Yesterday was O J's sixth birthday. We spent the morning at a school, where the children had made him a card and gave him two carrots for a present. I allowed him to eat one in class and they were fascinated watching him. My nephew and I played with him outside even though I had intended taking him to the beach. After dinner I washed him, hoping it would remove lots of the dead hair he is shedding at the moment.
Oj's birthday is always close to the weekend of the guide dogs church gate collection in our town. Family and friends are a great help every year, and this year was the same. We were very organised and counted the money just when we had finished. I lodged it today, and the total raised during the weekend was 1,852 euros!
Those puppydog eyes of his really must work!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
When disability really doesn't matter
I worked in a brilliant school today, and delivered disability awareness training to two classes of children, who probably taught me a lot more than I taught them. Often when I begin the first of the two week sessions, the kids don't know what to expect and are very quiet and shy. They become more involved during the class, and the more we discuss different types of disabilities, the more they realise how many people they know who have one. Petting O J towards the end of the class is the icebreaker, and by the time I return the following week, they are usually talkative and full of questions. Its a lovely transformation to watch.
Today's classes were different. The children were on the same level as me right from the beginning, eager to learn but just as eager to tell me about their own experiences. I'd much prefer them to talk more than me, and they always have lots to say.
The first group of children talked about different types of disabilities. Their teacher asked them if they knew people who had any, and they listed family members, friends, friends of families, neighbours, friends of neighbours, the neighbour's dog, etc. He then reminded them that they forgot to look closer. Their own school has a few children with obvious disabilities. Clearly they see these people as friends first and its possible that they sometimes even forget that they have a disability. Of course people shouldn't be encouraged to ignore their disability or act like it doesn't exist, but the fact that it isn't the most important part of a child's personality is great. That's proper integration if you ask me!
The second class I visited had first-hand experience of people with disabilities. The two special needs assistants sat at one side of the room while their students sat at the opposite side, working independently just like their classmates. One of the children had developed a physical disability through illness, and spoke openly about how it affected him. He is a great sportsman and seems to have a very positive attitude. The other child had a hearing impairment and used a cochlear implant. Hearing loss is something I always talk about but its something I don't have much hands-on experience of, so it was fantastic to be able to learn more directly from a child. I wore a headset connected to the loop system so that he could hear me speaking. He described how it works, how himself and his parents, (who are both deaf) communicate, and even asked if I wanted to touch the piece connected to his ear.
Both children were able to confidently talk about their experience of disability. It was an important part of their lives but not the most important part of their class, and they weren't treated any differently. This positive confident attitude doesn't come from nowhere. It comes from their parents/guardians, families, teachers, classmates, friends and people in the community around them. These nine and ten year-old children make me feel more confident that the future for people with disabilities might be a great one. I left the school feeling like I had learned a lot just by being there. I'm really looking forward to returning next week. The positive feeling of integration in the classroom is brilliant to watch, and the teachers were just as enthusiastic as the children.
My good mood for the day continued when I got a phone call from a friend to say that A local restaurant had found "lost property" belonging to me. It turns out that it was a handbag with the harddrive that I lost last August and was sure I would never see again.
What a brilliant day :)
Today's classes were different. The children were on the same level as me right from the beginning, eager to learn but just as eager to tell me about their own experiences. I'd much prefer them to talk more than me, and they always have lots to say.
The first group of children talked about different types of disabilities. Their teacher asked them if they knew people who had any, and they listed family members, friends, friends of families, neighbours, friends of neighbours, the neighbour's dog, etc. He then reminded them that they forgot to look closer. Their own school has a few children with obvious disabilities. Clearly they see these people as friends first and its possible that they sometimes even forget that they have a disability. Of course people shouldn't be encouraged to ignore their disability or act like it doesn't exist, but the fact that it isn't the most important part of a child's personality is great. That's proper integration if you ask me!
The second class I visited had first-hand experience of people with disabilities. The two special needs assistants sat at one side of the room while their students sat at the opposite side, working independently just like their classmates. One of the children had developed a physical disability through illness, and spoke openly about how it affected him. He is a great sportsman and seems to have a very positive attitude. The other child had a hearing impairment and used a cochlear implant. Hearing loss is something I always talk about but its something I don't have much hands-on experience of, so it was fantastic to be able to learn more directly from a child. I wore a headset connected to the loop system so that he could hear me speaking. He described how it works, how himself and his parents, (who are both deaf) communicate, and even asked if I wanted to touch the piece connected to his ear.
Both children were able to confidently talk about their experience of disability. It was an important part of their lives but not the most important part of their class, and they weren't treated any differently. This positive confident attitude doesn't come from nowhere. It comes from their parents/guardians, families, teachers, classmates, friends and people in the community around them. These nine and ten year-old children make me feel more confident that the future for people with disabilities might be a great one. I left the school feeling like I had learned a lot just by being there. I'm really looking forward to returning next week. The positive feeling of integration in the classroom is brilliant to watch, and the teachers were just as enthusiastic as the children.
My good mood for the day continued when I got a phone call from a friend to say that A local restaurant had found "lost property" belonging to me. It turns out that it was a handbag with the harddrive that I lost last August and was sure I would never see again.
What a brilliant day :)
Friday, March 2, 2012
This might shock you;
but my guide dog is not my best friend.
I'm just back from a nice walk in town with O.J. Sometimes the simplest walks on our own are the most enjoyable. While I was standing in the chemist waiting to get served a man asked me how I was, and how was my dog. He then asked me the most annoying question in history:
Is he your best friend?
When I politely (but sarcastically if you knew me well enough) told him that O J was just one of my friends, he asked me if I had two dogs.
Some people just don't get it, do they?
Dogs are great. I love them and couldn't live without one. I couldn't manage without a guide dog and O.J is great company. But believe it or not, I have human friends who are much better company and more fun to talk to than he is, therefore not making him my best friend. He is a companion but not a friend.
Appologies to people who call their dog their best friend. I'm not saying your wrong. Some people might not honestly have real proper human friends, and their dog is the best and most loyal they've got. Nothing wrong with that, if that's the way you think, but for me, my dog is a dog, not my best friend, so random members of the public, please don't keep assuming he is.
And as for asking does he take good care of me, don't even go there!!
:) :)
I'm just back from a nice walk in town with O.J. Sometimes the simplest walks on our own are the most enjoyable. While I was standing in the chemist waiting to get served a man asked me how I was, and how was my dog. He then asked me the most annoying question in history:
Is he your best friend?
When I politely (but sarcastically if you knew me well enough) told him that O J was just one of my friends, he asked me if I had two dogs.
Some people just don't get it, do they?
Dogs are great. I love them and couldn't live without one. I couldn't manage without a guide dog and O.J is great company. But believe it or not, I have human friends who are much better company and more fun to talk to than he is, therefore not making him my best friend. He is a companion but not a friend.
Appologies to people who call their dog their best friend. I'm not saying your wrong. Some people might not honestly have real proper human friends, and their dog is the best and most loyal they've got. Nothing wrong with that, if that's the way you think, but for me, my dog is a dog, not my best friend, so random members of the public, please don't keep assuming he is.
And as for asking does he take good care of me, don't even go there!!
:) :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thailand: A Holiday of a Lifetime!
On the morning of Friday 10th February, my parents, sister, brother in law, their three kids and I traveled to Bangkok in Thailand via Abudabi. It was a long journey, but didn’t go half as bad as I’d expected. Etihad airways were fantastic with the boys, (aged 20 months, 4, and 13 years.) They had lots of films and entertainment on the plane, and the airhostesses often brought them food drinks and games. There was lots of music to choose from too, and I was delighted to find a Paul Simon and JJ Cale album that I hadn’t heard before.
We arrived in Bangkok at 7 A.M on Saturday morning, 12 A.M Irish time. We met my brother there and everybody was very excited to see him. His girlfriend is from Thailand and she had already gone to Coh Samui ahead of us. The flight there took an hour. Coh Samui airport is mostly outside, so it’s a really relaxing place to be, especially in 30 degree heat. We were brought to our villa where we were spending the next week. It was gorgeous, and had everything we needed, including very helpful staff who showed us around the area and made a lovely breakfast for us every morning.
We spent the week relaxing at the pool or on the beach, playing with the kids and exploring the Island. There’s so much to do and see, you’d never get bored. Its probably the nicest place I’ve ever been to. The food in Thailand is fantastic, so much choice and everything is so tasty. We went elephant trekking, held a baby tiger and cuddled monkeys. The boys swam in a waterfall and went to a shooting range. We had massages on the beach and went to an amazing spa. Our modes of transport for the week were a pickup (that the ten of us often pild into) and three motorbikes. My brother even let me drive one a bit on our last day. Thai people are careful drivers, but they don’t use seatbelts or car seats for babies or anything.
On Saturday (which was my 26th birthday) we were woken up to a huge thunderstorm. Its just as well we were leaving Coh Samui and traveling back to Bangkok because heavy rain was forecast for the next few days. When we arrived in the capital, I went to my brother’s girlfriend’s favourite hairdresser to get my hair cut. He had no English so I was a bit nervous but it turned out good. Sixteen of us went for dinner in an amazing restaurant called the Greyhound to celebrate my birthday. I got three dresses from everybody, and had a lovely evening. Afterwards we went across the road to a place called After You, which only sold cakes for dessert. I’ve never tasted anything so nice in my life. My brother had it planned because he knew I would be in heaven, and it was amazing!
We were staying in a hotel for the next few days which was more like apartments than hotel rooms. There was lots of space and I had a room to myself, even though sharing with my nephews for the previous week was fine. We ate more lovely food and shopped. Visiting the markets in Bangkok is an experience in itself, so we went to the Chatuchak and Patpong night market. We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked but it was still great to see them again and buy some presents.
Thailand, and bangkok in particular is a fascinateing place for a blind person to visit. There is so much to take in, it would make your head spin. It’s almost impossible to get around because the footpaths are so bad. People with disabilities don’t have a great quality of life unless they have money. Service dogs are trained there but we didn’t see any. Again that depends on money as well. Blind people work in massage parlers if they are lucky enough to have jobs. People are attempting to change laws for people with disabilities in the country, but this is a slow process. Its something I want to find out more about, an definitely wouldn’t rule out a visit there again in the next few years for that reason. Saying all that, the attitudes of the people I met were fantastic and they couldn’t have been more helpful, letting me touch things, showing me where things were, talking directly to me and getting me a seat when we were in shops.
We came back to Ireland last Wednesday morning. Both dogs were very excited to see me. I know they were looked after brilliantly so it was great. I’ve been sick since we got home with some kind of bug, but got lovely flowers and perfume for my birthday from Nicky, who looked after me well and tried to make me feel better over the weekend.
Being in Thailand again with my family was brilliant. It was great to spend time with my brother, and to let the children experience something that many other kids couldn’t even imagine. They have seen cultural differences and experienced things that will teach them lots, but more importantly, they loved every minute of it.
I was in Thailand in 2004 when the tsunami happened, and although most of the holiday then was amazing, the disaster overshadowed most of it. It was nice to be reminded of how beautiful and brilliant the country is, how nice the people are and why they call it the land of the smiles.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Online break
The constant rain here in the last couple of days would usually annoy me, but the fact that I'm going to Dublin today and Thailand tomorrow morning means that it doesn't bother me at all. I'm more or less packed, just have to leave the dogs in their new homes. I'm so so excited!
As well as seeing my brother, being somewhere warm with the nicest race of people i have ever met and celebrating my birthday with my whole family, I'm looking forward to the two week online break.
That's the longest I've been away from my computer in the last 10 years. It will do me no harm at all!
See you all when I get back!
:) :)
As well as seeing my brother, being somewhere warm with the nicest race of people i have ever met and celebrating my birthday with my whole family, I'm looking forward to the two week online break.
That's the longest I've been away from my computer in the last 10 years. It will do me no harm at all!
See you all when I get back!
:) :)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Long Time, No See
That's something people round here say often. Its a sentence i use often too, even though I've actuallly never seen anybody before in my life. Its also the title of
Beth Finke's memoir.
I've been reading and enjoying Beth's blog for the last few years, so naturally i was delighted to finally be able to read the book in braille when it was published and sent to me by the
RNIB library.
Beth's book gives us an insight into what its like to live with juvenile diabetes, fall in love and get married, lose your sight and raise a child with a significant learning disability, not to mention train with a guide dog when you really don't like dogs!
Beth's great sense of humour, pure honesty and gift for storytelling makes this book a pleasure to read. I've heard her speak on NPR a couple of times, so I can almost hear her narrating her own story as I read my braille copy.
I think the main reason why I could relate so much to Beth's story is not because she is blind, but because of her positive attitude to life. She recognises that not everything is straightforward and simple. Things are sometimes difficult but that doesn't mean you have to sit down and feel sorry for yourself. I could relate to her determination to be independent, find a job, look good and to not be what some people would consider a stereotypical blind person. Her husband Mike seems to share the same obtimistic attitude, making them perfect role models and supportive parents for their son Gus. The words "fight the good fight" will stick with me for a long time.
'Long Time No See' is an excellent book for teachers, parents, people in the medical or caring professions, and anybody who is curious to know what its like to lose your sight and still lead a normal life. Sometimes as blind people, we might think we know all this already, but I can guarantee you that Beth's story will teach you something new, and you'll be glad you took the time to read it.
Beth Finke's memoir.
I've been reading and enjoying Beth's blog for the last few years, so naturally i was delighted to finally be able to read the book in braille when it was published and sent to me by the
RNIB library.
Beth's book gives us an insight into what its like to live with juvenile diabetes, fall in love and get married, lose your sight and raise a child with a significant learning disability, not to mention train with a guide dog when you really don't like dogs!
Beth's great sense of humour, pure honesty and gift for storytelling makes this book a pleasure to read. I've heard her speak on NPR a couple of times, so I can almost hear her narrating her own story as I read my braille copy.
I think the main reason why I could relate so much to Beth's story is not because she is blind, but because of her positive attitude to life. She recognises that not everything is straightforward and simple. Things are sometimes difficult but that doesn't mean you have to sit down and feel sorry for yourself. I could relate to her determination to be independent, find a job, look good and to not be what some people would consider a stereotypical blind person. Her husband Mike seems to share the same obtimistic attitude, making them perfect role models and supportive parents for their son Gus. The words "fight the good fight" will stick with me for a long time.
'Long Time No See' is an excellent book for teachers, parents, people in the medical or caring professions, and anybody who is curious to know what its like to lose your sight and still lead a normal life. Sometimes as blind people, we might think we know all this already, but I can guarantee you that Beth's story will teach you something new, and you'll be glad you took the time to read it.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Holiday preparations
In my first post of 2012, I think I briefly mentioned that I'm going on holiday with my family in February. We're all going to Thailand to meet my brother and his girlfriend, and to celebrate his 30th birthday since he won't be home for it. It was all very unexpected and unplanned. To cut a long story short, its a chance to spend quality family time together, which we don't often get to do, and lifes too short not to. We just happen to be going somewhere amazing and warm to do it!
Dog owners will understand when I say its not always straightforward to go on holiday and leave the dog. Putting a guide dog in kennels is an option for some people but not for me. Apart from at the vet, when he was probably too sick to care, O J hasn't been in kennels since I began training with him in Cork almost four and a half years ago. He has a passport but I'd never even consider bringing him to Thailand as its too long of a flight, it would be too hot for him and I don't want him getting any Asian animal diseases! Anyway, I'll have three nephews to keep me busy!
I've never found a suitable place to leave O J when I'm on holiday. The place I used to leave him was fine. He was kept with Dougal inside and walked regularly, but he was fed too regularly too, which really annoyed me. The people were so good to him and felt that he should be spoilled when I was away, not really realising how that could affect his work when I got home.
The guide dog organisation in the UK has boarders who volunteer to look after guide dogs. They know what to do and what not, and its a fantastic idea if you ask me. I would love to be a dog boarder if they ever did something like that here.
No such thing exists here, and all the dog lovers I know already have dogs of their own and couldn't watch O J, even though they'd love to.
I found a good solution that I'm very happy with. My aunt has agreed to watch O J in her house, and walk him the days she isn't working. My cousin is using my house to study and she will keep O J company there when my aunt is working. That way he gets the best of both worlds, walked and company every day, but he gets to spend a bit of time in our house as well. Hopefully the fact that I'm not there every time he goes home won't confuse him too much. He knows my aunt and she knows how we work together. My cousin is willing to learn. At least I'll be able to text them if I want to know how he is behaving himself.
So one dog's sorted, what about the other?
Dougal will have to go to kennels, but he's very independent and not really bothered about people so I think it suits him fine. I've looked at a few and while they all had pros and cons, I'm going with one I visited today that the dog groomer recommended. The family are respected animal people, and the kennel owners are successful show dog participants. They run a small kennel in a quiet area, and although the actual main kennel building didn't smell the nicest, the kennels themselves were spotless. She feeds her dogs what I feed Dougal so I don't have to bring food, making them the best value kennels that I've found.
So as you can see, I'm very fussy about my dogs! Hopefully they will enjoy their holiday as much as I will enjoy mine, providing the waves stay small of course :D
Dog owners will understand when I say its not always straightforward to go on holiday and leave the dog. Putting a guide dog in kennels is an option for some people but not for me. Apart from at the vet, when he was probably too sick to care, O J hasn't been in kennels since I began training with him in Cork almost four and a half years ago. He has a passport but I'd never even consider bringing him to Thailand as its too long of a flight, it would be too hot for him and I don't want him getting any Asian animal diseases! Anyway, I'll have three nephews to keep me busy!
I've never found a suitable place to leave O J when I'm on holiday. The place I used to leave him was fine. He was kept with Dougal inside and walked regularly, but he was fed too regularly too, which really annoyed me. The people were so good to him and felt that he should be spoilled when I was away, not really realising how that could affect his work when I got home.
The guide dog organisation in the UK has boarders who volunteer to look after guide dogs. They know what to do and what not, and its a fantastic idea if you ask me. I would love to be a dog boarder if they ever did something like that here.
No such thing exists here, and all the dog lovers I know already have dogs of their own and couldn't watch O J, even though they'd love to.
I found a good solution that I'm very happy with. My aunt has agreed to watch O J in her house, and walk him the days she isn't working. My cousin is using my house to study and she will keep O J company there when my aunt is working. That way he gets the best of both worlds, walked and company every day, but he gets to spend a bit of time in our house as well. Hopefully the fact that I'm not there every time he goes home won't confuse him too much. He knows my aunt and she knows how we work together. My cousin is willing to learn. At least I'll be able to text them if I want to know how he is behaving himself.
So one dog's sorted, what about the other?
Dougal will have to go to kennels, but he's very independent and not really bothered about people so I think it suits him fine. I've looked at a few and while they all had pros and cons, I'm going with one I visited today that the dog groomer recommended. The family are respected animal people, and the kennel owners are successful show dog participants. They run a small kennel in a quiet area, and although the actual main kennel building didn't smell the nicest, the kennels themselves were spotless. She feeds her dogs what I feed Dougal so I don't have to bring food, making them the best value kennels that I've found.
So as you can see, I'm very fussy about my dogs! Hopefully they will enjoy their holiday as much as I will enjoy mine, providing the waves stay small of course :D
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Guest Post: Guide Dog Awareness
Hopefully you'll be glad to know that the monthly guest posts are still happening in 2012. The first one of the year comes from Allison, who is raising her fifth guide dog puppy. Check out her post and find out more by visiting
her blog.
Thank you so much to Jenny, for letting us be a guest blogger!Most of you guys have seen (or heard of) a guide/service dog. Some of you may have family
members or friends that use a guide/service dog. But do any of you know the extensive training that goes into those wonderful animals?
I do because I help raise & train them.I open my home up to a cute little 9 week old pup (from
Southeastern Guide Dogs
), and for the following year, I will raise & train the dog, having him/her with me 24/7. Making sure to keep in the back of my mind, that once the time
is up... the dog will head back for "further" training, and then hopefully be placed as a guide/service dog. Which means, this dog was never mine in the
first place - I'm just someone in it's life, that will put an imprint on his/her heart and help it get on the long road, to hopefully becoming a guide
dog. Our blog (okay...
Brandon's blog
) is about the life of a guide dog in training. If you decide to follow his blog, not only will you be following "a guide dog puppy's adventure" you will
be following a blog that explains and shows the extensive training put into these wonderful dogs and the amazing outcome once they go back. Though Brandon
is still quite young, training does start early, so Brandon already has most of the basic commands "under his belt" (sit/down/stand/stay/come/etc) he
will soon start using & learning the basic guide dog commands (find the door/switch/heel/forward) and much more. To mix things up a little, I have also
started teaching Brandon "ASL commands". Brandon adores learning sign language, and he soon will be doing ASL just as well as a regular command! Brandon
does go everywhere with me (shopping/church/meetings/college/etc) and he really enjoys working. We also attend monthly guide dog meetings, where other
dogs in the group are also in training to be guide dogs.Brandon is a 4 month old male yellow lab. His favorite chew toys are nylabones... and boy does
he like to listen to the sound of them being dropped on hard surfaces! Brandon really enjoys going on walks, and is already doing a great job at maintaining
a "loose leash". Brandon is the 5th guide dog puppy I've raised for
Southeastern Guide Dogs
, and though it's a roller coaster ride, I truly enjoy every second with these puppies! Questions are always welcome over at our blog, some people may ask
training questions - others wonder about certain "guide dog rules" we follow, either way, we really enjoy answering them all!If you are interested in the
training that goes into these pups, feel free to stop by
Brandon's blog
, we always enjoy new visitors!
her blog.
Thank you so much to Jenny, for letting us be a guest blogger!Most of you guys have seen (or heard of) a guide/service dog. Some of you may have family
members or friends that use a guide/service dog. But do any of you know the extensive training that goes into those wonderful animals?
I do because I help raise & train them.I open my home up to a cute little 9 week old pup (from
Southeastern Guide Dogs
), and for the following year, I will raise & train the dog, having him/her with me 24/7. Making sure to keep in the back of my mind, that once the time
is up... the dog will head back for "further" training, and then hopefully be placed as a guide/service dog. Which means, this dog was never mine in the
first place - I'm just someone in it's life, that will put an imprint on his/her heart and help it get on the long road, to hopefully becoming a guide
dog. Our blog (okay...
Brandon's blog
) is about the life of a guide dog in training. If you decide to follow his blog, not only will you be following "a guide dog puppy's adventure" you will
be following a blog that explains and shows the extensive training put into these wonderful dogs and the amazing outcome once they go back. Though Brandon
is still quite young, training does start early, so Brandon already has most of the basic commands "under his belt" (sit/down/stand/stay/come/etc) he
will soon start using & learning the basic guide dog commands (find the door/switch/heel/forward) and much more. To mix things up a little, I have also
started teaching Brandon "ASL commands". Brandon adores learning sign language, and he soon will be doing ASL just as well as a regular command! Brandon
does go everywhere with me (shopping/church/meetings/college/etc) and he really enjoys working. We also attend monthly guide dog meetings, where other
dogs in the group are also in training to be guide dogs.Brandon is a 4 month old male yellow lab. His favorite chew toys are nylabones... and boy does
he like to listen to the sound of them being dropped on hard surfaces! Brandon really enjoys going on walks, and is already doing a great job at maintaining
a "loose leash". Brandon is the 5th guide dog puppy I've raised for
Southeastern Guide Dogs
, and though it's a roller coaster ride, I truly enjoy every second with these puppies! Questions are always welcome over at our blog, some people may ask
training questions - others wonder about certain "guide dog rules" we follow, either way, we really enjoy answering them all!If you are interested in the
training that goes into these pups, feel free to stop by
Brandon's blog
, we always enjoy new visitors!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2011 was great, bring on 2012!
Christmas and new year was so good and so busy that I didn't have time to even think about writing here. Instead of reflecting on 2011, I thought I'd post this instead. Some questions have been thrown in to make it all more relevant to me.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Moved to my own house and borrowed my first ever bank loan.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, and no.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My granny. I miss her every day.
5. What countries did you visit?
England.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More new music. Everything else can keep going the way it is.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
26th October, the day i moved house.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving house, though there were other important ones too.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing my external hard-drive with lots of music and things that I really wanted to keep. Epic fail!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thankfully.
11. What was the most spontaneous thing you bought?
A Paul Simon ticket. Something I'll never buy again but totally worth it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nicky's for winning Glor Tire 2011.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Everybody in the Irish government.
14. Where did most of your money go?
On house things.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Showing people my house when it was finished.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Probably 'pumped up kicks' by Foster the People. Not my favourite song of the year but it will remind me of it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer?
Happier, thinner, poorer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Went to more gigs, but i always wish that!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worried about stuff that wasn't that important really.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In my sisters. Was woken at 5 by my nephews, had pancake breakfast with family and aunts, opened lots of presents and had a lovely dinner.
21. How did you spend new year's eve?
With family and boyfriend (now there's a word you don't see written around here much!) at a party in my aunt's house. Had an amazing night, and an amazing weeke in general.
22. What made you very proud?
Watching my mum coming home to a surprise party that she had absolutely no idea about.
23. What was your favourite gig?
The Mic Christopher tribute gig in Vicar Street.
24. Musical disappointment?
REM splitting up.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Decemberists, even though they aren't a new band, I'm a bit slow!
26. What did you want and get?
My house.
27. What did you want and not get?
Funding for my job and for a radio project.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
None stand out.
29. Greatest guide dog related moment?
OJ's quick recovery from an operation in September.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Walked to my new house for the first time with OJ the guide dog. Had dinner with my sister and cousin. I was 25.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing really. Lots of unexpected but great things happened.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Cheap but stylish clothes from Penneys!
33. What kept you sane?
Music, family, brilliant friends.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None really.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The London riots. Sickening.
36. Who did you miss?
My brother in Afghanistan, and my granny.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Didn't really meet any new people, but in a way it feels like i did.
38. What one event in 2012 are you looking forward to?
Being in thailand with my whole family.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
Talk about stuff instead of worrying about it. You might be surprised what a difference it can make.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
As Jamie Lawson would say,
"I wasn't expecting that"
Happy new year from me and OJ. I hope 2012 is a great one!
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Moved to my own house and borrowed my first ever bank loan.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, and no.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My granny. I miss her every day.
5. What countries did you visit?
England.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More new music. Everything else can keep going the way it is.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
26th October, the day i moved house.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving house, though there were other important ones too.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing my external hard-drive with lots of music and things that I really wanted to keep. Epic fail!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thankfully.
11. What was the most spontaneous thing you bought?
A Paul Simon ticket. Something I'll never buy again but totally worth it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nicky's for winning Glor Tire 2011.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Everybody in the Irish government.
14. Where did most of your money go?
On house things.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Showing people my house when it was finished.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Probably 'pumped up kicks' by Foster the People. Not my favourite song of the year but it will remind me of it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer?
Happier, thinner, poorer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Went to more gigs, but i always wish that!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worried about stuff that wasn't that important really.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In my sisters. Was woken at 5 by my nephews, had pancake breakfast with family and aunts, opened lots of presents and had a lovely dinner.
21. How did you spend new year's eve?
With family and boyfriend (now there's a word you don't see written around here much!) at a party in my aunt's house. Had an amazing night, and an amazing weeke in general.
22. What made you very proud?
Watching my mum coming home to a surprise party that she had absolutely no idea about.
23. What was your favourite gig?
The Mic Christopher tribute gig in Vicar Street.
24. Musical disappointment?
REM splitting up.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Decemberists, even though they aren't a new band, I'm a bit slow!
26. What did you want and get?
My house.
27. What did you want and not get?
Funding for my job and for a radio project.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
None stand out.
29. Greatest guide dog related moment?
OJ's quick recovery from an operation in September.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Walked to my new house for the first time with OJ the guide dog. Had dinner with my sister and cousin. I was 25.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing really. Lots of unexpected but great things happened.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Cheap but stylish clothes from Penneys!
33. What kept you sane?
Music, family, brilliant friends.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None really.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The London riots. Sickening.
36. Who did you miss?
My brother in Afghanistan, and my granny.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Didn't really meet any new people, but in a way it feels like i did.
38. What one event in 2012 are you looking forward to?
Being in thailand with my whole family.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
Talk about stuff instead of worrying about it. You might be surprised what a difference it can make.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
As Jamie Lawson would say,
"I wasn't expecting that"
Happy new year from me and OJ. I hope 2012 is a great one!
Friday, December 23, 2011
A happy Christmas indeed!
One more sleep to go until the big man with the beard comes down the chimney. Oh know, he won't get down my chimney, what am I going to do? :)
I got my holidays from work on Wednesday and they got off to a great start when the boss randomly let me go home 3 hours early. The evening was made even better when
Nicky
won Glor Tire 2011! I watched it with my very excited mum, sister and a family friend, and it was great fun. I'm not just saying it because I know him, but he was definitely the deserving winner. Hopefully lots of good things will come out of this for him, and he deserves them all. The first good thing is that at least we know we've one good singer among us for my aunt's new year's eve party!
I spent yesterday wrapping presents and tidying my house. I went to my Granny's grave with my mum, which is still a difficult thing to do. We will miss her so much this Christmas, but I know she will want us all to enjoy it, and will be happy to know that our family have great things to look forward to in the new year. She was somebody who always encouraged us to make the most of life and do whatever made us happy. That's something I try to do anyway, but will do it even more now, with her in mind of course.
My parents, cousins and a friend came to visit last night and for a couple of hours the house was busy. Someone left the door to the spare room opened, and when we were all distracted OJ crept in. I found him with his head stuck in the bag of his new dog food! Obviously the food change is going well and he likes it.
My house presents are all becoming very festive now. The place is looking very Christmasy. Its still sometimes hard to believe that I actually live here. I'm looking forward to showing some people the house for the first time over the holidays.
I'll be spending today and tomorrow with family and friends, doing last minute present and food shopping, and hopefully walking both dogs on the beach because its been so long since I've done that.
I want to wish everybody who reads here a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thanks for all your comments and help with random questions I've asked during the year. You've all made keeping a blog still feel like a worthwhile thing to do. So from me and OJ, have the best Christmas ever!
I got my holidays from work on Wednesday and they got off to a great start when the boss randomly let me go home 3 hours early. The evening was made even better when
Nicky
won Glor Tire 2011! I watched it with my very excited mum, sister and a family friend, and it was great fun. I'm not just saying it because I know him, but he was definitely the deserving winner. Hopefully lots of good things will come out of this for him, and he deserves them all. The first good thing is that at least we know we've one good singer among us for my aunt's new year's eve party!
I spent yesterday wrapping presents and tidying my house. I went to my Granny's grave with my mum, which is still a difficult thing to do. We will miss her so much this Christmas, but I know she will want us all to enjoy it, and will be happy to know that our family have great things to look forward to in the new year. She was somebody who always encouraged us to make the most of life and do whatever made us happy. That's something I try to do anyway, but will do it even more now, with her in mind of course.
My parents, cousins and a friend came to visit last night and for a couple of hours the house was busy. Someone left the door to the spare room opened, and when we were all distracted OJ crept in. I found him with his head stuck in the bag of his new dog food! Obviously the food change is going well and he likes it.
My house presents are all becoming very festive now. The place is looking very Christmasy. Its still sometimes hard to believe that I actually live here. I'm looking forward to showing some people the house for the first time over the holidays.
I'll be spending today and tomorrow with family and friends, doing last minute present and food shopping, and hopefully walking both dogs on the beach because its been so long since I've done that.
I want to wish everybody who reads here a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thanks for all your comments and help with random questions I've asked during the year. You've all made keeping a blog still feel like a worthwhile thing to do. So from me and OJ, have the best Christmas ever!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Operation Christmas is underway!
I love Christmas, but this year I've been getting excited about it much earlier than usual. The excitement all started on 1st Dec, when I got a phone call to tell me that I had a Bruce Springsteen ticket for one of his gigs next July. I quickly found the Christmas CD with 'santa clause is comin to town' and played it down the phone, to the amusement of the lovely person on the other end who sorted out the ticket :D
I haven't listened to much Christmas music since, but hearing it on the radio this early isn't bothering me like it usually would.
I have about half of my shopping done, thanks to Amazon and my sister's help. I'm a bit stuck with the rest because I don't know what to get. Actually, does anybody have any good ideas for funny novelty gifts for secret santa in work? All suggestions appreciated.
We had a work party last Thrursday which went well. OJ got lots of attention, and even insisted on coming when I was dragged out to dance near the end of the night. The Americans at our table weren't leaving the hotel until they got photos of him! We have a staff night out on Friday but he'll be staying with my parents. This one will be a lot more fun but there will be a lot of madness involved!
I went to watch Arthur Christmas in the cinema with my nephews yesterday. Nothing like a festive film to get you in the mood. On our way home, the brother in law did the food shopping while my sister and I hunted for a tree in Sainsburys. I got one half price, 6ft with lights already on it for 25 quid. Not bad! The boys came down to decorate it this morning and it looks good, or so I'm told. Harry, who is just eighteen months has started cursing. Every time he dropped a decoration, the F word was said. The family get more annoyed at me than him because I laugh every time, but I can't help it!
O.J is getting an early Christmas surprise. Now that he's five, (closer to six actually), his dog food should be changed from adult Royal Canin to "mature." I know, its rediculous. This dog's brain hasn't matured much at all, which is maybe why I forgot to change his food when he turned five in March. I'm mixing it gradually into his own food, adding more and more every couple of days so that in about a weeks time he should be eating the new food. The kibble is smaller and more oily, but smells similar, just encase you were interested! The only change I have to worry about is what comes out after, but so far so good. I've never had to change his food since I got him, so its something I wasn't looking forward too. Hopefully things stay like they are now and I'll have a happy dog, who will have a happy owner, and we'll both have a happy Christmas!
I haven't listened to much Christmas music since, but hearing it on the radio this early isn't bothering me like it usually would.
I have about half of my shopping done, thanks to Amazon and my sister's help. I'm a bit stuck with the rest because I don't know what to get. Actually, does anybody have any good ideas for funny novelty gifts for secret santa in work? All suggestions appreciated.
We had a work party last Thrursday which went well. OJ got lots of attention, and even insisted on coming when I was dragged out to dance near the end of the night. The Americans at our table weren't leaving the hotel until they got photos of him! We have a staff night out on Friday but he'll be staying with my parents. This one will be a lot more fun but there will be a lot of madness involved!
I went to watch Arthur Christmas in the cinema with my nephews yesterday. Nothing like a festive film to get you in the mood. On our way home, the brother in law did the food shopping while my sister and I hunted for a tree in Sainsburys. I got one half price, 6ft with lights already on it for 25 quid. Not bad! The boys came down to decorate it this morning and it looks good, or so I'm told. Harry, who is just eighteen months has started cursing. Every time he dropped a decoration, the F word was said. The family get more annoyed at me than him because I laugh every time, but I can't help it!
O.J is getting an early Christmas surprise. Now that he's five, (closer to six actually), his dog food should be changed from adult Royal Canin to "mature." I know, its rediculous. This dog's brain hasn't matured much at all, which is maybe why I forgot to change his food when he turned five in March. I'm mixing it gradually into his own food, adding more and more every couple of days so that in about a weeks time he should be eating the new food. The kibble is smaller and more oily, but smells similar, just encase you were interested! The only change I have to worry about is what comes out after, but so far so good. I've never had to change his food since I got him, so its something I wasn't looking forward too. Hopefully things stay like they are now and I'll have a happy dog, who will have a happy owner, and we'll both have a happy Christmas!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Guest Post: Bisket Baskets
A few weeks ago I got an email from Helen from
Biscuit Baskets,
who found my blog and offered to write a guest post. She suggested a number of topics, and I thought since its December, and most of my blog readers are probably freezing, the following post would be topical. Thanks Helen!
Warming Up With Winter Dog Care Tips
Hi there – this is Helen from
BisketBaskets.com,
and we’re so excited to be guest posting here today! We’re lucky enough to be celebrating 13 years in business, and we got our start actually creating pet gift baskets for dogs and cats, and branched out to meal gift baskets for their owners, too. We’re based in Parker, Colorado, and have several dogs of our own, as well as having rescued dogs in our local area. The summertime is beautiful here, but the winter is quite cold and chilly, especially for our canine family members! We’re here to share our own winter dog care tips with you and your dog to make the wintertime a happy one.
• Don’t leave your dog in the car – even in the winter. We all should know by now that leaving your dog in a hot car in the summertime is an n-o, but the same goes for the winter. Your dog could inhale dangerous fumes if the car is left running, or unknowingly lick up chemicals that spilled on your car’s floor. Plus, it’s chilly out there – your dog gets cold, too!
• Take care when walking near frozen lakes and ponds. Ice can be deceptive – that lake may look frozen and perfect for your dog to play on, but the ice may be thin or have cracks in it. If you do feel the ice is safe enough to venture out on, put your dog on a leash and walk with your dog. Otherwise, save the rivers and ponds for the springtime!
• Dry your dog after a bath or playing in the snow. Use a towel or blow dryer to dry your dog’s coat after he or she gets a bath or comes in soaking wet from playing outside. Just be sure to keep the blow dryer several inches away from your dog’s coat so you don’t accidentally burn him or her.
• Keep an eye on your dog when he or she is outside. Frostbite isn’t just for humans! Limit your dog’s outside time, as snow can build up inside your dog’s paws, with frostbite potentially occurring on your dog’s ears, tail, and feet.
• Holiday decorations and dogs just don’t mix. Holiday-themed plants, like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia, can actually be dangerous to your dog. Keep them out of your dog’s reach. Same with Christmas decorations (like tinsel), holiday chocolate and candies, electrical cords, and small holiday gifts.
• Grooming isn’t just for the summertime. A groomed dog is a well-insulated dog. Snow can build-up within fur inside your dog’s toes and foot pads, so keep your dog’s fur trimmed to minimize this painful feeling for your dog, and to make snow removal easier for you!
• Use pet-friendly rock salt. It gets icy out there, and many of us sprinkle rock salt on our steps and sidewalks during the winter time. Regular rock salt can upset your dog’s stomach, so choose the pet-friendly kind. Many manufacturers denote on the bag whether it’s pet-friendly or not.
Feel free to share your own winter dog care tips by leaving a comment on this post! Our dogs are part of our family here at BisketBaskets.com, and we do all we can to ensure they live long, healthy and happy lives. We hope you and Fido have a wonderful winter season!
Biscuit Baskets,
who found my blog and offered to write a guest post. She suggested a number of topics, and I thought since its December, and most of my blog readers are probably freezing, the following post would be topical. Thanks Helen!
Warming Up With Winter Dog Care Tips
Hi there – this is Helen from
BisketBaskets.com,
and we’re so excited to be guest posting here today! We’re lucky enough to be celebrating 13 years in business, and we got our start actually creating pet gift baskets for dogs and cats, and branched out to meal gift baskets for their owners, too. We’re based in Parker, Colorado, and have several dogs of our own, as well as having rescued dogs in our local area. The summertime is beautiful here, but the winter is quite cold and chilly, especially for our canine family members! We’re here to share our own winter dog care tips with you and your dog to make the wintertime a happy one.
• Don’t leave your dog in the car – even in the winter. We all should know by now that leaving your dog in a hot car in the summertime is an n-o, but the same goes for the winter. Your dog could inhale dangerous fumes if the car is left running, or unknowingly lick up chemicals that spilled on your car’s floor. Plus, it’s chilly out there – your dog gets cold, too!
• Take care when walking near frozen lakes and ponds. Ice can be deceptive – that lake may look frozen and perfect for your dog to play on, but the ice may be thin or have cracks in it. If you do feel the ice is safe enough to venture out on, put your dog on a leash and walk with your dog. Otherwise, save the rivers and ponds for the springtime!
• Dry your dog after a bath or playing in the snow. Use a towel or blow dryer to dry your dog’s coat after he or she gets a bath or comes in soaking wet from playing outside. Just be sure to keep the blow dryer several inches away from your dog’s coat so you don’t accidentally burn him or her.
• Keep an eye on your dog when he or she is outside. Frostbite isn’t just for humans! Limit your dog’s outside time, as snow can build up inside your dog’s paws, with frostbite potentially occurring on your dog’s ears, tail, and feet.
• Holiday decorations and dogs just don’t mix. Holiday-themed plants, like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia, can actually be dangerous to your dog. Keep them out of your dog’s reach. Same with Christmas decorations (like tinsel), holiday chocolate and candies, electrical cords, and small holiday gifts.
• Grooming isn’t just for the summertime. A groomed dog is a well-insulated dog. Snow can build-up within fur inside your dog’s toes and foot pads, so keep your dog’s fur trimmed to minimize this painful feeling for your dog, and to make snow removal easier for you!
• Use pet-friendly rock salt. It gets icy out there, and many of us sprinkle rock salt on our steps and sidewalks during the winter time. Regular rock salt can upset your dog’s stomach, so choose the pet-friendly kind. Many manufacturers denote on the bag whether it’s pet-friendly or not.
Feel free to share your own winter dog care tips by leaving a comment on this post! Our dogs are part of our family here at BisketBaskets.com, and we do all we can to ensure they live long, healthy and happy lives. We hope you and Fido have a wonderful winter season!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Mic Christopher Anniversary
Last night was the tenth anniversary gig for Mic Christopher, a musician I adore but never had the pleasure to meet or here live. His former band The Mary Janes, along with The Frames led a musical tribute in his honour in Vicar Street. Mic passed away tragically in Holland while on tour with the Waterboys, one of his favourite bands. He left behind some great music, including his solo album 'skylarkin', which was completed by his friends and released nine years ago on his first anniversary. Its one of the most beautiful Irish albums ever made.
A review of the four and a half hour gig (in aid of the Irish fragile x society ) wouldn't do it any justice, so to sum it up, it was magical! Musicians and friends celebrating the life of their friend and hero, someone they respected and admired, and who will be fondly remembered. It was great to learn a lot more about Mic's life and personality through the stories from his friends and his dad. It was an emotional night, which everybody involved should be so proud of. Mic would have been very proud too.
Set List:
Party Game (The Mary Janes) – Glen and MJs
Sham (The Mary Janes) – Eoin Glackin and MJs
Bored of Their Laughing (The Mary Janes) – Philip Marshall and MJs
Cut Me Loose (The Mary Janes) – Matthew Devereux and MJs
Listen Girl (Mic Christopher) – Matthew Devereux and Glen
I’ve Got Your Back (Mic Christopher) – The Frames and Conall Coleman
Traditional Jigs – Colm Mac Con Iomaire + 2 Others [Concertina and Uillean Pipes]
Pete Courtney and MJs
Eoin Dillon
Everything is Going to be Alright (poem) + John The Baptist (John Martyn) – Scullion with Colm and Dave
Eyelids Into Snow (Sonny Condell) – Scullion with Colm and Dave
I Need You (The Beatles) – Mark Geary and The Frames
This is the Sea (The Waterboys) – Mike Scott and The Frames
Fisherman’s Blues (The Waterboys) – Mike Scott and The Frames
Peter Murphy
Ken O’Neill (Hey Day Festival contest winner)
[Don't know First name] Roche and her Son
Kids Song (Mic Christopher) – Interference, Mundy, The Frames, Levi + Isaac O’Sullivan and Annie Smith Short
Breaking Out (Interference) – Interference, Mundy and The Frames
Gold (Interference) – Interference and The Frames
Centurian (The Mary Janes) – Claire Nicolson
What a Curious Notion (Mic Christopher) – Nina Hynes
Who Knows Where Time Goes – Miriam Ingram
Hard Station (Paul Brady) – Paul Brady
Arthur McBride (Traditional) – Paul Brady
Poem – ‘He’s a true one fardadadididdle, He’s A True one and I tell you…’
Winesong (The Mary Janes) – Mundy and MJs
Lyin’ Down – Mundy and MJs
Part of Me (The Mary Janes) – Tony Fitz and MJs
Bones (The Mary Janes) – Aimee Christopher, Glen and MJs
The Story of an Artist (Daniel Johnston) – Jerry Fish
True Friends (Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club) – Jerry Fish
And The Healing Has Begun (Van Morrison) – Acko, Swanny and The Frames
The One I Love (REM) – Canice Kenealy and The Frames
Friends (The Mary Janes) – Paddy Casey, The Frames and MJs
Heyday (Mic Christopher) – The Coronas and everyone else
Skylarkin’ (Mic Christopher) – The Frames and Matthew Devereux
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Bob Dylan) – The Frames, Matt Devereux, Noreen O’Donnell, Acko, Levi + Isaac O’Sullivan and Annie Smith Short, Someone From Crowd
Forever Young (Bob Dylan) – Liam O Maonlai and everyone else
Wooden Heart (Elvis Presley) – Harry Christopher and The Frames
Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley) – Harry Christopher and The Frames
As I watched the gig,
this
kept coming into my head. I've read it so many times but its still so beautiful.
A review of the four and a half hour gig (in aid of the Irish fragile x society ) wouldn't do it any justice, so to sum it up, it was magical! Musicians and friends celebrating the life of their friend and hero, someone they respected and admired, and who will be fondly remembered. It was great to learn a lot more about Mic's life and personality through the stories from his friends and his dad. It was an emotional night, which everybody involved should be so proud of. Mic would have been very proud too.
Set List:
Party Game (The Mary Janes) – Glen and MJs
Sham (The Mary Janes) – Eoin Glackin and MJs
Bored of Their Laughing (The Mary Janes) – Philip Marshall and MJs
Cut Me Loose (The Mary Janes) – Matthew Devereux and MJs
Listen Girl (Mic Christopher) – Matthew Devereux and Glen
I’ve Got Your Back (Mic Christopher) – The Frames and Conall Coleman
Traditional Jigs – Colm Mac Con Iomaire + 2 Others [Concertina and Uillean Pipes]
Pete Courtney and MJs
Eoin Dillon
Everything is Going to be Alright (poem) + John The Baptist (John Martyn) – Scullion with Colm and Dave
Eyelids Into Snow (Sonny Condell) – Scullion with Colm and Dave
I Need You (The Beatles) – Mark Geary and The Frames
This is the Sea (The Waterboys) – Mike Scott and The Frames
Fisherman’s Blues (The Waterboys) – Mike Scott and The Frames
Peter Murphy
Ken O’Neill (Hey Day Festival contest winner)
[Don't know First name] Roche and her Son
Kids Song (Mic Christopher) – Interference, Mundy, The Frames, Levi + Isaac O’Sullivan and Annie Smith Short
Breaking Out (Interference) – Interference, Mundy and The Frames
Gold (Interference) – Interference and The Frames
Centurian (The Mary Janes) – Claire Nicolson
What a Curious Notion (Mic Christopher) – Nina Hynes
Who Knows Where Time Goes – Miriam Ingram
Hard Station (Paul Brady) – Paul Brady
Arthur McBride (Traditional) – Paul Brady
Poem – ‘He’s a true one fardadadididdle, He’s A True one and I tell you…’
Winesong (The Mary Janes) – Mundy and MJs
Lyin’ Down – Mundy and MJs
Part of Me (The Mary Janes) – Tony Fitz and MJs
Bones (The Mary Janes) – Aimee Christopher, Glen and MJs
The Story of an Artist (Daniel Johnston) – Jerry Fish
True Friends (Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club) – Jerry Fish
And The Healing Has Begun (Van Morrison) – Acko, Swanny and The Frames
The One I Love (REM) – Canice Kenealy and The Frames
Friends (The Mary Janes) – Paddy Casey, The Frames and MJs
Heyday (Mic Christopher) – The Coronas and everyone else
Skylarkin’ (Mic Christopher) – The Frames and Matthew Devereux
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Bob Dylan) – The Frames, Matt Devereux, Noreen O’Donnell, Acko, Levi + Isaac O’Sullivan and Annie Smith Short, Someone From Crowd
Forever Young (Bob Dylan) – Liam O Maonlai and everyone else
Wooden Heart (Elvis Presley) – Harry Christopher and The Frames
Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley) – Harry Christopher and The Frames
As I watched the gig,
this
kept coming into my head. I've read it so many times but its still so beautiful.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Glor Tire
If you've been reading here for a while you might remember hearing about Nicky Kealy.
Last year he wrote a great
guest post
about working with his first guide dog Richie, and I wrote about going to his
birthday
celebrations in Carlow in May.
He's been on TV a bit recently, and you might be able to keep him on it a bit longer if you keep reading, then if you live in Ireland or the UK and vote for him.
Glor Tire is a country and western music competition currently running on TG4. Nicky is one of nine singers participating. Wednesday is the beginning of the ilimination process, where two contestants leave the show each week, leaving three competing for the title of Glor Tire in the grand final.
You can watch the show at 10 30 PM on Wednesday on TG4. You can help to keep Nicky in the competition by texting glor7 to 53307 in Ireland or, glor7 to 81108 if your in Northern Ireland or the UK. Text any time and as often as you like, until he wins!
Last year he wrote a great
guest post
about working with his first guide dog Richie, and I wrote about going to his
birthday
celebrations in Carlow in May.
He's been on TV a bit recently, and you might be able to keep him on it a bit longer if you keep reading, then if you live in Ireland or the UK and vote for him.
Glor Tire is a country and western music competition currently running on TG4. Nicky is one of nine singers participating. Wednesday is the beginning of the ilimination process, where two contestants leave the show each week, leaving three competing for the title of Glor Tire in the grand final.
You can watch the show at 10 30 PM on Wednesday on TG4. You can help to keep Nicky in the competition by texting glor7 to 53307 in Ireland or, glor7 to 81108 if your in Northern Ireland or the UK. Text any time and as often as you like, until he wins!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Writing for the sake of writing
My enthusiasm for bloggings sort of died recently. I thought I might as well mention a few things i've been doing and thinking about during the last week. Usually when I write an unplanned post like this, it tturns out long and all over the place, so be prepared!
This is my first blog from my new house, since my friends set up the internet last night. We had another great night here, (its turning into a Saturday night drinking tradition at this stage.) The house has been busy all week with visitors. I've been paying the last few debts, before I get into the regularity of bills and boring stuff every month. O J is working really well around the area, even though the road is scarily busy at times. Its great to be reminded of the freedom a guide dog brings, when you learn a new route and watch the dog becoming more confident with it each time. Its very easy to lift the dog's harness handle each day and take the work that it does for granted. Dog's need to be challenged just like we do, so I'd advise anyone to teach their dog a new route once in a while to keep both your interests and appreciation for each other up.
I've decided to take a break from doing shows at the radio station for a while, and my last show was broadcast this evening. I'm honestly not enjoying being there at the moment, and when that happens and your doing voluntary work - something that's supposed to be fun then its time to go. Hopefully I'll be back in Spring of next year, broadcasting live with the appropriate technology, and the enthusiasm for radio that I usually have.
I'm not doing anything dog training related at the moment. The course I was considering studying in January won't happen for financial reasons. I'm listening to a great audiobook called 'the loved dog', which I'm really enjoying, and I think I'll have to stick to books for another while. Any recommendations would be really appreciated, in audio or braille formats of course!
Its frustrating when your interested in things but seem to be getting nowhere with them. That's sort of how I feel at the minute but I know I will return to radio and dog training more seriously when the time is right.
Speaking of books, I started reading 'Round Ireland with a Fridge' today while making dinner, and am probably 2 thirds the way through because its great fun!
'The Hunger Games' will be my next book I think, though I've no idea what to expect from it. I got David Blunket's autobiography from the braille library even though I don't remember ordering it.
I got a house phone in last week and two hours later my mobile died. I saw it coming for ages but refused to do anything about it. I'm using a brick of an old phone now, but it has lots of entertaining photos and sound clips on it so a few people are very happy that it has been ressorected. I've no real interest in Iphones but wonder if it would be my most sensible option to buy.
This week is going to be a busy one, with meetings tomorrow, a couple of busy days in work and celebrating (or lamenting) the fact that my nephew is thirteen on Thursday. That makes me feel ancient! It will be nice to make it to the weekend, when I can escape Donegal and the madness for a few days.
This is my first blog from my new house, since my friends set up the internet last night. We had another great night here, (its turning into a Saturday night drinking tradition at this stage.) The house has been busy all week with visitors. I've been paying the last few debts, before I get into the regularity of bills and boring stuff every month. O J is working really well around the area, even though the road is scarily busy at times. Its great to be reminded of the freedom a guide dog brings, when you learn a new route and watch the dog becoming more confident with it each time. Its very easy to lift the dog's harness handle each day and take the work that it does for granted. Dog's need to be challenged just like we do, so I'd advise anyone to teach their dog a new route once in a while to keep both your interests and appreciation for each other up.
I've decided to take a break from doing shows at the radio station for a while, and my last show was broadcast this evening. I'm honestly not enjoying being there at the moment, and when that happens and your doing voluntary work - something that's supposed to be fun then its time to go. Hopefully I'll be back in Spring of next year, broadcasting live with the appropriate technology, and the enthusiasm for radio that I usually have.
I'm not doing anything dog training related at the moment. The course I was considering studying in January won't happen for financial reasons. I'm listening to a great audiobook called 'the loved dog', which I'm really enjoying, and I think I'll have to stick to books for another while. Any recommendations would be really appreciated, in audio or braille formats of course!
Its frustrating when your interested in things but seem to be getting nowhere with them. That's sort of how I feel at the minute but I know I will return to radio and dog training more seriously when the time is right.
Speaking of books, I started reading 'Round Ireland with a Fridge' today while making dinner, and am probably 2 thirds the way through because its great fun!
'The Hunger Games' will be my next book I think, though I've no idea what to expect from it. I got David Blunket's autobiography from the braille library even though I don't remember ordering it.
I got a house phone in last week and two hours later my mobile died. I saw it coming for ages but refused to do anything about it. I'm using a brick of an old phone now, but it has lots of entertaining photos and sound clips on it so a few people are very happy that it has been ressorected. I've no real interest in Iphones but wonder if it would be my most sensible option to buy.
This week is going to be a busy one, with meetings tomorrow, a couple of busy days in work and celebrating (or lamenting) the fact that my nephew is thirteen on Thursday. That makes me feel ancient! It will be nice to make it to the weekend, when I can escape Donegal and the madness for a few days.
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