Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Spring
-- Anne Bradstreet, 'Meditations Divine and Moral,' 1655
As a Minnesotan, I agree wholeheartedly! Our Minnesota winters drag on, and on, and on, and on. And when we see those first robins - we rejoice! And then it snows. We have that first day of going for a walk without a jacket - we praise God! And then it snows. We see the first green shoots from our daffodils - we smile all day! And then it snows... BUT, when at last the sun and warmth "sticks" - life is celebrated everyday in the great outdoors! I'm eagerly awaiting those splendid, dazzling, summer days!
I also agree with the need for adversity in our lives - to truly appreciate the prosperity. It's been a year since my scare with cancer - and I am thinking about it every day. A year ago, I was doing my best to be strong and fearless for those around me. I was learning everything I could about fighting and standing up to cancer. I was inwardly wondering what life would be like when the scare was all over. I was ready and willing to make any changes I needed to. But, it was only a scare. A simple procedure took care of it, after weeks of tests and uncertainty. I had some recovering - but life would go on as normal.
My daily life changed. I eat healthier and exercise more - and when I hate it, I think, "this is so my body is ready for anything!" I LOVE to spend time with family and friends - and I try to tell them that all the time! I am thankful for the little things - it may seem silly to write down 10 things everyday that I am thankful for - but let me tell you, it's life-changing. Days can be hard and frustrating... But when you're focusing on the good, and remembering the not-so-good, you realize how lucky you really are - EVERY DAY.
I've faced adversity in my life - last spring being the most dramatic example; and I've faced prosperity in my life - every day. I have a good life, and I cherish it. Even the dragging winters of Minnesota - because, eventually, spring does come. And when it does, it's GLORIOUS!
Things I am thankful for today:
1. It didn't snow today! (Bummer... It was snowing when I left book group...)
2. Bananas.
3. Laughing about a block of cheese at work!
4. A flexible work day.
5. Finishing my book for book group - just in time!
6. Bailey cuddling with her toy. 7. Homemade pizza for dinner.
8. Flowers in my kitchen, blooming!
9. Moisturizers.
10. Birthday money to go shopping for spring clothes! LOL
11. Book group - so fun, lots of laughs, good friends.
12. Johnny Lang, Angel Taylor, and David Grey on the radio on my drive home...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook, March 30th edition
Outside my window... it's another gray day in MN. Snow is on it's way...
Visit the Simple Woman’s Daybook, for more women's answers to these questions! I rarely post there, I just like the simple questions.
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Sleeping in... a little.
2. Getting back to "normal."
3. Doing my devotions this morning.
4. Working out - and feeling good.
5. Back on Weightwatchers.
6. Going for a walk with the hubby and the dog!
7. Hearing from Kathryn!
8. Almost done with my book...
9. The hubby wanting to go on a "date"!
10. The forcast for snow tomorrow is a lot less than previously forcasted!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wow
Today I was blind-sided by a little plot between my pastor and one of my youth. At one of my churches, they are currently campaigning to raise money for me to go full-time in ministry at just that church (the other church has to let me go in July due to financial reasons). So today, one of my youth (who I have worked very closely with since I started five years ago) got up in front of the whole congregation and gave a short speech about how I have affected her life - and that's one of the reasons the church should take me on full-time. I cried. A lot.
Working with children and youth you don't often hear if, or how, you have influenced their lives. I've worked with a lot of young people over the last ten years - many of whom I still keep in touch with over many miles. That means the world to me. It's also amazing to hear it put into words. Kelsey has no idea how she has influenced my life as well. We're lucky gals to know each other.
I've decided to post some of what she said here - not to embarrass her, or brag about how great I am... Simply to put into in my "electronic scrapbook" - so I can always look back at it when I need a "pick me up."
"...I met Megan Adams in 8th grade. I was the only confirmand in 2006 so I got to spend plenty of one-on-one time with her and formed a friendship quickly. She became someone I could talk to about whatever was going on in my life. I knew I could talk to her about anything: problems I was having with friends, who I had a crush on or how my psoriasis was acting that week. Even though I am done with confirmation, we still meet regularly. If the walls at Caribou (Coffee) could talk, they would know a lot about the past four years! Megan has helped me through some of the more difficult times in my life, being a shoulder to cry on; and someone to share the joys with. Last spring, I realized how much she was a part of my life when she had her cancer scare. Imagining how much things could change was frightening for me.
I admire Megan's strength, ability to laugh, her good listening skills and fresh ideas... Megan has played a big role in my spiritual development, as well as my development as an individual. Because of Megan I have realized what is truly important in life: taking a risk every now and then is good for you and the need to cherish the people closest to you. The impact Megan has made in my life will last forever..."
Thank you, Kelsey. So much.
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Loving and supportive friends.
2. Getting to watch youth grow into beautiful adults.
3. Kelsey's speech.
4. Curt was home.
5. Carissa joined us in class - and she remembers stuff from 2 years ago!
6. Dinner on the grill.
7. Playing ball with the dog outside. 8. Finley is ok - my niece went to the ER the other day.
9. Trail mix - thanks, Em!
10. A lazy afternoon with the hubby.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Elly
Friday, March 27, 2009
Iowa
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Defined
--Alison Lurie, from The Language of Clothes
This week's readings in A Simple Abundance, all center around our clothing choices and how that reflects, or fails to reflect, our authentic selves. It's really making me wonder what people think of the way I dress! I tend to be one who thrives on being warm and comfortable - with just a touch of trendy? Ha ha ha. I live in jeans - if I ever couldn't wear jeans on daily basis I think I would shrivel up and die. (Ok, that was a bit melodramatic...) I love jeans. I love sweaters - all kinds! Turtlenecks, cowl necks, cardigans, sweater jackets, crewnecks, etc. And all colors! I love mid-heel boots. I love ballet slippers. I love Keens shoes. I love ankle socks - and fuzzy socks. I love soft fabrics. I love comfort.
I don't love over-sized sunglasses. Skinny jeans. Flourescent colors. Belly-baring shirts. Short shorts and mini-skirts. High-wasited pants. Knee socks. Nylons. Stilletos (what's sexy about not being able to walk properly?).
I've always been practical in my clothing choices - but I still have fun with dressing up. I like to feel good, feel pretty... Feel like I'm still me - and not an imitation of someone else. I think that's what's important in the long run. Isn't it?
I'm curious - what clothing trends do you love and hate?
Megs
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Time to chat with Diane today!
2. "National Create Your Own Holiday Day" - I'm celebrating Kayla, my sister, today!
3. Kayla's "speech spotlight" - she's great!
4. A nice phone chat with Penny.
5. News that more donations came in for my job!
6. Late night chats with Mom.
7. Banana, coconut tres leches cake - Yumm-a-roo, Mom!
8. Longer days!
9. Walking around my old high school!
10. Looking forward to tomorrow in Iowa.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
What to Wear?
--Kennedy Fraser
Oh Spring. I always have trouble in the spring with what to wear! I'm so excited for light, pretty colors - but my skin is so pale, they make me look sallow and sick! I love the light-weight fabrics - but in Minnesota, we're still getting snow storms in late March and early April. Open shoes are so pretty and freeing - but my chubby feet hang out the sides!
I love Autumn clothes - jeans, sweaters, jackets. I love winter clothes - more jeans, heavier sweaters, scarves, turtlenecks. I love summer - dresses, skirts, tank tops, flip flops. It's spring - I just never know what to do with it!
And so now, we start the 2-3 months of spring. Everytime I look in the closet, I think, "I have nothing to wear!"
Here's hoping you do better with spring than I do!
Megs
Things I am thankful for today:
1. The weather is so cold, seasonal clothes don't matter!
2. Poached eggs and toast for breakfast.
3. A good staff meeting.
4. Ideas for Easter Sunday.
5. Picture frames are ordered!
6. Plans to paint and improve our living room and kitchen!
7. Emily, Jeremy and Elly coming over this weekend.
8. 2 fudgy brownies in one day - so bad, but so good!
9. Feeling validated about my headaches - weather can affect them!
10. Going to bed early.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Not Perfect
--Simple Abundance
I've heard this about Amish quilters many times throughout my life - and whenever I get hung up on perfection, I remind myself of this fact. No one is perfect, except for God. And I am certainly not God!
My art will not be perfect, I will not always use the right words when writing, I am not a good singer - but I sing anyway, I don't always have the right thing to say, my hair is often a mess. That's life. And life is good. But not perfect.
If I can be happy with who I am - in all my imperfections. Life is great.
My wish for you today - contentment with the imperfections!
Megs
Things I am thankful for today:
1. My book group - they love me, even with my imperfections!
2. My staff - they make me smile.
3. Getting a lot of work done.
4. Mini Twix candy bars.
5. Hearing about more people reading my blog - I wish you guys would leave comments, so I know you've been here! It's so fun to see you!
6. Thunderstorms - last night on my birthday!
7. Yellow tulips.
8. Leftovers.
9. A birthday message from Emily and Finley!
10. Plans to spend Friday with Mom and Kayla.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thanks
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Just Fake It
--Simple Abundance
Wow. How many days have you just felt like there's no way you can measure up to the task at hand? That others will see you as incapable for the job? That you will never measure up to your own expectations? I think that happens for all of us... A lot.
But it's so true that sometimes all it takes - is faking it. Look the part. Pray. Let the adrenaline take over. Everything can be ok.
This happens to me a lot when I lead meetings, preach, meet new people, plan a new event... I feel like I won't measure up to what people are expecting. But once I'm in the situation, I find a kind of peace and calm - and begin to enjoy it! Then the next time is so much easier...
What's the quote? Fake it til you make it? Or something like that? Cheesey, corny... But I think it could work!
Things I am thankful for today:
1. My "cheering section" at church this morning - "Welcome back, Megan!"
2. Confirmation at Faith UMC - I'm loving it this year!
3. Coffee with Rebecca H. - so proud of her and her choices this year!
4. Watching my youth group kids grow up and mature. Such great people.
5. Time to read my book today.
6. Skim chai tea.
7. Moonroof was open!
8. Nowhere to go this afternoon- sweatpants on for a lazy day!
9. A difficult neighbor is moving out.
10. Basketball tournaments - the family competing in the brackets!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Self-Confidence
But self-confidence is a special elixir that the Spirit has prepared to help each of us face and surmount the challenges of life. It's an aromatic blending of invigorating essences: attitude, experience, knowledge, wisdom, optimism, and faith...
An optimistic attitude is essential to self-confidence. So is learning from our mistakes and recognizing that everything in life can be used as a lesson once we are willing to be taught."
--Simple Abundance
I was lucky to grow up in a family where I was loved. I was lucky to have teachers and mentors who saw value in what I could do and say. I am lucky to have friends that will always stand by my side. I am lucky to have married a man who shows me love, value, friendship and partnership all in one. I am lucky to have found such a strong faith in my Creator at such an early age. I've had a very lucky life - and now it's my turn to thank all of those who have shaped who I am by passing it on.
I get teased a lot for being a "role model" to my youth group kids - but I take the role very seriously. I hope I can be a mentor that shows our kids a life of faith and fulfillment - one that doesn't need the bad influences that only fill temporary wants and needs. I hope, in some way, I can help them see how loved and valued they are - that their esteem and confidence can grow and mature. And that they know they always have someone who cares - in their parents, in God, in their friends, in me.
Self-esteem and self-confidence come from so many different places in our lives... Where have you gotten it from? How can you help someone else to see their true worth? I encourage us all, today, to pass it on...
Peace,
Megs
Things I am thankful for today:
1. A retreat with the leaders of my church - very uplifting.
2. Feeling valued at work.
3. Developing friendships.
4. People seeing my gifts and talents as things that can be used to benefit the church community
5. A sunny, beautiful day.
6. Shopping with the hubby.
7. Grand Ave. in St. Paul - such a fun neighborhood.
8. Excited to see my confirmands tomorrow!
9. So nice to have a quiet night at home...
10. Life is good.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday Fun - March 20th
1. What is your ancestry or ethnic background? Contrary to popular belief, it does not involve Chinese, Native American, Hawaiian, or any of those other exciting ethnicities! I am Irish, German, and Norwegian (possibly some French as well... I'm a mutt).
2. Who is the best cook in your family? Ooooo... I think we have all come into our own in different ways! Mom has always been good at family dinners and comfort food. Dad is great on the grill - and likes experimenting with "gourmet" stuff. I've become pretty decent at yummy healthy food. And while I haven't had too much of my sisters' cooking - what I have had has been great!
3. What family member do you take after the most? My mom. We're thinkers and feelers. Good listeners. Nurturers. Peace-makers. We try to make our houses into homes. (Procrastinators...) Family comes first. We may seem quiet - but we can be forces to be reckoned with!
4. Who is the funniest person in your family? Oh, that depends on the day. Mom makes me giggle - usually without trying. Dad totally cracks me up when we are playing games. Kayla's quick wit throws us all for a loop! Emily's fun way of telling stories (especially the NJ accents) alway makes me laugh. Her husband, Karlin, is hilarious. And my husband makes everyone laugh with his honest assessment of any situation! I'm usually not that funny - I just laugh at (I mean, "with") everyone else!
5. What family tradition would you love to continue and pass on? Christmases. Summer cook-outs. Saying "I love you" before hanging up the phone. Christmas cookies. Reading and talking about books. Having dogs - and treating them like members of the family. So many things... Oh! And making random turkey centerpeices for Thanksgiving! 6. What is something memorable that you experienced that your children will probably never experience? A carefree childhood. Playing in the backyard, and running and riding bikes through the neighborhood. Not coming home til almost dark. Neighborhood games of hopscotch and kick ball. Being creative when playing "house," "barbies," and any other role-playing games. Imagination in general. Kids are so scheduled today, and so encouraged to be literal... I think they're missing out.
7. What things did you love doing with your family? Dinners. Holidays. Vacations. Going to State Parks and hiking around. Going to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Saturday mornings. Church.
8. Who is the "talker" of your family, and who is the "listener"? Ha ha ha. That's easy. Dad, Emily, and Kayla are the talkers. Mom and I are the listeners. Totally.
9. How often did you hear your parents say they loved you while you were young? Everyday. Usually before bed. Now, whenever we hang up the phone (or in random text messages from Dad).
10. When you were young, were you told you could be or do anything you wanted? Yep. It was always assumed, we would do our best in school, go to college, and live a good life as responsible adults. Originally, I wanted to live in the jungles of Rwanda, studying gorillas - and my parents encouraged me to continue learning about gorillas! Then, I wanted to go into the field of natural resources - and while I would never make good money in that, they continued to support me. And somehow, I ended up in youth ministry - and they've been nothing but supportive. As long as we're happy - I think they're happy.
Things I'm thankful for today:
1. My family.
2. Feeling a little better.
3. Mike came home early from work.
4. Catching up on missed TV shows.
5. A clean house.
6. Laundry is done.
7. Excited to see church friends tomorrow.
8. Starting a new book.
9. Kelsey's going to prom!
10. Kayla's going to State for speech!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday
Things I am thankful for today:
1. A good night's sleep.
2. Yo-J.
3. Cadberry eggs.
4. Visiting work today - gathering things to work on and saying hi!
5. Napping.
6. Cold medicine.
7. Sweatpants.
8. Vitamins.
9. The dog, constantly by my side.
10. Grey's Anatomy... Getting sad, but so good!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Boredom
"The labeling of a huge part of human experience as boring is a relatively new phenomenon. The concept of boredom -- a sense of emptiness and a lack of stimulation -- didn't even exist until the nineteenth century. Before that, it was used only in the context of a person who spoke too long or rambled off the topic: "Oh, she's such a bore!" Now it is a state of being that is a fate worse than death.
Psychologists say that the problem we think is "out there" -- in the book, movie, job, relationship -- is actually in us. Boredom, they say, is created by an inability to delay gratification and a low tolerance for frustration, both of which have serious implications for our success in life and in love.
Any time we proclaim something boring, what we really are saying is that we don't have patience for it. Rather than looking at ourselves for the source of the problem -- and therefore the solution -- we look at whatever is provoking the feeling and label that the problem.
A lot of human experience can be considered boring. There are huge stretches of parenting, in relationships, in work, where "nothing" is happening, or at least nothing obvious. We can consider those moments boring and seek to alleviate that boredom with any distraction available. Or we can see such occasions as opportunities to tap into our patience and look more deeply.
Try it yourself. Go on a fast for a week in which you refuse to consider any experience boring. When your mind begins to use that label -- in traffic, say, or on hold -- challenge yourself to find something of interest in what is going on, either in yourself or the world around you. How does that change your experience?
With attention, nothing is boring, even the most routine tasks. If you tune in to how the warm soapy water feels as you wash the pots and pans, how does that change the experience for you? Or weeding the garden, how does it feel to bend and stretch in the sunlight? What *is* the name of that gray bird with the crested head that suddenly appeared? This level of experiencing life isn’t one that we tune in to, but it is one that can bear many riches of wonder at the very fact of being alive in this amazing world."
--MJ Ryan, ijourney.org
What's the saying? Only boring people get bored? Hmmm...
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Books - not boring!
2. Toast.
3. Understanding bosses.
4. A house-sitting job = a little extra cash.
5. Leftover corned beef and cabbage.
6. The hubby doing errands for me.
7. A sweater that I've had for five year that's from Ireland (and I didn't know it!). I bought it at a thrift store for a Halloween costume... Cool!
8. Shea butter on dry skin.
9. LOST - didn't miss an episode while on vacation! Yeah!
10. In bed early.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Patty's Day
Song of St. Patrick
"May the Spirit of Christ be our hope through the day,
Be our guard through the night,
Our companion on the way.
Christ be ever before us,
Christ be ever behind us,
Christ be ever within."~Marty Haugen, based on St. Patrick's breastplate
Today is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. One this day, it is said, 'everyone is Irish'. It seems everyone wants to don their greenest shirt and show up for the party. I am not saying that this is a bad thing necessarily, but that celebration of this day is much more than shamrocks and leprechauns.
St. Patrick also gave us this beautiful prayer that is said to have been his breastplate. While there were literal breastplates, those armor-like chest coverings that were used for protection, St. Patrick's is more a protection of the words of his prayer. In a sense they were his understanding of how he traveled, how we all travel, with the presence of the Holy in the world. Many hymn writers have set these words to music. Singing them can be a powerful experience, connecting us not only with this ancient saint, but with all humanity and with God.
"Christ upon our left hand watching, at our right hand guiding, Christ above, beneath us guarding, Near to us abiding.
Christ be in each holy silence, Christ be in our speaking, Christ in every work we offer, Ever in our seeking.
Let us be God's light in the darkness, Let us be God's kindness; Let us be God's justice and mercy, Hands and feet of Christ.
God Creator, bless and keep us, Christ, be ever near us; Spirit be the light before us, Gentle be our pathway."
In all the revelry of this day, when we all want to 'be Irish', it might be wise to consider the words that are said to have guided this man's life. This enfolded way of walking in the world is a sacred reminder to us all of what it means to live a life of prayer, a life made holy by walking gently with the Creator.
In the wearing of the green today, may the prayer of St. Patrick be on our lips and in our hearts.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Me
So I began my daily devotions again... And today's made me laugh out loud! (Imagine me laughing - with no sound coming out, because I can't breathe... more of a wheeze...) Ha ha ha.
I'm back to reading, "Simple Abundance," and today's challenge is to look in the mirror and "lovingly" list 10 things you like about your body! Ha ha ha. Then, list 10 things you like about your personality.
So here goes 10 things I like about my body:
1. The bags under my eyes.
2. The frizzy hair that will take days to repair after so many steamy showers.
3. The skin flaking off my body from so many hot showers.
4. My dry, cracked lips... from breathing through them, instead of my nose!
Ha ha ha. Just kidding. I just soooo don't feel pretty today!
Ok, here's my serious answers (I'll pretend I'm healthy!):
1. My hair color. Everyone (even beauticians) always ask if I color it. Nope. All natural.
2. My skin - mostly clear, and a nice color when it's tan.
3. My eyes, and eyebrows - very expressive.
4. My smile - friendly and open, I think.
5. My arms - I've been working very hard to tone my upper arms, and they're beginning to take some shape!
6. The beginning of my "laugh lines" - because I truly believe they come from a lot of laughter!
7. My hands - gentle and strong.
8. My legs - able to do so much more than I give them credit for!
9. My ears to listen to friends, music, and laughter.
10. My shoulders - broad and strong.
And ten things I like about my personality:
1. Patience (most of the time).
2. Optimistic.
3. Respect myself and others.
4. Laugh - a lot.
5. Love - big.
6. Good listener.
7. At peace with life - whatever it may bring.
8. Faith.
9. Family and friends are huge priorities.
10. Love trying new things.
Today I'm thankful for:
Those 20 things I just listed about myself. How often do we think about what we like about ourselves? What a gift. I challenge you to do this too! (If I can do it today, while feeling low as can be - I think you can do it, too!)
Peace to you today - and hopefully, good health!
Megs
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Going Home
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Leaving Ireland...
At the airport, we say goodbye to Tony and the other tour members (quickly exchanging emails, so we can keep in touch!), then all go off in our own directions to catch our flights.
Once in the airport, we encounter chaos! Lines upon lines to stand in - to check in, for security, to fill out customs forms, to have our passport checked, etc, etc. Mike and I counted seven different security checks before getting to our seat on the plane! Craziness! (We did manage a quick stop in the duty-free zone for some Jameson Whiskey to bring home...) We got to the airport with two hours before our flight - and got to our gate 20 minutes before the plane started boarding... We did good.
Our flight to Atlanta was nine hours on the way home - strong headwind. Ugh. We had a nice lunch, a horrible Keanu Reeves movie (...I can't even remember what it was called... but he was an alien...), the new James Bond movie, and "Flash of Genius" (a movie about the guy who invented intermittent windshield wipers), then a nice dinner, and some TV shows. I did a lot of reading and sleeping on this flight (although, I was happy to see an episode of "John and Kate plus 8")! I was reading the book, "Round Ireland with a Fridge" - very funny, about a guy who loses a bet and has to hitchhike around Ireland with a small, two foot by two foot fridge. It's true story that happened in the '90s - and the girl sitting next to me on the plane had lived in Dublin when it was taking place! She laughed when she saw the book and told me all about it! That was kind of fun...
When we finally arrived in Atlanta, it was a foggy, rainy day - I was sitting in the middle of the plane, and the little bit I could see out any windows, was just white. I knew we were descending, but had no idea how low we were - when all of a sudden we touched down! I jumped and shrieked - and so did most other people on the plane! When we realized we were just lower than we thought, everyone cheered and laughed. Goodness.
The Atlanta airport was a little crazy with all the customs checks to go through. Once again, many security checks, claim your baggage, check your baggage, go through security again - then get to your gate at the opposite end of the airport! Trying to get all four of us through this without getting seperated was very difficult - and we barely made it to our gate with 5 minutes to spare!
The flight to Chicago was short and sweet after the international flight. Had to like that! Once we touched down - we were almost home free. We went to collect Mom-in-law's and Annie's luggage - Mom's was lost... What a bummer. She handled it well, though. We got the paperwork filled out and headed for our ride to where our car was parked. This time the van was full and people were tired and cranky.
We got our car easily enough and began the two hour drive to Milwaukee. (From now on, Mike and I will be flying direct anywhere we go. The amount of travel time on this trip was insane.) I had gotten a sore throat on the plane, which was turning into a cough... So I slept most of this drive. We dropped Annie off at her house and said our goodbyes - I think we were all a little sad, and a little relieved, to have the day over.
At Mom's house, we had a snack, showered, and went to bed. We were exhausted to say the least!
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Our hotel staff packing us a simple breakfast for the road!
2. Being organized and prepared for easy travel through security and customs.
3. Tony, our tour guide. Loved him.
4. Good airplane food - a nice surprise!
5. A conversation about my book with someone who remembers it happening - very funny!
6. Knowing the Atlanta airport already - making it easy to get where we needed to be - quickly!
7. Sitting next to Mike on the flights - and getting a window seat on the last flight.
8. Dozing on the drive to Mom-in-law's house.
9. A long, warm, shower.
10. Bed. So tired.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ireland - Day Seven!
First, a few more sayings for the day:
"Dual carriageway" - a four-lane highway.
"I'll ring you back" - I'll call you back (they really say that!)
"Sunday a week" - a week from Sunday
After breakfast we boarded the bus for our trip to Galway. Mike and I had hoped to spend a day in Galway - and have fresh oysters for lunch or dinner... But alas, we were in the bustling city of Galway for one and a half hours... Not enough time for hardly anything!
We stopped at the Galway Cathedral first. Otherwise known as: The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. Whew... That's one to remember! It was a beautiful example of a "new" (50 years old) church in Ireland!
(There are small memorials to JFK all over Ireland to honor him and his Irish ancestory.)
Next, we had a very short amount of time to run around the streets of town... Finished some gift shopping, got a cup of hot chocolate, and headed back to the bus! I could spend a LOT more time in this city! (Mike loved seeing the sea of kegs in front of the pubs!)
After leaving Galway, we stopped in the riverfront town of Athlone for lunch. Mike, his mom, Annie, and I went to a restaurant and bar called "The Palace" - the Cheltenham Horse Races were on TV, and all the business men were at the bar watching the races (many of them probably had bets on the horses!). It was a lively and fun atmosphere for sure!(Our swanky booth - well, la ti da!)
After Athlone, we began the long, and somewhat boring drive, across the countryside back to Dublin. This is the only time the whole week, I let myself doze off on the bus! Good thing - the night was still to come!
When we got back into Dublin, we checked back into the Mespil Hotel and relaxed until dinner time. We decided on dinner at O'Shea's Merchant - after hearing that they had fantastic music... When we entered it was pretty empty, so we enjoyed a good meal (the only time I actually saw "corned beef and cabbage" on the menu! - And it was good!). We realized after eating, that the bar was next door - after hearing the music coming through the walls! Oh well. Lesson learned!
Then, we crossed the street to our real destination for the evening - the Brazenhead Pub. Ireland's oldest pub - established in 1198! After finding a seat at the bar - in a VERY crowded bar - the evening came to life with fun, music and laughter! I sat next to a man from Dublin (Brandon, which means "man who lives on the hill" - and he did, right up the street from the pub!) - and his first questions were, "where was I from?" and "do I have ancestors from Ireland and where are they from?" When I explained that my ancestors were from the Achill Islands - he gave me a wonderful story about how beautiful the Achill Islands are, what life was like on the islands for past generations, what my ancestors probably did, and again, how beautiful a place it is! He told me the next time I come to Ireland to be sure to visit Keel Beach on the island - and once again went into how beautiful it is! He then asked if we were there for music that night, and when I said "yes," he told me we were in for a great night! Then he said he'd be right back - he was going home to get his guitar so he could play with the band! When he came back, he brought his girlfriend with her bodhran as well - so fun!
(Mom-in-law and Annie at the pub!)
The music was fun and raucous, and beautiful and sad... (One man in the group played the spoons! A fun surprise to me - I grew up watching my dad play the spoons and have rarely seen anyone else do it. When I asked about it, I was told they are a traditional instrument in Irish music - they began with people using animal bones, before spoons, to keep rhythm! Fascinating!) (Look at his hands go! That's the spoon-player!)
A lovely evening all around of talking to those around us (from Ireland, Italy, and Norway... and a few other Americans), great music, good Guinness and Bulmer's Cider, and learning all kinds of new things! Loved it! (The sign behind our drinks says, "How to avoid a hangover: Stay drunk." Ha ha ha.)
(The perfect poured pint of Guinness - shamrock and all!)
After another fun and enlightening cab ride back to the hotel (did I ever mention, that you should never ask for a "ride," you should ask for a "lift?" If you ask for a ride, you're asking a very inappropriate question... And may get some raised eyebrows... Ha ha ha.)... Anyway, we went back to the hotel and hung out in the lobby for a bit with Pooja and Ripple (a couple from Chicago), and Pooja's brother, Rishi (from Toledo) - all from our tour group. We compared stories from our evenings, and went to bed wishing we had spent more time hanging out with them! So many fun people!
This evening was a perfect ending to our time in Ireland, that's for sure!
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Napping on the bus!
2. Galway - got our Christmas shopping done!
3. Lunch in Athlone, watching the business men cheer for their horses!
4. Mom-in-law and Annie in good and friendly moods.
5. Brazenhead Pub - awesome night!
6. Finally getting a chance to talk to some locals in the pub.
7. Using the hotel computer to send a quick email home.
8. Starting the journey home tomorrow... It's time for this homebody to be home, in my own bed, with my dog.
9. Getting to know Pooja, Riddle, and Rishi a little!
10. Mike and I being asked if we were on our Honeymoon - what a nice compliment!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Ireland - Day Six!
The Cliffs of Moher were absolutely stunning! It was quite the trek to get to the top (and Mike's mom did such a good job of making it up there! What a great day!) - and Mike and I managed to have enough time to get to the top of one side, then down and up the other side! You can tell from our pictures how far we walked... I think Ireland is a very healthy place for me: I usually get asthma attacks from climbing steep hills - but I had none! And I could've kept going! (And for those of you who know me well - I had no headaches, no stomach problems from all the restaurant food, and no problems with being tired. Maybe I should move there?) Anyway, these pictures pretty much speak for themselves.