Also, forgot to mention. Military manoevres recently involved Vietnam style choppers flying around the city in between buildings for days. Here's how close they were, and my office is only on the 33rd floor.
Napalm in the morning and all that.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Update
It rained. A good soaking. Everything is green again.
Also, forgot to mention. Military manoevres recently involved Vietnam style choppers flying around the city in between buildings for days. Here's how close they were, and my office is only on the 33rd floor.
Napalm in the morning and all that.
Also, forgot to mention. Military manoevres recently involved Vietnam style choppers flying around the city in between buildings for days. Here's how close they were, and my office is only on the 33rd floor.
Napalm in the morning and all that.
Monday, December 07, 2009
The year that was 2009
Can't really believe we're at the end of 2009 to be honest. And that another new decade is about the start. New millenium last time, so I guess no real biggie. One of the more "interesting" years we as a group of late 30 somethings have lived through. Somewhere up there with the year of 9/11, the fall of the Berlin wall, peace (of a kind) in Northern Ireland. And in there are those fun drink fuelled Celtic Tiger years of the late 90's. Ye know what though, its really f&cking sad that it has fallen apart so badly, and so many peope are being effected that just don't deserve it. The people that didn't totally lose the run of themselves during the so called boom times.
Living here, its too easy for me to say it didn't have to be that way. But it didn't. Whatever way this country has managed to get through the year without a recession, despite having a new and somewhat naiive government in power through it all, I think it comes down to the fact that ultimately, the people do not tolerate incompetence or corruption in their officials. And have had a fiscally responsible government (not so much now mind you). I never once voted for FF at home. Never. Despite the 'good times' under their so called reign and good time Bertie. Too many people did. And so it comes to where we're at now. The country on its knees. Over 12% unemployment. And the same old f&ckers running the show. I've said it before in this blog somewhere, but we just tolerate far too much cr&p from 'representatives' either of the State or the Church - and look where its got us. Enough - surely? Stand up and get rid of the biggest shower of crooks to call themselves politicians. Tell the Catholic Church to sort themselves out or there won't be another penny in that collection box. And certainly no more 'vocations'.
End of rant. It just makes me sad to read the daily dose of 80's style news in the Irish Times everyday. We said it could never be as bad as the 80's again. Thankfully its not, but man, we're certainly doing our best.
As for the rain you've had. Well that's another story altogether. Been in drought again here - since April really. We need a bit of rain - apparantly some coming this weekend hopefully. That said, its just been incredible - and being able to maximise the use of the house, pool and garden with the girls is lovely. Aibhe is turning into a mermaid. At weekends, she's in the pool 4 maybe 5 times a day. And she's close to pool safe (not that any child ever is completely pool safe) but we can let her swim on her own and just watch from the sides now. She's not even 4.
Emma. There's a different character. Still a nut job, but getting a little easier. We had finally reached the end of our wits and tethers with her recently having not had a 3 hour consecutive uninterrupted spell of sleep in several months and she was a fiery kid during the day. Cue professional advice from a sleep specialist, 1 night of unadulterated blood curdling screaming (perhaps an hour and a half in total) and the next night, waved as she got into bed and slept without a whimper through to 5am (thats waking time here). And became a happier day time child for it. Mad stuff altogether.
So next year will probably see me doing the odd bit of travel into Asia. Big place and all that but hopefully it will be limited to a week here and there. Tokyo is first off the blocks so am expecting to see their bright lights come March sometime.
I went to the Greenday gig here last week. One of Alissa's mates had a spare ticket so myself and Mike went on a nice date to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre together. Have to say I was surprised at the mix of the crowd - was expecting it to be a lot younger but I'd say it ranged from 5 to 45 (excluding the Mums and Dads that brought the kids along). And while the show bordered on cabaret occasionally, I admit it was one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Springsteen still gets the number 1 spot, but these guys run a good 2nd place (would put our very own U2 to shame with the energy and total lack of attitude from them). 2 and a half hours and the guy did not let up once and Christ, he knows how to constantly work the crowd. I've since crept back into my sheltered shell, listening to them in the safety of my car.
At the same venue 4 days later, Alissa and Aibhe went to the Wiggles concert. Different set-up and less swearing I reckon.
Christmas shopping done. Cards & packages sent. The arrival of the folks gets closer. Thoughts and memories of Marian and Jen come back regular and clear. And Tony M, R.I.P. - I simply remember his constant smiling face and his laugh. And his shouting 'Shoot the Crows' at me in Gibs. Just too young and incredibly unfair.
So, recession or no recession, enjoy, and a peaceful and safe Christmas all. I leave you with the a couple of defining pictures of Aibhe and Emma for the year....... till 2010, over and under.
Living here, its too easy for me to say it didn't have to be that way. But it didn't. Whatever way this country has managed to get through the year without a recession, despite having a new and somewhat naiive government in power through it all, I think it comes down to the fact that ultimately, the people do not tolerate incompetence or corruption in their officials. And have had a fiscally responsible government (not so much now mind you). I never once voted for FF at home. Never. Despite the 'good times' under their so called reign and good time Bertie. Too many people did. And so it comes to where we're at now. The country on its knees. Over 12% unemployment. And the same old f&ckers running the show. I've said it before in this blog somewhere, but we just tolerate far too much cr&p from 'representatives' either of the State or the Church - and look where its got us. Enough - surely? Stand up and get rid of the biggest shower of crooks to call themselves politicians. Tell the Catholic Church to sort themselves out or there won't be another penny in that collection box. And certainly no more 'vocations'.
End of rant. It just makes me sad to read the daily dose of 80's style news in the Irish Times everyday. We said it could never be as bad as the 80's again. Thankfully its not, but man, we're certainly doing our best.
As for the rain you've had. Well that's another story altogether. Been in drought again here - since April really. We need a bit of rain - apparantly some coming this weekend hopefully. That said, its just been incredible - and being able to maximise the use of the house, pool and garden with the girls is lovely. Aibhe is turning into a mermaid. At weekends, she's in the pool 4 maybe 5 times a day. And she's close to pool safe (not that any child ever is completely pool safe) but we can let her swim on her own and just watch from the sides now. She's not even 4.
Emma. There's a different character. Still a nut job, but getting a little easier. We had finally reached the end of our wits and tethers with her recently having not had a 3 hour consecutive uninterrupted spell of sleep in several months and she was a fiery kid during the day. Cue professional advice from a sleep specialist, 1 night of unadulterated blood curdling screaming (perhaps an hour and a half in total) and the next night, waved as she got into bed and slept without a whimper through to 5am (thats waking time here). And became a happier day time child for it. Mad stuff altogether.
So next year will probably see me doing the odd bit of travel into Asia. Big place and all that but hopefully it will be limited to a week here and there. Tokyo is first off the blocks so am expecting to see their bright lights come March sometime.
I went to the Greenday gig here last week. One of Alissa's mates had a spare ticket so myself and Mike went on a nice date to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre together. Have to say I was surprised at the mix of the crowd - was expecting it to be a lot younger but I'd say it ranged from 5 to 45 (excluding the Mums and Dads that brought the kids along). And while the show bordered on cabaret occasionally, I admit it was one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Springsteen still gets the number 1 spot, but these guys run a good 2nd place (would put our very own U2 to shame with the energy and total lack of attitude from them). 2 and a half hours and the guy did not let up once and Christ, he knows how to constantly work the crowd. I've since crept back into my sheltered shell, listening to them in the safety of my car.
At the same venue 4 days later, Alissa and Aibhe went to the Wiggles concert. Different set-up and less swearing I reckon.
Christmas shopping done. Cards & packages sent. The arrival of the folks gets closer. Thoughts and memories of Marian and Jen come back regular and clear. And Tony M, R.I.P. - I simply remember his constant smiling face and his laugh. And his shouting 'Shoot the Crows' at me in Gibs. Just too young and incredibly unfair.
So, recession or no recession, enjoy, and a peaceful and safe Christmas all. I leave you with the a couple of defining pictures of Aibhe and Emma for the year....... till 2010, over and under.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)