What's Been Happening...

I feel like I haven't posted anything in ages. Work has decided, once again, to take over my life. With my regular 9-10 hour shift, plus all the extra projects... I think I'm drowning slowly!!

Last week we had to say goodbye to Deirdre... even after only a few days, it feels so weird in there. Her writing is still on the walls, but her lovely face won't be around anymore. Dee, I'm really going to miss you! (Expect some frantic calls from time to time!!!)

“It doesn’t matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you can go.” 

Good luck in your new beginnings, Dee.

Fall has come, and is almost gone. Halloween is about to be on us, and before we know it; Christmas.
I'm counting down the days to December and my vacation!! I will get to share the happiest day of one of my best friends lives in Argentina, when she gets married.
I'll also get to see some special people in Florida and spend my vacation time with family.

The end of Fall

Other happenings...(not many this week)

Out for dinner with Dad and Jacqueline

Not much else to report.

Happy Halloween to all!! I (not so) secretly wish I could be going trick or treating tomorrow night. I wonder how the guests in the hotel would feel if I showed up to their door with my costume and a plastic bag for goodies?

Smoke bombs and fake poop at the ready...

Goodnight!

Number 12- Jacqueline Graduates!!!!

Number 12- Take a photography class  - one more thing scratched off the 100 Things List

Almost 2 years ago I was given probably the best (Christmas) present ever - my camera. I am ashamed to say for pretty much all of that time, I have been using the camera in automatic. It is so much easier and the pictures look pretty much the same. Or so I thought.

For so long now though, I've wanted to learn more about the camera;  how to use it to it's full potential, and most of all- use it only in manual.

Since I came back to Ireland, my work hours have been so erratic, it's been hard to take part in anything that's not sleeping, eating or working! However, lately things have been somewhat more stable and I was FINALLY able to enroll in a photography class 3 weeks ago. Ironically, since then, my hours have gone back to their old erratic ways (shift work), but hopefully I'll be still able to commit to continuing the class as it's only once per week.

I've finally started to learn about my camera, it's settings, and how to use it in manual! How exciting!!
I had the perfect opportunity a few days ago to test what I had learned - my sister's graduation.  I warned her that these pictures will turn out too bright/too blurred/too dark/out of focus etc... but they weren't as bad as I imagined.

Patience is key!!! 

All of these pictures were taken in manual. 

Sisters

Out to the garden...

“Patience is power.
Patience is not an absence of action;
rather it is "timing"
it waits on the right time to act,
for the right principles
and in the right way.”―Fulton J. Sheen 

What's Been Happening? Lots!

Last week was Noor's birthday... after promising I would be in the Netherlands for it, I was not able to make it, but my heart was there all day.

After my mum saw this picture, the first thing she said to me was "what's wrong with your legs? You look stunted" Thanks mum.

Met up with (uncle) Khemaies...

It's quite obvious I did not pay much attention in art classes. That being said, it's the thought that counts!
It was not something big to do, but it was SO appreciated which made it so worthwhile!
I miss my Dutch family so much, it was nice to 'share' the birthday!

Met up with Dearbhla and had dinner in Jamie Oliver's new Italian restaurant. It was yum..and of course, the best company!

This past weekend we celebrated Jacqueline's graduation from university - a proud moment for all our family.

More pictures to come!

Congratulations you beautiful graduate!!!

It made me remember my graduation from FGCU 3 years ago...As well as making me feel OLD, it brought back many happy memories. I got to celebrate it with my parents, Jacqueline and two of my best friends; Gloriana and Asia.

As I sit writing this, I am listening to the rain falling hard on my bedroom window. It makes me thankful to be inside my home with my warm bed ready to jump into. Winter is definitely on its way - the trees are beginning to lose their leaves and they are scattered around the roads. It's such a pretty time of year right before the trees go bare.
Hopefully I'll get out with my camera to get some photos before the leaves disappear.

Phone pics

Outside work

On Sunday, myself and some of my colleagues did a run for charity. ARC is a society which offers support to cancer patients, as well as the people who take care of them - a VERY worthwhile cause. Cancer is something that affects so so many people's lives. We all know someone who has passed away from it, battled it, or survived it. It hits very close to my heart and I hope to do more work for good charities such as this one.

It was freezing before we started!

ARC's Website:

http://www.arccancersupport.ie/

Have a look and donate!

Goodnight

Saving Oliver

We have an amazing Florist in work who grows and designs the most beautiful arrangements. However, I guess it doesn't always go according to plan and when a plant decides it has given up on life, sometimes they leave them to be picked up by the staff.

Yesterday morning I came across a bunch of potted 'leaves' which looked the worse for wear. As usual, I didn't pay much attention to them. Later in the afternoon,  I noticed there were only a few remaining rejects and a little voice in my head said 'save one'!!

Never having dealt with plants before, not knowing what type of flower it was, and having no clue how to care it, I'd say the flowers saw me coming and said I'd prayer I'd leave them alone to wilt in front of the uniform room. 

Alas! I decided to take the second last one  He has been named Oliver (as in the orphan Oliver) and has already taken up his place at home on a table by the window in the kitchen. Kerry, a friend from work, was feeling the love too for the other orphan plant (Annie) and decided to take it home too!! (Yes, our day was a productive one!)

OLIVER THE ORCHID 

Poor Olly doesn't look too healthy but I'm going to try to bring him back to life. I might even get him a friend!

If anyone out there has tips on raising Orchids, please leave me a message here!!

(Yes, I do realize I am going a little crazy...who isn't?!  Only if I start talking to the plant should the straight jackets come out)

Goodnight! 

Yellow Butter Cake

This is not my recipe  click HERE to see instructions!

Ok, I know this is not the healthiest of recipes but it tasted really good!! If you are anything like me, you will have half of the chocolate frosting gone before the cake has even begun to be frosted so; try to resist!!!

Enjoy!

Have a good weekend!