Dancing Girl

Bouli.. as gaeilge

2010-12-01T18:11:00.000Z

Who else remembers this?

Tough. Beautiful. Polo

2010-11-22T19:32:00.000Z

Oh to be able to dance like this!

No longer dragging my heels.

2010-10-09T10:56:00.002+01:00

So I've now been in London just over a year. I can't believe how fast the time has flown. I'm convinced it should still be 2009, never mind the end of 2010.

But finally, after a year of dragging my heels and screaming at God to get me out of here, despite knowing that this is where I'm meant to be, I finally feel content here. Due to the job situation there was talk about me having to go home and all I could think was "I don't want to". That's new, had you said it to be two months ago I would have gone in the blink of an eye.

So why this sudden change? I guess the big one that has brought it about was the fact that I got Baptised. (Before you ask, yes I was Baptised as a Baby but I think it's different making the decision yourself as an adult. I'll talk more about it in another post). Also I've finally put down some roots here, made some friends in the area, gotten involved with church and community groups.

Hopefully I'll have a job soon. I've registered with an agency to do supply TA work. Just waiting on references to go through and then I'm set to go. Hopefully they'll come through soon.

In other news a friend is in the process of moving over from Dublin to here. I'm pretty excited to have her here.

And oh, I'm off to Ethiopia for the New Year with Habitat for Humanity. Can't wait. To raise funds for it I'm doing a sponsored 24hour silence. If you'd like to sponsor me you can do so here:http://www.mycharity.ie/event/aoife_lynchs_event/

Only in London

2010-09-05T22:45:00.003+01:00

Today I watched the Tipperary vs Kilkenny All Ireland Hurling Final (well done Tipp for beating the Cats), in an Irish pub which was located in the middle of China Town...only in London.

The highlight for me was discovering (well one of the friends I went with discovered) that they sell club lemon....that made me day.

Samaritan's Purse Hostage Freed

2010-08-30T14:05:00.003+01:00

It is with great joy that I can tell you that that the third Samaritan's Purse worker that was taken hostage in Sudan has been freed. Praise God! (The other two people taken hostage were previously freed)

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/mb/hostage_freed_in_sudan?utm_medium=Argyle%20Social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=home&utm_content=http=//www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/mb/hostage_freed_in_sudan

Alive and Kicking

2010-08-03T11:12:00.004+01:00

So it's been a while, a long while since I posted. Lots of little things have been happening, still at uni doing my teacher training though I'm on a summer break at the minute. Trying to figure out the next move once I've finished the course. Really want to get into Special Needs Teaching so need to figure out the best route.

Living in London is still a struggle, though I'm slowly getting more used to it. I very much have a love-hate relationship with the city, but I can't see myself anywhere for the next while. I'm learning to just "be" and not be constantly on the move and running around like a busy bumble bee. It's not an easy lesson to learn but one I know that I need to learn. But as always God has been faithful and patient even when I'm kicking and screaming in protest and trying to run the other way.

I'm reflecting lots on life and what direction to take next and while I do so I'll probably be somewhat silent for the time being on here except for the random youtube videos that I find and repost.

Alex Wong

2010-07-10T00:59:00.000+01:00

Put 'Em Under Pressure - Irish Football Song

2010-06-11T16:45:00.000+01:00

Ah the memories....now sing with me "We're all part of Jackie's army, we're all off to Italy, and we'll really shake them up when we win the World Cup cause Ireland has the greatest football team"

The Republic of Telly does the A-Team

2010-06-08T12:29:00.000+01:00

Gotta Love it

Quotes

2010-05-26T13:08:00.001+01:00

Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.

'Star Wars (John Williams Is The Man)' medley - Corey Vidal and Moosebut...

2010-05-22T20:50:00.000+01:00

I'm not a star wars person but this is fantastic :)

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody [Original Version]

2010-05-22T20:29:00.000+01:00

Please Pray

2010-05-19T18:11:00.003+01:00

Three Samaritan's Purse (The organisation that I went to Armenia, Nepal, Lesotho and Swaziland with) staff members have been kidnapped in Darfur. Please keep them, their friends, family, colleagues, the negotiators and their captures in your prayers.

For the BBC report click here

For the Samaritan's Purse report click here

Vote

2010-05-05T13:07:00.001+01:00

Image from here

Don't forget to vote. If you don't then you have no right to complain about who gets into power and what decisions they make.

Stolen Bikes

2010-05-02T13:08:00.005+01:00

Three bikes were stolen from my sister's front garden last night in Oxford (OX2)

Large mens beige Dawes Galaxy road/touring bike.
21" Mens Raleigh Record Ace 80s Road bike
17" Specialized Rockhopper Pro hardtail mountain bike.

The lock to the house was cut sometime after 2 am., and the three were bolted together with kryptonite d locks.

If you see any of these for sale anywhere in Oxford/gumtree/ebay etc etc please let me know by posting a comment here or emailing me: aoife_lynch@oceanfree.net

Raleigh Record Ace

1980s original with Reynolds 531 decals

21" mens champagne/gold colour frame

Original Campagnolo gear mechanism, w/ old fashioned levels on down tube

some paint chips on seat tube

toe clips with leather straps

(mudguards in photo removed)

In Background:

Dawes Super Galaxy

Large (maybe 24"?) mens reynolds 531 steel frame w/ original decals, and hand painted.

Beige colour

Touring bike w/ touring tires w/ rear rack for paniers,

possibly from around 2000?

not sure of more details, or no better photos.

In front with my sister:

Specialized Rockhopper Pro Hardtail Mountain Bike

17" frame

2007/08 model

Juicy 5 Hydraulic Disk Brakes

Fox Vanilla 125R Forks

Shimano Diore Shifters & gears etc.

Raleigh Record Ace

1980s original with Reynolds 531 decals

21" mens champagne/gold colour frame

Original Campagnolo gear mechanism, w/ old fashioned levels on down tube

some paint chips on seat tube

toe clips with leather straps

(mudguards in photo 5 removed )

Specialized Rockhopper Pro Hardtail Mountain Bike

17" frame

2007/08 model

Juicy 5 Hydraulic Disk Brakes

Fox Vanilla 125R Forks

Shimano Diore Shifters & gears etc.

I'm on my way

2010-04-18T12:50:00.003+01:00

The first part of my long trip back to London is over. I survived the Ferry journey, and even managed to sleep despite having a screaming child sitting beside me. (That must be the teacher in me). Just sitting on a train now (with internet access) waiting for it to pull out of Holyhead and bring me back to London. Isn't modern technology funny, I can sit on a train and type away here yet I can't fly because of Volcanic ash in the air?

Mind you the sunset up on Howth head on Thursday night was stunning. So red, it reminded me of Kenya. Man I want to go back there...

Innit

2010-04-06T20:43:00.005+01:00

Crikey...it's been a while since I've posted.

Don't have much time to blog as I'm in the process of writing a rather large essay that's due next week. So short bullet points will have to do you:

I survived placement no 2. I loved the school I was in so much and all the kids. This time I had year 5 which means I'll be going in blind to ks1 on my final placement.
I had two visitors from Ireland-thanks for coming guys.
I had to work on St. Patrick's day-very strange...
I was introduced to Arrested Development...very funny
I was also introduced to the newest Batman films, and I like
I discovered Cambden Markets and I'm in love...spent a fortune but shh...

I'm now currently in Ireland, supposedly for a break but instead been getting over some bug that I picked up while teaching and writing an essay that is due in next week. It's no lie when they say you don't have a life with the PGCE course..I just got to keep thinking "July 23rd, July 23rd"

Having said that, it's nice being home and being able to catch up with some people. And of course I added the newest addition to my growing collection of Godchildren. I now have 4, two Goddaughters and two Godsons

And that is what I've been up to in a nut shell

Still alive

2010-03-18T23:58:00.001Z

I'm still alive. Currently just over half way through my second teaching placement. I love it so much. It certainly has it challenges but I wouldn't swap it for the world :)

Godincidence

2010-02-22T21:49:00.004Z

As many of you know I've been struggling with life in London. I've been finding it hard to settle down, grow roots, get to meet people and see what I can do to help the community. East London is not without it's problems, there is so much to do, it's hard to know where to start. But God has been faithful. I "randomly" (i.e. God poking me with his finger and saying "go there") stumbled upon a great life group at a local church, Highway Church. Although I don't always agree with all that is said there, it's a safe place to challenge and be challenged. After just coming back to Faith in God after turning my back for far too long it's great to have such a loving supportive group of people around me. Now just to convince them to have an evening service, no matter how much I try I can't get out of bed in time on Sunday morning's for their service. So I quite often go to the local Church of England, St. John's.

Meteor Sighting Over Co. Meath IRELAND

2010-02-03T21:48:00.001Z

What on earth?

Texts, Tweets Saving Haitians From the Rubble

2010-02-01T23:05:00.001Z

Texts, Tweets Saving Haitians From the Rubble

Posted using ShareThis

week 4

2010-01-31T20:46:00.000Z

Monday: That I need to learn how to hold my pen differently for when teaching. I currently rest my pen on the fourth finger when it should rest on the third. Always knew this but my writing is far neater the way I write. The sacrifices one must make!!!

Tuesday: I don't hurt! Was expecting to as took an aerobics class on Monday night.

Wednesday: I do hurt! Forgot that it's 2 days after exercise that you feel the burn.

Thursday: I learned how to use tracing paper correctly, and I now it.

Friday: I'm an aunt! My dear friend is now a Daddy! :)

Saturday: Blues dancing hurts my ankles :( Knees I was expecting, but they are fine, maybe even hips, they too are fine. But my ankles. Anyone want to give me a massage?

Sunday: Learned a bit more about Abraham today from Channel 4's documentary "The Bible: A History" (It's a series on Sunday nights at 7pm. Can also be seen on Channel 4 On Demand. Click here. I highly recommend it)

Week 3

2010-01-24T22:47:00.000Z

Monday: I learned that I really ought to buy more than one tub of marinated olives as I always seem to eat the lot in one sitting..yum!

Tuesday: That really bright interactive white boards = headaches...need to dim them down.

Wednesday: I discovered a doggie community in the local park, where a group of dogs and their owners all know each other, hang about, play, drink and eat...Pretty Cool.

Thursday: Always, Always, read the label and double check your prescription, mistakes are made.

Friday: I learned how to pronounce a particular Ugandan name.

Saturday: Shopping while depressed is never a good idea, far too much chocolate consumed as a result.

Sunday: I don't need as much embroidery thread as I first thought for cross stitch. Of course that only applies when I'm not making mistakes.

What I learnt this week

2010-01-17T22:30:00.000Z

Monday: I learned that cucumbers are technically a fruit.

Tuesday: I learned that when writing with your left hand (in a language that is written and read from Left to Right) you're "pushing" and when writing with your right hand you're "dragging".

Wednesday: Learned a new method to do subtraction.

Thursday: I learned a new game called "Switch" that is great for getting kids attention back while in the classroom.

Friday: Today I learnt that way way back in the day boys used to wear Pink. Men wore Red so Pink was seen as a lighter more child friendly.

Saturday: Blue tack can also be used as a rubber (eraser)

Sunday: Learnt some things not to do while doing cross-stitch, now to actually figure out how not to make any mistakes...

Haiti

2010-01-17T01:03:00.002Z

Subject: Take action and help the people of Haiti

Like millions of people around the world I've been shocked by the terrible events in Haiti.

Only now is the true scale of the disaster emerging. Reports now suggest as many as 50,000 people may have died, with hundreds of thousands made homeless.

The work ahead to recover from this tragedy is immense. So here's our goal: $890 million for Haiti. That's how much Haiti owes to the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, and a handful of others.

Sign the petition below to ask Haiti's creditors to act quickly and cancel Haiti's debts:

http://one.org/us/actnow/drophaitiandebt/index.html?rc=haitidebtconfemail

As Haiti begins to rebuild we can help by lifting this debt.

Together as ONE we can make a difference!

Thanks!

Learn Something New Everyday

2010-01-10T13:00:00.001Z

They say you learn something new everyday and I find that to be generally true, so I've decided to document what I've learnt each day and post it here on a weekly basis.

Since I only thought of this on Monday 4th I'll start from there:

Monday: I learned that there is such a thing as Mongolian Blue Spot. Just as well don't want to wrongly accuse a parent of beating up their kid.

Tuesday: Pouring four litres of coca cola down the toilet and letting it sit overnight will NOT remove lime scale.

Wednesday: In art class I learned how to make a stained glass type piece with tissue paper and glue.

Thursday: I learned, for the millionth time, that leaving things to the last minute is not good, yet I always seem to do it...sometimes I think I really need a kick up the $&@~#

Friday: While playing tourist by going to the Pollocks Toy Museum I learned that Snakes and Ladders is based on an Indian game called Parama Padam or Mokshapat which religious (Hinduism) lessons.

Saturday: While examining the snow flakes that were landing on my gloves I discovered that they do actually look like the traditional snowflake star shape type thing.

Sunday: Pouring 1 litre of vinegar down the toilet will remove some lime scale, perhaps I need more and let it sit for longer to clear it all?

So there you are, what did you learn today?

2009

2010-01-09T14:47:00.003Z

Okay, so a little late in typing and posting this but it's better late than never

2009 was one hectic year, filled with laughter and tears and a whole lot of paper work, but never the less I'm grateful for it.

I got to travel a lot in 2009, Lesotho (where I brought in 2009), England, Austria, France, Iceland, Hungary, Swaziland, Germany, what a blessing. Made lots of new friends, caught up with some old friends after far too long, went to my first ever Lindy Exchange, moved to London, saw the end of a relationship, done more paper work than ever before, became a trainee professional (i.e. started primary school teacher training) and am not about one third of the way through the course, survived my first block of teaching placement, enjoyed the snow, learned that vinegar is a great cleaning tool-even if it does stink the place out, gotten used to using the Tube Line, lost weight, put it back on with some extra, went skiing, got to go paragliding, experienced tiny 4 seater planes, walked the mini-marathon, was a dance extra in Dublin's first bollywood film, got plugged in with a great local church, took an alpha course, got back on the path of finding my way back to Christianity after turning away for far too long, got to know the lads who work in the local shops, became a migrant, no longer share a bed with the dog (though I miss her heaps), miss all my friends back home like crazy, meet so many Irish people in London, saw the Giant Causeway for the first time, got to be an auntie-a dear friend had a little girl, and get to be an auntie again soon with many more friends and cousins expecting...and I'm sure I've forgotten lots but it's been a busy year and one that has changed my life.

Back in London

2010-01-04T03:14:00.003Z

How is it 2010 already? Feels like only yesterday I was ringing in the new millennium...madness. A bleated Happy New Year to all of you.

I'm now back in London facing into an even more hectic schedule...it better be worth it in the end. I had such a lovely time back home for Christmas. Sorry I didn't get to see all of while I was home..

So many posts floating in my head that no doubt will never get written...really need to organise my time better to allow me that bit of time for myself, even if it's just 30 minute a day not spent studying, cooking, cleaning or resting/sleeping (I really need to sort out my sleeping pattern).

2010

2009-12-31T18:16:00.000Z

Happy New Year.

How is it the next decade already?

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T19:36:00.003Z

Merry Christmas.

May it be filled with many blessings.

Don't forget the reason for the season

The birth of Christ

"Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
~ Lyrics from Hark the Herald

Home

2009-12-20T00:24:00.001Z

I'm heading home tomorrow until the 3rd. Would love to catch up with you. Send me an email or drop me a text to arrange a catch up

Well worth a read

2009-12-17T13:23:00.001Z

http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2009/shane-claiborne-1209

This is a link I came across on facebook about Christianity.

Would love to know what you think.

I don't understand

2009-12-12T20:58:00.003Z

I have to say I've never understood Homophobia within the Church. I just don't get it. I personally don't believe that it's a sin. Even if I did I would have no right to judge anyone who is Gay. Why do people get riled by this one "sin"? The Church is made up of flawed humans. There are so many other "sins" that I see committed by Christians continuously yet nothing much is said about it, one in particular that I can think of but I won't mention it as I don't want to offend anyone. What happened to "He who is without sin cast the first stone" (John 8:7) ? I have seen a few comments about the place about Christians who have come out as being Gay stating "they are going to hell". Only God knows who is/isn't going to hell. Not up to us to make that call.

I survived

2009-12-07T18:00:00.002Z

Placement No 1 is done. The last 5 weeks have gone so fast. I had a great time, learnt lots and I have a lot more to learn but I'll get there. I have a tiny bit of breathing space before I get stuck into a large assignment. And get the last of the Christmas shopping done.

On another note I went to the optician on Sunday to see about getting contact lenses. I know need to wear my glasses all the time and was not convinced the prescription I had was correct. I'm sick of looking out the side of my glasses esp when teaching and seeing the frame. But because I'm neither long sighted nor short sighted (my long sight is better than short but is not great), have different prescription for each eye and have odd shaped eye balls I can't wear glasses...I might consider laser eye surgery in the futures, esp if my eye sight gets worse but for now it's glasses. I just have to wait about 2 weeks for my new set which is annoying as my current ones are no longer doing the trick. Oh well at least I get the chance to go to an optician and get my eyes taken care of. I can't imagine what it must be like to have bad vision and not be able to get glasses.

World AIDS day

2009-12-01T18:07:00.002Z

[photo from here]

Club Lemon, how I've missed thee

2009-11-29T21:09:00.002Z

Along with Tayto and greenery and of course all my friends and family I one of things I miss the most about home is Club Lemon. I can get N.Irish Tayto here, Club Orange, Club Rockshandy and Galtee Irish sausages but no club Lemon. This weekend a friend is over with her mum, they brought me over some club lemon. Yummm...... We went out for tasty Lebanese food last night and tomorrow I'm bringing them to my favorite Indian.

Now I understand

2009-11-22T13:42:00.004Z

Before I could never understand why when people migrate they stick to people from their home communities. I'm not talking about the people who mix with people from their new community and their home communities but people who stick purely to home communities. For example all the Irish sticking together when living in London and not mixing with anyone that isn't Irish. In fact it used to irritate me a lot.

One of the reasons I choose not to live on campus and not to live with other students, so that I would have a chance to mix with people from all walks of life.

What I was not expecting was the culture shock. I mean Dublin and London are not that far apart, only 287 miles (462 km). How different could it be? A lot. I knew that moving to East London that it was going to be culturally diverse. That I would be in the minority being white and a native English speaker. I'm used to that from traveling and it's not an issue for me. It's the cultural differences between the Londoners whose family have been here for a few generations and the Irish that I was not expecting.

What are these shocks? People here seem to be a lot more forward. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just not used to it. Most people seem to look out for themselves here, I can understand this considering the level of knife crime. If you're in trouble in a public place you can't rely on others to help you as they are afraid that they will also get attacked.

Then there are things like people not giving up their seats on the tube/bus for people who need it more. I know we're not the best with it at home but we are slightly better.

Or walking down the street, you'll be trying to ask someone for directions and they'll ignore you and just walk right past. While at home if you're seen with a map someone will often approach you and offer help before you ask for it.

Also it's hard to meet people here. Thankfully I'm at uni and meeting lot of people that way, but if I wasn't I don't know how I'd meet people. It's strange, despite the fact that I'm surrounded by people in such a large city I often feel lonely. Especially now on placement, I don't see the uni gang that often. Last night 3 of them called over, I hadn't seen 1 in about four weeks and the other two only briefly. As much as I'm enjoying placement I'm looking forward to being back at uni and seeing everyone again.

I'm not trying to be critical of Londeners, I have meet some of the nicest people here (who aren't Irish) I'm just trying to explain some of the differences that I was not expecting. And I've only mentioned a few.

Now I understand why people stick to their own communities when abroad. It's that feeling of knowing how things are done, what is acceptable and what isn't. It's a feeling of comfort when you're in a strange land and strange environment.

Having said all that, I am trying to get to know more people here in London that aren't Irish but it's nice to know that I have some very good Irish (actual or honoury) here.

FM104 - The Thierry Henry Song

2009-11-20T21:15:00.001Z

How I miss Dublin's FM104 Strawberry Alarmclock. For some silly reason my pc won't let me stream it live

Food Court Musical

2009-11-15T19:49:00.001Z

Gotta love the randomness

Blink and you'll miss it

2009-11-13T20:29:00.002Z

That is what my life feels like at the minute. I've just finished my 2nd week of placement. I can't go into details on a public forum but let's say I've been immensely blessed. The school is great, my in school mentor is great, uni tutor very helpful and the kids are wonderful.

At the moment my life is:

Get up, go to school, stay late and do my homework, come home, eat, work and sleep

Get up...

You get the picture. But it's worth it.

A family member is coming over on Sunday with his wife and kids, I can't wait to see them :)

Barnardos Petition

2009-11-10T22:51:00.003Z

Please sign the Barnardos Petition to make sure that children don't loose out in the 2010 Budget, children living in poverty can not and should not pay the cost of our current recession:

http://www.barnardos.ie/yesno

London,so far..part 3

2009-11-06T18:36:00.004Z

I'm being kept crazy busy at the moment. I've just finished my first week on placement. I'm very lucky, I don't have to travel too far to school, it's a great school and I love the class that I'm with. I just really need to work on class management, and relearn how to do maths. The methods for division and multiplication are so different from how I learned them at school

Fi came to visit me two weeks ago. Had a great time playing tourist with her and getting to spend time with her. Tonight Rebecca is visiting, haven't seen her since May. Can't wait.

Then last weekend I went off to Hamburg to visit Mehmet. Hadn't seen him in 4 years. Had such a great time catching up with him and getting some fresh air. Hamburg is such a beautiful city. Really clean, lots of trees and of course the harbour. Such a change from London. Well at the least the part of London that I'm living in is such a concrete jungle. I had forgotten it was autum until I went to St. James Pk with Fiona. I got to go cycling in Hamburg too. Loved it, must see if I can get me a bike for here in London.

Vicks First Defence tantrum

2009-11-04T19:25:00.001Z

I wonder if this would work in a school setting?
I'm currently on my first block placement and could do with some tips on behavior management, I'm much too soft, so used to an informal setting

To blog or not to blog

2009-10-25T10:38:00.000Z

There are so many issues that I would like to blog about, different things that affect me in to my day to day life, and other issues that I feel passionate about. To date I haven't as I've always been warned you never know who'll read it, future employers etc. It's for the same reason that I've high privacy settings on my facebook page.

I'm considering putting even higher privacy settings on facebook now that I'll be a teacher soon. The last thing I want is pupils or parents getting access to information. And I'm beginning to wonder what to do about this blog. I've been careful to date about what I post about. So often I've wanted to post about politics and related issues but I've refrained as you just never know. I'm learning so much here in London that I would love to share, but am some what reluctant too on such an open platform.

I enjoy blogging, and I would love to be more open on it but unfortunately my chosen career path does not allow me to do so. I'm going to have to come up with some new topics to blog about to keep it interesting...any suggestions?

Labels

2009-10-22T22:27:00.004+01:00

This is something that has been on my mind for a while, and it's something that I've been thinking about more recently as I train to be a primary school teacher. And that is "labeling people".

First one that I've been thinking about is people who have HIV. It bugs me when I hear people say "X is HIV positive". Using the word "is" or "am" when describing a person who has an illness or a special need irks me. An illness or special need does not define a person, it is not their identity. That is why I always try to say "X HAS HIV" or "Y has a aspergers" etc. I'm sure there are some grammatical exceptions to the rule. The next time you go to describe someone, please take a moment to think, those an illness/special need define them, or is it something they just happen to have?

Bean Phaidin - Planxty 1980

2009-10-07T02:41:00.001+01:00

This is the song currently going around in my head

London, so far...part 2

2009-10-06T13:35:00.000+01:00

I don't know why I was so worried about missing the 6 degrees of separation, it's happening here. One of the girls on the course knows someone I know from swing dancing form an entirely different circle. And one of the other girls had a friend visiting, and we think his sister knows someone I know from dancing. I went out dancing and there was one of the girls from home who had moved over here last year.

The people around my local area are lovely. Really friendly bunch, it's like being at home. I've noticed that I'm in the minority here, being white and a native English speaker that is. Total role reversal from home but I love it, means I'm getting to learn about all sorts of different cultures.

I had an adventure last weekend. Went out dancing in West London. (Another case of a small world, one of the lads that I meet at the Arctic Lindy Exchange in Iceland was there. He had also been to Dublin just before I moved over.) Anyways it should be an hours journey door to door to where I was going dancing down in Shepherds Bush. I hoped on the tube and off I went. In went the ear phones for the ipod and out came the science reading. I missed my stop. No big deal just turn back. Only this was after 1130pm and there were no more trains. I was sitting at the station a good 20 minutes before I realised this. I figured from my handy A-Z map I figured I was a short taxi journey from Oxford Circus where there is a bus that runs 24hours back to East London. Took me a while to find a taxi but I got there. Once I got there took me ages to find the right bus stop. Once I got on the bus it took nearly an hour to get out East. So what should have taken me an hour, took me nearly 3 hours. Oh well! Least it didn't happen in Dublin where an expensive taxi is the only option.

I've played tourist the last two weekends. First up was the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms I went with my sister when she came down to visit me. Had a great time. Then it was over the St Jame's Park for High Tea and watching the birds and the squirrels.

This weekend just gone Crystal came over to visit. We went walking about seeing Big Ben, Trafalgar Sq (which is just not the same without the pigeons), saw a double decker (ie really tall) bike, westminster Cathedral and we did the London eye. Then on Friday we along with Deidre and Kevin went to Thorpe Pk and screamed our heads off. It was soooo much fun. Will have to go back, if only to go on Stealth, didn't go on it this time. Saturday Crystal and I went around Harrods, was going to eat there til we saw the prices and that was the end of that. Enjoyed looking around the toy department mind you, got lots of ideas for presents for my Godchildren for the unmentionable (ie Christmas but it's only October so not allowed talk about it or think about it yet except for Operation Christmas Child which will be in a post shortly) , then onto the London Dungeons (not as good as the one's in Amsterdam), they even had live rats in one of the exhibits. Crystal got scented to death for being from Ireland. Then it was off to see The Lion King on stage. Wow is all I can say. I always wondered how they would do the stage design and the costumes, they were phenomenal. And Rafiki, I just loved. Reminded me of Kenya in many ways, I just want to go back. (I found some cheap flights just have to see if I can afford them or not). Then on Sunday we went for dinner in a fab Malaysian Restaurant, Awana in the Richmond area (posh part). It took me forever to decide what to eat. The mango salad was amazing (then again I'm obsessed with mangoes.)

The course has been fun so far despite the amount of work involved. One morning was spent doing art, another a trip to the park looking for creepy crawlies. Have an academic poster to do, never done one before in my life so this will be interesting.

I've started an alpha course in the local church. I did a youth alpha about 11 years ago so it's good to do one again. We are quite a mixed bunch on the course, I can't remember how many cultures and countries are represented.

The road I'm living on seems to be a red light district. Twice I've been mistaken for being a working girl quite simply because I was walking up from the tube or bus on my own late at night. Makes me feel a bit uncomfortable...

I'm off to Belfast soon for a night to see the gang from Swaziland. Elim Church in Belfast support Hawane Lighthouse Centre (where I was) and are bringing some of the older kids and the TCMI (teen challenge ministries international, ie life skills group) over to Belfast. I can't wait to see them. Which reminds me I still need to to post about the trip to Swaziland.

If you got this far, well done. Thanks for reading.

Dreams

2009-10-05T17:35:00.001+01:00

I had a lovely nap dream last week. (you know those dreams, you're half asleep so it's like a cross between a day dream and a dream, when you are aware that you are dreaming but also aware of what is going on in reality). It was a really nice dream. I dreamt that a cure was found for HIV/AIDS, and that the cure was accessible to all. What a lovely dream, I hope and pray, and trust in God that one day this dream will come through. Who knows when it will be, but I believe that it is possible. Don't forget to keep praying, for through God all things are possible.

"...For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed,

you will say to this mountain,

'Move from here to there,' and it will move,

and nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17 v 20

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

2009-10-04T13:29:00.002+01:00

I'm not long finished "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Alborn and I L O V E D it.

If you're like me and don't have much time to read these days but still want to pick up the odd book make sure you read this one. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. From the word go it has you hooked. Makes you look at heaven and life in a new light, great way to make you think without being too heavy and philosophical. Enjoy

Cadbury Dairy Milk Zingolo (60 second edit - Official Version)

2009-09-18T23:03:00.001+01:00

Cadburys Milk Chocolate Bar is now Fair Trade :)

London, so far...

2009-09-14T23:52:00.004+01:00

I've been here just over the week and so far...

I've meet half of Ireland, and of course one of them knows someone I know from a completely different circle.
The local shop keepers know me.
Meet someone by the name of Tee Rex, that's the name on the passport.
Made friends with randomers I've meet walking down the street.
Has a sex worker working just outside my apartment block.
Went to go to a night club that turned out to be a church.
Went to a friends and neighbours day at a local church and I was the youngest there by about 25 years, other than a child that was there.
I spent an afternoon wrapping shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Meet up with Toby who I meet while volunteering in Kenya and haven't seen in about 5 years.
We ate Korean food, my first time having it. And it's rather tasty.
Meet up with people I know from home that are now living in London.
Woken up in the middle of the night wondering where Pixie is.
So far so good, now for that maths audit in the morning...

FAME Movie Trailer 2009 (Live It, Dream It, Earn It)

2009-09-14T00:03:00.001+01:00

I can't wait for this film to come out

Coltan

2009-09-12T15:42:00.000+01:00

Do you really need that new mobile phone?

Did you know that mobile phones and other electronic goods contain coltan?

Did you know that the people who mine coltan in Democratic Republic of Congo earn very little?

And have to pay "taxes" to those in control in the area?

Please click here to watch a short news report about the issue

Africa: Lewa Childrens Home - Part I

2009-09-09T12:40:00.001+01:00

Africa: Lewa Childrens Home - Part II

2009-09-09T12:39:00.001+01:00

Where I spend two months back in 2004

Tomorrow is the day

2009-09-04T22:57:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow is the day, the day that I move to London. Scary biscuits. Can't believe it's tomorrow. Only seems like yesterday I was trying to get hold of the university to see if I got a place on the course or not. Of course, I'm still doing last minute packing trying to figure out what I want to bring now and what can wait for a few weeks when people start visiting. I'm getting excited too but I will miss Dublin and Ireland in general a lot. Other than the obvious of missing people there are a lot of little things that I'll miss

Being guaranteed to bump into someone I know, of someone who knows someone I know every time I go out. In other words forget 6 degrees of separation, it's only 2 in Dublin.
The Fringe Festival. The Swing Dance Scene of Ireland it taking over the Spiegal Tent next week. I won't be here for it.
Voting on the next Lisbon Treaty. It'll be the first time that I won't be voting since turning 18. I went to register for a postal vote but was told that I'm not entitled to one as a student. Supper annoyed about that. Don't forget to get out an vote.
Tayto-cheese and onion of course.
Pixie, my dog.
Buskers, I know we have some dodge ones but I've come across some amazing ones recently. Like a rock band with a traditional flautist instead of a lead singer.
The culture, like the time I went to see "The Swell Season" and Glen Hansard pulled up two teens onto the stage to play along with them. Where else would you get that? Previously posted about here.
The Banter.
The fact that people give up their seats on buses/trains for those who need them more. And helping people who are weighed down with luggage on public transport. (Though neither happen enough)

A few things that I won't miss.

Bad public transport, roll on an integrated bus and underground service.
Being ripped off for everything, hopefully the euro will stay strong against the pound so London won't be too expensive. Mind you even when the Euro is weak UK is still a lot cheaper. So long rip off Ireland.
Tiny one cent coins.

Things that I'm really looking forward to:

Dancing, and lot of it, well as much as my time table will allow.
Being surrounded by people from different cultures. The area I'm moving too is very much a migrant area. Being white and a native English speaker means I'll be in the minority. Looking forward to seeing life from this point of view for a while.
Meeting lots of new people.
The course, even though I'll have no social life for a year while training.
Being on a lot more flight routes....I should be able to get a really good deal on a flight back to Kenya to visit friends, pending money and time of course.
No longer living with the parents. Don't get me wrong, I love them, just time to be more independent.

I'm sure I'm leaving out lots on this post. So there you have it, next time I'll be posting I'll be living in London. Will be a migrant, never thought I'd be one of them (nothing wrong with it of course) and will at long last be training to be a primary school teacher after years of threatening to become one. Watch out London, here I come...you have been warned.

Tetris can alter the structure of your brain

2009-09-01T16:32:00.002+01:00

All the more reason to keep on playing:

Tetris can alter the structure of your brain

Posted using ShareThis

Nearly There

2009-08-23T12:12:00.003+01:00

I booked my flights for London last night. Just under 2 weeks until I move. I'm beginning to get very nervous about the move. Still a lot to get organised, lease to sign, pre course work to do, decide what to bring with me, run around and make sure that I see everyone to say goodbye. And of course my cousins wedding thrown in for good measure. (Though I am looking forward to being able to relax for a day at that and catch up with all my extended family whom I don't see that often)

On top of that it's only hitting me now that I'm home from Swaziland. I miss all the wonderful people that I meet there so much. (I know, I know still have to blog about all of that)

The Reader.

2009-08-18T05:54:00.000+01:00

I previously review "The Reader" amongst many other books here. As previously stated I had been disappointed with the book. On the way to Swaziland recently, I watched the film version. I have to say that I loved it. I felt that it got across the concept of collective guilt of the people in post world war 2 Germany, much more than the book. It's unusual, I often love a book and don't like the film version. I may go back and read the book after seeing the film and see if feel any differently about it. That's after I read a big pile of books sitting on my shelf looking at me.

Iceland

2009-08-15T17:50:00.003+01:00

We were on the news in Iceland. Well the Arctic Lindy Exchange was. To see it please click here

I had so much fun in Iceland. It was lovely to dance every night, and take it easy during the day while doing a bit of sight seeing. I didn't get to do as much as I wanted due to coming down with a throat infection.

Am being kept busy at the moment getting ready for the move to London and running around saying "bye" to everyone.

I've a lot of posts in my head, just to find the time to write them all....

My last shift

2009-07-31T18:58:00.002+01:00

I'm currently working my last shift at the internet cafe where I have worked for the past four years. It's a rather strange feeling. It started off as a job to keep me going until I figured out what I wanted to do. I made many a good friend here. Although there are days when i just want to scream at rude customers over all it's been generally a positive experience. I know it's time to leave, and I'm leaving for bigger and brighter things, it's still just very strange...

Calling all mango lovers

2009-07-29T00:55:00.002+01:00

All you mango lovers out there need to get down to Easy Shop (Asian Grocery Store) on South Circular Road to buy some of the tastiest mangoes I've ever had.

I've been a huge fan of Mangoes since my trip to Kenya back in 2004 but never ate them when I came home to Ireland. Why? Because they are imported here and are just not the same when they are not fresh.

I had been told that some Pakistani and Indian stores stock them only in season. Well my friend brought me to the Easy Shop today and I bought two boxes of mango. They smelled perfect.

The guy working at the store was kind enough to open a few boxes and mix them around so that I would come home with two boxes of the sweetest, juiciest, yummiest mangoes ever. I think I'll be buying a lot and giving them out as presents....

Even if you haven't been a fan of mangoes before, you got to try these ones.

JK Wedding Entrance Dance

2009-07-25T21:53:00.001+01:00

I like this idea a lot

4 degrees of seperation from...

2009-07-21T00:10:00.000+01:00

The world sure is a tiny place. They say we are all seperated from someone else by 6 degrees. In my experience it sure is a lot smaller. The other night I was watching a documentary about Idi Amin that came with the film "The Last King of Scotland". My Father walked in halfway through and says our cousin was his one of his personal doctors back in the day. My Father's second cousin's brother in law to be precise. That means I'm seperated from Idi Amin by 4 degrees, well 3 as my Father's cousin is also my cousin... Apparantly he stole one of Amin's planes and flew it to Lybia to escape. I would love to meet this relation of mine if I could invent a time machine.

I've decided that it is about time that I get down to dictate all the family tree to me and all the stories of all the people we are related to.

woops!

2009-07-18T10:26:00.002+01:00

It's just been pointed out that I had a typo on my last blog entry, stating I need to sort out "Fiances" instead of "Finances". And questions have been asked. Just to clarify, I'm NOT engaged.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

2009-07-17T10:43:00.004+01:00

After a few emails and a few phone calls I've been told that I have a place on the PGCE Primary (post-grad 9 month intensive primary teacher training course) at the University of East London. I'm over the moon and back again. I've wanted this for quite some time. I really didn't know how the interview went in June but it clearly went well.

I'm waiting on all the information to come in the post/email so that I can accept the place, find out when I'm starting etc. And then it'll be time to sort out finances take a small trip over to hunt for a place to stay.

I expect to be starting sometime in Mid-September but I won't know for sure until I receive all the info. Can't wait. Will keep ye posted.

Home

2009-07-16T12:54:00.001+01:00

I'm home from Swaziland and fighting a cold. I had the most amazing time at Hawane and didn't want to leave. I'll post properly on it soon once I've caught up on sleep etc

what's new?

2009-06-27T09:42:00.003+01:00

Life has been a little hectic of late but in a good way. At times stressful but not overly. Just meant not much time for friends (sorry) or updating here. And it's not over yet.

On Tuesday gone I had an interview over in London for teacher training. I think it went ok but that is no guarantee. The competition for the places is fierce. I spent a lot of time preparing for that as I had maths exam, English exams (one being a detailed grammar exam so I had to get grinds for that. I went to an all Irish speaking primary school and never learned English grammar properly), a presentation and then the interview itself. I should know within two weeks if I've been offered a place. Well it'll be three weeks before I know as I'm off to Swaziland on Wednesday. While there I won't have any access to email/phone etc.

I can't believe that I'm heading off this Wednesday. I can't wait. There are 8 of us are on the Samaritan's Purse team. We are going to Hawane children's home and farm. I'm rather excited about this. Just not the packing part, or the very long flight, but it will be worth it. At the moment the plan is (and are subject to change) work on the farm in the morning, and then organise activities for the children when they come home from school in the afternoon.

I'm waiting on the results of allergy tests at the moment. I was hoping they would be back before I head to Swaziland but it's looking unlikely. Knowing my luck I will be allergic or intolerant of the things that I suspect I am. In other words, the things I really really like; cheese and citrus fruit (I could eat mangoes and drink lemon juice til the cows come home)

Will keep ye posted on all the happenings.

Origins of the Moonwalk

2009-06-26T14:16:00.001+01:00

Petition against FGM

2009-06-21T18:11:00.000+01:00

Hi,

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

"Help us protecting a 10-years old girl from FGM!"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chance_to_protection_FGM?e

I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes less than a minute of your time.

Thanks!

My Tips/Insights for a trip to Paris.

2009-06-19T20:27:00.003+01:00

A few weeks ago I went for a weekend trip to Paris with two of the girls. I loved hanging out with them, catching up with friends in Paris and of course seeing the sights. I put together a few random insights and tips that I thought you might enjoy

Space Ship Airport

We flew into Charles de Gaulle airport, terminal one. It's huge. And reminds me of a space ship, but the system works very well for getting in and out etc. The bus from the airport to L'Opera is rather handy and I do recommend it. On your way to Opera to the airport do check what terminal your flying from. Terminal 2 is divided into about 5-6 sections, it's that big. You really don't want to get off at the wrong place.

When I was at the boarding gate on the way home one of the staff members found a scarf. She went around asking all of us if we owned it. Pretty decent, you don't see that in too many airports these days.

Word of warning: In terminal 1 there is no book shop. I had just finished mine and was hoping to buy one to read on the way home. At the gate there was a newsagent but it closes early, at least on a Sunday. So if you're like me and read lots make sure you don't finish what you bring with you so that you have something to read on the way home.

Vegan/vegetarian food: One of the girls on the trip is a vegan. Finding places she could eat something other than just salad was difficult. We found some organic places about the place but nothing suitable for vegetarians or vegans. I guess the best thing would be to find a supermarket, which we never did. And when she did find something she could eat the prices were crazy. She was charged €11 for a salad. Though we did find one really nice Indo-Pakistani restaurant just around the corner from where we were staying (so that would be near Rue Marsollier) food was lovely, vegan friendly, and reasonably priced.

Prices: everything is very expensive, especially in the tourist areas. I was charged anywhere between €4 and €5 for an orange juice. And I thought Ireland was bad! Though we did find a place that has a happy hour on a Friday night. €5 a cocktail (with alcohol). Can't remember the name of the bar/restaurant but it's on Rue D'Italie but it was on a corner. Upstairs they play really loud house music so hard to chat to people but downstairs is quieter and opens right up onto the street. Lovely to relax, have a few drinks, the best chocolate cake I've ever had and a natter with the girls. (Not Vegan friendly but a few doors up there is a vegan friendly place).

Kitty O'Sheas We ended up in an Irish bar on the Saturday night. I normally avoid them when abroad but we decided to go. It was quiet when we were there but we had great craic. The barman is Irish and we had a good bit of banter with him. And then two of us set off to find a Discotheque. After asking several random people in our very bad french we eventually stumbled across a bar with a great atmosphere, great music and a lovely bunch of people.

Paris has an excellent Tour Bus system. €29 for one day (24 hours) or €32 for two days (48 hours). They have 5 routes and you can hop on and off any of them all day. The three of us did two routes, the yellow (around Monmartre) and the green route (around the centre, arc d'trimumphe, eiffel tower etc). We were going to go up the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame but the queues were crazy. For the eiffel tower it was a 45min wait to even get near the lift, and I've been told that you can be waiting for up to an hour to get a lift back down. If you're going go first thing in the morning. As far as I know most museums etc are closed on a Monday just to prewarn you.

On Sunday we went to see the Sacre Coeur. I did not like it. It was jam packed with tourists while they were preparing the church for 8 ordinations and Pentecost which was the following day. To light a candle to say a prayer you were charged €2, a novena is €10 and there were vending machines to get religious medals. I can understand the idea behind the vending machines as the queues in the shop would be crazy. I actually have issues with shops in churches but that's a whole other story. I find it strange that on a Sunday, the Christian day of worship, that the Church is open to tourists etc. I was in and out of the church in 10 minutes.

English speakers: I found that most people had a little English, but really appreciated when you spoke French to them. My French isn't great, but I did try to use it and I found that the staff appreciated this. If I was getting stuck they would switch into English. I appreciated the fact that they would let me practise my French.

Shops/Department stores: If you plan on doing a bit of shopping, be aware that the department stores are closed on a Sunday.

Of course the weather was lovely when I was there. Make sure you bring your sunscreen and sunglasses. Well check the weather forecast first.

My favourite part of the whole trip was getting to spend time with the girls and catching up with all my friends that live in Paris.

Thanks for the great memories girls :)

Pom Pom

2009-06-13T20:46:00.002+01:00

This is Pom Pom my childhood teddy. I was given Pom Pom by a grand- aunt when I was a few months old. He was my favourite teddy growing up. And I had a comfort blanket called Blah Blah. Who I later gave to Santa to give to the poor kids. (In other words was just a rag and mum weened me off it)

I could never decide if Pom Pom was a bear or a lamb when I was a kid. I most definitely think he's a bear. And that's the other thing, he wasn't always a he. Pom Pom used to have flowers behind her ears. Yes that's right "her". But when the flowers fell off she became a he.

My "twin sister" (another blog post) Aoife convinced me that Teddys came alive at night and used to go and eat. But they were magical so it wouldn't look like the food had vanished. So whenever Pom Pom was due a wash I'd go spare. I thought he would drown...

Pom Pom has recently come out of hiding and now lives on bed again :)

Shaheen Jafargholi Grand Finals ☆ Britain's Got Talent 2009

2009-06-02T00:38:00.001+01:00

I can't believe he's only 12

Mini Marathon

2009-05-28T00:53:00.002+01:00

I'm walking the mini marathon on this Monday coming. I don't know when I last walked 10km (6.2 miles), probably the last time I walked the mini marathon back in 2002 (I think). This should be interesting. But it's all for a great cause. Habitat for Humanity. I've a friend who is going on a building project with them to Honduras so the money is going to that. I'll let you know how I get on. In the mean time check out the amazing work that Habitat for Humanity do. www.habitatireland.ie

Ending Female Genital Cutting in Guinea

2009-05-26T22:55:00.001+01:00

A short film about one of many Plan International projects, ending FGM.

More child sponsors are needed please consider sponsoring a child. It makes such a huge difference.

Thanks

The two talking cats

2009-05-23T16:27:00.001+01:00

me wants a kitty kat

Talking Cat

2009-05-23T16:26:00.001+01:00

Old dogs and new tricks

2009-05-20T02:11:00.006+01:00

I'm trying to teach my old dog Pixie (she's 10 in human years so 70 in dog years) a new trick. I'm hoping that I can overcome "you can't teach an old dog a new trick" scenario. She likes to sleep on varies beds and moves from one room to another during the night. She tends to join me somewhere after 3am normally. Thing is she can't jump up onto the bed anymore so for her to come in, it means that I'm woken up and have to lift her in. I've just put a small stool about half the height of my bed beside my bed in hope that she'll use it as a stepping stone. So far she just goes to the other side and scratches my mattress til I lift her in. I'm hoping she'll cop on for my sake...

EUROVISION 2009 WINNER -NORWAY ALEXANDER RYBAK FAIRYTALE -HQ STEREO

2009-05-18T18:28:00.001+01:00

Norway (above) won the Eurovision 2009. I was yelling for Estonia (below)

Eurovision 2009 Estonia - Urban Symphony - Rändajad

2009-05-18T18:27:00.001+01:00

Nathan Lee - Amazing Beatboxing Flute

2009-05-16T14:12:00.001+01:00

You have got to watch this. A beatboxing flautist. Makes me want to take some lessons.

The Producers

2009-05-10T12:29:00.002+01:00

Last night I went to see The Producers in the Gaiety Theatre and I L.O.V.E.D. it. I've seen the film version a few times but I've never seen the stage version before. It was an amateur production from the Rathmines and Rathgar musical society (they have been around since 1913). You wouldn't think it was amateur at all, all very professional. Watch out for them when they put their next show on in the National Concert Hall sometime in October...

I want to be a producer....

Swaziland

2009-05-08T10:01:00.004+01:00

Now you know where it is.
More info about what I'll be doing and the team in general to follow :)

an unusual apporach

2009-05-03T01:53:00.003+01:00

The women of Kenya have found what I think is an unusual approach to putting pressure on their government to work better together and not let the country return to violence. They are having a seven day boycott on sex. Will it work? Only time will tell.

First link is an article, second is a short interview:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8028337.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8028545.stm

Collecting stickers

2009-04-29T10:39:00.002+01:00

There is a class that are collecting 300,000 stickers, the esstimated amount of child soldiers there are. For more information and on how to donate sticker please click here

"Street Masala"

2009-04-19T18:46:00.002+01:00

Today I spent my morning being a dance extra on the short Irish Bollywood Film "Street Masala". It was a great laugh but my feet did hurt. It was great to see so many different people turn up. And there were a lot more men there than I expected, and such a diverse group of people. I believe some of the group dance scenes that were shot today will be up on youtube at some stage, I'll keep you posted. But it will be screened at the Galway Film Festival and before feature films at cinemas around Ireland...even if you can't see me I'm in there dancing away somewhere.

FGM

2009-04-16T14:19:00.001+01:00

(CNN) -- Ten villages in western Niger have publicly denounced the practice of female genital mutilation, according to a UNICEF report. (click here to read full article)

The Cut - (Female Genital Mutilation)

2009-04-15T10:22:00.002+01:00

Warning: This is not for the fainthearted.

This is a clip from an upcoming documentary by Linda May Kallestein question why Felmale Genital Mutilation occurs. Her website is here. It is something we all need to question and work together to stop this happening. 6,000 girls have to endure this every day.

What will you do about it? There is a group on facebook you can join, click here. Amnesty International also work against it. (please google Amnesty for your nearest branch)

2009-04-12T17:29:00.001+01:00

Happy Easter

and a belated

Happy Passover

to all of you.

Learn the Dublin Bollywood Dance!

2009-04-11T22:32:00.001+01:00

It could be you in Dublin's first Bollywood film

Swaziland

2009-04-10T15:30:00.002+01:00

I've just been offered a place on a Samaritan's Purse team to Swaziland in July. We'll be spending just under two weeks there carrying out renovation work on a farm that also houses 80 oprhans. And when the kids come home from school we'll get to spend time with them. I can't wait. I've such a big heart for Africa and Orphans and I'm so grateful to have this oppertunity to spend time in Swaziland :) Click here to find out more about what we'll be doing

To find out more about Swaziland please click here

Cirque du Soleil Quidam Girls

2009-04-07T21:17:00.001+01:00

I went to see Cirrque du Soleil on Sunday just gone. The above act was my favourites. It really gets interesting about two minutes in. Words can not describe the show. If you ever get a chance to watch it, do go. It's well worth the cost of the ticket.

Book Reviews

2009-04-05T13:01:00.002+01:00

Take a deep breath. There are quite a few book reviews on this post (11 to be precise):

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I loved this book. It's defiantly one of my favourites. The book is narrated by death and is rather quirky. It is the only book I've read that World War II is the backdrop of the book rather than the main focus of the story. This gets a 5 out of 5 from me. As far as I know there will be a film version but I don't think I'll watch it. My new rule is if I love a book I won't watch the film...they are just not the same and I'm always disappointed.

This Charming Man by Marion Keyes I laughed out loud throughout this book. Marion Keyes is a very funny person and her books are hilarious. People on the Dart must have thought I was nuts when I kept bursting out loud. She does deal with heavy topics in this book such as Domestic Abuse and Alcoholism. She treats these subjects seriously and in no way mocks them. Great book for bringing on holidays with you.

The Reader by Bernhard Sclink I was rather disappointed with this book. It had the potential to be great but I felt it just skimmed the topics it brought up. I had figured out the big secret by chapter 2 or 3. I have read very good reviews of it so clearly people do think it's a great book. I haven't seen the film version of it but I would like too, my sister quite liked the film. Sclink has written other books and I would read them.

The Year of Living Biblically A.J. Jacobs Geoff, one of the team members to Lesotho was reading this book while we were over there and recommended it. Paul picked the book up at the airport on the way to Austria the other week. It follows Jacobs, a secular Jew, attempting to live by the Bible for one year in its most literal form. I certainly learnt a good bit from it about Old Testament Biblical laws. If you're looking for something a bit different to read then give this one a go.

We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver In this novel Shriver deals with the controversial topic of High School Shootings. A mother writes to her estranged husband about the upbringing of their son, Kevin, who has carried out a High School Shooting. Naturally anyones heart goes out to the victims and their families. But my heart also goes out to the families of the perpetrators. I can not begin to imagine what it must be like to be in their shoes. Anyhow, it took me a while to get into this book, perhaps because I started it while in Lesotho. But once I got stuck in, I could not put it down. This one gets a 5 out of 5 from me.

Six Suspects Vikas Swarup. Another great book from Swarup. I couldn't put it down. The book had both tear jerker and laugh out load moments. And of course the "I want to punch you" moments. Some of the characters really infuriated me. But that is part and parcel of a great book, we don't have to like the characters at all. (Swarup also wrote Q&A which the hit film Slumdog Millionaire is based on). It's a must read (as is Q&A- the book version being much better than the film version).

The Chancer Shane Lynch

I mentioned in a previous post that I was reading this book. I hadn't intended to read it but I picked up while I was browsing the local Scripture Union bookshop. I have to say I don't think I'd ever want to be that famous, absolutely no privacy, no control over your own life... I did laugh out loud a lot, he really is a chancer. I thought the book would give more insight into how he found God than it actually but. But either way I enjoyed it from a Nostalgic point of view being the biggest Boyzone fan ever.

Daddy's little earner Maria Landon This was a difficult book to read. How any father could sexually abuse their daughter and then force them into prostitution is beyond me. Maria bravely told us the story of her childhood and the abuse she suffered at the hand of her father. It's not the best written book, then again she is not a professional writer. She has another book coming out this year on how she overcame the trauma and I will be reading it.

Let it be morning by Sayed Kashua I was disappointed with this book. The basic plot line was good but I felt it lacked something. What I'm not quite sure. Maybe it's that I didn't like the main character as a person. I felt he was a bit of a coward. Without giving too much away, he goes through a life changing experience and comes out the other side of it the exact same. I kept reading the book to learn more about Arab Israeli's as I know nothing about that community. And I did learn more about them. Perhaps it just wasn't a great translation, I don't know. The author has written other books which I would read.

An Accidental Pilgrim by David Moore.

I picked up this book while staying at Paul's as I nothing to read. It follows David as he sets off to cycle from N.Ireland to Italy, down through France, over the Swiss Alps and into Italy following the trail of St. Columbanus, an Irish seventh century saint. I found myself really getting behind David and routing for him and his pedaled up the steep mountains of the alps. Fair dues to him in completing the journey.

A man named Dave by Dave Pelzer. Of books written about people surviving childhood abuse/trauma this has to be one of the best written. It reads like an actual profession writer wrote it rather than an amateur. It is the third in a series about the abuse that Dave suffered at the hands of his mother. It is not an easy read in that you learn about the abuse that Dave suffered and his struggle to move on from it.

Petitions

2009-03-31T14:09:00.001+01:00

A couple of Petitions for you to sign. All relating to overseas aid or the G20 summit and the ongoing economic crisis. They are calling on world leaders not to forget the developing countries at this time. Please take a few minutes to add your name to them. Thank you.

Oxfam... This one is being sent to Taoiseach Brian Cowen (Irish Prime Minster for those of you that don't know)

One Campaign... This one is being sent to President Obama

Suas... again this one is to the Taoiseach

Avaaz... this one is in relation to the G20

The Shack

2009-03-30T14:48:00.000+01:00

I have a big long post of 11 book reviews scheduled for the 5th of April but I feel that this book deserves an entry of its own. No review I give will ever do the book justice. Check out the website (the link is the author's name below)

The Shack by William P. Young

One of the regular customers at work was going on and on and on and on about this book so I decided that I better read it. I loved it so much that I've sent copies out to Kenya and plan on sending some to friends in other countries. What a refreshing approach to looking at the Trinity and the whole concept of Suffering and why God allows it. If you haven't read it yet, please do so.

P.S. Keep a pencil handy while your reading and rereading this book to mark all the wonderful things that stand out to you and inspire you.

Clocks

2009-03-28T07:00:00.004Z

Don't forget to put your clocks forward one hour tonight. It may be one hour less in bed but it means brighter evenings...yipee!!! I can't wait :)

New Rule

2009-03-27T11:51:00.000Z

I've a new rule for myself, I will no longer see the film versions of books that I love. A few too many have been ruined on me. Most recently "Q&A" by Vikas Swarup which was turned into "Slumdog Millionaire". I know it won 8 Oscars. The film was good in itself but I L.O.V.E. the book, it's one of my favourites and the film changed it. If you've seen the film, read the book and you'll see what I mean. There are a few books that I've read which will be turned into films and I'm not going to go see them.

However if I see a film and find out that it's based on a book after I will read the book.

Shim Sham for Frankie from Ireland at St Patricks Day Parade, Dublin

2009-03-26T16:39:00.000Z

You can't see me as I'm dancing down the far end. This is the Irish contribution for Frankie Manning's 95th birthday. For you non swing dance people out there Frankie Manning is one of the original swing dancers from back in the day. Just youtube Hellzapoppin. This guy is a legend and is still dancing and teaching. I took classes last year in Italy with him. And his son Chazz Young is the most amazing tap dancer I have ever seen.

enviorment

2009-03-24T11:50:00.002Z

I received the below from a mailing list that I'm on. Thought some of you might be intersted.

Peter Greste journeys down the Omo River from Ethiopia's central highlands to Northern Kenya where the lives of nearly half a million of the world's most remote tribes people are threatened by a massive hydro-electricity project.

The tribes, already fighting over increasingly scarce water and land, have warned that the dam could plunge them into an all-out struggle for survival.

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents will be broadcast on Thursday, 26 March, 2009 at 1102 GMT and repeated on Monday, 30 March, 2009 at 20:30 GMT.

Reporter: Peter Greste
Producer: Mark Savage

The story can also be heard March 25 on The World Tonight (UK Radio 4)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/worldtonight/

and seen March 27 on BBC's 10pm News (tv)

Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/7951137.stm

Reunion

2009-03-22T12:50:00.003Z

Aoife, Brother Nicholas, Orla

In 2004 I spent two months volunteering at Lewa Children's Home in Eldoret Kenya along with orla. While we were there we linked in with the Patrician Brothers, one of whom was Brother Nicholas. He was back home for his mother's 100th birthday so it was time for a little reunion. Edel, who went to Kenya in 2005, was also there. I've seen Nicholas a few times since '04 but I haven't seen Orla or Edel in a long time. We had such a lovely time drinking tea and catching up. Brother Felim is in Ireland at the moment so another reunion is due, and again when Brother Paul comes over in June :)

If teaching doesn't work out for this September coming (choices 3 and 4 didn't work out) I hope to go back to Kenya for a few months.