The day before the day before the day

I've been packing this evening. First it was the pressie for the Secret Santa thingy in work. Nicely wrapped and in my bag so I won't forget to bring it with me tomorrow morning. Took me forever to turn off the sound - it's a noisy pressie!

Next it was shoebox time for charity. One for a boy. One for a girl. Tooth brush and tooth paste, colouring book and crayons, little shampoo and shower gel bottles (you should know I have a huge collection of them!), chocolate, a wee doll in the "girl box" and a car in the "boy box". There were probably a few other bits and bobs, but I've closed the boxes now, so it's too late to check.

Last but not least, I packed my suitcase. I'm ready to head for Denmark. Ready for snow and cold. Ready for Christmas!

Geminids and cocktails

A night out on town with the girls was long overdue, so when Emer called yesterday to tell me our reservation for dinner was half an hour earlier than we thought, I hurried up and got into town.

The setting was Alfies on South William Street. Hugs and kisses the minute I was in the door - first one there, of course :) Gosh, it's great to walk into a place where they know you.

I was assured they had stocked up on whiskey, so the evening was ready to start. I was kept entertained till the others arrived, so for once being early wasn't a problem. Dinner was lovely as always. Dessert was divine. It just was. I've been promised a bigger slice of the pavlova next time. Mmmm.

Dinner was followed by drinks. Cocktails it was - what at €5 each you almost have to! And these were proper cocktails too. Come to think of it, most of them didn't even cost us a thing. One after the seemed to just appear out of nowhere - "oh, they are on the house".

I can't quite remember where we went after Alfies, but it was close by and I didn't stay long. I got home and went outside to look at meteors. It was the Geminids this time, and with a clear, cold night I couldn't have asked for a better show. I saw hundreds of meteors - or at least it felt that way. I'll admit I probably saw most of them three or four times because of the cocktails, but that only made it even more amazing, and I bet there was a smile on my face when I finally went to sleep.

If only you could wish on meteors...

Field trip with the other kids

Friday lunch means durrty burger. I barely ever have the time, but I was hungry and the sun was shining. Or some other excuse to that extent.

11 of us went, leaving the office more or less empty...

Food was ordered before we even sat down and as soon as everyone had greasy hands we headed off again to check out the new bridge. Open just a day, we were amongst the first to cross the Beckett Bridge to get from the north side to the south side. Visas needed? Well possibly so, but we were on a field trip.

All many of us lined up for the perfect photo shoot before starting the journey back north to check out the Christmas market down on the Docklands. Not due to open till tomorrow we couldn't get a go on the Galloping Horses' Carousel, so that'll just have to wait till next time.

last stop before the office was the local Spar to get lollipops for being such good kids. There were nine of us in the elevator - jumping up and down. Wonder where we lost the other two...

Theme Thursday - Snow

Snow? SNOW? You mean that fluffy white stuff that comes down from the sky in the winter time? Yeah, think I remember it!

Anyway, while it might be winter here, it's not cold enough for snow, so let me in stead just tell you I signed up for a gym membership today. I went to a few different places to see what was on offer. First the cheap one. I've had the guided tour before. The girl in reception couldn't have cared less. She never put down her phone and wasn't paying attention. I left again. Absolutely no!

Then on to the one up the road. I had a look around, but it was unclean and I was quick to find the door again. Didn't even ask for membership prices.

Then I went to my old gym. The guy in front of me asked for prices, so I knew what to expect. But then I wasn't actually getting a NEW membership, was I? It was a renewal, so maybe I could get the old "corporate" rate... And yes that's exactly how it went. I got a 20% discount, and Saturday morning will be my first workout. I promise!

I would have gone in today, of course, by my arm is still terribly sore from the jab the other day, and I'm going out tomorrow night...

Culchie day in the Big Smoke

It's the 8th of December... which means the Culchies were off doing their Christmas shopping in the Big Smoke. ALL the Culchies. Well, except those who nipped across the border, failing to support the Irish economy, but let's forget that for a minute.

For those who don't know, the Catholic schools are closed on the 8th of December to allow kids to go shopping for Christmas. The train prices are reduced to make the nightmare even worse, and so my train into town was unusually packed this morning. I didn't walk fast enough when finally leaving the station, so in the few minutes it took I managed to get asked for directions twice. It was tempting to just suggest they follow all the other Culchies and they'll end up in Guineys - guaranteed.

Anyway, it was also jab day today. Flu jab day. Work had organised for all of those interested* that we could get the "normal" and swine flu vaccines, so just after 2pm the first two of us headed off to the clinic. I can still picture the doctor's office when I walked in. She had this whole collection of syringes on her desk as if to scare me off.

The questions began. I expected to be told no. But no. She was prepared to use those syringes, and she wanted both of my arms, one for each jab. Ouch!

I'm home now (having once again shared the train with the Culchies, who were heading home from the Big Smoke right at rush hour time), waiting for all those side effects the doctor talked about. Will I even be able to use my arms tomorrow? Will I get flu-like symptoms?

So far, so good. I'm feeling just fine!


*Interested might not be the right term. While I knew the jabs were a good idea, I don't particuarly like when people stick needles into my arms!

Bare ass and prayers

After a relaxing Saturday I was ready to head for the hills this morning. Lunch was prepared, I had a flask of coffee and the weather was looking good.

The walk started near Glencurren and took us over to Clara and the old church and school house.

There is a small car park at the church, just before you get to the old bridge in the picture. This is where all the kayakers tend to start out from, and we got there just at the right moment. It was that moment of young guys having just taken off their wet suits. One nice looking ass after the other ;)

We left one of the hikers in the church. He'd been out last night and decided the last 15 minute climb was too much for him. I bet he spent the time in the church praying someone would come back and collect him.

My feet are sore now, and I'm tired, but it's that really good feeling of tired. I'll sleep well tonight!

It's Christmas time in the city

I'm finally back after the tea party in Aspen earlier this week. Wow was that some trip!

Anyway, it's the season to be jolly, and last night saw all twenty-some of us get dressed up for the company Christmas party. No, actually I think I was the only one who got changed before heading out, but you know what I mean :)

Dinner was in Cactus Jacks. A bit unusual to be having Mexican food as Christmas dinner, but the perfect excuse to be drinking margaritas! One pitcher of the good stuff replaced the next...

After the meal we continued over to Dakota on the other side of the Liffey. Within minutes of us arriving there was candle wax on the table, couch and me - yes, someone had a wee spilling accident, and it wasn't me! As soon as there was Black Bush on the table I'll admit to not worrying too much about the candle wax.

One by one people started leaving. A few were still in the bar when I left, but it was just getting to that point, you know. I'm not entirely sure how I ended up bringing a Jameson tumbler home, but it's been washed now, and the only bad thing is that I don't have one more!