I know too many geologists. No, really. Yesterday, some friends and I went to the beach somewhere in Co. Clare. I spent that time running around searching for rocks and interesting shells. Yes, this seems normal to some of you readers but let me tell you why. You are a geologist or are friends with one. My friends roamed around the beach for a bit, found some nice rocks and sat back to watch me go running around the place, barefoot over rocks and sand. Occasionally someone would shout to see where I was, and I'd answer with my head popping up, looking like Pebbles Flintstone because I'd tied my hair up to keep it out my face. One day, I will at least look like an adult. One day.
Earlier, we'd gone to the Cliffs of Moher. I'd been before with the lovely Diane Kanter, but this time, four of us: myself, Orla, Valerie and Anne, piled into Orla's car and took off. In a fit of stress, where I found myself sitting in the postgraduate room/my room/the library (it went on for a few days) willing myself not to cry, I decided I needed an adventure. Something to look forward to just to get through the week. So, I booked a flight to Italy in May and Orla suggested going to the Cliffs this weekend. Escapism at its best. Still, I felt better, began functioning like a human again (albeit a highly caffeinated and excited one) and we took off on Saturday morning for the Cliffs.
If there is anything more beautiful than green hills ending abruptly into cliffs with the ocean pushing against them, I need to know. At the moment, I'm gonna (ha!) go out on a ledge here and say there isn't. There was a great moment of hilarity when I misread a sign in my best movie announcer voice. Just for reference: Unstoppable Cliffage is not the same thing as Unstable Cliffedge. Why was there no space between cliff and edge (besides the obvious)? Classic.
After the cliffs, we went into Doolin to have lunch with our friend Anna. Her family owns a little cafe there and the food was quite tasty. I had the chicken pitta with paprika vegetables and herbed yogurt and Valerie and Orla ordered the bruschetta that looked so delicious I almost forgot I hated tomatoes. And peppers. And pretty much everything but cheese. Tasty, I tell you. After lunch, we headed to the beach and then went up to Anna's house that overlooked the ocean and the beach below. The views! I'm beginning to think I just need to spend the summer bouncing from one house to another. Jenn's house in Cork overlooks the river and is gorgeous as well. These houses and their waterfront views! I think though, if any of my new friends were to come visit me in the States, they would be just as excited about the mountains. Nature is so cool (see what I mean about hanging out with geologists and their outdoorsy-ness?) The whole way there, we were driving through the Burren, which is pretty amazing. Rock everywhere, then the ocean. All of us were high on fresh air, goofy photoshoots and the entire collection of Glee soundtracks in Orla's car. We decided we'd drive up to Spiddal to see Liz and Yvonne's new house. So just before 8 p.m., we pull into their driveway. The place is really nice and out in the country. Whatever stress I felt this past week had evaporated and I was just absolutely happy to be with my friends. So I enjoyed it and came home exhausted and with sand in my socks.
Today, I'm supposed to write my full Kathleen Kennedy article. Just to see if I can do it. Just to take the pressure off of April. I also have to finish a short story that must be submitted by Tuesday. The house is filthy because clearly everyone that lives here has a life too busy to clean up after themselves or for one moment think about wiping breadcrumbs off the counter. Trash needs to be taken out. One of my library books is overdue (surprise! I thought I had three weeks!). The clocks were supposed to spring forward this week, but my phone didn't change time, so I have no idea what time it is. Maybe I got the days wrong? Ah, well. Things need to be done. I will do that as well. The sun is still shining and advantage must be taken. Spring might kill me but I don't care: I'm going to see Country Strong this week and I have the soundtrack. If all else fails, I'm hitting the road with Gwyneth.
Earlier, we'd gone to the Cliffs of Moher. I'd been before with the lovely Diane Kanter, but this time, four of us: myself, Orla, Valerie and Anne, piled into Orla's car and took off. In a fit of stress, where I found myself sitting in the postgraduate room/my room/the library (it went on for a few days) willing myself not to cry, I decided I needed an adventure. Something to look forward to just to get through the week. So, I booked a flight to Italy in May and Orla suggested going to the Cliffs this weekend. Escapism at its best. Still, I felt better, began functioning like a human again (albeit a highly caffeinated and excited one) and we took off on Saturday morning for the Cliffs.
If there is anything more beautiful than green hills ending abruptly into cliffs with the ocean pushing against them, I need to know. At the moment, I'm gonna (ha!) go out on a ledge here and say there isn't. There was a great moment of hilarity when I misread a sign in my best movie announcer voice. Just for reference: Unstoppable Cliffage is not the same thing as Unstable Cliffedge. Why was there no space between cliff and edge (besides the obvious)? Classic.
After the cliffs, we went into Doolin to have lunch with our friend Anna. Her family owns a little cafe there and the food was quite tasty. I had the chicken pitta with paprika vegetables and herbed yogurt and Valerie and Orla ordered the bruschetta that looked so delicious I almost forgot I hated tomatoes. And peppers. And pretty much everything but cheese. Tasty, I tell you. After lunch, we headed to the beach and then went up to Anna's house that overlooked the ocean and the beach below. The views! I'm beginning to think I just need to spend the summer bouncing from one house to another. Jenn's house in Cork overlooks the river and is gorgeous as well. These houses and their waterfront views! I think though, if any of my new friends were to come visit me in the States, they would be just as excited about the mountains. Nature is so cool (see what I mean about hanging out with geologists and their outdoorsy-ness?) The whole way there, we were driving through the Burren, which is pretty amazing. Rock everywhere, then the ocean. All of us were high on fresh air, goofy photoshoots and the entire collection of Glee soundtracks in Orla's car. We decided we'd drive up to Spiddal to see Liz and Yvonne's new house. So just before 8 p.m., we pull into their driveway. The place is really nice and out in the country. Whatever stress I felt this past week had evaporated and I was just absolutely happy to be with my friends. So I enjoyed it and came home exhausted and with sand in my socks.
Today, I'm supposed to write my full Kathleen Kennedy article. Just to see if I can do it. Just to take the pressure off of April. I also have to finish a short story that must be submitted by Tuesday. The house is filthy because clearly everyone that lives here has a life too busy to clean up after themselves or for one moment think about wiping breadcrumbs off the counter. Trash needs to be taken out. One of my library books is overdue (surprise! I thought I had three weeks!). The clocks were supposed to spring forward this week, but my phone didn't change time, so I have no idea what time it is. Maybe I got the days wrong? Ah, well. Things need to be done. I will do that as well. The sun is still shining and advantage must be taken. Spring might kill me but I don't care: I'm going to see Country Strong this week and I have the soundtrack. If all else fails, I'm hitting the road with Gwyneth.
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