the cliff edge. I don't really like heights, but it was pretty cool. huge waves.
Then we got on the bike again and wound through a maze of stone walls. This island is really just an intense labrynth of walls. Its crazy, I've never seen anything like it. The aerial view must make it look like a patchwork quilt.
Eventually after much wandering we got to the general area of what is known as the "Worm hole"...I think its like a big hole with gushing water. The guide book said it was neat, so I wanted to see it. Well, we almost got lost in the vast expanse of limestone and shrub, but we eventually got to the edge of the sea. Didn't find the Worm Hole, but we DID enjoy the absolutely mind-blowing view of the cliffs and ocean and HUGE WAVES! I got right up to the edge and when the big waves came crashing against the rocks I got soaked in the spray! very cool. They were sooo huge. The best thing was that we were off the beaten track, the only people for miles (not really, but that's what it felt like) and just enjoying the un-touristed bit of the island.
Pretty amazing. Probably one of my favorite things about the trip so far.
Now I am so exhausted from all the biking and walking we've done today, and just travelling in general. I also haven't been sleeping really well, so that's not so fun. Anyhoo its been a great time, and Karissa and I often go into crazy fits of laughter over the dumbest things which is a good time. You should ask her about personal flotation devices some time. Or maybe don't.
Oh yeah, she will also probably tell you about The Horse. So let me impart the truth before she exaggerates.
there we were on the side of the road and we saw this house with a horse in front of it and she said, "I want to take a picture of this horse for Kelsey." cool. I got off my bike and sat down on the stone wall, and after she took the picture she sat down and was looking at it and all of sudden there was this crunch sound and a snuffly thing on my ear and a great big beast about to devour my head. it was SCARY. Naturally I curled into the defensive fetal position, and I may have uttered an exclamation of some kind, which may have bordered on the mildly offensive before I caught myself. Long story short this horse almost ate me, and I was severely frightened by its stealthy approach and appetite for human hair.
It wasn't long after that a car almost ran me over, no joke, so its been a fairly life-threatening and very exciting fun day.
I'm sure there is lots more to write about, but I'm fairly brain-dead. You might have been able to tell, because this is probably very rambly and has poor grammar and stuff. I'm sooo tired.
And it doesn't get dark til after 10 so I'm going to have to stay up. waaah. I want to sleep so badly.
Love you miss you. Can't wait to show you pictures. we're having a great time, and fairly safe. It will definitely be fun to see you all again in not-too-long!

Jill

Galway

Arrived in Galway around noon today after being squished and squeezed on an over-full bus on a very bumpy, narrow road! I swear you have to have nerves of steel to be an Irish bus driver (not to mention a passenger!).
Karissa still wasn't feeling well this morning (but she's on the road to recovery and is eating again) so we took it pretty easy today...went to the museum and walked around for a bit.
Its a pretty compact city, and the average age must be about 23...loads and loads of students here. Good shopping too...unfortunately we are poor and we have to carry everything we buy, so we have passed on the retail experience thus far.
the big highlight today was doing laundry for the first time. quite a thrill, let me tell you! I've never been so happy to fold clean underwear.
We are sharing a dorm with 2 girls from Vancouver who were absolutely thrilled to meet some fellow Canadians...fairly enthusiastic. I don't really remember their names because I was so overwhelmed with their welcome.
I feel like I spent half the day at reception because I had to keep going back and forth and back and forth for various reasons, and it was always the same guy there. From around the Niagra falls area apparently. nice guy. who knows I might marry him instead of Liam O'flaherty.
Anyway that's about all that is exciting for today. My facebook is very lonely, and so is my hotmail....I count on blogger for my connection to the outside world. (comment!!)
So far I'm liking the travelly lifestyle. its super fun to be doing different things every day and experiencing new places and meeting new people all the time. I could get used to this.
as long as I have internet access :)
miss you all, and I will put up pictures as soon as we get to fermoy!

Jill

Little Letterfrack

I'm writing from Letterfrack Lodge, a nice clean, new, hostel in the teeny tiny village of Letterfrack, which is located in the Connemara area. In fact its a five minute walk from the Connemara National Park (which I vistied this morning!). Unfortunately Karissa has got some sort of stomach bug so she's been taking it easy since yesterday afternoon. She'll probabyl manage to write a few words of her own later on though.
From Donegal we got a bus to Westport, which won the "Tidiest Town" award or something. Definitely the prettiest and cleanest place we've been so far. We stayed at the Old Mill Hostel, which you may have guessed was a mill at one time. It was pretty cool. We did a long walk and visited the heritage centre (I got to read an original copy of Michael Collins' obituary! Pretty exciting for me), and then we decided (ok I decided and Karissa said ok) that on our second day we would climb Croagh Patrick! Its a huge mountain near Westport that Catholic Pilgrims climb every July to do penance or something. I'll get you more info later. Anyhoo, it was HARD!
It took us about 4 hours to do the whole thing and get back down. I have some amazing pictures to show you all when I get back.
That pretty much wiped us out, but we did meet some really friendly girls from California and attempted to find some traditional music at a pub somewhere with them...unfortunately we didn't find any and we were too tired to stay out very late.
Yesterday we got a taxi (long story) from Westport to Letterfrack...beeeeautiful drive!!! Amazing scenery. We got settled in our hostel and then walked 40 mins to Kylmore Abbey. That is when Karissa started feeling really sick, so we didn't spend a whole lot of time there, and got a ride back to Letterfrack with a really nice couple from Switzerland.
Met a nice girl called Aione last night, and amazingly she works at Bunratty castle and might be able to get us a discount when we go there. Hooray for the Irish!
This morning Karissa slept in and I went to the National Park and ended up climbing "The Diamond". Great views, and it only took me about an hour, so that was good. I'm pretty tired now though. Anyhoo, Karissa wants to get on I'm sure, so I should go. It was nice to get my fix though.
By the way I'm disapointed in you guys! Where are the comments? Are our mothers the only ones who care about us? Sniff sniff. If this keeps up I won't even bother posting pictures when I get back to Fermoy. So there. pbbt.

Jill

Donegal Town

After a very enjoyable and informative walking tour of Derry's city walls yesterday, we walked along taking pictures of the murals, and then got our bags and headed down to the bus station. The bus came an hour later than we were expecting, but we made good use of the time by journalling what we'd seen so far. We met some interesting characters in the bus station, and dozed on the bus ride to Donegal (which I didn't realize was hard to pronounce until I heard Matt L. and Karissa absolutely murder it), arriving in the small town at about 4PM. It was a 2Km walk with our huge packs to get to our hostel, but worth it in the end. Its a quieter place than the hostel in Derry and we have a little more privacy (a commodity which has become high on Karissa's priority list!). We dined on burnt frozen pizza and black tea (we had no milk), we extremely glad to shower at last, and then spent the rest of the evening laughing our heads off in our dorm room. We were just in a weird mood I guess!

This morning I woke up at the usual time...about 5:30AM. I've been waking up at this murderous hour for the past 2 weeks, and I have no idea why. I lay in bed until about 8AM and then I just can't take it anymore, so I get up and inevitably wake up Karissa too.

We've had AMAZING weather the whole trip so far...really warm and summery. Last night it rained, and I thought we would be drowned today, but nope-- sun again! I'm so glad!

We started off by visiting Donegal castle the minute it opened, and then moved on to the old Abbey ruins, and then had a big lunch at the Blueberry Tea Room. Yummy. Then we walked another 2Km to the Donegal Craft Village, which was a bit of a disapointment because none of the displays were on, but we did get to watch a big of weaving on a 300 year old loom!

That's really been the day so far. tomorrow we're hoping to get out to Slieve Leagues and see the highest seaside cliffs in Europe! here's hoping.

My time is almost up!

In Derry

We've spent the last few days in Antrim...totally amazing. Staying with friends: very fun!
Last night we arrived in Derry city around 6PM and made our way to our first hostel...its very interesting! I don't think Karissa is too impressed with the hostel-y lifestyle! But jet lag does tend to suck up all your sense of adventure, so I'm sure she'll be enjoying every minute soon.
Anyhoo, I should go. We're doing a walking tour of Derry today and then catching a bus to Donegal.
There's free internet here so that's why I'm on.I don't know what facilities are like over there, but I'll try and give updates when I can.

Jill

The Day Before the Big Day

I leave tomorrow morning! AHHH! I can't believe I'm actually going after all this time. Its surreal.
Dublin is tomorrow's destination, and I'll be staying with Sam and Karen in their new home. Thursday morning I bus up to Belfast to meet Karissa and we're enjoying the company of the couples I met when I first arrived in October. After that its Ballycastle and beyond!
I'm so excited, but at the same time I get the fluttery butterflies when I think of us trekking around Ireland having no idea what we're doing!!! I have no doubts that we'll figure it out and it will all be fine, its just always nerve-wracking when I have to do new things like this.
As far as packing goes, I'm the worst ever.
I sort of have things set aside that I'm going to bring, but there's a load of laundry that is drying now, and bits and pieces of things lying about that will need to come, and I'm just kind wandering between the piles thinking, "I guess this all needs to go on my back at some point."
An adventure for sure.
In other news, yesterday was my last day at City Gates Cafe. Sigh. I really liked it there. I took pictures of Naomi and Padraig, and I bought that silly magnet for you Mom. I hope you feel terrible about contributing to consumer Christianity now. haha...
I also was given a free book! hooray! I didn't really know what I wanted, but my eye settled on Velvet Elvis, which I want to read again anyhow so I got that. Now I can add it to the pile of things that contribute to my suitcase being way overweight.
Speaking of which I've now posted 2 parcels of THINGS home, so that the said suitcase won't break the scales (and the bank). And there's still more here. How do I manage to accumulate so much? (Christmas, Birthday, and sales, that's how.)
Anyway, you can open them if you want Mom.
So, this is it...possibly the last blog post you will read here at PJ for a while. Or maybe not.
I'm really looking forward to sharing some pictures with you all when I get back! and perhaps some funny stories about two wandering Canadian girls and their experiences with the Irish peoples. Sounds like a bestseller.
Keep in touch!
LOVE-- Jill

I Take It Back.

I'd Do Anything is not the most wonderful tv show ever, in fact its really stupid.
I thought it was a competition based on talent, but apparently I was crazy and its all about who is young and hot, and does what it takes to win over a predominantly male panel.
Saturday night I was rejoicing because Rachel, the girl who would've had my vote if those in the Republic could vote, outshone the rest. She was the only one who didn't receive any criticism from the panel, and rightly so. It was generally agreed that she is fabulous.
Arch Nemesis Samantha, aged 17 and dress size 0, did her usual thing, didn't show the "vulnerability" that the judges had asked for last week, and her pitch was off in a couple spots, but in the words of John Barrowman: "It doesn't matter."
Since Andrew Llyod Webber has the choice to 'save' whoever he wants in a sing-off, I've been getting a sneaky suspicion that he's already chosen who he wants to win the final, and votes have no sway over who it's gonna be. And its no secret that Samantha is a favorite of his.
Anyway to bring my ranting to a close, Rachel and Samantha were in the bottom two, and surprise, surprise: Rachel got the boot.
I must ask why the superior actress/voice was removed from the competition when the judges said only last night that it was Samantha that needed work?
I may be sadly disillusioned but I think it has everything to do with sex appeal, in which case I wash my hands of this ridiculous show. If that's what I wanted to watch, I'd tune into the search for the next Pussycat Doll.
The only good thing about this is that I won't feel I'm missing anything when I'm gone for the last few episodes.
I hope Rachel's career takes off and that she ultimately ends up happier that she didn't become the poster girl for that silly old ALW musical. Hurumph.

I Dread Airports.

I have an inexplicable dread of airports.
Its not that I've really had bad experiences with them. I've actually not had many experiences with them at all. Its just something about them that makes me tense and nervous. All my fears rise to the surface when I'm in an airport: what if I don't make it on the plane? What if there's something in my bag that shouldn't be there? what if they don't let me into the country?
Its like everything suddenly becomes a huge deal. The stakes get higher.
Mostly I just feel very alone and vulnerable in airports. That's what it comes down to. Suddenly everything is up to me, I'm the only one responsible for my well being, and no one can come to my rescue if I screw something up.
I don't mind flying, in fact I love flying. The take-off is exhilarating! And I absolutely love arriving in a new country and peering out the window to investigate a new and exciting place. Its just that in-between stage (here I go again...) of getting through the airport. I can't breathe properly until I am far away from airports.
This presents a problem for me, because in the next 2 months I have to go through a few different airports. I have to fly to Edinburgh, and then fly again from London to Vancouver.
Maybe I will conquer my fears? Somehow I doubt it.

Procrastinating.

Yeah, that's what I'm doing.
Its a cloudy day, I'm sitting at the computer and I'm totally bored with my projects. I have a thousand travel things on my mind, and just realizing yesterday was my 2 months til I leave point, and the 30th marks a year since my sweet Beebs left me (I actually cried about her last night...haha I'm such a sap). Also trying to organize a time to see my girls before they leave for vacations and I leave for good. My head is all muddled.
I always get like this during "in-between" stages. Like right before I left for camp last February, and during September-October last year when I was home working part time and waiting for my passport etc. I HATE being in between. I think being 12 and 18 were like the worst years ever because they're so in-betweeny.
I just can't seem to settle in these times. I can't focus on what I'm supposed to be focusing on, because I'm trying to prepare and anticipate for what's coming next. I think I've always been this way, but I really hate it. The restlessness kills me, and I seem to hop from one thing to the next, getting everything done except what needs to be done! SO frustrating.
If there was anyone around right now they'd probably be really annoyed with me too.
But then maybe I'd get down to business knowing someone was watching my every procrastinatory move! (like that new word?)
But then again, I'm telling you guys all about it and that hasn't motivated me, so maybe nothing will...

Going Wild!

I've done it!
I booked my Scotland tour!
Since Karissa and I wanted to do Ireland properly and visit all the cool nooks and crannies that the Emerald Isle has to offer, we opted not to visit the UK beyond Antrim and Derry. I was rather disappointed since I have a great longing to see Desmond's homeland.
Wild in Scotland is a bus tour that I had bookmarked ages ago before I had ever even heard of Fermoy, and it popped up again when I was looking at the Ireland/Scotland/England tour (that was discontinued) .
It looks like great value for money, and not to mention really fun!
I wasn't sure it was the right thing for me to do at the time, and its part of the reason I was stressing so bad last week, because when I emailed them I heard that there was only one spot left, and I felt pressured to make a decision. I decided to leave it and pray about it until I felt some peace about going.
Needless to say, I think I made the right choice in booking today. I feel good about it and really excited!
The tour I am going on is five days long, which squeezed perfectly into the 7 days I have between the end of the Fermoy summer camp and my flight out of London.
Some highlights of the trip will be hearing tales of William Wallace in Stirling, searching for the Loch Ness monster in its natural habitat, witnessing the creation of Orkney cheese, and sleeping in a castle!

Beans on Toast

It was in the early days of my arrival that I first learned of this 'miserable vomitous mass', also known as a common British "dish". I don't remember exactly how it came about, but everyone was amazed I had never heard of Beans on Toast...absolutely amazed.
It is a staple over here. Everyone eats and, and even stranger....everyone likes it.
There's no trick to it. It is simply your choice of bread, toasted, and doused in the contents of a can of warm Heinz baked beans. YUCK.
I've even seen it on cafe menus.
It is primarily served at breakfast, but it is also eaten as a snack. Or, like Mark you may have "lived" on Beans on Toast during the 'starving student' university years. (and he still likes it.)
I can't quite wrap my mind around how this...stuff...could appeal, especially in the morning hours.
Since I've voiced my opinions on the subject (as politely as possible) its been a running joke for quite some time that I will "have to" eat it before I leave.
I've evaded it for months.
Last night was Emma's birthday sleepover and after a long sleepless night on a tiny couch, I sat down to breakfast....and with a huge grin and a camera on hand, Sue handed me my plate:
Beans on Toast.
"Ooooh nooooo!"
Since it WAS Emma's birthday, I am leaving soon, and I'm such a good sport, I did manage a mouthful or two.
They all giggled and snickered and snapped my picture (I looked absolutely stunning by the way).
The fans were satisfied, but I still don't like Beans on Toast.
I still think its absolutely awful.

flowery thoughts.

When I was outside the other day I noticed this flower.
I have no idea if its a legit Flower flower, or if its a nice weed, but I don't really care, cause its pretty and I like it.
The thing that caught my attention about this little flower is that it was growing between two slabs of concrete, right beside a proper flower bed. And I thought, if flowers could think, what would it be thinking?
It could be thinking:
Man I have the worst life ever! What are the chances that my seed would land right here between concrete, instead of six inches either way to a nice, nutritious bed with mounds of lovely dark dirt, and earthworms, and other flowers? THIS SUCKS. There's no shade here, my roots are struggling to find enough nutrients to survive, and I feel all alone (except for this life-sucking moss around my leaves). I think I will shrivel up and die.

OR it could be thinking:

Its a real nice day out today...the sun is shining, and we finally have a break from all this rain! Not that the rain has ever been a problem, since I get good drainage over here. Its just nice to have a change now and then. I love the color my leaves turn when its warm, and the way Mr. Moss stores up some moisture for these sunny days! He's a good pal to have around these parts of the garden. Mmmm, that sun feels good! I think I'll work on opening up my second bloom today...

OR QUITE POSSIBLY IT IS THINKING:

i am a flower. mr bee come pollinate me.

______________________________________________________________
Am I a huge nerd for delving into the possible thought processes of a flower? yes.
Is this an extremely boring and desperate blog post? Yes.
Should I get back to work? I guess so...yesss....

Prayer & Peace

Sometimes most of the time I feel a little bit awkward blogging about, uh, spiritual things,...I guess...I know that's terrible, but its the truth. I would hate to sound really fake and false, ya know? Cause a most of the time I feel just as lost as everybody else, and I don't have all the wise spiritual answers or eloquent words.
Anyway, getting to the point, after I published my last post I realized I hadn't actually sat down and prayed about all the situations myself, and I hadn't done my devo time like I usually (try) to do in the morning. So I sat down and did it.
I explained how I was feeling and why (like He doesn't know!) and asked for wisdom and peace.
There was no writing on the wall, a voice didn't speak from the clouds, and my problems weren't immediately solved...
I told myself to put it all away and get to work on my project for Saturday, and I left for the Bible club at 5PM...
And during the drive home, I was talking to Peter (the driver) about all my plans and figuring out how to get to the airports and stuff, and suddenly I realized I wasn't worrying about it anymore. I just had this peace and calm, and I knew whatever happened it would be fine.
That was really weird considering I was on the verge of a mental breakdown this morning!
So thanks God, for that.

Also, I find that I tend to forget all the answered prayers I've experienced in the past, but its kind of good for me to think back on them and tell myself, yeah, God was there then, and He will be there for me this time too. Many of these have happened in the past 2/3 months. They may not be huge things in the grand scheme of life, but they are big things to me.

So, there was...
- the time Matt and I were stuck on the side of the road far from home and God had pre-planned a free ride to our destination.
-The time in April when I needed a MAJOR attitude adjustment and He freely gave it THE NEXT DAY (this is actually a bigger deal than it sounds like. My bad attitudes are hard habits to kick!)
And 4 huge blessings:
-I planned to go to Kilkenny...and what do you know, but Christine was planning on going there too! Free rides! Yesssss!
-I decided to go and see Cobh, and Sue said, "Oh, we can drop you off there on our way to Cork!"
-If I didn't go now, I would never see Glanworth Mill...and guess what? Christine suggested we go see it that Friday.
-More recently I was regretting never having the chance to see Clonakilty. Christine helped out with that one too.

Coincidence?
Naw...I think God is just the perfect budget travel agent. And I have no idea why, but He seems to like to spoil me rotten!
So thanks God, for prayer and peace.

Stressing Out!!!

I'm freakin out here guys!
I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks and I'm super stoked to travel around Ireland with Karissa, but I just really started stressing about it lately, wondering if I'll have enough $ to do that, plus school, plus everything else I want to do...stressing about flights, trains, buses, hostels, leaving, coming home, luggage, posting parcels, souvenirs, plus doing stuff here for the church...
I just wish I had my own little travel agent that would say, "yes, book that one. No that one is overpriced, go over here and do this one instead. Try this route, its faster. Yes, that station is the one you want."

AHHHHH!!!!

PLEASE PRAY THAT MY MIND WILL SETTLE, MY HEART WILL STOP RACING, AND I WILL HAVE WISDOM IN MAKING THE DECISIONS THAT HAVE TO BE MADE.

Ireland DOES have sunshine!!!

I always thought summer began at the end of June.
Apparently not.
After having more wind and stormy weather than I'd ever experienced before (slight exaggeration?) in the past few weeks I never thought I would shed my winter layers and expose my toes in the Land of Rain.
Suddenly, over the weekend, summer happened.
In May.
There are clear blue skies, bright sunny rays, bumblebees, and singing birds galore!
I spent about an hour soaking up the sun yesterday, and it was HOT. Glorious!!
I've busted out the flip-flop sandals and tank tops, and the new short haircut is sooo nice in the warm weather.
This is a time for strawberries, lemonade, ice cream, and ice caps. My 4 summer food groups.
I'm just praying that this amazing weather lasts through June for the all-Ireland backpacking trip!

Potentially Problematic

There are 3 shows that I watch with some regularity: LOST (what the heck is going on there??), American Idol (What the heck is going on THERE??), and the 3rd season of this fantastic reality tv competition: I'd Do Anything.
I never realized how much I've gotten "into" the tv show until this past Sunday.
I don't think you can get it in North America (but what do I know?), so I will attempt to explain what it is for you poor deprived souls.
I'd Do Anything is like American Idol meets Broadway meets Britain's Got Talent. Sort of.
Basically every year they are searching for someone to fill in the lead role in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals. Anyone in the UK and Ireland can try out and then viewers vote for who they want to win.
In past years they've done The Sound of Music, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This year they're searching for a girl to play the role of Nancy in Oliver.
Since the show runs at 7 PM on a Saturday night, I'm usually only able to watch the first 10 minutes before I have to run to the church for the teen's club. I got hooked during the Easter break, and since then have really only watched it a couple of times at someone's house when they've taped it. But it is an amazing show.
The girls are so extremely talented, its unbelievable. They can sing, dance, act, and they even have mildly entertaining personalities for the most part. Its a tough competition!
They are judged by a panel of 4: John Barrowman (He's huge over here. I've seen him on at least 4 different shows), Denise Van Outen (a Broadway/West End leading lady), Barrie Humphries (who apparently among other things has played Fagin like 5 times), and of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Right now they are down to 6 girls from the hundreds they started out with.
From the beginning I was really impressed with 25 year old Rachel, from Belfast. She could sing anything, she could act like you wouldn't believe, and choreography didn't phase her. She had the passion, and the look, and I thought she fit Nancy to a tee.
So understandably she had always been leading the competition and "safe" as far as votes went.
As the weeks went on the other girls began improving a lot, especially 18 year old Jessie from co. Kerry. Suddenly 2 weeks ago, Rachel was in the bottom 2, meaning she had to perform in a "sing-off" with another girl, and A.L.W would then choose one of them that he wanted to "save" from being kicked off the show.
What a travesty. Rachel does NOT belong in the bottom 2. Luckily, A.L.W knows that and he saved her.
But I was nervous about last week. I had a bad feeling that voters would forget how consistent and amazing Rachel was, how hard she worked, how right for the part she was!!!
(breathe Jill, breathe)
Anyway, I'd never watched a results show because it plays just before the prayer meeting on Sunday night. But last time I was at Sue and Mark's they had taped it so we watched it.
This was when I knew that my addiction to the show was potentially problematic.
As the host gradually allowed 1, 2, and 3 girls to sit down in the "safe" zone, Rachel was left standing with scot Ashley, and pop-star-wannabe, Niamh.
I was dreading this moment. The judges had not given her the usual praise after her last performance. I just KNEW that Rachel would be in the bottom 2 again.
Niamh was my concern. She was 17, stick thin, beautiful, and gaining favor in the eyes of the judges. If she was in the bottom 2 with Rachel, I had a feeling the result would cause me to lose all faith in the creditability of this show, and humanity in general.
Rachel's face was a picture of dread and resignation as the host called her name.
"Rachel," He said pausing for dramatic effect that nearly shot my nerves, "You..."
My palms were sweaty. "...COULD BE NANCY!!!"
I squealed, losing all dignity and engulfed poor Emma in a hug of relief.
Rachel was saved!
Niamh and Ashley were on trial!
(and of course Niamh won over Ashley, but that was no surprise because the judges hated Ashley).
I was ecstatic. Which is why I think I'm a little too "into" the show.
But by golly, I do enjoy it!

I have a B. A. in Hair Color

Before:

After:


I realize I am possibly the worst before and after photographer ever. Different lighting and all that...plus I absolutely hate taking pictures of myself, because its so awkward and they never look good. However, for your sake I've posted these pictures, so if you will kindly do me a favor and take part in the first ever Pure Jilliness poll to your left, I would be most appreciative.
(But I have already made a decision about the color...its just for interests sake)

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According to the poll, 100% of you (one of you changed your vote...hmmm....Paul?) like the new hair color. I guess its a good thing for you that I had decided to keep it. I liked it a little better the next morning, so I figured I'd get used to it. Its a nice change.

Bug bites, Spiders, Plan B, and 31 Day Challenge.

I'm bored, so I'm blogging.
Possibly not a good combo.
I just can't seem to do anything productive right now, which is ok I guess because it is 9:30-ish in the PM so I won't waste a whole day...
Just the end of it.
I was doing a bunch of weeding in the back yard (or the "garden" as they would call it) on Wednesday and since then I've had a whole bunch of nasty little bug bites all over. I think I've got 3 on my left arm, 2 on my right, 3 along my spine, 1 on my left shoulder blade, and a couple on my legs. AND THEY'RE DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! They are SOOO itchy! Unbelievably itchy.
But they're not mosquito bites, or spider bites, so I don't know what they are.
Speaking of spiders, there was one in the shower this morning. Good thing I rinsed my hair before I saw it. I came to the realization spider-alert shocks wake me up better than caffeine, though I prefer coffee to daddy longlegs.
My house is riddled with spiders right now, I'm not sure why. I think it is the time of year when they come out of hiding, or they're hatching or something. All I know is, they are creepy and crawly and I don't like them, and the broom is good at squashing them at a good distance, and it even reaches the ones that think just because I'm short they can live high up in peace. They are WRONG!
Fatally wrong.
Perhaps the vision of thin spidery legs entangled in the bristles of my broom will ward off any would-be squatter spiders.
Heh, heh, heh....
Also on Wednesday I got my hair cut...shorter than last time (January!), and for some reason I decided to dye it today, too.
"Auburn".
By myself.
Ok, so I've successfully dyed my own hair before, but I haven't done red since right before grad, and that didn't turn out so great. I ended up dying a dark brown over top to correct the blinding stop-sign hue.
So why did I return to that very fickle color? I don't know. I had visions of a cute ginger tone that I like on other people. Ahhh, foolish little me.
Its a very weird orange now...I'm waiting to see how I like it tomorrow in the daylight. If its still grossing me out, I have a dark brown Plan B stashed in a cupboard. See? I learn from my mistakes.
Sort of.
Oh yeah- my 31 day challenge...anyone decided to join me? No? Didn't think so. You guys are too clever for that.
But just to let you know, I'm not doing too badly. I've been doing some unconventional exercises like the backpack-your-heavy-groceries-up-the-massive-hill hike, and the run-like-you've-never-run-before-because-if-you-miss-that-bus-
you're-screwed sprint. Both expanded my lung capacity and brought on a healthy glow, let me tell you.
I've been eating nice tasty foods like sultana bran, bananas, nature valley granola bars, yogurts, and smoothies.
And chocolate. Lots of healthy antioxidants in chocolate that I wouldn't want to miss out on.
Its all part of a balanced diet, right?
Well, I'm going to try and clear away some space on my bed to sleep on, because its kind of buried right now, and I have a feeling in about an hour or so I'm gonna crash. So here's to those of you that have made it this far. You have the patience of...I don't know. But you have patience.
Good night!

Can You See My Banner?

I have a question:
is my beautiful sepia toned banner still gracing my blog, or has it mysteriously disappeared?
I can't see it. But maybe its just my computer.

Please tell me if I should go looking for it, or if I've been blinded by weariness.

A Little Tour of Southwest Cork

Today I got to visit Kinsale and Clonakilty, and see some spectacular views from the car window! The south coast is truly beautiful (almost Mediterranean-esque) and nearly deserted in some parts.
Christine drove her kids and I to a little peninsula off Kinsale, which has some old ruins of James Fort covered in little daisies, and a fantastic view of the town.
It was summer-like weather today for once! Actually I felt like I should've been wearing shorts and flip-flops, it was so warm...a nice feeling. After a quick (non-alcoholic :P) refreshment at The Dock seaside pub (its a little strange to see young kids with their parents sitting outside a pub, I'll admit) we decided to see a little of Clonakilty while we were out this way. Turned out to be a longer drive than we thought, but I didn't mind because WOW the coastal "scenic route" was amazing!We got stuck in a real traffic jam in the tiny village of Ballinspittle (!) and passed a few other oddly named places that delight my soul, and finally arrived in tiny Clonakilty, birthplace of the famous Irish hero, Michael Collins. There was live music (electric guitars and drums, not "trad" unfortunately) in the park and we wandered for a bit enjoying the scenery. Eventually we stopped at Betty Brosnan's Cafe which was so cute! Totally traditional, and showcasing amazing photography by Demot Sullivan, not to mention great friendly service. I would definitely go back.
Overall, a great day.

Today is actually the real May Day.

Here is a flower from my garden.
Because you read my blog and I like you.
This is a bird I saw this morning. No ordinary bird.

"Who you lookin' at, Nosy?"

He was very rude.

"Talk to the tail-feathers..."

He's just miffed coz he doesn't get to read my blog.
Now we're not speaking.
He's so immature.

(Happy May Day)

May Day! May Day!

Ok, so here's my impossible and completely meaningless challenge for the month of May. The purpose being to set myself up for failure discipline myself to eat right and get more fresh air. And hopefully lose a little weight.
For the next 31 days, I am going to do some form of exercise for at least 1 hour* every day.
I don't want to. But I do.
Today I went walking in the torrential --and I MEAN TORRENTIAL-- rain, as a sign of my dedication. I came back soaked, but pleased.
Also, only one meal a day with a serving of meat. Today I had bacon and scrambled eggs for my lunch, so that meant no meat for dinner.
No snacks between meals, except for raw fruit.
One "sweet treat"a day, maximum. Ok, so I failed that one today.

I'm telling you all this against my better judgment, but I need to be held accountable.
Who wants to join me in the misery positive life changes?

*hours non-transferable.

Boring Blogger

I have to say that I've really been slacking in the blog department lately.
Sorry about that.
I guess things haven't been too exciting around here this month. I haven't really gone anywhere, or done anything particularly blog-worthy, I don't even think I've taken any pictures!
April has been kind of a roller-coaster month for me in many ways. I guess I've realized that I'm running out of time here and evaluating everything, and thinking ahead to the summer, and trying not to jump ahead of myself and live these next couple months to fullest!
I KNOW.
CONFUSING.
Its nearly May (WOW!), and by May 17th I'll basically be finished club work, and I'll be focusing on completing some practical projects for the church. On the 28th I meet Karissa in Belfast and we'll be gallivanting over Ireland for 30 days! Then I arrive back in Fermoy for another week before the Summer Bible Camp starts, and then a few days after that I fly home.
I just spent like...five minutes...sitting here, contemplating that.
Seriously.
I can't quite wrap my mind around it.
Its like trying to touch your ear with your tongue.
(Did you just try?)
Um...ya...I don't quite know how to feel at this point.
Excited to go home, sad to leave. Nervous about starting something new in the fall. Wondering how I'm going to fit back into Kamloops life...not that I think I'm too good for Kamloops :P
Just not sure how it goes anymore. It feels like I've been away forever.
Anyhoo, I'm just rambling now, probably cause I'm really tired and I need to sleep. Speaking of which I'm really not looking forward to the jet lag. I think it will be worse going "back" in time.

Until next time.
Your wee Irish friend.

Irish-isms

The quest for cultural knowledge continues!
Here I go...

What kinds of goodies can you get in those bakeries you mentioned?

I try to stay away to be honest...everything looks SO YUMMY! There are all sorts of fresh breads of course, including Naan bread which I'd never heard of before. Its like a flat chewy sort of bread with lots of herbs and stuff in it. Usually eaten with Italian food or something. Its good.
Cookies aren't so popular, but cupcakes and loaf cakes are, lots of cakes in general actually. Danishes, tarts (pies), and croissants, are a few more favorites.

Describe a typical church service in the church you attend.

Well the service starts at 10 AM, and no matter how hard I try I always just seem to get there at 9:59, even though I live the closest. I blame the traffic because I have to cross a busy street to get there.
Because we are officially "vacant" (that always makes me snicker) -meaning we don't have a minister- everyone sort of has their own area that they pitch in to help with. Usually Christine will start by coming up to the front to welcome our visiting minister, and make the announcements. Then Mark will open in prayer, then read from the Bible (to do with the worship), and then we will sing a hymn.
After that there is usually another reading (to do with the children's address) and another hymn. The minister will do the children's address, and we will sing ANOTHER HYMN.
Then we will have the collection, and then the children go to Sunday School, and then guess what...another Hymn! (Its known as the Hymn Sandwich service)
Finally the minister gets to speak, and when he is done we say the Benediction, which I have never read so at first I just kind of mouthed it, but now I know it goes something like this...
"May the Grace of God, the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, forevermore, Amen." But don't quote me on that.
And after that there is tea and biscuits and visiting!

What does a 'typical' Irish person look like? Any distinguishing characteristics? Do you look like one? :)

That's a funny question because I could point out people that look really Irish, but I can't really say why they look Irish. So no, I can't really give any distinguishing characteristics. And I don't think I look like one. Maybe I should try the fake tan...

Are people as "busy" and "metro" as North Americans, or does it seem a little bit more laid back?

In the big cities like Belfast and Cork, I would say people definitely give off a city vibe. Having said that, I don't think its to the same extreme. The smaller towns are definitely more laid back.

How about "global issues"? From casual observance are the Irish freaked about global warming, healthy eating fads, and wars in Iraq too?

One of the first things I noticed arriving in Ireland was their fixation on global warming! Everything is about global warming looming overhead, and creating "sustainable" this and that, and lots of recycling! Apparently in the last few years Ireland has made big changes to lower their "energy emissions" or whatever. So ya, that is a huge thing here. I've probably recycled more in the last 6 months than ever before.
As far as eating goes, they're really beginning to emphasize the "5-a-day" thing (that's eating 5 servings of fruit and veg a day). Its all over the grocery stores, with labels on fruit juice like "Part of your 5-a-day!", and collectible coupons if you buy over $10 worth of fruit and veg...stuff like that. On tv there are tons of programs about the rise of obesity and how 'we' don't want to end up like Americans (!), and eating right, and getting exercise, and being happy about your body shape! Overall I think they have a fairly healthy and positive approach.
Iraq comes up pretty often, nobody likes Bush, and Americans I've met say they introduce themselves as Canadian to avoid awkward questions. News about American politics is definitely around, and I think most people are rooting for Barrack Obama.

Found any fellow Irish homeschoolers?

Interesting question. As far as I can tell, homeschooling in Ireland is illegal, but no one really seems to know for sure one way or the other. So no...I haven't!

Do you still "stick out like a sore thumb"...or have you pretty much gone native now?

I think I stick out, but I'm just used to sticking out now that I don't notice. It catches me by surprise when people ask where I'm from, because its not the first thing I say about myself anymore!

are you working on your Irish accent or are you patriotically maintaining your Canadian one?

I had a bit of a scare for the first few weeks arriving where I unconsciously mimicked the Northern accent, and then I really missed my Canadian one and I couldn't find it. Didn't like that so much, so after that I was pretty serious about maintaining my mother tongue. Also I moved down south where the accent is 100X harder to mimic without sounding East Indian. I know. Random. But its true.

If you think you can do it though, here are a few tips to achieving a Cork accent.

Turn your "o"s into "a"s. Cork becomes Cark.

"th" becomes "t" and sometimes a "d". Think becomes Tink, Thing becomes Ting. This becomes Dis and That becomes Dat!

'Tis replaces It is, and Ye is the quaint Olde version of "you" (plural)

And I don't know why but Jill becomes...Jeel.

Have fun with that!