Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

In 2002 my life was forever changed. I was in college and a pretty avid watcher of Saturday Night Live. This one particular evening, Mr Matt Damon was hosting and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were the musical guest. Yes, I know, a totally amazing line up (well done Lorne Michaels.)

Matt Damon's monologue wasn't so much a monologue as something he'd read about in US Weekly a couple of months prior and wanted to recreate. The genius of Matt Damon was revealed to me that day - he recreated an alleged Justin Timberlake vs Britney Spears dance off.

It featured such modern songs as 'Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)' by C&C Music Factory and 'Gloria' by Laura Branigan. It also featured Matt Damon as Justin Timberlake wearing a visor that said 'Funk' on it, and winking at the camera (see the picture below for reference.) Amazing stuff.

The transcript can't do it justice - this beauty has to be seen to be appreciated. The problem is, I can't find it anywhere on the Information Superhighway.

I YouTube the hell out of it and get nothing. I Google the hell out of it and get nothing. What else is there?! And don't send me a Hulu link, those bastards won't let their videos play outside of the USA (seriously, you have no idea how lucky you are, Americans.)

Finding that clip is my Everest. Finding that clip will restore my faith in the Information Superhighway. I fear it's lost forever.

But know this, keep it in your hearts:

It was the last good episode of Saturday Night Live I have ever seen.

To Arthur!

Today is Arthur's Day. Arthur Guinness, that is.



It's been since 1759 - you've had a good run, Arthur. I shall celebrate you by drinking pints and pints of water out of a Guinness glass.

(My favorite part is 'To Martha!' because that is my Mom's name. Also my aunt, sister, and Grandmother, but that's a horse of a different color.)

Where the aisles are paved with gold.

Ooooh IKEA.


View from the 13A Bus

I had grand designs to visit IKEA on opening day but the Bobbi Brown fiasco was in the stars. So I waited a few months. Then I met Kim and she was all, 'Hey let's go to IKEA sometime, it's what the cool unemployed kids do.' And I was all, 'Oh! Heh heh,' glancing around nervously, 'I knew that!' (Even though I didn't know that because I'm not cool, just unemployed.) So we made a plan to meet and take the bus to IKEA.

I'm going to stop myself right there and interject something. I live on the South Side, which means something to Dubliners only. I don't really ever consider the North Side, and when I do, you can expect me to give a long and exasperated sigh and roll my eyes, like if someone was asking me for a kidney and I really didn't want to give it up. Kim suggested meeting at the GPO and from there we'd take the 13 or 13A bus from O'Connell Street to IKEA. And life was good - we went down Dorset Street and through Drumcondra, and then we were in Ballymun and I started to shift uncomfortably and discreetly turned my ring around so the diamond wasn't going to catch anyone's eyes. Paranoia, paranoia, everybody's coming to get me....

Eventually, after passing through several crack den-esq council flat areas, and nearly going deaf because of a group of loud school children who got on the bus and sat behind us, we made it to IKEA.


And then they have glorious flags of victory to greet you after your trek through the worst part of Dublin, Ballymun.

We walked into IKEA and I swear, I heard angels singing. We had lunch right away, because Kim, a seasoned veteran of the IKEA process suggested it would be best to carb up before the marathon ahead of us. And she was right. I had the infamous Swedish meatballs. Lunch was less than €5. That is unheard of in Dublin. It's actually worth taking the bus to IKEA every day just to get lunch.

We shopped around. There was a lot of 'OH I NEED THIS' but I reeled it in because I knew I had another bus ride through Crackville and a 1 mile walk home from the bus stop, so I kept it simple.

Did you know they sold fabric there? Think of all the wonderful things I could make (if I knew how to sew)! Did you know you can buy all new pots and pas there!? Think of all the wonderful things I could make (if I knew how to cook)! They also sell plants and plenty of jugs that look like they would be perfect for sangria but are really decorative jugs.

They even have fake apartments to give you ideas on what to do with your apartment. And oh, the storage racks. Eventually I needed to quit while I was ahead or risk moving into one of the fake apartments and settling into my new life as an IKEA display.

Behold, my IKEA purchases.


The prettiest drying rack I've ever seen.


New shower curtain and bath mat. The bath mat really ties the room together.

I also bought tea lights and candles because I'm a girl and we like those things.

Here is my favorite purchase.


I love the Earth, so this was a practical buy.

It should be noted that it was sunny and warm when we walked into IKEA and cold and rainy when we walked out. The lesson here is to never leave IKEA.

In conclusion, IKEA was a hit. I would like to go back there ASAP to buy a mattress pad, a duvet cover and pillow cases, and maybe some more shelving units. It was a hell of a day for adventure.

Do you want to laugh?

Watch this:



I know it's a cop out post, but hear me out. I was Googling interviews with Danny McBride since Eastbound & Down is my new favorite show, and this popped up. So I clicked play since I think chugging wine and discussing history is always a great combination. And then I couldn't stop laughing.

Enjoy.

I'm on to you.

I think the washing machine has a vendetta against me and will take out it's anger and frustration on all of my favorite clothes, like my new tank top and my favorite shirt.

You'll rue the day you crossed me, washing machine. For you are just a piece of machinery, and I am human.

So What's New?

Nothing is ever new with me and I fear that this blog is teetering towards complete boredom territory, like a Ghost Town or any Emily Dickinson poem. Yeah, I said it.

So what else is going on? Possibly my favorite question to say to someone. But when the tables are turned I blank and go, 'Eehhmmm... Uuuhhh... Nothing.'

Want to know what I think about these days?



That.

So if you're talking to me and I get a far off look in my eyes a) blame short attention spans and b) just know it's not you - it's the Maldives.

Bring the beat back

I will fully admit that I yoinked this from my sister Molly, who posted it on Facebook.



I happen to love this song. I have loved it from the first moment I heard it, back in '91/'92 when driving from Petersham to Barre to visit Dr Rapasarda for my latest dentist appointment. Valerie would check us in and we'd wait for the most bizarre dentist to clean our teeth this side of the Mississippi. I still loved this song when the Barre Inn burned down and Dad had to go fight the fire because he was a volunteer Firefighter. I sing it pretty much every week in these modern times, specifically this verse: I know where the beat is at/cuz I know what time it is/makking on a dime/make mine a 99/New style meanwhile always on a mission while/fishing in the rivers of life

Possibly the best use of 'They drive an ice cream van' in a song. Ever.

I firmly believe this song is up there with 'What's Going On' by the 4 Non Blondes on SONGS MY PARENTS NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN. (Remember that song, Dad? Here's a hint: We listened to it driving around the west coast of Ireland during our European Vacation of 1993. You threatened to take dinner away from us if we didn't stop singing. And then we switched to our Fire Marshall Bill impressions, which is weird, because none of us had ever seen In Living Color because we didn't have cable and we weren't allowed to watch TV.)

Which brings me to my point, which is not really my point, but something that has to be said. I feel bad for kids growing up today because music, well, music sucks these days. For further proof, watch the VMAs. Booo-urns.

Thanks for kicking it old school, Smalls!

Press Play Before Reading

To give you the full idea of yesterday, you must play play and listen to the song while scrolling down.



Yesterday I met up with KD and a couple of other Dublin bloggers for brunch. The weather was marvelous and just before we all met up, KD and I witnessed something spectacular on Grafton/Nassau Street.



The Hare Krishnas were in town for a parade. Everybody loves a parade! Naturally I was singing 'My Sweet Lord' in my head, badly off key. I suggested to KD that we join the parade but she was not having it.

When I finally got home, I was fortunate enough to Skype with my favorite niece Darcy. I played the song for her, and we danced over Skype (this happens a lot.)



The 'background noise' was her mother and me singing loudly with the song. Special thanks to Dad for introducing us to the Beatles at an early age (think talent shows over Thanksgiving and dancing to 'Birthday' for everyone's birthday.)

Quote of the Day

Mark: You got some mail, I think from France.
Me: What does it say?
Mark: Bai-lay atha cloth (Baile Átha Cliath)
Me: That says Dublin.

Just Your Average Friday Night

Last night the SJC and I had plans to meet up with some friends at Real Gourmet Burger in Ballsbridge. The SJC had to "work late" (aka have after work drinks with co-workers to celebrate someone's last day) so I walked over to the restaurant by myself.

You know you're starting to belong here when you run into someone you know on the walk over. I was passing Starbucks and saw Jo, who lives in the area. It was great. I felt like less of a tourist and more of a resident, which, according to Passport Control, I am (a resident, that is.) And rightly so, since today marks my 2 year anniversary of living in Dublin.

Dinner was great. I had my fourth burger in 5 years (I don't care for ground beef), and all was well. My stomach didn't revolt on me last night, though it was touch and go this morning for about 15 minutes. I guess in terms of beef you kind of have to ease your way back in?

After dinner we walked home.


Lower Grand Canal Street

It was a lovely night with a very autumnal chill in the air. Hence the rosy cheeks.



When all is said and done, the fact that I enjoyed, nay, preferred a quiet Friday night out with friends definitely means I'm getting old. Just in time too, since Lizmas is 3 short months away.

The Triple D.

Today I got back from a lovely luncheon with my better half and felt the need to unclutter and update some things.

So I went through my makeup and dumped all the stuff I don't wear anymore. Though, to be honest, I did keep all of my sparkles because you just never know.

Then I looked up.

Above our 'fireplace' is a mantle and above the mantle is a mirror (I use the term 'fireplace' loosely because it's a piece of faux marble attached to the wall. There was never a fireplace there to begin with. Hell, there aren't even chimneys in this building.) This mirror is covered in pictures of The SJC's nieces (and one could argue, my nieces) throughout the years. There is only one picture of his nephew, and that is a school picture sitting next to his sister.

I thought to myself, "Hey. I have a niece who deserves a shrine."

Behold, my updates to the Niece Shrine (now starring Darcileeno):


From afar. The picture frames hold a picture from our wedding and a picture of my Mom and the SJC being awesome

That's me in the Red Sox sweatshirt, as always bring class and sophistication to the Waterside.


Close up of Darclieeno being a)adorable and b)hip.


Close up of my very favorite picture of Darcy, entitled 'Dimples.'

I gotta say it was a good day.

I'm afraid I'll scare it away

Today I woke up and there was an unnatural brightness to the sky. I wasn't sure what I was seeing, so I looked it up and apparently something called 'The Sun' came out to play.



With nary a rain drop in sight, I went outside to meet up with my friend KD for lunch. We went to Milano and discussed many things, such as a woman named McPhee and the Notorious G.O.D. and his son.


"No, I'm into Jesus." - KD

That exact Milano was our lunch spot and is available for viewing from the windows of our flat. Don't we live in such a cosmopolitan area?

Anyway, I'm worried that I'm going to scare off the sun if I keep talking about it so I'll change the subject.

Our wireless internet was down today. It's been intermittent (a fancy word that means 'not working') for a few days now. And I, well, I'm not a hugely patient person. I called our broadband provider and asked what the deal was and they gave me the run around. I had to restart my modem about thirty times and restart my computer about 12 times. It sucked. I didn't cry but I got angry. And when I get angry, I shake. Like the Incredible Hulk, except for that unflattering green color. To make a long boring story even more pointless, they're sending us a new router within the next few days.
By courier.
'Pigeon?' I asked.
'No, bicycle.' was the response.

At least they didn't hang up on me.

So I've had time to work on my memoirs. And look up houses on Daft.ie once I jury-rigged the modem to my computer to force a connection. And search for the song that's been in my head for about a month now. And no, I won't tell you what it is because it's embarassing. So now I'm listening to my iPod and having a dance party. Don't you wish you were here.

Oh Em Gee The Triple D

This morning I woke up and it was dark, which I thought was bizarre since it was 8:30am. Apparently the sun had indeed risen but was blocked out by mean dark gray clouds that spit up water every so often. And sometimes the clouds blow fierce winds and the doors rattle and the windows fly open. Just another beautiful day in Dublin.

So, in honor of the sun (or lack thereof,) today's picture is a picture of my new favorite light fixture.



This light fixture can be found in the guest room at my in law's house in Sligo, which seems to be getting better weather than Dublin these days, lucky them. Isn't it interesting that it's 80 degrees in London today and about 65 degrees in Dublin.

You know where else it's warm? The Maldives.

In closing, I leave you with this, another great question left unanswered by the Chi-lites, the only difference is that I am directing the question to people who are friends with the Sun. Have you seen her?

Daily Dose of Dublin

Or in today's case, The Dublin to Sligo train.



Taken just after leaving Connolly, we are looking fresh and ready for this long journey to unfold.

And then...



This is what sweet relief looks like when you reach the Sligo station after 3 hours sitting on the train. Another word for it would be 'tired.' I look gorgeous. Needless to say, I hate the train.

But I did have a nice time in Sligo.

Daily Dose of Dublin

This dude seemed pretty keen to get a good shot..


Of this plant:



I still don't know why.

(St Stephen's Green, taken in July, the last time it was nice out.)

Metropolis in Pictures, Part 3

I left off at Lil D's Christening. I was going to post more but I got side tracked at how beautiful my niece is. I was comparing and contrasting pictures of other people's children on Facebook to Darcy's pictures. There is no comparison - the girl is gorgeous. Anyway, I digress. After Lil D's Christening, I went to CT to spend a few days with Darcy and her parents.

I then returned to Natick for my dress fitting (and we all know how that went) and to do some tasting for the wedding. Those were my favorite days.

Here I am sampling the dinner at the reception. I won't tell you what it is going to be because I don't want to hear people complain that they won't like it. The wine, however, will be loved by all.




Cake sampling at Konditor Meister.


So many options, so little time.


We have a winner!

Ode to Vitamins

Recently (as in within the past week) I have started taking Flintstones Vitamins. This may seem ridiculous, as Flintstones vitamins are notoriously for small children and I am absolutely not a small child. Ridiculous as it may be, I heard that vitamins are a great source for everything you need like iron and riboflavin, so I thought 'Hey I can get on board with this.'

And I'm glad I did. Since I started taking these vitamins and singing the Flintstones Kids song while keeping track of which character I bit the head off of that morning, I've never felt better. Why didn't anyone tell me about this before? Between those and my Glucosamine Chondroitin supplements, I feel like I can conquer Mount Washington. Or even Bray Head. And it's been a week! Amazing.

I like the purple ones the best. Now if only the SJC will keep his grubby hands off my vitamins.

I promise a better post later. I just really had to sing the praises of vitamins.