Me, Myself and I

Being an intern

2005-07-20T09:46:00.000Z

I successfully secured a job as an intern accountant with a logistics company in Harristown, but it has to be said its not everything that I thought it would be.I must admit though, its not as great as I thought it would be. During my first week I was particulary busy, taking ages to actually file my reports checking them for errors, but now in my 3rd week in I have the art of Excel down to a tee nearly and reports that are given to me for a week are being compiled in two and a half day's nice, but when you are sitting around doing nothing for hours it does actually get tedious. When I eventually do get reports to do though its quite good, even with people not sending them in on time it gives me something to do chasing them up.
And as if doing nothing in work isn't tedious enough Dublin Bus make it worse so by being unreliable. For the moment I'm living in Beaumont and I have to get two buses to get to work, getting up at 6:45 to do so because the 16/16a has now become unreliable and now has 30minute gaps in peak hour where there is no bus showing up. They had made it easy I thought when I got the job a 10min walk to get one bus to work would have been nice, but that bus doesn't run as far as Harristown in the morning, it stops in a housing estate in the middle of nowhere.
I have passed all my exams so now I am officially in final year, now thats what's scary. Probably should have thought of that before I went on and took on a couple of societies, a ball. It'll be an experience.!

And the winner is....

2005-04-26T14:03:00.000Z

Me, for once I have finally won something. Last night at the DCU annual Drama Awards me and Mark were nominated as the best partnership and shock of all shocks we won. I really don't know how because there were loads of great partnerships there, but for once (well for the second time for Drama in the short space of time that I've helped them) the work that I put in was recognised.

On the night there were laughs ga leoir, with Mark Watson being one of the stars that shone bright into the April evening, but it must be said that the main highlight came from an acceptance letter that was read out by Dave and Bob on behalf of one of the winners.

My favorite award went to all the people who have helped out over the years and who are now leaving campus for one reason or another. They were all shocked when they were told they would all be getting a memento for the hard work and graft that they have put on down through the years and it was nice to see that these people wouldn't be forgotten....As they saying goes once you've been entangled by Drama once, you will never leave the snare. :)

Congrats must go to the drama committee who organised this wonderful event and also to all the winners on the night. And all those folks who took part in all of the drama productions in the past year, it may be soppy to say but you are the ones who make Drama what it is

And Its Over

2005-04-11T13:25:00.000Z

Now that the musical is over, whatever will I do.
Gone are the days of living in the Venue, which were honestly and truly not what I needed, and gone are the days that I have Little Miss Perfects (or so they think) running around refusing to help with the show, never before have I witnessed such childishness and immaturity of supposed adults who think that they are so great that they do not need to do the ordinary mundane but essential parts of the show such as such as set changes. I honestly believe that they think themselves so great that they do not need a set to act on!
There will however be some parts of it that I miss, such as the show and the backstage crew, who were great also the producers who put on a darn good show. :)
Now I can relax for 20 seconds before I try to put both my life and degree back in order.

easier said than done

How old Is to Old??

2005-02-18T15:26:00.000Z

Well this is the age old dispute, How Old is Too Old when you are expecting a child, and does this age vary between the sexes? With the worlds oldest woman ever giving birth recently this has again reared its head. Does the woman in the photograph look able to look after a young child, who will need constant love and affection. I fear not, in fact if she is capable to look after herself I beileve she is lucky. Another interseting point about this woman is that she is preparing to bring this child up on her own, some women in their 20's find this a feat, never mind a woman who should be relxing and enjoying old age. Tthe doctor who gave this woman the opportunity to raise this kid is quoted as saying

"he helped her because that is what she wanted to do, and because he was impressed with her faith in God and with her “determination"."

Whatever was he thinking??

The second quetion this brings up is if there is a difference betwwen sexes? I personally do not like that this woman is the mother to a baby, but do I have a different view when it is a man. I think no, Tony Randall, a father at 77 what kind of life will he give his child. when the child will be 21 he will be the grand old age of 98!
If he want's to bring his child to the park all the other kids will be saying how they wish their grandad's could bring them to the park. Imagine the confusion on their faces when the child tries to explain that in fact that it is his dad. Of course he/she will love their father, but will the humilation be too much??

G'ah

2005-02-17T13:45:00.000Z

Why is it the more work you put in the less you are rewarded. Last year I done better than average in a high percentage of my modules, this year although i worked harder, spent more time in the library than I ever thought I could i still mananged to do worse, and to kick a dog when its down, i helped a friend learn a module from scratch and they got 1.1 compared to my 2.2. Now this hardly seems fair, but thats only a bit of the story, the person who I helped achieve this feat not once made it to a lecture in the module. Now while I am over the moon he passed, and I know that my teaching capabilites have exceeded anything I could have imagined, but I am not here to teach. I am here to come out with the best grade possible, so I can get the best job possible, so I can have the life I dreamed off. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to teach my self and this dream of achieving my goal in life has been dashed a huge blow. I honestly can't see any point to continuing, either that or I have to work harder.
I don't know if this is possible. But I am going to try,. I dunno what I have to try because really I don't know what I did wrong. I put the hours in, I learned the material is that not what I was meant to do.

The Panel

2005-02-07T13:13:00.000Z

Well on Saturday night, me and about 200 other people made our way to Belevedere College,to see the Panel being recorded. The auditorim where it was filmed was quite amazing (all be it for the not so fantastic lights and old air conditioning), and the set was designed particularly well.
Dara O Braoin, presented a well orgaised how after it began 45 minutes late., with a constant flow, only having to do one retake, and the only other stops were for advertisement breaks.
The other Panelists (Colin Murphy was the best) were somewhat not as I had imagined them to be, in fact the introduction of Karl Spain to the panel, really did nothing at all for the show. He sat there somewhat unaware of what was going on for most of the time.
Anyway I'm back in college now, working hard, making decisions, or at least trying to. Actually making a decision is the hard part unfortunately. On the upside I have a couple of weeks to decide.
I walked into the lecture hall today, and the first thing that came out of my lecturers mouth was...exam!! That dreaded word, he started by informing us what may come up in our exam in 14 week time! *groan*

The UEFA rule.

2005-02-04T13:20:00.000Z

UEFA have now decided enough is enough, and brought in this new rule that at least four players on the team sheet must be home grown by 2006, and this will increase to 8 by the start of 2008 season, if teams do not comply with this new rule then they will not be eligable to play in European championships such as the UEFA Cup, or the Champions League.
Personally I think this is a wondeful idea and even s things out, well maybe by 2008 it will. Teams such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic (although a personal favourite of mine) would not have been able to compete in last years competition because they did not have enough home grown talent, whereas the likes of Manchester United and Rangers supposrt the growth of home grown talent.
Take for example Manchester United, they over the 1990's had a wealth of home grown talent in their team, this ranged from the Neville brothers, to Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the infamous David Beckham. They are now looking after players such as the injury struck Wes Brown, and England's greatest hope for the future Wayne Rooney.
If this rule had not been brought in, the likes of Chelsea with their millionaire owner could afford to own the best in the game. Of course they will win everything going, but they are not promoting home grown players.
*well done UEFA*

Its the start of a new semester....well nearly.

2005-01-25T20:56:00.000Z

It’s nearly the start of a new semester (well nearly) and not a lot of things have changed:

- Our swimming pool, here in DCU is still not opened. In fact as I walked past it tonight I see that it definitely has gone down hill, and the grand opening will not be happening any time soon. But here at this University (that has is currently Uni of the year in Ireland according to The Irish Times) nothing ever seems to be done impromptu.

- Mark, the wonderful guy that he is, is still hanging on to DCU graciously. He has now been offered the job of stage manager in DCU Drama's musical. This job was last year filled by a girl who has now simply disappeared. Whatever became of her...we will never know. -

As for me I'm the typical student, filled with lots of aspirations for the coming year. I had planned to start this very week, the day after I finish my exams, no less. By starting the assignment that is due in a couple of weeks. But I've already hit a brick wall! The DCU Rag week has been forwarded by a week, from week 3 to week 2. Not a problem many would think. It means you wont miss lectures that are too important during this important "drinking" week. Think again!! Redbrick's week long of events, which we had arranged for week 2 now have to be all rearranged and our speakers put off for a few weeks! The intersociety event, which was meant to be held in conjunction with other networking societies from all over the “Emerald Isle”, has had to be rearranged too. As if this weren't a big enough problem, the society also has to arrange our annual Alternate Rag Ball, which does not feature the "normal" music that most of the population listen too. Our Alternate Rag ball is usually crowded worth enthuastic associates who enjoy this music. And as of now we have no idea what is going to be held, where it will be held or any other of the little details that make our members enjoy their night! This has to be arranged from scratch, 3 weeks on Thursday!
All of this is to facilitate some band, who no one has heard of before! The wonderful life of a student I think night!

Belated Birthday Greetings

2005-01-17T15:01:00.000Z

Since he made it so obvious that he wanted everyone in the world to know it was his birthday, I thought belated greetings would be appreciated by Mark who now is the grand ol' age of 23! He's now a big boy looking for his provisional licence (although I'll be going for my test hopefully within the next year) and a credit card! Why he want' s one of these is beyond me, but whatever floats your boat I guess. He's even checking out houses! Whatever next??

Sleep is good for you

2005-01-17T13:07:00.000Z

Just after 3 nights of sleeping properly and an exam, I have now realized that drinking liters of coffee and coke is not good for you. It keeps you up for all hours and the night before an exam that is really only a hindrance to your performance. Oh well, roll on next Tuesday and no more exams!

Well I'm back

2005-01-05T14:09:00.000Z

It’s been 2 long, gruelling weeks at home, but I've finally made it back to Dublin. Most of the time I was at home I was either in bed or very close to it (I hate being sick) or else at my gran's she just came out of hospital 2 days before Christmas Eve and needed to be looked after.
Therefore I have had a very uneventful Christmas, filled with boredom.
The biggest news of the last 2 weeks has been the tsunami that has devastated the nations of the Indian Ocean. The one positive outcome of this disaster is the aid that the whole world is putting in.
The Irish citizens alone have ploughed €5m into this worthy cause (that was the last figure that I heard) but Germany lead the way with a whopping €510m. When I first read this article I was in disbelief.
It's not alone governments and citizens that have pledged money. Manchester United FC and other sporting clubs have shown their unification by pledging sums of money as well.
Unfortunately, it has taken a disaster of this magnitude to take our focus and attention away from the troubles in Iraq and even still there are suicide bombs detonating.

While was at home it was pointed out to me that this natural disaster happened in the tranquillity of the Indian Ocean, if this were to happen on the west coast of Ireland, where the Atlantic Ocean thrashes the coastline, the outcome would be a lot worse, the only saving grace would be that the west cost of Ireland is a lot less populated.
At home, in Mayo, the waves totally engulf the little islands and these are just ordinary little waves, the devastation caused by a tsunami would be horrific, thankfully though we are not on the borders of any plates, other wise God only knows what would happen

an interesting article

2004-12-13T13:38:00.000Z

Sometimes there can be interesting articles that you will stumble on while browsing through web boards, one such article would be the one i have attatched here which I found to be an interesting, though long read.
It simply explains the behaviour of a man in the 19th century, unfortunately not many men keep to this today, although there are a handful who are kind caring etc, etc. But just not enough!
On a night out in city centre unless your seen to be with someone (and even then its not guarenteed) the chance that you will get hit upon by some sleezy 30 year old something is very high! and even if you protest they think its a game and assume you actually want them to drool all over you whilst you continue to try to break free from their grip. And will someone come to help! not a chance! They will just presume that it to is just a girl making a scene in public! oh well...maybe in the future life will go back to the goood old days.

its the 9th of December and its finally over

2004-12-09T16:50:00.000Z

No I'm not on about the budget! that is hardly occured to me since it was published over a week ago, in fact to be brutally honest I wouldn't even know what was passed in it! No instead I am talking about an assignment that turned out more like to be a thesis on financial accounting standards theory and practice. In all honesty, it wouldn't have been so hard if all 4 members of our so called group contributed as was the whole idea it would have been just fine. But no me and Anne, plodded our way through mountains of SSAP's FRS's and financial accounting books, just so we could hand our assignment in on teh due date. And in all honesty we managed it, how i don't know! but now if anyone asks I understand financial accoutting

Well its official!

2004-12-09T16:41:00.000Z

Mark has finally cracked! And its only taken 3 months of commuting 40 minutes (at rush times) I must admit I'm quiet impressed that he's lasted this long, but one of his latest blogs Why are manhole covers round? proves he has finally pushed over the edge by Dublin Bus and its inadequate service, and its worse than i ever could have imagined!

The Toys are Back In Town

2004-12-06T18:17:00.000Z

And last night that was certainly the case and the 1000 or so people who made the trek down the quays in the bitter wind had a night to remember after watching the season finale of Disney on Ice's "Toy Story 2".
After all the hype, I did wonder what the show would be like (for the whole hour where I knew where I was going) and I definitely wasn't disappointed from the final defeat of "Zurg" by dinosaur to the rendition of "Surfing USA", which was so eloquently done by the "Barbie" like dolls. The plot was bizarre, but amusing to all the kids and even more so for the adults who got to bop along to all the old songs. The two best scenes involved a toothpaste truck driving on the ice only to get crushed, and then of course, the inflatable plane wheels, which you could have passed off as real if, you hadn't seen them inflate!
The costumes, the lights, the drama, the tension, it was amazing!
The next one hopefully to come to the point is "Winnie the Pooh" now that’s something to look forward to :) with Tigger bouncing on the ice, and I'm first in line for the tickets!

Helping Others

2004-11-30T17:48:00.000Z

Of course I know that helping others is a wonderful thing to do, but sometimes you can just be too nice and not be able to say no.
Like this evening I arranged to go out, cancelled a prior engagement (granted I wasn't overly enthused about going) only to be told half an hour later that he'd been asked to do something else. Being the dedicated person he is he accepted and now I'm left high and dry with a wonderful evenin of work to do, instead of mindless kiddy action at the Incredibles.

Early Mornings

2004-11-25T11:41:00.000Z

God they’re such a pain, and this particular one was inflicted totally by my choice!
At quarter to nine my very trusty alarm started bugging me to get up, and wouldn’t leave until he successfully managed to drag me out of bed.
A morning full of productive work then I thought to myself, sadly not. The day started with me just finishing off getting things for Marks present, and then I scanned in the photos from the ball. At this stage, an hour in the library was too long, so I managed to make it home and have a nice relaxing shower, ready for a day’s action with the books. If only, I sat down, couldn’t concentrate and now at 11:50 I'm here writing this. Disaster!!!

Alfie star Jude Law is the sexiest man alive

2004-11-18T16:06:00.000Z

Well its official, the population of this planet have officially gone in sane. Why would anyone vote Jude Law as the sexiest man alive. O.k, well it was a certain celebrity magazine that voted it, but still he isn't to "die for", and I'm sure the raw talent like "Colin Farrell" (minus the Dublin accent which lets face it does nothing for him) would be deeply upset. Then you have Hugh Grant who most women seem to swoon over and the inevitable Brad Pitt who only came a measly 6th in the pole.

Anyway on a lighter note a number of my friends have sent me this link which is particularly funny, and it would definitely only happen in Ireland. On my first inspection of the post I thought it was from my local quay but luckily enough I don't even think they have ever managed to be this inadequate!

A weeks Recovery Later..

2004-11-15T16:14:00.000Z

Well that's not totally true, but between one thing and another it could well be.
Last Tuesday was the D.C.U. societies ball, and it was the usual glitz and glamour associated with an event of such high prestige

Well I was pretty impressed anyway, I got to dress up for the night and get doted upon and looked after very well, well what else would you expect, although I'm still a little bedazzled from all the camera flashes that were aimed in my direction. They weren't a lot of fun.

On Wednesday, well that was my recovery day I slept most of it. It was very nice, I must admit. The rest the week was spent going home to Mayo at 8 o clock on Saturday morning, which was not good having been out to celebrate Aislings birthday on Friday night.

And tonight well I may get to go see Bridget Jones Diary- The Edge of Reason..If I can pursuade Mark its not too much of a chic flick ;)

Time to party

2004-11-08T13:42:00.000Z

Well maybe not just yet, but tomorrow afternoon I will be getting ready for the biggest event that DCU hold annually. The societies Ball, which will be held in the wonderful Burlington Hotel. 1000 guys and gals dressed in tuxedo's and ballgowns, with a jazz band playing in the background and a four course meal, what else could one possibly ask for.

A Year Older But Not Wiser (probably)

2004-11-01T13:21:00.000Z

Well its over for another year, the wonderful event that is Halloween which just also happens to be my birthday. Fireworks, bonfires there both a usual occurrence at this time of year around the country but I never realised just how much there was until yesterday. From Ballina, to Dublin the sky was awash with different colors. Pinks, reds greens and purple but to name some of the many wonderful colors that I came across, when I was trekking as Mark called it a across the wilds of Ireland.
Well yesterday passed with the usual donation of wonderful gifts and I love every single thing I got, some meaning more than others, but all having a special significance tied behind them.
The most sparkly thing I got, had to be the wonderful bracelet that my friend Laura got me, and it's perfect for the societies ball.
I just collected the ticket for that today, and even that's impressive, never mind the event. Only 8 days until that event. But before then, there's a lots of other stuff to fit in, including an assignment *groan* but it will be done.
Mark's graduating at 5pm today but before that, he is going to receive his Unaeen award for extra curricular activities, so all the hard work that he has put into societies over the last five years has finally recognised and awarded.

And the morning After the Night Before

2004-10-28T16:06:00.000Z

Well as predicted the Rocky Horror show went off with a bang. :) Some crazy moves, a lot of water guns, rice in all places known to man (or at least the Hub anyway), and a mix of cigarette lighters and playing cards made this into a night not to forget.
Fortunately the weather didn't dampen the spirits of those students who made it to the show and the "cast" made up for it in all ways possible.
The girls dressed in the maids outfits struggled not to get ogled at by the guys, their long legs not the only thing catching the male attention. Then the male population, well what I can say, it was revealing! Guy's in tank tops and short skirts, not to mention the guy who insisted on just running round with boxers!! As you can imagine this really didn't appeal to the female population, but it was all in the name of a laugh. The one guy who was not to be forgotten, has to be the "fine specimen" wearing the gold boxers!!
As I said, the Venue was a mess after we left it just after 10 last night, and I felt quite sorry for the people who were roped into cleaning up. Not enough sympathy to go help them though, one would have to be insane to offer to clear up!!

A Night to Remember

2004-10-27T16:05:00.000Z

"One night of craziness, sexy nurses, crazy doctors and a lot of popcorn..."
And that's just what the advertisement says!! From what I can remember of last years Rocky Horror show it was well worth the €5 entry fee. The D.C.U. Drama Society always know how to put on a good show. This should be no different unless the impending thunder storm, threatens and destroys all the hard work that's gone into arranging this classic night out.
Met Eireann have predicted structural damage and we have been warned to "batten down the hatches" so to speak, something I presumed I'd left behind, when I fled from the West to the big smoke, but it appears not.
Living in Mayo, storms are things you come to live with (and actually enjoy, as a kid you would be excused from school, and you'd get to stay in bed late all cuddled up nice and warm.) but a storm here, I've never experienced so it'll be different. Although I'm sure torrential rain in Dublin is just as identical as torrential rain elsewhere.

A day to get on your nerves!!

2004-10-26T14:44:00.000Z

Getting up at 9am to be in college for ten, struggling to make it to your first lecture and then realising that you don't understand a word that is being said during the lecture! (And no you aren't in a language lecture)... It's probability and it makes no sense! What is the probability that on the turn of a coin you will land on a head?? Honestly, I personally don't care! I want to be an accountant not a statistically minded person!
Then I get to my 2 hour long lecture in marketing and it turns out just to be over an hour, and the next lecture is cancelled and we get an email two hours later!!
Now usually I wouldn't mind lectures being cancelled, I'd even enjoy the extra hour or two off but when I went to the bother of doing an assignment so I could concentrate on lectures and they decide that they don't want to show, now that's another thing!
To a lecture I must go....Corporate Finance is calling.

Just a Week to Go

2004-10-24T17:00:00.000Z

543,600 seconds to go or in simpler terms 6 days 7 hours and 30 minutes.......
That's how long is left until I reach the ripe old age of 19.
"its all down hill after you reach 20" say the experts.
That means that I have one year to fit everything I ever wanted to make my life exciting and exhilarating.
Fortunately I don't believe in those words. Life is for living whatever age you are, and it will only ever be as good as you make it to be. Ask people who've just overcome a bad illness and they will just reconfirm what I think!
Anyway, what do I want for my birthday? A new car, clothes, loads of money.
No nothing like that, I want 3 simple things, 2 will be fulfilled at once and the third I'll have to wait a few extra hours for. These being

My family, whom I miss lots and haven't seen in about 3 weeks by then
Then there's my friends who I haven't seen some of them since March, These two will be sorted as soon as I get home on Saturday evening, (an early birthday present)
And then there's the third thing that I _want_ and that's Mark, but I'll get to see him when I get back to Dublin on Sunday Night.

You see really I have everything I want even if I don't have them all the time, all the three things that I have mentioned are amazing and they mean the world to me, each in their own special ways. Of course I like the presents I get too, presents are always nice but only if you get to share them with people who are important to you.
Imagine waking up Christmas morning and finding presents, but not knowing who left them there for you, or having no-one to show to.
No-one to say "oh that's nice" or "can I see that?" (and even though you give it to them begrudgingly because its the new item you just got, you don't mind because you now know that they like what you got, and you are secretly pleased). Think how alone you would feel...Well I know I would feel alone because I've grown up in a house full of excited kids on Christmas morning, dying to see what Santa delivered the night before, and wanting to see what the other one got...
Anyway for my birthday I have everything I want. And I really don't mind if I get only one present from one random person because I will know that I can share and show that gift to the people who care about me. And as long as I have that I have everything that I want.

Stressed to the max

2004-10-20T13:04:00.000Z

- Two weeks to an assignment is due that is worth 20% and I can't concentrate on it.
- Society meeting's with a committee who don't understand that I have lots of course work to do.
- A trip home looming in the shadow's.
- Friend's who keep giving put that I amn't going out with them enough.

4 of the many reasons to why I'm stressed to the max. I really need to chill out but with people talking at me from all angles its nearly impossible to get a minute to concentrate on myself or my needs.

Who am I?

2004-10-18T15:30:00.000Z

Well I'm an eighteen year old university student studying Accounting and Finance in the wonderful Dublin City University.

When I'm not slaving away over the books, I'm either helping out with Redbrick committee or travelling home to Mayo which is a seven hour journey that should not be taken on a regular basis.

I like heading to the cinema, last film I saw was "Shark Tale" which was good in parts but weak in other places. One of my all time favourites is "The Last Samaurai". And I love just being with friends.

A lot of my friends I made on the computer networking society, of which I am now the proud (and not so proud) treasurer. This has to look good on the cv of an accountant, not alone that but it is a bit of fun. Even if the meetings do tend to drag on a little ;).

If not found with a friend I'm with the better half Mark a 22 year (month) old computer graduate from Cavan, who has just recently entered the real world for the first time by getting his first job. *This is where everyone goes awwwwwwwwwww*

I'm a London Lass, but moved to Mayo (the edge of the county) when I was a kid (my parents thought it would be beneficial to our health and safety), then decided I wanted to go to Dublin to train to be an accountant my parents are a little ify by times trying to make me go home every weekend etc but they have eased up a bit lately and are allowing me to live my life a bit.