Brinchen begins her blogs with a "lucky" statement. It's really an inspirational way to start. Her last blog was simply, "Luck is having luck." Now, it made me think of this thing called luck. Now, you can call it that or faith or positivity but, whatever you call it, it was there when I went to Ireland and Italy a few years ago and is generally in life, regardless if things are going great or not. I've already stated some of my more interesting experiences there and that I'm an organized adventurer. However, little things went awry right from the beginning. Our flight was delayed at least six hours, eliminating our time in Paris and making our ability to catch our connecting flight difficult. I immediately became even more nervous and anxious (love to travel but hate flying). Within a half hour, someone had helped us get onto a direct flight to Dublin and Air France footed the Aer Lingus bill. We had lost our day in Paris but gained a day in Dublin. After two weeks, the plan was to move onto Scotland for a few days and then London for a few days. My cousin freaked out about the budget and, despite it costing only $200 to go to Glasgow and my sisters and I compromising about eliminating London. She would not budge. She refused to go. I'm still a bit bitter about it b/c for all her complaining and claiming she was dead broke she now suddenly has all the money to find a new apartment $200 more expensive a month than she had budgeted for and plans to get a tattoo. Argh...still bitter. But the point is that it did work out b/c of positive thinking. We took an extra week of traveling in Ireland and did it at a much slower pace, relaxed. It was nice.

I find everytime I get nervous or stressed out that things work out. Now, whether they work out the way they're supposed to or simply work out b/c I accept the consequences and enjoy life regardless, they just do. Patience, Positivity, and Perseverance...my new montra.

I have learned how to insert but, if you think I'm going to upload all my pics, you're insane. So, I've sifted through my cousins and found some that I liked. Clearly, not as good as the pictures I take but what can I say? However, given that they're on kodak, maybe it's causing an error. I don't know but it says, "Tag img may not have attribute title" and I filled out all three lines. So, no pics for you...I'm the pic nazi. (that's probably one of the few Seinfeld jokes I actually know and get and like).

Another story...Gap of Dunloe...

So, as I've said, I like hiking and exercise and was craving some of those endorphins to kick in. So, we're in Killarney and of course we're going to do some hiking. We do a fairly easy trail and talk about the McGuilliguddy (sp) mountains in the distance. So, we originally had a kayaking trip planned but we went out that night and got some advice from locals. They recommended we take a rowboat, see Innisfallen island, and then bike or hike the Gap of Dunloe. It would be an easy two hour hike. That's what we were told. Either way, we were excited about this option because it was much more affordable...10 euros compared to 75 euros...and it meant seeing much more and hiking as far up as we could in the mountains. We were warned there would be some incline but not much...we didn't think it through that it would be up a mountain!

So, the rowboat ride was just stunning. Gave you views you couldn't get and we floated along for a couple hours. Then, we arrive and given my inability to ride a bike, I was gungho for the hike. My cousin Karen was more inclined to rent a bike until she learned that you were supposed to do that before you got on the rowboat. HAHAHA! Anyway, we go and go and go and go...and it was absolutely stunning and strenuous! I always carry a bag when I go hiking and my back was killing me but the views were worth it...but it was a bit painful when the uphil climb just never stopped. The downhill was just as beautiful with these pockets of glittering lakes but it was just as long. We saw people starting the hike from the other side and they looked way too fresh and dolled up. There's no way they were going to the top. Either way, it was great exercise and it was just worth it but kicked our butts.

Movie Review:

The Other Boleyn Girl

Hmmm. I am always at the defense of historical films. I usually think that they are worthwhile if they make a viewer interested enough in the subject to seek out some answers. But, in this case, I was in utter awe at the inherent inaccuracies. It was based on the work of Phillipa Gregory (sp) and I'm not sure where she got her facts but they're all tumbled about. The characterizations of Anne, her sister, Henry: they're one dimensional. Henry the 8th was a philanderer for certain but his relationships didn't guide his political world. He sought to be the head of his own church for security, power, greed. Those perhaps aren't better motives than sex but they certainly paint a more competent ruler than the one seen on film. Anne was certainly the second sister bedded but she didn't steal the man from her sister...and her sister was not this innocent angel. Anyway, needless to say, I was a bit irritated by it. Plus...the costumes were brilliant, just gorgeous...and I may have developed a tiny crush on Eric Bana. It's over now but for a couple hours I wished that Henry 8th looked like him. Similar thing happened with Henry II. I love Lion in the Winter...one of my favorites...and Peter O'Toole will forever be an acting fave b/c of his turns as Henry...and Katherine Hepburn...need I say more. Anyway, historical fiction has its place and I enjoy plausible storytelling but I suppose I would appreciate a bit more research and honesty. In the DVD extras, the people associated with the film acted like her work was the ultimate authority on the issue.

Evelyn

Sweet movie. Haven't checked out the historical accuracy of this piece but its set in Ireland (so I have to like it) and features a man questioning Irish law in order to get custody of his kids back. True story apparently. Pierce Brosnan does well as does the rest of the cast. I'm not crazy about the entire focus being placed on his daughter. He was trying to get his two sons as well but I believe it was she who started the whole process with the writer so that makes sense. My favorite part...Pierce's speech on the stand. I wish that was real but it was written under duress by the writer. They needed a climactic courtroom moment and locked him in his room for 1 and 1/2 until he finished it.

And finally...

I'm frugal and I have been debating getting a new tv when the 20 in I have is just fine. But I wanted a bigger one and a flat screen. So, to stay within budget for the whole shebang...dvd upconverter, hd reciever, argh...headahce, I got a 37 inch Toshiba on sale at Circuit City. I was looking at the 40 inches but the $$$ kept going up and I wasn't willing to pay $$$$. So, it's mine. It's here. And now I'm just waiting for those other additions to come. Ay yi yi. What was I thinking? I get nervous spending that much. I can drop it on a trip at the drop of a hat but on electronics and I start to palpitate. My mother put it in perspective. I watch movies...ALOT...and I should enjoy them. So, last year my gift to msyelf was some jewelry. This year, it's a tv. Laptop may be coming soon but we're going to stagger these expenses.

Oh wait...almost done...my parents have bitten the bullet and have bought a camper/trailer...whatever the right term is. We're really excited. By a pond, near a beach, close to Newport, and all I can think about is trees, son, hiking, and horseback riding, with some canoeing...how is that it's been a few years since I've been canoeing? So, we'll finish the season with a couple weekends there and then enjoy next summer there.

And...2009 travel plans are 75% sure. Las Vegas has to be in there as a promise to the twins. They turn 21 and I promised them years ago I'd wait for them. I just want to see the Hoover Dam and the bright lights...maybe do some dancing...I have to keep my wits about me though. I'm the guardian of those girls! And, even though I was in portugal in 2005, that may be coming up again. My uncle just went and my grandfather is looking his age...85. I miss him and my mom misses her dad. So, it's time. You never know. So, we're thinking Santa Maria, Acores again and then some continental Europe portion...portugal and spain maybe?

This was just verbal diarrhea. Sorry for the lack of cohesion to this blog but there it is. It's out and I'm not editing.

Wow! I finally saw this. It took a few weeks since we've been back to coordinate our schedules but I don't know what took me so long. I likedBatman Begins enough. I liked where it was taking the franchise. And I planned on renting the sequel. However, when all of the hoopla came out about the performances of the actors, my interest was piqued. When Heath Ledger died, I was shocked and wasn't sure if I'd watch it at the movie theaters to pay tribute to him or stay away because it would be sad. My interest overruled and it paid off in spades. This film was just fantastic. The action, the battles, the coordination, the acting, everything was just on par and it puts every other hero movie, especially the Spiderman films, to shame. I liked the first two Batman movies and appreciated Jack Nicholson but it comes down to a matter of preference for the style of film. The first two Burton versions were sickeningly frightening and funny while this Nolan undertaking is just darker. Ledger falls in line with his darker version and it's just fantastic to see his transformation. It's sad that we won't get to see any more of what Ledger could deliver but Bale has taken the mantle of Batman and, even with the heavy handed voice, should hold onto it. Kudos to Christopher Nolan. It all felt real, gritty with the one exception of Two Face's CGIed face (it was a bit too much in my book). And each time I thought the film was over it came back with more story and you were just so involved that the 2.5 hours flew by. My only issue: there's no pause button at the movie theaters! I had to use the bathroom so bad but there was never a good time to step out!

Anyway, go watch it! It was a fun ride. A plus is the trailer to Terminator. Looks like Bale, despite whatever his legal issues are now, is just the hottest ticket, reinventing two franchises. Looks good and I can't wait for the final battle to begin.

To be yin yang about it, I'll give you another panicked moment for me and then a very rewarding time.

Driving:

First, driving over there was not the easiest for me. My spatial awareness is not that grand and it's been years of driving that has gotten me to be able to manuever on the highway, park, etc. Over there, I felt like a new driver. On the highways, I was fine. There's so much space that, with practice (which we had a lot of with hours of driving), you're fine. Those narrow, country roads though are another story. So, we're heading north for the Northern Ireland portion of our trip. We hit Belfast. I'm fine. Driving through the city, meandering our way to a castle in the mountains, all is well. We leave in the afternoon and drive the coastal route for Giant's Causeway and Skellig bridge. Well, about 1/2 hour from our final destination, I'm driving along, feeling confident and comfortable despite the now smaller roads and a d**n trailer makes its way towards me. I move not even an inch and BOOM!!! There's the curb, a dented rim, and a bludgeoned tire. Argh! I'm so disheartened. Not only am I disappointed in myself (I know it's an accident and it happens to be in the U.S. why not Ireland) but now I'm also mad that I've got to shell money out (Pounds!!! which has a worse conversion rate) to fix the darn rim and buy a new tire. So, needless to say, it was an experience. And, I'm a low maintanence high maintanence kind of girl if that makes any sense and I had the wonderful experience of changing a tire for the first time without the benefit of AAA. Now, I can laugh. Of course it happened to me!

White Park Bay/Near Giant's Causeway:

Vacations for me are stressful. I thrive on it but, given my role as coordinator, I'm always trying to make sure all is set. Also, because I know I can be bossy, I try to overcompensate by making sure everyone is happy. Pleasing four other people and compromising-not an easy feat. So, the trip had its trying moments and I needed some alone time. As much as I like people, I love my alone time and you can't get that in hostels or traveling with four girls. So, at this beach, while others slept and just walked around, I went for a run on the beach and then followed a rock path around a corner to these fantastic formations. (I'd post pictures but I don't know how). I needed that exercise/endorphins and that me time/solitude and it was just beautiful-relaxing-invigorating. It was just beautiful.

That's all. I'll try and catch up on blogs soon!

P.S. If I can, I'll post video of the tractor. It's funny now b/c my cousin claimed the tire had come off-like the entire thing-ridunkulous...it's so funny.

I suppose there's quite a bit I want to blog about so away we go.

Reviews:

Michael Crichton continues to be my favorite author. I'm a Johnny Come Lately with him and I've been gobbling up all that I can. Most recently, Jurassic Park, Lost World, Prey, and Next and all four are simply fantastic. He may come off a bit preachy, perhaps lecturing from, at times, a liberal or conservative camp, but his works always make me open up my mind and think that much more on whatever issue is at hand. I just finished Next and, though not my favorite, I was amazed at how far genetic research has come and it has prompted me to queue up a few new book choices on Amazon.com.

I've also read a few Nora Roberts and, though they were fine, I was a bit disappointed by the cheese factor. She writes romance novels but the ones I've read have all been suspense. The Irish series, which of course I had to read while in Ireland, and Three Fates were fine enough reads but I had to swallow a lot of annoying reactions when things were too sugar sweet.

Death at a Funeral:

If you like that wry, witty British humor, you won't stop laughing while watching this film. There is a remarkable, sweet eulogy given at the end and it speaks to the human condition. So, the film does certainly end on a sweet note, one that acknowledges the death of the patriarch and brings together the entire familiy but getting to this point is wrought with such ridiculous happenings that you can't help but laugh despite the somber background.

Vantage Point:

Wow! I was impressed. It was done well. CGI may have been used to clean up certain scenes but everything was authentic and that adds to the realism of every action sequence. Nearly every major character in the film has his own experience, his own perspective, and the film reveals to you the story, the truth of the matter, by providing you with glimpses into each of these experiences. It then all comes together. It was seamless storytelling.

Harold and Kumar 2:

So I saw that this was set in Guatanamo Bay and I wasn't sure I would watch it. I usually don't like stupid funny films but liked the first one and knew I would be watching this. However, the place setting made me feel like I was making light of the real human rights abuses taking place there. Nonetheless, I watched it and laughed. So many quotable lines: sublantics, don't you wipe, fake korean. I miss Rob Corddry on the DS.

Daily Show:

Yippee! I went to a live taping of the DS on August 7 and Jon Stewart is flawlessly funny and quickwitted, ad libbing, feeding off of the audience. It was a long day for only a forty minute excursion but it was worth it for the experience.

Edwards!!!

I just turned 27 and have been, for the most part, consistently single and people wonder why. I'll tell you why. Every where I turn all I see is unfaithful partners. I'm not accusing the male gender of this. They don't corner this market. Both genders are guilty of this and I don't understand. I'm proud of his wife and of their ability to work through this. It's embarrassing that this has had to come out two years after the fact and that it has had to be rehashed. But it is out now and I'm so disappointed. Before I grew to like Obama, I was an Edwards fan. I liked his politics, his persona, and now I'm just disheartened. I understand that a sexual scandal is a seemingly integral part to every politician's resume but seriously!?! I guess I'm relieved he never made it on the ticket or else the Democrats would have managed to mess it up again.

Ireland story #1

There are many but we'll start with the last one. You may not know me beyond tv.com land but, independent thinking though I may be, I tow the line. I'm a teacher and am pretty much scared of authority. I don't like to get in trouble and don't do things that could bring any such drama in. And yet, in Ireland, the rental car was under my name and, though I don't drink, I wasn't driving. The roads weren't packed and I could have but I hate city driving and let my cousin drive. It's illegal to do so but who hasn't allowed multiple people in your party to drive to share the burden? Anyway, we had made friends in Ireland and they had joined us for our last night but had lost their ride home. So, because we had to be at the airport early and night life finishes late, we knew we weren't going to sleep, we invited them to hang out at our hotel room. It sounds promiscuous but if you only knew...I was the one confirming flight times, final packing, and showering while everyone else played Uno. Yeah, I know, wild party! Anyway, back to may point, we had seven people in the car, two extra people, and wouldn't you know we get pulled over. I nearly broke down, as per usual when trouble is near. The female cop went to town on me, reminding me that this was all on me, that I was putting everyone in danger by allowing it to happen. I feel that the male cop seemed sympathetic and, because we were flying out the next morning, they let us go and, knowing my nerves about driving in cities, they gave us a police escort to the highway. Oh god...everyone else thought it was the funniest thing...and I was having a panic attack, afraid we wouldn't make our flight or have our car taken away. I was so nervous I drew blood, scratching my neck repeatedly. Anyway, my sisters would have told this story and you would have laughed. Instead, you read this story and see how panicked I get. I guess it's funny now...all 7 of us in that car...and then all of us playing Uno. Who does that?

Stories to come:

Gap of Dunloe

White Park Bay

Strandhill

Galway