The Family Man

Hello Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!... if a bit belated. 

Mom, Grace, Dan, and Mackenzie have come and gone, and it was great. Here's a brief rundown of the past week of awesomeness. 

Friday - Laurel flew in Friday night and we had a great time. Her flight got in at about 7 and we went off to go meet my friends at their apartment. A few of the kids from the program wanted to go to a pub by school that night so we met up with them and went out. It was great. Laurel had the chance to meet some of the kids in the program which was great fun. Turns out they have free BBQ on Tursday's at 6...guess where I'll be! We came back that night and Ann was still awake. She made great fun of me, and even Laurel a bit. Laurel loved her, and Ann like her a lot.

Saturday - We had to be out the door by 7 am to pick the fam up from airport. We got there just in time. It was wonderful to see everyone. Grace looked ridiculous as usual. Big baggy sweat pants, some crazy t-shirt and giant sunglasses - she was inside. Not to mention her hat that had ear covers and little tassels with balls on the end hanging off of the ear covers. 

We had a great day. Got them settled in and then headed off to explore. We went to Dublin Castle which they loved. I've been there four times now so I could have given the tour my self, but it was still fun. Everyone loved it. Mom also took decorating tips... 

After the Castle we went to Christ Church Cathedral. Mom loved it. They had the organ playing when we first walked in and when we were on our way out we got to hear the choir warm  up for the service an hour later. They were starving and exhausted though so we headed out before the service. 

That night we went to a really neat pub close by for diner. Great burgers. Dan told the story of how he and Dad went out to Karioke some nights while they were here. I had to laugh, like father like son. 

Sunday - We went to bed early and woke up late. Then we drove to Galway. Laurel and I had planned to take a bus back that night, but we didn't get there till 4 and our Bus left at 7:30 so we decided it was ridiculous and took the train the next morning. Everyone loved Galway. We went out for an amazing dinner. I got Irish stew, Laurel got Shepherds pie (which I think was bigger than she was), Mom and Mackenzie got the Chowder and Grace and Dan got the Chiken. Fantastic. We had an amazing waitress who forced grace to share her French Fries. The best was the Bailies Irish Cream Cheese Cake though.... heavenly. 

That night we went out for music. The musician loved us cause we sang along with this other group of Americans that Dan made friends with. He sang Laurel Galway Girl and she swooned. On our way back we couldn't all fit in a cab so Mom, Grace and Dan took a cab while Laurel Mackenzie and I walked back to the B&B. We stopped by Supermacs for fun. Terrible as usual, but I figured they had to have it.  

Monday - Laurel and I caught at 5:20 train which was awful. Let me tell you tooooo early. She got a flight back to London. I went back to Ann's, changed and met everyone at School to go to the American Ambassador's house. No one gets tours of this place, but because the Ambasador's Private secretary did the program in 2002 she got us in. 

It was fantastic. The house was the house of the Viceroy in the old days - or the Kings man in Ireland. It's right across the street from the Presidents house which use to be the PM's man in Ireland's house. Very Very Very cool. Be-utiful. I forgot my camera though!!!! HOW LAME! It's ok becase i'm going to steal everyone else's. The grounds were amazing and the inside was decadent. JFK, Nixon, Regan, Clinton and many other presidents had all stayed there. Evan and I joked - perhaps a little to loudly - that the only reason Clinton came three times was because the isolation of the house  gave him a chance to walk around in naked outside, something I'm sure the Rose garden isn't too well suited for. 

The family woke up and drove to the Cliffs of Moher, which I hear was an experience to say the least. Then they got into Killarney at about 8:30 that night 

Tuesday - I took an early train to Killarney, met up with everyone and headed out. We drove around Killarney National park and it was amazing. Mountains, valleys, lakes and sheep (which almost fell on the Car one time!) Then we did the Ring of Kerry. I was excited because I had heard so much about it. The whole day's drive was breathtaking. That night we canceled our reservations in Cork - Mom got an Irish ear full - and made the longest drive to Kilkenny ever! We got in late, had dinner and then found some traditional Irish Music. They had never seen Irish bag pipes before and they thought it was awesome. The difference is that scottish bag pipes you have to blow into. The Irish don't have the time for that though so they pump air in with their elbows. 

Wednesday - We drove back to Dublin and went to the Dail. We had to stop at the house so I could change. We got a personal tour of the Dail from one of the Ushers. Dan loved it. He said he thought it was his favorite part. Billy was really busy though because it was the last day that a committee he's on was meeting. We ate lunch there, had tea in the visitors pub, which I must say is s-wank. velvet couches all around with leather stools. Grace wasn't sure if she was aloud to sit down! 

That night I took them into the sub-burbs to listen to some traditional Irish music. I've talked about it a few times. It's down in a basement of a Hotel and they do sessions where people from the community come in and jam. A little old man flirted with mom and tried to impress her by playing the Accordion, a difficult task if ever there was one. 

Thursday - We woke up early and met everyone from the program at school to go to the Hotel. We took a two hour coach bus ride north to the Slieve Russel Hotel. The Irish call it the "Ba-Jaseus Hotel." Because when you turn the corner and see it thats exactly what you say. They don't lie, it was incredible. Its on huge grounds, I didn't get to walk around outside as it was getting dark but a few others did and their pictures are great. This place was crazy. Lounges with fire places everywhere. The rooms were huge. The hotel was massive. The food was out of this world. 

Diner was amazing. I had Lobster, Duck, and Apple Crumble all while the live pianist played away. Not your traditional food I know, but wow was it good. This being said Grandad's noodles would have been a drastic improvement! We sat with Michael the Director of the Program and had great conversation. He once again amazed me telling us that he's been to the states about 20 times and goes on Music vacations, and from time to time hob nobs with Van Morrison in Dublin. 

Friday - I woke up at 8 after going to bed at about 5am to go for a swim, sauna, and steam room...as one does. I forgot my baiting suit so I snuck in wearing plaid boxers, stole a swim cap too. Had a massive breakfast and went back to Dublin. We went to the Guinness store house where we ran into the family we met in Galway (The husband didn't remember Dan which was hilarious) and into  a family from Charleston how bizarre! We got out of there late and got some diner down town. We ended up going to bed kinda early because they had to be out of the hotel by 7am. 

Saturday - The end of a fantastic week. Driving to the Airport was an adventure. Dan did a great job, it was just me as the navigator who failed. I really must commend him on an excellent stint with the whole driving thing. I think we only ended up in the wrong lane one time and that was on his first round about, so not bad at all. They got there just in great time. 

I headed home and crashed until about four and have done nothing sense. I've attempted to finish my final, Final Paper but as I'm blogging I think we all know how well that has gone. 

I've started watching House online. Well I started at midnight last night stayed up till 3 and laid in bed till 4 doing the same all day. I am a bum. 

Ok back to paper writing, sorry for the length, but this week required it! 

If the Third Times the Charm I Missed It

I  have to say that what I love best about working in the Dail is the number of awesome things that I get to go to that I have no business being at. Walking around the Dail in general is one big thing, the election night bonanza and then this past week going to a book event where the former Tiosheach spoke. 

Bertie Ahern the past Tioseach spoke at a book launch at the EU headquarters in Dublin this past week. I and a few students were one of maybe 75 people there. They had cheese and fruit and wine going around and just up in front of the lobby was the man him self. We all stood around while he and three other guys gave quick little 10 minute speeches on  Irish reunification. It was amazing. I love hob nobbing with rich elites. 

This past week has been pretty boring except for that. Mom and the gang get here tomorrow!!! Laurel fly's in at 6:30 tonight. I'm about to head off and pick her up. It's going to be a great weekend!

Volcanic Edinburgh

Here I am again, reporting on another weekend excursion.

This Friday Laurel, here roommate Kelly and I went to Edinburgh Scotland. It was quite simply amazing. Most assuredly one of my favorite weekends.  

I got in early Friday morning not knowing what I was going to do as Laurel and Kelly's Train didn't get in until midnight. I got to the hostel at 8:45am. Had breakfast for 2 pounds - all you can eat! And then farted around on the computer until about 10:30. A company offers free tours - though you have to tip because thats how the tour guides make their money - of the city.  While I was waiting for the tour to start someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and realized it was another RA Jason! How crazy!!!!!!!!!! I was so floored I couldn't place him for a really long time in my head. 

That just blew my mind. He's studying in Madrid and seems to be just having the time of his life. He's gone to a different country almost every weekend.  

The tour was amazing. We had a great guide who took us all over the place. A three hour tour...I was a little worried as I am rather Gilligin-ish. The city is home to an amazing castle on a cliff face in the middle of the city. Google Eddinburgh Castle right now, it's crazy. Also the birthplace of Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde. And a bunch of crazy things. 

The city is ancient. All mid-evil buildings and winding roads. Really hilly too which was a pain, but made it all the more worth it when you got some place. 

The reason Laurel wanted to go there was because it is also the birth place of not just King James VI and I of the King James Bible, not just of Adam Smith of the Wealth of nations father of capitalism, not just David Hume all around Philosophical master, but most importantly J.K ROWLING AND HOME TO HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!

That's right lady's and gents I saw the castle where today there is a school that J.K. Rowling looked at in the coffee shops of Edinburgh as she wrote about the Sorcerers stone. Not only did I see the castle, I sat in the Cafe where she wrote all of her books! A place called the Elephant House. Laurel was, to say the least, unconscious with joy. 

When Jason and I were at lunch he mentioned that he was going to Death Cab for Cutie concert that night. They are one of my favorite bands. I mean seriously what were the chances. So he and this kid from Vancouver named Lewis and I went to the concert. Lewis and I scalped tickets. I got mine for 20 - only 3 Pounds above price and his for 10!!!!! He ran into the family of the opening band and they more or less gave it to him, lucky guy. 

The concert was amazing. Laurel showed up and they ARE her favorite band. She was pretty jealous, but serves her right for not getting in till midnight! Just joking...kinda he he he 

The next morning we woke up early and went to the big park for  hike. We climbed to the top of a Volcano called King Arthur's seat. You could see the ocean and the whole city from there. It was also really really windy. Simply amazing we didn't get blown off. Laurel will post pictures soon. I forgot my camera in Dublin being the idiot I am, so no pictures from me. 

Then we went to Edinburgh Castle which was really cool on the outside, but really cheesy on the inside. What was really cool though is that it is home to the oldest Crown Jewel's in the world dating from the 1500's. They were hidden for about 100 years when cromwell took over. And have gone through some pretty amazing things. 

They also have the scottish king's Stone of Destiny - what a name. No one knows how old it is, but every King of Scotland has been crowned on it since before memory. Legend says that where ever the stone lays the Scotts shall rule. It was stolen by one of the English Kings in the 12oo's but in a few hundred years King James the VI of Scotland or I of England as he is better known took the crown of England and the Scottish line has ruled england ever since. It remained under the thrown in West minster Abbey just to stick it to the Scots until 1940 when some crazy nationalist scottish students broke in with  a crowbar and stole, broke, they buried the stone of Destiny. They dug it up about 10 years latter and the stone went from basement to basement for years before they finally left it at the place where the Scottish had declared their independence under William Wallace. It came back in 1996 thanks to Tony Blair 

Then we went to the Elephant House, then for baked potatoes and HAGIS!!! If you have a weak stomach - Granddad - don't read this next bit. 

Hagis is minced up sheep's liver, heart, kidneys, and intestine that is mixed with herbs and spices, as well as oats and corn , then boiled in a sheep's stomach for three hours. Probably the grossest sounding thing ever, but surprisingly really really good. 

We went to bed at about 12 and I woke up early to have breakfast with Laurel and fly back. 

Over all an amazing weekend. 

A weekend with Roxie

Hey All - 

So this pas weekend has been exhausting! Ann had to go to limerick this weekend so she kicked us out. LAME!!!!! 

It was ok though because I just stayed at one of  my friends apartments that was right across from school. 

The big news was that Roxie came to visit, and I guess still is visiting. She leaves wednesday afternoon. 

She had an early flight in on friday so I got up at 5 am to get to the Airport in time. She's doing great. She brought me notes from Wendy who is the advisor for IOU and our friend ellen. A brownie from my favorite sandwich shop which has the best brownies in the world, Uncle Sammy's, a T-Shirt from University Ministries. Pretty much the best bunch of gifts ever. 

We made our way down town dropped our bags off at my friends place, I showed her school and then we went exploring. We went to Dublin castle which she really liked and then over to Christ Church Cathedral but it was about to close. Then that night we met up with our friend Julia and went spontaneously to a concert. 

The concert was this group I use to love called "Flogging Molly." They were big in about 8th grade to Freshman Year. They play irish music, but add rock. There's just something about a punk rock band with Irish accents, a banjo and an accordion that you just have to love. It was great. Julia was planning on going alone which was crazy. She said her mom told her to go, which I thought was strange. Turns out her moms friend from the Dog Park said they were a good band. Thank god we went because she would have been on the ground floor by her little self all dressed up in the midst of an angry mob. As it turned out we sat in the balcony and enjoyed the madness of the 1st floor from a safe distance. 

The next day we woke up at 5am again to go on a bus tour of Derry and the Giants Causeway. It was a great tour. We took a bus up to Belfast, then met our bus. It took us up through the mountains to a castle and then to this really cool out cropping that looked like a mini cliffs of Moher. 

Then we went to the Causeway. Its a giant cliff with a lot of really cool rock formations. Legend has it that it was built by a mystical warrior who could grow to the size of a giant  who had heard about a lovely lady in  Scotland so he built a rock path to scotland. I should point out that Scotland is only about 7 miles away and you can see it quite clearly which is very strange. There's rocks that look like pipe organs, one that looks like a boot, a chimney, and some really just beautiful things. 

Then we went to Derry. Derry was one of the main sights of the troubles, and is still to day bitterly divided. It was really strange to see the different neighborhoods whose curbs are still painted to mark protestant and catholic neighborhoods. There are murals on a lot of buildings that tell the story of the troubles. It's also home to the Bloody Sunday massacre and we saw the memorial. We took a walking tour from a young kid who had bright red hair and was most clearly republican. They way he talked about the troubles was extremely moving. 

We were all so exhausted when we got back at about 7 that we forced ourselves to stay awake until about 10. 

We slept for about 12 hours and hit Dublin again. Roxie and I went to the guinness storehouse and then where off to Kilmahnium Gaol for a tour. She loved both of them

When we got back to the city center we walked into a giant Christmas celebration. They had a huge road blocked off with lots of people on stilts and music playing. They lit the tree downtown and had a big to do. Downtown looks gorgeous. Personally I think it's a bit early, but I guess when you don't have Thanksgiving to block it up, Christmas can start right after halloween. 

We went up to Ann's for a quick bite to eat and so Roxie could see my digs. Ann invited her up for diner tonight. So we're doing that. Tomorrow we're going to my friend Julia's for diner and then out for some traditional Irish music. I can't wait. 

Election Night Part Deux

Well now that I've had a chance to write my cheesy little bit on the election I'll fill you all in on what I've been doing recently.

Tuesday night I got an invitation to go to a party hosted by the American Amabssador at the guinness store house. It was c-razy. They had hotdogs and doughnuts and lots of red white and blue. Pretty much the most legit thing I'd ever been to. Just about every Irish mover and shaker was there. Probably most of the Dail and their staffs, lots of rich people, air force generals and what not. They had CNN up on a giant screen and the place went nuts every time Obama won a state.

They were loosers in one regard though, they kicked us out before they called the election. This being said they kicked us out at about 5 so I guess I can't be to angry. I went to my friends dorm at trintity to watch the rest, but her computer wouldn't stream CNN so I missed Obama's speech.

That was ok though because when I got home after school the next day I watched it and - I'll admit it - I cried a little when he started talking about the 106 year old woman. What a life.

They kept on showing pictures of Chicago and I was so home sick. Since then facebook has exploded with pictures my friends took at the rally. I think all of DePaul was in grant park. 250,00 people showed up within grant park alone (not to mention the 1 million who wathced from out side). It's hard to imagine going to something where the attendance is about twice the size of Bloomington-Normal alone! I'm in the Dail right now but clearly not much is going on because I'm blogging.

My friend Roxie will be here on friday I can't wait. Then on the 22nd Mom, Grace, Dan and Mackenzine!

Should be great fun

That's it for now

Election Night

Wow. What can even be said? I think last night we all witnessed one of the greatest steps forward that this country has taken in  generations. I told my friends last night that my dad who isn't 60 remembers a segregated Washington D.C. and today - as Colin Powel put it - we elected an American President who just happened to be black.

 The new first family walked onto stage last night and the world saw two smiling children who will live their lives in a world where truly anything is possible for anyone.

 In such a short amount of time we have come so far. And while there most certainty there is work to be done, we from now on look back at this moment and remember that there is always hope in this world. That what ever injustices we may see as humans, as societies, as a people we can look back at this moment -  like so many others and know in our hearts - that we do not have to accept the world as is, but rather can look to the future and to a world that ought to be. 

Regardless of how you voted, take a moment to celebrate, to think about how far we have come as a nation. 

Today  we elected an American to the highest office in the land... and he just happened to be black. What a thing to say. 

Election Day... Two Years + Two Candidates = Too Much Stress

Hey All, 

So here it is, Election Day 2008. We've been looking forward to this for four years. That's crazy. Just so we're all aware I was living with NGH IIII when the race set off. Grace was a Freshman in High School, and Green Gables Cheese Burgers were.... well not much has changed with them, still delicious! 

I spent the day in the Dail. I voted last week absentee. Speaking of Which......

 GET OUT THERE AND VOTE IF YOU HAVEN'T! I don't care who for, just get out there and let the world know that you care, and that your voice is worth being heard. 

OK PA is over.  

In any case I spent the day in the Dail working for Billy. I wrote two questions for him to ask in the Dail tomorrow, one which I hated, one which I loved. The first one was to Bash Obama's Tax policy because Ireland gets hosed pretty hard. The other one was to ask why on earth Europe has done nothing about the crisis in the Congo right now. In case you don't know recently rebels last week took a major city in the Congo. 55,000 people are displaced because of it - adding to the 900,000 refugees in the country after decades of war. The city was the main center of aid for the country. 17,000 UN - all of which are from Asia - troops are in the Congo right now, instead of doing something they left the city to the Rebels. Once again Tutsi's are attacking Hutu's backed by the Rwandan Government, and Once again Europe and the US are sitting on their hands. 

I'll leave it to you to decide which question I enjoyed writing more. 

The big news though is that I wrangled  a Ticket from my TD to a private party tonight. That's right folks yours truly has an invite to a private election night party hosted by the US Ambassador at the Guinness Factory. Yep that's right partying with Dublin hot shots  in a glass room stories above Dublin... God I love this country. 

Remember get out and vote! No excuse not to, except maybe voting for Ralph Nader then you can stay  home! Just kidding....kinda 

Haloween and Papers

Ahhhh Ireland the birth place of all hallow's eve. 

Haloween was great. A bunch of us got together down in Dublin for a night out on the town. I was Quail Man! Some of you might remember the TV Show Doug. Quail Man was Doug's immaginary super hero a.k.a most awesome super hero ever! Think of me in a green sweater vest with a giant red Q on it , a white t-shirt, Khakis with underwear on the outside, a belt on my head and a red towel for a cape. Pretty much I looked crazy. Non of the Irish understood, but all the Americans would yell out my name ecstatically as I walked by. Pretty much the best costume ever. 

The Dail was pretty boring this week. They were closed on Tuesday and Thursday I didn't really do anything. 

I attempted to write a paper yesterday. That didn't happen. I almost have it done now though. Hopefully i'll get it done tonight. I have two more after that that I need to get done this week. 

Other than that all is good in the world. I'm thinking about changing my flight to save some money. We shall see.