A
- Available: Yep
- Age: 23
- Annoyance: Miller Media Group and the economy
- Animal: Three legged kittens.

B
- Birthday: January 8
- Best Friend: I'd have to say my sister tops the list.
- Body Part on opposite sex: arms, chest, hair
- Been in Love: Yes
- Been on stage: Yep
- Believe in Magic: Not so much.
- Believe in Santa: No, you see, I'm an adult.

C
- Candy: Starburst
- Color: Blue is good, so is red and clear.
- Chocolate/Vanilla: Chocolate
- Chinese/Mexican: Depends on my mood.
- Cake or pie: Depends on the pie.
- Cheese: A nice Irish cheddar, but goat cheese and Munster is pretty Gouda too.

D
- Day or Night: Night fo sho
- Dancing in the rain: as long as it isn't cold
E
- Eyes: Blue-green
- Everyone's got: a mother?
F
- First thoughts waking up today: Meeting with Craig. Shit.
- Food: Oranges.

G
- Goals: Work at a place that doesn't treat me like a second class employee.
- Gum: Yes, please.
- Get along with your parents?: Mostly
H
- Hair Color: Blondie blondie blondie
- Height: 5'3''
- Holiday: Christmas is pretty awesome. So is Halloween.
- How do you want to die? Memorably without being gruesome.

I
- Ice Cream: I'm a fan of the classics. Give me cookie dough, or give me death!
- Instrument: Trumpet.

J
- Jewelry: Ship's wheel necklace and claddagh ring.
- Job: Pissing me off.

K
- Kids: No.
- Keep a journal?: Yes.

L
- Love: Is the subject of way too many bad songs.
- Letter: L. W.
- Laughed so hard you cried: Not in a looong time.
- Milk flavor: The kind where I don't really like drinking it.
- Movies: Some Like it Hot.
- Motion sickness?: Yes and Ick.
- McD’s or BK?: No, thanks.

N
- Number: Those are for math students. I went to art school.

O
- One wish: Functional gig.

P
- Pepsi/Coke: Coke
- Perfect Pizza: Sassage.

Q
- Quail: Not for eating!

R
- Reason to cry: The economic downturn and it's affect on my ability to work a full time job or pay my bills.
- Reality T.V.: Rock of Love: Bus, Project Runway
- Radio Station: NPR
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Why, yes I can.

S
- Song: Paradise by the Dashboard Lights- Meatloaf (I'm not changing this answer on the basis that it is IMPOSSIBLE to improve on perfection.)
- Shoe size: 9
- Salad Dressing: Light ranch or french, not both.
- Sushi: not so much.
- Skinny dipped?: no
- Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries

T
- Tattoos?: no
- Time for bed: Between 11-2
- Thunderstorms: Always!

U
- Unpredictable: I try.

V
- Vacation spot(s): Ireland, Rome, Key West, Central America

W
- Weakness: None. I'm invicible.
- Worst feeling: Despair.
- Wanted to be a model: well, I went to college AND did well, so... no.
- Worst Weather?: Winter in Chicago.

X
- X-Rays: Leg and chest.

Y
- Year of the: Tiger! (Can't argue with that one either.)

Z...
- Zoo animal: Baby wombat!

This is an open letter to the person who doesn't want the NewsShopper.
Dear subscriber:
As a courtesy for subscribing to my newspaper we gladly deliver the NewsShopper to you periodically. It will be bursting with coupons and advertisements from local businesses! Those advertisers pay top dollar to have an ad run in the NewsShopper, and those ad revenues keep our publication in business. This way we can continue to hunt down the big stories and have those delivered to your door as well.
From what I can ascertain, however, you have no interest in receiving the NewsShopper, no matter what values lie inside.
Judging by your reaction, it seems that you are almost offended when you receive these deals.
But if you don't wish to receive these deals please feel free to call us. If you give us your name and address and ask politely, we will happily remove you from the NewsShopper list.
But if you continue to stockpile your old copies for months and eventually throw them in my parking space, I don't know who you are and can't stop them from coming to your humble abode.
But maybe I've got it wrong. Maybe you truly enjoy reading the NewsShopper and would like us to pass the savings along to someone else when you are through with them?
Maybe this is just some sort of game to you? Is it a form of social protest against the consumer driven lives that many Americans and residents of Bureau County lead? Honestly, give us a call, we'll be happy to straighten everything out.
But Mr. or Ms. Anti-NewsShopper, passive aggressively throwing your old NewsShoppers at my parking space doesn't do anybody any good.
Honestly, it's more confusing than anything else.
Sincerely,
Lindsay, Princeton Reporter

At one point in time I was able to just go to sleep. God damn

1] Two names​ you go by?
Lindsay, and Wendy to people who mishear my name on the phone.

2] Four thing​s you are weari​ng right​ now?
I'm in my pajamas and they don't add up to four things


3] Are you in a relat​ionsh​ip?​
No

4] Have you ever been given​ a rose?​
Yes. They're cliched.


5] Have you ever licke​d a photo​?​
Why would I lick a photo?

6] At some point​ this year did you love someo​ne?
Probably not in the way the question intended.


7] Do you belie​ve that every​one has a soul-​mate?​
Meh


8] What'​s your curre​nt probl​ems?​
The fact that it's 5 am and I really would prefer to be asleep.

9] Have you ever had your heart​ broke​n?​
That's how the game is played, sometimes.


11] Are you a loser​?​
Aren't we all?


12] How many kids do you want to have
Zero. Zero children.


13] What is/​are your favor​ite color​s?​
The colorful ones. And clear.



15] Have you ever found​ it hard to tell anyon​e you like them?​
I rely on my wit, charm and good looks to do that for me.

16] Imagi​ne you'​re 40 & your spous​e just died would​ you get re-​marri​ed??
40 is the new 30, so I don't see why not.



17] At what age did you start​ notic​ing the oppos​ite sex?
The normal age.


18] What song do you want playe​d at your weddi​ng?​
My Way-Sinatra
Really. IDK.


19] Do You Like Anyone??
I like most of the people I talk to.

20] Do you think​ the perso​n you like likes​ you back?​
Maybe maybe.

21] Have you ever wrote​ a love song?​
I have never written any song.

22] Do you want to get marri​ed?​
It's not a high priority.

23) Are you a shy perso​n?​
Apparently not.


24) Did u have a good day today​?​
Meh, it was mostly good.


25) Where​ did u just get back from?
My bed, where I've spent the last two hours trying to sleep.


26)​What are you think​ing about​?​
Getting to sleep.

27) If u could​ chang​e somet​hing about​ u or anyth​ing what would​ it be
I would be the spawn of Heidi Klum and Seal, that would ensure I would be one good looking lady.

29) Whose​ the close​st perso​n to you?
Physically? I'd have to get a tape measure and wake somebody up.

Would you shave your head if a family member asked you to because they had cancer?
Shit, probably. That question is a downer.

Did the one person who hurt you the most in your life apologize?
No. It's probably better that we don't speak.

Are you good at hiding your feelings?
Relatively.

Are you wasting your time on someone?
Nope.

Explain the last time you threw up:
Damn you Guinness!

Last thing that made you cry:
Oh hell, IDK. Hormones?

Do you have a bad temper?
I don't think so.

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
We'll cross that bridge when/if we come to it.

How many funerals have you been to in your lifetime?
I haven't kept count.

How often do you think about suicide?
No.

What is your deepest fear?
Children. Scary things.

Do you REALLY love all your family?
Well that depends on how you define ALL my family.

What do you want to believe in?
Fermaids.

Do you have a secret crush on someone?
If I have a crush, it usually isn't a secret to someone.

Are you proud of who you are?
Quite.

Do you feel alone even in crowded rooms?
Don't we all, sometimes?

What is the worst thing a person could do to you and still be forgiven?
What? Am I supposed to draw this line now? No. That is a case by case scenario.

You're dying in 10 seconds, what are your last words to your best friend?
Hi I'm Duffy and I'll be dead in 10 seconds.

...to your worst enemy?
I hope we end up in different parts of Hell, but because it's Hell I guess I'll see you there.

Do you care if people hate you?
Not really.

Freedom or safety?
Freedom! There is no way to completely ensure safety, but you can always ensure freedom.

Think of a random person, and give them a message here, no names:
Stop going to those meetings!

Has a song ever made you cry?
Yes

A book ever made you cry?
Yes

Is the world crumbling to pieces?
No, it's melting, but not crumbling.

Name on moment where you couldn't control your rage:
Orange juice.

Name one moment where you sincerely wanted to just die:
No.

For the last one, just say anything you want, anything at all:
Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THIS SURVEY!

MySpace Surveys

2008 was an eventful year for me. Here are some of my favorite highlights, in no particular order:

Politically:
Barack Obama elected President
Rod Blagojevich arrested on Federal corruption charges
Fidel Castro retires, putting me one step closer to a trip to Cuba

Pop Culturally:
O.J. Simpson finally goes to prison
Michael Phelps becomes the winningist Olympian ever
Heath Ledger dies and subsequently reinvents The Joker
Britney Spears hits absolute rock bottom in January and bounces back by December
Obama brushes "Dirt off his shoulders," channeling Jay-Z.
Sarah Palin sees Russia from her house and loses the vice-presidency
Saturday Night Live becomes relevant again, if only for 15 minutes.
Joe the Plumber becomes incredibly annoying.

Favorite Shows I Attended:
The Streets with Mixmaster Mike in Dublin
Warped Tour, 2008 with Ryan and Aubrey in Tinley Park
THe Mighty Mighty Bosstones with Ryan in Chicago

Favorite Nights Out:
Paddy's Day at Whelan's
The Pub on Inis Mor with the Kiwis
Spying on Megan and Collie's first date with Rachel, and Miri

Favorite Places:
Inis Mor
Butler's near the Liffey
Parque Guell in Barcelona
Blarney Castle
Sao Paulo
St. Peter's Basillica
The Gothic Barrio
Mont Serrat
Howth

My Favorite New People:
Andy
Rachel
Carol
Fr. Sam
Miriam
Megan
Liddy

Personal Victories:
Graduating College
Getting a real newspaper job
Wandering around Europe alone

Personal Failures:
Feeling Invisible
Feeling small but worldly
Sticking out
Getting knocked from my high horse
Realizing how much I hate home

Favorite Moments:
Feeling small but worldly
Being mistaken for French and German in the same week in Spain
Walking along Inish Mor with my adopted dog
Realizing how little I missed home

Favorite Meal:
Chinese food in Rome

Favorite Miscellaneous:
Barcelona Graffiti
Ben-e-dict-o clap clap clap clap clap
Gelaaaaaati!
All the photos that I took, beautiful, happy and sad.

70 Odd Questions



70 Odd Questions
What is your middle name?
Mae

What color is your mailbox?
Brown

Are you single?
Oui

Have you ever hit a deer?
I killed it.

Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home?
No.

What color is your room?
Blue

Do you have a small driveway?
No, it's a parking lot

Do you know anyone with the same ringtone as you?
Not off the top of my head.

What do you do first in the morning?
Snooze

What brand is your printer?
Printy McPrinterson

Do you enjoy fighting with people?
Often

Is your hair naturally straight or curly?
More curly than anything else

Who was your kindergarten teacher?
Ms. Bubon, now Smith

What is your ringtone?
Some classical thing

Are you taller than your mom?
Yes

What curse word do you say the most when your pissed?
Acutally when I'm legitimately pissed I swear very little.

Are you God?
No.

Do you like someone?
I like a lot of people

Do you enjoy writing in colored pens?
Not really.

Does anything hurt on your body right now?
I'm kind of working on a stomach ache

Do you often cry during a movie?
Depends on the movie

Last phone call you received?
Somebody at work, probably Craig.

Last text message?
Probably Jus

Do you hate your life?
What? No.

Do you get mad easily?
Sometimes

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Open cupbords, half full ice trays and people who don't dress up for court

Are you cold?
From October through March.

Do any of your friends have kids?
Yes

Do you know anyone that is pregnant right now?
No

Who should pay on the first date?
Depends. Did he ask me out? Did he choose the location? Is it expensive? Has he pissed me off?

How many years older than you are you willing to date?
Old enough to know better

Do you have any friends?
What the hell kind of question is that?

Do you have any mean friends?
Yes

What is the ugliest color to wear in your opinion?
That depends on a person's coloring. I can't judge.

Have you ever liked someone who all your friends hate?
Yes

Have you ever felt like driving off a cliff, seriously?
No.

Have you ever contemplated suicide?
Weird effing question

Do you scratch your ears?
When they're itchy?

Who was the last person to hug you?
I think Reed at Machelle's

What brand are the pant/jeans you're wearing right now?
This is a no pants party for one.

How tall are you?
5' 3.5"

What is the closest green object?
The phone book has green on it

If you were born the opposite sex, what would your parents name you?
Ryan

Do you want to have kids?
No. They're unpleasant.

What is the brightest color you're wearing?
green

Who is the friend you have that you would never have expected to have?
Andy?

Who do you hate the most right now?
My mildly achy stomach

What kind of car do you want?
A cool one

What is your favorite video game?
The one where I have a real life with real people

Do you like your dad?
Sometimes

Do you have any TV shows on DVD?
Yes

Are you wearing make-up?
No

Do you have a tattoo?
No

Have you ever broken a pinata?
No?

What time is it right now?
2:41 a.m.

Do you know how to draw?
Yes

Who loves orange soda?
Orange Soda Fans of America, or OSFA

Who did you last IM?
Ben, I think

Do you work a lot of hours?
Not enough

Where were you in the last 24 hours?
Mostly Princeton

Who was the last person that called you?
Craig

Is there anything you regret?
Regrets are what shape who we are

Do you know where your family name originated from?
Germany

Is there an animal that creeps you out?
Possums

What is your favorite color ON A CAR?
The one with UNNECESSARY CAPS

Do you use digital or film cameras?
Digital

Do you own an iPod?
Yes

Have you ever been on a charter bus?
Yes

Do you like going to water parks?
Meh.

depths of me.



Get to know me a little better. The questions that really help you to know me. Have fun.
If you could live in any other place, where & why?
Right now I'm torn between Not Heresville and Anywhere Elsetown becuase they aren't the Illinois Valley

What animal best represents you & why?
The non-cliche'd one

What is the craziest thing you ever did?
I once took off on a five day trip alone in a foreign country without letting many other people know where I was going. I climbed cliffs.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be & why?
George Washington so I could meet a man who was 6'20 and fucking killing for fun

If you could go back in time & live in any decade, which would it be & why?
Can't I go forward in time to a period of greater social and economic equality and live in that decade?

If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Flying

Whos is your ultimate celebrity crush?
Billy Idol

What color best represents you?
Blue

What would your life's theme song be?
Adventurous

Who would you cast to play you in a movie?
Angelina Jolie, if she'd go blonde

What celebrity best represents your vision of fashion?
Heidi Klum

What would your life movie be called?
Glory

What is the greatest music video of all time?
Thriller, obviously.

If you could star in any t.v. show, which one would it be?
Mash

What vehicle best represents you?
Rikshaw?

If you could bring back 1 famous person from the dead for a day, who & why?
Abraham Lincoln a'la Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

If you became president, what would you do first?
Pass reasonable legislation

If you got one tattoo, what would it be?
Long considered

If you were on MTV's Made, what would you ask to be?
Respectable enough not to be on MTV

Who do you think is the hottest athlete?
Right now, Kyle Orton

Who do you think is the hottest actor/actress?
Brad Pitt

Who do you think is the hottest musician/singer/rapper?
Lupe Fiasco

Who do you think is the hottest t.v. reality star?
IDK

What sport best represents you & why?
Cricket for obvious reasons

What is your most missed memory of childhood?
Unclear

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Those stamps on the passport.

I've always had a plan.
Up until just recently, when I came to the end of my college career, I've always known what my next step would need to be.
Now that I've reached the end of my college career I have a rough idea about what my next steps are, but now I'm in charge of my own next steps.
It's not that college was a hand-holding experience but there was always the advising center to say "Hey! Take this class next!"
No, it's a matter of sending my resume to every newspaper in America and hoping one of them wants to give me money and hopefully keep me out of a hellishly small town.
But today I realized that I do have a plan.
It's less concrete than all of my previous plans, but I've also never had to be an adult before.
I had a meeting today with a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. She asked me what I want and I gave her my standard answer, the answer that I've been giving everyone for the last 2 years at least when they ask me what I want (it's canned at this point).
But it was almost like an epiphany. My new plan is getting my ideal job, and my ideal job will require a lot of ladder climbing to get to.

I want to be a foreign correspondent.

Problem: Foreign correspondents are a dying breed. The Associated Press is so ubiquitous that most newspapers are just using the wire services for their international news. Also foreign correspondents are expensive. They leave their country to work, as a result, they are highly paid.

However, it's unlikely that they'll go extinct because the larger newspapers still want to have a real rapport with their foreign reporters. Also there will still have to be Americans writing the international news for Americans.

I have a plan.

mon·de·green
Pronunciation: \ˈmän-də-ˌgrēn\
Function:noun
Etymology: from the mishearing in a Scottish ballad of “laid him on the green” as “Lady Mondegreen”
Date:1954
Definition : a word or phrase that results from a mishearing of something said or sung <“very close veins” is a mondegreen for “varicose veins”>

marriedtothesea.com



Hopefully I won't have to feel this way for long.
L

Does the last person you kissed have any importance in your life?
We chat.




Do you currently have a hickey? Where?
No, I graduated from high school, thanks.



Who was the last person you talked to on the telephone?
My dad apparently.



What were you doing at 7am?
Sleeping on the couch in the square.

What was the reason you last cried?
I don't remember that.



What was the last movie you saw in theater and with who?
Be Kind Rewind with Carol and Liddy



What are you seriously wearing?
seriously?
I'm seriously wearing River Island jeans and an Aeropostale tee.
((It's not so bad being trendy... everyone who looks like me is my friend.))

How many red lights have you ran?
Total? More than 2 less than 2000

Is there anything that you are craving for right now?
A nap would be nice, but I'll just wait for my second wind.




What did you do yesterday?
Attempted to get shit done. Failed.



What did you do last night?
Finished the work I should have done yesterday. Watched TV, fell asleep at 3 am.

Do you drink tea?
On occasion.

Is anyone on your bad side right now?
There are always a few people I never want to talk to.

What jewelry are you wearing?
Old onyx earrings, the claddagh I picked up in Galway and my sailor necklace.

Do you clean when you’re upset?
Sometimes.

Would you ever dye your hair blonde?
Blondie Blondie Blondie.



How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I don't care to count, but a few should probably go.

Do you know anyone who’s pregnant?
I don't think so.

Can you make brownies without having to look at the directions?
No

Do you talk to a person you like?
It's probable that if I talk to you, I like you.


Any plans for tomorrow?
Lunch with Laux.

Do you still talk to the person who broke your heart the worst?
No.


Are you a flirt?
Get a few cocktails in me and I can be.

Have you ever made out with someone you weren't dating?
It's one of my favorite hobbies.



Has anybody on your friends list ever admitted to liking you?
Yes

Would you kiss anyone on your friends list?
Which friends list?

Whats the one thing that always gets you through a bad day?
Oranges are nice.

Would you kiss an ugly person for $1,000?
I want to say no, but I have bills to pay.




Do you usually tell people when they hurt your feelings?
I don't get hurt easily. But if I do, I'll sure as hell let you know.

Do your initials spell out a word?
LMW, nope.



Where is the last place you went to go eat?
Aubrey's apartment.

Have you bought any clothing items in the past week?
I'm considering purchasing a dress today, but it's in the works.



Do you sing in the shower?
No, there are better places to sing.

Do you want to have a boy/girl friend this summer?
The single life is treating me pretty well, I think I'll stick with that.



When you look at your cell phone do you usually have a message?
I look at my cell phone when it tells me I have a message.

What did you do today?
Went to class, then went shopping.

Where is your sister?
In the next room

Do you have your own personal diary?
My blog/journal/random entries on my comp.



What is your favorite tv show?
Seasonally? Lost.
Year round? Scrubs and The Office.

Has anyone told you they want to spend the rest of their life with you?
Not explicitly, but it was implied.
Clearly that ended well.


Who is the last person you had a deep meaningful conversation with?
My keyboard. It was a very one sided convo.

What's on your mind right now?
You were always on my miiiiiiind.



Do you tell your best friend EVERYTHING?
Everyone is entitled to their secrets.

How old do you look?
Old enough to know better.



What was the last book you read?
Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters and Seymour an Introduction.
By J.D. Salinger.




Does anyone hate you?
Probably, it's only fair.



Are you happy with life?
I'm not in the ideal place, but I'm not doing too bad.


Can you handle the truth?
You can't.



Anything you'd like to say to anyone?
Purple Monkey Dishwasher.

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
Depends on the situation and how much I don't like them.

Did you cry today?
No.

A dog followed me home today. I'd like to keep him but it seems like more effort than it's worth transporting him.
I woke up this morning, had breakfast, bought expensive sunblock and started walking.
I walked everywhere. By my best estimate I probably walked 17ish miles today. Parts of it were through brier patches. Brier patches suck. I climbed all over a number of ancient forts and a number of ancient churches. I found where 4 saints are (allegedly) buried and a holy well next to them. I climbed to the top of some very tall cliffs and saw some beautiful sights.
((I like the ocean.))
If I had dived in and started swimming, eventually I would have hit the U.S. But I thought it would just be easier/faster to wait until Monday and fly home at the scheduled time.
Over today and yesterday I have taken well over 400 pictures. I'll try to get those up before I come home.
I did see an old man try to herd cattle using a stick, a dog and what sounded like Irish language swear words. Again, Irish isn't my first language.
Tonight, I am very very tired.
I'll sleep like a log tonight.

I've been awake since 7.30.
At 8.30 I purchased a €6 return student bus ticket to Rossaveal.
At 9.30 the bus departed.
At 10.30 the ferry departed from Rossaveal heading south to Kilronan on the Island of Inis Mor.
At 11.30 I landed back on solid ground after what could be honestly described as the best time I've ever had at sea. They had never been calmer.
I rented a bike and spent much of the day exploring the island. It isn't a big place but the bike had a 5pm curfew and I was on foot and tired after that. There is a lot I need to see yet.
I biked around the island and climbed on the ruins of centuries old churches, and staring horses face to face. The sea here is clear and green and the sky today was accented only by a few wispy clouds.
I was told that the world's smallest church (by reputation) was here. So I went to find it. I came to a gate and assumed that the gate meant that I wasn't supposed to go any further, but apparently to get anywhere here you have to abandon your bike and hop fences. It's assumed that if you put up walls to keep your cows in, there will be people wandering through your cow filled fields to go look at ruined buildings.
The world's smallest church (by reputation) was pretty small. It was probably only 7 feet long and 6 feet wide. And it was in ruins, no roof, no floor.
I found a graveyard filled with celtic crosses and Irish language epitaphs. Being a person who enjoys wandering around old cemeteries I was understandably excited at this prospect. Inside you can find St. Bridget's church, left over from the 6th century. It had obviously been excavated, because you can't see it from the road. It was a surprise.
It's been a pretty quiet night so far. There are a number of us watching movies in the common room. This place turned into a ghost town after the 5 o'clock ferry left and it has gotten a little too chilly to sit outside so I'm making hostel friends.
I'll be going up to the cliffs tomorrow. They're predicting excellent weather again so I anticipate getting more sunburned than I already am.
With any luck I'll be coming back from Ireland with a tan.
Pictures to follow, hopefully before I get home.
LMW

So, I'm on the road again. But there hasn't been much to report on so far so I'm going to discuss my voyages this week to Howth.
Howth is a suburb about 25 minutes north of Dublin if you're taking the DART. It's a seaside little village that takes up the whole peninsula known as Howth Head. I went up there on Wednesday because I realized my time in Ireland is short and I wanted to take advantage of it. I got off the train and began wandering. Being that I had brought no literature with me telling me where to go I just kind of wandered. Shortly, I found myself in the village of Howth, the only thing worth noting about the village itself was the ruined 14th century church with the knight and his wife buried inside. They did have fairly impressive sarcophagi. And the surrounding cemetery, was kind of nice for those of us who enjoy wandering around cemeteries, I headed up the path that a local told me to follow to reach the cliffs. The local did not tell me it would be an hour walk, but it was. It was through a very residential part of town and not worth mentioning.
The cliffs themselves are what you think of when you think of Ireland. Verdant, hills leading down towards a sea. Jagged rocks jut out from the ground injecting sharp gray points into the view. There was a lighthouse and plenty of ships. It was nice. Yellow flowers grow in patches to break up the green/gray. It was, however, quite cold.
I went again with Carol and Liddy on Saturday but we went to a different part of the peninsula. This time we went to the beach. It was colder still, but sunny. It wasn't the sort of beach you play on or build sandcastles out of but it WAS a beach. I collected a few shells, Liddy made fun of me. This time the three of us packed a picnic linner and ate on the rocks by the OTHER lighthouse. They get two. It was a pleasant experience.
This blog is fairly boring, but the day was not.
Today I got on a bus and headed to Galway, on the west cost of Ireland. Tomorrow, I'm getting on a ferry and heading to the big island of Inis Mor where I'll stay for two nights. It should be fairly pleasant. I'll probably head back to Dublin on Wednesday.
I wandered around Galway today. In the center of the town is Kennedy Park, named after the American President Kennedy. They love him here. It's a cute little town but there really isn't much going on. Tomorrow is a bank holiday, so a lot of people have off of work and I'm told I may have to fight for a seat on the ferry. I'm prepared.
I'm sharing a hostel room with 4 French chicks, 2 Spaniards and one Aussie. We bonded, but our relationship will be short lived.
I'll make new hostel friends tomorrow.
That's all I've got.
LMW

I've just booked one night at a hostel in Galway and two at a smaller place in the Aran Islands. I'll be sleeping steps away from the shore on Inis Mor, the largest island.
I won't be telling my roommates about my trip until I'm just about to leave. This is just one of those things that I want to do on my own.
I suspect my roommates don't read this, but if you guys do and you haven't been telling me I just want to say:
"I have no problem with anyone. I'm not mad or angry or annoyed. We're fine. I just want to go hang out on an island by myself for a few days. Don't freak out and don't be offended. I just suspect that if I mention it beforehand someone will want to jump on the bandwagon and I would prefer this to be a one-person bandwagon."
Crisis averted.
Again I'd like to reiterate that I will be going to a sparesly populated area where blonde people don't stand out and English is a common (though not primary) language.
I'll be fine. How many shenanigans can I get into anyway?
Besides, I like the ocean and the ocean likes me.

Brilliant-Adj. Used to describe something impressive or good.
Grand-Adj. Something that is fine, or OK.
Fair play-Something is OK or as expected.
Fair enough-Something is OK or as expected.
Sounds fair-Something is OK or as expected.
Sound-Adj. Something good.
What's the craic?-What's up?
The craic is mighty.-Good. The proper response for "What's the craic?"
Massive-Adj. Something impressive, good or important.
You're a legend.-Used colloquially to say that what you are doing is great, brave.
Bloke-Man
Chicken-Woman, specifically girlfriend.
Rubbish-Trash, not always used literally.
Bollocks-Noun, bollocks.
Stroked-Stolen
Deadly-Impressive, awesome.
Whilst-an antiquated word for "while"
Ages-a long time
Thirty Three (prounounced "Turty Tree")-the number "33."
Arse-Ass
Get your skates on-hurry up
Stones-unit of measurement
Mate-friend
Fresh as a daisy-Megan Laux
Chips-French Fries
Crisps-Potato chips
Shite-Shit
Mad-Crazy, wild
Brekky-breakfast
Alcopops-Malt beverages such as Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Breezers
Maths (pronounced "mats")-Math class
Monobrow-Unibrow
Pissed-Drunk
Defo-Definately
Ginger-A red headed person, see "Fresh as a daisy."
Feck-Fuck
Take-away-Take out
Had a laugh-Laughed
Give us a shout-Does not necessarily refer to a plural number of people, Call us, let us know.
Knacker-Redneck
Knickers-Ladies' undergarments
Here's my pitch-This is what I have to say
Bell me-Call me
Ring me-Bell me
Boozer-pub
Off license-Liquor store
Eejit-Idiot
Cheers-Thanks
Slainte-Literally "health" in Irish, said when drinking.
Slagging-Making fun of
Snookered-In a tight situation
What's the story-What's up
Pikey-Knacker
Bird-Girlfriend
Petrol-Gasoline
Boot-Trunk
Clamp-Boot, referring to the device used to force offending drivers to pay their fines.
Lift-Elevator
Stag Party-Bachelor Party
Hen Party-Bachelorette Party
Z-(Pronounced "zed") The last letter of the English alphabet.
H-(Pronounced "haych") The letter of the English alphabet that comes after "G."
Mobile-Cell phone
Britney Spears-Beer
Shops-grocery store
Messages-buying groceries
Moth-(Pronounced "mots")Girlfrind
Gaff-home
It'll cost you a few bob-It will cost you a little money
Hoover-vaccuum, does not refer to the brand "Hoover."
Sweeping brush-broom
Hure-Whore
Cute Hure-Someone who is a good businessperson, literally.

They tell me the weather is going to get cold and unpleasant again tomorrow.
But today is sunny and in the 60s.

I'm going to do something pedantic like read a book in the sunshine.

Day one in Rome:
We woke up and strolled around for a while.
That's when we saw this:

This became a common sight. I saw the Coliseum every day I was there. It is hard to miss. We did suffer through the torrential downpours starting that day and lasting the next 5. By and large Rome was characterized by rain.
But we did spend the first day familiarizing ourselves (Carol and I) with Rome. We found the Trevi Fountain and threw coins in so we're going to come back eventually. We ate pasta and picked up a tiny bit of Italian.
Following that we waited for the Pope to say the Stations of the Cross outside the Coliseum.
We mos def got close enough that we could have thrown rocks at him if we wanted to. But we decided that would be a bad idea...

The next day we tried to get into St. Peter's Basilica, and did wait in line for an hour before they decided to shut down the basilica. Apparently they can do that without telling anyone. After that we spent another two hours waiting in line to see the Vatican Museum. That's how you see the Sistine Chapel. Which, mind you is impressive and beautiful and all that, but it was a little underwhelming. Rome has over 400 churches and every single one of them is impressive, but I did see several that just struck me as more impressive than the Sistine Chapel.
(That might be blasphemy..)
It was cool to be able to say that I saw it, though.
We did go to the Vatican again later that night after the rain had stopped but after dark. The rain reflected off the cobblestone square.
Pretty...

The following day we overslept and missed Easter mass with the Pope, but everyone I spoke with told us we were better off for it. The hurricane didn't let up until later in the day. Instead we saw the Forum. Carol and I climbed all over ruins.
Later I went to see Fr. Sam at St. Paul's Basilica. The church itself is this beautiful, 700 year old structure that has managed to survive a devastating fire and countless earthquakes. You can see St. Paul's sarcophagus, it is exposed. I can't imagine there's much left inside. At the end of June they'll be celebrating his 2000th birthday. I doubt there will be that many candles on the cake.
Mos def the coolest thing about the basilica is the 1300 year old mosaic above the apse.

It's more impressive in person.
I did meet Fr. Sam for the first time in my life, but the funny part is I've been hearing stories about him probably all my life. Likewise, he's been hearing stories about me for my whole life. We chilled, we chatted, I got a personal tour. We had coffee. It was pretty cool.
Carol and Liddy (who joined us later, after initially missing her flight) went to Tivoli the next day. I wasn't done in Rome so I stayed in town and wandered around by myself. I got a lot of things done. I went and saw the Cappuccini monks' crypt. You aren't allowed to take pictures and my camera is too big for me to be sneaky inside so I'll be stealing pictures from the internet for this one:

There are 5 rooms just like this one. In these rooms about 4000 Cappuccini monks are laid to rest and their bones are placed in these intricate artistic patterns. It's weird, humbling, unique, morbid, eerie and crazy. There are a few bodies left in tact, and they have been mummified, sort of. Many of them still have skin and are still wearing their robes. I guess, for emphasis.
Apparently when you put a set of shoulder blades behind a skull, you get some strange bodiless angel.
After that I went back to St. Peter's Basilica and wandered around for a while. I wanted to climb to the top of the dome and asked someone how I go about doing that. Apparently they stopped letting people up at 4:45, and I asked at 4:55. But Massim, the Italian man who worked there that I asked, told me I had pretty eyes and let me up late. I was the last person in line for the day. He asked me to meet him for a drink but I thought that picking up men at the Vatican would be tacky, and declined.
You take an elevator halfway up the cathedral but there is another 320 stairs after that. And as you climb up the walls tilt more and more inward. You do have to lean.
When you get to the top you have a fabulous view of the whole city and an awesome view of St. Peter's square.

They didn't let me stay up long before shooing me down.
Additionally, I saw great works of art:

The last day I had there Carol and I went to see the Pope again. He speaks to normal people on Wednesday mornings and I managed to score tickets (by asking, no hookup.) Liddy didn't want to come, so it was just Carol and I.
He spoke in Italian, German, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish. And he handed out special blessings to everyone there and as I understand that extends to my family and friends. So, you guys are covered.
After that Carol and I saw San Clemente, which is a 12th century church on top of 5th century church on top of a 2nd century apartment complex, on top of a 3rd century pagan temple dedicated to Mithras. It was probably the only millennia old complex in Rome where I wasn't allowed to touch things and that drove me crazy.
We went back to the Cappuccini monks' crypt because Carol hadn't seen it.
Than we wandered around for the rest of the day, seeing the city and I saw these things:


We got to the Pantheon with only about 10 minutes to spare before the kicked us out, but we decided that is really all the time you need. The Christians got in there at some point and turned it into a church. Also Raphael is buried there. The artist, not the turtle.
We wandered around for a little while longer before finding the Spanish Steps. They were largely under construction and less impressive than I thought they would be. But I've been there. They probably would have been better if there wasn't so much construction.
The next day I had a 7 am bus to catch to get to my 10 am flight on time.
From there I fell right asleep...
The end.

To see more selected photos, click the evil fountain fishduck:


I didn't make it to the castle today, but I did correct some of the English written by people whose primary languages were German and Spanish. I bought a dress and I chilled with Colin, Laux and Miriam.
Colin, (Laux's Irish boyfriend) will be spending his summer in Chicago. That means that at some point over the summer he will want to see the country and there will have to be a soiree to mark the occasion. Get your party hats ready...
Spring break ends today. I have class in 8 hours for the first time in 2 weeks. I'm not prepared.

Once again I'm 6 hours in the future.
Thank you daylight savings time for making my time traveling more impressive.

I'm going to a castle today.
Real update to follow.

News Flash!
Harry Caray, legendary baseball commentator has been found alive and well at an Italian airport.
Caray was spotted this morning at Ciampino, outside of Rome staring in line for a Ryanair flight to London. The discount airline was not available for comment.
It was unclear where Caray has been since his death in the late 1990s or what he could be doing in London.
Additionally, current wherabouts of king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, and mysterious bipedal, Bigfoot, remain unknown.

Real update to come later, but this is roughly what went through my head at 8 AM while waiting in line at the airport.

So on Easter we overslept. I missed mass said by the Pope in the Vatican but most people tell me I was better off. The hurricane didn't stop until the afternoon and I'm sure everyone who stood in the rain for that long will be battleing bronchitis for the next few weeks.
Instead we sat in a cafe with our newfound Boston friend Drew until the rain let up that we felt comfortable sitting inside. Liddy missed her flight on Saturday and wasn't able to make it until Sunday night.
After that we went to the Roman Forum. That was pretty cool. We did get caught in the resurgence of the hurricane but there are some awesome pictures of us standing on ancient columns. We chilled at August's house for a while. It was crazy awesome.
Every day I walk past the Colosseum, and it's like, hey, there's the Colosseum.
I'm going to try to get into San Clemente this afternoon and see a Church inside a house inside a church inside a church. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm also going to try to get into St. Peter's Basilica and the Capuchin Cathedral, which is decorated with thousands of bones.
Yesterday I met Fr. Sam, my grandmother's old friend and former St. Bede monk at St. Paul's Basilica. I saw St. Paul's carcophagus. It's the 7th largest church in the world and 2nd in Rome. It can hold 12,000 people and has survived one devestating fire. The mosiacs in it are humbling in their grandeur.
Aside from a New Zealander with sticky fingers and 50 missing euro I have had no problems.
Lindsay