What's Been Happening

I've been travelling so much lately, it seems like I haven't written a post about what's going on here in months.

I've been working a lot of PM shifts lately which means starting work at 15:00 and finishing at "23.30" ! PMs are good from the point of view you get to sleep on in the morning (and if you know me, you know how much that appeals to me!) The problem with that is, all I feel like I do is sleep, eat, work and sleep again.

On the rare occassions something else happens...this is it:

Two weeks ago one of my best friends went to Chernobyl to visit on of the children's orphanages.This is the video of her trip CLICK HERE - when you see this, you will realise what a moving, life changing experience it was. Most of those poor children live a quality of life worse than what might appear in our worst nightmares. With the nucleur disaster of 1986, the people of Belarus continue to live with the devestating effects.
You just feel so helpless thinking about it - what can you do to change the past?
I sent over a few little things for the children with Dearbhla. But what can you get for children that can't hear/see/have no limbs/mentally ill etc etc.
If these brought even the tiniest bit of happiness, that is good enough.

(Most of these are phone pics)

Horse Riding
On a happier note, last week we went horse riding for team building at work. We went up to the top of the snow-covered Dublin Mountains. It was beautiful! All was going smoothly until my horse decided to slip and fall, mid - climb.
He went on his butt, and I was left hanging on for dear life to the saddle!

 
Easter at the hotel
Easter is always a nice time at the hotel. The place is full of children and chocolate. Unfortuntely this year as I was working , there was a lot less chocolate for the kids.

For us!

They were completely hand painted egg shells. I didn't get to take a proper picture of the Easter Tree while it was in the lounge - there were always guests next to it- but at least I caught it before it was dismantled.

I did manage to catch the Easter Bunny!

We have been enjoying the fact the days are getting longer, and lately much sunnier.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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