tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59525765313092384442024-02-21T09:25:15.692-08:00Out of OzHalleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-29797525531111332942015-01-02T06:31:00.000-08:002015-01-02T07:09:50.061-08:00Major New Year's Catch UpI know, I know, I can explain. The past few months have been absolutely hectic for me and my gang. It's impossible to backtrack and try and cover all of the points and places that I've been. I can give a teaser anyway. And so I'll explain what I mean with my annual...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2014 Year in Review</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Moved into our own apartment</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvLB8KVCooKqPYEXWxiAIBK8KR3Kl6cWlLZcNmabRHBC-F3CDyGbmvZFk1vJRtIi9YE08iQmWCvS0mFyjZvTxGpWFlOUdZpVLc7YwYAakHoRFKUFnJQ6dIxUrAsYgrWYv0Az3W23_U2c/s1600/IMG_20140705_192846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvLB8KVCooKqPYEXWxiAIBK8KR3Kl6cWlLZcNmabRHBC-F3CDyGbmvZFk1vJRtIi9YE08iQmWCvS0mFyjZvTxGpWFlOUdZpVLc7YwYAakHoRFKUFnJQ6dIxUrAsYgrWYv0Az3W23_U2c/s1600/IMG_20140705_192846.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogYV_Cgitble4wLKhQmVJtzIQly5DjzoxW294upMFu0ROJBNr3ZibjuI_i0exfi2CImKA6giUDVF8EEGyRZNhzuzUagRRg98iDWMB59rdCMwWM37EBIuc_V4nH6KNwu9_E9WJH4bzJRI/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogYV_Cgitble4wLKhQmVJtzIQly5DjzoxW294upMFu0ROJBNr3ZibjuI_i0exfi2CImKA6giUDVF8EEGyRZNhzuzUagRRg98iDWMB59rdCMwWM37EBIuc_V4nH6KNwu9_E9WJH4bzJRI/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0002.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><b> </b>We've really been happy here. There really is nothing like having our own space and creating our own home. We've had a great time hosting various get togethers, BBQ's, and even Thanksgiving. I still pinch myself. If you want the full run down on the apartment check out <a href="http://kstooz.blogspot.ie/2014/03/return-of-twister.html" target="_blank">this post</a> from earlier in the year.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Let's just cut right to the chase...I got pregnant!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b2Vs7CRUZ0jBuPeRev54b6cxGleKWrdLvPtuyQCIuP5oSnIhHqts8NuHzqpnMz2Sc1u0M0DjHA_6nHPCNweGaF5mm3Ms8Nnd8YSf8laDLAlh8sYfJDgjS-Sir5Zhsed_Ve1vuDtaz5g/s1600/20140723_231034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b2Vs7CRUZ0jBuPeRev54b6cxGleKWrdLvPtuyQCIuP5oSnIhHqts8NuHzqpnMz2Sc1u0M0DjHA_6nHPCNweGaF5mm3Ms8Nnd8YSf8laDLAlh8sYfJDgjS-Sir5Zhsed_Ve1vuDtaz5g/s1600/20140723_231034.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iZj-5gt5AxIgGt7QlXiVxj3pjeJS08YCeQULs7VvINhZ9jQii3OhTUbFTWY_suPRma2XObzaHybp0oTIwUnblfUGgJoPcPjXIv06vDyUidfKUlALKxjYqBd2Owmgu-6zUBWUiEaVJCY/s1600/IMG-20141205-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iZj-5gt5AxIgGt7QlXiVxj3pjeJS08YCeQULs7VvINhZ9jQii3OhTUbFTWY_suPRma2XObzaHybp0oTIwUnblfUGgJoPcPjXIv06vDyUidfKUlALKxjYqBd2Owmgu-6zUBWUiEaVJCY/s1600/IMG-20141205-WA0000.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a>I've actually been really spoiled with my pregnancy. I've been EXHAUSTED, nauseous, and downright moody (poor Scarecrow) but on the whole I haven't had it bad at all. So here we are, with only about 5 weeks left, and I'm ridiculously excited. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Got to play tourist and tour guide to some pretty cool Americans </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQ_fad93mUfIrvFzgp1e1tIBzPG30UCVHmmgEU5BQHtCM3UVQDF6A3MFSMLcRV6sug79YvlhM20x-YLHzT_f0rtfKhSbwfo37JFXdCxB6nhBrdOx_Vspv_CNMfQ3JjMh6Fbhq2zb6IA/s1600/20140620_165124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQ_fad93mUfIrvFzgp1e1tIBzPG30UCVHmmgEU5BQHtCM3UVQDF6A3MFSMLcRV6sug79YvlhM20x-YLHzT_f0rtfKhSbwfo37JFXdCxB6nhBrdOx_Vspv_CNMfQ3JjMh6Fbhq2zb6IA/s1600/20140620_165124.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUB72uwKbvKRXq9Wkl1T_ALN2hIJZBoGQdDCiytEx9eiFuQBXEEcgejVMfbkO84qgaUAWvKQQPhMEQJ5PYYVrmcoWu06molthaWKLvfSPZcRRwXRxpd-TosJhVOLLJW2r_mNe9rU-f6U/s1600/leslie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUB72uwKbvKRXq9Wkl1T_ALN2hIJZBoGQdDCiytEx9eiFuQBXEEcgejVMfbkO84qgaUAWvKQQPhMEQJ5PYYVrmcoWu06molthaWKLvfSPZcRRwXRxpd-TosJhVOLLJW2r_mNe9rU-f6U/s1600/leslie.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I LOVE when friends come to visit. I live in an amazing country and I know it. I love showing it off and sharing my favorite places. Not to mention I get to be reminded what an actual American accent sounds like. <br />
<br />
<b>Helped to organize a nationwide youth conference for the teenagers in church</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3UI6RwXUTV_pcW1K3wIIkkUNohZOJqj3NuCMGoH4fSV9Hxz-Ib96bv7JIajDNFbjDqcrWgGXzZEdbztdLvWRG1KWMdxXLdzU99wAQMsFEpOE7RpTqwzq_mHSL7Tpjb8-nnoO5fqLuQA/s1600/20140802_214524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3UI6RwXUTV_pcW1K3wIIkkUNohZOJqj3NuCMGoH4fSV9Hxz-Ib96bv7JIajDNFbjDqcrWgGXzZEdbztdLvWRG1KWMdxXLdzU99wAQMsFEpOE7RpTqwzq_mHSL7Tpjb8-nnoO5fqLuQA/s1600/20140802_214524.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<b> </b>This was a completely exhausting, frustrating, but worthwhile endeavor. The event took place over the August bank holiday weekend and involved housing, feeding, entertaining, and inspiring over 100 kids aged 14-18. It took months to organize and my poor Scarecrow took a lot of the brunt and burden, especially in an effort to make sure I didn't do too much. Besides the actual logistics beforehand he refused to go to bed before 3am every night of the conference in an effort to make sure the kids were safe in their houses. I love being around the teenagers and their happy, eager, good natures. But am I glad that it'll be another 6 years before we have to do something like this again? Absolutely. Immediately after the weekend the Scarecrow and I snuck off to a hotel and hid for a few days. There are few things that breakfast in bed and a trip to the spa won't cure.<br />
<br />
<b> Watched my baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, make it not only to the post season, but to a league championship and to the World Series. </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDQNHdDj3hlym_B7jIEZd8W-bI7rKciV5e82v7RTs-NY_BECUVGQ1Waiz-R2I2H6-IIV36mDpI9t7H6qeCmSEQdcCQorjPVicjAQIDF2FeOwpCkTWpeVfPejjiGAki8gDLqtjYTsDmVg/s1600/IMG-20141016-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDQNHdDj3hlym_B7jIEZd8W-bI7rKciV5e82v7RTs-NY_BECUVGQ1Waiz-R2I2H6-IIV36mDpI9t7H6qeCmSEQdcCQorjPVicjAQIDF2FeOwpCkTWpeVfPejjiGAki8gDLqtjYTsDmVg/s1600/IMG-20141016-WA0003.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORRT54kG73wDslvX9OLWHClziXoZjHNXQYTlQQaBwB49GzG6nY2iq5re-PeqbVH9f7jYCG9jVGcFEvF06kdKXu18BKPxmG9ijmByfCTmuFVOIw94q7ehXrCpVTou0kKu3iaXdrxvAjpE/s1600/20141016_213314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORRT54kG73wDslvX9OLWHClziXoZjHNXQYTlQQaBwB49GzG6nY2iq5re-PeqbVH9f7jYCG9jVGcFEvF06kdKXu18BKPxmG9ijmByfCTmuFVOIw94q7ehXrCpVTou0kKu3iaXdrxvAjpE/s1600/20141016_213314.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
I won't lie, I was really sad that I wasn't in KS for this. It was some October. I did my best to support the side from over here. I would wake up at all hours just to catch a few innings. Pregnancy insomnia was actually pretty convenient around this time. The Scarecrow even watched a few with me. I think I created another superfan. And as we always say in Kansas City, there's always next year. I think this time though people actually believe it.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
It's never enough to look to the past. You've got to be willing to look forward as well. And we all know how I feel about lists. So here we go with my...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2015 To-do List</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Have a baby</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3Y9lwmeH_ci663-YBPgCKIP-enWSjd5ZSiu2xAiPNn8-CtXIyivKCSeJqHEM15rbJj2PDniwo2dwoA-0wi7ZcQWrLayPzZi9yfCXxHZGPDhmzL4wkANymupSAvFHoL1_Fe34cHb9DU0/s1600/20141207_161953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3Y9lwmeH_ci663-YBPgCKIP-enWSjd5ZSiu2xAiPNn8-CtXIyivKCSeJqHEM15rbJj2PDniwo2dwoA-0wi7ZcQWrLayPzZi9yfCXxHZGPDhmzL4wkANymupSAvFHoL1_Fe34cHb9DU0/s1600/20141207_161953.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not really an option here. Baby's coming one way or the other. I start my maternity leave in about 2 weeks and the baby is due about another 2 1/2 weeks after that. It's definitely starting to get real.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Figure out what I want to be when I grow up</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't want to be a tech support agent for the rest of my life. I'd like to get into my field, but if that doesn't happen then I'm at least going to work on getting closer to what I really want. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Create meaningful habits</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That means spiritual habits, physical habits, and emotional habits. And yes, keeping up with my blog is one of those habits.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So here's to a new year with new and exciting adventures. Another year with my family, the ones I have and the ones I'll have soon. I can't wait to see where it all goes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6yvm9v1WQ5NZYzpP1mY-cRcfRrLyrVLvHKRDY4AYLa1L8uBfe3KbNklYSkei_lewebbGbQIsTc_pgph1GqRjL5QplEhsrUDlMcxq06THVQcx1eCZCLJQSAYKnughHvIFz3vdrCFTLPs/s1600/20141212_190123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6yvm9v1WQ5NZYzpP1mY-cRcfRrLyrVLvHKRDY4AYLa1L8uBfe3KbNklYSkei_lewebbGbQIsTc_pgph1GqRjL5QplEhsrUDlMcxq06THVQcx1eCZCLJQSAYKnughHvIFz3vdrCFTLPs/s1600/20141212_190123.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3njDvD3e_2tKz2Iz4az2MLjZ6AS20hHYJUio6GN8Rsclf41ZBv4kQ2Lhkl-cRbirNWDHtWOSS6Aj87gjKNaiAgMWykxmLwCKjTK89Bde2u3gWsmrR8pe7tJ16TGMRq4VOyqJgWmHmWA/s1600/IMG-20141220-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3njDvD3e_2tKz2Iz4az2MLjZ6AS20hHYJUio6GN8Rsclf41ZBv4kQ2Lhkl-cRbirNWDHtWOSS6Aj87gjKNaiAgMWykxmLwCKjTK89Bde2u3gWsmrR8pe7tJ16TGMRq4VOyqJgWmHmWA/s1600/IMG-20141220-WA0000.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-16885043286015817982014-04-15T01:57:00.000-07:002014-04-15T02:01:58.851-07:00IndependentBefore we begin, welcome to Spring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJlnI0_4TGV9pr4eNcU5egNjsHD46H_YMynmnD6RxDN9vUP26mnBVLu_i9GFCa6MKkJCWh5Az2QHPiNyIuc4uG076T2cwp138RCaSVWI1qns9yvVA7ntW3-tWwYbiF7U2D6BSolZjXU4/s1600/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJlnI0_4TGV9pr4eNcU5egNjsHD46H_YMynmnD6RxDN9vUP26mnBVLu_i9GFCa6MKkJCWh5Az2QHPiNyIuc4uG076T2cwp138RCaSVWI1qns9yvVA7ntW3-tWwYbiF7U2D6BSolZjXU4/s1600/flower.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In case anyone has figured it out yet from my experiences, being an expat is hard. It's one thing to study abroad as a student, knowing that you're in a temporary experience and will soon return to the familiar. It is something completely different to make the conscious decision to make living in another country your reality. It is exciting to start from scratch and learn an entirely new system of living and working. But that's not to say it isn't one of the most challenging things you'll ever do either.<br />
<br />
I am so blessed to have the Scarecrow in my life. As much as I've always been fascinated by Ireland I don't think I would have ever made the decision to live here permanently if it weren't for him. He makes living here infinitely easier for me. He understands our insurance. He knows where to go to get the car fixed. He understands jokes, slang, and hot topics that would fly over the head of anyone who hasn't lived here their entire life. And I have finally realized that I have come to use him as a crutch. Sometimes I worry that I won't get it right; that I'll say the wrong thing. And so we go together. Certainly that's what marriage is about, working together as a team. But <b><i>we</i> </b>need to learn that I can handle it.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago the Scarecrow heard about a meteorology and monitoring symposium to be held in Galway on the radio. Since I subscribe to the list serve of the Irish Meteorological Society I'd heard about it but hadn't thought much of it. He asked me if I was planning to go. I had assumed when I first heard that I would have to work, we would have some other activity planned, etc. But when I realized my weekend was free I decided <b><i>what the heck!</i></b><br />
<br />
We had toyed around with the idea of the Scarecrow coming along, hanging out in the city or maybe golfing with a friend. But when none of those ideas panned out we realized how silly it would be for him to tag along when he would be much happier at home. This seems a little ridiculous given that I'm a grown and capable woman, but I was a nervous to <i><b>DRIVE</b></i> by myself, navigate the city, figure out where to go, and be comfortable in a setting where I knew absolutely no one. And I think the Scarecrow was nervous too. That's when I realized that I have allowed him to become my security blanket. Of course I need to rely on my husband. Naturally he is my greatest support and cheerleader. But I can't be afraid to do things on my own.<br />
<br />
I have no idea how people make such a transition on their own, without a "native tour guide" like I've been blessed with. These people are certainly braver than I can ever be. But my new goal is to take more opportunities to stretch and do my own thing without the Scarecrow there to take the lead.<br />
<br />
I leave you with your Irish tid bit. Everyone loves a good flash mob, especially when it's local! For some perspective, the Scarecrow works just next to this airport.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zv96XV2oOp4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-110235420312787042014-03-13T10:42:00.000-07:002014-03-13T10:42:10.685-07:00Readjusting <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdVVDkdUWUx7gAgrw6BPFJZt2O2m7bSJv-V2rTZ1LgpcIfnmzeJ_wpjt3L9r6-cEUaDrdVVC6TWHd1cZQRR9k0MnFVW8BwpC2Z-c72lEqcmSOYdoozcwvJYjlAhxI0FpFIQpmBTHA0xg/s1600/IMG-20120915-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdVVDkdUWUx7gAgrw6BPFJZt2O2m7bSJv-V2rTZ1LgpcIfnmzeJ_wpjt3L9r6-cEUaDrdVVC6TWHd1cZQRR9k0MnFVW8BwpC2Z-c72lEqcmSOYdoozcwvJYjlAhxI0FpFIQpmBTHA0xg/s1600/IMG-20120915-WA0001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>This is more of a plea for help/advice post. You may recall from my last post that I was most worried about the Scarecrow and Toto adjusting to the new flat. Turns out that it's Maybelle that I should have been concerned with. She has <i><b>NOT</b></i> been adjusting as well as I thought she would have. I thought that she would have been happy anywhere, as long as she was with us. She'd been pretty mopey apparently when she was left at our previous residence. But now she's developed all sorts of nasty habits.<br />
<br />
For example, the first night we brought her over she whimpered, whined and barked in the living room from her bed and wouldn't relax unless I was in the room. So I spent her first night sleeping on the couch. I've had to do it one other night as well. She's gotten better about that the past few nights so I've been able to enjoy the comfort of my own large, luxurious mattress.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CRAKROH1F0KPDloVNzIgSrg04D0Xp-zB9dR9HS-94C6cRaZsJUdU9aswmKcabf_JSzOYTxjZkLhL_GOwS7mdSj4t_Qq5htIeFdGHpvYo0cT6GhQiDzRnIPV00sDzwU-yUxBIGof7OBY/s1600/maybelle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CRAKROH1F0KPDloVNzIgSrg04D0Xp-zB9dR9HS-94C6cRaZsJUdU9aswmKcabf_JSzOYTxjZkLhL_GOwS7mdSj4t_Qq5htIeFdGHpvYo0cT6GhQiDzRnIPV00sDzwU-yUxBIGof7OBY/s1600/maybelle2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Next, Scarecrow walked in and found Maybelle chilling on the sofa that is not strictly ours. No good. I went into town today and experimented with the good ol' tin foil on the couch trick. And I can verify that it did indeed work. So for extended trips outside the house there is now a long strip of tin foil that will be gracing our sofa. So there's 2 bad habits knocked out of the sweet pup.<br />
<br />
Bad habit #3, taking food off of the counter. She has a track record with this from her half-starved rescue dog phase. She once ate an entire loaf of bread and half a tub of butter. No wonder she's on a diet now. But today Toto forgot her breakfast on the counter and let's just say it wasn't there for long after. I think the only thing to really do here is for us to not leave appealing foods for her on the counter.<br />
<br />
The habit that is currently distressing me the most is her inability to do her business outside during her walks. She's had a couple of major accidents inside and it seems as though she's just holding it in until she can't wait anymore. And that seems to generally occur when we are out of the house and she can't be taken outside. We walk her at least twice a day, generally along the same route in order for her to get comfortable. She has done the deed in the pebble half of our patio and so I was hoping that it would become her "spot" where she could smell her territory. Today I even took some of her, ahem, presents and put them outside in the pebbles in the hopes that she would realize that this is where it should go. I generally think that she'd much rather be inside with us or walk with us that she's putting off this basic function.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb26OundHiH0WWNa-gOIaDgJR5mJcBe4vshOuifwTVgyHJJDQVj31zzB6PFMpRSJ83nG5bhDjP3EMrZI7DiDEzbW4ILBVGCc76X3edydogx3g8fsdfVul5tZZPfeo5kcznhGFjQS11k8/s1600/maybelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb26OundHiH0WWNa-gOIaDgJR5mJcBe4vshOuifwTVgyHJJDQVj31zzB6PFMpRSJ83nG5bhDjP3EMrZI7DiDEzbW4ILBVGCc76X3edydogx3g8fsdfVul5tZZPfeo5kcznhGFjQS11k8/s1600/maybelle.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>So besides getting her to go where she's supposed to go I am also wanting to find ways to keep her entertained during the day. Between Scarecrow, Toto and myself we are generally out of the house anywhere from 6-8 hours a day. I feel terrible that all she's doing is lying around all day long. And so I'm trying to research ways to keep her somewhat occupied during the day.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry if this seems like rambling, but I am really worried about this sweet girl. I don't see the point of having a pet unless you're going to responsibly take care of that pet. And so, dear pet owner friends, I'm appealing for any tips, suggestions or advice. How can I help my country dog become an apartment dog and be happy about it?<br />
<br />
Maybelle was a great comfort to me when I first moved here. She gave me someone to love when I felt alone during the day when the Scarecrow was at work. I want to be a comfort for her now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-78024751570656277882014-03-08T05:31:00.000-08:002014-03-08T05:31:20.071-08:00Return of the TwisterThe Twister has come again. This time it's swept the Scarecrow, Toto and this ruby slippered girl into an adorable 2 bedroom flat right in the area we wanted to be. I can hardly believe it! From viewing the apartment to moving in it was only about 2 weeks. We've since been moved in for 1 week. I'll be honest, it's not the cute little house I imagined our first place would be. But it's adorable and I love it. It's about a 20 minute walk home for Amy from her bus through a residential area and about 25 minutes walk for me to work. It's a ground floor flat which is perfect for Maybelle and even boasts a little patio area. Let the projects begin! (Caution ahead, lots of pictures. Yep, I'm excited!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZtS8HVJ-IOEWpAm2ybvM3TaQure0B4dx9DifMnRe3QCK-49BEKq6RdwsXkyS_JOg_eUvQgzL_8A47Xzfczj512zpM4tM8MFhbOy6ket71bPt6ZHChIVublRjHZrhgEOX_IOLo90Uaig/s1600/IMAG0548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZtS8HVJ-IOEWpAm2ybvM3TaQure0B4dx9DifMnRe3QCK-49BEKq6RdwsXkyS_JOg_eUvQgzL_8A47Xzfczj512zpM4tM8MFhbOy6ket71bPt6ZHChIVublRjHZrhgEOX_IOLo90Uaig/s1600/IMAG0548.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Target bedding that we still love. Our room came with two bed side lockers, a dresser, and a <i><b>BIG, BRAND NEW MATTRESS</b></i>! We opted to swap the bedside lockers and dressers for our own. Definitely kept the mattress!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XxoEockt9VzB25z0k5gH2K5I1_jIdMsWAMseOYhiFbT6W97xUBGdGnkPYhrQSUcAqNRBBQMSc7yxrlc5MVYceRgBSJNtfsEMtn592CiFjZozHQN1upIGMYqIpwIg6cD3r67nIJ0QHgs/s1600/IMAG0550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XxoEockt9VzB25z0k5gH2K5I1_jIdMsWAMseOYhiFbT6W97xUBGdGnkPYhrQSUcAqNRBBQMSc7yxrlc5MVYceRgBSJNtfsEMtn592CiFjZozHQN1upIGMYqIpwIg6cD3r67nIJ0QHgs/s1600/IMAG0550.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master bedroom is really big. The space from the wall to the wardrobe is thankfully big enough for both of our dressers to fit. I was worried we'd have to try and share. Yeah, that wouldn't have worked at all. Scarecrow has way too many clothes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsrMHpPKOqY2KBRkokZolLY0sV2YMMP5pPwkPA9U7ZtrFaPX6BG3PWy_3oW3PUYm0UBYdyb54yMGwDaec-k9jCtV3VGxoOrfQOyXvwK1Sm6ID8gJHrwQz-AmUTGKi4Wz6v6nkC218EHQ/s1600/IMAG0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsrMHpPKOqY2KBRkokZolLY0sV2YMMP5pPwkPA9U7ZtrFaPX6BG3PWy_3oW3PUYm0UBYdyb54yMGwDaec-k9jCtV3VGxoOrfQOyXvwK1Sm6ID8gJHrwQz-AmUTGKi4Wz6v6nkC218EHQ/s1600/IMAG0551.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, and the wardrobe is massive. I can finally see my shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiPEFvVEdtxQdKgiCpJHpWWaQSEIjHMhee6i7YqHHoGxgUYycj5RSF9v_Rc6h1d7I2uWcaKjm-l70i0WmjB_joLv7CV9Zm9lglYPOEEuSSQV0zaUdZWQrEH1v1lx15T0dLZ8bJHA8uM8/s1600/IMAG0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiPEFvVEdtxQdKgiCpJHpWWaQSEIjHMhee6i7YqHHoGxgUYycj5RSF9v_Rc6h1d7I2uWcaKjm-l70i0WmjB_joLv7CV9Zm9lglYPOEEuSSQV0zaUdZWQrEH1v1lx15T0dLZ8bJHA8uM8/s1600/IMAG0552.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En suite shower! Praise the Lord! It also just had the shower head replaced given that for about 4 days we thought it was broken. Turns out there's just a pump that has to be turned on for it to work. Never mind that now we have to turn on the sink first in order for it to work. Call it a quirk. Also, check out the super cute bathmat. Only Penney's finest for this crowd.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHojS0UttGIDdIAAG0kFsjaU4hvP-odPxRKBDKxAo52_FOVJn5iTRwn4otu7AaZwjNzHrh4HV5bpJxkvw3zXF9UzXbPtsBwKxPkbkxCdbu76Kb0XAqIpjA6o4jJxBsbYHx9mBz1rOTBM/s1600/IMAG0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHojS0UttGIDdIAAG0kFsjaU4hvP-odPxRKBDKxAo52_FOVJn5iTRwn4otu7AaZwjNzHrh4HV5bpJxkvw3zXF9UzXbPtsBwKxPkbkxCdbu76Kb0XAqIpjA6o4jJxBsbYHx9mBz1rOTBM/s1600/IMAG0553.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side of the en suite. Why yes, that is a giant blank wall that I want to fill somehow. And yes, I did have to stand in the shower to get this shot. No shame here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqcxUpzSYi3wDw_NzzA3esdW2zcJRF05LcNN3TNA6QzaBAJRIqsNPrdG1B6bWuSHVjP2NZrWu8lBvUDzMFJFJ3dp_E_zoSwA8rsybUxyNyYXhvXDr-_DHPF3rRMq94BRPRbfF0b6E9H8/s1600/IMAG0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqcxUpzSYi3wDw_NzzA3esdW2zcJRF05LcNN3TNA6QzaBAJRIqsNPrdG1B6bWuSHVjP2NZrWu8lBvUDzMFJFJ3dp_E_zoSwA8rsybUxyNyYXhvXDr-_DHPF3rRMq94BRPRbfF0b6E9H8/s1600/IMAG0554.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We waited about a week before bringing this sweet thing over. She's been a little anxious but hopefully she'll learn just as when we first got her that we aren't going to abandon her or forget to feed her. She wouldn't stop whimpering from her bed in the living room last night so I slept on the couch. This too shall pass...hopefully.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfEw6XbLggMyJszNN0PmFfIcEIcWtjgwuV6rjC7wl6rMyghpBUSiwQ2pTn0-a9VpOWTWfD4Gb31tT4TnQjkmi3tGHfnFEuYZ5YcspHwiM3YYkX79khGae3nPrdBLqjOPronRvUEt0G5s/s1600/IMAG0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfEw6XbLggMyJszNN0PmFfIcEIcWtjgwuV6rjC7wl6rMyghpBUSiwQ2pTn0-a9VpOWTWfD4Gb31tT4TnQjkmi3tGHfnFEuYZ5YcspHwiM3YYkX79khGae3nPrdBLqjOPronRvUEt0G5s/s1600/IMAG0555.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You thought you'd seen all the bathrooms? Oh no, my dear friends! Main bathroom sports a lovely bathtub and an eclectic selection of tiles and a stenciled mirror. As Tim Gunn would say, make it work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7chihF7mro2uqq9F7edsb2J8wwLdj9LDB7_yt-Nx-vhMFqlgR51vEMGP3LQ1JfQZR4dQfgyTsIwOhnv0Hqe9smuCxCU_9ogWAlHBb44BzwDgfg_WagB3aM8SiXPPc6jcrUQsNeQvCOk/s1600/IMAG0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7chihF7mro2uqq9F7edsb2J8wwLdj9LDB7_yt-Nx-vhMFqlgR51vEMGP3LQ1JfQZR4dQfgyTsIwOhnv0Hqe9smuCxCU_9ogWAlHBb44BzwDgfg_WagB3aM8SiXPPc6jcrUQsNeQvCOk/s1600/IMAG0556.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind the dog collar. Madam Maybelle had herself a bath today. Managed to spray all the walls pretty good. Thankfully each bathroom comes equipped with a smaller <i><b>HEATER</b></i> to remove all water spots from the wall. This is going to be mainly Toto's bathroom. She has an adorable little room that she's decided to give a French theme. No pictures of that, no way I'm breaching that privacy agreement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PXgo1GqwRH8kJcjRiggBA7sCWD8YVd4ih2Z448nJ538HXaympFsONII6ohetAhM7T5RaVligBZcuBurn3vd0WGKIIXGoIf28fthyphenhyphenIMFrThlsliZ4hHpbkm74XU_xxdNjDIP_JTksi24/s1600/IMAG0558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PXgo1GqwRH8kJcjRiggBA7sCWD8YVd4ih2Z448nJ538HXaympFsONII6ohetAhM7T5RaVligBZcuBurn3vd0WGKIIXGoIf28fthyphenhyphenIMFrThlsliZ4hHpbkm74XU_xxdNjDIP_JTksi24/s1600/IMAG0558.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a really good sized open space right when you walk in that then branches off into all of the separate rooms. Seems a little unusable/wasted. I can't decide exactly what to do with this little gem of an alcove. Toss up between book shelf or coat area. There's also a <i><b>LOT</b></i> of white walls in this area that will need some TLC. Currently the only piece of art in here is a Van Gogh poster that was in the back of Toto's closet. Hey, it was framed and is well proportioned. Not my favorite of his but it'll do for now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEEEyXcXCDYjheuTl_9JUYO-0uiLA8RG7nLdQ9cYckpgWsI7FcnUf-prEtY_OoZcUuiUATUIcwjA5o1Njnh5L6KwYa9ePWDOfL2endh9i5IUTEwbGPqq0wjuICaTltKUl7ZgoPiEpo6c/s1600/IMAG0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEEEyXcXCDYjheuTl_9JUYO-0uiLA8RG7nLdQ9cYckpgWsI7FcnUf-prEtY_OoZcUuiUATUIcwjA5o1Njnh5L6KwYa9ePWDOfL2endh9i5IUTEwbGPqq0wjuICaTltKUl7ZgoPiEpo6c/s1600/IMAG0559.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have felt so terrible that we haven't been able to use hardly any of the beautiful wedding presents that we were given a year and a half ago. Ask the Scarecrow, the pile of wedding presents outside our bedroom was a constant source of frustration to me. Now to try and figure out how to appropriately show them off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt-lSlfQyusfeCIBOGGHMrkBZHzNj32Uj22vjMqMVqZEaAn0TkSa9i15Op3e7fIELMeHL6jI1fL1gCglW8fQ_Z3LpJVG1dp3viWzlkciGJzlr-K6YJgQbBTtdL2PO2g15XL1FiHcyG9Y/s1600/IMAG0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt-lSlfQyusfeCIBOGGHMrkBZHzNj32Uj22vjMqMVqZEaAn0TkSa9i15Op3e7fIELMeHL6jI1fL1gCglW8fQ_Z3LpJVG1dp3viWzlkciGJzlr-K6YJgQbBTtdL2PO2g15XL1FiHcyG9Y/s1600/IMAG0560.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our main space consists of a living room/dining room/kitchen arrangement. The couches are pretty new and so is the coffee table. The only additions we've brought to this so far are a corner TV unit and a bookshelf currently stuffed with DVDs. Oh, and Grandma Pat's beautiful, handmade afghan along with some cute pillows we picked up in Heaton's. We only went for glass jars for flour and rice. Left with just a bit more. OK, more than a bit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8by_XxduV5RAhVtWHCg7c-wvSGnhUuFFUdJj4E1W-CEoyoReQzqQPQNbt2hh9RypLAsKeh8wW49t19206Z75y0XYpxcvQy-drtfSZLg-fb71VPIP33A6c0OHwNBAalJH913bcpjV5Cfg/s1600/IMAG0561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8by_XxduV5RAhVtWHCg7c-wvSGnhUuFFUdJj4E1W-CEoyoReQzqQPQNbt2hh9RypLAsKeh8wW49t19206Z75y0XYpxcvQy-drtfSZLg-fb71VPIP33A6c0OHwNBAalJH913bcpjV5Cfg/s1600/IMAG0561.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, giant bookshelf of DVDs. I think the majority of the boxes we brought had DVDs in them. They are the Scarecrow's vice. Better than drinking I guess. See second adorable little couch by the door and awesome little corner unit for the TV. Also note the <u><b>LARGE</b></u> amount of <u><b>WHITE</b></u> wall space. Trying to come up with apartment friendly projects for this. I found where they sell Command hooks. That will definitely help.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq-j-8XGnnfkZiHdF19vuCcCTLcuUfRxNQ8CW3kPkym-veV0qxA5gDpza2hW6nP4BuGFHKDDRl2vJfdf4AByzxOiFV_jDcC54KPyCwZ0zOaBCetYI9nXdrq65MyYLrRDbXFrp4RIf6AA/s1600/IMAG0562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq-j-8XGnnfkZiHdF19vuCcCTLcuUfRxNQ8CW3kPkym-veV0qxA5gDpza2hW6nP4BuGFHKDDRl2vJfdf4AByzxOiFV_jDcC54KPyCwZ0zOaBCetYI9nXdrq65MyYLrRDbXFrp4RIf6AA/s1600/IMAG0562.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet Scarecrow's contribution to decorating thus far. I worked late nights this past week and told him I was feeling slightly overwhelmed with unpacking and organizing everything. Came home to dishes done, laundry folded, and perfect little touches like this. That painting of the Kansas City Temple was the first thing we hung (there was already a hook there). I thought I wouldn't leave it since it looked so small and lonely on that big wall. But I think next to everything on top of the shelf it's perfect now. Perhaps we'll get a copy of the Family Proclamation to accompany it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmlNvVdOyzu9gH4-tkNDXLLjsQTKHsCRUJK7QaYTFkMeZkjnrD3pWiRU4fHOjz3SsELyODpfF-I3ys76Zt2syVjxf3CB0lvmIiDsSPhKhNBafHqXvmVLsTuoDds_hLL8tlgx_62Q8Zqw/s1600/IMAG0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmlNvVdOyzu9gH4-tkNDXLLjsQTKHsCRUJK7QaYTFkMeZkjnrD3pWiRU4fHOjz3SsELyODpfF-I3ys76Zt2syVjxf3CB0lvmIiDsSPhKhNBafHqXvmVLsTuoDds_hLL8tlgx_62Q8Zqw/s1600/IMAG0563.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the door of our "living room". Maybelle's bed is the latest addition though she much prefers laying exactly behind you when you're working in the kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUphwUPO_SGj3JW3A0vZLipApKcHd48tZXU3rTgfWVNoh4I8dFPsCCa6xsdgWbRn5LOSa959KUP7IBg8RW3leD-TMyvZOTj6kw4RvVEUSBwlq0ol4oDS8NcNDlRuMT1cQHIgvXrQSMxY/s1600/IMAG0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUphwUPO_SGj3JW3A0vZLipApKcHd48tZXU3rTgfWVNoh4I8dFPsCCa6xsdgWbRn5LOSa959KUP7IBg8RW3leD-TMyvZOTj6kw4RvVEUSBwlq0ol4oDS8NcNDlRuMT1cQHIgvXrQSMxY/s1600/IMAG0564.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One entire wall of the "main room" makes up the kitchen. You've got to hand it to the Europeans, they know how to get a lot out of a little. The appliances include a freezer unit (far left corner), washer/dryer (left of center), oven and stove top (right of center) and refrigerator (far right). No dish washer, but it's worth if for having a full size freezer instead. Loads of storage too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj4tdVt7PFSUs39rqEKUi_td4VrFhE5VG7iCDwPpYwQAaMI5qvVxEG9Ydcu6yd_CniEhrbH4sLjjY2ilQQcIuJC4uQFzgE8xCyqq3JsUBhBmrWvMTY7lRWpr0n0-4IRQD-z1ZXtGPLrg/s1600/IMAG0565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj4tdVt7PFSUs39rqEKUi_td4VrFhE5VG7iCDwPpYwQAaMI5qvVxEG9Ydcu6yd_CniEhrbH4sLjjY2ilQQcIuJC4uQFzgE8xCyqq3JsUBhBmrWvMTY7lRWpr0n0-4IRQD-z1ZXtGPLrg/s1600/IMAG0565.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps one of my favorite things. Lovely wedding gifts on our table including our I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha butter dish from Grandma. She just gets me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNX8lrdgV3gPDUMkYm0rli2WcM6KAO_K3Tm8egr-30cyjm28U5IAHst31x6XYLR1I1NLXovXrm1T7uUofplOwv9gDmJ2hyXnCK_yxSwpjkZm7ytdLKOF9C-WdQW-oSzSWaF-Z99mhsHU/s1600/IMAG0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNX8lrdgV3gPDUMkYm0rli2WcM6KAO_K3Tm8egr-30cyjm28U5IAHst31x6XYLR1I1NLXovXrm1T7uUofplOwv9gDmJ2hyXnCK_yxSwpjkZm7ytdLKOF9C-WdQW-oSzSWaF-Z99mhsHU/s1600/IMAG0566.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's been following me EVERYWHERE. Poor thing, she's just so confused.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK123ytP32gKgrcOyUJHdHMswlBB90S1aAFuN6tyxzgJyyZ7iGBHJ9u16C2DVPPCrUnYmrG5VJESDcM56SxUGlyLDuACdlzoT1FklxZfTFQ60QLptaNFsI0VG9Xxrq4OCF-3oi1VWL5Q8/s1600/IMAG0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK123ytP32gKgrcOyUJHdHMswlBB90S1aAFuN6tyxzgJyyZ7iGBHJ9u16C2DVPPCrUnYmrG5VJESDcM56SxUGlyLDuACdlzoT1FklxZfTFQ60QLptaNFsI0VG9Xxrq4OCF-3oi1VWL5Q8/s1600/IMAG0567.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We bought ourselves a big Le Cruset pot with some wedding money. I love it against our hunter green back splash. Here's to years of stews and crusty bread with this bad boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4p2tqMR5hxtytnaeuc4-U-TO3RqteNdJjE_VSggz1RVc_x1i2090MhoeGv587U2oHuYCPksWJ2S0cCw0aLbgGdRoJh9M6luf2MIOF5BoKyoySSuKcRhC-gylMRDCaqG1wXr68YeA8aU/s1600/IMAG0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4p2tqMR5hxtytnaeuc4-U-TO3RqteNdJjE_VSggz1RVc_x1i2090MhoeGv587U2oHuYCPksWJ2S0cCw0aLbgGdRoJh9M6luf2MIOF5BoKyoySSuKcRhC-gylMRDCaqG1wXr68YeA8aU/s1600/IMAG0568.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mix of wedding presents, Christmas presents, and moving out presents. I don't know why but this cabinet makes me really happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIWjvrTrgdE69OtFEtPZtvjcfXcrn2EDUABW1m-Gd93Z4WC7IZonSmZDe5neuR200J0x4C2C4tbgGhKPbtQrt3u0pJuRddStifMU6rgg29NXgHoj6Me4dSTBQsKkIWG2tMTJAQ_Mi7WM/s1600/IMAG0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIWjvrTrgdE69OtFEtPZtvjcfXcrn2EDUABW1m-Gd93Z4WC7IZonSmZDe5neuR200J0x4C2C4tbgGhKPbtQrt3u0pJuRddStifMU6rgg29NXgHoj6Me4dSTBQsKkIWG2tMTJAQ_Mi7WM/s1600/IMAG0570.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why is there an adorable box sitting on a table behind our couch? It's holding a wonderful little secret.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENuvX4qkxOo0Anj3y8aF0xUZsD8WBn6eXBnFsYjJwKWbYkNFdsHelgViCfPC-uq_xkFBt7zTpSwFKjrmAYUwQ_xJd-Lum0lA7nZK5ngFDUwICZyddOGlHSuxDxxu-ikuSytgNph0At2Q/s1600/IMAG0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENuvX4qkxOo0Anj3y8aF0xUZsD8WBn6eXBnFsYjJwKWbYkNFdsHelgViCfPC-uq_xkFBt7zTpSwFKjrmAYUwQ_xJd-Lum0lA7nZK5ngFDUwICZyddOGlHSuxDxxu-ikuSytgNph0At2Q/s1600/IMAG0571.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, the modem for our <i><b>50 M BROADBAND!!!! </b></i>This blog post is brought to you by UPC, giving me the fastest internet I've ever had in my life. And a big shout out to Pinterest for the cute way to hide the ugly modem and assorted cables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yoProlh0oBxWl1qyUakuRpTUrw1He2LTtxvdH1-k6FVFGWKGsvulTXpOHQCo0dWU9siewn_HuX3Tb16HowwWEeJj0P4xR9BiItXIp0DPY5RZEArUPMFI9wKqKHNITtEELgS6LSAFNec/s1600/IMAG0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yoProlh0oBxWl1qyUakuRpTUrw1He2LTtxvdH1-k6FVFGWKGsvulTXpOHQCo0dWU9siewn_HuX3Tb16HowwWEeJj0P4xR9BiItXIp0DPY5RZEArUPMFI9wKqKHNITtEELgS6LSAFNec/s1600/IMAG0572.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the box of magic and phone sit atop a gift from Scarecrow's aunt and uncle. I wasn't sure if we'd have space for the pair of them but I'm glad we did. Now to jazz this glass topped, gold legged beauty up. I feel a project coming on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qt7QgZnEQ9g8voUt6fNH5mL9-isCXRXyQCBNfuKkYDBzo6mjXiKrd1cwAq9U2MGKMNZ43TO0IuL3RGeDb2xBVhNdrtfB3YN7recHFPCzwogRX57HYKQzcwK8IgspIqOAX7EhQmr0Mrw/s1600/IMAG0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qt7QgZnEQ9g8voUt6fNH5mL9-isCXRXyQCBNfuKkYDBzo6mjXiKrd1cwAq9U2MGKMNZ43TO0IuL3RGeDb2xBVhNdrtfB3YN7recHFPCzwogRX57HYKQzcwK8IgspIqOAX7EhQmr0Mrw/s1600/IMAG0573.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, still watching. And not laying in her bed. Such a funny creature.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2AaAYodyldROhG6dAkZkccyQiqg5F9cHtFCFJgtRDgjaEqD5qL2yAirGeqNOHIH_BYZ7jqPg4jRr2_HwIEupR4J5hPqdyGm-G3kRi7mTZ8ZVs6nV3Vxx8nMvv85Aiz6x2KwWmjD3wzY/s1600/IMAG0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2AaAYodyldROhG6dAkZkccyQiqg5F9cHtFCFJgtRDgjaEqD5qL2yAirGeqNOHIH_BYZ7jqPg4jRr2_HwIEupR4J5hPqdyGm-G3kRi7mTZ8ZVs6nV3Vxx8nMvv85Aiz6x2KwWmjD3wzY/s1600/IMAG0574.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How we've managed to fit so much into such a small space. Suitcases and under bed storage bins. 12 euro in Dunnes but absolutely worth it. The bin with the red box in it contains all of our current holiday decorations. Gotta love smart storage solutions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqZ3k0ZYGK_PMmWYiYBQNZkSvknFOHqRCl9N1jE88QI-7GRnuIRfeOzI1A6Te2f0IL_Y1fu1mhMCts4OMjRC9pevqVpkbWu2GNHOGYAZkkpOzHL2mAcop1bIr1VQN_uArwhaegV0EuPc/s1600/IMAG0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqZ3k0ZYGK_PMmWYiYBQNZkSvknFOHqRCl9N1jE88QI-7GRnuIRfeOzI1A6Te2f0IL_Y1fu1mhMCts4OMjRC9pevqVpkbWu2GNHOGYAZkkpOzHL2mAcop1bIr1VQN_uArwhaegV0EuPc/s1600/IMAG0575.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large window and glass door leading out to our patio. The place feels so much bigger thanks to this gem. There is SO much light thanks to being a ground floor, corner apartment. And yes, another project. This bad boy definitely needs some curtains. Hoping to hit up Guinney's today and praying they have something good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStQBf0Y5o57eJ1PhJl9TSmJVmXJp-Ebpoxf3AI5-99nHf7RUtGuCUKP8spfntyxIW4RbkPXHcGzd0scMOQIC9YF2VqlkkOexQ63-96_DQ2wyDUEhNeVWHnTzlcpOwhNJhiC3-5FPXlwo/s1600/IMAG0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStQBf0Y5o57eJ1PhJl9TSmJVmXJp-Ebpoxf3AI5-99nHf7RUtGuCUKP8spfntyxIW4RbkPXHcGzd0scMOQIC9YF2VqlkkOexQ63-96_DQ2wyDUEhNeVWHnTzlcpOwhNJhiC3-5FPXlwo/s1600/IMAG0576.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our patio! The clothes horse will be leaving soon. Planning to have a small container garden. There's someone that lives in the same unit as us in another one of the apartment buildings who has totally pimped their patio. I'm talking mosaic tile on the ledge, gate leading to the parking lot (very jealous) and a retractable awning. Hopefully we'll be moving into a house in about a year but I'm still hoping to make this feel as much like home as possible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It has taken some adjusting, I think for Toto most of all as she was with her mom this past week (our first full week). I'm hoping she'll be happy. I'm hoping Scarecrow will be happy. They've both lived most of their lives in Scarecrow's parents house. It's new and different, but here's to making this little place our home.Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-64721986198138945012014-01-30T03:54:00.000-08:002014-01-30T03:54:10.230-08:00Rolling with the punches<i><b>Or a second title, The one that never was.</b></i><br />
<br />
Life is full of disappointments. It sucks, but it happens. We learn to deal with them and then have to move on. That's just the way it goes. I perhaps set myself up for the most recent disappointment. I treated an unknown as a sure thing. I jumped up and down, got excited, and in general got my heart so set on it that when it didn't work out I was devastated.<br />
<br />
We thought we had a place to move to. It was in the perfect neighborhood. It was the perfect price. It allowed for pets. It was a solid, good house that we would have loved and taken great care of. Unfortunately, the previous tenant did not take such great care of it. And as we put in our repair requests to the landlord we learned that he didn't care about taking care of it either. He was unwilling to do ANY of the things that we requested, all of which were entirely reasonable. Even the owner of the leasing agency says that he was out of line and she hoped that they never rented the place. I'm talking about things like taking molding carpet out of the bathroom and removing stickers from the wall. And so we walked away. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46QvNvJla6QYI9h9K1Hl0ANTiluG2Fd_tEUihy6AavU663FBxQnVB9Osz-VyVUOuGlKdScDUK2J3kqLtAI4gio-QC0HqnpU08Vj4X3x7sEjywCeQAK9xWHMn1nc8-NQF2hUkUF3U7ZSk/s1600/IMAG0539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46QvNvJla6QYI9h9K1Hl0ANTiluG2Fd_tEUihy6AavU663FBxQnVB9Osz-VyVUOuGlKdScDUK2J3kqLtAI4gio-QC0HqnpU08Vj4X3x7sEjywCeQAK9xWHMn1nc8-NQF2hUkUF3U7ZSk/s1600/IMAG0539.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yep, pretty stinkin' adorable.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had imagined where we would put our Christmas tree. I'd already had ideas for a couple of projects that I would do. I mentally prepared for friends and family to come and visit. And now I have to forget all of that. It was probably too good to be true if it had worked out. I know that good things do happen to good people, but lately it seems that good things happen to Scarecrow and I only through extreme diligence and humility. Perhaps that's what is required here...again.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite quotes from Mother Theresa: "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much." It's safe to say I feel like it applies here.<br />
<br />
<i><b>But it's not all sadness and gloom on the Emerald Isle. </b></i><br />
<br />
Last weekend the Scarecrow and I were able to make one of our 2014 goals happen; visiting the temple. We went as chaperones for the kids in church on a whirlwind, overnight trip to the London temple. What a great 24 hours! I love spending time with the kids in church and it was great to get away from it all, even only for a short time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi14MwI8PULeUIKHTRWxMmlPBPvoK1sRz4buAe5MFC18JchISzQiijYct9qwuk6VcxJ6RWF69txh6KhwE03ae9YCaRQTfXdtDthUmabJewlkiAEZuxTTA5rvfR9UbSkxLNKPfypw1U6qc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi14MwI8PULeUIKHTRWxMmlPBPvoK1sRz4buAe5MFC18JchISzQiijYct9qwuk6VcxJ6RWF69txh6KhwE03ae9YCaRQTfXdtDthUmabJewlkiAEZuxTTA5rvfR9UbSkxLNKPfypw1U6qc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our little gang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGVEO9ZsV2Yyxh8RsQb78V4kZwamEmDf2_bCPCB-TCtCSoI2TDkNjeu5SGcCna71Jh5TDzQAnGzvoat9UpfSbDym9isUheN-NbPTzZw9vuwvrfYSnPfb2KUsE9RWqjnkJ8FIhkP7nZro/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3L1EYQ5XGyg5lV23lobm8kWth-M8f9Bka1ksMSKhf4tA-3zpkZATk1bQPSDmmLmZO7Tx5XOdYp3CxUSsNzg3d9ycSZckyieX0QkwimDLzSSGCcVLoocg6yvvFGvoV8oEsdQeAawgJPI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3L1EYQ5XGyg5lV23lobm8kWth-M8f9Bka1ksMSKhf4tA-3zpkZATk1bQPSDmmLmZO7Tx5XOdYp3CxUSsNzg3d9ycSZckyieX0QkwimDLzSSGCcVLoocg6yvvFGvoV8oEsdQeAawgJPI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGVEO9ZsV2Yyxh8RsQb78V4kZwamEmDf2_bCPCB-TCtCSoI2TDkNjeu5SGcCna71Jh5TDzQAnGzvoat9UpfSbDym9isUheN-NbPTzZw9vuwvrfYSnPfb2KUsE9RWqjnkJ8FIhkP7nZro/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGVEO9ZsV2Yyxh8RsQb78V4kZwamEmDf2_bCPCB-TCtCSoI2TDkNjeu5SGcCna71Jh5TDzQAnGzvoat9UpfSbDym9isUheN-NbPTzZw9vuwvrfYSnPfb2KUsE9RWqjnkJ8FIhkP7nZro/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubw-Nj4yoHdfhfAPAQ9gyEEGVG7caZ3cbD43v9EqtJKB27x2H4zilXjQEmnEto_XLFJOIPM8yyHSo_PBuY6TFhXOQ2wr06QrDRrbk_Sn2KFan3y9boWBCbjHvuS0MQhhnSggK797LWcs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubw-Nj4yoHdfhfAPAQ9gyEEGVG7caZ3cbD43v9EqtJKB27x2H4zilXjQEmnEto_XLFJOIPM8yyHSo_PBuY6TFhXOQ2wr06QrDRrbk_Sn2KFan3y9boWBCbjHvuS0MQhhnSggK797LWcs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE2hl-2bB-aEdHw_uX7foxKiF9aXBlKwSM1Gaz66kGnIfvfiuSf4qmjhdcE-daXybF8-Zubupzt0rg1SF36uqLzt3cGmFJEOmSbmKgB21GjwOUWHe_oRYYOy81oDwAck5IZvNE_W0pEw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE2hl-2bB-aEdHw_uX7foxKiF9aXBlKwSM1Gaz66kGnIfvfiuSf4qmjhdcE-daXybF8-Zubupzt0rg1SF36uqLzt3cGmFJEOmSbmKgB21GjwOUWHe_oRYYOy81oDwAck5IZvNE_W0pEw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3L1EYQ5XGyg5lV23lobm8kWth-M8f9Bka1ksMSKhf4tA-3zpkZATk1bQPSDmmLmZO7Tx5XOdYp3CxUSsNzg3d9ycSZckyieX0QkwimDLzSSGCcVLoocg6yvvFGvoV8oEsdQeAawgJPI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3L1EYQ5XGyg5lV23lobm8kWth-M8f9Bka1ksMSKhf4tA-3zpkZATk1bQPSDmmLmZO7Tx5XOdYp3CxUSsNzg3d9ycSZckyieX0QkwimDLzSSGCcVLoocg6yvvFGvoV8oEsdQeAawgJPI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50DGwajrhLipAtUJCSG3Jq1cEDjFSSDkwnPfvyqvoJ1hWmDTgXYhkYyvtQvcVnFbw5b18L_m2M165zIZTdrPpM8iGKxlmmP_-Otga6chPo_yCYmWOfXSA9OHkqyJS3fG_eBI7mhMKEC0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50DGwajrhLipAtUJCSG3Jq1cEDjFSSDkwnPfvyqvoJ1hWmDTgXYhkYyvtQvcVnFbw5b18L_m2M165zIZTdrPpM8iGKxlmmP_-Otga6chPo_yCYmWOfXSA9OHkqyJS3fG_eBI7mhMKEC0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxpRQXWsvvFQz0F1HxnbUOI0n81Dq2R_DzsJZytUN_Fn_2a9L1RETO7A9s7N6a-kPflpdU83k4ONz4hh7dmojlEAqGku-1hlnBTJIAceBYR15YgIA2ApBX9AgIu6A4wAhKovhiMVONbs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxpRQXWsvvFQz0F1HxnbUOI0n81Dq2R_DzsJZytUN_Fn_2a9L1RETO7A9s7N6a-kPflpdU83k4ONz4hh7dmojlEAqGku-1hlnBTJIAceBYR15YgIA2ApBX9AgIu6A4wAhKovhiMVONbs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo_esHsk92eJKhapUL6JpLv-XK__Zm9Xt5QIhyphenhyphenxJR-yz7zqLHHc776o3qQhXMoEvSk0za8lXiOTIdUFflFPJM-1cwKG5kVfGg0cLrEFBp2TZ71F3-zgzLpxLnSAQFYZcLRBky1eLNZbs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo_esHsk92eJKhapUL6JpLv-XK__Zm9Xt5QIhyphenhyphenxJR-yz7zqLHHc776o3qQhXMoEvSk0za8lXiOTIdUFflFPJM-1cwKG5kVfGg0cLrEFBp2TZ71F3-zgzLpxLnSAQFYZcLRBky1eLNZbs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Read the top, Ryan Air is so funny</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For those unfamiliar, we believe that the temple is the house of God. We don't hold regular church meetings there but instead participate in sacred work both for ourselves and for those who have passed away. You may remember that Scarecrow and I were <a href="http://kstooz.blogspot.ie/2012/08/the-twister.html" target="_blank">married in the Kansas City temple</a>. Our kids participated in what is known as baptisms for the dead. Since we believe that everyone over the age of 8 should be baptized, this is a service where we can physically stand in for those who have died and be baptized on their behalf. We don't believe this forces those souls into anything because we know that even after we die we are given the ability to choose. And those individuals who are baptized even when they are dead have the choice whether or not to accept the work that is done for them in the temple. It's a great feeling to be able to serve.<br />
<br />
Despite the downs, we certainly have some pretty good ups. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqEcXdkGoee3OWdtywZFaM4BEOWZLx_8rwdep1qw6Qrv4s1Rfl3BUsGfM5uY63B9tOx3yvNczDaEMgj8SFpdPkUNnW6-XPr_xc65n9QN4unBc9gFLiGXA-ZU_ORJl6aNeChyFHWM79M/s1600/IMAG0538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqEcXdkGoee3OWdtywZFaM4BEOWZLx_8rwdep1qw6Qrv4s1Rfl3BUsGfM5uY63B9tOx3yvNczDaEMgj8SFpdPkUNnW6-XPr_xc65n9QN4unBc9gFLiGXA-ZU_ORJl6aNeChyFHWM79M/s1600/IMAG0538.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Couldn't resist this sweet picture</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not really an Irish tidbit, but a point of interest for you. Tomorrow is the Scarecrow's birthday! I won't give up his age (he is older than me if you didn't already know), but he has decided that he is "30-<i>sexy</i>" this year. Please don't kill me for sharing babe, I just think that's too funny!<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE2hl-2bB-aEdHw_uX7foxKiF9aXBlKwSM1Gaz66kGnIfvfiuSf4qmjhdcE-daXybF8-Zubupzt0rg1SF36uqLzt3cGmFJEOmSbmKgB21GjwOUWHe_oRYYOy81oDwAck5IZvNE_W0pEw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE2hl-2bB-aEdHw_uX7foxKiF9aXBlKwSM1Gaz66kGnIfvfiuSf4qmjhdcE-daXybF8-Zubupzt0rg1SF36uqLzt3cGmFJEOmSbmKgB21GjwOUWHe_oRYYOy81oDwAck5IZvNE_W0pEw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-i5DF38Fj_kg%2FUuo5iqgtExI%2FAAAAAAAAAqg%2FpDGHyOEVp9Y%2Fs1600%2Fphoto%2B2.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE2hl-2bB-aEdHw_uX7foxKiF9aXBlKwSM1Gaz66kGnIfvfiuSf4qmjhdcE-daXybF8-Zubupzt0rg1SF36uqLzt3cGmFJEOmSbmKgB21GjwOUWHe_oRYYOy81oDwAck5IZvNE_W0pEw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" -->Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-57129774696599124052014-01-14T02:58:00.000-08:002014-01-14T02:58:24.763-08:00Ring it inI hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a happy, happy new year! I can hardly believe where this past year has gone. Scarecrow and I were discussing our favorite (Side note, my computer at work is trying to auto correct the previous word to favourite. Sorry, not happening.) bits of the past 12 months and it was certainly eventful. And so, in keeping with tradition, I give you my...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Year in Review</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1. Watched one of my very best friends get married</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdo02tNPdkD3yxw0VvIT7Gryw9jvJXK2WvnRXinABHBRs3f1F02vJbyvqhyphenhyphenz3CGC7A6S5FpEEOqmC9gF8y6zi8uShOC3QJkhPBgekld1jhBr_V-iuOs6V56cBk-Cox5zZp7VQcIi_8FE/s1600/Christina+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdo02tNPdkD3yxw0VvIT7Gryw9jvJXK2WvnRXinABHBRs3f1F02vJbyvqhyphenhyphenz3CGC7A6S5FpEEOqmC9gF8y6zi8uShOC3QJkhPBgekld1jhBr_V-iuOs6V56cBk-Cox5zZp7VQcIi_8FE/s1600/Christina+wedding.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Christina and I have been friends for a long, long time. Despite oceans and time changes we have still stayed extremely close during that time. Scarecrow and I were so glad we could be there for that fun day and to catch up with lots of old friends. Stupid Atlantic, there is absolutely nothing "pond" like about you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2. I got my Irish learner's permit</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8YlhQKpg8eYPAoLnYUdcGxkd_ZmpNIn63gGqpTwZpoeYubPAQPuVHrWqKDpgBr9eVhAVZD5HnRgD_UVSMSBuFstSZJEUW7tofbSvhz9fnYGlHC4wMKlsgFpOWF61CQturC1wXmOQp98/s1600/learners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8YlhQKpg8eYPAoLnYUdcGxkd_ZmpNIn63gGqpTwZpoeYubPAQPuVHrWqKDpgBr9eVhAVZD5HnRgD_UVSMSBuFstSZJEUW7tofbSvhz9fnYGlHC4wMKlsgFpOWF61CQturC1wXmOQp98/s1600/learners.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It involved taking a really obnoxious test asking questions like, "If you approach the scene of an accident, what do you do?" I'm sorry, I thought I was taking a driver's test, not applying for paramedic school. Now to take 12 professional lessons and another test and I'll be a full-fledged Irish driver. Not going to lie, I think having a drivers license in 2 different countries is really darn awesome. Cross that off the bucket list.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>3. Got to explore a bit more of this beautiful country I live in</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYGbxjDk4m_Zysgc29EAzBR2mq6wP7xUFCLs-NRm4AHEgyesWH7AhEqyLZOmOmWhE8IqhW5vYmOsIl-lxGkn1NMfmAFXzGqdXG6HlSuazzc9APoi9N7XG3eFTqrmKYLONxkcZRstq3pU/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYGbxjDk4m_Zysgc29EAzBR2mq6wP7xUFCLs-NRm4AHEgyesWH7AhEqyLZOmOmWhE8IqhW5vYmOsIl-lxGkn1NMfmAFXzGqdXG6HlSuazzc9APoi9N7XG3eFTqrmKYLONxkcZRstq3pU/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sligo. In a word, beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>4. And perhaps the best of all, I got a job.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbCB58m8eS37MTJ5hIDrXdtXrzpMrgEPSSKvJowOpxZF_ELHxUgXPNczheMhGgbAVSkB56tZuUH5sBt41oHDDzu50DEJhXsi884Fy4z4qE4xd9xBBViPGeOivl_Ak4CgFEeqcUCywx-Y/s1600/Arise_Logo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbCB58m8eS37MTJ5hIDrXdtXrzpMrgEPSSKvJowOpxZF_ELHxUgXPNczheMhGgbAVSkB56tZuUH5sBt41oHDDzu50DEJhXsi884Fy4z4qE4xd9xBBViPGeOivl_Ak4CgFEeqcUCywx-Y/s1600/Arise_Logo.PNG" height="152" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I cannot stress enough how much we needed this job. It feels so good to have a reason to go out the door everyday and not feel like we're one step away from breaking the bank. We've got some big plans and dreams for 2014 that require funding. And now we're going to be able to make it happen. Hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looking back is only part of what I like about New Year's. The other side of the coin is making my to-do list for this year. And so now we move to my...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2014 To-do List</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1. Get my driver's license</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWUqkg0j0pZpsboCwYRW7LmUG4XhY0-8KgEuq7kf4poopdaoK_yBh8qpAeSrw_AUk0Uun5C8W2if9YpWe9JE4mt7CBcb-QttZrVcFTcK7jlM3aW5RqwjWk5-XHPtGpDJ0v3BXMVlwzok/s1600/rsa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWUqkg0j0pZpsboCwYRW7LmUG4XhY0-8KgEuq7kf4poopdaoK_yBh8qpAeSrw_AUk0Uun5C8W2if9YpWe9JE4mt7CBcb-QttZrVcFTcK7jlM3aW5RqwjWk5-XHPtGpDJ0v3BXMVlwzok/s1600/rsa.png" height="84" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is not a goal at all. This literally must be crossed off the list or I don't get insured another year. <i><b>Essential</b></i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2. </b> <b>Act on my creativity</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqkHXFS5t_mkT3pIf53dA01lsuOzlACokKHEa4JLn_f4iWuT7A7L0oMRoxp8lO9X842_h0XGMkm688tKfLnY70Ca2cmbHjKpvWm0ybS6d9fhltux_39s6SOxpq3piFahx_YphGCPFQC8/s1600/stockings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqkHXFS5t_mkT3pIf53dA01lsuOzlACokKHEa4JLn_f4iWuT7A7L0oMRoxp8lO9X842_h0XGMkm688tKfLnY70Ca2cmbHjKpvWm0ybS6d9fhltux_39s6SOxpq3piFahx_YphGCPFQC8/s1600/stockings.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have so many things that I want to do or create. I have ideas all the time for this project or that. It's been difficult to act on those ideas. Part of that is learning to balance and carve out this time for me. The other is not having a great space to work on these ideas. But this year I plan on not only making it possible to create, but also acting on those impulses when I have both the time and the space. Case and point, our Christmas stockings that I made this year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>3. Become a Cirque du Soleil performer</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW_5hJVIKjsRwCVBFSZi_awC90udOENNz9ayLKKkzPKENxJ11vtYecK6J9iodw01JIsTIEMVi9BlhAjL0ihmxdodAjZmt0pkTW-8BB5P79JDeOZzbMC_87yTMb0-gjEcFVDneKKyRElw/s1600/cirque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW_5hJVIKjsRwCVBFSZi_awC90udOENNz9ayLKKkzPKENxJ11vtYecK6J9iodw01JIsTIEMVi9BlhAjL0ihmxdodAjZmt0pkTW-8BB5P79JDeOZzbMC_87yTMb0-gjEcFVDneKKyRElw/s1600/cirque.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Ha, kidding. But what I hope to have in common with a Cirque du Soleil performer is to practice balance. Not all the time. Heaven knows that life is surprising and you can't predict everything. But what I can try and do is those little things that I know make me feel more sane so that I'm able to handle the tilts and twists a little better. And by doing that I will hopefully not feel so pulled in every direction.<br />
<br />
I really do love a new year. It's exciting and fresh. I love figuring out how I'm going to accomplish all these plans. And heaven knows I love making a good list!<br />
<br />
What's on your 2014 to-do list? Let me know so I can cheer you on!</div>
Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-15825914270651602252013-11-18T02:55:00.000-08:002013-11-18T02:55:42.150-08:00New ChallengesSo, I just reread my last post. Fail me. I still have those lists and need to be more proactive with it. However, that now combines with a new challenge in my life...<br />
<br />
<b><i>I GOT A JOB!!!!!</i></b><br />
<br />
Sorry for the unnecessarily large amount of exclamation points. But this was a very big deal for me. A very big deal for us really. I wish I could say it was in my field or that it was something that would start me in that direction. But unfortunately, it's not.<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
As usual this opportunity taught me some extremely valuable lessons, not only about myself but in how Heavenly Father blesses us. First, I did not want to apply for this job to begin with. I was devastated by the idea of not working in meteorology or even a related field. After several close encounters with jobs I would love I was broken and beaten up. The last thing I really wanted to do was apply for something so outside of my training. And so lesson number one was how to be humble. We were no longer in the position to be choosey. It was either me get a job, <b>ANY</b> job, or face some serious financial consequences.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to the second valuable lesson from this experience, and that is that we rarely see the full picture. Scarecrow and I had been limping along financially on his paycheck. It's good, but not great. It's enough to cover our basic expenses each month as long as we don't use the car except for the bare necessities, don't allow the grocery bill to exceed our weekly limit, or actually go and do anything that costs any amount of money. You can imagine how easy that was to maintain. I got this job and then later in the same week all of our monthly bills came out of the account. That's when we realized how bad things would have been. And then we realized how blessed we were that I got this job. One more month would have literally been the end of the line. But Heavenly Father loves us enough to A) help us to know which opportunities to take and B) keep us somewhat ignorant of our plight until the crisis was averted so as not to have us completely fall apart. And so we are to take advantage of opportunities and know that Heavenly Father will bless us in His time, which happens to be exactly when we need it.<br />
<br />
So the new challenge is to juggle. When I was a stay at home wife there was a small amount of that. Now that Scarecrow and I are both working full time, he's taking a night course twice a week, I have an assignment with the youth at church, he has <b>TWO</b> assignments with the youth at church, I'm desperately trying to finish my thesis, and Amy is here there and everywhere, juggling is becoming a skill I have to learn. <br />
<br />
So, I'm looking for advice. Ladies and gentlemen, how do we do it? How do we make sure our family eats more than crisps and Coke for dinner (yes, that's happened an embarrassingly large number of times)? How do we make sure the laundry doesn't spill over the top and the dog gets walked? How do we do those things that are necessary for our own emotional and mental well being despite the huge demands on our time?<br />
<br />
Any and all insight on this would be more than appreciated.<br />
<br />
Note: no Irish tidbit. Clearly I've had no <i><b>TIME</b></i>! But here's a cute picture of us on a recent trip to Dublin. Toto took it, isn't she awesome?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tstD1fP321hSet4aXcdpamf8lsUMcWpdCobekG_eojWBH4byk0UeTrYFJC1PnVwduEASy3wdHGZKfXgCPjUwd8aGauN8_xvjubYgFFhEhub6ujDDuPubwk-1tOkdH2jYvNZmtVtsZbI/s1600/Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tstD1fP321hSet4aXcdpamf8lsUMcWpdCobekG_eojWBH4byk0UeTrYFJC1PnVwduEASy3wdHGZKfXgCPjUwd8aGauN8_xvjubYgFFhEhub6ujDDuPubwk-1tOkdH2jYvNZmtVtsZbI/s1600/Us.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-31854584664929141382013-08-29T06:49:00.000-07:002013-08-29T06:49:03.095-07:00Who am I?2 posts in one month! Woo-hoo! We're making progress, slowly but surely. It's certainly been awhile since that has happened. And it ties nicely with what I've been working on personally lately; goals.<br />
<br />
The Scarecrow and I get up anywhere between 7 and 8am. He's out the door around 8:20 or 8:30am. I then try and fill my day. Some days more successfully than others. This is <i><b>EXTREMELY</b></i> frustrating for someone who has consistently held a job since they were 14 and thrives on completing tasks. And while I do consider folding the laundry and cleaning the kitchen important tasks, I have yet to find them enough to satisfy my need to be productive. Hence, <b>The List</b>.<br />
<br />
I've always loved writing. I remember filling notebooks with song lyrics (don't ask), poems, short stories, and even a novella. Combine this with my love of being productive and it'll come as no surprise that I love making lists. There are the typical "To-do" lists, lists of potential character names, places I want to visit, books I want/need to read along with a host of others. It is completely cathartic to try an idea, go somewhere, or do something necessitating taking a big black pen and <strike>striking it out</strike> on a crisp page. Awww, sweet bliss. Beat that, chocolate.<br />
<br />
I have realized that part of my problem in filling my day was that I no longer had any real direction. There are things that I need to do, but I haven't focused on those things that fill me and give me real purpose. I haven't even been doing the "must do's" with any real drive or conviction. It's a scary, empty feeling. And frankly I'm sick of it.<br />
<br />
I decided to create the ultimate list, the one to top all others. I listed myself. I went back to 6th grade English class and I completely Venn diagrammed who I am. I broke myself into all of the components I could think of and my life into all of the pieces that do/I want to have make it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JjbU7iFpO4Xt3UR8FqA-tTkGLlHnVTZO3ZY79G-7W4456M2PfDB8d8-PcOBJ-YiNixsgXNiZK-3zYbJ5NJbTug6LRmjkuVJEnaHZBowwPSW024-hHvTDLTTRY2hQi55fLiukUjTUvzU/s1600/IMAG0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JjbU7iFpO4Xt3UR8FqA-tTkGLlHnVTZO3ZY79G-7W4456M2PfDB8d8-PcOBJ-YiNixsgXNiZK-3zYbJ5NJbTug6LRmjkuVJEnaHZBowwPSW024-hHvTDLTTRY2hQi55fLiukUjTUvzU/s1600/IMAG0465.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But I didn't stop there. Oh no, my friends, I then <i>outlined</i> each of those components, focusing on the things I want to achieve in each of those aspects of myself. Before you all start (OK, continue) to think I'm a little crazy and compulsive, let me clarify a couple of things. 1) I am a VERY fast writer. Plus I am an experienced list maker as previously discussed. This really hasn't taken me long to do. 2) I don't plan on focusing on EVERYTHING on The List, not all at once. Despite the amount of free time I currently have I also don't want to completely ruin any chance of productivity by trying to be productive in more aspects than I have hands to juggle. I am going to focus on 2 or 3 specific <i><b>GOALS</b></i>, not total <i><b>ASPECTS</b></i> of my life. Come on people, be serious.<br />
<br />
What are your goals? What is that thing that gets you up and out in the world every morning? Sharing goals with someone else can help us to stay on target. Let's all take a deeper look at ourselves and strive to be more. Not for anyone else, just for ourselves. <br />
<br />
Oh, your Irish tidbit for the day is to watch this video and fall in love with the Irish language. Who says Irish is dead?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/1A6__HssHW8/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/1A6__HssHW8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/1A6__HssHW8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-54881977821240291682013-08-26T01:38:00.001-07:002013-08-26T01:40:18.449-07:00Summer Lovin'The Scarecrow has been reminding me that I have almost managed to blog at least once a month since I started and that the end of August is fast approaching. I have A LOT that I've needed to post and, as usual, I have more pictures than anything else. That's mostly what you people want anyway. But I am hoping to amp things up around here and have more posts on my DIY endeavors (a tricky thing around here), and various other pursuits.<br />
<br />
So consider this post the catch up, summer in review post. In the next day or so I have plans for talking about goals, back to school madness, and crafting in a country that is not conducive for it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBHf7AAvUKGI3NQJIinl56NqhvGgHHYj3nI6v9UEVeGpA3RuQFD_ZBdIoiW_iK2Ls2ZbcX2CBOSRg99pgLs1QsdlnIWvgjSC-Zk6mFqiTp0B4I75AtrgfJhKLPqVrPSSAKcg8FVVrqUk/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBHf7AAvUKGI3NQJIinl56NqhvGgHHYj3nI6v9UEVeGpA3RuQFD_ZBdIoiW_iK2Ls2ZbcX2CBOSRg99pgLs1QsdlnIWvgjSC-Zk6mFqiTp0B4I75AtrgfJhKLPqVrPSSAKcg8FVVrqUk/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls Camp fun! Top of the hike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWDhgjpaPALOLGXph9BpNSuqaZqDlP3cIVFgvPYzu5R17FpnfOcXosefMz0QDG8LuRRjg25BI0wSv_4evboX6HqaKFAgBgF74NRdT1J0tBsWIpvhIjrkkYdKI5TWE6twL1GceVijFTtQ/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWDhgjpaPALOLGXph9BpNSuqaZqDlP3cIVFgvPYzu5R17FpnfOcXosefMz0QDG8LuRRjg25BI0wSv_4evboX6HqaKFAgBgF74NRdT1J0tBsWIpvhIjrkkYdKI5TWE6twL1GceVijFTtQ/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdMsvmBUQbiArzZJ72nfLL2b65d09QWoiwIs40INj4zxZuKlSns-JDaiG-pk1FO66IplzT6J8bDUc3nioHAdQD6G3YzJ9jv5tIF3waFhYFAv3DVWHXi4NSlo6t1JdSZlKhCPp9lt8Pn0/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdMsvmBUQbiArzZJ72nfLL2b65d09QWoiwIs40INj4zxZuKlSns-JDaiG-pk1FO66IplzT6J8bDUc3nioHAdQD6G3YzJ9jv5tIF3waFhYFAv3DVWHXi4NSlo6t1JdSZlKhCPp9lt8Pn0/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFXiwN2JGLohRbF_p6eo3WbN6HVnO_zBpWGYvJ0EVxRJgIbq8-QGFs-E5MPxsYKezaSf_Znp0h-4xcQl2eQ_E83d7nSiWohtq7tlSqLSAW1j3cGV-Nzde2hxG8pHF65ZcRLJSIlOHlE/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFXiwN2JGLohRbF_p6eo3WbN6HVnO_zBpWGYvJ0EVxRJgIbq8-QGFs-E5MPxsYKezaSf_Znp0h-4xcQl2eQ_E83d7nSiWohtq7tlSqLSAW1j3cGV-Nzde2hxG8pHF65ZcRLJSIlOHlE/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sligo fun with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrR6fvSiXP0ZquLVOjK3na7b5Nl1f5XQuKAEgoEtOtDWNWGsKRm-y7-VcUOW4qno_UEm1vv0q6njRdcEAiaBdzTww-7G_6mQcP-LRqyq4okI_FOUHf_TV1UQN3528jGAh-qki8WFjFDo/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrR6fvSiXP0ZquLVOjK3na7b5Nl1f5XQuKAEgoEtOtDWNWGsKRm-y7-VcUOW4qno_UEm1vv0q6njRdcEAiaBdzTww-7G_6mQcP-LRqyq4okI_FOUHf_TV1UQN3528jGAh-qki8WFjFDo/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7E6idz8jH5aVKL_OCJqgDfoaoQmvwLeUm47IxnUoWN3zdMi3vzbFuekV5cOrKDtRyGM1ujEYvlOFlrejT7TKuEJmvEC4UhCPF6dkDl4i-QA_vU7Jp-ox5Zd7LgdkX0qkqx-n1EwQ82M/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7E6idz8jH5aVKL_OCJqgDfoaoQmvwLeUm47IxnUoWN3zdMi3vzbFuekV5cOrKDtRyGM1ujEYvlOFlrejT7TKuEJmvEC4UhCPF6dkDl4i-QA_vU7Jp-ox5Zd7LgdkX0qkqx-n1EwQ82M/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1_dcAD-jr8qZOkniY3UZhBZCYODsRXsiO0YcxylEbtZJtD9PYbg0StUKW36qwcstYU6yHEOiz8H-Luay_5lpjeOfA3TlXqDGRvx8zspyLtO3QPOcNrvjYyy3HihkjRL8_A4scWnzDdM/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1_dcAD-jr8qZOkniY3UZhBZCYODsRXsiO0YcxylEbtZJtD9PYbg0StUKW36qwcstYU6yHEOiz8H-Luay_5lpjeOfA3TlXqDGRvx8zspyLtO3QPOcNrvjYyy3HihkjRL8_A4scWnzDdM/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5Y47HDrhAdVb69DUmasRNDlcyxPbar53CRKUfEnTV9UUxJZ03P_TDiUtb0LsM10ej-LNeNZJJWm3N_ArXJQn9GtlJJ-Od7Eu53_QCGxVFPlICFv6NR1frww7PWZgWYwoZ8bvWAmWwNI/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5Y47HDrhAdVb69DUmasRNDlcyxPbar53CRKUfEnTV9UUxJZ03P_TDiUtb0LsM10ej-LNeNZJJWm3N_ArXJQn9GtlJJ-Od7Eu53_QCGxVFPlICFv6NR1frww7PWZgWYwoZ8bvWAmWwNI/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKANyokNqOslGoEUIeVaYMjTtPA4J0lBnQf-wnfHR_Tvkcx0b0y6DIEBay7NeUSm5LJTOt1An8tv4lzwmreXTZFo40XkfwzS9ljTZOAGHwwrkIcwnSI0jMTlcZ7-MJjDljvAx-wxRu5I/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKANyokNqOslGoEUIeVaYMjTtPA4J0lBnQf-wnfHR_Tvkcx0b0y6DIEBay7NeUSm5LJTOt1An8tv4lzwmreXTZFo40XkfwzS9ljTZOAGHwwrkIcwnSI0jMTlcZ7-MJjDljvAx-wxRu5I/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0Z67xHMvuUo-apl9XphRVGTXgP7OA0P3sUWHTru4TiZvrsyhtX8s8BKPqROZz9dTB2kVW6yVWh70bO7pafMW9we31wvrS7iV0KDM6E3_gQ-EbDO_xG7_ywrFO8DXK0L8dmW5g_vQ8Ek/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0Z67xHMvuUo-apl9XphRVGTXgP7OA0P3sUWHTru4TiZvrsyhtX8s8BKPqROZz9dTB2kVW6yVWh70bO7pafMW9we31wvrS7iV0KDM6E3_gQ-EbDO_xG7_ywrFO8DXK0L8dmW5g_vQ8Ek/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July in the People's Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQx4wzRQxo1V7waud-_QhDcR0oQjqyAuq3TQaQ5SfEikhQm7wnKd8SbJgDGW4e8lISx_dNxawXOwzL54Fgr9kyZz2sP88AUlABs57eEaV_ZCFhuuy4yKM9JLYgvFgETdL1M-Mg07gue0/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQx4wzRQxo1V7waud-_QhDcR0oQjqyAuq3TQaQ5SfEikhQm7wnKd8SbJgDGW4e8lISx_dNxawXOwzL54Fgr9kyZz2sP88AUlABs57eEaV_ZCFhuuy4yKM9JLYgvFgETdL1M-Mg07gue0/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH80sJXHfGg67VXwh1d2jGofdiQIrGjTTQYcbdAvcOVG2EYULPKtLHz0pZyaWcfBvufQ-yfe8vVCYUX4XZvjVWgRYLycu15_DCcytLXiudcPGGAdvzCamJZISuRAPGK6etaEnfimGgZNI/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH80sJXHfGg67VXwh1d2jGofdiQIrGjTTQYcbdAvcOVG2EYULPKtLHz0pZyaWcfBvufQ-yfe8vVCYUX4XZvjVWgRYLycu15_DCcytLXiudcPGGAdvzCamJZISuRAPGK6etaEnfimGgZNI/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 1st Anniversary to us at Dromoland Castle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSEcGtMxZ_YKcJ4b-pt9yuoevjusezmOxfAKQmZc6Y7d7SxggTo3NnTuFPj2oHkZpYg5JmUCimjkrjV0Y5XfwIMbf1sPxIYYSFWsOUmKX_mIk7cLCi2v7gDHfi13cOUP9_oSbSnpqIDk/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSEcGtMxZ_YKcJ4b-pt9yuoevjusezmOxfAKQmZc6Y7d7SxggTo3NnTuFPj2oHkZpYg5JmUCimjkrjV0Y5XfwIMbf1sPxIYYSFWsOUmKX_mIk7cLCi2v7gDHfi13cOUP9_oSbSnpqIDk/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movie date night with Toto & Co.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB8rEgOwp5eHrNN4nqiJVDcYDCPuXQl8YmJLn7k2CEL1190lFqhoKIehXLLqWy7AChY7MUxTlBhmnErFuzjt71lN4BXnV22QTOOfp2_KiQgOYh-0TJ8akxm6iiYyvtI0hCfuSNsTB5lY/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB8rEgOwp5eHrNN4nqiJVDcYDCPuXQl8YmJLn7k2CEL1190lFqhoKIehXLLqWy7AChY7MUxTlBhmnErFuzjt71lN4BXnV22QTOOfp2_KiQgOYh-0TJ8akxm6iiYyvtI0hCfuSNsTB5lY/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannonball Run free car show. 98 million euro worth of cars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y0uoVGb_uYyAjjC1SKWjOa0UJJMagT06PlxdiDaPRRfiy2DtT_5XcvjTDBFjVR2BPArrYiDT8Wt22mBBRb5LfhcJn_1LEHGj5FIJTCzLQUk3O7xli6LWun61Oa_ruFqL0J85dfxCqII/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y0uoVGb_uYyAjjC1SKWjOa0UJJMagT06PlxdiDaPRRfiy2DtT_5XcvjTDBFjVR2BPArrYiDT8Wt22mBBRb5LfhcJn_1LEHGj5FIJTCzLQUk3O7xli6LWun61Oa_ruFqL0J85dfxCqII/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy boy with a REAL NYPD car! Only one real cop though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcUYUk-lzC3KHfRckBmSy8Oey1afgqKuTfpMfS3hZRYZZVnZIx8WhpU-hjfz0Yvt_brd623OZVopfwyQs23yHn2521gemCqXtboOZkkrTBpyYqqJHH0QX0oZWBtdewxigiPOKIx5OOWA/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcUYUk-lzC3KHfRckBmSy8Oey1afgqKuTfpMfS3hZRYZZVnZIx8WhpU-hjfz0Yvt_brd623OZVopfwyQs23yHn2521gemCqXtboOZkkrTBpyYqqJHH0QX0oZWBtdewxigiPOKIx5OOWA/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Childhood dream fulfilled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7GMGFSi8s_bbAisFrs_FtBk5PFbAGuaT7HpAIurLc2idAhGEK9MYgYr10wKjk0eVn09fCxYH8AwEVFRLWdPaJeiMSkdCM6tqb-utUx7B1TzB4XvW4CL6ZO_sn7Bhb9-HXquEwsRzZoE/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7GMGFSi8s_bbAisFrs_FtBk5PFbAGuaT7HpAIurLc2idAhGEK9MYgYr10wKjk0eVn09fCxYH8AwEVFRLWdPaJeiMSkdCM6tqb-utUx7B1TzB4XvW4CL6ZO_sn7Bhb9-HXquEwsRzZoE/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's true love</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keep coming back over the next week for a format update and new blogging adventures!Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-63096899089089165452013-07-02T08:42:00.000-07:002013-07-02T09:11:56.427-07:00Why hello saddle<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7kWJv1INzCRRWatSIJwoHHvaDH5FOi2i8JnNy5w_p-TVZDAVnvDnRbcUgnG5Dp40ApFv4wiYacNi71jQsIDRE0eFjpfzuKN2hY0SwtuqnC83fkqw7z5uFq-1AF7ctU5cYPMoIRb5po4/s1600/IMAG0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7kWJv1INzCRRWatSIJwoHHvaDH5FOi2i8JnNy5w_p-TVZDAVnvDnRbcUgnG5Dp40ApFv4wiYacNi71jQsIDRE0eFjpfzuKN2hY0SwtuqnC83fkqw7z5uFq-1AF7ctU5cYPMoIRb5po4/s1600/IMAG0379.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<br />
Confusing title? Maybe, it's actually pretty descriptive of the way I've been feeling lately. More on that momentarily.<br />
<br />
We'll start off with some pictures to detail what's been happening lately. You'll remember that Scarecrow has a sister living in New Zealand. She came with her munchkin to our wedding party last September. This time her hubby came along and spent a few weeks here. It was a real trip to ACTUALLY have the ENTIRE Hogan family in the same place at the same time. It was a first and here's to hoping it won't be so long in happening again.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zAcqMIuauAkdZN68h_e-dDqjSz-9D2cL0cfpc3IOoNr1OZvXue3BsWDiwoQ9Z6RhvJ_75bbh9xTgF6qhIs50NMP7dcNHtpWDHcncX78EwSHWIqQw7GykLJLbj9KbSleMaJ3J3X1jSDI/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zAcqMIuauAkdZN68h_e-dDqjSz-9D2cL0cfpc3IOoNr1OZvXue3BsWDiwoQ9Z6RhvJ_75bbh9xTgF6qhIs50NMP7dcNHtpWDHcncX78EwSHWIqQw7GykLJLbj9KbSleMaJ3J3X1jSDI/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjPA2Qbj8ifmeG4vwXAS59xZ9uDjJhs0Fk396kIyRPG-ryUhQaM9sfS7z8HHBiS6ylwYdyqQMBfUBEb6J8tpjoEx1g3wevM4j_ysKiwG9wgkFD559DclUhzIA9pQu0I34cAPsQz5qPtw/s1600/IMAG0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjPA2Qbj8ifmeG4vwXAS59xZ9uDjJhs0Fk396kIyRPG-ryUhQaM9sfS7z8HHBiS6ylwYdyqQMBfUBEb6J8tpjoEx1g3wevM4j_ysKiwG9wgkFD559DclUhzIA9pQu0I34cAPsQz5qPtw/s1600/IMAG0377.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawvfXphyphenhyphenXf6pq9zAAPhdxJ0lxecO6eeAvkXIS2CVtMgVwbKrve4oHfD0DEC8N77fvXeEMuro8TTmKrPHeAtD4r6cz0cRtFRp5EmPXsxkWLfn6SoBbTcnGObnSq7ULHeqy2xTt7-OxINQ/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawvfXphyphenhyphenXf6pq9zAAPhdxJ0lxecO6eeAvkXIS2CVtMgVwbKrve4oHfD0DEC8N77fvXeEMuro8TTmKrPHeAtD4r6cz0cRtFRp5EmPXsxkWLfn6SoBbTcnGObnSq7ULHeqy2xTt7-OxINQ/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcts-HQ4sTTMeqnIyJjV2fNYcZvN0eTXtjp7XcfMXQ0mA-aPHnhAAaFALBfDBJOz0J_LGF67DlMT-NhD5iBafI9vlJUrTxit4Sjzr6I4HyNADaVQBD1FNDyPvsiDDnUIIqIuj7X6g0FqQ/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcts-HQ4sTTMeqnIyJjV2fNYcZvN0eTXtjp7XcfMXQ0mA-aPHnhAAaFALBfDBJOz0J_LGF67DlMT-NhD5iBafI9vlJUrTxit4Sjzr6I4HyNADaVQBD1FNDyPvsiDDnUIIqIuj7X6g0FqQ/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zeCWgGIeCRdxkanjaBg-wlWEEVSBJgfs-TZbvesQ9B2f1bx0wcnNXHANmpyjIQZUEkzMk1fx7mRnYrqws8F8UmR8A0Om0LZjjf3V5K8pOMGHGS9mgmiKKKnl2xJcdhF2uhrqty1ZM4o/s1600/IMAG0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zeCWgGIeCRdxkanjaBg-wlWEEVSBJgfs-TZbvesQ9B2f1bx0wcnNXHANmpyjIQZUEkzMk1fx7mRnYrqws8F8UmR8A0Om0LZjjf3V5K8pOMGHGS9mgmiKKKnl2xJcdhF2uhrqty1ZM4o/s1600/IMAG0395.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHXsFA13bGiqqenLDbzR8k8cNT7BIhuRldHdHXVztEEfqjs-8XF1uTOQiby7wKFxawY7MAsCgDVu5LGxGXO1vnVGly6pjMTCdcFAh1sk9eRgrh4wNEj7jCEolpEKSOAwxQrFBhyphenhyphenqUeew/s1600/IMAG0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHXsFA13bGiqqenLDbzR8k8cNT7BIhuRldHdHXVztEEfqjs-8XF1uTOQiby7wKFxawY7MAsCgDVu5LGxGXO1vnVGly6pjMTCdcFAh1sk9eRgrh4wNEj7jCEolpEKSOAwxQrFBhyphenhyphenqUeew/s1600/IMAG0352.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt44rJZ21m0SXAF_R72R3gU88oNJ7JQEWaq-Um1IyX5j1YAZm-2VHWwXehCDaFwyrmwadsXXnaddTXNrFxiOzUbIdPhFhPIUnQMe-If8CkIUG4RyKwPQUbSSYiHC03fzkgdunQHGHPpo/s1600/IMAG0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt44rJZ21m0SXAF_R72R3gU88oNJ7JQEWaq-Um1IyX5j1YAZm-2VHWwXehCDaFwyrmwadsXXnaddTXNrFxiOzUbIdPhFhPIUnQMe-If8CkIUG4RyKwPQUbSSYiHC03fzkgdunQHGHPpo/s1600/IMAG0353.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvujsOODSvGKcDdsiU9L2JIK73hTYDYypog95L16IqrmLRZwdi52E9vRd-wedJB2vVCSQwpw4bNUZWneZhyphenhyphenlxwTGWqgcj4YGIAxULBLE24GEehtN6hSvCMGMZrMkzgwOD7le-b2GbCzY/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvujsOODSvGKcDdsiU9L2JIK73hTYDYypog95L16IqrmLRZwdi52E9vRd-wedJB2vVCSQwpw4bNUZWneZhyphenhyphenlxwTGWqgcj4YGIAxULBLE24GEehtN6hSvCMGMZrMkzgwOD7le-b2GbCzY/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Zrq96CHfWUz4yfzVF-Nr1eTE-zgrdIKA_Gnm73gA2T5jERWeLd9S14GIipLuAAGAoxWPJ1ppks7FvcP2IJffcpLLixRLXkD2V8vG8w3NnrzU_QEDIjm5tc2_f2RtAC2ppn5ezpTSsY/s1600/IMAG0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Zrq96CHfWUz4yfzVF-Nr1eTE-zgrdIKA_Gnm73gA2T5jERWeLd9S14GIipLuAAGAoxWPJ1ppks7FvcP2IJffcpLLixRLXkD2V8vG8w3NnrzU_QEDIjm5tc2_f2RtAC2ppn5ezpTSsY/s1600/IMAG0355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47_7Md-9CmQzquo1cADYXG0WfVrb8lH8gc5IAkF2YxfP_2_9lI3FUF8ZPFkRg-Qq4bmOzboplKlp1WlmmAmIZLlPScSjhs7FIRSctduAiC-_a29R7G-X5CpVSEVlRaT53HQqhwgLFFMA/s960/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47_7Md-9CmQzquo1cADYXG0WfVrb8lH8gc5IAkF2YxfP_2_9lI3FUF8ZPFkRg-Qq4bmOzboplKlp1WlmmAmIZLlPScSjhs7FIRSctduAiC-_a29R7G-X5CpVSEVlRaT53HQqhwgLFFMA/s960/family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was given the ridiculously depressing task of helping take them back to the airport. It was terrible, first, because they're leaving and live so far away. Second, I was reminded of just how many people I love who are a long and expensive airplane ride away. When will they hurry up and get on this whole teleportation idea? We can't be <i>that</i> far away from it, right? It's been hard establishing a life over here with so many of the most important people in my life an ocean away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="And that hits home." class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/550x/fc/81/fc/fc81fc852ce4b38e12ece6c82cd19d5c.jpg" style="height: 700px; width: 500px;" width="142" /> <br />
<br />
It has gotten easier. I don't want you to think that I sit around pining for all of you. Things have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to miss people. But with the NZ crew leaving and having a bit more time to think on my own it's creeping back up on me. Must mean I need to get busy again.<br />
<br />
Now with family headed back home and things settling back down again I've decided it's time to get my butt in gear on a few different things. I've been working on a few leads for a job and really hope that one in particular pans out, and soon. I had applied for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) Air Traffic Controller training program. That was the reason for the random trips up to Dublin, to take various tests. I made it to the 3rd round of testing but wasn't moved on past that. I was disappointed because a) it would have been a really interesting, rewarding career and b) the money would have been AMAZING! There were several aspects of the job the Scarecrow and I were worried about. The hours can be what the IAA themselves refer to as "unsociable". Not to mention the 2 year <i><b>UNPAID</b></i> training period with an additional 7 year commitment in order to repay training costs. I'm almost glad in a way that I didn't have to make the decision myself. The long term affects of the job would have been brilliant with a difficult short term. But the rejection hurt, especially after so much of that in recent months. The positive lead I am going to be mildly vague about until it either works out or doesn't. But let me just say it's local and it's in my field. Two <i><b>VERY</b></i> rare things to have overlap!<br />
<br />
But speaking of my thesis, I'm getting back to it. Today I finally read the comments my committee had for me to work on. I breezed through it quickly, hoping that like a band aid the sting would be brief. And it was. I am working on making sure my computer is in shape to handle the forthcoming whipping it's about to receive as I pound away on it for hours on end. And tomorrow I'll do a little more. Then a little more the next day, and the next.<br />
<br />
I am going to be busy, I am going to be happy, I am going to get things done.Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-6928543687449710122013-06-06T06:59:00.002-07:002013-06-06T06:59:53.686-07:00It's a beautiful dayMy desire to be on my computer, even to blog, has significantly diminished. That's because it is BEAUTIFUL in Ireland! Who wants to be inside on days like today? The temperature this week has ranged from 20-24C (68-75). My fellow Americans may be laughing but for here this is WARM. It's been great spending the week in shorts and a t-shirt. All the indications suggest that this is going to be a warm summer for us so I really hope that's true.<br />
<br />
All the exciting summer plans are starting to creep up. The New Zealand part of the family comes next week. Also, Friday week (that's how we say "a week from Friday" here) we're going up to Dublin for the day for various odds and ends reasons. And you better believe one of those reasons is to eat burritos! Then the following week a big part of the crew head off to Croatia for 6 weeks. Whew! Bring it all on!<br />
<br />
I've lapsed on posting more of the things we've been up to over the past couple of weeks. so I decided this is going to be a picture post more than anything else. They are certainly worth more than the words that I could write.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22OfYKyGiPwAeOmg9KZiQz6znsanbfgfPeOssjN0FLbwgl6V4W7VdO8HpwymfTbS9cLGGjcT2fMhIrvkbQcrqiTZcX9kVTojXPbff-efzyAIX8yONxDh5HLXteom13HUdfpF8H9-iRVg/s1600/IMAG0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22OfYKyGiPwAeOmg9KZiQz6znsanbfgfPeOssjN0FLbwgl6V4W7VdO8HpwymfTbS9cLGGjcT2fMhIrvkbQcrqiTZcX9kVTojXPbff-efzyAIX8yONxDh5HLXteom13HUdfpF8H9-iRVg/s1600/IMAG0337.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely green walk by the river Shannon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUrmSWBzeyTOfoMtnguyUw_45wJYEllohbdd3GHg-neflyc3v14vm_5uwH8R7eaa2X6VojzHbtpYuP8k7wzMilGghlG3gpU0p1Exwe_yBm0Crsnue0NhhcbtAQRVCyJC1XsE2r7xa5uY/s1600/IMAG0320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUrmSWBzeyTOfoMtnguyUw_45wJYEllohbdd3GHg-neflyc3v14vm_5uwH8R7eaa2X6VojzHbtpYuP8k7wzMilGghlG3gpU0p1Exwe_yBm0Crsnue0NhhcbtAQRVCyJC1XsE2r7xa5uY/s1600/IMAG0320.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle climbing with Toto and our friends near UL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNW455aACM74xNwkCsMLpmCH96Vxsk2BWNrmNVBJwkDlCQbSPkDLCu7kIyCAkjqMj3ajpHXbZvDMQR5qi0VjgMM1xDp07hMmEzs2BYVeRf5l3FW5DDC1oEwP6xL35m4te-fRjAkSIhG4/s1600/IMAG0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNW455aACM74xNwkCsMLpmCH96Vxsk2BWNrmNVBJwkDlCQbSPkDLCu7kIyCAkjqMj3ajpHXbZvDMQR5qi0VjgMM1xDp07hMmEzs2BYVeRf5l3FW5DDC1oEwP6xL35m4te-fRjAkSIhG4/s1600/IMAG0335.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the Shannon near UL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WQCVPrJVhfZq-xM4Hx7kOKJAMFnx1DdN0LZPdvW-ziJ2CBl0aShVndIZd-BUguy4uBOEFrjlGFboHvCh_dZd6dL-UxbxRLj0FcqkJcHjLftoT5wkrOGFBzYVzSlu2SOw_8-oIuxjz7k/s1600/IMAG0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WQCVPrJVhfZq-xM4Hx7kOKJAMFnx1DdN0LZPdvW-ziJ2CBl0aShVndIZd-BUguy4uBOEFrjlGFboHvCh_dZd6dL-UxbxRLj0FcqkJcHjLftoT5wkrOGFBzYVzSlu2SOw_8-oIuxjz7k/s1600/IMAG0324.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Castle behind UL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENlL-TDGwyb-2KCRxFKHs9tZGY0cLUmpp6Pwqv3z3WmuAo4PfrMvFFiqAFxyvnOvHQZ4PsAaTezjdX2F7J-kdlyeYLSYn0AiJCd7_wZdg1feN54YesynFeGOAb4IdXhX78x1sUh3jv2E/s1600/IMAG0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENlL-TDGwyb-2KCRxFKHs9tZGY0cLUmpp6Pwqv3z3WmuAo4PfrMvFFiqAFxyvnOvHQZ4PsAaTezjdX2F7J-kdlyeYLSYn0AiJCd7_wZdg1feN54YesynFeGOAb4IdXhX78x1sUh3jv2E/s1600/IMAG0321.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top of said beautiful castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAUGhEUxCdy-l_6Hahyum0ydxamXgIZcVKfnp_WQd_YMvs5NjP4toMgaAORhlT2dPYUefZ1-qse6ZOPBxpAk_tf54xVPutHZKHw5IuXMMR7nssbmLhx_VCT_ZZedY8EMlpf1ccX8BBd0/s1600/IMAG0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAUGhEUxCdy-l_6Hahyum0ydxamXgIZcVKfnp_WQd_YMvs5NjP4toMgaAORhlT2dPYUefZ1-qse6ZOPBxpAk_tf54xVPutHZKHw5IuXMMR7nssbmLhx_VCT_ZZedY8EMlpf1ccX8BBd0/s1600/IMAG0326.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 pm at night. Ridiculous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jowSP4Oy_yUDF-WbxxofmjNWn04ELNJJ7bBvHvCvQIUsv9_QEzUFlgCKAcqZbbkN74jkWwmLmKxlEelgmI3jnoVD-npFX4Htr75S5bami8rBBTJUw-8FhZaCoqaR6WVJCaEhbGQ6IhQ/s1600/IMAG0330.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybell won't give the ball back! One of the munchkins many dirty looks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyz8ZXdLrUECqbtftB4qVISAhM1mfQn6QvT7pdN54vq8fKnG0cz6r5qM9n_QoNwDkq7uWSFjqibRsltJgor4AqCB6ePx3tTAd_NqzdZbodtCfJzAUbJWn6qlkUpKQHrr92py0JLkDG5g/s1600/IMAG0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyz8ZXdLrUECqbtftB4qVISAhM1mfQn6QvT7pdN54vq8fKnG0cz6r5qM9n_QoNwDkq7uWSFjqibRsltJgor4AqCB6ePx3tTAd_NqzdZbodtCfJzAUbJWn6qlkUpKQHrr92py0JLkDG5g/s1600/IMAG0339.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bank holiday with friends in Killaloe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOEkzdOT0IxoVKbLVa4U6cW6KD_0geYwovxz37VRtgjwytMhIdMgqkMZht8bhaLQXZ_IA2bKza1QbHxDyv3MpFCycswwvzz2f3p7wm05CzhWvreKFEYbUk7vQ6YW5eSEUqgpUX8J5k8M/s1600/IMAG0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOEkzdOT0IxoVKbLVa4U6cW6KD_0geYwovxz37VRtgjwytMhIdMgqkMZht8bhaLQXZ_IA2bKza1QbHxDyv3MpFCycswwvzz2f3p7wm05CzhWvreKFEYbUk7vQ6YW5eSEUqgpUX8J5k8M/s1600/IMAG0341.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shannon in Killaloe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5ESKRY5bxhqMvoTn2M-ahzaJng97XhkFHW1kIUYM2-yNa3KixE0MnXs5ct4UD2CkN1GSwTFPsEFwYVX0MZkjx9UjnrnptDl96RQ4zuwyGb52Ql75jSzhjuVqLwdkB3uk1QKWkqSC_PU/s1600/IMAG0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5ESKRY5bxhqMvoTn2M-ahzaJng97XhkFHW1kIUYM2-yNa3KixE0MnXs5ct4UD2CkN1GSwTFPsEFwYVX0MZkjx9UjnrnptDl96RQ4zuwyGb52Ql75jSzhjuVqLwdkB3uk1QKWkqSC_PU/s1600/IMAG0342.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scarecrow wants to rent a boat and come through here someday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0PdkfEPP5Dmtiq1pa3OKWVXLxARuLO-MukIAZK3JC0AcSMr1vku37BasfltwwP2AxF_Z5Ir_jrfA3AFKMQCEY-Zs-Djm_dQW03_ZwX29ybqQp8Q8VCDIdFwJe8C2BV7t5DZFXF5XUNQ/s1600/IMAG0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0PdkfEPP5Dmtiq1pa3OKWVXLxARuLO-MukIAZK3JC0AcSMr1vku37BasfltwwP2AxF_Z5Ir_jrfA3AFKMQCEY-Zs-Djm_dQW03_ZwX29ybqQp8Q8VCDIdFwJe8C2BV7t5DZFXF5XUNQ/s1600/IMAG0344.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello summer, welcome to Ireland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-52968229278658451792013-05-20T09:02:00.000-07:002013-05-20T09:02:57.153-07:00Reviewing where we are<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QRtI3aXLAOp-IM6hyv_x98ISqFdyunR55_fa0MzC1deKf_cRXcm3kgssQVh8AFgIJUcWk1-sJzR1V18DD0aod84mdKH5VCCIWgSQIBNSVl3PDZ8kBIz-9KYx7KoXBaFnkur-BNfR6Sc/s1600/IMAG0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QRtI3aXLAOp-IM6hyv_x98ISqFdyunR55_fa0MzC1deKf_cRXcm3kgssQVh8AFgIJUcWk1-sJzR1V18DD0aod84mdKH5VCCIWgSQIBNSVl3PDZ8kBIz-9KYx7KoXBaFnkur-BNfR6Sc/s1600/IMAG0313.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Maybell, doing what she does best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Things have felt busy lately. Nothing in particular it seems. We've just been consistently finding ourselves at the end of the day asking, "Wow, what did we do today?". And that's a good thing, trust me. I don't feel like anything substantial has changed. Maybe it's just the time of year or we've just found a groove and we're riding it. But I sure do love being busy.<br />
<br />
I feel lately that I've been consistently getting the same message. Does anyone else get that? You can believe it's the universe or your subconscious. Believing what I do I feel like it's God trying to keep me on track. And that message that I've been getting in various forms, from speakers at church to conversations with friends, is happiness. It brought me back to my <a href="http://kstooz.blogspot.ie/2013/01/auld-lang-synge-oz.html" target="_blank">2013 "To-do" list</a> and evaluate how I'm progressing.<br />
<br />
We're just going to blissfully ignore #1 on the list for the time being. That still stings a little too much to get in to. But how to be happy, even joyful, is a subject that the Scarecrow and I have been talking about a lot. I have really successful moments with #2 on my list and some substantially unsuccessful ones as well. Happiness is a choice. Isn't that we hear all the time? There are a lot of things that I/we can't change right now, at least not quickly. And so despite these difficult circumstances we have to make the decision to be happy in spite of them. The internet is full of 5 easy steps to (fill in the blank). There's a reason for that. They're good and they're helpful sources of inspiration. This week, this is my list of what I'm going to personally do to be happier.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Write in my journal <i><b>EVERY DAY</b></i> of the blessings that I have. Focusing on what we do have helps us to think less on the things that we don't. </li>
<li><i><b>ACTIVELY</b></i> work towards changing our circumstances. Work, strange as it sounds, has always made me happy. I like having a project, digging in the dirt, putting my back into it. This whole unemployed thing has not sat well with me. There's a potential future opportunity which I'm going to be annoyingly vague about, but for now I need to find ways to better our circumstances. Stay tuned for that.</li>
<li>I've said this before, but the Scarecrow and I don't get out much. This is in part due to our financial circumstances. It's also because we don't particularly have many close friends here who we associate with regularly. We <i><b>NEED</b></i> this kind of association. We spent a lot of time yesterday with family and good friends. And we felt<i><b> AMAZING</b></i> afterwards. I need to find a way to make more of an effort in this department and surround myself with more good, supportive, loving people. </li>
<li><i><b>EXERCISE</b></i> more regularly. <blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Exercise gives your endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands." </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Thank you Elle Woods. And the Scarecrow thanks you as well.</blockquote>
</li>
<li>I find I forget myself when I'm thinking of others. I need to get out and <i><b>SERVE</b></i> in some capacity. I'm so grateful for my assignment at church with the youth. Here's to looking for more opportunities.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUMzxlBO1vxAxoeJ0dCVx1Ky9pHNvHlCXblaRNrRr86ahZr9X159J4II4FNBjfwn7cInwW7fWt9qz2dp0IT5w1S4JekbGJ3oTPUf5zG9n7y8L3W8FWtWEiEzs1Q191o5-o-MNwPDb2dg/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUMzxlBO1vxAxoeJ0dCVx1Ky9pHNvHlCXblaRNrRr86ahZr9X159J4II4FNBjfwn7cInwW7fWt9qz2dp0IT5w1S4JekbGJ3oTPUf5zG9n7y8L3W8FWtWEiEzs1Q191o5-o-MNwPDb2dg/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're a little strange. Love them anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh, and I'm going to try and blog more. Stay tuned for upcoming format changes. <br />
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-7038327920526407442013-05-08T05:38:00.003-07:002013-05-08T05:38:42.613-07:00Wait, is that summer I just felt?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZFBsmuy-CfCfaEldDU4XfvUtZ7pQk3wEtme_5ccN4nq_ppDHBWB75nH_yZngeeDO696F7xa_2UT6nBaWULEC1FaKjEzMYNMy9se1-lcU6D7Q6IxRjQTvVt5hIF3qDvcdl06eT3ZSXCg/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZFBsmuy-CfCfaEldDU4XfvUtZ7pQk3wEtme_5ccN4nq_ppDHBWB75nH_yZngeeDO696F7xa_2UT6nBaWULEC1FaKjEzMYNMy9se1-lcU6D7Q6IxRjQTvVt5hIF3qDvcdl06eT3ZSXCg/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Shannon river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bank holidays are one of the special little treats of living in Ireland and the UK. Seriously America, we need to get on this concept. And no, Memorial Day and Labor Day are not enough as barely the banks close on those days. I love Scarecrow's work hours as we always have the weekends together plus they observe bank holidays.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We started off the weekend on Friday night where we watched a soapbox derby sponsored by Red Bull. It was one of many events lined up for the annual Limerick Riverfest. For the derby they blocked off Denmark Street (a block over from the Milk Market for those familiar) and started at the top of the hill. It's not a steep hill but enough to get the job done. They built in an obstacle with some hay bales which made for some interesting moments. Despite the rain it was fun to watch the teams and see the various creations. Sometimes you need to go out and do something silly once in a while.<br />
<br />
Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day. Sunny for the majority of it with highs around 16 or 17 C (about 61 F). We slept in as much as possible with the early daylight. Thank you northern latitudes, still not used to that yet. Did a few chores and then set out to spend the afternoon in the city at Riverfest. First we picked up Scarecrow's aunts who live in town to have them come for the stroll. They're both real characters and I love them to bits. We walked along the stalls for the BBQ festival and got to taste a few samples. It wasn't the American Royal in Kansas City but it wasn't half bad at all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmwbR0lQcFd6O7PuvVzVDeajPRCVMsAxsL7MOPLOEI-WO2amJ1vbiPE_oIBUdEa5_PGHIhfMT75yTzpcT57R4nzQWgrb6NPvN2IPzjSrhQGmulM6Ber6saLsgVjHMgcgj-E-To8rdi6Q/s1600/IMAG0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmwbR0lQcFd6O7PuvVzVDeajPRCVMsAxsL7MOPLOEI-WO2amJ1vbiPE_oIBUdEa5_PGHIhfMT75yTzpcT57R4nzQWgrb6NPvN2IPzjSrhQGmulM6Ber6saLsgVjHMgcgj-E-To8rdi6Q/s1600/IMAG0292.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mardie kept getting ahead of us and having to wait so myself, Scarecrow and Molly snuck past her and snapped this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dbMRj_CS1gjdmABCMtKBndygzcfybUu9HI04hyFgFvaNObbPE75idWENzk3uUK-2S393Pjxk5CTY3T5RcWuJqt1llmPeGoqoXLDU76yEA5pBAGyQqUEz-KfLtzNoeSHa-FxKqdPpfAc/s1600/IMG-20130504-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dbMRj_CS1gjdmABCMtKBndygzcfybUu9HI04hyFgFvaNObbPE75idWENzk3uUK-2S393Pjxk5CTY3T5RcWuJqt1llmPeGoqoXLDU76yEA5pBAGyQqUEz-KfLtzNoeSHa-FxKqdPpfAc/s1600/IMG-20130504-WA0000.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhotnyo6LTPuBbMdPoUM9dpSvjrdBAj36ZU84uZiwTtVn0Zi2OzbVxGaQP7BzN22umadV6BFl4NkdgCFhFziZ_zV0MgBAidCVR6i9lniEBtKzQXnS67jf8crES5q4KhcH5xmzcQ8_jJQ/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhotnyo6LTPuBbMdPoUM9dpSvjrdBAj36ZU84uZiwTtVn0Zi2OzbVxGaQP7BzN22umadV6BFl4NkdgCFhFziZ_zV0MgBAidCVR6i9lniEBtKzQXnS67jf8crES5q4KhcH5xmzcQ8_jJQ/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-vXNcgomxEIByLktFUyQmBJWLeqQTm_a-7iKd13suyweVAzvw6xnXnyopRCLs6yZU6F0KrAntkyxtjt_azfERx7bwttll4bjntyCYh9D-E0d8e10ETNA-fmW9_s_yGHf5wtv3nhL6UM/s1600/IMAG0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-vXNcgomxEIByLktFUyQmBJWLeqQTm_a-7iKd13suyweVAzvw6xnXnyopRCLs6yZU6F0KrAntkyxtjt_azfERx7bwttll4bjntyCYh9D-E0d8e10ETNA-fmW9_s_yGHf5wtv3nhL6UM/s1600/IMAG0289.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-EAUA-bNeIkH63y1ZfGxq9tNwUCt-4XKLqHY1biwGmY0TcZazUODoc6Zpe5oxXYnMxia8P5ZN2j3jgPOYMsZ7yFhmak-SKwxaFBzncfUFswjISc0TmfsvkkWBk7CT0IFe84eA-xmMiA/s1600/IMAG0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-EAUA-bNeIkH63y1ZfGxq9tNwUCt-4XKLqHY1biwGmY0TcZazUODoc6Zpe5oxXYnMxia8P5ZN2j3jgPOYMsZ7yFhmak-SKwxaFBzncfUFswjISc0TmfsvkkWBk7CT0IFe84eA-xmMiA/s1600/IMAG0291.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>From there we wandered down what was called the continental fair. The street was lined with all kinds of different vendors and completely packed. I couldn't even count the number of stalls selling candy and treats. There was all kinds of different food and different goods. We settled on getting a 99 and having a little sit down to watch the people. A 99 is one of life's simple joys, just a cone of vanilla ice cream with a Cadbury flake stuck into it. Divine. The Red Viking tour company had a short, free bus ride of the city which we availed ourselves of. If anything else, after all the walking it was good to put our feet up and listen to a bit of history. It was pretty funny, the Scarecrow would point something out to me and no more than 2 seconds later the bus driver would start talking about it. It was so nice to see the city centre so busy with people and with so much life happening. I could literally feel summer in the air despite the rain coat I was wearing. Just in case.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFCqwDFCbj-rJ-LIObiLSUaHCOTCgboD3uSXb9JiO3bKy_456sC2r3NCi4hZPvdvhdf2xgm2nmX4Wxb4C4cwyqHb9s9r574sOb5MBvsHPeRKUyf7WQIbtjOhfD9An7Ez1yCeLN2HayzM/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFCqwDFCbj-rJ-LIObiLSUaHCOTCgboD3uSXb9JiO3bKy_456sC2r3NCi4hZPvdvhdf2xgm2nmX4Wxb4C4cwyqHb9s9r574sOb5MBvsHPeRKUyf7WQIbtjOhfD9An7Ez1yCeLN2HayzM/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How fabulous are these hats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uoszws4KoED7JCrIhXDx67rlSDq5-UMIUhMLqpi3YD184P88gUasWsL97Zhyphenhyphen3PXPvfQ0pshu90HdI5WEYqux5myZNNXawVwRvd0cky_AF1o2V4E6rPFaqG6ZzKj6tvKpm5wXbyHGLMo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uoszws4KoED7JCrIhXDx67rlSDq5-UMIUhMLqpi3YD184P88gUasWsL97Zhyphenhyphen3PXPvfQ0pshu90HdI5WEYqux5myZNNXawVwRvd0cky_AF1o2V4E6rPFaqG6ZzKj6tvKpm5wXbyHGLMo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 goofy girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcKfsr5Z0334VvCETcgmGBMg3ILt8IttyLHqREfp1rPJ5ANty6xz7veftr6f2Mj1TkBo-o5F9-nWe6if75I-EZ0R6KDaCjjev-RPsSVUIgiUdhDhtwNRTUpMeIaSXMNPi78L4Hylyh88/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcKfsr5Z0334VvCETcgmGBMg3ILt8IttyLHqREfp1rPJ5ANty6xz7veftr6f2Mj1TkBo-o5F9-nWe6if75I-EZ0R6KDaCjjev-RPsSVUIgiUdhDhtwNRTUpMeIaSXMNPi78L4Hylyh88/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was warmer than it looks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0zvbs6tt00HfSUzdBxza0aAabx-nxyTY5mOnfxW8nFnWBTmoYVsPFa_JO-eQI0i7Vmt5UPFBhLGxOI2_xFkQ8JLMKpzMWQBPbTgxyBv97-AN_i7XydotULQ-G-dUlTrkt0teDb2PmWs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0zvbs6tt00HfSUzdBxza0aAabx-nxyTY5mOnfxW8nFnWBTmoYVsPFa_JO-eQI0i7Vmt5UPFBhLGxOI2_xFkQ8JLMKpzMWQBPbTgxyBv97-AN_i7XydotULQ-G-dUlTrkt0teDb2PmWs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Monday we took Toto and a couple of her friends to Lahinch to jump in the ocean. It was a bit more grey to start but that didn't stop them. Let me just say that the water off of Ireland isn't quite as warm as the water, say, off of Florida. It's freezing! Thankfully the temperature climbed to about 18 C (65 F) and they had a ball. While the girls splashed the Scarecrow and I threw a baseball back and forth. I'd say we were the only 2 people on an Irish beach that day playing catch with a baseball. After about an hour the girls turned blue and got out of the water. They got dressed and we walked and played along the beach and played on the playground. After a large bag of chips each and another short walk we loaded back in the car for the hour drive home. Those were 3 tired little kitties, let me tell you! But it was so fun to get to go out and do something fun like that with the family. It made me long for warmer weather and more bank holidays.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlZrK1onLDuOa4gb9qm6hs4QW6KXXX_yiFxG2KBXqdtkTXzMrYzGqrco6_EZqe4NIR68r8zPehZJ7Ar9_E424uSwor8zAmKjnAig-GEda-SBmHPcqQaszfJq955ICANthCnk3RdzCANo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlZrK1onLDuOa4gb9qm6hs4QW6KXXX_yiFxG2KBXqdtkTXzMrYzGqrco6_EZqe4NIR68r8zPehZJ7Ar9_E424uSwor8zAmKjnAig-GEda-SBmHPcqQaszfJq955ICANthCnk3RdzCANo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one's for you Christina! Remember?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_0TrtmIJV8KIG2mExbFV9dJ3EB9hhMjLzFlcu5izTUYMREoZmtkNxySdBLLKzex5whDGRlUXut4ClFVDoImNspYUonFOKbVahjxXwJGPbVxiZ5xZeBAuLI_kDh5Ze0lOR0g9NIlwSY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_0TrtmIJV8KIG2mExbFV9dJ3EB9hhMjLzFlcu5izTUYMREoZmtkNxySdBLLKzex5whDGRlUXut4ClFVDoImNspYUonFOKbVahjxXwJGPbVxiZ5xZeBAuLI_kDh5Ze0lOR0g9NIlwSY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObqEZP6cUrrkACOZIQKcLd8tqfJnFcHBKHWvtXah2Yh0aRnKytnkOFaJr0gSwwiKvPJlPSS3d_yUKuoVozY46nWgsGlAP1xo1NnA0O-BOHwvZHhr8Q_9LN8194D9Hqrle-fNMicS49X4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObqEZP6cUrrkACOZIQKcLd8tqfJnFcHBKHWvtXah2Yh0aRnKytnkOFaJr0gSwwiKvPJlPSS3d_yUKuoVozY46nWgsGlAP1xo1NnA0O-BOHwvZHhr8Q_9LN8194D9Hqrle-fNMicS49X4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xFGnZ5Ys7YiEQUqX3jpA-LnIcvMJeji9IY3wieHlTdxH4KarA_SM-DQ2KzT5smPjAsgDWo5UwvSWYXAsCtX1VweDIiu2LR-blML8VSkuggZkauw8qMDDgrhBOCrS-TZ8siR1fP3Jtcw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xFGnZ5Ys7YiEQUqX3jpA-LnIcvMJeji9IY3wieHlTdxH4KarA_SM-DQ2KzT5smPjAsgDWo5UwvSWYXAsCtX1VweDIiu2LR-blML8VSkuggZkauw8qMDDgrhBOCrS-TZ8siR1fP3Jtcw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BNHLuX7mid0MUkYQ7kho3hoD8Hs2EheYUu3jknqiQScPN3BkhAWgdadojTCtDm1JWRARvV2YPkiHjdpv_Svo7kqmlkDc-uOoYACMG-R877Uz8PU6uIWd_MCkbxyuW3UpK3kTXSNWrq8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BNHLuX7mid0MUkYQ7kho3hoD8Hs2EheYUu3jknqiQScPN3BkhAWgdadojTCtDm1JWRARvV2YPkiHjdpv_Svo7kqmlkDc-uOoYACMG-R877Uz8PU6uIWd_MCkbxyuW3UpK3kTXSNWrq8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Despite the shorter week it already feels long. These first couple of days of the week we're extra busy for some reason. Here's to an early bed time tonight!Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-41986929546157319092013-05-02T04:18:00.000-07:002013-05-02T04:18:16.124-07:00We now return to Oz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG2B_7wkkcBcqLGnaBTdYE__7qyPJr_BKQg1rqHMUQNwL2hFA7cSSHqtv-8jq7N1M1M5VQvVnxKe1GL8KY0CQ6vRav0TZn2b0a-TGN1cIshBP_cACK6ZM-bK5fnW-JZWuWROUvp-w7JY/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG2B_7wkkcBcqLGnaBTdYE__7qyPJr_BKQg1rqHMUQNwL2hFA7cSSHqtv-8jq7N1M1M5VQvVnxKe1GL8KY0CQ6vRav0TZn2b0a-TGN1cIshBP_cACK6ZM-bK5fnW-JZWuWROUvp-w7JY/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm sorry for those who are diligent followers of this blog. I appreciate you greatly and hope that you'll continue to come back despite the gap in time. I've been away the past few weeks. Clicked my heels and headed back to Kansas for various reasons. Here they are in no particular order and with their subsequent outcomes:<br />
<br />
1. I got to see and hang out with my family. Despite my ridiculous work schedule (more on that later) we had a great time. Got to hang out with my MoH (Meg of Honor), various friends from church, parents, siblings, and of course the sweet little niece and nephew. My Button got so big and decided to start walking/talking/singing after I left. And of course W was his usual sweet, silly self. Oh, and my sister's dog ate her ducks and they subsequently got new ducks. Hysterical.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgfANgTMXEB8Z_2JC_wloHdHlXC3eq3vLVXHz2ld8axxJQ8CzVdQLMHXuVEmbuQG9VWUxmdmFII6nw-4n2B0qRGQr-swjwRnBtzNvD_zrYNwFMAOis62Jh5ILrXPRSfg4vUvlrBML6sk/s1600/IMAG0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgfANgTMXEB8Z_2JC_wloHdHlXC3eq3vLVXHz2ld8axxJQ8CzVdQLMHXuVEmbuQG9VWUxmdmFII6nw-4n2B0qRGQr-swjwRnBtzNvD_zrYNwFMAOis62Jh5ILrXPRSfg4vUvlrBML6sk/s1600/IMAG0277.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's such a character</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjkUrs_tgHmXf4-4kEay6ztYF9wvFFPkE9T4YFzHLPJKKgzo-8-koPUzPTftHMoB5O5PhAfCjsStHE_pOhZVPY1OUsqoLsdttEDduOqk2wDF67sENLuOZ91I5VcZnwAR768oJ-o5Fh08/s1600/IMAG0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjkUrs_tgHmXf4-4kEay6ztYF9wvFFPkE9T4YFzHLPJKKgzo-8-koPUzPTftHMoB5O5PhAfCjsStHE_pOhZVPY1OUsqoLsdttEDduOqk2wDF67sENLuOZ91I5VcZnwAR768oJ-o5Fh08/s1600/IMAG0278.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo! Big brother taught her how to say "Boo!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf1xCBMe4CClt8EgwZaF3SPBl55OyY7OGSGn4DzVmaBF-T3zkr84o6TagBCmRyWPLh4ghruQt23tD2urBYP8-Xr4W2AtKtnxI60P3OM-UIumQl9nN8UwBsmyfC49qPu17XKp7jNIceY4/s1600/IMAG0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf1xCBMe4CClt8EgwZaF3SPBl55OyY7OGSGn4DzVmaBF-T3zkr84o6TagBCmRyWPLh4ghruQt23tD2urBYP8-Xr4W2AtKtnxI60P3OM-UIumQl9nN8UwBsmyfC49qPu17XKp7jNIceY4/s1600/IMAG0273.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New ducks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Scarecrow and I were able to go to Denver and be a part of one of my best friend's weddings. She and I were roommates and friends all throughout college and have managed to stay really close since then. It was so much fun to be part of it all and her husband is such a sweetie. A happy life lays in store for them. Oh, and between the newlyweds, the Scarecrow and myself, and our other college roomie and her husband we are totally planning a vacation together. And now to start saving...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLfvtvtF8_vXjskivgr6pQjdBQwycQMq13SmFqIut7dwl4ZCAUwph3ZWN3TZR1s9QtLZL9wGmtEdYxPtG9u-NE_yyUUPSiLQQA7zhZ_0mBBtJkEc9IzY4kkzfwpuqov9f97LaSoxyMbI/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLfvtvtF8_vXjskivgr6pQjdBQwycQMq13SmFqIut7dwl4ZCAUwph3ZWN3TZR1s9QtLZL9wGmtEdYxPtG9u-NE_yyUUPSiLQQA7zhZ_0mBBtJkEc9IzY4kkzfwpuqov9f97LaSoxyMbI/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful day for a wedding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYSNsAwdPzBJuXRanVrMQ9Cs1ql7phL2MV1-t7kji5fcVyhnaS4O9vPskw2svhZpR0b-dVc9ABHWciUleqFnbXTS-F77qE-JiwtDJnGfm6eT6T4IrStrilkrG2ixw7Yrms3V0rZMAI9w/s1600/IMG_1418%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYSNsAwdPzBJuXRanVrMQ9Cs1ql7phL2MV1-t7kji5fcVyhnaS4O9vPskw2svhZpR0b-dVc9ABHWciUleqFnbXTS-F77qE-JiwtDJnGfm6eT6T4IrStrilkrG2ixw7Yrms3V0rZMAI9w/s1600/IMG_1418%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous bride getting done up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMEd8ZaYaFoYciowCN9R5vfTV1yhqPXxE_67CqetZi2l-NN3iLmkNVXs22ul0yj_EdCjw_vojswaNhjzCx7H59u8r3-Pz2CyjxJP5vacOkTtb3I71UUZfFRI30P6Hq-6lvl2-i7Ij4CQ/s1600/IMAG0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMEd8ZaYaFoYciowCN9R5vfTV1yhqPXxE_67CqetZi2l-NN3iLmkNVXs22ul0yj_EdCjw_vojswaNhjzCx7H59u8r3-Pz2CyjxJP5vacOkTtb3I71UUZfFRI30P6Hq-6lvl2-i7Ij4CQ/s1600/IMAG0285.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvNdKirDEGVx5WTUZ_GeH1GFuINzKubMCp7xJBkpF-qfZ3dh1HG9gLk2uYXZ9WRCHjGnYDLzIxxEaxs4fbwC0veoMp5WfJslCvHKgSIkC7hFhFnwAM7xvaqgPmF_8SZypEVcTiU41_EY/s1600/IMG_1427%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvNdKirDEGVx5WTUZ_GeH1GFuINzKubMCp7xJBkpF-qfZ3dh1HG9gLk2uYXZ9WRCHjGnYDLzIxxEaxs4fbwC0veoMp5WfJslCvHKgSIkC7hFhFnwAM7xvaqgPmF_8SZypEVcTiU41_EY/s1600/IMG_1427%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "04" club. We all met the bride in 2004. One of us was born that year...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieBYCJSi7rUkuA8Lj6UUnibUeavbuN01_ej6J0bgGktDiaw3-3zBJOHv8R3ndq0X77T6DThwKZlmCM2uIIMpRssTShF8PedKGZiHLH1Aa6r47vZBdZDo44ov9AXjMHDQZuUOsEBpfW-s/s1600/IMG_1430%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieBYCJSi7rUkuA8Lj6UUnibUeavbuN01_ej6J0bgGktDiaw3-3zBJOHv8R3ndq0X77T6DThwKZlmCM2uIIMpRssTShF8PedKGZiHLH1Aa6r47vZBdZDo44ov9AXjMHDQZuUOsEBpfW-s/s1600/IMG_1430%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before heading back we got to catch some of the Kansas City Blues v. Denver Highlanders rugby match. The Blues were staying in our hotel and Scarecrow went up to chat with them. He though it was funny chatting with a fella from Cork who plays for Kansas City in a hotel in Denver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Alright, the main reason I went over was to defend my thesis. For those who don't know I have been working on my Master's degree for the past 2 1/2 years. It was something I always thought I wanted and have worked really hard to get to this point. However, for the majority of that time I felt like I was swimming upstream. I knew it was going to be hard. Nothing worth having is ever easy. Particularly over the last few months I've felt my thesis fighting back. I wasn't getting clear results, I felt unsure as to the actual application of some of my data and in general have just felt lost. I was working towards what I realize now was an unrealistic deadline, forcing me to compromise my work and to not allow myself sufficient time to prepare. And so the day of my thesis defense was excruciating. I couldn't defend it or myself. I felt like an utter moron in front of my committee and to myself. My mind quite literally went blank and I was a fumbling idiot. Unsurprisingly, they didn't pass me. I suppose you could say they told me this in the nicest way possible but there really is not soft way to put it.<br />
<br />
Scarecrow met me in the hallway after it was all over and we raced to the car so I could bawl my eyes out. I felt empty and scared that somehow I had wasted the last 2 1/2 years of my life, that I was now unemployable and going to have to work in a Supermac's (Irish McDonald's essentially). But the Scarecrow told me he still loved me and was proud of me. We went home and my sweet mom who doesn't swear hardly at all hugged me and told me KU could go to hell. I know, but that's pretty strong language coming from her. Then we sat down and ate dinner with my parents and little brother. Afterwards the rest of the family including aunts, uncle, cousin, grandparents, and my sister's family came over and we ate cookie bars and played games. I was still hurting from the day but it was made less so knowing that everything was still ok. My nephew still thinks I'm Spider-Man. I can still laugh and play cards with my aunts and cousin. And Grandpa will still say I'm "dynamite".<br />
<br />
The next day we flew home and now here we are. We're getting back to reality and I'm working towards new goals, finding work and finishing my thesis. This time though I'm going to do it the right way. Work towards completion, not a deadline. I'm going to work towards happiness and taking care of myself, my husband and my step-daughter. With new priorities aligned here's hoping for the best.Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-5291761154969832262013-03-05T02:18:00.000-08:002013-03-05T03:14:14.404-08:00Date Day in Dublin Everyone loves a little alliteration. Life got a little tedious in February and therefore not very interesting to blog about. One big February highlight was taking the youth from church up to Belfast for their regional youth activity. It was a LONG and EXHAUSTING day, but so much fun. We really do have the best kids on this island. Later in the week the Scarecrow and I celebrated the 6th anniversary of our first date. We could hardly believe it either! We re-created the date as best we could by going to Eddie Rockets and a movie. This time though he didn't have to drop me off at Kilmurry Village. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziQuxYYt9L974B0tq8BlrIo0VK28LWHIpRcWC0f2TEC01oq6pZ56I8ASw03pxPSbyBcSwT4GYvoG0cckKQrFtClwUjmtSEAbTVgXWDb__UrHdq8uttGu0hkveLtTKQujtcvpTWdGqY9o/s1600/n32504465_30981523_8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziQuxYYt9L974B0tq8BlrIo0VK28LWHIpRcWC0f2TEC01oq6pZ56I8ASw03pxPSbyBcSwT4GYvoG0cckKQrFtClwUjmtSEAbTVgXWDb__UrHdq8uttGu0hkveLtTKQujtcvpTWdGqY9o/s1600/n32504465_30981523_8029.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing the night away at Charlie Chaplin's 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9h1BIiajwjFI0ZCYRiQdoUGB0KtxWVU_hEJjVZyJ3QJ2mSEvbE_1oVdEUxP0_VrPJBhvNIEl7t8fA7tOnKRnc_oaSuuI9wDXL7Wa64hC80hxDjMRPQNSsJOfWKYbzGwOkbEQ7E2Pkug/s1600/2007_0408EasterWeekend0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9h1BIiajwjFI0ZCYRiQdoUGB0KtxWVU_hEJjVZyJ3QJ2mSEvbE_1oVdEUxP0_VrPJBhvNIEl7t8fA7tOnKRnc_oaSuuI9wDXL7Wa64hC80hxDjMRPQNSsJOfWKYbzGwOkbEQ7E2Pkug/s1600/2007_0408EasterWeekend0079.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Weekend 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh_-GnC7GL-L7gG9Y6ArInoRTYpvsH-KnGZVGjEggbdVXv102yd3gSjU6dbUwqaza-PrlBaiiNycgp2nassr5u4iXe37XW7yhiNzodw6q2ug1t3ufS2qHCqt4Snf6OyYWx8cPR8sADkA/s1600/n27001021_30352727_1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh_-GnC7GL-L7gG9Y6ArInoRTYpvsH-KnGZVGjEggbdVXv102yd3gSjU6dbUwqaza-PrlBaiiNycgp2nassr5u4iXe37XW7yhiNzodw6q2ug1t3ufS2qHCqt4Snf6OyYWx8cPR8sADkA/s1600/n27001021_30352727_1512.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying off to Madrid with the gang 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDwSmFzd40wFjG1UmTiIuolgWzLw_WMDTjQJJmJEXaOJM0fIWbHe43QxawM7fPVC9xPF-6DJAKuMPN-grp1oIrckGBCnzqb9uE49b0L9fAsCoE-i552ybm21Qx0J4r-TPcjazUqD6gxE/s1600/2007_0421Madrid0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDwSmFzd40wFjG1UmTiIuolgWzLw_WMDTjQJJmJEXaOJM0fIWbHe43QxawM7fPVC9xPF-6DJAKuMPN-grp1oIrckGBCnzqb9uE49b0L9fAsCoE-i552ybm21Qx0J4r-TPcjazUqD6gxE/s1600/2007_0421Madrid0033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofy in Madrid 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We look so different! It's been a really insane 6 years. We did the math and of those 6 years we've spent a total of 1 year in the same country, 6 months of that married. Yep, sure do love this man.<br />
<br />
<br />
The following weekend (i.e, this past weekend) we had a bit of excitement planned. 6 years ago we went and saw the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0907657/?ref_=sr_5" target="_blank">Once</a>. Scarecrow was already a big fan of the lead male character and writer of the music, Glen Hansard. I didn't know anything about him, having never heard of the Frames before, and was willing to go along. It quickly became a favorite movie and "Falling Slowly" a favorite song. As many will remember, it went on to win best original song at the Academy Awards the next year. <br />
<br />
Fast forward and it was adapted into a Broadway sensation, wining 8 Tony Awards. I'd heard it was going to be taken to London's West End and was a bit disappointed that it was skipping Ireland. It's a show about Dublin for crying out loud! And then, last minute, they decide to bring it to Dublin's Gaiety Theatre. And you better believe we bought tickets to that! So this past Friday we stayed the night in Scarcrow's friend's flat just outside Dublin city centre. We started off the day with...IKEA! The Swedes sure know how to design, it was a lot of fun. We pretty much planned our perfect home which was fun to do together.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowuZoTsiNj2aQLNlJJMnHc87Ccnylf6WSwd6BBUJcVSaj0NqU_3p6xGCwpOZj5d5Ia-n7k196BEiQ5osFOCd4DK2tkPibCCaJrcxrI9IVZ2YaoMcCqfeXKrEk5uWDa2DKhRuIpl31L2o/s1600/IMAG0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowuZoTsiNj2aQLNlJJMnHc87Ccnylf6WSwd6BBUJcVSaj0NqU_3p6xGCwpOZj5d5Ia-n7k196BEiQ5osFOCd4DK2tkPibCCaJrcxrI9IVZ2YaoMcCqfeXKrEk5uWDa2DKhRuIpl31L2o/s1600/IMAG0244.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these cabinets. They're a beautiful textured wood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went back to the flat, got changed, and hopped a bus into the city. Scarecrow had picked a place for lunch and (with some coaxing from me) kept it a secret. We wandered along Grafton street, through the small alleys of Dublin and enjoyed listening to the buskers. I love watching street performers and listening to musicians. It's a big thing in the city centres here, especially on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We finally got to our destination and it was...a burrito shop!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpe5aZPaA3e6nDsaS88ukgGrD5mLsmqpVsch02P5xqjHwoiGM7d1sGD_bH4trodF9T_TYnq4yu1UlGEoxd1IjJXDFahLm9UGjM6UmMGp3fanYr5JPqLjkT8P3xEYXp7KAJoAQX5fwxa4/s1600/IMAG0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpe5aZPaA3e6nDsaS88ukgGrD5mLsmqpVsch02P5xqjHwoiGM7d1sGD_bH4trodF9T_TYnq4yu1UlGEoxd1IjJXDFahLm9UGjM6UmMGp3fanYr5JPqLjkT8P3xEYXp7KAJoAQX5fwxa4/s1600/IMAG0249.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Favorite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-Z9_KxvjozL4z4yxcBj3QQexfL7_GTGKKkI3GQooVmpBqKdtvnGyqw-t2znCyLUORHpMLkY-Fmz59XfJZ2xZF0ZjAHeeUtZyXqEIlshe2fAhN8xHIr5jiC81CASGz8YcgPlOl1-RzBE/s1600/IMAG0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-Z9_KxvjozL4z4yxcBj3QQexfL7_GTGKKkI3GQooVmpBqKdtvnGyqw-t2znCyLUORHpMLkY-Fmz59XfJZ2xZF0ZjAHeeUtZyXqEIlshe2fAhN8xHIr5jiC81CASGz8YcgPlOl1-RzBE/s1600/IMAG0251.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busking on Grafton Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Every time someone asks me what I miss about the States the most I almost always say Mexican food. I've really been craving a Chipotle burrito. Well, the Scarecrow is amazing and somehow found the one little restaurant, I bet, in all of Ireland that is as close to Chipotle as you can get. I was dancing I was so giddy! Seriously, best husband ever.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHIeG4JP6Uv_yuebCrzZEXnRyc0pXcT755tV-aogBu9x_jnFVl7kPQYb-LWoMlWQCZSv2rANAHv-JYNzguB9Sx5rux9qt2kBsGCXd5lvLnbwk_5eKwL9wkZdvj-_6gz7q3N1FS2OUWw/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHIeG4JP6Uv_yuebCrzZEXnRyc0pXcT755tV-aogBu9x_jnFVl7kPQYb-LWoMlWQCZSv2rANAHv-JYNzguB9Sx5rux9qt2kBsGCXd5lvLnbwk_5eKwL9wkZdvj-_6gz7q3N1FS2OUWw/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell I'm excited!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyzJ5qUKrw00TQ1QZfUYZFWBFBNIZYVflUhUkN_WuIGTz5gAtjpQ1XpBrZO184dAt2lVw9ZrlgHlYKAig1hEiVMgd2ZrRs60eEY2dJWbtBD1q8eXKAs7E67UaWurSVfx-6GFxXxiks7w/s1600/IMAG0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyzJ5qUKrw00TQ1QZfUYZFWBFBNIZYVflUhUkN_WuIGTz5gAtjpQ1XpBrZO184dAt2lVw9ZrlgHlYKAig1hEiVMgd2ZrRs60eEY2dJWbtBD1q8eXKAs7E67UaWurSVfx-6GFxXxiks7w/s1600/IMAG0257.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>From there we found the theatre and let me tell you, it is one of those classically beautiful spaces. Red velvet seats, beautifully carved walls, a giant chandelier. I love the way this show and the set was done. The set was a classic looking pub and before the show they bring some audience members up where they can order a pint and listen while the cast jams before the show. How cool is that?<br />
<br />
I could go on and on about the production itself. Scarecrow and I couldn't stop talking about it, analyzing it, why it was good, why it was beautiful. I'll be perfectly honest, I cried a little during the scene where they're in the music shop and they first play "Falling Slowly". I didn't realize how much I miss theatre, music and art. It was a reminder to me that once I get my thesis done that this needs to continue to be a part of my life. I need it for sanity's sake.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI_H5jCta3owzwVa813-eNDOUuDbHhpmvCYUeW9WeL5lRtivGIDU_fbPGM9LE0aHDJTAknZX-h26KapB7Pr8S6cL2yqjL7x4IDbLi6a3SLplpHpPH_nUAzyXF7_hy_KgiTZizcmKlrDM/s1600/IMAG0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI_H5jCta3owzwVa813-eNDOUuDbHhpmvCYUeW9WeL5lRtivGIDU_fbPGM9LE0aHDJTAknZX-h26KapB7Pr8S6cL2yqjL7x4IDbLi6a3SLplpHpPH_nUAzyXF7_hy_KgiTZizcmKlrDM/s1600/IMAG0258.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXSn0Ag4AN6CIHseRxNHTGrp8bhF7Q4cQSB5V8w8V4LG5mCi5qBGZbOy2xPcZ77kqaR_4iFznDieP69kmEIWhShyDnLOiN6oTiwVqpVxaiaOCUSV_wQh4ADZF-c_r561BsF-yhNwU8A4/s1600/IMG_1364.MOV" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D81f1bd36f3c0cfd4%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1365069947%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D406F54F306801EFED1ECDAC8223A67437F1DF3EB.498F0CDB79B6CD31FC4F7669E264B9B706FF3125%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D81f1bd36f3c0cfd4%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1365069947%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D406F54F306801EFED1ECDAC8223A67437F1DF3EB.498F0CDB79B6CD31FC4F7669E264B9B706FF3125%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a big week for us. Toto leaves Wednesday for a school trip to Paris. She is super excited and is going to have a BALL! Can't wait to hear all about it. And Thursday I head back to the States for a few weeks to defend my thesis. EEK! I'm really nervous about it, not just the school part but to be away from the Scarecrow again. Didn't like it last time, don't imagine I'll like it any better this time. The upside is that he'll be coming over in April for 2 weeks and we'll fly home together. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0alyixVyfbd1D4i9przbrWKOJzMEiMkc6o9TZI9rmXirjiTJfWeE-_nhJX8ZMt_sWh-3Aq6X9gsaERFqZ2tRc9em_PeatNzbPRq_ukFCXFdl5sI8YmLA5UcybWSjFyapKStPUATQM-Vs/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0alyixVyfbd1D4i9przbrWKOJzMEiMkc6o9TZI9rmXirjiTJfWeE-_nhJX8ZMt_sWh-3Aq6X9gsaERFqZ2tRc9em_PeatNzbPRq_ukFCXFdl5sI8YmLA5UcybWSjFyapKStPUATQM-Vs/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I love him so. I wouldn't trade him for gold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So for those of you who live back in KS, give me a shout and we'll get together. I'm setting office hours for myself to work, 9am-7pm. After 7pm I'm free to play so shoot me a comment or a FB message. Oh man, this is going to be intense. I'll miss you Oz...Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-58753717740228389902013-02-04T10:10:00.001-08:002013-02-04T10:20:02.441-08:00Birthday WeekScarecrow and I had another milestone this past week. We FINALLY celebrated his birthday together! Can you believe that! This fact coupled with the fact that he turned 35 (a big deal, I think) meant I wanted to stretch the celebration out a little. We don't have a lot of money, which may be an understatement, but I still wanted this to be a big deal.<br />
<br />
We started off by going to the cinema, a treat in itself for us. The Omniplex recently started 5 euro Wednesdays. Given that this is nearly half price they have been doing quite well on Wednesdays. We went and saw Jack Reacher which Scarecrow had been really anxious to see. Lots of action and a happy fella made for a great evening.<br />
<br />
A couple of my most favorite things (because he liked them and selfishly because I get to enjoy them too!) were Internet ideas. I gave them to him over the course of the week leading up to his birthday. One was taken from a pin that I recently saw (if you know me you know I'm pretty Pintrest obsessed). <a href="http://loveyalyn.blogspot.ie/2008/05/fhe-for-newlyweds.html" target="_blank">Here's the link to the page.</a> It's cute ideas for FHE (family home evening) for newlywed couple's. This is something that members of our church have been counseled to do. Life's busy, we need to designate some family time. Confession; we haven't really "done" FHE since we've gotten married. It's not something either of us were particularly in the habit of doing before we got married. We've wanted to, and have talked about it a lot. We just needed a little push. So this was the push. But we aren't just a newlywed couple, we're a newlywed couple with a 13 year old. So that led to me Google-ing and compiling a list of 30+ COMPLETE FHE ideas. I broke them into 2 categories, one for us to do when we don't have Toto and ones that we can do with her. So click here for the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Lih5AuG2TOLTE1QzJuU0JHUEk/edit" target="_blank">FHE ideas for couples</a> and here for the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Lih5AuG2TOMVV5SUEyY2x0RUk/edit" target="_blank">family FHE ideas</a>. I still need to print them on different colors of paper (one for couple, one for family) and stick them in a can. But now the leg work is done we can get to family time!<br />
<br />
Another thing we've been wanting to work on is having a more regular date night. One of the things I learned during the marriage class at church (thank you John and Jean Morales!) was the importance of date night. And not just bumming out in front of a movie every time. When it comes to coming up with ideas we just aren't very creative on the fly and we don't really have enough brain waves to spare too much planning in advance. Enter one of my favorite websites, <a href="http://thedatingdivas.com/" target="_blank">The Dating Divas</a>. I stole yet another idea from them and expounded/tweaked it to make it work for us. They had posted this link about a wedding gift called Can O' Dates. They even listed a ton of ideas. Unfortunately, do to the fact that we're not in the States, some of the ideas don't work for us and had to be removed/modified. But <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tara/the-perfect-wedding-gift/" target="_blank">here is the link for their version along with a cute printable to cover your can</a>. Here is the more <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Lih5AuG2TOWVNFMy1mRDN3bDg/edit" target="_blank">Ireland/us friendly version</a> along with directions to go back to the Dating Divas website for more specifics on certain ideas. PS-I'll post what my can ended up looking like. And so I have given my husband the gift of not having to wrack his brain for ideas when it's his turn to come up with FHE/date night activities. How cool is that?<br />
<br />
On the Scarecrow's actual birthday he took a half day and what did we do? We ran errands! Yipee! We actually had a lot of places to stop that we can't do on a Saturday so it was perfect to wander the town, pick up his "real" birthday present (a leather case for his clerk stuff) and hold hands. That night Toto and I made him a delicious cake. Well, all I really did was supply the idea and the recipe and let Toto go to town. It came out so well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo55I9sJmT77EYuMl4vhU-41Dg-kLEf2RBjRxQB9Cc3sx_ufCWtEQ1Cx4A7Izca7piIjsKThtr-Y20f_AfBJSGiSiOoV30j5LyIJAztAHgXfjABkaY065YIxhPXDc8W6znK4dSD3G-hT4/s1600/IMAG0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo55I9sJmT77EYuMl4vhU-41Dg-kLEf2RBjRxQB9Cc3sx_ufCWtEQ1Cx4A7Izca7piIjsKThtr-Y20f_AfBJSGiSiOoV30j5LyIJAztAHgXfjABkaY065YIxhPXDc8W6znK4dSD3G-hT4/s1600/IMAG0217.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUXHEep1Hb3Ujz_Q0DwJs5X_Q2J3xWaX2yxro3IXmLAoRFpQPnib93AaxyuHP8m1ZKLtql3sbyd9ZKee4ITAd423A6XFzovPLOx-sN9YxQT-7TTWKrZjln-gm2Ak58Mw2cH2FfGvfviA/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUXHEep1Hb3Ujz_Q0DwJs5X_Q2J3xWaX2yxro3IXmLAoRFpQPnib93AaxyuHP8m1ZKLtql3sbyd9ZKee4ITAd423A6XFzovPLOx-sN9YxQT-7TTWKrZjln-gm2Ak58Mw2cH2FfGvfviA/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5uYOSlv_5Po7lYAjDmJ0_sbJvnC52DMzT2r0sF0fbKfTtogXeUwClqiaFm8Jaimoj7ozCDSVhyy96rAzSxxYS3HJdFtj-Qdn78QHlnVDDScph-wllM6ddG33vULIwLyEwkNFejw_XFE/s1600/IMG-20130131-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5uYOSlv_5Po7lYAjDmJ0_sbJvnC52DMzT2r0sF0fbKfTtogXeUwClqiaFm8Jaimoj7ozCDSVhyy96rAzSxxYS3HJdFtj-Qdn78QHlnVDDScph-wllM6ddG33vULIwLyEwkNFejw_XFE/s1600/IMG-20130131-WA0000.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love him more and more every day and every year. He's a great dad, an amazing husband, and I couldn't have gotten better. Lucky, lucky me.</div>
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-55647607969897699612013-01-26T07:28:00.001-08:002013-01-26T07:28:06.572-08:00ConvertingIt's a chilly, windy day in Oz and I can't seem to bring myself to do anything. I just raided my Pinterest boards for projects/baking that I can do to amuse myself because I just don't know what to do with myself. Scarecrow is out golfing with his dad, the neighbor, and his buddy. The rest of the family is gone for one reason or another. This means I have a rare time that I have the house to myself. And darn it, I should have decided before what I would do with this rare opportunity. Not only that, but I have our car at my disposal! But I'll tell you what, it's only when you have the means and the space to do something that you can't think of a single thing to do. I might bake some rolls in a few minutes. Or I might crochet a grocery bag. Might walk the dog too. Who knows, really.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the week I tagged along with the sister missionaries and their P-day activity (preparation day for those not in the know). One of the gals from church had offered to take them to the Cliffs of Moher. She was going on about this crazy party and I said, "Gee, keep going like that and now I want to know what the party is!". So I managed to invite myself on their excursion. It was really a fun excuse to get out and see the country with some people who haven't seen it all yet. And I really like hanging out with this gal from church, so it was nice to spend time with people I'm not related to (no offense family. I just need to get out more). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKivuGQYq5CVjWj_5oLeOpEHeGDWhm3JuNmsEuyoR3ryNU_Bq14IYa7PsPRcWSjYtW1lQbCDdQIaJ6NL3JdQB8R_XJ3arTGhAmRX2Ow-mvw-1Mdf5FhsUUoG3TbPyIXj7bR628N3mR7xc/s1600/IMAG0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKivuGQYq5CVjWj_5oLeOpEHeGDWhm3JuNmsEuyoR3ryNU_Bq14IYa7PsPRcWSjYtW1lQbCDdQIaJ6NL3JdQB8R_XJ3arTGhAmRX2Ow-mvw-1Mdf5FhsUUoG3TbPyIXj7bR628N3mR7xc/s1600/IMAG0202.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HWF5C023lAmO7HZlzSq7FXPGW4IPBBqHqdEbHPJkY3nCAFgV_jBN0NlfjBJ_HaEgF0DvNteG87w-cWAwSuCuqOvwPFL-t2qmG5ID6aqJyULM_vNmY8tLfoYloxflMFHgvXNAjs4WFLA/s1600/IMAG0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HWF5C023lAmO7HZlzSq7FXPGW4IPBBqHqdEbHPJkY3nCAFgV_jBN0NlfjBJ_HaEgF0DvNteG87w-cWAwSuCuqOvwPFL-t2qmG5ID6aqJyULM_vNmY8tLfoYloxflMFHgvXNAjs4WFLA/s1600/IMAG0205.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0drX9djWj6-Ir6UyL3e-s5yFbrvajiJkO2SymT4sWuxbk98AuA9ALt87yINAMV1jdjCNseB7fF4UoM8f-s6-724_QDuSK0hlUJdNjbhUPD4mm7hlJ1DB8GRxeGSpohJ7_FNMC6NeUCDA/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0drX9djWj6-Ir6UyL3e-s5yFbrvajiJkO2SymT4sWuxbk98AuA9ALt87yINAMV1jdjCNseB7fF4UoM8f-s6-724_QDuSK0hlUJdNjbhUPD4mm7hlJ1DB8GRxeGSpohJ7_FNMC6NeUCDA/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh2OgyoJBgUyFEr7D2ImvoqMVAlgCLuOl_wMLPNlnAy6ffXIkvF-2iN-iXMNklxJh86k8qLbzcBy4k5OkxdDufxwS8GLwZEy2pxwi4wv4CZAm_1_7g5oCx0GzeSP-qIi_ax94fquXB3M/s1600/IMAG0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh2OgyoJBgUyFEr7D2ImvoqMVAlgCLuOl_wMLPNlnAy6ffXIkvF-2iN-iXMNklxJh86k8qLbzcBy4k5OkxdDufxwS8GLwZEy2pxwi4wv4CZAm_1_7g5oCx0GzeSP-qIi_ax94fquXB3M/s1600/IMAG0208.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
I've never seen the cliffs like this...ever. I've barely even seen Ireland like this! Snow! I felt bad for the sister missionaries, they didn't get to see it in its full glory. But they did get to see it in a way that very few people do. It was pretty in a very mysterious sort of way. I also hadn't realized how much I miss the bite of cold air after it's snowed. I'm not a big snow fan myself. That's the one weather phenomenon that I can really take or leave. But it was nice to feel that refreshing cold blast coming off of the Atlantic.<br />
<br />
So, my Irish quirk for the day. I think it's happened. It's been subtly working its way in for months and now, I think I'm finally converted. As with everywhere you go, even to different parts of the U.S., there are different words for different things. I was talking to my sister and niece the other day and started to comment on her jumper when I had to correct myself and say sweater. I don't have to translate myself here nearly as much as I used to. It will, however, be interesting to hear how I do going back to the States. Some other examples of words that are different than what I grew up with that are now second nature:<br />
<br />
<u>Jumper</u>: Is in fact a sweater, not a little pinafore dress that girls wear.<br />
<u>Boot</u>: As in the boot of a car. It's the trunk. Once in awhile Scarecrow slips up and says trunk. He even said dollars instead of euro the other night. We're both clearly very confused still.<br />
<u>Bin</u>: garbage can, trash, whatever. Oh, I also put the rubbish in the bin now, not the garbage in the trash.<br />
<u>Mobile phone</u>: Yes, they are called mobiles here as opposed to the cell phone of the U.S. That's a dead giveaway that you're American. You also ring someone's mobile instead of calling their cell. Subtle, but trust me, people notice when you say "call my cell" instead of "ring my mobile".<br />
<u>A lift</u>: This one is very important. I had this ingrained in me from my first go-round in Oz. You never, ever, want to ask someone for a ride. You want a lift. If you ask for a ride you will be very surprised at the outcome given that it refers to favors of a sexual nature. So please, I will give you a lift anywhere you like. Just don't ask me for a ride.<br />
<br />
And now I'm going to go do something. Just not too sure what yet... <br />
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-78094328159610189672013-01-06T04:27:00.000-08:002013-01-06T04:27:45.947-08:00Auld Lang Synge OzMerry Christmas and Happy New Year from Oz! I have been, as has everyone else, busy. This is despite both major holidays being what I have described to all who've asked as "quiet". But it's been amazing to spend the holidays with the Scarecrow. After nearly 6 years this is the FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER. Seriously, a long time coming people. PS, I got a sewing machine. Happy me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTtbtb6BdKtUCsPCAjHLgnQ1GrANP1lapXFFt8uacLmjcvnAsIvpPlDIjFYiRBYLVaLi1DMfk7DtMX7aqTcWTzgO5E62xQQsvh8b4Lh7FEo8dhFw_Ca8UI9jnQngm_fhKMmEty9MIsB8/s1600/IMAG0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTtbtb6BdKtUCsPCAjHLgnQ1GrANP1lapXFFt8uacLmjcvnAsIvpPlDIjFYiRBYLVaLi1DMfk7DtMX7aqTcWTzgO5E62xQQsvh8b4Lh7FEo8dhFw_Ca8UI9jnQngm_fhKMmEty9MIsB8/s1600/IMAG0196.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
New Year's Eve was equally quiet. Strangely though, this is actually our 3rd time ringing in the new year together. Funny thing, that. We had Toto and a couple of her friends over and we made tacos. Can I tell you how happy I was to eat a taco? That is the closest thing to Mexican food I've eaten in 5 months. And it was glorious. Despite the fact that our stove top wasn't working we managed to make it work. See, he does love me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzemhtj1sy-PZnorgQYuScJax39_WD_vpoV1YWG5a0KSM8BbhR4tfa-CoP7ItCKpj4-PrHQDUYKn9agwMhjbaoX5lBqhR5HU6QRajT_Jc52LH5fZzlgFjP5vX0lWtTqWDqwTsY-ozTGM/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzemhtj1sy-PZnorgQYuScJax39_WD_vpoV1YWG5a0KSM8BbhR4tfa-CoP7ItCKpj4-PrHQDUYKn9agwMhjbaoX5lBqhR5HU6QRajT_Jc52LH5fZzlgFjP5vX0lWtTqWDqwTsY-ozTGM/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, for some non-paid advertising. Don't ask me to pronounce it, but I love the blog <a href="http://maisonboheme.blogspot.ie/2013/01/2013-to-do-list.html" target="_blank">La Maison Boheme</a>. She's funny, creative and inspiring. I pretty much want her house. And so, as inspiring is one of the things she's great at, she's inspired me. First off, I bring you my...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
2012 Year in Review</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li>Finished my coursework at KU. Though my thesis is still in progress, this made me very, very happy.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPbESSXcz3Yc09qBUVxArlgEvPoKjaVMKfVWJx3tl2G7-JbR6Gkm4eBC7M35_3ZMcp20TM0IYSgyuZZLxKWMEpsVUANcU2Jz_Dgg1JNTxqe36uIrXDDDiIplNFeSyz21ot5vNlpgxAnw/s1600/Kansas-Jayhawks-Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPbESSXcz3Yc09qBUVxArlgEvPoKjaVMKfVWJx3tl2G7-JbR6Gkm4eBC7M35_3ZMcp20TM0IYSgyuZZLxKWMEpsVUANcU2Jz_Dgg1JNTxqe36uIrXDDDiIplNFeSyz21ot5vNlpgxAnw/s1600/Kansas-Jayhawks-Logo.gif" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
2. The obvious. I married my best friend. What a great day that was.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RW3jYmt4vzltg5uFjQZU_DrAhXb-SgzaUfeDuP-Q_yG8N43m1fyITJKcSPQfcV7ffyrW0RGv61HKHZfk8lpFj96Z5Hem0P7KdNPsbev8E6_p1SkRkuoVlGPaCXt2BIcZYUAq-wDBeHY/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RW3jYmt4vzltg5uFjQZU_DrAhXb-SgzaUfeDuP-Q_yG8N43m1fyITJKcSPQfcV7ffyrW0RGv61HKHZfk8lpFj96Z5Hem0P7KdNPsbev8E6_p1SkRkuoVlGPaCXt2BIcZYUAq-wDBeHY/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3. Oh, also obvious. I moved to Ireland with said best friend. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tjRjWw-AMtebIORoiLe0Q02KgSZvrwjsteBRkiQT9fwtJmNgyAu9Ya7nXICo3VWrKaYTEkpSdwWnTvWE_D0KgH-Lc0QRW0QM53Gi-S54655E7GV3ODytWZDePc-ZNWIApmo2iIK2XJY/s1600/376576_10152017859425537_5851117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tjRjWw-AMtebIORoiLe0Q02KgSZvrwjsteBRkiQT9fwtJmNgyAu9Ya7nXICo3VWrKaYTEkpSdwWnTvWE_D0KgH-Lc0QRW0QM53Gi-S54655E7GV3ODytWZDePc-ZNWIApmo2iIK2XJY/s1600/376576_10152017859425537_5851117_n.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. I learned to drive a stick shift. Go me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUTioF1pBypbrjvZPT2wJW2UZzJsi5_Rvszdvp5nADfFxe9sj2BQ2UUZpS8vWO6uzRi6OpfIX7_3BUD7BRQul9hIcaE8fJAsqWC8RuQarmx_axzTZjsLH1UP84DhLeekaWasuGaPkGhM/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUTioF1pBypbrjvZPT2wJW2UZzJsi5_Rvszdvp5nADfFxe9sj2BQ2UUZpS8vWO6uzRi6OpfIX7_3BUD7BRQul9hIcaE8fJAsqWC8RuQarmx_axzTZjsLH1UP84DhLeekaWasuGaPkGhM/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
5. I learned to make bread. Normally not a huge accomplishment. But given my reputation for cooking and how outrageously good it is, this makes the list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_y4-LyBJg_gzIy7Nv_VKT-2eQRytcQoc5Uix14h3_50B8sRRWVS1RFfSrQD4FFaTYh-8b1aIK7inZrlJv9MmprydqOYYmcc_YvvEq0uOptLKz5NrDmtIhGDrzvVOTL7UEX7qkwuYuRg/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_y4-LyBJg_gzIy7Nv_VKT-2eQRytcQoc5Uix14h3_50B8sRRWVS1RFfSrQD4FFaTYh-8b1aIK7inZrlJv9MmprydqOYYmcc_YvvEq0uOptLKz5NrDmtIhGDrzvVOTL7UEX7qkwuYuRg/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I liked La Maison Boheme and the idea of a 2013 to-do list rather than resolutions. I don't keep resolutions. I do, however, like crossing things off lists. I'm generally pretty good at it. And so now we have my...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
2013 To-Do List</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li>The obvious, finish my thesis and finish it well. </li>
<li>Focus on doing things that make me happy. Not only that, but not letting my attitude be dictated by anyone/anything else. I want to be happy, I like being happy. And so, why should I let things get to me and make me unhappy? One of those things is studying more the scriptures and talks from General Conference, particularly <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions?lang=eng" target="_blank">this one</a>. </li>
<li>Write more letters and be better about communicating with friends and family.</li>
</ol>
And there you have it. The Scarecrow went back to work this past Wednesday, Toto goes back to school tomorrow. It's life and business as usual now in Oz. And I say bring it on. <br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-16427616810246975212012-12-18T05:09:00.002-08:002012-12-18T05:09:35.997-08:00The view from hereEveryone in the United States seem to be talking about the same thing, the devastating tragedy that occurred Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. As 28 people lost their lives, including 20 of Heavenly Father's youngest and sweetest, the news ripped around the world. <br />
<br />
I'm not much for listening to the news or radio during the day. My home page for my Linux OS is RTE news but once my Internet is up it typically stays up and I rarely see my homepage. And so it wasn't until later that evening (local time) that I heard what had happened. Here is how it has been covered by <a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/search/?query=connecticut" target="_blank">RTE News</a>, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20766051" target="_blank">BBC News</a> and <a href="http://news.sky.com/usnews" target="_blank">Sky News</a>. Between these sources and the U.S. sources I've been able to keep up on what exactly is going on. And it's heart breaking. On Saturday night I had a chance to sit down and watch some of the news coverage done by <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" target="_blank">NBC News</a>. I sat with my father-in-law and watched clip after clip as the gunman was discussed, the shooting scene was explained and various ecclesiastical leaders spoke. I realize now and would caution others that this is not a great idea. It is soundly depressing to spend that much time neck deep in information on such a tragedy. I wanted to cry. Literally curl up into a ball and cry for every child and educator who lost their life. It's not healthy and it's not helpful to the situation either. I've seen so many posts on Facebook and blogs that I follow going deeper and deeper into the nitty gritty details. We want to honor the victims, we want to search for solutions to prevent this from happening again. We can't do that if we ourselves are sunk deep in the mire. So please, be informed but don't be discouraged.<br />
<br />
I'm not one to get on my political soapbox. I think I broke that thing into firewood a long time ago having learned how dangerous it can be. So this is not my "this is how we should fix it" post. This is my "grieving and understanding" post. As I understand it the shooter suffered from mental illness, a sad situation in itself. He had easy access to guns. And so there appear to be two issues on the table to be dealt with, gun laws and the overall attitude towards mental health. The former I believe to be the symptom while the latter is the real disease. Here's hoping that the people we voted into office make the right decisions.<br />
<br />
The Scarecrow and I have been getting a lot of comments and questions lately about when we plan to extend our family. I think it's the only question people know to ask newlywed couples. While always well meaning it is also generally very awkward. PS, the answer is none of your business. But a thought briefly swept through my head after reading and listening to the news coverage. Is it safe? Just because we live in Europe right now does not make us immune to
these types of situations. Our kids will probably do some school in
both countries. Should I worry about sending even our little children to school every day? But because of my belief in Jesus Christ, because of my faith that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us, I know that no matter what happens it will all be OK. <br />
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-30834991128036645782012-12-10T03:06:00.000-08:002012-12-10T03:06:52.076-08:00Tis' the Season to Be...Would it be nice if this was a weekly blog? Yes, yes it would. Is that going to happen every time? No, it most certainly isn't. So here we go, a bit of a re-cap over the past few weeks and the end of one holiday as we approach another.<br />
<br />
We last saw Oz at the build up to Thanksgiving. It was pretty funny to have an American holiday here. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it. I got to experience what it is to spend almost the entire day cooking. I started the day before with <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/08/broccoli-salad/" target="_blank">broccoli salad</a>, a personal favorite of mine which I think may have stolen the show. I made it the next week for a family function in Dublin and everyone kept saying, "It's so different, but it's so good!" So if people ask you if the food is different in Ireland I think we have confirmed the answer. There were <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/337371/honey-glazed-carrots?czone=food/dinner-tonight-center/dinner-tonight-side-dishes&center=0&gallery=274928&slide=282169" target="_blank">honey glazed carrots</a>,<a href="http://www.frenchs.com/recipe/frenchs-green-bean-casserole-RE1511" target="_blank"> green bean casserole</a> (thanks Mom), stuffing, mashed potatoes, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/11/pw_dinner_rolls_-_no_kneading_required/" target="_blank">HOMEMADE rolls involving YEAST</a> and a <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pies/fudge-cream-pie/" target="_blank">chocolate pie</a> made by Toto and me. PS, we couldn't get the meringue to work so we substituted it with whipped cream. We'll be doing this again. It was a nice night to just sit around, get stuffed and play Bop It. Oh, and look what my crazy father-in-law got for me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY6s8eGqmHMVcwKsOx50NwzD61jM5BZio17VUIfquvkao3pW4wAv404rvq4Nf43UmGNPHwd642u7iUIrF4ZVRLhx0bDw080jI4ki6XLc64h3oEQTUvrh20Emd-v1QyrIoHfF-yVB620o/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY6s8eGqmHMVcwKsOx50NwzD61jM5BZio17VUIfquvkao3pW4wAv404rvq4Nf43UmGNPHwd642u7iUIrF4ZVRLhx0bDw080jI4ki6XLc64h3oEQTUvrh20Emd-v1QyrIoHfF-yVB620o/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Yes, it is a turkey hat. No, I did not cook the turkey. I've had a bad turkey cooking experience so I left it to my FIL, the expert. He had a friend in the States secretly send him some Thanksgiving decorations, including the hat. It was so sweet. I think the American flags are going to be a new tradition in our house. Besides, what's more American than Thanksgiving?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7tU-HUeBRseoyyc6__7TNkZGTaTsfMsPhtnPtiqatMVmmNOrIAw57ssEMnxIUGZzJyuHK-RVCFWBSQJf3SBN8VOWRl7lF7EFoGTHPadbKQVsy-VBXTVtJvsvUN7YhxOQsWXj3KrLCno/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7tU-HUeBRseoyyc6__7TNkZGTaTsfMsPhtnPtiqatMVmmNOrIAw57ssEMnxIUGZzJyuHK-RVCFWBSQJf3SBN8VOWRl7lF7EFoGTHPadbKQVsy-VBXTVtJvsvUN7YhxOQsWXj3KrLCno/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NnIrshvD5UUqx8Dfiwj4QA-Kwm-X7Rg5vrPp60hjybpWb0k3W0xUobysiGmfomXCMggi6w1BGFDIXcKaU_EPsX9JbFVIfgS0z9yh95kRHa7lKcI14JwKEwjfcjnICFNiSRbYz9VdTIs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NnIrshvD5UUqx8Dfiwj4QA-Kwm-X7Rg5vrPp60hjybpWb0k3W0xUobysiGmfomXCMggi6w1BGFDIXcKaU_EPsX9JbFVIfgS0z9yh95kRHa7lKcI14JwKEwjfcjnICFNiSRbYz9VdTIs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Limerick has now gone Christmas-crazy. Both the city centre and Crescent shopping center have fully decked their halls. The only two topics that anyone seems to be talking about now are the recent budget (pretty scary) and Christmas. A true conversation now contains both. Scarecrow and I have been getting ready bit by bit. We looked at each other one night and said, "Are we really getting ready for Christmas together? This seems so normal!". This is, in fact, our first Christmas EVER together. Can you believe that? We've known each other nearly 6 years and have never once spent Christmas together. I've always come over here around New Year's so we've actually rung in a couple of new year's together. We put up the Christmas decorations and decorated the tree the other night. It's a real tree that our neighbor grew. He dragged it through the yard Friday morning and said, "Here you go!". That night we decorated the tree and in general just relaxed. Christmas is BY FAR the Scarecrow's favorite holiday. He could have told you in July how many sleeps till Christmas. Even if I'm in a bad mood, feeling sorry for myself or what have you, he is brim full of Christmas cheer and it's infectious.<br />
<br />
This week it's finishing up Christmas shopping for our American side and shipping that off, Christmas caroling with the youth on Wednesday and two Christmas parties. Oh yes, tis' the season to be jolly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNms227QI9F4HNF3_e-qJt7uLdAafE0uQfL3-oa8bvRysbgbp6gbAxt44iPkO4GqdevJBQWfzBDo0H7dwejBTJ8-lc2RBzEXG8hhL_r0AuoOa7ws6z02pfbC6kddWRuqCldMJ_OWc3so/s1600/IMAG0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNms227QI9F4HNF3_e-qJt7uLdAafE0uQfL3-oa8bvRysbgbp6gbAxt44iPkO4GqdevJBQWfzBDo0H7dwejBTJ8-lc2RBzEXG8hhL_r0AuoOa7ws6z02pfbC6kddWRuqCldMJ_OWc3so/s1600/IMAG0171.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNTE-sQe22Yf8SXeVEbdSe4XiBFJDIFM3lgh4StmMa-5gNsiaaYrNF4coyy2Kke-qcZBYUs6H4Kx7lCm2lX30Fll_9A0ShWPrvFC2lreP1sdvHMJIZg4EqO6aDmzYOr0hb_oRNF1S5_4/s1600/IMAG0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNTE-sQe22Yf8SXeVEbdSe4XiBFJDIFM3lgh4StmMa-5gNsiaaYrNF4coyy2Kke-qcZBYUs6H4Kx7lCm2lX30Fll_9A0ShWPrvFC2lreP1sdvHMJIZg4EqO6aDmzYOr0hb_oRNF1S5_4/s1600/IMAG0170.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-91814632197780004932012-11-21T02:06:00.000-08:002012-11-21T02:06:46.030-08:00Why did the turkey cross the ocean?This is the obligatory Thanksgiving-in-a-foreign-country post. But you'll find out more on that in a minute. First up, this past weekend. It was a roller coaster for me and, as any good weekend should, taught me a lot about what I want my life to be like here in Oz. <br />
<br />
The highlight of the weekend was our regional youth activity. The church in Ireland is not huge. There are 2 stakes, one centered in Dublin and one in Belfast. Then there's our district based out of Limerick. The activity was all day Saturday and involved youth 14-18 years old from all over the island, about 120 all together. It was a hoot seeing them all together. Carpools from the south and west came along with buses full of kids from the north and dropped kids at our church building around 9:30am. It was pretty much all go from there. Morning speakers, games and a service project, lunch, seminary (a kind of Sunday school), a talent show, dinner and lastly, a dance. Scarecrow and I were there consistently from the beginning till the end. I counted and by the end of the day (we left and came back after the dance) I had sat down a grand total of 4 times. But I loved every bit of it. I can't wait till next year when Toto is old enough to go to these kinds of activities. It was great to see how much the kids care about each other, how close they are despite the distance. I loved meeting other leaders from around the country and getting to know them better. Scarecrow and I had a great time and really wished that a lot of people lived a lot closer. <br />
<br />
Church on Sunday was great, the little primary kids had a program which is always an uplifting thing. Our lesson in Young Women's was great. But when we got home I just found myself getting overwhelmed and frustrated at little things that normally wouldn't bother me. Scarecrow proved yet again why I love him so much and just let me cry it out. And contrary to every male stereotype, he knew just what to say. Everything always seems brighter and better after a good solid cry.<br />
<br />
And wouldn't you know, Monday was even brighter. I got my gang out the door that morning, went upstairs to work for awhile, and was greeted when I came back down by a package! A lot of my amazing friends have been asking me if I need anything for Thanksgiving. I've felt really loved at all of the offers and had said I really don't need anything. I know how much it costs to ship things over here and didn't want to put anyone out. One sweet friend never even asked, just surprised me with a fabulous treat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M6Qt9Cl5UomLf6nhGUKQ1VtPVzSlDzfdZY2C18ekVvKsNNt7zY5EPnyRFmRPKEzHbusunZDzSxTOeOK9lzzmh6JV29E4r686MYGBa4Ini4zjoCQ25vatVx4E8TRvs73H2ah84GIdqgU/s1600/IMG_20121119_121353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M6Qt9Cl5UomLf6nhGUKQ1VtPVzSlDzfdZY2C18ekVvKsNNt7zY5EPnyRFmRPKEzHbusunZDzSxTOeOK9lzzmh6JV29E4r686MYGBa4Ini4zjoCQ25vatVx4E8TRvs73H2ah84GIdqgU/s1600/IMG_20121119_121353.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Leslie, one of my oldest friends from way back in the day, sent a couple little things to make it feel more like Thanksgiving. And so, why did the turkey cross the ocean? To get to the other side, of course! Scarecrow was pretty amused by that one. So now Oz has perhaps the only set of turkey salt and pepper shakers along with Thanksgiving tea towels and Leslie's favorite Thanksgiving movie, Son-in-Law. She's also a great reader, something we share, and so she sent me a book she thought I would like. My mother-in-law got a good laugh when I pulled these things out. Clearly it's not a holiday that gets much attention outside of North America. Toto has been asking if we get presents for Thanksgiving. I'm learning it's a hard holiday to explain. Last night we went and did the shopping for the trimmings. I'm feeling a little intimidated at what I've gotten myself into cooking wise. I actually like to cook, don't get me wrong. But my reputation precedes me. Not to mention I'm nervous to be introducing so many new things to my Irish family. They've been good sports about the whole thing, not even just Thanksgiving. When I cook it's not in the way they're traditionally used to. No one has ever complained, but I don't want to go pushing people too far out of their dietary comfort zone. So next week you'll see if this holiday got pulled off or not. <br />
<br />
Lastly, had a nice night out a few nights ago. I went and caught a movie with a couple of girls. And not just any movie, Breaking Dawn part II. Oh it was good! It was sad, not the movie, but during a part of it I almost cried when I realized that I wasn't seeing it with my MoH, my Meg of Honor. I saw this bumper sticker a few months ago, not too long after I moved here. I'd been meaning to post it but I think it's more appropriate now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34s0Ay7VbxdcDG0PDIJSX4ANKal3ZztFZkWgyF3ES9sjE-GB8GzzGHvXWXjNaGEUWy2N0nkhD3rI-Jpe1kp-ee699s_WSxlT-QMips9uC9396-hgHDFKoQAl90Um3xczTZTy3jvkcWYk/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34s0Ay7VbxdcDG0PDIJSX4ANKal3ZztFZkWgyF3ES9sjE-GB8GzzGHvXWXjNaGEUWy2N0nkhD3rI-Jpe1kp-ee699s_WSxlT-QMips9uC9396-hgHDFKoQAl90Um3xczTZTy3jvkcWYk/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm celebrating with the newest extension of my family and I'm very excited to be able to do that. I'm grateful for them and for all their love and patience as I've learned to adjust here. I'm grateful for Toto and how sweet and funny she is, even in her teenager moments. I'll always be thankful for my Scarecrow. Do you know why I call him the Scarecrow? Do you remember at the end of the Wizard of Oz, right before Dorothy leaves Oz and goes back to Kansas? She's saying good bye to everyone and she turns to the Scarecrow and says, "I think I'll miss you most of all". He was her best friend, the one she felt like she couldn't have made it without. This ruby slippered girl feels the same way. <br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-42205157766274402332012-11-14T02:14:00.000-08:002012-11-14T02:14:38.280-08:00There's no place like home, or a home officeI feel like it's been raining A LOT the past week or so. The odd thing is, it's actually been pretty warm. Yesterday we got close to 14 C (or 57 degrees F for our American friends). I hear the weather reports in Kansas and as soaked as I feel I'm not really ready for sub-freezing temps just yet. And yes, I did just begin my blog post with a weather report. Meteorologist till the end.<br />
<br />
There have been no big adventures this past week. There weren't any major revelations or Irish quirks that seemed to jump out at me. It was just...normal. I'm sure that the land of Oz still has things left to surprise me, it's just that it didn't really surprise me this week. Scarecrow and I seem to have settled in and now that we've passed the 3 months married mark (woo-hoo!) we seem to finally be accepting the fact that the other person isn't going anywhere. Can you blame us? After 5 years of an on again/off again, trans-Atlantic relationship we had some decent adjusting to do. This morning, for instance, was a bit manic. Wait, that was just me? Still a good lesson in normality. We had Toto (my step-daughter) with us last night and so I got her up, ironed her uniform, got her up again, made her breakfast/his lunch, dropped her off at her bus stop and barely made it back in time to swipe a quick peck before Scarecrow's lift to work showed up. It was strange, but in a good way. Does that make sense? No, probably not. But like I said, we have adjusted to life as we know it. Are we done adjusting? Absolutely not. He still laughs at the sound I make when I brush my teeth and I still get woken up by his grizzly bear-like snoring. It's funny how life progresses.<br />
<br />
As I said, I don't have any witty anecdotes to share with you this week. Instead, I have something else. I work from home on my thesis. Well, I try very, very hard to work from home. I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me in order to stay focused and accomplish as much as possible in a day. Some things have been great and others not so much. I think it's very person dependent but I thought I'd share some tips/things I really wish I could have to help make working from home much easier. <br />
<br />
<b>Working From Home 101</b><br />
<ol>
<li>WAKE UP AT A REASONABLE TIME, exercise, eat breakfast, shower. Get everything out of the way that could be used as a potential distraction later. I don't mean clean the house from top to bottom but I'm finding that if I empty the dishwasher or maybe catch up on reading my blogs BEFORE I start working than I have fewer excuses later in the day to stop what I'm doing. Oh, and put on real pants.</li>
<li> If there are other people in the house (it feels like my house is the Times Square of the Emerald City sometimes) make sure they know that this is what you're doing during the day. I really don't mind this kind of distraction once in awhile during the day. I do get to feeling very anti-social if everyone's around and I'm holed up somewhere on my laptop. But, and this is more a message to me, don't let it distract TOO much. </li>
<li>Set "office hours" for yourself. This is one I am still experimenting with and want to get better at. I will typically work off and on, here and there. But I know when I had my office at the university that when I had a dedicated chunk of time to work, it was go time. So make sure you know what time "go time" is and stick to it.</li>
<li>Have a dedicated space. Again, this is a tricky one right now. On the days when Scarecrow leaves me the car I try and go to the library and work for awhile. I know this is contrary to the title "working from home" but sometimes I just can't find the right space at home to work. Some things that I love about working in the library that I wish I could have at home: a chair with a straight back that is short enough I can put both feet on the floor; a clean, blank, flat surface to work on; lots of big windows. All I want is my laptop and my notebook on my work surface. That's it. They have these great white tables at the library that are a bit mod looking. If I could have one of those and put it in a space with a lot of natural light I think this whole working from home thing would be so much easier. Or maybe something along these lines. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeooffice.com/wp-content/uploads/a-modern-desk-table-for-modern-home-office-design-ideas-photo-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.homeooffice.com/wp-content/uploads/a-modern-desk-table-for-modern-home-office-design-ideas-photo-01.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="400" src="http://www.homeooffice.com/wp-content/uploads/a-modern-desk-table-for-modern-home-office-design-ideas-photo-01.jpg" width="400" /> source</a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>I feel like every good "how-to" list should have 5 things. So here it is. Be accountable to someone. I think a lot of people who work from home have to report up to someone. I am grateful I have a weekly meeting with my adviser via Skype that keeps me on the ball. I want to be sure that I've accomplished what I need to before I talk with him. But there are those lucky people who are their own boss. Who do they report to in order to stay on the ball? I would suggest to those, find someone you can check in with. Friend, colleague, it doesn't really matter who. Just someone you can call and say, "This is what I wanted to get done and this is what actually got done".</li>
</ol>
With that out of the way now that it's 10am in Oz I'm going to have a shower, eat breakfast, and get to work. Hopefully... <br />
<br />
Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-68624246890706362252012-11-07T02:21:00.000-08:002012-11-07T02:21:37.295-08:00Holiday in Oz Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I would first like to make an apologetic statement.<br />
<br />
Dear Dingle Peninsula,<br />
I have long held you as one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. I love the salty sea smell, the crashing waves and of course, Harrington's. Who doesn't admire the fortitude of the people who once lived on the Blasket Islands or the many seamen who set out from your sweeping bay? But, I'm ashamed to say, I have found a new love. I have found a place that is so rugged, so lovely, that I can't ignore my feelings anymore. Yes Dingle, you will always hold a special place in my heart. But a new love has come in. And that place, dear Dingle, is Donegal. <br />
<br />
The Scarecrow and I pulled out of Limerick on Tues, Oct 30th. It was a long drive but overall we were pretty lucky. With the trusty Garmin programmed we set out on the 5 and a half hour journey to the north of the island. With only one detour (ok, that sucked) we made it to our hotel, the Gweedore Court Hotel. Even though it was only about 6:30pm it was pitch black so we really didn't see much of our surroundings. You'll see momentarily what we woke up to outside of our hotel window. That night we checked in, went to the pool/hot tub/SAUNA (!!!) and ate dinner in the hotel restaurant. We were completely beat from the drive so after dinner was a relaxing veg and some much needed sleep.<br />
<br />
In the morning I opened the curtains of our room and was astonished to find this view:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTgVaznorjX-WVcAM-rf4-fl3XfIqtjhhaFPWckI7-ToK91C8QS-mVTn4VPzv-YsX9OTu_Pgd7LLGBej1gFH6dePXjFkDNZIs3h-O3g-yYLl7ifceRjs8WuEotYBjkFy7tfthA9tNze8/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTgVaznorjX-WVcAM-rf4-fl3XfIqtjhhaFPWckI7-ToK91C8QS-mVTn4VPzv-YsX9OTu_Pgd7LLGBej1gFH6dePXjFkDNZIs3h-O3g-yYLl7ifceRjs8WuEotYBjkFy7tfthA9tNze8/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI9DzRxHpe6gVvOGpzqB6D90DDZBN2nMGOTE9WApE6dgFcZwgs-hXgD44S_eqRLAIcbkBa3SazWOWf1b7kVopyggdIQHkokHPDJhuE-JMEXCYHb73iT2jCwnuNls4FhvUpzKUsko73FM/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI9DzRxHpe6gVvOGpzqB6D90DDZBN2nMGOTE9WApE6dgFcZwgs-hXgD44S_eqRLAIcbkBa3SazWOWf1b7kVopyggdIQHkokHPDJhuE-JMEXCYHb73iT2jCwnuNls4FhvUpzKUsko73FM/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I audibly gasped, it was so beautiful. The mountain in the first picture is Mt. Ergil. With better weather we may have tried it, but we had other hiking plans for the day. So after a full Irish breakfast we jumped on our trusty broomstick and took off for Glenveagh National Park.<br />
<br />
But first, the drive to the park. It was incredible. We couldn't have been luckier for the weather and we were ooo-ing and aww-ing the whole way there with a photo op stop. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELgDJe-G7q8B03zPVhfGfotw6d4Em4RX7P6rphADLljo3aEWEeAfZl8AqW4QWNMXyP8Hae_Cw6V6WBx-CewSCO7hfsC4MeB0l9DRr1cZo9X1zduZnzMPoPL5UgkhVpn8-BQDiBtZZjYM/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELgDJe-G7q8B03zPVhfGfotw6d4Em4RX7P6rphADLljo3aEWEeAfZl8AqW4QWNMXyP8Hae_Cw6V6WBx-CewSCO7hfsC4MeB0l9DRr1cZo9X1zduZnzMPoPL5UgkhVpn8-BQDiBtZZjYM/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu2NTiZL6QSPtDh5fJAIXUYBUR0kBZsU6-H2IFn7SffYAAgpsRvk6rYwBIWjevpXwPdd1Qf5KBOdvMq42N2Hv-GdruQ4B67oA2xGzLEEaQKZQvCWFkNaU3oJW4bKB9cLKScDNYNvf1XI/s1600/IMAG0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu2NTiZL6QSPtDh5fJAIXUYBUR0kBZsU6-H2IFn7SffYAAgpsRvk6rYwBIWjevpXwPdd1Qf5KBOdvMq42N2Hv-GdruQ4B67oA2xGzLEEaQKZQvCWFkNaU3oJW4bKB9cLKScDNYNvf1XI/s1600/IMAG0127.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w9CKwQjH2LzfjV32rn3rt_dFHEs8BLDI0Rbb2kwVX0X8IplDF7ouQrgkLeEItHGRrq22tOPrT23lVeBIrKKvLOiFej8OYIrPNPDNiSbyUVsUcyQeJasFp_FdczNgKn3zmgpbvOuRfvw/s1600/IMAG0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w9CKwQjH2LzfjV32rn3rt_dFHEs8BLDI0Rbb2kwVX0X8IplDF7ouQrgkLeEItHGRrq22tOPrT23lVeBIrKKvLOiFej8OYIrPNPDNiSbyUVsUcyQeJasFp_FdczNgKn3zmgpbvOuRfvw/s1600/IMAG0129.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I married a goober.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47z7RbFl1wvNj2cOYUYmmFOs0-v0mwwO1FqHiFQgaP6_TBBSyQPfv_bebt1vUbTEvl2YMRp8JoKaQWT1qelyfczyZgCw1iiQecDqh5Cx2gxhHddCV8JW1cq3TWl2izxmdEbxT0UQCuN0/s1600/IMAG0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47z7RbFl1wvNj2cOYUYmmFOs0-v0mwwO1FqHiFQgaP6_TBBSyQPfv_bebt1vUbTEvl2YMRp8JoKaQWT1qelyfczyZgCw1iiQecDqh5Cx2gxhHddCV8JW1cq3TWl2izxmdEbxT0UQCuN0/s1600/IMAG0130.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ID77iyJs0r2Tyb6eoC7F4WUSJVFPHWeW1E5lvtzzxbqegVgafiOSUb7NvjDennBqRGl8MiP-wCgdcGQ_zQmLuf1CogNytM6PUXirJRmJE4oeSCk4TO-4XGBCMcqkZC9g05PnzqXECfY/s1600/IMAG0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ID77iyJs0r2Tyb6eoC7F4WUSJVFPHWeW1E5lvtzzxbqegVgafiOSUb7NvjDennBqRGl8MiP-wCgdcGQ_zQmLuf1CogNytM6PUXirJRmJE4oeSCk4TO-4XGBCMcqkZC9g05PnzqXECfY/s1600/IMAG0131.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G4xnfxCNAXSoAFMBu37H9Z5L8LtWI2GPdp9tiHTxDSgV2zYntthhb3MuSucy58wLvfOiQ3H3linOWaKc2bCmEzaCsx0dS2_qB4sPkUkZhgAFjxge752fv9QJdwLqBAY0v6rvrqbgxf0/s1600/IMAG0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G4xnfxCNAXSoAFMBu37H9Z5L8LtWI2GPdp9tiHTxDSgV2zYntthhb3MuSucy58wLvfOiQ3H3linOWaKc2bCmEzaCsx0dS2_qB4sPkUkZhgAFjxge752fv9QJdwLqBAY0v6rvrqbgxf0/s1600/IMAG0132.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is that church!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSoW-ysDeQkD7wEy6cw2KScWVMY-w4GOFDSoUtpw_sFfviGOZmKKoGyPA6mrPCZAC2iECp9K_P2TtM8jUHd5qe5lNjEfS8BLDUuyHuHoPrgeJC_KT3pmwdQRZsY3Kc4Sd2EzI5oFx9co/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSoW-ysDeQkD7wEy6cw2KScWVMY-w4GOFDSoUtpw_sFfviGOZmKKoGyPA6mrPCZAC2iECp9K_P2TtM8jUHd5qe5lNjEfS8BLDUuyHuHoPrgeJC_KT3pmwdQRZsY3Kc4Sd2EzI5oFx9co/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2HtKKZpqHgotPtHOfpLTf7FikopcYGG1l4D8YWCiYufGlM3gfEXRANcP1UedA0yBiBoE6pTr-j-XAVw0KN9WkgMBgbDoSWieXKhe358WIFFAX8aSpTyUHO7qzz8ZphB6o8lSaaa_e-I/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2HtKKZpqHgotPtHOfpLTf7FikopcYGG1l4D8YWCiYufGlM3gfEXRANcP1UedA0yBiBoE6pTr-j-XAVw0KN9WkgMBgbDoSWieXKhe358WIFFAX8aSpTyUHO7qzz8ZphB6o8lSaaa_e-I/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the fact that I look like a 15 year old boy in every picture. We were hiking, not clubbing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, Glenveagh. It's a fascinating place with a quirky history which I won't go into. But <a href="http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/history.html" target="_blank">these</a> nice people did so you can read about it there. We began with a 4 km (2.5 mile) hike to the castle. They had just upgraded the trail and it was only finished 2 weeks before us. Can you say score! It wasn't overly straining but felt great to fill the ol' lungs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS_nMGXD5CutykKA992ACYyKPbmWBuWVFJfVrFknE0q8LXGGcY50K8j9sx7rngmMt8jwrQmHUvQbBR66axZK9JOW_r07yyawKum-Ok_cDalE2V79ZtDr1dFvA0ho42tgiFvM8YHYWC6E/s1600/IMAG0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS_nMGXD5CutykKA992ACYyKPbmWBuWVFJfVrFknE0q8LXGGcY50K8j9sx7rngmMt8jwrQmHUvQbBR66axZK9JOW_r07yyawKum-Ok_cDalE2V79ZtDr1dFvA0ho42tgiFvM8YHYWC6E/s1600/IMAG0135.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgT_JciL9YvoAOOjeFpN4op6tRXeqsTq0WAmPtWEj7wCFxSA4ZGpebAlCsQokU9j4-lPoCmCiv44h1gxLOFw7IA9YGudqBKTJSrVwL-620EtSRPKthF6_YCFfVt3uopceFV4JSjoSt_4/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgT_JciL9YvoAOOjeFpN4op6tRXeqsTq0WAmPtWEj7wCFxSA4ZGpebAlCsQokU9j4-lPoCmCiv44h1gxLOFw7IA9YGudqBKTJSrVwL-620EtSRPKthF6_YCFfVt3uopceFV4JSjoSt_4/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarecrow on the "beach". Can't say he doesn't take me exotic places.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qEpPIjI4iqc1iJOEPxHb6EH2rTBwzg8B30P5mHZNDW9BGPxbLgIlh1aJiRwEaOZ_HednKK6t5bOna6CTKb-TucjeEoUWRQ8mLIcYWHhPcKMlacQOTk-XSbhYj6AMJKCg2dN3NLXbwMA/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qEpPIjI4iqc1iJOEPxHb6EH2rTBwzg8B30P5mHZNDW9BGPxbLgIlh1aJiRwEaOZ_HednKK6t5bOna6CTKb-TucjeEoUWRQ8mLIcYWHhPcKMlacQOTk-XSbhYj6AMJKCg2dN3NLXbwMA/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtgEnOgDcrFEg15yeySBpmgpj9F4MzLH9RfvmbTlCsbyY5EehNo0yvVnk5nKSUpJ6UZfPHvItmSUTrl_h8tumdNC2Wk3HREQN9gU9uxvAFYTA0G734Ymj4FXX5dPmijL0mc39CRTtoLw/s1600/IMAG0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtgEnOgDcrFEg15yeySBpmgpj9F4MzLH9RfvmbTlCsbyY5EehNo0yvVnk5nKSUpJ6UZfPHvItmSUTrl_h8tumdNC2Wk3HREQN9gU9uxvAFYTA0G734Ymj4FXX5dPmijL0mc39CRTtoLw/s1600/IMAG0139.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRYqjVaN3Ftr2dk7d5sSvCWPmGLrwNxFS67WScXtBFZKiLZuy74pGutyx-dD6eDjYKkE-Kgs5Pi-8b1mf-0aMZ8BxYVFX4UrsR0TPtbNnr9nD5LR_W_amJ1o4cpHd4XsrnYtB9d6txmI/s1600/IMAG0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRYqjVaN3Ftr2dk7d5sSvCWPmGLrwNxFS67WScXtBFZKiLZuy74pGutyx-dD6eDjYKkE-Kgs5Pi-8b1mf-0aMZ8BxYVFX4UrsR0TPtbNnr9nD5LR_W_amJ1o4cpHd4XsrnYtB9d6txmI/s1600/IMAG0142.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcFYNllRScqT8L0TblWCpsj0qD2IkICByhfUlNLBQYOa5J6vuAoMvIWKjvF_TmN7MLBad8nfzwHD4nP7suSeByRsDtLiMDc1472MoBMeP3h0rJEhyphenhyphen1uLNN20gDbE0F0QPB8RECRc2W2I/s1600/IMAG0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcFYNllRScqT8L0TblWCpsj0qD2IkICByhfUlNLBQYOa5J6vuAoMvIWKjvF_TmN7MLBad8nfzwHD4nP7suSeByRsDtLiMDc1472MoBMeP3h0rJEhyphenhyphen1uLNN20gDbE0F0QPB8RECRc2W2I/s1600/IMAG0141.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqOZT4a8g2vDywSR8QnUiOKsmaRUreOEqVA1ckyX4jaJw8XJw3raV6-hViap2NLwE4sMN_l5t2VwEQh9Fzap7inBlp_h7hAgwwLmvep7o4Inz-YJSt1Xg73c9JEt2xbDuZ_D7VLDjvlo/s1600/IMAG0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqOZT4a8g2vDywSR8QnUiOKsmaRUreOEqVA1ckyX4jaJw8XJw3raV6-hViap2NLwE4sMN_l5t2VwEQh9Fzap7inBlp_h7hAgwwLmvep7o4Inz-YJSt1Xg73c9JEt2xbDuZ_D7VLDjvlo/s1600/IMAG0143.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The castle itself. The second owner had a very interesting story, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glenveagh-Mystery-Disappearance-Arthur-Kingsley/dp/1908928107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352282275&sr=8-1&keywords=Glenveagh+Mystery%3A+The+Life%2C+Work+and+Disappearance+of+Arthur+Kingsley+Porter" target="_blank">a book</a> is shortly being released about his life and disappearance. I really wish I could have hung out with the last owner of the place. He seemed like a real character. He put in exotic gardens representing countries from all over the world, false doors, and an outdoor swimming pool. Yes, I think we would have had fun, he and I.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuUQiV0OFQXMuRutZtGJQK-jKVJSFPHS_nn65cJWAyfh3cCuLrIZpioAjEhZL-AfNMeAhE4W4_MF8OZKOnlLI0CPGCkfsgMrSDp9wKskBuxWP-NsS5UFUoY9TFuy0wAVAmoKtu1UH5oE/s1600/IMAG0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuUQiV0OFQXMuRutZtGJQK-jKVJSFPHS_nn65cJWAyfh3cCuLrIZpioAjEhZL-AfNMeAhE4W4_MF8OZKOnlLI0CPGCkfsgMrSDp9wKskBuxWP-NsS5UFUoY9TFuy0wAVAmoKtu1UH5oE/s1600/IMAG0144.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read the plaque for the statue below. It really caught me off guard to see this in Ireland!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X5qpqBPvkeLtLJHaghOVQomDwAZSoiRdKSMMlE90ajof7NbgQUPtNY8lXf5-EYvr3BcDp7CYcGuVkf2PHlnVzoXfeVTQ3H9J619fMJTsrtAAHtEzz4RZd0khnW0D_TZ8FGYCiydkjWM/s1600/IMAG0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X5qpqBPvkeLtLJHaghOVQomDwAZSoiRdKSMMlE90ajof7NbgQUPtNY8lXf5-EYvr3BcDp7CYcGuVkf2PHlnVzoXfeVTQ3H9J619fMJTsrtAAHtEzz4RZd0khnW0D_TZ8FGYCiydkjWM/s1600/IMAG0146.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one's for you Erin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kSLe46PysyDD8c687yLpbw6neKRGxutfSwZZ3G1aLjsqd42RwINird2MSVX9kjh9QyAcAeldgiXdUtAF_2NYlm3jmiPGonvNZ7zVRITAWBA-gpPrwVV59rIbEmQe86jQfhgHyEy413k/s1600/IMAG0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kSLe46PysyDD8c687yLpbw6neKRGxutfSwZZ3G1aLjsqd42RwINird2MSVX9kjh9QyAcAeldgiXdUtAF_2NYlm3jmiPGonvNZ7zVRITAWBA-gpPrwVV59rIbEmQe86jQfhgHyEy413k/s1600/IMAG0147.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belleek swan. This one's for Grandma, she now loves all things Belleek.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mEP0fjDK0zKuK0ZYpJ9fJoQU-ua8r5tP-hk4i1DHBG0ht1LYav9rTJPz2F2K-cNYQY0Nx65C1-pVANeJKfkbz0vHGo7tQun7jBlMhvKp9pAXOA6ESWKpO3fAj-hDfck3X53abFt0Yd8/s1600/IMAG0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mEP0fjDK0zKuK0ZYpJ9fJoQU-ua8r5tP-hk4i1DHBG0ht1LYav9rTJPz2F2K-cNYQY0Nx65C1-pVANeJKfkbz0vHGo7tQun7jBlMhvKp9pAXOA6ESWKpO3fAj-hDfck3X53abFt0Yd8/s1600/IMAG0149.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8AvrYMsJTfudnxBMarIgCxkYEIgF8voi1ZitvhxHbwHoTp81uM8X72rsUiW6m8sGZWHXppwtS1hGEbRhlHgrz7ek2Luj8RsFdF9ek8VgBbsSjcAZxvr1iy6LkovRRcjPxt2AdhoBq0g/s1600/IMAG0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8AvrYMsJTfudnxBMarIgCxkYEIgF8voi1ZitvhxHbwHoTp81uM8X72rsUiW6m8sGZWHXppwtS1hGEbRhlHgrz7ek2Luj8RsFdF9ek8VgBbsSjcAZxvr1iy6LkovRRcjPxt2AdhoBq0g/s1600/IMAG0148.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
After that we grabbed lunch in the tea room and set off on our next excursion. Our tour guide recommend we take the View Point Trail, which is another 2 km (1.2 miles) hike up to a point where you can see almost the entire valley. Tough trail, completely worth it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja2Q0VxBE2vRuQRPoN5NuISfHokv9bpReM1Xl-jKjoAvAGy1zH1vMuVyny7LqMNtsTtB4klTFXjkGSNHrlia6dJYm37wFie_ScX5JLd6BfEf6wUAWxrtdN1wbwI-doiy7DNOqE15xz-E/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja2Q0VxBE2vRuQRPoN5NuISfHokv9bpReM1Xl-jKjoAvAGy1zH1vMuVyny7LqMNtsTtB4klTFXjkGSNHrlia6dJYm37wFie_ScX5JLd6BfEf6wUAWxrtdN1wbwI-doiy7DNOqE15xz-E/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3JDXd7dHT0KFN9xOaRjZpumED1WSl0kbSpk5M5J6EP3aiU1m17Au0WUghDbWpg61iLIqrkiZgB6o6IqBz38OzMkgrTUY30ea02uEFurbSnas0YXhroyarr9MP82FAdwhRAVSjDGOzik/s1600/IMAG0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3JDXd7dHT0KFN9xOaRjZpumED1WSl0kbSpk5M5J6EP3aiU1m17Au0WUghDbWpg61iLIqrkiZgB6o6IqBz38OzMkgrTUY30ea02uEFurbSnas0YXhroyarr9MP82FAdwhRAVSjDGOzik/s1600/IMAG0150.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq-4AxVUyc3i0mFBQbfqkI1HL78LEKk2lTUxY6Y9SJedTzvVJXAp8g2fyheHXLYnECNne2Ws8RMiM6kzJWpYayx2z1qrGmFtcnFkwQNjads-hb9oWu0P7YASVUIF5PVxB8Pbhx1cac0w/s1600/IMAG0153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq-4AxVUyc3i0mFBQbfqkI1HL78LEKk2lTUxY6Y9SJedTzvVJXAp8g2fyheHXLYnECNne2Ws8RMiM6kzJWpYayx2z1qrGmFtcnFkwQNjads-hb9oWu0P7YASVUIF5PVxB8Pbhx1cac0w/s1600/IMAG0153.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzG3bciFkzOugAceHl6z7Wt9COdwe2CIAQCtNKjnoVar8Ep4v5PlLPbJ8OH-Ru-hk_AJ5aCOOUhiokyCJP0hR4OP1f0DXD5qYCeQ8AtN-R_TKDkpbHBfrVeuJr9L2xG1nnsFWB8ZFFUo/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzG3bciFkzOugAceHl6z7Wt9COdwe2CIAQCtNKjnoVar8Ep4v5PlLPbJ8OH-Ru-hk_AJ5aCOOUhiokyCJP0hR4OP1f0DXD5qYCeQ8AtN-R_TKDkpbHBfrVeuJr9L2xG1nnsFWB8ZFFUo/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjKDt178feaE-5xQAP3h0WJBh4068s9u75YcXjX8Lq1ytpTVpb_Q3CvWlNIPLx0aX2qM-SuTJT8syXcSF7NlXf2BSQQ08XwVa7l6X0rK9YoQiXsrmIL8cGbq0498vUz5xDMBsBpp3iE8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjKDt178feaE-5xQAP3h0WJBh4068s9u75YcXjX8Lq1ytpTVpb_Q3CvWlNIPLx0aX2qM-SuTJT8syXcSF7NlXf2BSQQ08XwVa7l6X0rK9YoQiXsrmIL8cGbq0498vUz5xDMBsBpp3iE8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubwbJ3482c9ydc5_3Fex1wxU4l4-Qom1fIwNCw0925VUesJx3qsHNKkX_z2EFYbrbF2EKC6_1XlLnujgghn5_Q4itpGortsdXVLuaHzmgtX9qFHUjAqmzRM_5A43rPl_pKH02u0nD2u0/s1600/IMAG0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubwbJ3482c9ydc5_3Fex1wxU4l4-Qom1fIwNCw0925VUesJx3qsHNKkX_z2EFYbrbF2EKC6_1XlLnujgghn5_Q4itpGortsdXVLuaHzmgtX9qFHUjAqmzRM_5A43rPl_pKH02u0nD2u0/s1600/IMAG0154.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignvxXRYEHlGrCXmEMNbOwdK7LIBwUiakgw_9znJU2Vn9c4FECgKRjEGRXBebeodj0Emy-OjLR889ce7BsL2hyphenhyphenYeFliH8wASLGlxmXb0pjq3oU2Ob2C_Dbp4AzoJKDOWQxGo667oOP3aI/s1600/photo+1.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignvxXRYEHlGrCXmEMNbOwdK7LIBwUiakgw_9znJU2Vn9c4FECgKRjEGRXBebeodj0Emy-OjLR889ce7BsL2hyphenhyphenYeFliH8wASLGlxmXb0pjq3oU2Ob2C_Dbp4AzoJKDOWQxGo667oOP3aI/s1600/photo+1.2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci4fdfisNCuDDY8kVUgoZp89oAg1VyRnhAUotingqrlZJ1yLO7eEyxNkD4y_VzmvkeCpsitxrBoDBK555rT0JDwPoirRnfZO5B-1d7Wam5-HQeNc8ZNkAs4o-rxT-hJ7oEtNznTbXGOw/s1600/photo+1.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci4fdfisNCuDDY8kVUgoZp89oAg1VyRnhAUotingqrlZJ1yLO7eEyxNkD4y_VzmvkeCpsitxrBoDBK555rT0JDwPoirRnfZO5B-1d7Wam5-HQeNc8ZNkAs4o-rxT-hJ7oEtNznTbXGOw/s1600/photo+1.3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New favorite picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were pretty well beat after that hike so we took the bus back to the car. We went and had a look at the Bloody Foreland which, with the rain, wasn't as impressive as perhaps it could have been. We decided to be a bit lazy again and have dinner in the hotel another night. So after a soak in the hot tub and dip in the pool it was dinner and lounging around. Oh, plus it was Halloween so there were cute little kids staying in the hotel running around in their costumes.<br />
<br />
Next day was another Irish breakfast and slowly getting ourselves together to hit the road. Have I mentioned how much the Scarecrow loves me and how good he is to me? He even stopped in the POURING rain in Sligo so I could see W.B. Yeats' grave. Yes people, that is love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFV1uHwwHEJhPUeSSFbBG6gm3V6rQGJDOOrsmc3HzRp0hPM1-jX5AXG-PLBbc_Rqf5fJeyzpP49KaIbedIvyPlVmfVLzGIRxfWDipGBZJxPQMchtobd6FHyLhMY2e0hcpK1PUQuKzB2M/s1600/IMAG0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFV1uHwwHEJhPUeSSFbBG6gm3V6rQGJDOOrsmc3HzRp0hPM1-jX5AXG-PLBbc_Rqf5fJeyzpP49KaIbedIvyPlVmfVLzGIRxfWDipGBZJxPQMchtobd6FHyLhMY2e0hcpK1PUQuKzB2M/s1600/IMAG0157.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
All in all it was a great trip. The rest of the week went quietly. Just a couple more pictures to display. The first one is just after the Scarecrow was given a heart attack by this furry little dog toy that is a motion sensor. He leaned in close to read the sign next to it and I thought he'd been shot he jumped so high. Priceless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4VfEC_T7fJTxxVsidEzfjS-psHSzGW8uiTaLGjPWCYlDilTho7O-NsmiILZ1JNwBd1EfHOxy-1NRuFL-TG9Yniz9jxciJEgJqpfibT08-pa3Ex1cIETViTavPWNBoyMlSI6FlbUpN8I/s1600/IMAG0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4VfEC_T7fJTxxVsidEzfjS-psHSzGW8uiTaLGjPWCYlDilTho7O-NsmiILZ1JNwBd1EfHOxy-1NRuFL-TG9Yniz9jxciJEgJqpfibT08-pa3Ex1cIETViTavPWNBoyMlSI6FlbUpN8I/s1600/IMAG0158.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
And lastly, my Button turned 1 year old! Grief, how did she get so big so quick? And by big I mean still itty-bitty but at least bigger than she once was. And a big thanks to my sister for making the bow at least somewhat proportional to the size of her little head. That is hands down my biggest baby pet peeve. That's all from Oz! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIKovOh0A-L2xZb8OaLsFBuGBKCgsgSqRWW2B2l2WQdC0u2CqRf7E3FR2nOXB5z6pGPjZv5SyCNloK1xs8OZT-pLzFW4uQui5BJhYUViS5l3Hli0aWuKewm-KJaTeDhzn4TbuZojixnk/s1600/IMG-20121029-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIKovOh0A-L2xZb8OaLsFBuGBKCgsgSqRWW2B2l2WQdC0u2CqRf7E3FR2nOXB5z6pGPjZv5SyCNloK1xs8OZT-pLzFW4uQui5BJhYUViS5l3Hli0aWuKewm-KJaTeDhzn4TbuZojixnk/s1600/IMG-20121029-WA0000.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-49733665657420112632012-10-29T04:57:00.003-07:002012-10-29T04:57:33.103-07:00Holiday in OzEveryone loves baby llamas! At least I think that's what they are since it's a little late to be shearing sheep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOKE7khAI3Aac4MFqnwwx9UCb1Y7U4pDKiN0SitAJ_mq-iB_sZjPfD5fG-na0hiMBuPBFVXHBitOh2rc8DD_34SY_Q4STEOjQ-tGGbdccKz12bOv_t3IM_-3er8ehXZ3OixBOLLrMwgE/s1600/IMAG0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOKE7khAI3Aac4MFqnwwx9UCb1Y7U4pDKiN0SitAJ_mq-iB_sZjPfD5fG-na0hiMBuPBFVXHBitOh2rc8DD_34SY_Q4STEOjQ-tGGbdccKz12bOv_t3IM_-3er8ehXZ3OixBOLLrMwgE/s1600/IMAG0119.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is where I tell you all how awesome my husband is. Seriously, he is the best thing. I don't brag on him nearly as much as I should. I've been...lonely. There, I said the words out loud to someone other than the Scarecrow. Bless his heart, he came home from work one day and I sort of melted down. Poor guy, he really didn't see it coming. So I've been trying to keep myself busy outside of the house. The Dooradoyle library and I have become excellent friends over the past couple of weeks. Some days it's easier to get out of the house than others, especially on the days that the Scarecrow has to take the car to work. I know it's not uncommon for expats to feel like this. Anyone that moves to a new city I'm sure deals with trying to find their place in it. I'm pretty sure "Eat, Pray, Love" is one of my new favorite books and there is a line that said, "Happiness is the consequence of personal efforts". So this is me, making a personal effort. I went to IKEA in Dublin with a couple of ladies from church this week which was a great excuse to do something different. Had a really great time with them and it reminded me how much I love IKEA. I didn't expect this move to be easy. Easy or not, it's completely worth it to be in the same place as Scarecrow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fun Irish tid-bit for the week: Bank Holiday Mondays. It's a free day basically, random holidays tossed in throughout the year for reasons that no one really seems to understand. Mind you, my day has been pretty similar to any other. The only special thing I did was bake bread. Good news, it's delicious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_y4-LyBJg_gzIy7Nv_VKT-2eQRytcQoc5Uix14h3_50B8sRRWVS1RFfSrQD4FFaTYh-8b1aIK7inZrlJv9MmprydqOYYmcc_YvvEq0uOptLKz5NrDmtIhGDrzvVOTL7UEX7qkwuYuRg/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_y4-LyBJg_gzIy7Nv_VKT-2eQRytcQoc5Uix14h3_50B8sRRWVS1RFfSrQD4FFaTYh-8b1aIK7inZrlJv9MmprydqOYYmcc_YvvEq0uOptLKz5NrDmtIhGDrzvVOTL7UEX7qkwuYuRg/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
But Scarecrow is off work this week and only had to take 4 days
holiday because of today. Score! We're heading up to Donegal for a couple days which we're
really excited about. Pictures to come!Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952576531309238444.post-80240262173726513832012-10-15T05:45:00.001-07:002012-10-15T05:45:50.178-07:00Over the rainbowI really couldn't help myself. We all knew it was going to happen, it's Ireland after all. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a rainbow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_DFpC5c-xdyl0MT4THqTf80NGjM75VxseB4LGKEe-A54TQTznQkgbBgm7tHk6FbkSJj3-aZLxngM9POVQVRY74S9lrifFDuN4CEeGoXYU-G8Hl7-CO_gn5OCRhd5VWIOSO_1n6902yg/s1600/IMAG0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_DFpC5c-xdyl0MT4THqTf80NGjM75VxseB4LGKEe-A54TQTznQkgbBgm7tHk6FbkSJj3-aZLxngM9POVQVRY74S9lrifFDuN4CEeGoXYU-G8Hl7-CO_gn5OCRhd5VWIOSO_1n6902yg/s320/IMAG0096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I saw it when I was out walking Maybell. Or was she walking me? Shes does this thing were she holds her leash in her mouth so it's hard to tell who is actually leading the walk. One of her many little quirks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea2J8jFvfPLvTzLHOtyyfGtbLjuS6ej1_xO0R6aOGeXIUW5NQ8sZGLncBnj_12pW8mDCS-MUebC0YsAfnM0eGniJ30GB3pYL1r7YHHpO_bWag5ddCzdMWXnVaNwE4RV4frzO6LV1iaqI/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea2J8jFvfPLvTzLHOtyyfGtbLjuS6ej1_xO0R6aOGeXIUW5NQ8sZGLncBnj_12pW8mDCS-MUebC0YsAfnM0eGniJ30GB3pYL1r7YHHpO_bWag5ddCzdMWXnVaNwE4RV4frzO6LV1iaqI/s320/IMAG0098.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
One of my big accomplishments last week? Reversing into a tiny parking spot at the Crescent Shopping Mall. I rarely ever did that in an automatic, let alone a manual transmission! I've done it a few times now and I must say, I'm getting pretty decent. Look how centered! This one I think I only had to adjust 3 times. The overall number of times that I stall out is much less as well. Little victories people, take them when you can get 'em.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUTioF1pBypbrjvZPT2wJW2UZzJsi5_Rvszdvp5nADfFxe9sj2BQ2UUZpS8vWO6uzRi6OpfIX7_3BUD7BRQul9hIcaE8fJAsqWC8RuQarmx_axzTZjsLH1UP84DhLeekaWasuGaPkGhM/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUTioF1pBypbrjvZPT2wJW2UZzJsi5_Rvszdvp5nADfFxe9sj2BQ2UUZpS8vWO6uzRi6OpfIX7_3BUD7BRQul9hIcaE8fJAsqWC8RuQarmx_axzTZjsLH1UP84DhLeekaWasuGaPkGhM/s320/IMAG0090.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Saturday was probably one of the nicest, most relaxing days the Scarecrow and I have had in awhile. Woke up at a respectable hour and then lounged in bed watching Top Gear (yes, we're that cool). He then proceeded to make Nutella pancakes. They're really crepes if we're being accurate but he refuses to concede that they're anything but pancakes. Call them whatever you like, I love this man! Got up, got grubby and went out to pick blackberries. It's getting to the end of the season but we still got nearly 3 lbs. worth. There's a field just by our house that has blackberry bushes all around it. If you've never done it before I warn you, you've got to really want them. We were out for a couple of hours to get that 3 lbs., not to mention the scars we are both sporting now from reaching through the thorns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyko8syqksRVaHWy7pEnA8WfjmmvMLAY37JZ8xZHiDjjFobijUil37M0D6Wa_58U17qAntuvGoVW8DaLjWB8wOALsgEyMhIS6MM6jzJltExNksJrC9v3_PLyb6G2qJZ8NHuWxBGVAlgY/s1600/IMAG0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyko8syqksRVaHWy7pEnA8WfjmmvMLAY37JZ8xZHiDjjFobijUil37M0D6Wa_58U17qAntuvGoVW8DaLjWB8wOALsgEyMhIS6MM6jzJltExNksJrC9v3_PLyb6G2qJZ8NHuWxBGVAlgY/s320/IMAG0108.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Came back, washed the dog (who was FILTHY after tramping through the field with us) and washed a couple of the cars. We tried out a couple new recipes and surprised ourselves with how good they really were. Going to have to keep those in the back pocket. Yesterday as well was really nice. I taught the Young Women's lesson and came home to find some company at the house. My sister and brother in-law had made a lovely dinner and we all ate, relaxed and just enjoyed the day.<br />
<br />
I don't really have an Irish quirk this week, but more of an observation. I recently checked out the book Eat, Pray, Love from the library. Yes, I now have a library card here. I think that makes the move really official. It's been a really great read, I was inspired to pick it up by my girl who is currently teaching English in Bali. <a href="http://erinkdoyle2.blogspot.ie/2012_09_30_archive.html" target="_blank">She is fabulous.</a> Anyway, even if you've seen the movie you'll remember when she is in Italy and they're talking about when a city has a word. It's the thing that everyone seems to always be thinking, the word of the street that singularly defines the city. Of course they go on to say that Rome's word is SEX while New York City is ACHIEVE. I looked out the window and tried to think what the word on the street in Limerick is. I'm sure others would contest me on this point, but I have to say that Limerick's word is HOPE. Limerick was hit really hard by the recession, boasting one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. And yet the people here seem to hope for everything. I hope I find a job, I hope the rain clears, I hope Ireland qualifies for the World Cup (in that case I think their word might be DELUSIONAL). <br />
<br />
What is the word on the street in your city? Post your city and your word here. Doesn't matter if someone else has already posted for that city. I'm excited to see what you all come up with.<br />
<br />Halleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912659113492919090noreply@blogger.com2