tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46458570995456921102024-02-06T20:06:39.605-08:00.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-79203888866345211032011-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:002011-02-05T15:52:12.331-08:00To continue a failed blog post. ...<br /><br /> I have been doing a lot of reading so there isn't much to report. I sit and read bio's about comedians and watch various comedy forms via Netflix. Best school supply ever!!! In two days I leave for New Jersey, weather permitting. I will be going to comedy clubs and seeing what there is two see with it as well. I also will see the street performers if the weather holds. Sometimes if you are lucky you are the right person to win free tickets to a stand up comedy special. It all happens to be of chance. I just want to say that I can't wait to go back to Princeton again. I truly love it there and with all the snow it shall be beautiful.<br /><br />I however at this point will not be going to Chicago even though it would have been great. The weather kind of said screw you when it came to my trip/class planning. I still plan to make it down to LA but the dates keep changing on it so I have yet to buy the tickets for it. I really should get on that.<br /><br />Well I guess that is all for now. I will keep you posted because now! NOW! I will be doing physical stuff for my contract and I am super stoked for it!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-969512520868208572011-02-05T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-05T15:44:01.107-08:00Comedy in its True FormAs I type this I have discovered what it takes to be a true comedian. That is to lay about watching your friends play Modern Warfare II and I steal their interwebs/computer. If you try hard enough and know when to pay attention the stuff people can say are worthy of stand up material. I know I should have worked on the blog for a while. It is part of my contract to keep track of what I'm doing this quarter.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-4368339654531209012010-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:002010-10-04T18:41:55.884-07:00Week 1Here I am writing my weekly update about working on a one woman show and studying comedy. Believe me it is harder that it seems because if you don't have that knack you can go no where. I am still trying to find that my knack. I know it is there but I have misplaced it when I took a year off for the Ireland program. <div><br /></div><div>I have started to write my one woman show and that has been a hoot. Mostly because I have to figure out what kind of comedian I want to be. Am I a one-liner kind of gal or a full story lass. That has left to be determined. Mostly I am focusing on just writing what comes to mind then figuring where to go from there. My goal right now is 20 pages of material. I have two pages! WOOT! I am on fire! It will be good though, I feel really positive about this. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-88319286802848133102010-09-20T16:43:00.000-07:002010-09-20T16:53:51.598-07:00The wanderer is the song that appears up on my pandora. Wow.. fate is a bitch.. excuse my language but at this point I'm upset and every minute I can't help but think. I'm doing this to make it happy right. <div><br /></div><div>I said that I would do anything to make you happy.. and if that doesn't include me in the picture well so be it. I want to say that it hurts everyday to think about you are losing out on. I know you care about me but sometimes life gets to hectic and friends turn way to ''''ing stupid. We can't help it but I do blame you for how this ended up. I still have dreams about you and I want them to stop so it will hurt less, so I will cry less. Life sucks sometimes and when it doesn't well I look forward to those days whole heartedly. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will wait till you become less stupid and realize that I am what you want. Until then I'm not going to help you figure it out. You need to find this one on your own. Trust me its not going to come easy. </div><div><br /></div><div>As always</div><div>Vivi</div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-25853436255008175942010-09-19T13:11:00.000-07:002010-09-19T13:19:09.598-07:00I just want to spout about the weird ness that is beginning with today literature. <div><br /></div><div>Currently I am reading "Shakespeare Undead" by Lori Handeland. I'm really impressed with the authors writing style until you realize that you are reading (Twilight + Shakespeare+ Soft Core Porn) I am serious! It was unbelievably graphic with its writing style. I am liking the story line minus the fact it resembles Twilight however I have a major issue with this book. I don't think anyone would figure this out besides myself because I know what is popular with teen/ younger kid reading in todays society. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today very popular are the Jane Austin parodies with the zombies. I myself have read those books and enjoyed them whole heartedly. I fear the kids these days are going to see this title and think it is along the lines of those other novels. When in retrospect they are more crude and dirty. I caution you to save your children from reading this until you think they are ready for a zombie Shakespeare romance novel. I am enjoying this book don't get me wrong. It is a great read I just don't want say someone like my twelve year old sister to read something like this. Even some kids in middle school, but that is just me.</div><div><br /></div><div>thats it. </div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-305739725427506182010-09-16T22:45:00.000-07:002010-09-16T22:53:03.589-07:00Had to post about Chat Room by Kristin Butcher:<div><br /></div><div>Story is very short, less than 100 pages. Ohhh wait exactly 102 pages! </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't want to diss on the author... Congrats on writing a book! However I question why this is a young adult book. Is it because it is set in high school? The length and writing style seems more like it would best serve Jun. books. Also because the main message of the book is good for younger kids to learn. Like don't always trust people in chat rooms and stalkers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Linda, a freshman in high school starts chatting in the high school chat room and falls for Cyrano (codename) but is he really who he is?! Trust me the ending was better guessed at the beginning in the fact I knew it before it happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also point in fact this would be better for younger kids would be the fact that its in large print form..</div><div><br /></div><div>My official rating would be (€€) out of a possible (€€€€€)</div><div><br /></div><div>Does this mean that I'm blogging about books now?!</div><div>Why did I use the Euro symbol for my rating system.. Does this mean I miss Ireland?!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hahah </div><div>Night LOVELIES!!! </div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-15970888206054045292010-09-16T16:21:00.000-07:002010-09-16T16:34:36.781-07:00Durh duh durh durh DURH!!!<div><br /></div><div>I am not quite sure how that was supposed to play out. It is me however, lol!</div><div><br /></div><div>Updates for those who actually read this thing! Life is good and school is about to start! YAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just a little excited, I'm ready to get my social life back! I miss all my friends so much!!! I need to not be around Yelm for now.. Friends make me happy. Not that the Garners aren't awesome! </div><div><br /></div><div>Book I'm reading-</div><div><br /></div><div>Chat Room - by Kristin Butcher... (Don't know what I feel about it. It is a very short book and about a highschool getting a chatroom for the school. I can tell already some unwanted</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ajNAZRF4CSBBjWLLzd-M-fIa1GQco0bXgU-R4Jlbyl5v67019bYsx1zhKKMeA215jcP_Tl3n0WQmYcb3F1gcAriOlICb91fcKkPxeBXAsW30hFP1w_DmDQNg0H45hPSR6osBeuycD0/s320/Seattle+Trip+220.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517658710456027874" /><div> information gets leaked... Only because it was what it said on the back of the book :P. I just have said to myself to read books that I wouldn't normally read.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus!!! My brother gets married in a week (about)! Congrats to John and Laura!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Favorite picture of the week!! </div><div><br /></div><div>-----> Butterflies at the Pacific Science Center</div><div><br /></div><div>Eating Oranges! Ahhhh so pretty!!!</div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-37544898798356605192010-08-22T14:38:00.000-07:002010-08-22T14:42:37.029-07:00Wooo it is Sunday they day of all days to rest and relax...<div><br /></div><div>So I decide to do the opposite and try to recover the chairs upstairs. Can I just say that the drill hates me! It stripped all my screws!!! I have to go dig for some more but that will wait till later!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile check out my latest treasury on ETSY!!!</div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c69ea46c7c26d912663c64f/a-brilliant-but-troubled-musician?index=0">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c69ea46c7c26d912663c64f/a-brilliant-but-troubled-</a></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VrtF5Uy0VIq80JD6Ll0Z6Cx3tkj5Fi-t0oXCVaw3lgutLIrCYO11zHePcYaM4_77gDiu-ZqzeujYhZqj3xmBHX3b4DrRrg-ETwsvXKOg7vBmBZ2dlZBothfG2TKI_Um4g9tp5m9cLkY/s320/Seattle+Trip+054.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508352720045889378" /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c69ea46c7c26d912663c64f/a-brilliant-but-troubled-musician?index=0">musician?index=0</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fantastic items by wonderful artists!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and my favorite picture of the week!</div><div><br /></div><div>---------></div><div><br /></div><div>I really want to do that when I get my own house!</div><div>Thank you Seattle for the great ideas!</div><div><br /></div><div>V~</div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-33685738869270187232010-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:002010-08-07T13:03:13.587-07:00A women like no other!It's hard to come to terms with death, really hard. Even when that person who dies happens to be your Grandmother. <div><br /></div><div>My Grandma Adele passed away last night during her peaceful slumber. I can't even begin to say how much I will miss her. She was the reason I did cheerleading at RHS. I am proud to have cheered fifty years after her at the same high school. </div><div><br /></div><div>She lived a glorious 70 years, and led the most productive life! </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't lost many loved ones over the years. Only my Grandfather(Her husband Larry) and her father (my great grandpa Carl). Funerals are not my best friend, I dread them with a passion. I could just sit here and mourn this way. I hate crying in public and showing that softer side of me. Its not who I am! Even though I know it is a normal part of life... but it scares me...</div><div><br /></div><div>So I say this again I love you Grandma.. and may you rest in peace. </div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-50767116857854228602010-07-12T18:09:00.000-07:002010-07-12T18:19:06.210-07:00Thousand Miles of FireWhy did I decide to become a grownup a year early? Is moving down to California actually worth it? Is it why I constantly have the thought of pure terror on my mind every single minute? Hell I don't know and if I choose to think different I don't find myself sane anymore.<div><br /></div><div>A little terror is good for some people but right now I think it could end my world. Kind of like falling off this square planet. ;o jk</div><div><br /></div><div>I really want to get started on something big. That will make me big in some way. So much has happened this year to make me wonder what I really am supposed to do on this earth. I know I might be a bit emotional right now, but damnit I can't help it. Relaying my emotions over the internet is not the other way to do so. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I have to tarnish every single relationship I have in Washington so that when I leave it won't hurt as much as it does right now. I haven't felt close to anyone is so long that... I don't know. Where do I go with that line. Away on a hot air balloon to where no one will hear me scream them. I have lost friends and gained them as well. To what I do with them now I dont know.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to lose anyone anymore and yet that seems like it will be the first to happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do I really want to make this move?</div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-71742536661873090772010-06-27T11:20:00.001-07:002010-06-27T11:28:11.661-07:00So I know it has been a while since I left the world hanging by a thread. I also kind of left Ireland to trail off on it own. It's bad and I know that because the world was hanging by my thoughts and videos. <div><br /></div><div>What I found amazing was how many people had actually followed my blog/videos on the internet. It gave me a sense that people actually care about me which is super cool!!! I FEEL LOVED!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well it is now summer and the weather has not been that of summer. So I'm lounging here bundled I dare say bundled up because I'm quite cold!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have done a lot towards what life entails, like HOBY, as well as prepping for my big move!!!</div><div>Yes I have decided to move to California and let me say that I am scared worse than a little kid of the monster under the bed!!! I am kind of sad that way!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I have rediscovered my blog I will post more often for those of you to think about what my life actually entails!! WOOT! I don't know why that made me think of entrails like the stuff you pull from sheep. Entails=Entrails???? Maybe who knows!!! But here is the lovely new piece of ETSY work I have in my shop!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49996733/lemon-lime-leg-warmers-adult">http://www.etsy.com/listing/49996733/lemon-lime-leg-warmers-adult</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-5703320833273303482010-05-18T01:47:00.000-07:002010-05-18T01:51:49.276-07:00Hey Vivian Where the Hell Are YahStill in Ireland for Fuck Sakes'!<br /><br />Sorry for the lack of post for the last week. I was just focused on what technically was my last few days in Ireland! Cept the Volcano went off again and the ash got in the flight way of my plane. Aka it got cancelled and I'm here till tomorrow. Happy point***** Since my flight has been changed I don't have to do a random stop in Texas!! Hell yah.. only 16 hours of flight time instead of 21!!! That is a major freakin plus!!!<br /><br />I have to go get ready for my second last day in Dub-town but Ill post a week update later promise!!<br /><br />FACE!<br /><br />SLAN!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-50036687901302603702010-05-08T03:22:00.000-07:002010-05-08T04:12:34.028-07:00My thoughts have been forever changed.Sometimes you don't know how things will effect you till you see/do that thing first hand. It is hard to understand emotions when the play so strongly among your thoughts.<br /><br />Yesterday my class and I went on a day trip to Derry, Co. Londenderry, UK. Aka northern Ireland. I seriously don't know where to begin on how this left me in an emotional standstill. As I said in the previous post that I would be spending the night there. After going to where we did yesterday I got so depressed that I couldn't even fatham being by myself there. I did what was best for my mental health and came home with the rest of the class.<br /><br />I just start at the beginning I guess. We made our way to the guildhall (city hall) in Derry after a long ass bumby as hell bus ride. I haven't gotten that car sick since I was a young teen. After my stomach turned into normal again we met our tour guide Rory. He let us into the guildhall to use the bathroom. I snuck around to take some pictures of the building. A sweet old man let myself and fellow classmate into a dance hall. At the one end of the dance hall was the most amazing organ I have ever seen. It was from ceiling to floor and was up on a balcony. It had over 3124 pipes and cost 20,000 pounds to construct back when it was made.<br /><br />From there we left on our tour of Free Derry. We were told that Derry was made up of two sides one being the more prominent Catholic side and the other Protestant side. You can tell which side was which by the curbs of the road. The Protestant sides curb was painted the colors of the British Flag (RED BLUE AND WHITE) the Catholic side is painted with the colors of the Irish Flag (ORANGE GREEN AND WHITE)<br /><br />Rory took us over one of the city walls that led to the bog side. The Bogside is where Bloody Sunday took place. As we came over the crest of the wall and down the stairs into the Bogside I was the first Mural.<br /><br />*People over the last 40 years have made murals of accounts from the Troubles. Which scatter the side of buildings and houses in the Bogside. To check out the Murals check my facebook photos which will be posted soon!<br /><br />The first mural made me choke and lose all air I had in my lungs. This made where I was, what I had learned extremely really in my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to go and hug that mural.<br />The mural is called Death of Innocence and it is a painting Annette McGavigan. She was 14 when she was brutally shot on September 6, 1971 outside of her home in the Bogside. She was coming home from school thus is why she was in her school uniform. When the mural was first painted the gun on the left and butterfly in the circle were left undone. The artist said that he wouldn't fill it in until peace had come over this troubled land. As of this day both things are filled in with bright hues!<br /><br />We made our way around the murals and the only one I didn't get to see was the one that had all the portraits of the 13 that died the day of Bloody Sunday. After seeing all of these fantastic but heartwrenching pieces of art I knew I should not be alone. I went up to take a picture of the Death of Innocence mural up close and I burst into tears. I know I wasn't there and people who were there knew way more than I did. I still felt as if a piece of my heart was ripped out and fell on the floor at Annettes feet. She looked so peaceful in the painting. Even now I feel like crying. I have a feeling those murals will haunt me for a long time.<br /><br />After this we went to lunch at the cutural center. Meh it was lunch! WOOT!<br /><br />Then we made our way to the Tower Museum which shows the history of Derry from the beginning. That was interesting don't get me wrong but on the way to the museum I spoted where the Museum of Free Derry was. The Bloody Sunday Museum! After hastely yet occasionally stopping to look at something, made my way through the museum I found my teacher and ask if myself and friend could go there. She told us as long as we came back in time to meet the bus we were fine.<br /><br />We made our way back to the museum and I can't begin to explain this experience. The main currator of the Museum is John Kelly the older brother of Michael Kelly. One of the 13 that were gunned down on BSunday.<br /><br />Over the loadspeakers the played the Audio of Bsunday and had TV's showing the actual video of the day. All along the museum was just littered of things from the day. Clothing worn by the actual men who had died. The Derry Civil Rights Association Banner that is covered in the dry blood of the many who had touched it. One of the men who died was shot in the head and they used that banner to cover him until he could be reached by the priest. The had the white hanky that Father Daly used the wave in surrender while they tried to carry Jackie Duddy across the gun zone. They have the white crosses that were placed along side the road for the time after Bsunday.<br /><br />At the end of the tour John came over to show us his brother. (At the beginning he told us that he had a sibling die in BSunday and I thought it rude to ask who) He was very open about the whole experience and he just outright pointed out the picture of his brother dying on the ground while people surrounded him. John himself was right across the street when his brother was shot and didn't know that his brother had been shot for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. John explained how BSunday was for him and I don't want to share what he said because although he was very open I would like to respect his privacy as well as his families. John has given me a new perspective on life and I feel very honored to have met him.<br /><br />He gave us a map of where the people had died and as soon as we walked out of the museum right at the door was where two people had died. You turn the corner there was another six death zones. I walked on the streets that had torment and tears. That forever since they have a March every Jan 30th to remember. I plan to go back to Derry in 2012 to march in the 40th anniversy march. This isn't a I want to trip it is I'm going to do this!<br /><br />On the way back just listening to shuffle Sunday Bloody Sunday came up on my music player. I listened to that on repeat until I got back home. I silently cried all the way home because I was there and it was now so really to me. As soon as I got home I left again to the beach. Somewhere I could scream and not be heard. I cried and screamed for all the hate I felt for that day. I cried on behalf of those who had died. I screamed in anger at all the para's who had shot thos innocent people.<br /><br />Lets just say yesterday changed my life. How I don't know exactly but it will take more for me to come to terms with what went down yesterday. For now I'm alright.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-17014043209090962732010-05-06T05:10:00.001-07:002010-05-06T05:24:50.392-07:00Derry, County Londonderry, UKDerry the land that my people came from. Well minus the whole German side. :P<br /><br />Tomorrow my class is going to Derry for the day, but for those who wanted to can stay the night. I am going to be one of those overnight people. I think I'm the only one as far as I know.<br /><br />When we studied The Troubles in class they left me with a weight on my shoulders I have yet been able to lift off. I'm hoping that being there on my own for a little will help me come to terms with how I feel about it. I mean I'm going to the place where Bloody Sunday happened. I think that this will be the hardest part of my trip for me.<br /><br />I've known about Bloody Sunday for the longest time. My mom used to play Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 since I was a wee lass. She explained what had happened so that I knew what the lyrics I sang meant. I think what happened there was brutal and unforgiving. I wasn't even there and it I'm pissed that this ever happened.<br /><br />I am excited yet still very timid to go to Derry. I don't want to scare anyone! I promise I will be safe! They still have random car bombs go off in Derry, however for the most part it is extremely safe. I just don't want to go on the random day and get screwed over.<br /><br />Many pictures will come from this trip and many tears. Another blog post will soon follow this trip as well!!!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-5414567456296504022010-05-03T04:17:00.001-07:002010-05-03T04:40:07.927-07:00CreeperI'm sitting in the other morning language class because the computer lab is being over ran by tourists. Sean was nice enough to let me sit in the back of the class. I'm using this time to try and upload photos. Fingers crossed for it to work! It has failed on me so many times I'm getting fed up.<br /><br />Last night we had another Sean-nos session from the most beautiful voices ever. Geariodin Bhreatnach was our teacher last night. Along with her daughters Sinead and Deidre, whom are identical twins and sing like angels. The link to a youtube clip they have isposted on my facebook page. I know I'm not a great singer but I would love to give a try at Sean-nos because to me it really moves me and sounds so beautiful. I also want to keep the tradition alive. Not many americans sing sean-nos and I would love to be one of them. I'd be willing to stay another few years (LOL) to get somewhat good at it.<br /><br />No music has ever kept me so captivated before. I am almost moved to tears every time I listen to it! As we speak I am singing along with the other class. The song is just so beautiful and I can't help it.<br /><br />*Okay let me say that my computer can not do fada's or the accents above the letters. So just be okay with it.<br /><br />The song is called<br /><br />Criocha 'n Oileain Uir (The Ends of the New World)<br /><br />I bhfad o bhaile a thriall mo stor go criocha 'n Oileain Uir<br />Is d'fhag si mise anseo faoi bhron, 's gan triomu ar mo shuil<br />Luaigheadh me leithe i dtus mo lae 's nach true leat fein mo sceal<br />O 'gra mo chroi mo chailin deas, 's i thogfadh domhsa cian.<br /><br />(This is the first verse only)<br /><br />Bearla *English<br /><br />Far from home, a journey my love to the ends of the New World<br />And she left me here in sorrow without drying my eyes<br />I was promised with her from the beginning, isn't it a sad story of my own<br />Oh love of my heart, my pretty girl, she would lift my spirits.<br /><br /><br />Isn't it pretty. I plan to get it down so maybe when I get back I will sing it for you!<br /><br />Hopefully...!<br /><br />SLAN!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-62706062744460921372010-04-30T02:31:00.000-07:002010-04-30T02:47:20.355-07:00Anger is one thing. Crying is another!I have no idea what came over me last night. That led me to leave class in a flurry and escape to a standing stone that is off the beaten path. I felt like I was on the verge of tears, could bite anyones head off or even scream at the top of my lungs. Where do you go to scream in a town that is so small someone is going to get worried. I don't know what to do at this point. So I just left class in a hurry and walked to a standing stone that is called the courting stone. There is a hole in the top that a couple join fingers through to show everlasting love for one another.<br /><br />I felt as though I couldn't pay anything to the stone seeing as I was there alone. I asked it what it had to offer me. If it could help with how angry and distressed I was feeling. It offered no solutions, I mean what did I expect I was talking to a rock. When I realized this I burst into tears and sat against the stone hoping for something to light my thoughts. As my eyes were closed, tears trickling down my cheeks I hear something move in the grass near my feet. I let one of my eyes open trying to squint through the tears. Low and behold a badger was sniffing my shoes! I tried to be really still and just stare at the awe that was this animal that I've never seen alive. Also along the side of a road gasping for a bit of air to survive. I accidently sneezed (stupid allergies) and it ran away. That badger for some reason gave me hope, I'm not quite sure but after that encounter I felt a lot better. By this time it was already dark and all I had to guide me home was the moon and the lights of the far off Church of Ireland.<br /><br />As bats circled above and more badgers scampering in and out of the gorse I made my way back to my cottage. I was able to sleep that night with a sound mind and tear free.<br /><br />I just want to say this, Even though you are in the place you have always wanted to be it doesn't mean you are free of the emotions that haunt your daily life.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-27818738589252131712010-04-28T02:20:00.000-07:002010-04-28T02:48:02.821-07:00Odd things in low places!I just wanted to say a little bit about random things that have occured to me in the last few days.<br /><br />Like the light switches because they go in the opposite direction than in the states. So to turn the lights on you make sure the switch in turned down. Also you can plug in your electronics but it wouldn't matter because you have to turn the power on to that specific outlet. In some case I think this a great way to manage your electricty use. However you have to also do this for the stove and I forget about that part. I always wonder why my water takes forever to boil. :P<br /><br />I have found what my friends and I have deamed "cow sheep". These very few lambs have the black and white spotting of our bovine friends. Pictures will be posted soon!<br /><br />For the longest time I couldn't fall asleep to silence. A fan had to go on all night or at least I would fall asleep to the tv. I love now falling asleep to the soft bleeting of sheeps and lambs. I never thought for the longest time that I would be able to fall asleep in such a calm enviroment. It is something you have to experience first hand. Then to wake up to the coarse wind and rain on your windows is something that I will always remember.<br /><br />I have been here for a month as of yesterday! WOOT! It feels much longer however. I feel like I have dove deeply into this country never to swim back to the surface. What the surface is I don't know. Will I ever know?! That I also don't know. I want to keep the surface something bright that I long for but also something dark and black. Something that I fear for going to. I don't think you can conquer anything without a little fear. Am I afraid of the surface, well hell of course I am. If I wasn't I wouldn't be human.<br /><br />So for that much love for everyone back home! I look forward to seeing everyone once again!<br /><br />V~geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-75787546236853435862010-04-25T05:31:00.000-07:002010-04-25T05:32:34.388-07:00It aint gonna happen!How I long to still be asleep right now! As of later today I have completed a full week of classes. Which is amazing, but it also means I only have three weeks more in Ireland come this Tuesday. I mean don’t get me wrong I am homesick, I would love to come back to see everyone. I just don’t want to leave yet, because I feel like this has a sense of home for me. To leave that would possibly rip a little bit of my heart out with it. Everyone knows that you can’t function with a piece of your heart missing.<br /><br />This week I’ve learned that weaving is not for me because it makes me mad. Mostly because I couldn’t get the knack of it. I will not stop though, much like every other craft I will try my best to at least master it. J I have been knitting as well. May I just say that I love the fact I’m not allergic to wool!!!! There are some lovely yarns out here and I can use every single one of them!<br /><br />I’m not quite sure what to say this week. I guess that is it.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-46046808707284390852010-04-21T02:47:00.000-07:002010-04-21T02:49:19.538-07:00Forever not to walk.. longing to RUN!!!Lets just say yesterday was an adventure. I got to discover Ireland Health Care system first hand. Well more like small town travel doctor. I got a drive out of town to Carrick which is a neighboring town in the same parish. You will never be scared for you life unless you drive in the back roads with an Irish woman. Not that I didn’t feel safe. It’s just that when you are sitting in the seat that you usually be driving from and you see cars coming on what you think is your side of the road you can get a little freaked out. Let me just say that, but I made it safely.<br /><br />At the office as I waited for my turn some old duffer had to see the nurse for a vaccination. He heads into her office and she shuts the door. After a few moments I heard “In me BUM?! CHRIST!” I of course despite my pain practically laughed up my rib cage where as the other old duffer sitting next to me just stared at me. Like, “What for the love god is so funny?” They soon left after and the old duffer who got his behind pricked left rubbing his backside. I chuckled lightly to myself knowing that I would remember this moment for the rest of my life. After that a little old woman entered and sat not too far from me. She kept staring at me for which I was confused. Soon I learned that Brigid was looking at my discomfort. Brigid asked me if I was in pain, I told her I just probably bruised the bone and that I should be fine. She said and I quote “ You know what would fix that, A cup of tea.” Also when her name was called before mine she tried to give up her spot so I could go before her. It is people like this that make me love Ireland even more. Hospitality lives strong here and that was the perfect example. Denying that hospitality would have been very wrong of me. Although I let her go before me because I’m nice like that and I will live with the shame that I denied her hospitality. About the tea (tae in Irish) it seriously can fix anything over here. Your car is broken? Well then let it have a cup of tea. It will be all better in the morning!<br /><br />All in all I ended up with a bruised bone just like I thought. The meds? Stay off it for about ten days or so, which included no hiking. Did I ever follow the rules? Nope! I secretly hate when people ( well since I’m putting it here I guess it’s not a secret anymore) but I secretly hate it when people dote on me. Not that I don’t appreciate it when they do go out of their ways for me. I don’t want to be a burden is all. When I am not able to take care of myself I feel low. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, just low. I know it has only be one day on the no walking thing, but damnit I want to run, frolic, and leap like the sheepin’s! (lambs)<br /><br />Last night was our first craft night to which we are doing weaving. Which I look forward too because really all that we have done is lectures and seminars. I will love being able to work with my hands once more!<br /><br />Slan!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-10976465637263425222010-04-19T02:28:00.000-07:002010-04-19T02:35:24.275-07:00Currently trying not to scream in pain!!!!!!So yesterday was a joy and half. NOT REALLY!! Can I just say how much I hate the world right now! Mostly just my knee but god damn!!!<br /><br />Yesterday we hiked to a napoleanic (sp) watch tower. Which is up on the left side of the valley. You see the Gleann is in a valley, for those people in E. WA it reminds me of how Colfax looks. So we treked it up to the tower and half the hike was very steep. I had to wrap my ankle from previous issues. Made it up just fine and lets just say the view was breathtaking! I would explain more but I am seriously just trying to concentrate on other things right now. On the way down I ended up falling into a bog and then further down the mountain I rolled my ankle. I fell when this happened and I tried to stop myself and ended up hitting my knee on a huge boulder. Cutting it severly and bruising the bone (or at least I think). I also busted up my right hand on the lower palm and man! So not only is my ankle fucked so is my knee! To the point that even when I'm not moving it it is still in the most pain. I seriously and trying not to cry out... Breath in and out right! It will go away right!?!? DAD JOHN?!?!? EMTS??? Help!!!!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-62342798935767771012010-04-18T04:52:00.000-07:002010-04-18T05:09:55.895-07:00Any change I've Given Thee....Lets just say that this is going to change me for the better. It's going to be a huge change within me mentally and physically. I mean physically by the fact that I walk everywhere. If I don't have a six pack by the time I get back to the states (if I get back) I will be sad. LOL!!!<br /><br />So if you haven't heard that there is a huge Volcano errupting in Iceland and all air traffic has been cancelled to Ireland for the next two weeks. We here at school have been keep track of what the status is on most of our flights out within the next month. We don't know what will happen and if push comes to shove and I don't have a flight back I will take a boat. There are too many important things I can't miss, like Quinns Graduation and HOBY! I will not get stuck in Ireland. Although that would be pretty cool! It will just be really expensive and I can't really afford to stay any longer than I've already planned.<br /><br />From what you have read in the previous blog post I made it to the Gleann safe and sound. Last night we officially started class with a lecture about traditional Irish music. Today we are going on a huge ass hike to a watch tower. Did I ever mention how much I hate excercise. :D Just kidding! It will be good for me because lord knows that I've eaten enough nutella to feed a small army! However, I am looking forward to classes to get underway. I love Ireland but still part of me wants to be back home. I really want to share this experience with the people whom I love and care about deeply. I hope you guys have been enjoying the photos, videos and blog posts. Feeling that this is the only way for at least until I get home that I can share this with you.<br /><br />I just wanted to give another mention to Scraps (the Irish Puppy). He lives not but five minutes from our cottage and I see him when ever I walk to town or to school. I can't possibly begin to say how much he makes my heart go all soft and gushy. I love that little dog and he makes me happy. Just to see him everyday makes my day. He is a very loving pup and doesn't stray to far from home so I have no worries of him following me anywhere.<br /><br />Last night was just a relaxed night were I just layed in bed, listened to music and wrote in my lovely handmade journal. This journal was made for me by my momma and I love it. It's nice to be able to keep some personal thoughts to myself and then share what I want here.<br /><br />As for today and the hike it should be grand. I have no qualms (sp) about this town or this trip. Each experience is something that I'm going to hold with my dearly for the rest of my life. The people I've met and will hold true in my heart for the same length of time.<br /><br />Also I will say because this made my night. I found a wine glass the size of a shot glass last night. A legit tiny wine glass with a stem that I had two drinks from last night. I know it was barely any liquid but hot damn it was great. I felt so classy with my mini wine glass. I know I'm a dork but hey what are you gonna do?<br /><br />Well till next time!<br />Slángeoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-8247010524075384942010-04-17T11:14:00.000-07:002010-04-17T11:23:11.628-07:00Yay 15 mins to catch up!So, I am in the gleann and I can't begin to describe its utter beauty! We made it here after a snaffu(sp) with the bus. After a very calming but cramped bus. I mean cramped because of the fact that I know my friend Erin who is 6'4" would not be able to fit. However it was fine and we made it safely!<br /><br />The town of the Gleann is really small and it reminds me of home. I mean everyone either says hello to you on the streets or waves from their cars. How Rosalia is that? I love it with a passion.<br /><br />I live in a cottage that is located on the opposite side of town from where the school is. I have about a half an hour walk. I find this okay in the fact that I run into the most adorable puppy on the way whom I have nicknamed Scraps. It just sounded right in my name. There are sheep everywhere. I really do mean EVERYWHERE! It is most definitly lambing season and there are baby lambs everywhere. I love my walk and as soon as I get close to the school I run into the most amazing beach ever! I was able to walk along it during sunset last night. I took amazing photos so keep an eye out.<br /><br />I get my own room in the cottage which is a plus, not that I don't love Kendra and would have loved to have her as a roomie. Having that level of privacy after spending two weeks in hostels is pretty damn amazing.<br /><br />Well that was all I wanted to go into. I just wanted to give a brief catchup. I start classes tonight and have to get going. I will write a more detailed one later when I have more time.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-63327677016002677312010-04-14T05:52:00.000-07:002010-04-14T06:47:30.303-07:00Keep on walking...!So I think I seriously f*** up my ankle! Don't worry Mom it is wrapped, elevated, and medded up! I have no idea what I did to it. All of a sudden my ankle just hurt and well that was that. Yay for being a gimp again. Man this brings my back to when I had stitches in my knee and had to walk all funny! LOL<br /><br />So I know I haven't been posting lately and that is because a lot has happened. I sort of had a midlife crisis esque problem while in Galway. I currently okay so please for the love of whatever don't worry. That is the last thing I need, the first thing is I need people to be happy for me.<br /><br />I ended up getting really tired of Dublin and the city life. I decided to get out and go to Galway because I could afford it. It is not that I hated the town. It was actually quite lovely as well as peaceful! The beach was astounding to walk along in morning. Which I got to do, as I walked along the beach I played with the seaweed and sea snails. The weather also helped the beach walk as it was delicously sunny and warm. I spent a lot of my time outside while in Galway. After a while I just got really depressed and needed to be with familar faces. As depressed as breaking down crying in the middle of a public square can get. I know it doesn't sound pretty and its not. As soon as I could calm myself to move I went back to the hostel and told them I was leaving tomorrow morning. YOu see I couldn't be alone anymore so I decided to go back to Dublin. I did everything that was required of me to get back to Dublin. I arrived by eight am the next morning and greeted Kendra in her hostel room with a bright smile and an adventure for coffee.<br /><br />Back where I felt sort of at home, kind of at least. I felt more sane like I could actually be okay. I realize how emotional I sound and again please don't worry about me. I'm now fine and with good company. They are a very strong support system for me. However at the current moment I'm homesick, that feeling comes and goes. When it comes however, it comes on pretty strong. It is like I can't enjoy myself right now. This plus my ankle just sucks the life right out of me.<br /><br />Maybe I can go listens to all the metal I have on my computer and rock out for a bit to try to perk up for a bit?!?!<br /><br />A7X Here I come!!!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-5077238795618003972010-04-09T13:58:00.000-07:002010-04-09T14:38:02.244-07:00Breath Taking Beauty!Today I can't even to begin to describe what I have gone and see the last two days here. I have traveled to two places that will have hit my core in very different ways. To being in utter awe and disbelief that I am where I am, to almost crying for the pain and loss a country has gone through.<br /><br />You are probably wondering as to where I would have traveled. Well, yesterday I went to Kilmainham Gaol (kind of pronouced Kill-a-man Jail) and then today I went to The Hill of Tara in County Meath.<br /><br />Please with this blog go look at the picture; they are currently uploading. I can give you some perspective on it, but being able to see it will help.<br /><br />A little bit of history:<br /><br />Kilmainham Gaol was one of the main jails in Ireland along with Mountjoy Jail on the other side of the city. It is currently a museum and a national sight. Some of its famous inmates include all 14 leaders on the April 1916 Easter Sunday Uprising, Eamon De Velera, and Mrs. Joseph Plunkett ( .. Grace Gifford). Among these inmates they had the jail overcome during the famine era when even a eight year old girl can get arrested for stealing a cloak to keep her warm, or how three young boys got arrested for stealing four loaves of bread.<br /><br />*There will be more history to go with the pictures of the Gaol.<br /><br />While there I could believe that I walked the same path as many famous people. I mean famous to me, I mean I don't know if you know who Padraigh Pearse was. If you do awesome if you don't he was the main leader of the Easter Rebellion of 1916. He as well as the other thirteen were excuted at the Gaol not about a month later. One of the members James Connolly was too injured from the actuall fighting that he could not be excuted standing up. So they straped him to a kitchen chair and shot him that way. I grabbed a stone from where he was shot, because he was shot on the opposite side of the inclosed area. I hope my mom will make it into a necklace for me.<br /><br />They had a firing squad of eight and seven of these guards were given blanks. They didn't know who had the actual bullet that would have killed the person. That way not one of the guards could say that they killed anyone.<br /><br />Then for today I went to the Hill of Tara which if you have seen the video yet you will know I was uber stoked for this. The HoT was the place where the oldest (not by age but by what year he ruled) oldest king of Ireland ruled. It is also the place where I lot of Irish Folklore took place. From the top of the Hill you can see almost all of Ireland. It was so breathtaking to be up there. I felt so happy to be alive to experience and it was one of those times when you feel that the world is so vast and you are so tiny.<br /><br />Then that tour went over to Newgrange which is one of the worlds oldest standing structures. I thought this was cool but not as cool as the Hill. I was able to go into the passage tomb but they tried to shove like 20 of us in there at once. It really put a damper on how awesome it should have been.<br /><br />I will say it was really nice to get out of the city for the day. I saw a lot of Irish Farm animals!!! Lots of little lambs scamping about D: So adorable. Mom can we get a lamb?! I promise Ill take care of it! It was also really nice to be able to breath fresh country air, opposed to the smoke filled air of Dublin.<br /><br />Well it is almost eleven and I doth protest that it is time for some shut eye. Please keep an eye out for the videos and the pictures.geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645857099545692110.post-61170083197830923252010-04-07T10:06:00.000-07:002010-04-07T11:15:54.854-07:00Best Day Til TomorrowHullo People, friends and family!<br /><br />I know I haven't been keepthing this up at the rate I should. Oh well, it is not like you guys are waiting with baited breath to read these thing right?!?!<br /><br />Let's see what has happened since the last post..<br /><br />OKAY let me first get this off my mind because it seriously bugs the hell out of me. I am naturally a fast walker and it pisses me off when people walk really slow or just stop for no reason! If I want to take a casual stroll I can, don't get me wrong. I love taking nice walks along sandy beaches.... Okay must remember this is not a dating service. In the moonlight........... Oh.. Haha! I know I shouldn't complain but what the hell people, walk faster!!!<br /><br />Yesterday I had a hostel mate that was a 50 year old chinese woman who snored worse than... well a pig. It was really bad because I could hear her over my music in my headphones. My music was pretty loud! O.o<br /><br />I got to see a lot of things Easter 1916 related yesterday, like the surrender site. Also the memorial they have on the north side of the city. Please check out facebook photos, they will be up later tonight. It is an breathtaking memorial and again I cried. I seriously have cried so much on this trip that by the time I get back to the states I will have dried all my tears up. I have a feeling that when we go up to Derry and see the Bloody Sunday .. well everything from the Troubles up there, I'm just going to lose it. It is a good thing I brought two different hankies with me! Plus I will have plenty of shoulders!! How I love my classmates for that. They are really supportive when you need someone.<br /><br />I also now have a great love for Nutella and plain White bread (in a loaf break fresh daily) mmmmhmmm.. must have for the cottage in the Gleann!!! MUUUUUSSSTTT! I love it so much much because its cheap and good. I am eating cheaply well as much as I can. Sometimes I do treat myself because hell I don't know when I'm coming to Dublin again! Although I do miss a homecooked meal, like grilled cheese and mato soup! Five more week and I get all that I want! It is going to go bye so slow but so fast. I have no idea how to think of this. I want it to last but I'm also homesick and feel kind of out of place being the Yank.<br /><br />It really helps to have my music with me because it is something I really rely on it. The music keeps me sane and in a good place mentally. It is because so much of my music holds really dear memories for me that I can rely on and remember home! Alas, before I know it I will be home.<br /><br />One more thing... I keep seeing people that look like people from back home and I tried yelling at one of them thinking it was my friend and the guy was really afraid.. Haha.. Or when I was sitting in my hostel really bored like two nights ago and thought I would go bug Xandre (friend from evergreen) and the rest of the S307 crew... but I couldn't because they weren't here.. Haha.. sometimes my mind plays tricks on me..<br /><br />Well see you later!!!geoduckfesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05600395813510652318noreply@blogger.com1