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)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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!

Wonder-Melon!

I stumble across the strangest things when I'm Google-ing.

Oops!

This week I had the pleasure of enjoying the Kilworth community children's drama performance. My two little friends, Kerry and Lee, had a few bits to perform each and I recognized a few other kids from here and there as well.
The evening was entertaining (to say the least) and afterwards I was chatting with one of the mom's from our mothers & toddlers group, and since I had only met her youngest who wasn't in school yet, she started pointing out the others.
"I think I saw your oldest on stage," I said gesturing at a rambunctious 9 year old with long blonde hair, "She looks a lot like you."
There was an awkward pause.
"'She' is a boy." Miriam said finally.

Ah.

Friday FAQ

Right, so here are the first few answers to your questions! I know there are more of you out there just dying to ask me some more questions about Ireland, so feel free to leave more in the Comment Box, and if there's are a lot I might do another post next Friday! Wouldn't that be exciting?!

How are the grocery stores different than (Canadian ones)?

Everything is smaller. You couldn't find a 4-liter jug of milk if you paid a million dollars for it. They come in 1 or 2 liter portions (and there's no fuss about 1% or 2%...its semi-skimmed, or "fresh" -whole- milk).
Eggs come in packs of 6 most of the time, there are no "jumbo" cereal boxes or chocolate chips to be found, and I had quite a time trying to find molasses for my gingersnap recipe because no one knew what it was!
Peanut butter has a bright US flag on it ("REAL AMERICAN PEANUT BUTTER!") and ("REAL CANADIAN!") Maple syrup is outrageously expensive.
The most popular grocery stores (Centra, Supervalu, Tesco, etc) have home delivery services and nifty little vans that zip around and drop off their bundles of joy.
There are loads of bakeries and butchers around every corner.
I can't think of anything more right now. Next!

Do you have Starbucks?

In theory, yes. I haven't seen one, but I heard there is a Starbucks in some remote corner of Cork city. Needless to say, its not very popular (I just have to point out that there is a little chain of corner stores called Spar that sells Tim Hortons donuts. Tim Hortons is loved. Starbucks is not. Ha!). The most popular coffee chain is an Irish business called O'Briens which is kind of like a blend of Starbucks and Tim Hortons. Its hugely popular and hugely over-priced!

What is the fashion trend there?

It isn't that different from what was going on in Canada when I left. A few things I noticed were:
1. a certain style of wide leg jeans (I like!!)
2. loose-fitting waist-length jackets with empire waist, big buttons, and 3/4 length sleeve.
3. long fingerless gloves that reach to elbow to make up for that 3/4 length sleeve,
4. Fake tans are HUGE here. And disgusting. People are shamelessly orange.
5. The ugg boot is also a hideous favorite.
But who knows, maybe those things have entered the Canadian scene while I was away??
For guys I've noticed a lot of buzz/crew cuts, wide-striped hoodies, and an overall skulky, goonish, appearance. Not that I'm judging. Its just an outsiders opinion.

What kind of music is on the radio?

Again, its all very similar-- thanks for ruining my authentic Irish experience globalization!
Then again I'm not a huge radio-listener so maybe it is really different. When I first arrived it seemed like all they played was "Bleedin' Love" by Leona Lewis, "Do You Know" by Enrique, not to mention a lot of Westlife (which is an Irish band...and it sucks). But really, most other music is like Coldplay, Snow Patrol, and other things I don't know :P

What are the most common kinds of cars?

In my pre-Irish life I knew five different types of vehicles: the car, the van, the truck, the JEEP!, and the RAV!!!
Now there is a sixth, the van/car. Its like a tiny fat, short van. And its popular over here. But mostly there are just cars. And I don't know their make. I just know they are cars.
There are NO trucks here (except for one....you'll read about that in a sec) And I've only seen one jeep and it lives down the road.

Any strange animals?

The strange thing is that there are no animals.
At least not wild ones. No bears, no snakes (thanks to St. Patty?), no wolves...
The scariest thing you will meet here is a badger, and the last one I saw was looking a little deflated on the side of the road. I saw a fox once too, and that was neat. But mostly there are just a lot of birds.

Where are all those cute sheep farmers?

Apparently they are out tending their sheep as sheep farmers tend to do, and not attending church to meet young single Canadian girls! I spotted one once, and he was just arrived in town driving a truck and wearing wellies and wool sweater. I was walking on the other side of the street, otherwise who knows what romance might have blossomed...

What's the most exciting place you visited so far?

Oh boy...I don't know! I really loved Kilkenny, especially climbing the tower, the Mitchelstown Caves, but the Giant's Causeway was pretty sweet too!

How many cobble stone streets are there around?

It depends how old the city is. There aren't any in Fermoy, but there's a few in Cork, and Kilkenny was riddled with 'em! (they hurt if you are walking in thin little shoes like mine!)

Is there a McDonalds around?

There are plenty of Mc'Ds...with the "euro-saver" menu that I love. Erk. Really I'm not a huge fan so I've only eaten there once, but Matt could probably tell you the location of every McDonalds in Ireland.

What's the temp / climate like compared to here?

I think its a lot like the climate on the west coast. Rainy and mild. The cold is a very different cold than Kamloops....its very damp and it gets into your bones! Brrr...
Its very windy and overcast lately, but apparently in July and August they will get "highs" of 17!! haha...
The weather is really very volatile. It will be shining happily for 20 minutes and then suddenly you look up because everything has gone kind of dark and suddenly there is this NOISE. Rain pelting on the glass of the sunroom! Then 15 minutes later is stops and the sun shines again. Lather rinse repeat.

What is a popular snack?

"Crisps" aka chips (The 'tayto' brand is the general favorite), and "Chips" aka fries! Not really very healthy is it?!

Well that's all until next time...if there is a next time!

What Do You Want to Know?

So I was trying to think of ideas for a blog post.
I know you guys think I'm like Superblogger or something and I never run out of ideas.
Not.
(heh. the reallly geeky inner-child that grew up in the 90's loves it when I say that)
Anyway the thought came to me, Hey you are in Ireland. Write about Ireland. People want to know about Ireland.
Well the sad fact is that when you've been in a place for a while you just get used to things, and I couldn't really think of anything about Ireland to write about!!!
So I leave the next post in your capable hands.

What do you want to know about Ireland?....

Happy Birthday Liz!

The big 2-0!!!!
We'll have to do some proper celebrating when we are reunited in the Fall....if you come back! Cause it feels like I haven't seen you since that picture was taken. Miss ya!!!

One of a Kind?

I always thought our (deceased-- bless her senile soul) dog Shen, being a unique Beagle/Retriever mix, was one of a kind. However, I've spotted a dog in the nearby village of Kilworth that looked a LOT like her! Just a little big longer and not quite as "chubby" (read: obese). Just as friendly too....
I wonder if Shen had some long-lost Irish relatives she never mentioned to us....?

Sweet Surprise!

Been having sort of a bad few days this week, but I got the perfect pick-me-up in the post today!


Thanks to all my lovely valleyview friends!!!

What Have I Done?!

I think I might be crazy...
A few of you might already know I've applied to TRU's culinary arts program...but I just found out I got in!
I'm partly nervous, partly excited, and partly...undecided.
On one hand I'd love to learn more culinary skills, especially in the baking department. I really enjoyed working in that area last summer at Homewood, and two friends there who've been through culinary school encouraged me to go for it.
On the other hand, I'm not convinced I'd like working in the industry...the high-pressure environment might not be Jill-compatible.
I figured that even if I don't decide to become a professional chef, I'd always have that option to fall back on, and its always good to have the skill.
SO...my future is secured for another good chunk of time.
I will be living in Kamloops again, and going to school.

The adventure begins August 2008!