ONE DAY LEFT! It had been such a great trip. No sleep and not knowing me elbow from me arse (sorry for the term, but I dare you not to smile when saying it). This trip was great.
Little did we know, we still had one more character left awaiting to fulfill this adventure. When we walked back to the backpacker's dormitory after going out for dinner and sleeping most the day since we landed from London earlier that morn, we had a new bunkmate waiting to welcome us. With his giant African smile, tidy habits and bed making skills, and friendly personality followed by deep thoughts til late hours of the night, he was our new roomie. His name: Emmanuel. He was in his early 40s but looked like early 30s. A clearly hard working man with a skinny tall frame and well-kept black tennis shoes he tucked nicely under his bed. Traveling from northwest Africa to find work in Ireland, Emmanuel wanted nothing more but good deep conversations with fellow world travelers and most importantly...advice on his life. Emmanuel was sweet as sugar and wouldn't hurt a fly, but what seemed to be harmless life questions soon turned out to be a 3 to 1 counseling session. Tina, an Austrian teen (or "Australian" according to Emmanuel), and myself life coached our way through the evening. Tina and I got ready to go out for our last night, packed our bags while Emmanuel asked us questions and watched us apply our makeup. He flattered us with compliments on our dresses and shopping. At one point telling me I looked like a girl from a music video he watched as a child. When he showed us on the internet which one he talked about it ended up being an 80's video named LaQuinta. I tried to take it as a compliment.
Emmanuel was a deep dude and said he admired us girls in our way of life and "...just being free to live" as we got ready to leave for the Pub where they were having live music. If you couldn't sense it so far, Emmanuel is a very "thought consumed" as Tina would say. After what seemed like hours of him dominating conversations, which we didn't mind and actually found entertaining in the beginning, eventually ended in us backpedaling to the door with him writing homework. Yep, we gave him homework. Never a dull moment. I often wonder how I'd function with a dull moment since my life is too strange to have one sometimes. We went to a pub, which Emmanuel declined the invite to because he doesn't like pubs or drinks...or coffee...or soda...or juice...and so we left him with a checklist of things to reflect on. We told him to make goals of what he wants in life and come up with plans of how to achieve those plans. Life 101. Somehow though, Emmanuel managed to make this simple exercise into a complicated mess of goal confusion. Tina tried to simplify, "Emmanuel, what do you like?" Emmanuel said, "I want to play sports." I encouraged him in that. "That's great Emmanuel. (Thinking he liked playing sports) Write that down! Which sports in particular?" Emmanuel chose soccer. Without question I continued with my enthusiasm hoping we could slowly leave him writing in his notebook while we snuck out the door. "Why soccer?" I asked out of curiousity. He looked puzzled and turned to Tina saying, "Tina, why do I want to do sports?" He got his pen ready to write the answer. Tina looked at him, confused at this point and like a teacher trying to hide her true feelings of disappointment with why her student is the way he is, she said, "I don't know, Emmanuel. Why DO YOU want to be a soccer player?!" I tried not to laugh because I could tell this was slowly becoming less fun for Tina. Emmanuel had no clue. We gave him ideas: to be on a team, to make friends, to get in shape....he wrote it all down saying, "Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah....that's a good one." Emmanuel didn't even know how to play soccer or why he chose it. He just wanted adventure in his life. He just picked the first thing that came to mind when thinking "cool". We had actually regressed from our initial starting point. Tina and I looked at each other. We tried. It's time for a Guiness.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
CHAPTER SIX: Now I Lay Me Down To . . . Nevermind.
Yep, it's been two months but we're back to finish the story.
TOD: We finally made it back to the Dublin airport and were racing to the bus to get back to our hostel. Once again, no sleep. Exhausted doesn't even cover it. We fought with the bus driver for a bit about the round trip ticket. We needed to get back to our Dublin hostel from the airport. Up until this point we had been pretty laid back up and go with the flow. And of all the things to go wrong this was the one fight we were going to pick and not back down from. Mind you, it was 6:45am going on NO SLEEP from our day tour of London and for both Jaci and me this was not the time for the bus driver to have a petty disagreement with us. You would not win. Two very tired girls. We have a ticket. Let us on the flippin' bus...we don't understand your booga booga accent and unexplainable ticket requirements. Needless to say, we won the disagreement about our prepaid bus ticket not being "valid" and proceeded to find a spot that very early morning on a very empty bus and struggled to keep our eyes open.
All I could do was keep my eye on the prize. The prize was sleep. All we could think about was sleep. How much we wanted it. Trying to remember what it felt like to speak in full sentences. It was day 7 and we could count the number of hours of sleep we had gotten on both hands! We kept saying "we just have to power through this bus ride and once we get to our hostel we would be free." It was a goal, something to hope for. We both couldn't keep conscious on the bus. Once we were finally dropped off we had a short walk to our hostel. We could almost smell the shamrock scented sheets. With smiles on our faces we made it to the front desk. Home Free. Or so we thought. But if you've been following our blog you would know that it's never that easy. As we began to check in we hear the lady tell us "I'm sorry but your beds won't be ready till 2." Mind you it is 7:30am. I was furious and wanted to give up on life. Jaci remained a little bit calmer. We left the hostel and walked around in the cold. I began to panic as it was Sunday morning and nothing was open. That meant no place to stay to warm up. That meant walking around for 5 hours after knowing we should be in our warm, slightly clean, beds. I knew this wasn't an option after being outside for 3 minutes. We went back in and begged them to let us stay. They could see our desperation and offered us a warm meal like a soup kitchen for Yankees. After refueling, they offered us the lounge which consisted of 8 bunk beds, a coffee table, and a television. The only stipulation was that if we wanted to sleep we had to share a bed so that they wouldn't have to wash the sheets. We took this offer. We took it without a fight. There we lay spooning until our room was ready. We slept straight through for 5 hours waking up maybe once or twice when others would come in confused as to why we were in the same bed when there were 7 other beds to choose from. We didn't care. We got we we wanted and were grateful. So worth the stares. When we finally returned to our room it was more sleep. It was awesome. Around 4:30pm we woke up met our new roommate named Emanuel, showered, and made our way to our hostel restaurant where we shared a plate of meat and smiled with well rested eyes. Life had gotten a whole lot better.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
CHAPTER FIVE: I got worms . . . that's what we're callin' it (Part II)
JMcS: I see London...I see France...I saw an Irishman's underpants. Two weeks ago Tina and I decided to fly to London for a night since it looked like "just a jump over" on a map. Ireland has consisted of LATE nights (aka early mornings) and waking up early for tourist attractions and such. This means I could probably count the hours of sleep we've had just on both me fingers (and I said that in me Irish accent for effect..which, by the way, has improved significantly). Actually, sometimes Tina and I respond to people in Irish accents without thinking and later hoping no one noticed because it sounds like we are making fun of them. Which we aren't! They just sound so grand!
What makes a good story when starting a new adventure always? Waking up late. Ask the Mc Calister family from Home Alone if you don't believe me. We went to bed at 2am canceling Tina's credit card that was lost at the rugby game and our roomies from Australia came back after a quite drunk night and turned on all the lights til 4am. Tina and I NEEDED to be awake and walk over to the bus stop by 5:45am...we got to the bus stop at 6:15am. Apparently, it wasn't even the right one according to some lady waiting with a eastern European accent. It would take us an hour to get there and we needed to be checked in by the hour. No time for these Shenanigans, Ireland! Tina and I looked at each other in looks of panic and I suddenly see her arm fly up and instantly get a taxi. haha Well done, Tina. Hello, quick ride to airport. Goodbye, savings account.
London was AMAZING. Although Tina and I were sooooo behind on sleep (and still are haha) that we could probably be declared to the same mental state as two drunk sailors. Imagine drunk sailors navigating around a foreign city and trying to find landmarks and understand historical meanings of things. We stopped maybe two times the entire day and the only reason was because we needed food, water, or a toilet. No exceptions. It was what we like to call the "See all of in London 12 hours or Less" tour.
McSchaap and O'Donaldson's Day in London Schedule:
10am: Take bus from airport to London city center.
11am: Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards.
*Mostly made commentary about their outfits and what they are probably thinking while switching...then spent a good 20 minutes taking pictures of us playing in dead leaves on the Buckingham Palace lawn...naturally.
12pm: Visited Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (where Princess Diana and many others had their funerals), Parliament Building, Winston Churchill Statue,and lots of old historical "stuff". haha
*Walked through multiple riots during our time in the UK. Syria, workers relief, protesters on economic crisis. (Tina joined one riot in Galway, Ireland...I couldn't stop her, so I just filmed it and watched for cops).
2pm: Fish & Chips with a cup of tea. I felt as English as Mr. Bean himself.
3pm: Shakespeare's Globe Theater Tour
*Didn't want to do the tour, but they won't let you see it if you don't have someone with you, so Tina and I stayed towards the back and took pictures of ourselves cheering for plays in the stands and tried to keep up with the group.
5pm: London Bridge
*Not much to talk about. It looked very "bridgey".
5:30pm: Tower of London
*Ran across with our backpacks flapping up and down across the Thames River in the dark trying to get to our next tour in time to buy tickets...of course we didn't get them in advance. I am traveling with Jantina Donaldson, not Linda Donaldson. :)
6pm: Jack the Ripper Tour: Walked around and heard about the London mystery about a serial killer in the late 1800s. It was very fun walking through the alleys on a dark night with a man-guide wearing a black jacket, black dress shoes, and a top hat thing talking about murder spots...probably the only time you will hear me say that sentence in my life.
8pm: Bus System back to city center with eastern European boys.
8:30pm: Dinner at a coffee shop
10pm: Abbey Road to see Beatles recording studio
*Pitch black trying to navigate maps down outside roads and signed the Abbey House walls.
10:30pm: Took pictures like Beatles album cover
*Random people jumped in on the photos...not even mad about it. They asked to be friends with us on facebook within 5 minutes of meeting them so I'd like to think we made a good impression. haha
**Shout out to the Donaldson Beatles Fans in front of the recording studio.**
11pm: Walked the streets of London to find the "Tube" subway
*Got a free ticket from some kid to ride it and we tried for 15 minutes to buy a subway ticket, but didn't understand their futuristic machine. I ended up getting through the pelvic gate bar thing (it's the fancy term for it) and Tina was stuck on the other side without a ticket. The train was about to come, so she followed a man once he swiped his card only to find her getting stuck half way through and an alarm going off. HAHA She squeezed through the bar that was trying to close on her and we ran to the train. Farm girls in the big city.
12am: London Eye
*Why does touring have to be done in the day time? We had no place to sleep anyways...
12:30am: Kicked out of a nice warm bar and grill. Tina had to use bathroom and tried to get into a restaurant as they were closing. They eventually let us in only to use the toilet. To stay warm we continued playing on the street doing Star Wars poses with the florescent lights on the sidewalks.
1:00am: Ran into a Rod Stewart look-a-like. Tina went around a corner and ran into a skinny 45+ yr old man surrounded by pretty young Australian women...she thought it was Rod Stewart. I thought it was Mac Jagger. Nonetheless, it wasn't either. He stopped to talk to us and it ended up being a man in tight white Christmas pajama pants, a blazer, purple crushed velvet shoes, and a scarf. He was Scottish and kissed our hands in between taking drags on his cigarette.
1:30am: Kicked out of Hotel.
*Waiting for our bus to airport we got cold. We went to sit in a lobby at a 5 star fancy hotel and when trying to blend in by ordering wine at a table by the bar, they looked at our wind blown hair and backpacks and told us they couldn't serve us. Tina and I went back into the cold.
2am: Ate a hot pocket with drunk Irish man on side of the road to stay warm...again, another sentence I probably won't ever say.
2:30am: Bus to airport
3:30am: Slept on table at airport and Tina looses feeling to her lower extremities for a good 20 minutes
5:00am: Flight Check in to go back to Dublin
Wish you guys could have been there. Back in Dublin and still have a checklist to complete...shout out to Ian Jones and Becca Erks for the list. ;)
What makes a good story when starting a new adventure always? Waking up late. Ask the Mc Calister family from Home Alone if you don't believe me. We went to bed at 2am canceling Tina's credit card that was lost at the rugby game and our roomies from Australia came back after a quite drunk night and turned on all the lights til 4am. Tina and I NEEDED to be awake and walk over to the bus stop by 5:45am...we got to the bus stop at 6:15am. Apparently, it wasn't even the right one according to some lady waiting with a eastern European accent. It would take us an hour to get there and we needed to be checked in by the hour. No time for these Shenanigans, Ireland! Tina and I looked at each other in looks of panic and I suddenly see her arm fly up and instantly get a taxi. haha Well done, Tina. Hello, quick ride to airport. Goodbye, savings account.
London was AMAZING. Although Tina and I were sooooo behind on sleep (and still are haha) that we could probably be declared to the same mental state as two drunk sailors. Imagine drunk sailors navigating around a foreign city and trying to find landmarks and understand historical meanings of things. We stopped maybe two times the entire day and the only reason was because we needed food, water, or a toilet. No exceptions. It was what we like to call the "See all of in London 12 hours or Less" tour.
McSchaap and O'Donaldson's Day in London Schedule:
10am: Take bus from airport to London city center.
11am: Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards.
*Mostly made commentary about their outfits and what they are probably thinking while switching...then spent a good 20 minutes taking pictures of us playing in dead leaves on the Buckingham Palace lawn...naturally.
12pm: Visited Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (where Princess Diana and many others had their funerals), Parliament Building, Winston Churchill Statue,and lots of old historical "stuff". haha
*Walked through multiple riots during our time in the UK. Syria, workers relief, protesters on economic crisis. (Tina joined one riot in Galway, Ireland...I couldn't stop her, so I just filmed it and watched for cops).
2pm: Fish & Chips with a cup of tea. I felt as English as Mr. Bean himself.
3pm: Shakespeare's Globe Theater Tour
*Didn't want to do the tour, but they won't let you see it if you don't have someone with you, so Tina and I stayed towards the back and took pictures of ourselves cheering for plays in the stands and tried to keep up with the group.
5pm: London Bridge
*Not much to talk about. It looked very "bridgey".
5:30pm: Tower of London
*Ran across with our backpacks flapping up and down across the Thames River in the dark trying to get to our next tour in time to buy tickets...of course we didn't get them in advance. I am traveling with Jantina Donaldson, not Linda Donaldson. :)
6pm: Jack the Ripper Tour: Walked around and heard about the London mystery about a serial killer in the late 1800s. It was very fun walking through the alleys on a dark night with a man-guide wearing a black jacket, black dress shoes, and a top hat thing talking about murder spots...probably the only time you will hear me say that sentence in my life.
8pm: Bus System back to city center with eastern European boys.
8:30pm: Dinner at a coffee shop
10pm: Abbey Road to see Beatles recording studio
*Pitch black trying to navigate maps down outside roads and signed the Abbey House walls.
10:30pm: Took pictures like Beatles album cover
*Random people jumped in on the photos...not even mad about it. They asked to be friends with us on facebook within 5 minutes of meeting them so I'd like to think we made a good impression. haha
**Shout out to the Donaldson Beatles Fans in front of the recording studio.**
11pm: Walked the streets of London to find the "Tube" subway
*Got a free ticket from some kid to ride it and we tried for 15 minutes to buy a subway ticket, but didn't understand their futuristic machine. I ended up getting through the pelvic gate bar thing (it's the fancy term for it) and Tina was stuck on the other side without a ticket. The train was about to come, so she followed a man once he swiped his card only to find her getting stuck half way through and an alarm going off. HAHA She squeezed through the bar that was trying to close on her and we ran to the train. Farm girls in the big city.
12am: London Eye
*Why does touring have to be done in the day time? We had no place to sleep anyways...
12:30am: Kicked out of a nice warm bar and grill. Tina had to use bathroom and tried to get into a restaurant as they were closing. They eventually let us in only to use the toilet. To stay warm we continued playing on the street doing Star Wars poses with the florescent lights on the sidewalks.
1:00am: Ran into a Rod Stewart look-a-like. Tina went around a corner and ran into a skinny 45+ yr old man surrounded by pretty young Australian women...she thought it was Rod Stewart. I thought it was Mac Jagger. Nonetheless, it wasn't either. He stopped to talk to us and it ended up being a man in tight white Christmas pajama pants, a blazer, purple crushed velvet shoes, and a scarf. He was Scottish and kissed our hands in between taking drags on his cigarette.
1:30am: Kicked out of Hotel.
*Waiting for our bus to airport we got cold. We went to sit in a lobby at a 5 star fancy hotel and when trying to blend in by ordering wine at a table by the bar, they looked at our wind blown hair and backpacks and told us they couldn't serve us. Tina and I went back into the cold.
2am: Ate a hot pocket with drunk Irish man on side of the road to stay warm...again, another sentence I probably won't ever say.
2:30am: Bus to airport
3:30am: Slept on table at airport and Tina looses feeling to her lower extremities for a good 20 minutes
5:00am: Flight Check in to go back to Dublin
Wish you guys could have been there. Back in Dublin and still have a checklist to complete...shout out to Ian Jones and Becca Erks for the list. ;)
CHAPTER FIVE: I got worms . . . that's what we're callin' it (Part 1)
TOD: After Magellan and Columbus' great find of the hidden hostel, we decided to treat ourselves and journey into the night enjoying fine authentic Irish food at a place called La Salsa. Okay it wasn't Irish it was Mexican but we needed a fix and after the day we had we felt we earned it. After we stopped at another pub in Galway. As we left we were almost attacked by a muskrat on the bridge. We weren't in Kansas anymore. The next morning we hopped in our small European car pretending we didn't care about our limited leg room and headed through southwest Ireland through the Burren. We became hazards to the road as we were constantly snapping pics out the window of the gorgeous scenery. We couldn't help it everywhere we looked there were green pastures and rolling hills. We even stopped to pet some donkeys. The locals were like celebrities to us! We couldn't believe an elderly man in a wool knit hat was actually real! Cliffs of Moher were breathtaking and we were enjoying the beautiful landscape of the country.
Next it was on our way to Blarney Castle. Of course we kissed the Blarney Stone, I mean who hasn't? That stone gets around not really earning a respected reputation if you ask me, but what happened next was even more magical. What do you first think of when you think of Castles? I would venture to guess you would say: princesses, kings, servants, etc. What does Jaci think of? Vampires, of course. One thing we haven't told you is that Jaci deliberately packed a vampire cape and vampire teeth in her checked bag. Why you ask? Well we were exploring castles and the two kind of go hand and hand. While touring the castle we each took turns wearing the cape with our vampire teeth re-creating a Celebrity Cribs: Ireland edition episode (videos to follow).
Weird? Jaci packed vampire teeth just because she wanted to do a photo shoot at a castle? Yep. hahahaha
Finally we were headed home. It was a long day of traveling across the country and our lack of sleep was catching up to us, especially for Jaci. Poor girl had been driving all over the past two days on limited sleep. While headed back to Dublin I suddenly hear her slapping herself to stay awake. Not good and a bit disturbing. I told her we could pull over a bit to give her a break but of course she wanted to keep going so we could get back at a decent hour to make it to our favorite pub, can't fault her for prioritizing. We ended up doing impressions of people and celebrities and trying to guess who each person was so she could stay awake. We also got a little delirious and started annoucning Jolly Rancher flavors as if they were accepting diplomas at commencement. "Peach Jolly Rancher . . . with honors." Yep, we were beginning to lose it. Finally we made it back and were able to enjoy a pint of beer at the local pub as we reflected at our successful trip across the country with no GPS.
One highlight was attending a rugby game. We didn't have tickets but were under the assumption that we could buy them at the booth when we got there. Apparently it was a sold out game. What did we do? Waited for the first elderly gentleman to offer a price for a ticket so we could make a deal. We weren't entirely sure if this was legal, until I heard the man say in his Irish accent "what just a minute the police are coming." I guess it wasn't. At any rate we made it through the gates and enjoyed the Irish sport over a foot long hot dog and a coca-cola, both of which we happened to spill on the backs of the people in front of us. It was the perfect ending to our Friday night.
Next it was on our way to Blarney Castle. Of course we kissed the Blarney Stone, I mean who hasn't? That stone gets around not really earning a respected reputation if you ask me, but what happened next was even more magical. What do you first think of when you think of Castles? I would venture to guess you would say: princesses, kings, servants, etc. What does Jaci think of? Vampires, of course. One thing we haven't told you is that Jaci deliberately packed a vampire cape and vampire teeth in her checked bag. Why you ask? Well we were exploring castles and the two kind of go hand and hand. While touring the castle we each took turns wearing the cape with our vampire teeth re-creating a Celebrity Cribs: Ireland edition episode (videos to follow).
Weird? Jaci packed vampire teeth just because she wanted to do a photo shoot at a castle? Yep. hahahaha
Finally we were headed home. It was a long day of traveling across the country and our lack of sleep was catching up to us, especially for Jaci. Poor girl had been driving all over the past two days on limited sleep. While headed back to Dublin I suddenly hear her slapping herself to stay awake. Not good and a bit disturbing. I told her we could pull over a bit to give her a break but of course she wanted to keep going so we could get back at a decent hour to make it to our favorite pub, can't fault her for prioritizing. We ended up doing impressions of people and celebrities and trying to guess who each person was so she could stay awake. We also got a little delirious and started annoucning Jolly Rancher flavors as if they were accepting diplomas at commencement. "Peach Jolly Rancher . . . with honors." Yep, we were beginning to lose it. Finally we made it back and were able to enjoy a pint of beer at the local pub as we reflected at our successful trip across the country with no GPS.
One highlight was attending a rugby game. We didn't have tickets but were under the assumption that we could buy them at the booth when we got there. Apparently it was a sold out game. What did we do? Waited for the first elderly gentleman to offer a price for a ticket so we could make a deal. We weren't entirely sure if this was legal, until I heard the man say in his Irish accent "what just a minute the police are coming." I guess it wasn't. At any rate we made it through the gates and enjoyed the Irish sport over a foot long hot dog and a coca-cola, both of which we happened to spill on the backs of the people in front of us. It was the perfect ending to our Friday night.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
CHAPTER FOUR: Dublin our pleasure Dublin our fun
JMcS: Our first full day in Dublin consisted of eating an Irish Breakfast. Food is always a priority with us Midwest girls. It didn't take over our whole day, but it could have with the amount of meat on that plate. Bacon...with a side of ham...with a side of sausage links...and to be washed down with minced patties. A meal that would leave a vegetarian convulsing.
Afterwards, Tina and I went shopping, explored the Medeaival quarters (complete with castles and we were yelled at for coming in during mass...my bad!), visited Trinity College campus and lusting for student ID cards, and finished the night at a local pub. Can you guess which part was the best of the whole day? Yes, all parts were indeed magical, but the local irish PUB won the award for being the most entertaining by far. What do you imagine a pub in Ireland to look like? What kinda atmostphere? Multiply that experience you just had in your head times ten! THAT is what happened in that bar that night. First night in country and we were not left disappointed...or thirsty. But before you judge, we drank responsibly of course. My personal highlights: 1. Meeting some new French friends named Sebastian and Ano. Who ended up planning our following day's roadtrip to Galway in a drunken slur. And for some reason...we ended up waking up the next morning and still following every part of the drunken advice. It was glorious. 2. I found Tina planking on the bar and dancing to a cover of Mumford and Sons in front of a packed room of people of whom were throwing their glasses in the air and clapping to the beat. I don't even have to make stuff up for this blog to be interesting...Tina "wow-ed" the crowd with her Riverdance moves and flopped ponytail. I stood behind her with a proud smile and a videocamera. 3. The last highlight for me was Tina winning the heart one French boy who put it best when he looked at me and Tina while the banjo music was pounding throughout the room and said in his best English, "Teeenah like experiences..." I almost cried with laughter. i didn't even need to know for what reason he would say that or even what he meant. Foreign people talk funny. ;) We had one magical night and our first day in Dublin, Ireland was set up right. I knew this was the start to something beautiful...and nuts.
TOD: Yes, night number one was indeed a success. It was everything you could wish for out of the Irish and pubs. We loved every second of it. The next morning we woke up early, not an easy thing to do after a night of pub shenanigans. We were on our way to Galway, Ireland by way of a car we rented. Since we opted for the most economical package possible we had a very small European car. As we drove off the lot we were high on adrenalin and the thought of the possiblities that awaited us. Since the car was a manual Jaci did all the driving. Jaci has grown up her whole life driving shift. One of the many qualities I've come to admire. She did wonderfully. However, we did run into one snag. The problem? We didn't know how to reverse the car. Yep, u-turns became our best friend. My job was to navigate. Let's just say I tried.
Once we got to Galway we went to a pub with wifi. Its not like a regular pub...its a cool pub. Somehow we got in because seemingly you needed to be recieving your social security check to be there. The room was filled with 50+ yr old men and there we sat. Googling our way to try find a place to sleep in an unfamilair Gaelic town bording the Atlantic.
Later we returned to the car but I could tell Jaci was searching for something. The key. Panic took over as I was thinking about the worse case scenerio saying "this could either make or break me." And it was true. I definitely would have lost my mind if we were stranded in Galway in the blowing rain without a place to stay. I began to rip open her backpack. Key found. Eventually we did ask a local about our reverse situation and he kindly showed us with a simple trick as easy as lifting and pulling and we were back in business. We drove for what seemed to be hours in circles on the hunt for our accomadation. Tension was building and the sun was setting. Finally, Jaci parked the car in a 30 minute zone while I went to explore in the rain. Hostel was found and we could end the anxiety.
JMcS: If I may interject, it was a long day. Tina's navigating responsibilities were put on probation after a series of missed exits and map confusion. She had the best of intensions, but we needed to get to our destination and so while I proceeded to drive on the left side of the road learn a new system of driving (roundabouts, sheep/cows crossing, etc.) in the rain across an unfamilair country, I also became "the navigator" with a lap of maps and reading road signs. Tina got a new job...and one she was great at. She handled the cd player.
The "not being able to reverse" was an added stress to us because at times I forgot to drive on the left side of the road and secondly, we couldn't park anywhere. We would never be able to leave unless Tina would push me out in the rain. That would be a site, so we eventually asked a pedestrian how to reverse our space machine and he stuck his hand through the window and shifted for me. Lesson learned. Thank you for not highjacking us, Sir. We were just two girls with no clue what we were doing...and I was relishing in it.
Afterwards, Tina and I went shopping, explored the Medeaival quarters (complete with castles and we were yelled at for coming in during mass...my bad!), visited Trinity College campus and lusting for student ID cards, and finished the night at a local pub. Can you guess which part was the best of the whole day? Yes, all parts were indeed magical, but the local irish PUB won the award for being the most entertaining by far. What do you imagine a pub in Ireland to look like? What kinda atmostphere? Multiply that experience you just had in your head times ten! THAT is what happened in that bar that night. First night in country and we were not left disappointed...or thirsty. But before you judge, we drank responsibly of course. My personal highlights: 1. Meeting some new French friends named Sebastian and Ano. Who ended up planning our following day's roadtrip to Galway in a drunken slur. And for some reason...we ended up waking up the next morning and still following every part of the drunken advice. It was glorious. 2. I found Tina planking on the bar and dancing to a cover of Mumford and Sons in front of a packed room of people of whom were throwing their glasses in the air and clapping to the beat. I don't even have to make stuff up for this blog to be interesting...Tina "wow-ed" the crowd with her Riverdance moves and flopped ponytail. I stood behind her with a proud smile and a videocamera. 3. The last highlight for me was Tina winning the heart one French boy who put it best when he looked at me and Tina while the banjo music was pounding throughout the room and said in his best English, "Teeenah like experiences..." I almost cried with laughter. i didn't even need to know for what reason he would say that or even what he meant. Foreign people talk funny. ;) We had one magical night and our first day in Dublin, Ireland was set up right. I knew this was the start to something beautiful...and nuts.
TOD: Yes, night number one was indeed a success. It was everything you could wish for out of the Irish and pubs. We loved every second of it. The next morning we woke up early, not an easy thing to do after a night of pub shenanigans. We were on our way to Galway, Ireland by way of a car we rented. Since we opted for the most economical package possible we had a very small European car. As we drove off the lot we were high on adrenalin and the thought of the possiblities that awaited us. Since the car was a manual Jaci did all the driving. Jaci has grown up her whole life driving shift. One of the many qualities I've come to admire. She did wonderfully. However, we did run into one snag. The problem? We didn't know how to reverse the car. Yep, u-turns became our best friend. My job was to navigate. Let's just say I tried.
Once we got to Galway we went to a pub with wifi. Its not like a regular pub...its a cool pub. Somehow we got in because seemingly you needed to be recieving your social security check to be there. The room was filled with 50+ yr old men and there we sat. Googling our way to try find a place to sleep in an unfamilair Gaelic town bording the Atlantic.
Later we returned to the car but I could tell Jaci was searching for something. The key. Panic took over as I was thinking about the worse case scenerio saying "this could either make or break me." And it was true. I definitely would have lost my mind if we were stranded in Galway in the blowing rain without a place to stay. I began to rip open her backpack. Key found. Eventually we did ask a local about our reverse situation and he kindly showed us with a simple trick as easy as lifting and pulling and we were back in business. We drove for what seemed to be hours in circles on the hunt for our accomadation. Tension was building and the sun was setting. Finally, Jaci parked the car in a 30 minute zone while I went to explore in the rain. Hostel was found and we could end the anxiety.
JMcS: If I may interject, it was a long day. Tina's navigating responsibilities were put on probation after a series of missed exits and map confusion. She had the best of intensions, but we needed to get to our destination and so while I proceeded to drive on the left side of the road learn a new system of driving (roundabouts, sheep/cows crossing, etc.) in the rain across an unfamilair country, I also became "the navigator" with a lap of maps and reading road signs. Tina got a new job...and one she was great at. She handled the cd player.
The "not being able to reverse" was an added stress to us because at times I forgot to drive on the left side of the road and secondly, we couldn't park anywhere. We would never be able to leave unless Tina would push me out in the rain. That would be a site, so we eventually asked a pedestrian how to reverse our space machine and he stuck his hand through the window and shifted for me. Lesson learned. Thank you for not highjacking us, Sir. We were just two girls with no clue what we were doing...and I was relishing in it.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
CHAPTER THREE: We Have Take Off
TOD: Jaci gets a phone call from a place she had interviewed at that called wanting an emergency interview before she left for our flight Monday at 10:14am. The interview was scheduled at 7:30. She knew it would be cutting it close but said yes as this could be a really good job opportunity.
JMcS: This is true, Tina. I took a risk to try squeeze as many things into one day as possible, but the risk is what I live for! Well, I won't go into details, but I returned back to my sister's house late the night before because I was celebrating Tina's birthday and I went to print off our plane tickets with Tina at USF (BOTH of our home printers happen to break down). Alex helped us by lending the USF computer lab and greeting us in a beaver costume. Needless to say, I stayed up making cds for our Irish road trip (prioritizing), still had some packing to do, and needed to wake up early to do a few things. My alarm the following morning had other plans. I woke up in a panic, got ready for my interview, came back, and had to do the final preps at 9:00am still. (Flight leaves at 10am).
TOD: Meanwhile back at my place I recieve a text at 9:12am from Jaci "Hey do you have an extra lock? Mine is broken and forgot the ones that work." Oh my goodness. Our flight was to leave in an hour didn't she have bigger fish to fry? At any rate around that time I notice the zipper on my suitcase is busted. Wave of panic strikes as I hastily try to look for another suitcase. Found one and began the painstaking task of transporting the 2011 fall collection into suitcase #2. Hey, I have boots, scarves, and other accessories that are vital to the trip. After the transfer I get another text "We're here." Jaci comes to the door just as I am finishing burning a melodic cd for our great adventure.
JMcS: So while Tina made me feel guilty about the delay I created in the morning and forgetting my locks, my sister is now waiting in the car to drop us off while Tina is finalizing her suitcase transfer. 9:19am. haha As if we weren't already running LATE to check our bags for the international flight, we managed to hit every single red light on our way there and tried dodging a train to avoid a bigger delay. My sister tried to get in front of it by plowing through Falls Park, but eventually leaving us off the beaten track and temporarily lost in downtown Sioux Falls. We laughed with hints of panic behind each giggle and constantly looked down at the clock.
TOD: We finally arrive at 9:35 thankfully we had already checked in and being that Sioux Falls airport isn't exactly the equivalent to O'Hare we successfully made it through security check minus a bag of liquids issue on Jaci's behalf. After getting through we spent a good 20 minutes laughing at the beginning to our great adventure.
JMcS: Yes, I was caught with liquids, but I was a true friend and served as a decoy for Tina who had an entire carry on bag full of fluids...this is true
We arrived minutes before the 1st class boarded. Tina, a commoner, and I had to wait patiently to get our world class seating way in the back where it was safe to scratch our fleas.
What a morning...but it wasn't over. Briefly what happened, I left my ipod and notebook on the flight from Chicago to Newark. I officially lost my mind. I had to run to costumer service, meet with airport security and file a claim all before boarding our final flight to Dublin. Our flight was boarding, so I had to leave before everything was finalized. Once we got on the plane, Tina sat next to the cutest Irish boy ever who was super charming and cuddled with her the entire time. I sat in the row behind her and had to try figure out ways not to look forward and didn't have an ipod or headphone to give me something better to do. Kings to you, Tina.
TOD: Yes, the flight to Dublin was not bad for me. As Jaci stated earlier I did have a great seat. Embarrassing enough as I was trying to shimmy my way to the window seat with my TWO carry ons I managed to topple over the cute Irish boy.
JMcS: The "topple" was so smoothly played...
TOD: The Irish boy and I had several things in common: we both ordered the chicken pasta and were Coca-cola enthusists. Yes, this could be it. While he was watching The Bourne Identity I opted for Avitar. The romantic glow of our screens must have been too much for him as I dozed off I would come in and out of conciousness with him cuddled besided me carressing my arm. I thought it was a bit odd but not odd enough to stop it.
JMcS: Once we arrived it was 5:30am. It was still dark, but the people on our flight were magical and so helpful. Tina's new boyfriend directed us to the right bus (although we still missed it) and a man hoped for good weather for us as he said, "because last week my wife said it was pissing rain..." I laughed and after he apologized for his language, we reassured him that Tina and I were not offended. We were final in Ireland! We jumped on a very empty bus to the city center and asked the "conductor" to bring us to our hostel area because us "country folk" can't read maps so good. He dropped us and pointed us in the direction we needed to walk in only to find out after 15 minutes of walking on the dark cobble streets of Dublin's city center, we were lost. After asking around to people walking by to get to their early morning jobs, we eventually made it to the hostel. Tina's multiple bags struggled to make it through the dainty European framed front doors, but we made it. We checked in 7 hours before we were supposed to, but they were forgiving and Tina and I found ourselves asleep in our shared bunk bed in no time.
JMcS: This is true, Tina. I took a risk to try squeeze as many things into one day as possible, but the risk is what I live for! Well, I won't go into details, but I returned back to my sister's house late the night before because I was celebrating Tina's birthday and I went to print off our plane tickets with Tina at USF (BOTH of our home printers happen to break down). Alex helped us by lending the USF computer lab and greeting us in a beaver costume. Needless to say, I stayed up making cds for our Irish road trip (prioritizing), still had some packing to do, and needed to wake up early to do a few things. My alarm the following morning had other plans. I woke up in a panic, got ready for my interview, came back, and had to do the final preps at 9:00am still. (Flight leaves at 10am).
TOD: Meanwhile back at my place I recieve a text at 9:12am from Jaci "Hey do you have an extra lock? Mine is broken and forgot the ones that work." Oh my goodness. Our flight was to leave in an hour didn't she have bigger fish to fry? At any rate around that time I notice the zipper on my suitcase is busted. Wave of panic strikes as I hastily try to look for another suitcase. Found one and began the painstaking task of transporting the 2011 fall collection into suitcase #2. Hey, I have boots, scarves, and other accessories that are vital to the trip. After the transfer I get another text "We're here." Jaci comes to the door just as I am finishing burning a melodic cd for our great adventure.
JMcS: So while Tina made me feel guilty about the delay I created in the morning and forgetting my locks, my sister is now waiting in the car to drop us off while Tina is finalizing her suitcase transfer. 9:19am. haha As if we weren't already running LATE to check our bags for the international flight, we managed to hit every single red light on our way there and tried dodging a train to avoid a bigger delay. My sister tried to get in front of it by plowing through Falls Park, but eventually leaving us off the beaten track and temporarily lost in downtown Sioux Falls. We laughed with hints of panic behind each giggle and constantly looked down at the clock.
TOD: We finally arrive at 9:35 thankfully we had already checked in and being that Sioux Falls airport isn't exactly the equivalent to O'Hare we successfully made it through security check minus a bag of liquids issue on Jaci's behalf. After getting through we spent a good 20 minutes laughing at the beginning to our great adventure.
JMcS: Yes, I was caught with liquids, but I was a true friend and served as a decoy for Tina who had an entire carry on bag full of fluids...this is true
We arrived minutes before the 1st class boarded. Tina, a commoner, and I had to wait patiently to get our world class seating way in the back where it was safe to scratch our fleas.
What a morning...but it wasn't over. Briefly what happened, I left my ipod and notebook on the flight from Chicago to Newark. I officially lost my mind. I had to run to costumer service, meet with airport security and file a claim all before boarding our final flight to Dublin. Our flight was boarding, so I had to leave before everything was finalized. Once we got on the plane, Tina sat next to the cutest Irish boy ever who was super charming and cuddled with her the entire time. I sat in the row behind her and had to try figure out ways not to look forward and didn't have an ipod or headphone to give me something better to do. Kings to you, Tina.
TOD: Yes, the flight to Dublin was not bad for me. As Jaci stated earlier I did have a great seat. Embarrassing enough as I was trying to shimmy my way to the window seat with my TWO carry ons I managed to topple over the cute Irish boy.
JMcS: The "topple" was so smoothly played...
TOD: The Irish boy and I had several things in common: we both ordered the chicken pasta and were Coca-cola enthusists. Yes, this could be it. While he was watching The Bourne Identity I opted for Avitar. The romantic glow of our screens must have been too much for him as I dozed off I would come in and out of conciousness with him cuddled besided me carressing my arm. I thought it was a bit odd but not odd enough to stop it.
JMcS: Once we arrived it was 5:30am. It was still dark, but the people on our flight were magical and so helpful. Tina's new boyfriend directed us to the right bus (although we still missed it) and a man hoped for good weather for us as he said, "because last week my wife said it was pissing rain..." I laughed and after he apologized for his language, we reassured him that Tina and I were not offended. We were final in Ireland! We jumped on a very empty bus to the city center and asked the "conductor" to bring us to our hostel area because us "country folk" can't read maps so good. He dropped us and pointed us in the direction we needed to walk in only to find out after 15 minutes of walking on the dark cobble streets of Dublin's city center, we were lost. After asking around to people walking by to get to their early morning jobs, we eventually made it to the hostel. Tina's multiple bags struggled to make it through the dainty European framed front doors, but we made it. We checked in 7 hours before we were supposed to, but they were forgiving and Tina and I found ourselves asleep in our shared bunk bed in no time.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
CHAPTER TWO: Unemployment Never Tasted So Sweet
JMcS: Being back in the USA this past month has been great. I've hung out with my family and friends as much as possible. I've finally had time to watch Discovery channel Shark movies projected on the ceiling with my nephews, choreograph cheerleading dances with my nieces, and go on dates to Footloose and and buy cowboy boots with my sisters! Life is good! Although this honeymoon phase at home has been AWESOME, there seems to be an elephant in the room staring at me...with a watch on. Whether you spent the evening working out, picking up shifts at your old summer job or even if you wasted an entire night watching the Sing Off eating cooler ranch doritos (you have no proof that this happened...), the giant elephant sits in the room and waits to tuck me into bed each night. haha He is there to remind you that you are in your mid-twenties...without a permanent full time job...and student loans that could scare a ghost. haha I'm telling you, that elephant bastard is always tapping at that watch at me and at the rate he is growing, he has to be suffering from a severe case of diabetes. As I have been going through all my options on places to move, grad schools, and job opportunities the past few weeks it is wonderful knowing there are others out there in the same boat. One person in particular, my dear friend Jantina is right there with me. She has entertained all my crazy ideas because she, as well, is working through her own craziness. Being homeless and unemployed has never felt so right. Tina emails me job opportunities she thinks I would like (I send less useful ones to her...like prison guard openings at the Penn. I just think it would be funny to watch slender tall Tina fighting off gangs...and she'd probably win), she takes me out to shoot hoops to relieve some stress (or take pictures/videos of me pretending to play- which is better), and has entertained and supported my thoughts of moving to exotic places. Unemployment isn't so bad when Tina is there too. Plus, you learn survival skills like living off little debbie dollar snacks or riding your bike to church meeting and look sweaty because you don't want to use your gas. haha As the wise Tina always tells me, "Jac, these are what we call...Character Building Days". They sure are, Tina. They sure are (whispered)...but who else can say they get to go to Barnes and Noble during the middle of the day just to look at pictures of the London Bridge or to go to matinee movie on a Monday afternoon without taking off work? Not many people can do that.
As I told my interviewer earlier this year, I am easily motivated. Mind you, I was fresh from returning from a 2 1/2 year absence of talking to Americans or living even in the USA, so going right into professional interviews was a stretch. I told the lady about my newest quest in life. I wish Tina was there to have stopped me and encourage me to say what a normal person would say. haha She would have, but it was too late. The interviewer asked, "...for an example of a time I've kept myself motivated." Up into this point, I would dare to say "impressive" would be the word she was thinking while talking to me. ;) I couldn't lead her to believe that for long though. haha The most recent example of self-motivation came to mind so I spoke without thinking, "Have you ever seen Motorcycle Diaries, Mam?" Her response was simple and surprised, "No." I continued on excited to share with her, "Well, in the film two men are going on an adventure traveling from the southern part of South America all the way to the very north...together...on one motorcycle." She looked like she was wondering where this was going, but smiled politely so I continued, "Just from watching that movie, I have decided to do the same. [Her face now showed concern and confusion] I want to get my motorcycle license! AND I want to drive it to the Grand Canyon! I will have a side cart for whomever wishes to join me." The sad thing was that I was serious (and still am so if you are interested please contact me haha). She stayed quiet and with the long pause after my comment I thought she didn't get the underlining message that would obviously, in my mind, leave her begging to hire me. I told her the moral of that story, "I guess not ONLY am I easily motivated, Mam...but I am very goal oriented also." I sat smiling pretty pleased with myself. She thanked me and continued the interview. I didn't get the job. I'm still puzzled why, but this isn't a story of me not getting a job...I share this story to show you how we, Tina and I, got ourselves into buying tickets to Ireland a week and a half ago. As I told that lady in the interview, I am easily motivated! I find cheap running shoes and a swim cap, so I sign up for a triathalon. I meet a Karate cute elderly man instructor at a West Mall Theaters and I find myself a month later with a yellow belt in Karate. I watch watch Dangerous Minds and I want to wear a leather jacket. It's not rocket science. I get excited about things and that's why I find myself with a colorful resume. haha
One day last week, I told Tina about a possible job I found in Ireland. Not so random for ME now that I told you a bit about myself, huh? haha To my defense, though, my family and friends encourage this behavior. No one is innocent for the things I do. Anyways, I had recently watched the movie P.S. I Love You the night before. Easily motivated. The movie made me cry...BUT throughout the film I thought, "I want to go to Ireland. It is beautiful and lush and the people there (based from my research watching the movie) seem very friendly and sweet." I told Tina about the idea. I knew she was also looking for work. I knew she would like the area because she has always been obsessed with Nessie, the Lockness Monster (which is Scotish, but isn't it all the same haha jk). Without the expectation that she would really consider it, within two days Tina sent me a text simply stating, "I would be interested in going to Ireland. Seriously." I about fell over. Tina isn't the one to just get up and leave. She is FUN and willing to explore, but this is leaving the country quick...unemployed...with apartment bills to pay. The fact that she was even considering it was jaw dropping since the last time I talked to her on the phone, she was filing for unemployment. haha The best part was the follow up text, "I would have to leave soon before I get an actual job." Not only is she considering to go to Irelandbut she wants to leave soon? I added some pressure to see if she was serious. I told her we would need to book tickets that weekend so the rates wouldn't go up. :)
Tina needed the night to think about it. Mind you, I just returned from South Africa/Texas/Mexico City/Omaha 3 1/2 weeks ago! I was not planning to leave the country for a while again. I didn't sleep a wink that night wondering how this was even a topic for discussion?!? I don't have a full time job. No home. No car. I haven't been in the US more than 3 months at a time since 2008! Should I be leaving...again?! I worked the next morning that Saturday as a bath aid on an hour of sleep. Maybe bathing people wouldn't be an ideal way to spend a weekend morning, but it was good for me. I was able to keep myself busy waiting for Tina to text me back with her decision. I listened to Mumford and Sons on the radio and even wore a green turtle neck to work that day. I wanted to be mentally ready for Ireland if it came. haha Finally, the text came through..."I really really want to go, BUT..." I knew it. Tina had let "responsibility" win and now she is walking around with a big "but". :) As Pee Wee Herman says, "Everyone I know has a big but..." I was like a balloon, rapidly deflating as I read the message that lacked hope of an Irish excursion. The text continued, "...BUT I am worried about the money situation and a job." I knew it. It was too good to be true. Tina came to her senses. I was bummed because I wanted TINA to go to Ireland and all the better if I got to go with. This type of trip would fit "us" perfectly! Our honeymoon after 21 years of friendship!! Now the idea was like a 4 leaf clover washed away at the Celtic Sea. I texted back hiding my true disappointment. That was my farewell text to the great Irish adventure I had already started forming in my head. Tina was responsible and maybe that is one of the many things I admire about her as she grows up. Maybe it was time for me to settle down, hang up my top hat, and put my bagpipes in the closet.
My spirits were down, but I continued to hide the pain by giving baths to the residents. Who doesn't do that when they are feeling low? haha As I went to turn off my phone, there was a message from Tina waiting, "I didn't say NO, Jaci...I'm saying that I am going to need to start donating plasma to pay for this." Wearing my rubber plastic bathing gloves I threw my hands up. She is going? She is going! My phone died just as I was going to respond in sheer happiness! I gave the resident in the bath tub a high five. She was confused, but smiled and was equally excited without knowing why! The job search isn't going to leave me. The house hunt will still be here when I return. I don't have control over many things, but I do know I am going to Ireland. That night we bought tickets for a 9 day trip to Ireland.
TOD: Ah the bittersweet taste of unemployment. Getting to sleep in but knowing that nagging feeling in the back of your head will be there telling you everyday you need to find a job. See a couple weeks ago I experienced something about as fun as receiving a pap smear from Edward Scissorhands (graphic, I know, but I needed you to understand how unpleasant it is). Because of budget reasons I got laid off from my job. Basically, it was one of those last one in the door- first one out type deals . . . budget reasons. How I translated it was "It's not you, it's me." Like a bad break up I cried, called my friends and family for support, binged on ice cream, went to Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse on a TUESDAY for 2 cent taps and well drinks, and felt sorry myself for a few days. I know I know . . . I wasn't exactly in the running to be crowned 2011's Miss Sunshine. However, I knew that this too shall pass and began my journey to dust myself off and start "rebuilding" by applying for jobs and talking with friends and family. Going to the gym or getting the mail became the highlight of my day. I began watching documentaries about great anomalies like Bigfoot, crop circles, and (as Jaci stated earlier) my personal favorite, Nessie. I never did feel it was right for it to be referenced to as the Lochness "monster." Monster . . . really? I don't know it just seems a bit harsh. What has it ever done to be deserving of such a judgmental title?! Nessie is no more a threat than Pete's Dragon. In fact, I think the two would really hit it off and become friends or who knows even possible lovers. Times they are a changin'. Who are we to say anything really? (And breathe . . . I will now step off my soapbox and continue the story). In addition, I started cooking more and took up a Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance workshop to get my mind off the stress of my situation. I also found the best meal deals around town for the lady on a budget. Little Caesar's $5 meal deal is hard to beat but not hard to eat (it's a rhyme that happens to be true).
Jaci let me know she would be in Sioux Falls applying and interviewing for jobs the following week. Awesome! Someone to hang out with! Jaci was just the medicine that doctors prescribe if you're looking for some optimism. A natural "upper." After our fun weekend in Sioux Falls where we watched movies, pranked a friend, shot hoops, played super nintendo, and made the "more you know videos," I was beginning to feel like my old myself again. Yep, Stella definitely was getting her groove back. About a week later I'm conversing with Jaci and she tells me we should move to Ireland and get jobs. Yeah right. Immediately I'm trying to understand where and how that would even be possible. What kind of job was she planning for us to get out there? I mean working as a Keebler elf baking cookies all day long in a tree sounds exciting, but I highly doubt they would offer a good benefits package or a 401K plan for that matter. But after knowing Jaci as long as I have I have learned to listen and entertain these ideas. At times she follows through with her plans but there are times when they fizzle out like the last sparkler on 4th of July weekend, and I've learned how to decipher the two. At any rate, I will always say yes even if I know these plans will never come to be. In this case that's exactly what I did. Was it a crazy idea not probable of happening? Absolutely. But why not humor the poor girl.
I then began to think of it more and more. Well, I knew that moving there would not be a possibility as I have bills, loans, and a lease. Also, I have the monthly Netflix plan of 7.99 that I wasn't willing to give up. But a vacation? I mean I had been saving up for a vacation for the last year 1/2. And I didn't need to ask for vacation time because I didn't have a job. Could this work? Was this not the perfect time to do it? With all the excitement I told her I would sleep on it and give her my answer the next day. It all started making sense like why Pauly Shore no longer has a career in acting). I texted Jaci and let her know my interest was there, but I needed details if this dream was going to become a heavenly reality full of shamrocks and shenanigans. So I put the pressure on her a bit wanting more information if she was truly serious about it. Surprised by my consideration she put in the work, did her homework and came back with flight rates, places to stay, and hostel rates. Touche' Jaci . . . touche'. That was it. She had called my bluff. This sick, torturous game of intellectual teeter totter had to end. Time to make a decision Tina. So I texted her and let her know my concerns. She replied back with a 2 page text dripping of disappointment and a dash of guilt trip. Little did she know I had not made my decision yet. In my heart I knew she wouldn't expect me to go. But sometimes I like to surprise Little Miss Spontaneous. I texted her back saying "Jaci I didn't say no, but I'm going to have to start donating plasma to pay for this thing." I think I could hear her squealing from over 60 miles away. That was it. We were going.
As I told my interviewer earlier this year, I am easily motivated. Mind you, I was fresh from returning from a 2 1/2 year absence of talking to Americans or living even in the USA, so going right into professional interviews was a stretch. I told the lady about my newest quest in life. I wish Tina was there to have stopped me and encourage me to say what a normal person would say. haha She would have, but it was too late. The interviewer asked, "...for an example of a time I've kept myself motivated." Up into this point, I would dare to say "impressive" would be the word she was thinking while talking to me. ;) I couldn't lead her to believe that for long though. haha The most recent example of self-motivation came to mind so I spoke without thinking, "Have you ever seen Motorcycle Diaries, Mam?" Her response was simple and surprised, "No." I continued on excited to share with her, "Well, in the film two men are going on an adventure traveling from the southern part of South America all the way to the very north...together...on one motorcycle." She looked like she was wondering where this was going, but smiled politely so I continued, "Just from watching that movie, I have decided to do the same. [Her face now showed concern and confusion] I want to get my motorcycle license! AND I want to drive it to the Grand Canyon! I will have a side cart for whomever wishes to join me." The sad thing was that I was serious (and still am so if you are interested please contact me haha). She stayed quiet and with the long pause after my comment I thought she didn't get the underlining message that would obviously, in my mind, leave her begging to hire me. I told her the moral of that story, "I guess not ONLY am I easily motivated, Mam...but I am very goal oriented also." I sat smiling pretty pleased with myself. She thanked me and continued the interview. I didn't get the job. I'm still puzzled why, but this isn't a story of me not getting a job...I share this story to show you how we, Tina and I, got ourselves into buying tickets to Ireland a week and a half ago. As I told that lady in the interview, I am easily motivated! I find cheap running shoes and a swim cap, so I sign up for a triathalon. I meet a Karate cute elderly man instructor at a West Mall Theaters and I find myself a month later with a yellow belt in Karate. I watch watch Dangerous Minds and I want to wear a leather jacket. It's not rocket science. I get excited about things and that's why I find myself with a colorful resume. haha
One day last week, I told Tina about a possible job I found in Ireland. Not so random for ME now that I told you a bit about myself, huh? haha To my defense, though, my family and friends encourage this behavior. No one is innocent for the things I do. Anyways, I had recently watched the movie P.S. I Love You the night before. Easily motivated. The movie made me cry...BUT throughout the film I thought, "I want to go to Ireland. It is beautiful and lush and the people there (based from my research watching the movie) seem very friendly and sweet." I told Tina about the idea. I knew she was also looking for work. I knew she would like the area because she has always been obsessed with Nessie, the Lockness Monster (which is Scotish, but isn't it all the same haha jk). Without the expectation that she would really consider it, within two days Tina sent me a text simply stating, "I would be interested in going to Ireland. Seriously." I about fell over. Tina isn't the one to just get up and leave. She is FUN and willing to explore, but this is leaving the country quick...unemployed...with apartment bills to pay. The fact that she was even considering it was jaw dropping since the last time I talked to her on the phone, she was filing for unemployment. haha The best part was the follow up text, "I would have to leave soon before I get an actual job." Not only is she considering to go to Irelandbut she wants to leave soon? I added some pressure to see if she was serious. I told her we would need to book tickets that weekend so the rates wouldn't go up. :)
Tina needed the night to think about it. Mind you, I just returned from South Africa/Texas/Mexico City/Omaha 3 1/2 weeks ago! I was not planning to leave the country for a while again. I didn't sleep a wink that night wondering how this was even a topic for discussion?!? I don't have a full time job. No home. No car. I haven't been in the US more than 3 months at a time since 2008! Should I be leaving...again?! I worked the next morning that Saturday as a bath aid on an hour of sleep. Maybe bathing people wouldn't be an ideal way to spend a weekend morning, but it was good for me. I was able to keep myself busy waiting for Tina to text me back with her decision. I listened to Mumford and Sons on the radio and even wore a green turtle neck to work that day. I wanted to be mentally ready for Ireland if it came. haha Finally, the text came through..."I really really want to go, BUT..." I knew it. Tina had let "responsibility" win and now she is walking around with a big "but". :) As Pee Wee Herman says, "Everyone I know has a big but..." I was like a balloon, rapidly deflating as I read the message that lacked hope of an Irish excursion. The text continued, "...BUT I am worried about the money situation and a job." I knew it. It was too good to be true. Tina came to her senses. I was bummed because I wanted TINA to go to Ireland and all the better if I got to go with. This type of trip would fit "us" perfectly! Our honeymoon after 21 years of friendship!! Now the idea was like a 4 leaf clover washed away at the Celtic Sea. I texted back hiding my true disappointment. That was my farewell text to the great Irish adventure I had already started forming in my head. Tina was responsible and maybe that is one of the many things I admire about her as she grows up. Maybe it was time for me to settle down, hang up my top hat, and put my bagpipes in the closet.
My spirits were down, but I continued to hide the pain by giving baths to the residents. Who doesn't do that when they are feeling low? haha As I went to turn off my phone, there was a message from Tina waiting, "I didn't say NO, Jaci...I'm saying that I am going to need to start donating plasma to pay for this." Wearing my rubber plastic bathing gloves I threw my hands up. She is going? She is going! My phone died just as I was going to respond in sheer happiness! I gave the resident in the bath tub a high five. She was confused, but smiled and was equally excited without knowing why! The job search isn't going to leave me. The house hunt will still be here when I return. I don't have control over many things, but I do know I am going to Ireland. That night we bought tickets for a 9 day trip to Ireland.
TOD: Ah the bittersweet taste of unemployment. Getting to sleep in but knowing that nagging feeling in the back of your head will be there telling you everyday you need to find a job. See a couple weeks ago I experienced something about as fun as receiving a pap smear from Edward Scissorhands (graphic, I know, but I needed you to understand how unpleasant it is). Because of budget reasons I got laid off from my job. Basically, it was one of those last one in the door- first one out type deals . . . budget reasons. How I translated it was "It's not you, it's me." Like a bad break up I cried, called my friends and family for support, binged on ice cream, went to Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse on a TUESDAY for 2 cent taps and well drinks, and felt sorry myself for a few days. I know I know . . . I wasn't exactly in the running to be crowned 2011's Miss Sunshine. However, I knew that this too shall pass and began my journey to dust myself off and start "rebuilding" by applying for jobs and talking with friends and family. Going to the gym or getting the mail became the highlight of my day. I began watching documentaries about great anomalies like Bigfoot, crop circles, and (as Jaci stated earlier) my personal favorite, Nessie. I never did feel it was right for it to be referenced to as the Lochness "monster." Monster . . . really? I don't know it just seems a bit harsh. What has it ever done to be deserving of such a judgmental title?! Nessie is no more a threat than Pete's Dragon. In fact, I think the two would really hit it off and become friends or who knows even possible lovers. Times they are a changin'. Who are we to say anything really? (And breathe . . . I will now step off my soapbox and continue the story). In addition, I started cooking more and took up a Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance workshop to get my mind off the stress of my situation. I also found the best meal deals around town for the lady on a budget. Little Caesar's $5 meal deal is hard to beat but not hard to eat (it's a rhyme that happens to be true).
Jaci let me know she would be in Sioux Falls applying and interviewing for jobs the following week. Awesome! Someone to hang out with! Jaci was just the medicine that doctors prescribe if you're looking for some optimism. A natural "upper." After our fun weekend in Sioux Falls where we watched movies, pranked a friend, shot hoops, played super nintendo, and made the "more you know videos," I was beginning to feel like my old myself again. Yep, Stella definitely was getting her groove back. About a week later I'm conversing with Jaci and she tells me we should move to Ireland and get jobs. Yeah right. Immediately I'm trying to understand where and how that would even be possible. What kind of job was she planning for us to get out there? I mean working as a Keebler elf baking cookies all day long in a tree sounds exciting, but I highly doubt they would offer a good benefits package or a 401K plan for that matter. But after knowing Jaci as long as I have I have learned to listen and entertain these ideas. At times she follows through with her plans but there are times when they fizzle out like the last sparkler on 4th of July weekend, and I've learned how to decipher the two. At any rate, I will always say yes even if I know these plans will never come to be. In this case that's exactly what I did. Was it a crazy idea not probable of happening? Absolutely. But why not humor the poor girl.
I then began to think of it more and more. Well, I knew that moving there would not be a possibility as I have bills, loans, and a lease. Also, I have the monthly Netflix plan of 7.99 that I wasn't willing to give up. But a vacation? I mean I had been saving up for a vacation for the last year 1/2. And I didn't need to ask for vacation time because I didn't have a job. Could this work? Was this not the perfect time to do it? With all the excitement I told her I would sleep on it and give her my answer the next day. It all started making sense like why Pauly Shore no longer has a career in acting). I texted Jaci and let her know my interest was there, but I needed details if this dream was going to become a heavenly reality full of shamrocks and shenanigans. So I put the pressure on her a bit wanting more information if she was truly serious about it. Surprised by my consideration she put in the work, did her homework and came back with flight rates, places to stay, and hostel rates. Touche' Jaci . . . touche'. That was it. She had called my bluff. This sick, torturous game of intellectual teeter totter had to end. Time to make a decision Tina. So I texted her and let her know my concerns. She replied back with a 2 page text dripping of disappointment and a dash of guilt trip. Little did she know I had not made my decision yet. In my heart I knew she wouldn't expect me to go. But sometimes I like to surprise Little Miss Spontaneous. I texted her back saying "Jaci I didn't say no, but I'm going to have to start donating plasma to pay for this thing." I think I could hear her squealing from over 60 miles away. That was it. We were going.
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