My Dublin Life

Now that I'm not a Family Gal any more, there's a lot more time to spend with my Boyfriend. He has his daughter three days a week, but the rest of the time, he's all mine. What's more, I'm going to meet his Mom tomorrow, just casually, as she's hooking up with him at lunch time so that they can go choose a present for his father's birthday in town. Apparently, his Mom is a big shopper, just like mine, and she's a fan of the Kilkenny Design Centre, which is just near Trinity, and also has a restaurant. So we're meeting there. I'm nervous, but it's not like we're engaged or anything so I'm not sure why. We're taking it slow. But we're going out a lot. Like, really a lot. He's excited, because next week one of his favourite local bands is playing, actually in a place that I really like, the Odessa. I think possibly he even knows one of the band members. I've never heard 'em before, because honestly, there just seem to be so many bands in Dublin, but strangely, the longer we spend together, the more I realise how little we actually know about each other. So it will be a welcome opportunity to gain some insight into what makes him tick. He said that they are unusual, prog rock, and that they've been part of the scene for quite a while. Tonight, he's going to play some CD's at my place. The band is called "The Jimmy Cake" which I presume is a traditional Irish dish or something (?).

He's calling around at 7. I couldn't help but notice that Dublin Bus is cancelling the bus service after 8pm tonight, because of all the ice on the roads. And, I have to confess, I haven't actually asked him if he knows that. Because, gee, if the bus service is cancelled, the taxis will be really overworked, or maybe not working at all, and that means that he won't be able to get home, which in turns indicates...ahem...well

Annoyingly, I have the impression that Bepe doesn't like him. Which is fair, because I sure as heck didn't like that girlfriend of his. But it's also awkward, because we're roommates, and his schedule at the restaurant has changed, and he's spending more time at home in the evenings, and I just like it better when people get along.

Anyway. I'm at home now and I'd better tidy this place up a bit or he'll think I'm messy or something...which I am...but he can learn that later. Plus, there's the complicated issue of what to have for dinner tonight. With this chilly weather, surely some delicious fish 'n' chips would be just the thing?

I got an email from Dublin Tourism today to let me know that a new theatre is opening in March, and asking me if I would like tickets to see Swan Lake. Now, I know that I'm in a super-privileged position, because I get about 6 free tickets to stuff every month -- things I mostly couldn't possible afford to go to, but I'm a bit, oh, I don't know...

Now, I like good looking men in tight clothes as much as the next gal...but ballet? I've never been a fan. Then again, this is a huge deal, the Bolshoi, which even I have heard of. I think I just don't understand ballet. The women are so tiny and the men look so ridiculous and, dammit, it looks like it must HURT.

On the third hand, I would love to see the theatre, which is all shiny and brand-new and not even open yet and in an area that I like a lot, because also quite shiny and brand-new and a contrast to the rest of Dublin, which is either old or old-and-new.

Anyway, with problems like these, I don't have a lot to complain about ;-)

Today I managed to pick up some chestnuts for roasting, which I've heard of but never actually had before, and I'll be meeting my Boyfriend and then looking for a suitable place to roast 'em. I don't think my centrally-heated apartment is the right spot, so I'm hoping that one of those old-style pubs with big open fires will look kindly on a would-be chestnut roaster. I've no idea what they'll taste like, but I like the idea of tucking in while outside it's clear and bright and frosty.

Today was a glorious day, or at least a glorious morning. While the newspaper headlines were shouting about ice and peril and danger, for this lucky city slicker, it was a morning bright with sunshine and the odd patch of slippy ice just added a little excitement to my walk to college. The library is open again, and I am working hard. Life is good, and I am happy. Happy to have had a fantastic Xmas, happy that it's over and that I can enjoy some privacy with my man again!

I was also surprised last night when Bepe opened the door and I realised that it was good to see him. I hadn't missed him, exactly, but he's an easier roomie than my Mom, who turned everything upside down and cleaned it while she was here, with the result that most of the kitchen implements have not been traceable ever since. I felt as thought I hadn't seen Bepe for ages when it was really, what..? 2 weeks or something? 2 and a half? He was suitably impressed by how shiny and tidy the apartment was and by the gifts Mom had left him. We decided to go out for a drink and considering the weather had one of those wonderful hot-whiskey-and-brandies each. Fabulous. Fabia, the girlfriend I've loved to hate all this while, is not coming back and as his job is still here, he thinks that they are going to "take a break". He's better off without that little...little minx. Pah! I'll help him find a better girl.

Here's a funny thing tho'. We were in this pub, Conways, which is on Parnell Street just near one of Dublin's maternity hospitals. It's a cool, old place with lots of mirrors and wood and "characters" having their drinks. This man came in, all emotional because his wife had just had twins. He didn't even want a drink -- he just wanted to tell someone all about it. Apparently, they are the most beautiful babies ever born in Ireland. I even saw a picture of them on his mobile phone. They looked like regular babies to me, but he was so excited, it was a good excuse to buy him a drink and have another round!

Well, I was sorry not to see my Boyfriend today -- but I am seeing him tomorrow and he's organised a surprise and I'm sure it's gonna be fantastic!! ;-)

The forecast is for snow, and more snow. And while I know that that's a pain in the ass for a lot of people, this Newfoundlander's heart is glad because there's nothing more beautiful than snow -- at least during the falling-from-the-sky part. I hope it won't interfere with my folks' flight plans tomorrow but apart from that, I'm treasuring my own tiny patch of snow on the minuscule balcony that Bepe and I call the great outdoors. He's due back tomorrow, and he's in for a nice surprise because my Mom has left a bunch of gifts to say thanks for letting them use his room.

Like most people, I've started a diet. The good news is, the less money I spend on food and drink, the more I have to spend on Cultural Pursuits. That's my resolution this year: go to the theatre more often. I've picked up a brochure from The Project Arts Centre and am thinking I might look into the whole modern dance scene maybe -- it's not something I know anything about and while I doubt I'll ever do any, I'm prepared to be blown away by someone else doing it.


Also, my uncle Joey is coming over soon so I really will have to detox before his visit because despite being 50-odd he's a party animal and will want to be taken around all the pubs.

I love Uncle Joey, honestly, but right now, after having eaten and drunk too much for the last couple of weeks, what I want more than anything is for something to offer to take him off my hands a little!! I'll see if Bepe feels up to the challenge.

XXX all best wishes for 2010!