Not Your Normal Sunday Drive

Sunday we decided to take a drive to South County Dublin.  I quickly realized this is the Hollywood Hills of Ireland.  So many beautiful mansions overlooking the Irish sea.  Stunning!  Lots of famous Irish film directors, authors, and band members live in this area.  We had a great time just wandering about, even though you can probably tell it was quite windy.  Notice how green everything is!  We entertained ourselves all afternoon and ended the outing with fish and chips in a quaint little pub.

Today I have one more test to finish up the semester and then I have a two week break until the next semester starts.  During this time I am going to spring clean (so I don't have to do it in the spring...office quote here) I am going to create Richy a website, use my gym membership, read a new book, and look for a part time job!

GET THIS!

Notice to any "artists" out there!  If you move to Ireland and create original work you are not taxed on your income.  I can see where this idea was good in theory.  Preserve the arts and help struggling artists get going...fine! As you know I am a huge fan of original art, but I think this law is being taken advantage of.  Artists like Bono, Collin Farrel, and many other Irish stars aren't paying taxes in Ireland.  Everyone in Ireland has their ideas about how to get out of the recession and who should be taking pay cuts.  Here is mine...tax the millionaire "artists" their 40% like the rest of the Irish public are paying and I think we'd see a large surplus of money! Imagine if Hollywood didn't pay tax?! Don't think we would let that one fly...esp with Obama about to take office : )

(note I am not claiming to be an economist, or an expert on Irish culture, but I just can't get over this one.  I know there are loads of nutsy American laws as well! )

Fayetteville get together!

I forgot to put up pics from our Fayetteville Holiday party at Molly and Coy's house!  So wonderful catching up with everyone!  This crowd all are doing such different and interesting things right now!  I have to say though when we get together it is as if nothing has changed!  Sometimes we act like big 16 year olds! ha! Thanks Molly and Coy I really enjoyed getting together with everyone!

Some things I have observed!

Here are a few things that I have found to be interesting while being in Dublin.  Also I got lots of questions when I was home so here are some answers to common questions I got!

 Drinking age is 18 here! Driving under the influence is taken more seriously here in my opinion.  Richy won't drive after two beers.  I also have to say that I don't think the Irish people I surround myself with drink anymore than friends and family back home.  The drink thing would be a stereotype here in Ireland I believe!

Irish young people going "traveling".  It is very common for a person to graduate get started in their profession and then just stop for 6 months to 2 years to travel the world.  We're talking all over and nearly every continent.  When questioning the expense of it all, I am told most take out loans.  Which leads me to the next big observation.

If you are Irish and you go to a public college (kinda like a state school..ie U of A) you don't pay for college.  I'll repeat.  College is literally free here.  Of course you have to have the grades, etc.  My friend Clair went to a well known college in Dublin and said she paid a 700 euro registration fee. ( think I'm right on that number) The education is great here too!  So since students aren't burdened with student loans, whats taking out money to travel the world!  Probably the best education yet!

We spell word different than Irish and UK people.  For example Color and Colour.  Favorite and Favourite.  I learn more nearly everyday!  Weird!

This just might be me, but do most of y'all have a mini trash can in every room? Kitchen , bathrooms, laundry room, bedrooms?  well most of the homes I've been in have one trash can.  This American can make some trash!  Richy had to give me a lesson on recycling and I thought I already went above and beyond! 

Anyway enough random thoughts for now! Happy Saturday!

A few more home pictures!

Christmas eve at was at Mom and Dad's this year.  We change between ours and the Gramlings!  Anyway probably my favorite time all year!  Loved getting to catch up with old friends and new friends! 

Here are a few more pics from being at home!  Our Harry Cat was so happy to see me as well (he didn't even care how horrible I looked after traveling all day!) This family pic was taken probably 8 times til everyone was happy with their looks and position of the tree.  ha! Here is Dad chillin like a villain by the lovely wine bar.  Leah and I on Christmas day. I'm sure there will come a day when staying in our PJs all day won't work, but we're gonna do it as long as we can!  Thanks everyone for the best Christmas yet!  I loved being home and can't wait for my next trip!  

Lots to blog about!

So I'm a bit behind on my blogging!  I got to go home for a while which was so so so nice!  I loved getting to spend time with family and friends.  Luckily Fayetteville had warm weather too so that was an added bonus!  

Where to begin!  Well you've seen my posts visiting with Rachel and Leanne and Emily.  Then I was off to Little Rock for our "friends 7th annual Christmas party"  Ashley hosted this year again and did a lovely job!  As we all spread out it is nice to come together for some much needed time with the girls! : )

Here we have Sarah (Memphis, TN) Courtney (Fayetteville) Kandace (Little Rock) Ashley (Little Rock) Cristin (Providence, RI) Jessica (Conway) Mandy (Little Rock) Annie (Little Rock)

Yours Truly (Dublin) Shea (Charlise, AR)

After being back in the ville I had a fun night out at Bordino's!  Thanks to Sarah Clark for moving tables and we were all able to sit in the front bar! ha! Bordino's half price wine bottles made for a fabulous night out!

Molly, Emily, Joanna, Theresa, Leah, Suzanne, Lindsey

One more night out with some friends who happen to all go to my church. Mallory joined us as well!  I was having a serious Mexican food craving since it is few and far between on this side of the pond!  Sometimes I dream about cheese dip! 

Mwah, Brandy, Jo Kaye, and Kristen....Jo Kaye your house looks fab by the way! : )

I loved getting to see everyone, but the best part about being home was just being home!   Dad, Mom, Leah and I had the best time!  Besides Leah and I being messy...haha! We went on nice walks around campus, went shopping, went out to eat, went to the movies! Played games (Dad you loved them) ha! What a vacation?!

Okay so gotta get back to my studies...lots more pics to come! 

Happy New Year!

Hair Cut

I've always known that a hair cut is a regional thing....and now I know it is global as well! So I finally got a hair cut today and it was about freakin time! I think my hair was about to fall out! Southern gals have big hair...it is just what we do right?! My two hair cuts in Ireland took out about 60% of my hair...it is just a bit of a different style...not one way is right or wrong...its just different! I now have a nice blunt cut and hopefully it will grow back nice and full again!  I know Richy will be thrilled I got a cut cause I have been confused about my hair for months! see before and after pics! pics from my fun filled weekend in LR to follow....in the morning!