Saturday, January 26, 2013

Converting

It's a chilly, windy day in Oz and I can't seem to bring myself to do anything.  I just raided my Pinterest boards for projects/baking that I can do to amuse myself because I just don't know what to do with myself.  Scarecrow is out golfing with his dad, the neighbor, and his buddy.  The rest of the family is gone for one reason or another.  This means I have a rare time that I have the house to myself.  And darn it, I should have decided before what I would do with this rare opportunity.  Not only that, but I have our car at my disposal!  But I'll tell you what, it's only when you have the means and the space to do something that you can't think of a single thing to do.  I might bake some rolls in a few minutes.  Or I might crochet a grocery bag.  Might walk the dog too.  Who knows, really.

Earlier in the week I tagged along with the sister missionaries and their P-day activity (preparation day for those not in the know).  One of the gals from church had offered to take them to the Cliffs of Moher.  She was going on about this crazy party and I said, "Gee, keep going like that and now I want to know what the party is!".  So I managed to invite myself on their excursion.  It was really a fun excuse to get out and see the country with some people who haven't seen it all yet.  And I really like hanging out with this gal from church, so it was nice to spend time with people I'm not related to (no offense family.  I just need to get out more). 




I've never seen the cliffs like this...ever.  I've barely even seen Ireland like this!  Snow!  I felt bad for the sister missionaries, they didn't get to see it in its full glory.  But they did get to see it in a way that very few people do.  It was pretty in a very mysterious sort of way.  I also hadn't realized how much I miss the bite of cold air after it's snowed.  I'm not a big snow fan myself.  That's the one weather phenomenon that I can really take or leave.  But it was nice to feel that refreshing cold blast coming off of the Atlantic.

So, my Irish quirk for the day.  I think it's happened.  It's been subtly working its way in for months and now, I think I'm finally converted.  As with everywhere you go, even to different parts of the U.S., there are different words for different things.  I was talking to my sister and niece the other day and started to comment on her jumper when I had to correct myself and say sweater.  I don't have to translate myself here nearly as much as I used to.  It will, however, be interesting to hear how I do going back to the States.  Some other examples of words that are different than what I grew up with that are now second nature:

Jumper: Is in fact a sweater, not a little pinafore dress that girls wear.
Boot: As in the boot of a car.  It's the trunk.  Once in awhile Scarecrow slips up and says trunk.  He even said dollars instead of euro the other night.  We're both clearly very confused still.
Bin: garbage can, trash, whatever.  Oh, I also put the rubbish in the bin now, not the garbage in the trash.
Mobile phone: Yes, they are called mobiles here as opposed to the cell phone of the U.S.  That's a dead giveaway that you're American.  You also ring someone's mobile instead of calling their cell.  Subtle, but trust me, people notice when you say "call my cell" instead of "ring my mobile".
A lift:  This one is very important.  I had this ingrained in me from my first go-round in Oz.  You never, ever, want to ask someone for a ride.  You want a lift.  If you ask for a ride you will be very surprised at the outcome given that it refers to favors of a sexual nature.  So please, I will give you a lift anywhere you like.  Just don't ask me for a ride.

And now I'm going to go do something.  Just not too sure what yet...


Sunday, January 6, 2013

Auld Lang Synge Oz

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Oz!  I have been, as has everyone else, busy.  This is despite both major holidays being what I have described to all who've asked as "quiet".  But it's been amazing to spend the holidays with the Scarecrow.  After nearly 6 years this is the FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER.  Seriously, a long time coming people.  PS, I got a sewing machine.  Happy me!



New Year's Eve was equally quiet.  Strangely though, this is actually our 3rd time ringing in the new year together.  Funny thing, that.  We had Toto and a couple of her friends over and we made tacos.  Can I tell you how happy I was to eat a taco?  That is the closest thing to Mexican food I've eaten in 5 months.  And it was glorious.  Despite the fact that our stove top wasn't working we managed to make it work.  See, he does love me.


Now, for some non-paid advertising.  Don't ask me to pronounce it, but I love the blog La Maison Boheme.  She's funny, creative and inspiring.  I pretty much want her house.  And so, as inspiring is one of the things she's great at, she's inspired me.  First off, I bring you my...

2012 Year in Review

  1. Finished my coursework at KU.  Though my thesis is still in progress, this made me very, very happy.

   2. The obvious.  I married my best friend.  What a great day that was.




   3. Oh, also obvious.  I moved to Ireland with said best friend. 


   4. I learned to drive a stick shift.  Go me.

  5. I learned to make bread.  Normally not a huge accomplishment.  But given my reputation for cooking and how outrageously good it is, this makes the list.



I liked La Maison Boheme and the idea of a 2013 to-do list rather than resolutions.  I don't keep resolutions.  I do, however, like crossing things off lists.  I'm generally pretty good at it.  And so now we have my...

2013 To-Do List

  1. The obvious, finish my thesis and finish it well.  
  2. Focus on doing things that make me happy.  Not only that, but not letting my attitude be dictated by anyone/anything else.  I want to be happy, I like being happy.  And so, why should I let things get to me and make me unhappy?  One of those things is studying more the scriptures and talks from General Conference, particularly this one
  3. Write more letters and be better about communicating with friends and family.
And there you have it.  The Scarecrow went back to work this past Wednesday, Toto goes back to school tomorrow.  It's life and business as usual now in Oz.  And I say bring it on.